A first-of-its-kind study published Wednesday revealed that potentially harmful chemicals linked with serious health problems including infertility and heart diseases were detected in cheeseburgers, chicken burritos and other popular foods purchased at fast-food restaurants in the United States.

According to a recent report by George Washington University, the researchers and their colleagues purchased fast-food items alongside three pairs of unused food handling gloves from popular outlets.

The report published Tuesday said: "Researchers found 10 of 11 potentially harmful chemicals in the samples, including phthalates, a group of chemicals that are used to make plastics soft and are known to disrupt the endocrine system. The research team also found other plasticizers, chemicals that are emerging as replacements to phthalates."

Another study published in October by New York University had found approximately 100,000 deaths in older Americans annually may be caused by daily exposure to phthalates.

The lead author of the study and a postdoctoral scientist at the university, said in the report, "We found phthalates and other plasticizers are widespread in prepared foods available at U.S. fast-food chains, a finding that means many consumers are getting a side of potentially unhealthy chemicals along with their meal." She added, "Stronger regulations are needed to help keep these harmful chemicals out of the food supply."

The report noted the following in the results of the study: