"Phenols are a wide variety of chemicals. The best-known example is BPA," said Hong-Sheng Wang, who is a researcher with the University of Cincinnati, where this research was conducted.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati studied 600 people. Urine tests and EKGs found higher exposure was linked to changes in heart rhythms.
"The electrical conduction literally keeps us alive," said Dr. Jack Rubinstein with the University of Cincinnati. "If it gets altered in any way, you could die immediately."
In women, bisphenol A and F slowed signals between heart chambers. In men, triclocarban - once used in soaps - altered how the heart resets.
Wang said he didn't expect this type of sex-specific information.
The changes were small, but they add to growing evidence that everyday chemical exposures matter.
"Healthy individuals should not be affected by this. But if you find a person that's genetically predisposed, that is older, these can lead to potential changes," Rubinstein added.
This is the first large study in people to link common chemicals to changes in how the heart's electrical system works. Researchers say the next step is to study who may be most at risk and how to reduce everyday exposure.