E-M:/ Toxin in plastics harming unborn boys: The Guardian

[Tracey Easthope <tracey@ecocenter.org>]

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Enviro-Mich message from Tracey Easthope <tracey@ecocenter.org>
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The Guardian in the UK has an incredible article today about new 
studies showing the ubiquitous toxicants-- phthalates (pronounced 
tha-lates) harm the development of baby boys.  An Ann Arbor toy store 
was the first in the country to pull phthalate-plasticized teething 
rings from the shelves after an Ecology Center campaign.


"Tests showed that women with higher levels of four different 
phthalates were more likely to have baby boys with a range of 
conditions, from smaller penises and undescended testicles to a 
shorter perineum, the distance between the genitals and the anus. The 
differences, say the authors, indicate a feminisation of the boys 
similar to that seen in animals exposed to the chemicals."


http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1493505,00.html
Toxin in plastics harming unborn boys
Scientists say chemicals have gender bending effect
Ian Sample, science correspondent
Friday May 27, 2005
The Guardian

Scientists in America have found the first evidence that common 
chemicals used in products as diverse as cosmetics, toys, clingfilm 
and plastic bags may harm the development of unborn baby boys.

Researchers have long known that high levels of substances called 
phthalates have gender-bending effects on male animals, making them 
more feminine and leading to poor sperm quality and infertility. The 
new study suggests that even normal levels of phthalates, which are 
ubiquitous, can disrupt the development of male babies' reproductive 
organs.

snip

"Every aspect of male identity is altered when you see this in male 
animals," said Fred vom Saal, professor of reproductive biology at 
the University of Missouri-Columbia. Levels of aggression, parenting 
behaviour and even learning speeds were affected, he said.

snip

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