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31st May 2005 Household plastics threat to unborn boys, scientists say A common chemical contained in household products can harm the development of unborn baby boys, according to scientists. Phthalates - found in plastics, cosmetics and soap - are thought to severely damage male development in the womb and have previously been linked to 'genderbending' effects in animals because of their ability to alter hormonal balance. The study involved 134 boys, aged between two and 30 months and is believed to be the first to investigate the effects on genitals of exposure to phthalates during pregnancy. The study, conducted by a team of scientists at the University of Rochester, New York, suggests that some types of phthalates may suppress the hormones involved in male sexual development. The tests showed that women with higher levels of four different phthalates in their urine were more likely to have babies with a range of problems affecting their genitalia, such as smaller penises and undescended testicles. This, according to the study, would seem to indicate a feminisation of the boys similar to that seen in animals exposed to the chemicals. Environmental pollution expert Andreas Kortenkamp, at the School of Pharmacy in London, said the report raised serious questions about the proliferation of these chemicals. "They are used in any plastic that is pliable, whether it's clingfilm, blood bags or toys." One of the ways in which phthalates can get into the bloodstream is when they seep into food from plastic packaging. Where to next?
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