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27/05/2005
Chemicals may harm baby boys
For the first time, researchers have identified an association between pregnant women’s exposure to a group of chemicals known as phthalates and adverse effects on genital development in their male children.
The team at the University of Rochester, New York, found there was a higher risk of genital abnormalities in baby boys if exposed to the chemicals.
Products containing phthalate include: paints, hair sprays, deodorants, shampoo, nail polish, medical tubing, perfume and cling film.
According to the findings, women with higher levels of phthalate-related chemicals in their blood were more likely to give birth to boys with smaller testicles and penises, or a shorter distance between the genitals and anus.
Worringly the nationwide study showed that only one in four women in the US had levels of phthalate-related chemicals associated with adverse male genital development.
(CD/SP)
The team at the University of Rochester, New York, found there was a higher risk of genital abnormalities in baby boys if exposed to the chemicals.
Products containing phthalate include: paints, hair sprays, deodorants, shampoo, nail polish, medical tubing, perfume and cling film.
According to the findings, women with higher levels of phthalate-related chemicals in their blood were more likely to give birth to boys with smaller testicles and penises, or a shorter distance between the genitals and anus.
Worringly the nationwide study showed that only one in four women in the US had levels of phthalate-related chemicals associated with adverse male genital development.
(CD/SP)
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