Phthalates
Dr. Mercola, owner of http://www.mercola.com/, says researchers may have uncovered one reason why some males have problems with infertility: For the first time, a study has discovered the more a pregnant woman is exposed to high, but common, levels of a widely used chemical, known as phthalate, found in:
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Cosmetics
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Nail Polish
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Perfumes
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Hair Sprays
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Fragrances
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Plastics
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Paints
... the greater the risk her son will have smaller genitals and incomplete testicular descent, leading to impaired reproductive development. In fact, such alterations were present based on phthalate levels found in one-quarter of U.S. women.
Phthalate Findings:
Researchers tested levels of four kinds of phthalates in the urine of pregnant women; they examined 134 of the baby boys, ages 2-30 months, born to those women. While none of the boys showed clear malformation or disease, in the 25 percent of mothers with the greatest exposure to phthalate:
The odds were 10 times higher that their sons would have a shorter-than-expected distance between the anus and the base of the penis. (This measurement is an indictor of impacts on their reproductive system.)
In defense of the findings, the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association claims the use of phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products is backed by an extensive body of scientific research and data that verifies safety.
However, phthalate exposure has never been studied in infant boys until now.
Dr. Mercola states:
“The full effects these chemicals have on your body may not be known for many years but the effects noted here are more than enough to justify a strong commitment to avoid being exposed to them.
Two years ago, I warned you exposure to phthalates -- chemicals used to lengthen the life of fragrances and soften plastic in toys and medical tubes -- was likely dangerous, although no extensive studies had been mounted at the time. However, this new study has finally uncovered the first evidence of the fallout from such exposure in mothers and babies, and the news isn't good.
As stated above, the more a mother is exposed to phthalates, the greater the risk she'll have a baby boy with smaller genitals and incomplete testicular descent leading to impaired reproductive development. If you're seeing these abnormalities in your little boy, sad to say, don't be surprised: Such alterations were present based on phthalate levels discovered in 25 percent of this nation's women.
While some are cautious about these findings, others are far more concerned for good reason: Phthalate exposure may be contributing to a higher overall incidence of male infertility.”
Click here to read more about Phthalate research and studies!
