Researchers find that chemicals found in plastics may feminize boys

Phthalates cause feminization of boys  Photo: BBC

In the current edition of the International Journal of Andrology, researchers have found that certain chemicals found in plastics actually act in the body like the female hormone estrogen and may disrupt testosterone production in the brain of male children.

The findings show that, namely the chemicals known as phthalates, which are commonly found in all types of plastic products such as vinyl flooring and PVC shower curtains, as well as food packaging and storing in the US, actually lead to genital abnormalities.

Such abnormalities cause male children to act more feminine in their behavior and play. 

Phthalates are present in vinyl and plastic tubing, household products, and personal care products such as soaps, lotions, and in the US cosmetics. They are considered controversial because more studies are linking phthalates with genital defects, metabolic abnormalities, and reduced testosterone in babies and adults.
 

Dr Shanna Swan and her team of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) in New York, conducted the research by testing urine samples from mothers over midway through pregnancy for traces of phthalates.  The participants in the study gave birth to 73 boys and 71 girls and were followed-up with when their children were aged four to seven and questioned in regards to the toys the youngsters played with and the games they enjoyed.

The research group found that two phthalates DEHP and DBP can affect play behavior.  Boys who were exposed to high levels of these chemicals in the womb were less likely to play with guns, trucks, or play fighting, rather preferring dolls and other play activities more associated with girls.

"We now know that phthalates, to which we are all constantly exposed, are extremely worrying from a health perspective, leading to disruption of male reproduction health and, it appears, male behavior too," said Elizabeth Salter-Green, director of the chemicals campaign group CHEM Trust.

She further added that "This feminising capacity of phthalates makes them true 'gender benders." And though the children were young, Salter-Green admitted that the demasculation of the boys may lead to further feminization later in life.

In the EU critics of the study have already sprung-up.  Tim Edgar, of the European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates asserted that "We need to get some scientific experts to look at this study in more detail before we can make a proper judgement."

He further commented saying that the study involved many phthalates in use and the study concerned two of the less commonly used types, which need authorization by regulators in the EU before use.  DBP has been banned from use in cosmetics in the EU since 2005.  In 2008, the US government banned 6 phthalates from being used to make children's items such as teethers, soft books, bath toys, dolls and plastic figures.
 

*DEHP and DBP are used primarily in the manufacture of PVC and exposure can occur when food is processed, packaged, stored, or heated.

*DEHP - used to make PVC soft and pliable and used in products like flooring

*DBP - used as a plasticiser in glues, dyes and textiles