Posted on 05/28/2005 10:35:44 AM PDT by neverdem
Widely used industrial compounds, called phthalates, are linked by researchers to changes in the reproductive organs of male infants.
Scientists studying the effects of hormone-mimicking chemicals on humans have reported that compounds called phthalates, used in plastics and beauty products and widely found in people, seem to alter the reproductive organs of baby boys.
In the first study of humans exposed in the womb to phthalates, the researchers, who examined the genitalia of male babies and toddlers, found a strong relationship between the chemicals and subtle changes in the size and anatomy of the children's genitals. Phthalates are ubiquitous compounds used as softeners in plastics and to maintain color and fragrance in beauty products such as nail polish and perfume, among other uses.
It is the first time that scientists have shown that any industrial compound measured in mothers' bodies seems to disrupt the reproductive systems of their babies.
But many experts, including the authors of the report published today in the online version of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, say that more research must be done to determine if the genital abnormalities in the boys lead to fertility or health problems and to prove that they are caused by phthalates.
The findings were based on tests of 85 mothers and sons, averaging nearly 13 months of age, born in Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Columbia, Mo. Mothers with the highest levels of chemicals in their urine late in their pregnancies had babies with a cluster of effects. The span between anus and penis, called anogenital distance, was comparatively short, and the infants had smaller penises and scrotums and more instances of incomplete descent of testicles.
Medical experts do not know whether babies with those physical characteristics will later develop reproductive problems. But in newborn animals, laboratory studies show that...
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
bump for later...rto
But I've got the biggest balls of them all!
"The study is the strongest evidence yet that man-made chemicals in the environment can feminize male babies in the womb."
"This cannot be a good thing ..."
In a few years it will be mandatory...
UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide wrote:
But I've got the biggest balls of them all!
--> U cheater! hehehehe
Thanks for the links.
Our "normal" is just a little different.
Yes we have all noticed !
But some women like it that wide.
I'll bet you don't get very many women.
(Saying this as nicely as I can without getting vulgar).
I was just kidding about the small breasts. LOL
However, I tend to disagree with you about some things, except for the observation you made about nutrition. I had written why, but I decided it wasn't appropriate for a family forum - so I deleted it.
Well, it was a joke, so go ahead and be vulgar.
That's what's so "funny" about you. You can kid around, but let somebody else do it and you go off.
Goodbye.
Good bye.
I've had to suffer with abnormally large genitals, thanks to phthalates. Oh, the horror...
Sorry for the late reply...but,
Most drinking cups, plastic, are polypropylene blends. They are "plastic" by virtue of their polymeric (chain) properties and don't normally require an additive to make them 'plastic'...poly vinyl chloride on the other hand has a high level of chlorine and requires additives to make it "poly" vinyl chloride...that's the stuff that leaches out and causes issues in chronic use.
The issues in this article are in premature male infants and the testes don't develop well in those particular infants that might get repeated doses...it's NOT a problem for the general population.
Drinking water from a garden hose, warmed by the sun...that's the funny taste and smell you're talking about, the PVC shower curtain and swimming pool liners...that's the smell...see?
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