Posted on 11/14/2006 2:52:56 PM PST by Lorianne
“Gender-bending” chemicals mimicking the female hormone oestrogen can disrupt the development of baby boys, suggests the first evidence linking certain chemicals in everyday plastics to effects in humans.
The chemicals implicated are phthalates, which make plastics more pliable in many cosmetics, toys, baby-feeding bottles and paints and can leak into water and food.
All previous studies suggesting these chemicals blunt the influence of the male hormone testosterone on healthy development of males have been in animals. “This research highlights the need for tougher controls of gender-bending chemicals,” says Gwynne Lyons, toxics adviser to the WWF, UK. Otherwise, “wildlife and baby boys will be the losers”.
The incriminating findings came from a study of 85 baby boys born to women exposed to everyday levels of phthalates during pregnancy. It was carried out by Shanna Swan at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York, US, and colleagues.
As an index of feminisation, she measured the “anogenital distance” (AGD) between the anus and to the base of the penis. She also measured the volume of each boy’s penis. Earlier studies have shown that the AGD is twice in boys what it is in girls, mainly because in boys the hormone testosterone extends the length of the perineum separating the anus from the testicles.
(Excerpt) Read more at newscientist.com ...
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/311/5757/23
[Martin Blume, editor-in-chief of the American Physical Society and its nine physics journals, says that peer review overlooks honest errors as well as deliberate fraud. "Peer review doesn't necessarily say that a paper is right," he notes. "It says it's worth publishing."]
Peer reviews are not infallible, and don't necessarily prove that something is "true".
But I am sure the distinction is lost on you.
Criminy, you are testy, lol.
Please, try to be orginal.
True, but only when mixed with Portland cement and water, then used as an anal suppository.
Whatever works.............FRegards
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