Betsy
05-29-05, 04:04 AM
Earthtimes.org
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Chemicals in cosmetics affect babies’ gender development: study
Posted on : 2005-05-28 | Author : Sunil Vyas
News Category : Health
New York: The results of a recently concluded medical research have firmly established a pressing need for stricter regulation within the chemical industry. The research found a correlation between many everyday products, which used the identified phthalate chemicals and genital abnormalities in baby boys.
The research team led by Professor Shanna Swan of Rochester University, reported that products containing the chemicals ‘phthalates’ had a feminizing effect on to-be-born babies. They found that exposure to these chemicals correlated with a number of abnormalities in genital development: higher the level of exposure, more the number of abnormalities. These included conditions like undescended scrotum and shrunken genitals. Male babies were likely to be born with more female characteristics.
According to the report, high levels of prenatal exposure to the chemicals was linked to as many as 90% of the subjected babies exhibiting more female physical traits. The report was based on an analysis of urine samples taken from 85 pregnant women. It included the study of 134 boys aged between two and thirty months. This study is believed to be the first to investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to phthalates. It is also the first time that such a study was conducted on humans, previously its reproductive effects were seen in guinea pigs.
Prof Swan explained that some phthalates had an antiandrogenic effect, i.e. they suppressed the hormones that were responsible for male sexual development.
The chemicals are used commonly in many everyday products. They are used in cosmetics, perfumes, shampoo, soaps, in pliable plastics such as cling-film, blood bags, dialysis tubes and even in children’s toys.
Team leader Professor Swan agreed that "We need to eradicate these chemicals. But it is rather like taking lead out of petrol - a slow process." The professor urged manufacturers of such products to reveal which of their products contain phthalates. She said it should be treated as a matter of urgency.
The researchers believe the effects could be permanent, but said that it needs to be confirmed after studying it over time.
Their report is expected to be published next month in the journal Environment Health Perspectives.
Print Source :
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/2974.html
© 2005 earthtimes.org. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
________________________________
Chemicals in cosmetics affect babies’ gender development: study
Posted on : 2005-05-28 | Author : Sunil Vyas
News Category : Health
New York: The results of a recently concluded medical research have firmly established a pressing need for stricter regulation within the chemical industry. The research found a correlation between many everyday products, which used the identified phthalate chemicals and genital abnormalities in baby boys.
The research team led by Professor Shanna Swan of Rochester University, reported that products containing the chemicals ‘phthalates’ had a feminizing effect on to-be-born babies. They found that exposure to these chemicals correlated with a number of abnormalities in genital development: higher the level of exposure, more the number of abnormalities. These included conditions like undescended scrotum and shrunken genitals. Male babies were likely to be born with more female characteristics.
According to the report, high levels of prenatal exposure to the chemicals was linked to as many as 90% of the subjected babies exhibiting more female physical traits. The report was based on an analysis of urine samples taken from 85 pregnant women. It included the study of 134 boys aged between two and thirty months. This study is believed to be the first to investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to phthalates. It is also the first time that such a study was conducted on humans, previously its reproductive effects were seen in guinea pigs.
Prof Swan explained that some phthalates had an antiandrogenic effect, i.e. they suppressed the hormones that were responsible for male sexual development.
The chemicals are used commonly in many everyday products. They are used in cosmetics, perfumes, shampoo, soaps, in pliable plastics such as cling-film, blood bags, dialysis tubes and even in children’s toys.
Team leader Professor Swan agreed that "We need to eradicate these chemicals. But it is rather like taking lead out of petrol - a slow process." The professor urged manufacturers of such products to reveal which of their products contain phthalates. She said it should be treated as a matter of urgency.
The researchers believe the effects could be permanent, but said that it needs to be confirmed after studying it over time.
Their report is expected to be published next month in the journal Environment Health Perspectives.
Print Source :
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/2974.html
© 2005 earthtimes.org. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.