A Much Better Way A Much Better Blog A Much Better Store
Asides
Phthalates in Utero Cause Genital Defects in Boys
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to the Natural Pregnancy RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
Here is one more reason to watch what you put on your skin during pregnancy. A new animal study has found that phthalate exposure in utero increases the likelihood of a genital defect in baby boys. The genital defect, called hypospadias, occurs when the baby boy’s urethra exits the underside of the penis. Doctors have seen a near 100% increase of this type of defect since the 1960s. Phthalates are also linked to undescended testicles, smaller penises and overall feminization of males.
Phthalates are so dangerous because they either mimic or block our natural hormones and male fetuses are especially vulnerable.
According to “Theodore Schettler, a physician and science director of the Science and Environmental Health Network, an environmental advocacy group.
‘There’s a huge animal database showing how exposures to phthalates during development can have effects at levels hundreds of times lower than these needed to show any impact on an adult,’ he said.
Timing of the exposure matters, and the most harm may occur between the eighth and 15th weeks of pregnancy, when a fetus’ sexual differentiation starts, he said.
Timing of the exposure matters, and the most harm may occur between the eighth and 15th weeks of pregnancy
‘If my testosterone dropped by 20 or 30 percent for a couple of days, it wouldn’t matter,’ he said. ‘But for a developing fetus, it could matter a whole lot if there was a substantial drop in testosterone.’
Phthalates fall into a group of chemicals called endocrine disruptors because they either mimic or block the action of human hormones. Phthalates interfere with the synthesis of testosterone.
Bisphenol A, another controversial chemical that is found in plastics, can mimic female hormones. Consumers’ concerns about bisphenol A, which has been used for years to make plastics stiff, have prompted some producers and retailers to announce in recent months that they would stop using and selling it.” Physorg.com
Phthalates are found in nail polishes, hair sprays, perfumes, shampoos, deodorants, soft plastic toys and much more. There is no easy way to determine if your beauty or household product contains phthalates unless it clearly states “phthalate free”. During pregnancy, the safer the better so if you wont put it in your mouth, don’t put it on your skin.
More resources: Not Too Pretty (PDF)
Tags for this post
Tags: animal database, baby boys, bisphenol, controversial chemical, endocrine, environmental health network, female hormones, feminization, feminization of males, human hormones, male fetuses, natural hormones, phthalate, phthalate exposure, science director, sexual differentiation, substantial drop, testosterone, Theodore Schettler, urethra, utero, weeks of pregnancy
Recent Comments
- Elle on 10 Safest Products for Pregnancy
- Mira@Amish Tables on Morning Sickness So Bad Mom Had Abortion
- Melissa on Avoid Preeclampsia With Proper Diet
- Jenny@Maternity Fashion on Bamboo Maternity Wear
- Selma@dental equipment on Caring for Your Teeth and Gums While Pregnant
Most Emailed
- Sleeping Tips For Pregnant Women - 3 emails
- Sugar and Pregnancy - 3 emails
- Can I use a Hot Tub While Pregnant? - 3 emails
- 10 Safest Products for Pregnancy - 2 emails
- Avoid Preeclampsia With Proper Diet - 2 emails
The information we present is not intended to replace a relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems,disease, or illness without consulting with your own physician or qualified medical professional.
Discussion
No comments for “Phthalates in Utero Cause Genital Defects in Boys”
Post a comment