Anti-masculinity chemicals

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Can These Household Chemicals Crush Your Son's Masculinity?

Posted by: Dr. Mercola

December 19 2009

Elevated levels of two plastic-softening chemicals in pregnant women's urine

are linked to less-masculine play behavior by their sons several years

later, according to a study published in the International Journal of

Andrology. Phthalates, which are used in everything from vinyl floors to

plastic tubing and soaps and lotions, are pervasive in the environment and

have increasingly become associated with changes in development of the male

brain as well as with genital defects, metabolic abnormalities and reduced

testosterone in babies and adults.

A team of U.S. and British researchers posed a standard play questionnaire

to the parents of 145 preschool-age children. Then they ranked the types of

play on a scale from most masculine (such as play fighting or using trucks)

to most feminine.

An effect was identified among the sons of women with higher concentrations

of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in their

prenatal urine. On average, those boys scored 8 percent further away from

the masculine end of the scale than other boys.

Sources:

The Washington Post November 24, 2009

International Journal of Andrology November 16, 2009 [Epub Ahead of Print]

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Phthalates are one of several groups of chemicals that have the power to

disrupt the endocrine system, both in animals and humans. Nicknamed

" gender-benders, " these chemicals are causing the males in many species to

become feminized.

Are Men Becoming an Endangered Species?

According to a report issued by ChemTrust last year, HALF of all male fish

in British lowland rivers have been found to grow eggs in their testes! And

that's just one eye-opening example of the impact these gender bender

chemicals are having on our environment.

Their study lists the symptoms found in each of the numerous species

tested, which includes testicular cancer, hermaphrodites, genital

deformations, low sperm counts, and infertility.

Numerous other studies over the past eight years confirm that similar

dangers are posed to human health, and males are particularly at risk.

Decreased sperm motility and concentration, as well as genital

abnormalities in baby boys have been linked to these chemicals.

The fact that endocrine disruptors like phthalates affect the reproductive

system in nearly all mammals is becoming rather well known, although

governments and public health- and safety organizations are slow to respond.

Why Pregnant Women Need to Become More Health Conscious

Two studies published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in

2003 found that pregnant women who are exposed to phthalates may be at risk

of shortened pregnancy. Women who were exposed to the chemicals gave birth

more than one week earlier than women who were not exposed to them.

Although it's not clear exactly how phthalates impact the developing

fetus, it's believed they may play a role in inducing an intrauterine

inflammatory process, which is a well-established risk factor for premature

birth.

In addition, the more a pregnant woman is exposed to high levels of

phthalates, the greater the risk her son will have smaller genitals and

incomplete testicular descent, leading to impaired reproductive development.

The chemical also appears to make the overall genital tracts of boys

slightly more feminine.

It is believed that phthalates have these adverse effects because they

reduce testosterone synthesis by interfering with an enzyme needed to

produce the male hormone. This raises yet another worry: What if they also

alter other biological processes dependent on this hormone? Why wouldn't

they?

This latest study adds to the growing body of evidence showing the harmful

effects these chemicals have on males in particular.

Women who had higher concentrations of two types of phthalates (DEHP, and

DBP) also had boys who appeared more feminized in their personality, while

playing.

The presence of phthalates in the mothers was not associated with any

differences in the girls' play behavior. However, that is NOT an indication

that phthalates are " safe " for women.

They also affect women's endocrine systems and reproductive health

although the effects are different between the genders.

The glands of your endocrine system and the hormones they release

influence almost every cell, organ, and function of your body. It is

instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function,

metabolism, as well as sexual function and reproductive processes.

One indication that this is an issue for both male and female is that

infertility is on the rise. Girls are also reaching puberty earlier than

ever before.

Bovine growth hormones used in food production, soy foods, and bisphenol-A

(BPA), just to name a few, add to the problem as they also mimic estrogen

and disrupt your endocrine system.

Other studies have linked the chemical to thyroid problems in both women

and men, and researchers have also suggested a link between phthalates and

illnesses like allergies, asthma, and contact dermatitis, all of which are

on the rise in children.

Common Sources of Phthalates

Phthalates, or " plasticizers, " are a group of industrial chemicals used to

make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible and resilient.

They're one of the most pervasive of the endocrine disrupters.

Phthalates are found in, among other things:

a.. Processed food packaging

b.. Hoses

c.. Raincoats

d.. Shower curtains

e.. Vinyl flooring and wall coverings

f.. Lubricant and adhesives

g.. Detergents

h.. Beauty products like nail polish, hair spray, shampoo, deodorants,

and fragrances

i.. Toys

j..

Other Gender-Bender Chemicals to Watch Out For

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are everywhere these days and can be

difficult to avoid unless you take decisive steps to limit or eliminate them

from your immediate surroundings. This is particularly important if you are

pregnant, or planning a pregnancy.

Reading labels is a necessity these days. PVC plastics, which contain

phthalates, will oftentimes carry the plastic recycling symbol # 3.

Some of the other gender-bender agents to look out for include:

a.. Bisphenol A (BPA) -- a common ingredient in many plastics, including

those in reusable water bottles and resins lining some food cans and dental

sealants, can change the course of fetal development in a way that increases

your risk of breast cancer.

Plastic items carrying recycling symbol # 7 is oftentimes indicative of

a BPA-containing plastic.

b.. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) -- found in grease- and

water-resistant coatings like Teflon and Gore-Tex, is a likely carcinogen.

c.. Methoxychlor and Vinclozin-- An insecticide and a fungicide

respectively, have been found to cause changes to male mice born for as many

as four subsequent generations after the initial exposure.

d.. Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) -- Known to be potent endocrine

disrupters, these chemicals affect gene expression by turning on or off

certain genes, and interfere with the way your glandular system works. They

mimic the female hormone estrogen, and have been implicated as one reason

behind some marine species switching from male to female.

e.. Bovine growth hormones commonly added to commercial dairy have been

implicated as a contributor to premature adolescence.

f.. Soy products, which are loaded with hormone-like substances.

g.. MSG -- A food additive that's been linked to reduced fertility.

h.. Fluoride -- This chemical in the U.S. water supply has been linked

to lower fertility rates, hormone disruption and low sperm counts.

For more information about the various health hazards inherent with each

of these agents, please click on the individual links above.

How to Minimize Your Exposure to Chemicals That Can Harm Your Unborn Baby

In July 2008, the U.S. Congress finally passed legislation banning six

types of phthalates from children's toys and cosmetics. Legislators in

Washington, Vermont and California have also restricted phthalate use in

children's goods, and several major retailers, including Wal-Mart,

Toys-R-Us, Lego, Evenflo and Gerber claim they will phase out

phthalate-laden toys voluntarily.

Yet, so many more products contain endocrine disruptors of varying types,

it's far easier to memorize the healthiest options, rather than compiling a

never-ending list of items to avoid.

Here are a number of practical techniques you can use to limit your

exposure to endocrine disruptors, and other common toxins:

a.. As much as possible, buy and eat organic produce and free-range,

organic foods to reduce your exposure to pesticides and fertilizers.

b.. Rather than eating conventional or farm-raised fish, which are often

heavily contaminated with PCBs and mercury, supplement with a high-quality

purified fish or krill oil, or eat fish that is wild-caught and lab tested

for purity.

c.. Eat mostly raw, fresh foods, steering clear of processed,

prepackaged foods of all kinds. This way you automatically avoid artificial

food additives of all kinds, including dangerous artificial sweeteners, food

coloring and MSG.

d.. Store your food and beverages in glass rather than plastic, and

avoid using plastic wrap.

e.. Have your tap water tested and, if contaminants are found, install

an appropriate water filter on all your faucets (even those in your shower

or bath).

f.. Only use natural cleaning products in your home.

g.. Switch over to natural brands of toiletries such as shampoo,

toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics. The Environmental Working Group

has a great safety guide to help you find personal care products that are

free of phthalates and other potentially dangerous chemicals.

h.. Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric

softeners or other synthetic fragrances.

i.. Replace your Teflon pots and pans with ceramic or glass cookware.

j.. When redoing your home, look for " green, " toxin-free alternatives in

lieu of regular paint and vinyl floor coverings.

k.. Replace your vinyl shower curtain with one made of fabric.

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