Males exposed to high doses of phthalates in the womb went on to be less likely to play with boys' toys like cars or to join in rough and tumble games. This latest work adds to concerns about the safety of phthalates, found in vinyl flooring and PVC shower curtains. The findings are reported in the International Journal of Andrology.
Phthalates have the ability to disrupt hormones, and have been banned in toys in the EU (not in the US) for some years. However, they are still widely used in many different household items, including plastic furniture and packaging. There are many different types and some mimic the female hormone estrogen. This feminizing capacity of phthalates makes them true 'gender benders'
The same researchers have already shown that this can mean boys are born with genital abnormalities. Now they say certain phthalates also impact on the developing brain, by knocking out the action of the male hormone testosterone.
Bonnie - we have been reporting on this category of chemicals for a long time now. The fact that researchers earmarked the changes in the womb show once again the epigenetic effect from environment and lifestyle choices.
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