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Chemicals Hitting Males Where It Hurts

Toxins triggering sex changes across species, research finds

By Amelia Atlas,  Newser User

Posted Dec 7, 2008 5:28 AM CST
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(Newser) – Common chemicals are speeding the pace of evolution and having a feminizing impact on males across several species, reports the Independent. New research reveals that baby boys whose mothers have been exposed to more "gender-bending" chemicals—endocrine-disrupters like many pesticides—have smaller, feminized genitals. "This research shows that the basic male tool kit is under threat," said the report's author.

Over 100,000 chemicals have been released into the environment in past years, and the effects are a "large red flag," warns the report. From hermaphroditic polar bears to egg-producing male fish, the changes mark a global shift toward feminization that could have devastating consequences on the ability of animals, including humans, to reproduce.  "It is leading to the most rapid pace of evolution in the history of the world," said one scientist.

Male polar bears have shown an increased incidence of hermaphroditism.
Male polar bears have shown an increased incidence of hermaphroditism.
Chemicals appear to be taking a toll on males of many species.
Chemicals appear to be taking a toll on males of many species.   (Shutter Stock)
Birth controls pills passing through the sewage system have had feminizing effects on male fish from Europe to Japan.
Birth controls pills passing through the sewage system have had feminizing effects on male fish from Europe to Japan.   (File Photo/Jim Sulley/newscast)
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If we are seeing problems in wildlife, we can be concerned that something similar is happening to a proportion of human males. - Professor Lou Gillette, Florida University

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Estrogen in water effects fish
National Geographic

Chemicals bend gender in boys
New Scientist

 
gender • chemicals • wildlife • academic research • feminization

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