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Plastics 'Feminizing' Baby Boys

In utero exposure linked to different behaviors

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 16, 2009 3:30 AM CST | Updated Nov 16, 2009 5:25 AM CST

(Newser) – Pregnant women's exposure to plastics is "feminizing" the baby boys they give birth to, researchers have found. Heightened in utero exposure to plastics is linked to reduced interest by boys in "rough and tumble" play and also to more typically masculine toys, like trucks, trains and guns, found the study by New York's University of Rochester.

Two types of phthalate—DEHP and DBP—were strongly linked with the more feminine play in the boys, but had no impact on girls.The findings are the latest indicating that hormone-disrupting chemicals in household products are affecting children's development. The industry insists the chemicals are safe.

Researchers have discovered a link between plastics exposure and feminine behavior in boys, though they haven't discovered a difference in girl babies exposed to plastics in utero.
Researchers have discovered a link between plastics exposure and "feminine" behavior in boys, though they haven't discovered a difference in girl babies exposed to plastics in utero.   (?nosha)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 23 comments
bathory313
Jul 21, 2011 5:15 AM CDT
I just finished the book, "The Hundred Year Lie", and it talked about this.  Male births are down all over the world, more hermaphrodites are being born, and males are being more feminized due to plastics, hormones in meats, and birth control residue ending up in the drinking water.  
thezenhaitian
Nov 19, 2009 12:48 PM CST
Didn't think this would be the way militarism would meet its end. Makes me wonder how much plastic Perez Hilton's mother was exposed to when he was in utero.
RufusT.Firefly
Nov 17, 2009 11:06 AM CST
I'd like to see some of these cute little gay-bashers spout their crap to some of my gay friends. Such a remark would probably earn them a black eye or a few missing teeth.

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