Gender-Bending Phthalates

Male infants whose mothers’ bodies contained high levels of chemicals called phthalates (“THAY-lates”) during pregnancy may have abnormal genital development and possible future fertility problems, according to a new study in Environmental Health Perspectives.

Personal care and cosmetic companies commonly use phthalates in products such as makeup, shampoo, hairspray, soaps, nail polish and perfumes. Plastics, paints and some pesticides also contain the chemicals. Numerous phthalate studies have observed reproductive anomalies in animals, but this is one of the few that examines possible effects in humans.

The researchers found a direct correlation between phthalate levels in pregnant women and subtle genital birth defects in their year-old sons that could lead to impaired testosterone production as the boys mature.

However, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association and the American Chemistry Council charge that the study is flawed and purely speculative.

Manufacturers aren’t required to list phthalates on product labels, so the general public is largely unaware of their exposure levels. Go to www. SafeCosmetics.org or www.NotTooPretty.org for more information on phthalates and what you can do to avoid them.