Menu
27/05/2005
Chemicals may harm baby boys
For the first time, researchers have identified an association between pregnant women’s exposure to a group of chemicals known as phthalates and adverse effects on genital development in their male children.
The team at the University of Rochester, New York, found there was a higher risk of genital abnormalities in baby boys if exposed to the chemicals.
Products containing phthalate include: paints, hair sprays, deodorants, shampoo, nail polish, medical tubing, perfume and cling film.
According to the findings, women with higher levels of phthalate-related chemicals in their blood were more likely to give birth to boys with smaller testicles and penises, or a shorter distance between the genitals and anus.
Worringly the nationwide study showed that only one in four women in the US had levels of phthalate-related chemicals associated with adverse male genital development.
(CD/SP)
The team at the University of Rochester, New York, found there was a higher risk of genital abnormalities in baby boys if exposed to the chemicals.
Products containing phthalate include: paints, hair sprays, deodorants, shampoo, nail polish, medical tubing, perfume and cling film.
According to the findings, women with higher levels of phthalate-related chemicals in their blood were more likely to give birth to boys with smaller testicles and penises, or a shorter distance between the genitals and anus.
Worringly the nationwide study showed that only one in four women in the US had levels of phthalate-related chemicals associated with adverse male genital development.
(CD/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 July 2014
Govt Announces Funding To Protect Girls From FGM
The government is to launch new action and funding to protect millions of girls from female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. The announcement will be made by Prime Minister David Cameron, International Development Secretary Justine Greening and Home Secretary Theresa May at the Girl Summit 2014.
Govt Announces Funding To Protect Girls From FGM
The government is to launch new action and funding to protect millions of girls from female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. The announcement will be made by Prime Minister David Cameron, International Development Secretary Justine Greening and Home Secretary Theresa May at the Girl Summit 2014.
27 June 2003
Environmental think-tank issues chemical safety warning
The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution has today called for a fundamental reform of the system used by government and industry to protect people and wildlife from man-made chemicals.
Environmental think-tank issues chemical safety warning
The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution has today called for a fundamental reform of the system used by government and industry to protect people and wildlife from man-made chemicals.
18 September 2015
GMP Report On FGM Operations At Manchester Airport
Several hundred families were spoken to and more than one hundred flights were monitored as part of a week-long campaign to raise awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM).
GMP Report On FGM Operations At Manchester Airport
Several hundred families were spoken to and more than one hundred flights were monitored as part of a week-long campaign to raise awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM).
07 February 2014
Hospitals To Log Female Genital Mutilation Victims
Ministers and FGM helpline practitioners are taking part in discussions on how they can work together to tackle Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) victims.
Hospitals To Log Female Genital Mutilation Victims
Ministers and FGM helpline practitioners are taking part in discussions on how they can work together to tackle Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) victims.
13 June 2013
MP's Call For 'Robust Action' To Tackle Female Circumcision
A fear of being branded politically incorrect means police and social workers are not dealing with female genital mutilation properly in the UK, the International Development Committee has said. The group of MPs have said that while £35m is being spent to help end the practice overseas, those efforts are being "undermined" in the UK.
MP's Call For 'Robust Action' To Tackle Female Circumcision
A fear of being branded politically incorrect means police and social workers are not dealing with female genital mutilation properly in the UK, the International Development Committee has said. The group of MPs have said that while £35m is being spent to help end the practice overseas, those efforts are being "undermined" in the UK.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
