Say goodbye to the boys

Could hairspray use amongst expecting mothers be causing reproductive system birth defects in male babies. A recent study suggests a relationship. How could it be? Could all of those harmless industrial chemicals flooding our environment be causing a problem? Those producing and selling them would like us to think not, but the truth is most have not been studied for long term effects on our health or the environment.

Many of our environmental pollutants seem to be having estrogenic effects. These chemical substances are suspected to be acting as endocrine disrupters. A wide array of scientific studies support this theory. Certain food preservatives, pesticides and other industrial chemicals have been demonstrated to mimic estrogen (click here). Some studies show gender-bending effects in wildlife related to levels of these contaminates in the environment and the animals blood streams (click here).

Now a new study has related hairspray use amongst pregnant females with an increased risk of hypospadia in their male babies (check out this article from the BBC). The main theory is the exposure to phthalates disrupts the child's normal development.

Hypospadia is a birth defect resulting in a malformed penis. The penis in males develops from a closing and sealing shut of the genital folds in an embryo. These same genital folds develop into the labia of the vagina in a female embryo. In a male child with hypospadia the genital folds do not fully close. The degree to which this can occur varies from the urethra being displaced lower on the penile shaft to the whole urethra being opened on the underside of the penis. Surgical techniques can usually resolve most cosmetic issues related to hypospadia though there may be a small risk of erectile issues as the child matures.

It is not just male children at risk from these pollutants, females are also susceptible. Some studies have looked at the rates of breast cancer in relations to industrial contaminates. Here is an interesting study in epidemiology from Brazil. The study found possible relationships between pesticide sales in various regions of Brazil and incidents of hormone related cancers and reproductive system dysfunctions (here is a link). Here is a link to a great site through Cornell university summing up the risks of some of this estrogenic substances found in plastics, their link to breast cancer risks, and ways you can reduce your and your families exposure (check this out).