Chemicals in Plastic Could Lead to Genital Abnormalities in Baby Boys

The dangers of human-made chemicals have been expounded upon with the recent publication of a study linking phthalate exposure to abnormal genital development in baby boys.

A male fetus' exposure to diethylhexyl pthalate (DEHP) was directly linked to complications in reproductive organ development, according to a paper published in the journal Environmental Research. The effect of DEHP on genital development in girls has yet to be studied.

"This study showed a clear connection between a pregnant woman's exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical DEHP and subsequent anomalies in a baby boy's reproductive organs," says Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, study lead and pediatric environmental health researcher at Seattle Children's Research Institute in an interview with On the Pulse. "We discovered this association by collecting urine samples from pregnant women and testing them for phthalates and doing physical exams of newborns."

The urine samples were collected during the women's first trimester. Rapid fetal development occurs during the first trimester, making it a crucial time for healthy choices.

Chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system, called phthalates, were known to prevent proper hormone function. However, it was difficult to directly link a chemical to a specific result.

Sathyanarayana and the rest of the team found an increased number of genital abnormalities in the babies whose mother's urine contained high levels of DEHP. Hydrocele, which is built-up fluid in the scrotal sac, was the most common abnormality diagnosed. Other observed abnormalities were undescended testes and hypospadias. The latter is a condition where the urethral opening is formed in the incorrect location.

The doctors involved recommend that pregnant women take appropriate precautions to limit potential exposure to DEHP and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Hand washing, avoiding high-fat dairy products and choosing products made of non-plastic materials are a few items on their list.