Canada and the World
Current Events with a Canadian Perspective
Last update
24 February 2011
Plastics Reduce Masculinity
Some chemicals, such as phthalates, have the ability to disrupt hormones; new research suggests they may
also cause problems with brain development
The European Union has banned many phthalates from such items as cosmetics, teething
rings, and children’s toys. However, the plastics industry continues to claim 
these
chemical are safe. Now, researchers say when fetuses are exposed to these and other
chemicals male children are increasingly likely to display more feminine characteristics.
What are Phthalates?
Pronounced THAL-
According to the Phthalate Information Centre Europe, “Different phthalates keep nail polish from chipping, make perfume linger longer, or make tool handles strong and more resistant to breaking. Others help adhesives, sealants, paint pigments, and many other materials perform their jobs better.”
Phthalates are found in products such as plastic furniture, shower curtains, shoes, and PVC flooring. They are also used in packaging food and drink, and there are concerns they may transfer into groceries.
Plasticizers may Cause Gender Disorders
BBC News (November 2009) writes that “Chemicals in plastics alter the brains of baby boys making them ‘more feminine,’ say U.S. researchers. Males exposed to high doses in the womb went on to be less likely to play with boys’ toys like cars or to join in rough and tumble games, they found.”
The plastics in question are phthalates and are the subject of research carried out by Dr. Shanna Swan and her team at the University of Rochester. The findings raise concerns about such products as vinyl flooring and PVC shower curtains that contain phthalates.
Phthalates Mimic Female Hormones
It has been known for some time that some phthalates can imitate the female hormone estrogen. Dr. Swan and her research colleagues now believe some phthalates have an effect on developing brains by disrupting the effects of testosterone, the male hormone.
Some phthalates have been linked to the birth of male babies with genital malformations. This new research is the first that suggests the chemicals can also affect behaviour. The findings have been published online (November 16, 2009) in the International Journal of Andrology.
Pregnant Women Tested for Phthalates
Reporting on the study for the Mail Online (November 2009), David Derbyshire writes that Dr. Swan’s “team tested urine samples from mothers in the 28th week of pregnancy for traces of phthalates. The women, who gave birth to 74 boys and 71 girls, were contacted again when their children were aged four to seven,” and asked to assess their children’s play behaviour.
Two common phthalates – DEHP and DBP – were found to have an impact on the way boys
played, but they had no effect on girls. The boys were found to be less likely to
engage in typical masculine fun such as playing with cars, trains, and guns. They
were also less likely to take part in rough-
In summing up, Dr. Swan and her colleagues write that, “Our findings suggest that
these ubiquitous environmental chemicals have the potential to alter androgen-
Sources
Phthalate Information Centre Europe
“Plastic Chemicals Feminize Boys.” BBC News, November 16, 2009.
“Prenatal Phthalate Exposure and Reduced Masculine Play in Boys.” Dr. Shanna Swan et al, International Journal of Andrology, November 16, 2009.
“Chemicals Used in Plastics Feminize the Brains of Little Boys ‘So that they Avoid Rough and Tumble Games.’ ” David Derbyshire, Daily Mail, November 16, 2009.
“Phthalates Banned in Toys. How about Personal care Products?” Jessica Ross, Homemakers Magazine, January 28, 2011.
© Canada and the World, February 2011
All rights reserved
PHTHALATES BANNED
In January 2011, the federal government banned phthalates from children’s toys. However, writing in Homemakers magazine Jessica Ross (January 24, 2011) argues that perhaps Ottawa “should go a step further and ban phthalates in soaps, perfume, and other personal care products too.
“Yes, the stuff we slather on our skin, particularly fragrances and soaps, may contain phthalates!”
This may not show up on labels because such products can be called “fragrance” without identifying what chemicals might be involved.
In their 2009 book Slow Death by Rubber Duck, Rick Smith, Bruce Lowrie, and Sarah Dopp, explain how everyday household chemicals get into our bodies. Some of their experiences are covered in this short video.