Mounting evidence suggests that human brain development may be affected by phthalate exposure

[SoCalDem]

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/less-potent-dinp-phthalate-not-so-different

A widely-used phthalate not so different from banned cousins, rat study finds.
Jan 19, 2011

Boberg, J, S Christiansen, M Axelstad, TS Kledal, AM Vinggaard, M Dalgaard, C Nelleman and U Haas. 2010. Reproductive and behavioral effects of diisononyl phthalate (DINP) in perinatally exposed rats. Reproductive Toxicity http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2010.11.001.

An animal study finds for the first time that another widely used phthalate affects development when exposure occurs in the womb and early life. It is also the first to show the chemical can affect brain development, too. DINP – a phthalate that is increasingly used in plastic products – caused similar changes in the male reproductive system as other types of recently banned – but more potent – phthalates.

The male offspring had a host of reproductive changes, while females showed signs of masculinized brain development determined through behavior tests. The results suggest that – like other phthalates – DINP should be used with caution as its anti-androgenic properties may have serious health consequences.



Context

Phthalates are a class of chemicals whith a wide variety of uses. A subgroup of them are commonly used to make plastics softer – called plasticizers – while others with different characteristics are used mainly as solvents in personal care products, cosmetics and paints. The plasticizers make hard vinyl flexible for use in flooring, medical tubing, toys, shower curtains and many other products.

Phthalates have come under intense scrutiny in recent years after studies showed that they can disrupt hormone activity in the body. Phthalates are anti-androgens. They can derail the production of male hormones – like testosterone – and change the way they act in the body.

In rodents, exposure to phthalates interferes with the normal development of organ systems that depend on hormones, like the reproductive system. Similar reproductive changes have been found in humans. Mounting evidence suggests that human brain development may be affected by phthalate exposure as well.

Some phthalates are particularly potent anti-androgens, affecting normal development even at very low doses. As a result, Europe and the United States have limited the use of the most potent phthalates – particularly in products intended for pregnant women and young children. Citing their toxic effects on the reproductive system, the European Union chose to ban three phthalates – DEHP, BBP and DBP – in toys, cosmetics, childcare products and food contact materials. Other types – including DINP – are banned in plastic products children could put in their mouths. The United States passed similar legislation to limit use of certain phthalates in toys and products that can be mouthed.

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[pnwmom]

1. Thanks. K & R. n/t

[SpiralHawk]

2. Could this insidious crap be the cause of Republiconism?

I guess researchers are hard at work trying to determine what has caused the severe degeneration that leads to Republiconism.

Please do something for America, and support their crucial research.

[haele]

3. Zombie making chemicals -

Corporations creating sheeple - one car dashboard, one Fischer-Price toy made in China at a time...
(That "new car" smell is apparently the result of gasses from "new" exposed vinyl in the dashboard warming up and deteriorating under the windshield - as it gets older there isn't as much gas released.)


Haele