Everyday products posing a serious health risk to the whole family

iStock_000009875369_Mediumfrom the OmniVista Health Learning News Desk

According to new research, increased levels of phthalates, chemicals found in plastic and some personal care products, are associated with significant declines in testosterone levels. And not just in men—but in women and children as well.

A new study found associations between urinary markers of phthalate exposure and testosterone levels among multiple age groups and in both sexes. Including children (specifically, 6- to 12-year-old boys and girls, and girls ages 12 to 20).

Multiple phthalates were associated with significant reductions in testosterone. The strongest association among females was in the 40- to 60-year age group. Their testosterone levels were reduced by as much as 24 percent due to phthalate exposure.

Researchers in the study also found a 20.1 percent decrease in testosterone in men. And in boys ages 6 to 12, there was as much as a 29 percent reduction in testosterone.

Low testosterone is a serious public health issue that affects both sexes. Now, it’s been proven to affect children as well.

The entire family is at risk. So steer clear of anything plastic. And watch out for some hidden sources of phthalates – like perfume and shower curtains.

For more information on how to avoid phthalates and other dangerous chemicals, go to the Environmental Working Group’s website, www.ewg.org. They have information on every environmental toxin you’ve heard of—and a few you probably haven’t. More importantly, they’ve exposed just about every popular hiding place there is, and compiled them into databases that you can easily search.

Source:

“Phthalates Linked to Testosterone Reductions in Both Genders,” MedScape Medical News, 8/19/14 (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/830137)

“Urinary Phthalate Metabolites Are Associated With Decreased Serum Testosterone in Men, Women, and Children From NHANES 2011–2012” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published online August 14, 2014. (http://press.endocrine.org/doi/abs/10.1210/jc.2014-2555)