Phthalates Affect Way Young Boys Play
Second Opinion
The study results should be a wake-up call about the potential dangers of phthalate exposures, according to Sarah Janssen, MD, PhD, MPH, staff scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, who reviewed the study results for WebMD.
''This study by itself shouldn't make parents panic, but I do think we are beginning to accumulate more and more evidence that exposure to phthalates, especially during pregnancy, can be harmful for the development of baby boys," she says.
Janssen cites animal studies, finding that exposure to the chemicals can cause a wide range of male reproductive harm, including undescended testicles, birth defects of the genitals, and infertility later in life.
"What this study adds is, we know testosterone and estrogen are also very important for the development of the brain and sexual differentiation of the brain,'' she says. The new study suggests that interfering with testosterone levels during critical periods of development can affect later behavior, she says.
Advice for Moms-to-Be
Limiting exposure to the chemicals is best, say Swan and Janssen, although the chemicals are ubiquitous.
Under a federal law passed in 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, six phthalates are now banned from use in toys such as bath toys, dolls, and teethers. Some products carry a "No phthalates" label.
One way to avoid exposure, Janssen says, is to avoid heavily fragranced shampoos and lotions as well as air fresheners.
What's needed next, according to Janssen, is more attention on limiting exposure to the chemicals to women who are pregnant or those of childbearing age.
Swan's study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the State of Iowa.
del.icio.us
Important Safety Information
Vimpat (lacosamide) is a medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in patients 17 years of age and older with epilepsy. Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Vimpat is right for you. Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self harm that you have never had before or may be worse than before. Please see additional patient information in the Medication Guide at the end of the full prescribing information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment. Please see additional Patient Safety Information
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
-
8
-
9
-
10
-
11
-
12
Sleep expert helps new moms get more rest.
