Plasticizers and boys' breast enlargement
Researchers from Turkey found higher blood levels of the most commonly used plasticizer, DEHP, in a group of boys with abnormal enlargement of the breasts - a common condition seen in up to 65 percent of adolescent boys called pubertal gynaecomastia.
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Recent research points to the harmful effect of exposure to phthalates - a controversial plastics chemical used widely in the manufacture of consumer products.
Researchers from Turkey found higher blood levels of the most commonly used plasticizer, DEHP, in a group of boys with abnormal enlargement of the breasts - a common condition seen in up to 65 percent of adolescent boys called pubertal gynaecomastia. The condition usually resolves on its own after boys get through puberty.
Unfortunately, people are exposed to this (chemical) in many ways via direct contact, breathing, and eating. A few examples are personal care products, paints, building materials, household furnishing, clothing, dentures, children's toys, cleaning materials, insecticides, food, certain medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
Studies have shown that phthalates accumulate in tissues and can have harmful effects. Researchers determined levels of DEHP, and its byproduct MEHP, in 40 boys aged 11 to 15 years with gynaecomastia and 21 healthy age-matched boys with no history of gynaecomastia in Turkey. They detected DEHP in all blood samples and MEHP in all boys with gynaecomastia and in the 19 of 20 control boys group.
It was found that blood DEHP levels were markedly higher in the boys with gynaecomastia than in those without this condition. MEHP levels were also much higher in the boys with gynaecomastia than their healthy counterparts. For boys with the highest MEHP levels, the risk of breast enlargement was nearly 25-fold higher.
The researchers concluded that phthalates could be involved in the development of pubertal gynaecomastia. However, they caution that the study was small and did not allow foryield any definitive conclusions. Until further studies are conducted, the researchers suggest trying to limit exposure to phthalates. Although zero exposure cannot be achieved, it can be decreased.
Therefore they recommended avoiding the use of plastic cups and food coverings, particularly for hot foods. Such cups - including baby bottles - should never be used in microwave ovens. The researchers also advised against plastic toys and unnecessary cosmetic use, and recommended hand-washing to prevent contamination.
Researchers from Turkey found higher blood levels of the most commonly used plasticizer, DEHP, in a group of boys with abnormal enlargement of the breasts - a common condition seen in up to 65 percent of adolescent boys called pubertal gynaecomastia. The condition usually resolves on its own after boys get through puberty.
Unfortunately, people are exposed to this (chemical) in many ways via direct contact, breathing, and eating. A few examples are personal care products, paints, building materials, household furnishing, clothing, dentures, children's toys, cleaning materials, insecticides, food, certain medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
Studies have shown that phthalates accumulate in tissues and can have harmful effects. Researchers determined levels of DEHP, and its byproduct MEHP, in 40 boys aged 11 to 15 years with gynaecomastia and 21 healthy age-matched boys with no history of gynaecomastia in Turkey. They detected DEHP in all blood samples and MEHP in all boys with gynaecomastia and in the 19 of 20 control boys group.
It was found that blood DEHP levels were markedly higher in the boys with gynaecomastia than in those without this condition. MEHP levels were also much higher in the boys with gynaecomastia than their healthy counterparts. For boys with the highest MEHP levels, the risk of breast enlargement was nearly 25-fold higher.
The researchers concluded that phthalates could be involved in the development of pubertal gynaecomastia. However, they caution that the study was small and did not allow foryield any definitive conclusions. Until further studies are conducted, the researchers suggest trying to limit exposure to phthalates. Although zero exposure cannot be achieved, it can be decreased.
Therefore they recommended avoiding the use of plastic cups and food coverings, particularly for hot foods. Such cups - including baby bottles - should never be used in microwave ovens. The researchers also advised against plastic toys and unnecessary cosmetic use, and recommended hand-washing to prevent contamination.
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