May/June 2004
HEALTH BYTES

Plastics may cause premature puberty

      Animal studies have found that chronic exposure to DEHP (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), a chemical used to make plastic, increases sex hormone levels and induces small testosterone-secreting cells in the testes in young male rats. Researchers suggest that chronic exposure to DEHP in childhood may adversely affect sexual development and systemic physiology, and may increase the risk of cancer. DEHP and other phthalates are used in plastic toys and many other common consumer products. Earlier studies have generally examined high-dose, short-term exposure. The current study suggested that chronic, low-level exposure to DEHP—similar to typical human exposure—created disturbances of the hormonal system that affect reproductive development. There is also concern that DEHP could lead to premature puberty, in girls as well as in boys. According to researchers, European manufacturers are currently reducing their use of DEHP, and regulatory arms of the U.S. government are soon expected to recalibrate safe exposure levels.