RedGage

Numerous studies are bringing to light how bad chemicals actually are for humans, as well as animals and the environment. In the latest round, the links between chemicals and boys' developmental concerns are cited. Here are a few interesting things you may not have known about before.

Pesticides

In a study that was released in 2010, researchers at the University of California-Berkeley made disturbing findings about a widely and heavily used herbicide, atrazine. Atrazine is known to contaminate the tap water of millions of Americans. Atrazine chemically castrated some male frogs and made others actually change gender, switching from males to females that were able to breed and lay eggs.

Plant Estrogens

As reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, in 2007, doctors described three boys who had developed temporary breast enlargement. This was said to be cause by their use of shampoos containing tea tree oil or lavender. These are both known to contain plant estrogens.

Phthalates

At the University of Rochester Medical Center, research by Shanna Swan indicates that baby boys exposed to the high levels of phthlates are at greater risk of anatomical changes, such as undescended testes.

BPA

In a study published in 2010, 514 Chinese workers were tested. Researchers found that men with high levels of BPA, or bis-phenol A, in their urine and semen were more likely to have poor semen quality, fewer live sperms, as well as fewer sperm overall. In addition, their sperm had more problems swimming.

The same researchers had also linked higher BPA levels with sexual functioning problems, such as impotence or low libido, in earlier studies.

Perhaps it is time that we realized that intensive research, rather than quick market release is needed for chemical products.