Singing the blues for baby boys

An article in this month's Whole Life Times highlights the very serious impact that chemicals such as BPA and phthalates are making on our world: they could be drastically decreasing the number of baby boys being born.

Researchers have discovered that environmental exposures to certain chemicals mimic female hormones and these "endocrine disruptors" "thwart the production of testosterone." (Click here to read the whole article. It's worth your time!)

Here are some important facts from the story:

"Like about 95 percent of all synthetic chemicals used in the United States, most endocrine disruptors were never tested for their impact on human health — or on the environment — before turning up in our baby bottles, plastic wrap and perfume. “What we need in this country is a government that will protect us from all these dangerous chemicals, but instead there’s no one minding the store...”

"...environmental organizations like Healthy Child, Healthy World (HCHW) urge parents — and parents-to-be — to curb their exposure to known endocrine disruptors such as phthalates. “Children have increased vulnerability because their ability to detoxify isn’t as strong as the average adult’s, and because their organ systems are still developing... Pregnant women are incredibly vulnerable as well, since phthalates can enter the womb or be delivered later through breast milk.”

“Cutting back on plastic is key... The more natural materials you have in your home, the better off your family is... That goes for what you cook in, what you eat from, what your bed and your couch are made from. To keep away from pesticides, eat organic whenever possible, seek out gentler means of pest management and take off your shoes at the door so you don’t track in chemicals from outside. Using non-toxic cleaners is another smart step...

The article also states that given the nature of our environment, it is nearly impossible to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. This is why we need to cut back in any small ways possible and purchase products from companies who have quality ingredients and manufacturing systems.