Do Plastic Toys Cause Gynecomastia?
Are Plastic Toys Responsible For Gynecomastia?
Reuters report that research scientists at Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkey have discovered a link between phthalates, a type of plastic commonly used in toys and other consumer products and Pubertal Gynecomastia. The condition causes the enlargement of breasts in young males.
The levels of the particular type of phthalate, DEHP and its byproduct MEHP were found to be elevated in 65% of boys aged between 11 and 15 who were showing signs of gynecomastia.
Phthalates, in particular DEHP and MEHP are widely used to increase the flexibility of plastics and are a common component of many everyday items. Dr. Elif N. Ozmert from Hacettepe University said, “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.”
People who are exposed to high levels of Phthalates can, over time, develop serious health issues such as sexual development problems and shortened pregnancy. It is believed that small children exposed to soft plastic toys are particularly vulnerable. Although the Pubertal Gynecomastia generally resolves itself during puberty.
The study concluded that boys showing the highest MEHP blood levels were almost 25 times more likely to develop gynecomastia than those with lower levels.
It also suggested that DEHP is imitating estrogen leading to gynecomastia.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BD39920091214
December 27th, 2009 at 7:12 am
Oh this is a new knowledge for me. Phthalates, a chemical that is very dangerous because it affects the hormone testosterone in boys. I heard this in google. is this true ?
December 30th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Chemicals in plastics alter the brains of baby boys. But the plastics industry argue that the material normally used to soften plastics and stabilize fragrances, is safe. Which one should I believe ?
December 30th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
@Whitney, difficult question to answer. I would say that the reports of plastics causing gynecomastia in young boys are, to my mind at least, believable. However, it is only from one research organization. I would like to see the evidence corroborated before fixing my opinion.
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:40 am
Some research states that phthalates affect the hormone levels. Also a recent study states that exposure to phthalates in the womb might make boys more likely to play with toys typically associated with girls. I was really excited when heard this.
January 12th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
There are many known cases of gynecomastia throughout the world, a condition in which either one or both of a man’s breasts are enlarged. There are a variety of reasons why such a condition may develop, from simply being born with it to developing it later in life.
March 23rd, 2010 at 9:07 am
Please create much more! This specific post was so in-depth and highly accurate. I actually loved looking through your posting. Thanks!
April 8th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Thanks for sharing such a useful information. Many parents are still not aware about the harmful effects of plastic toys. Many of the plastic toys contain harmful chemicals /PVC which can be very harmful to children if they put it in their mouth. I would suggest going for wooden toys which are much safer & natural and durable too.
April 8th, 2010 at 10:58 am
I completely agree with your opinion on plastic toys. Not only gynecomastia but there are various other disadvantages of using plastic toys for kids. As a parent safety of my child is the most important factor & hence i always prefer wooden toys compared to the plastic ones. Wooden toys are not only safe but also environmental friendly. I would highly recommend parents not to buy plastic toy for their kids.
May 6th, 2010 at 5:37 am
You must like this kinds of rc toys
May 18th, 2010 at 3:06 am
Great post about toys health. But how is actually the impact of plastic toys for Gynecomastia cause?
.-= RC DRIFT CARS´s last blog ..RC Drifting Techniques =-.
May 19th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
What an outstanding work possess done. You have dished up individuals through creating this publish. Caps off to you. Say thanks you and looking much more such as articles.
May 24th, 2010 at 4:20 am
I think we must take care our child about their plastic toys.
.-= Anti Fatigue Floor Mats´s last blog ..Custom Mats =-.
November 16th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Very helpful information, without unuseful descriptions I appreciate. Keep it this way
December 6th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Pubertal Gynecomastia caused by exposure to plastics? yet another thing to worry about.
January 21st, 2011 at 6:27 am
I never ever imagined that, plastics would have this much serious effects on males. I cannot imagine a boy with enlarged chests resembling like bosom of gals. It looks weird and horrible literally. Definitely the phthalate is a dangerous chemical to the young brats and we should not foster the usage of plastic toys in my view. So its better to go for rubber, wooden or ceramic toys rather than going for the disease causing plastic toys!
May 10th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
I don’t know. If I see my child eating and biting a plastics toy I immediately get the plastic toy because of the substance that uses in making that toy. I heard that it has a poisonous substance.
July 14th, 2011 at 9:49 am
I’ve bookmarked your blog since I truly like it.
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:25 am
ways to Grow The Size Of Penis…
Do Plastic Toys Cause Gynecomastia?…
September 24th, 2011 at 6:00 am
Wow this is new to me. I still suffer from this and I can tell you I don’t wish it on anyone. I can’t believe that these toys can be a cause.