Scientists already knew that certain chemicals found in plastics, called phthalates, could damage boys’ genitals. Now a study shows they also make boys less interested in stereotypically male toys . A team from the University of Rochester tested pregnant women’s urine to determine their fetuses’ exposure to phthalates. They found that boys exposed to high levels were less interested in ” boys’ toys ” like cars, trains, or guns, and less likely to engage in “rough and tumble” play. The boys were apparently more interested in “gender-neutral” pursuits like sports. The scientists found no effect on girls. While it’s nice that the reactions to the study describe sports as “gender-neutral,” it’s a little odd that they describe the effect of phthalates as “feminizing.” Elizabeth Salter-Green, of the British anti-chemical group CHEM Trust, says of the research, We now know that phthalates, to which we are all constantly exposed, are extremely worrying…
