08/05/2017
Toxic Chemicals in Household Products
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In 2013 the World Health Organization warned that many synthetic chemicals found in household products are endocrine (hormone) disrupters and may be causing cancers, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. They urgently called for more research to better understand what hormone-disrupting chemicals are doing to our health. Entering the search term "endocrine disrupters" in Google Scholar brings up 69,200 results. Scientists are definitely concerned.
Birth Defects
Earlier this year a study found that common household chemicals lead to birth defects in mice. This article explains that results in mice "raises a big red flag that these chemicals may be toxic to humans as well." The chemicals in question are quaternary ammonium compounds, otherwise known as "quats" and are commonly used in disinfectants, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and some hair care products. The researchers discovered that birth defects occurred when either parent was exposed, not just the mother, drawing attention that birth defects can also come from a father's chemical exposure.
Male Fertility and Health
According to USA Today a new study found that men are producing less s***m. These findings raise concern not just for male fertility but also for male health. The article states that men with lower s***m counts are more susceptible to some cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and early death. Possible causes for this trend may be a mother who smoked while pregnant, obesity, pesticide use, and chemicals that disrupt hormones and the glands that produce hormones.