Two-year-olds at risk from 'gender-bending' chemicals, report says

Two-year-old children are being exposed to dangerous levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals in domestic products such as rubber clogs and sun creams, according to an EU investigation being studied by the government. The 327-page report says that while risks from "anti-androgen" and "estrogen-like" substances in individual items have been recognized, the cumulative impact of such chemicals, particularly on boys, is being ignored. The EU's environment council of ministers is due to agree on a regulatory approach to the use of so-called "gender-bender" compounds before Christmas. On Monday, EU officials will try to work out a strategy for creating risk assessments of products causing concerns. Environmental campaigners fear controls will favor industry and not be sufficiently robust. Phthalates, one of the main anti-androgen chemicals, which are used as softeners in soap, rubber shoes, bath mats and soft toys, have been blamed for blocking the action of testosterone in the womb and are alleged to cause low sperm counts, high rates of testicular cancer and malformations of the sexual organs. Research has suggested that male fetuses around 8-12 weeks after conception can be effectively demasculinized by exposure to such chemicals.