Birth Defect Study Casts Doubt on Phthalate Fears

Hypospadias, one of the most common birth defects among baby boys, apparently is not increasing in the U.S., casting doubt on whether boys are harmed by phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals thought to trigger reproductive abnormalities.   Researchers have reported that the hypospadias rate stayed the same in New York State between 1992 and 2005. An earlier study also found no increase in California boys between 1984 and 1997.   Hypospadias, a condition in which the urethra opening is on the underside of the penis rather than the tip, occurs in roughly one of every 250 male births. Surgery is normally required or the condition can lead to infertility.   Full article at Scientific American   Via the Instapundit

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