Study investigates phthalates link with testicular cancer

Researchers are investigating the possibility that exposure to phthalates by pregnant women may lead to testicular cancer in male offspring.

Scientists believe that testicular cancer may stem from abnormal changes in the first few months of foetal development but are still trying to identify the cause. The difficulty is that the condition presents between 20 and 40 years after birth.

Current thoughts are that there must be some link with modern living as the number of men suffering with the condition has soared in recent years – doubling since 1975.

Researchers believe that phthalates are one possible cause as their use is so widespread. They are found in a very wide range of household products, such as carpets, upholstery and plastic products and packaging – including that used for some cosmetics.

Phthalates have also been found to have some effect in test-tube experiments on germ cells so are now the subject of further investigation.

The professor leading the study said: “These compounds are literally part of the fabric of our modern society so cannot easily be banned or removed without having widespread effects on everyday life. We need to know for sure if these compounds are harmful or not.”

Green People avoids using phthalates in the packaging of its natural skin care products and cosmetics, preferring to use easily recyclable and biodegradable materials that do not pose a risk to health or the environment.