The shampoos, lotions, and deodorants you are using may be eroding the health of your children and of yourself.  Research continues to mount regarding the harmful effects of phthalates on male development. 

Phthalates have been shown to:

• Increase the incidence of cryptorchidism (failure of testicles to descend)
• Increase the incidence of hypospadias (an abnormal condition in males in which the urethra opens on the under surface of the penis)
• Increase the incidence of testicular cancer
• Decrease fertility

The effects of phthalates are most pronounced when exposure occurs to the fetus.  Phthalates are a group of chemicals used primarily as a preservative in personal care products such as deodorants, shampoos, lotions, and creams.  Most often, phthalates are listed in the ingredients of these products. 

Reducing your exposure is very simple—do not buy any products containing phthalates (if the word “phthalate” is in the ingredients section, do not buy it—the word will often contain a prefix such as ethyl or methyl).  By avoiding these products you protect yourself and future generations from the their harmful effects.  If you have trouble finding phthalate-free products at the grocery store, try your local co-op or health food store.

Here is a piece published by the National Institutes of Health on phthalates that contains the following statement:  "researchers conclude that, consistent with animal studies, these data provide support for a link between prenatal phthalate exposure and health effects in humans. The researchers suggest that commonly used phthalates may adversely affect male reproductive development.."

Here is a nice study and review on the many negative effects of phthalates.