Are Toys making boys less masculine?

By Arianne Lapidus and Lily Cohen

The Study

• In a study of 145 pre-school aged boys, prenatal exposure to Phthalates, a chemical commonly found in plastic was linked to less masculine play in boys

Why?

• The masculine brain is developed by using testosterone, and phthalates are believed by some scientistists to lower testosterone levels

During Pregnancy

• From 2000 to 2003 urine samples were taken from women at 28 weeks into their pregnancies. The samples were tested for two phthalates DEHP and DBP.

The QuestionnaireWhen the children of these women were between 3 and 6 years old the women answered a questionnaire called the Preschool Activities Inventory.. The questionnaire asked about what toys and activities the sons enjoyed.

The Results

• The study found that there was a direct relationship between elevated phthalate levels and less “traditional” male play in their young sons.

Acknowledgements• Article Sources :

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085040.htm

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=2689

Information on Phthalates:

http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/term/480

• Pictures:• http://www.topnews.in/healthcare/content/-

2285using-cosmetics-during-pregnancy-increase-birth-defect-risk• http://

abby-may.blogspot.com/2007/09/tuma-family-camping-trip-labor-day-wknd.html

• www.moonbattery.com/archives/boy-with-doll.jpg

ACK Continued

• Pictures:• http://

www.giftsunusual.com/Images-5/29633%20Porcelain%20Doll-Gwyneth.jpg

• http://www.toymonstertruck.com/Pastrana199ToyTruck.gif

The End