October 21, 2002
Gender-bender chemicals.
The
Independent reports on
a new study that indicates that PCBs and other chemicals are having some strange effects on young children.
The study ú carried out by doctors and scientists at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam ú is the first in the world to show that normal levels of the chemicals affect humans. It follows a host of studies showing that gender-benders can turn wildlife species, from gulls and alligators to fish and turtles, into hermaphrodites. In the case of the children in the study, the chemicals caused girls to play with guns and pretend to be soldiers, and boys to play with dolls and tea sets and dress up in female clothes. ...
The girls exposed to higher levels of PCBs were more likely to engage in masculine play, while similarly exposed boys were more likely to enjoy feminine play. Dioxins produced more feminine play in boys and girls.
