A new study indicates that pregnant women who have been exposed to “...high but common...” levels of a substance found in cosmetics, fragrances, paint and plastics have a greater risk of delivering sons with reproductive development issues.  25% of the U.S. female population was found to have exposure levels that can increase risk of problems with their boys.  So, all you guys out there better tell your favorite mom-to-be how beautiful she looks.....and without make-up.

This article in USA Today does a nice job of summarizing the full report.  These lovely chemicals being studied are called phthalates (THAL-ates), and the research suggests that higher levels in the mom during pregnancy can lead to a decreased distance between the anus and the base of the penis in infant males.  This measurement can be an indicator of problems with the male reproductive system.  These findings are important since male infertility rates are rising, and like other medical issues, it is difficult to determine if there is a true increase or simply better testing methods.