Decrease in Anogenital Distance among Male Infants with Prenatal Phthalate Exposure

Diesters of phthalic acid, commonly referred to as phthalates, are widely used in industry and commerce; they are used in personal care products (e.g. makeup, shampoo and soaps), plastics, paints and some pesticide formulations. Consistent toxicologic evidence indicates association between several of these phthalate esters and reproductive effects. Despite the growing body of literature on phthalate reproductive toxicity and data demonstrating extensive human exposure, few studies have examined the effects of these chemicals on human reproductive development.