Hairspray 'behind genital defect in boys'

Published on Friday 21 November 2008 21:02

A LINK between hairspray and a genital defect in boys has been uncovered by scientists.

Researchers found women exposed to hairspray in the workplace during early pregnancy more than double their chances of giving birth to a son with hypospadias. The defect – in which the urinary opening is beneath the penis – normally affects one in 250 boys in the UK. Though it can be corrected by surgery before a boy's first birthday, more severe cases can lead to urinary, sexual and fertility problems.

Hormone-disrupting hairspray chemicals called phthalates are believed to be responsible. The same study, by London's Imperial College, showed folic acid reduced the risk. An increased risk was only seen in women whose jobs led to high exposure to hairspray, such as hairdressers, beauty therapists, researchers and factory staff.