Bug spray 'can raise birth defect risk'

Published on 30/11/2009 21:54

USING insect repellents in early pregnancy could put unborn boys at risk of a birth defect, research suggests.

If used in the first three months, chemicals in the repellents could increase the risk of hypospadias by 81 per cent, the study found.

Hypospadias is when the tube (urethra) that carries urine and semen from the bladder to the opening at the tip of the penis is too short, leaving the opening on the underside of the penis instead of at the end.

The condition is thought to affect around one to two baby boys in every 500.

The research, published online in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, included 471 babies with hypospadias and 490 acting as a comparison group.

Their mothers, all living in south-east England, were asked a series of questions, including whether they had been exposed to insect repellents and biocide chemicals, such as pesticides or weedkillers.

They were asked about their own use of fly sprays, repellents, animal poisons, pet flea treatments and nit shampoos and asked geographical questions, for example if they lived less than a mile from an agricultural field. Their exposure levels were then calculated using a score from zero to eight.

The experts found that individual biocides were not linked with an increased risk of hypospadias, but high use of several biocides was associated with a 73 per cent increased risk.

Insect repellent use in the first three months was linked with an 81 per cent increased risk of hypospadias.