Penis Pumps: Hairspray Use Linked To Genital Defects

Scientists in England have discovered that exposure to hairspray might more than doubles a woman’s risk of giving birth to a baby with hypospadia - a disorder in which the urinary tract is found away from the penis. Like in a bowl of festive holiday Chex Mix? Researchers add that it’s still too early to determine this for certain, but they’re feeling pretty good about the whole hairspray = runaway pee tract thing. The culprit is thought to be phthalates:

The incidence of hypospadias has risen sharply in recent decades, and some experts have pointed the finger of suspicion at chemicals called phthalates, found in some plastics, including those found in hairspray.

Phthalates have the ability to disrupt hormones, and have been banned in toys in the EU for some years.

This particular study did not include girls in mesh tops strolling the Jersey store but, rather, British hair dressers and “beauty therapists.” 471 women with babies born with hypospadias were included in the study as well as an equivalent number of women whose babies were not. Researchers determined that about twice as many women with afflicted babies had been exposed to large amounts of hairspray at work.

Even trying to pronounce “phthalates” makes our urinary tract skip towards our uvula. You’re never taking away our hairspray, British scientists! We will hide you in our hair while playing fancy classical music:

Hairspray linked to birth defect [BBC]