Chemical Found in Everyday Foods Linked to Earlier Puberty in Girls
Summary
A study in Spain found that a chemical related to common agricultural fungicides, called ethylene thiourea (ETU), may be linked to girls starting their periods earlier. Researchers measured pesticide chemicals in urine samples from girls aged 7 to 10 and observed a higher chance of early puberty in those with more ETU.Key Facts
- The study tracked 506 girls from the Spanish INMA project until adolescence.
- Higher levels of ETU in urine were connected to a 32 to 39 percent greater likelihood of earlier first menstruation.
- ETU comes from fungicides used on many fruits and vegetables.
- Pesticides studied can affect hormones and are called endocrine disruptors.
- Girls eating conventionally grown produce are the main group exposed to ETU.
- Another pesticide marker (TCPy) was linked to later puberty, but reasons are unclear.
- The research shows association but does not prove pesticides cause early puberty.
- More studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand pesticide exposure effects.
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