Russian boys become men later

Relaxnews
Monday 17 May 2010 19:00 EDT
Comments
(Doctor Kan)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A new study published in the May print edition of the journal Pediatrics, found Russian boys with high levels of lead in their blood experienced a delay in puberty.

The study was conducted by a team of American and Russian researchers affiliated with Harvard University, Russian Academy of Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Chapaevsk Medical Association and Samara State Medical University.

489 Russian boys aged 8-9 living in Chapaevsk, Russia joined the study during 2003- 2005, noted the study's authors. The researchers monitored the boys annually until May 2008 for blood lead levels (BLLs) and puberty. To measure the beginning stages of puberty the participants' physician-assessed testicular volume (TV), pubic hair growth and pubertal staging was monitored.

The results showed a direct link between higher BLLs and "later pubertal onset in this prospective study of peripubertal Russian boys".

This study confirms the need to create healthy environments for your children as the impact can impact generations. Avoid using lead-based paints and try to create a home without toxins.

Full study, "Blood Lead Levels and Delayed Onset of Puberty in a Longitudinal Study of Russian Boys": http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/125/5/e1088

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in