in animal studies, it's been shown to be linked to cryptorchidism, so, undescended testicles, and hypospadias, which is incomplete formation of the male reproductive organs. >> pthalates may also be feminizing boys. scientists found that pthalates may be associated with a shorter ano-genital distance-- the distance between the genitals and anus, a subtle marker of feminization in boys. the american chemistry council, which represents chemical manufacturers, says pthalates are among the most thoroughly studied compounds in the world and have a history of safe use. but pthalates are banned from children's toys in more than 10 countries and the european union. in the united states, 3 pthalates were permanently banned from children's toys and child-care articles in 2008 because of their potential to leach from plastic that's chewed or sucked. >> the worst actors have been taken out of chilen's toys, but they're still widely used in many other types of consumer products, and bio-monitoring studies show that these chemicals are still showing up in people. >> we're deep in the hold of bisphenol a. t