they're used in cosmetics to hold fragrance and help products to more effectively penetrarate and moisturize the skin. >> we're concerned about their effects on males, on b baby boys. >> we see problems with testicular development, problems with sperm development. >> they can be associated with a decrease in testosterone levels. so if you interfere with the testosterone levels, they don't quite go up all the way. 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. >> pthalateses 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