The information on this website is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment by a qualified, licensed professional. Premature Puberty Increasing Girls in the U.S. are developing sexually at increasingly earlier ages, and it's starting to worry doctors. Some blame environmental pollution, and they consider this trend in premature puberty a sign that we are dangerously altering the fundamentals of life with our toxic habits. The survey's authors are among those who believe that chemicals are the primary villains, particularly the endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in pesticides, growth hormones from milk and meat, dental sealants, the plastic wrap used for sandwiches and many other sources.
Cosmetic products containing estrogen or placenta are also suspect.
Animal studies clearly indicate that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can bring on early sexual development. For example, a nationwide survey by researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey found that stream and river fish exposed to chemical contamination display precocious sexual development. Some experts suggest that everyone should try to avoid endocrine-disrupting pollutants, but pregnant women should be especially careful. Eating a low-fat diet of organic foods is recommended.