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# Letter to Editor:  Highly exposed to phthalates as fetuses, female mice have altered reproductive lives
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/highly_exposed_to_phthalates_as_fetuses_0316120528/
- Published: 2012-03-16T19:26:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T15:53:11.000Z
- Description: A Brown University media pitch about a study in Reproductive Toxicology reporting that extremely high in utero phthalate doses were associated with a shortened reproductive lifespan and abnormal mammary cell growth in mice. The doses far exceed typical real-world exposure.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Letter to Editor, Opinion, Phthalates, #vivvo-import

Dear Dr. Liu,

In the first study to examine what effect *in utero* doses of phthalates have on the reproductive system of mice, Brown University toxicologists found that extremely high doses were associated with significant changes, such as a shortened reproductive lifespan and abnormal cell growth in mammary glands.

The doses used in the study published in advance online March 5 in *Reproductive Toxicology* are much higher than anything people or animals would likely encounter. At an early stage, such as with this study, toxicologists will start high to see what the adverse effect will be, if any. They can analyze that data to then gain basic insights and develop working hypotheses about how the controversial chemicals could affect developing female reproductive systems under more typical circumstances.

A full release follows here:

[http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2012/03/phthalates](http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2012/03/phthalates?ref=foodconsumer.org)

The paper is online here. I can send you a full copy as well:

[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890623812000329](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890623812000329?ref=foodconsumer.org)

Thanks for your consideration,

David Orenstein  
Media Relations Specialist  
Medicine and Life Sciences  
Brown University  
O: [1-401-863-1862](tel:1-401-863-1862)  
M: [1-401-527-2525](tel:1-401-527-2525)  
Folllow @brownlifesci <[http://twitter.com/brownlifesci](http://twitter.com/brownlifesci?ref=foodconsumer.org)\>on Twitter