In a few decades, the dating scene in Canada could get tricky and air pollution may be to blame. More girls are being born in some towns in the country than boys.
Researchers have linked the rise in baby girl numbers to dioxins, airborne pollutants from oil refineries, paper mills, and other sources as far as 15 miles away. The health risks of these pollutants spread farther distances than scientists previously estimated.
The normal sex ratio of 51 boys for every 49 girls has flip flopped in several Canadian towns to as low as 46 boys for every 54 girls. These babies are being born near air pollution sources.
Dioxin accounts for the additional girl babies in more than 90 counties in Canada, according to two studies published in the American Chemical Society's journal Environmental Science & Technology. Lead researcher James Argo said that wherever he found industries that produce dioxins, the sex ratio favored births of girls. He attributes the high number of baby girls to the dioxin exposure of their parents.
Proximity to the pollutants also increased resident's risk of cancer later in life. Previous studies have found a similar relationship to dioxin and cases of cancer, as well as higher rates of female births.
via Reuters
Comments
John Pavlus
says:
"He attributes the high number of baby girls to the dioxin exposure of their parents."
Or maybe these air-polluted areas are home to Canada's secret stash of hotties...?
Take that, Occam's Razor!
October 24, 2007 4:30 PM
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