Participants were asked about their own use of fly sprays, repellents, animal poisons, pet flea treatments and nit shampoos and asked geographical questions, for example if they lived less than a mile from an agricultural field.

Their exposure levels were then calculated using a score from 0 to 8. The experts found that individual biocides were not linked with an increased risk of hypospadias, but high use of several biocides was associated with a 73% increased risk.

If used in the first three months, chemicals in the repellents could increase the risk of hypospadias by 81%, it found.

Hypospadias is when the tube (urethra) that carries urine and semen from the bladder to the opening at the tip of the penis is too short, leaving the opening on the underside of the penis instead of at the end. The condition is thought to affect around one to two baby boys in every 500.

Tags: pregancy risks, tetragons, penis deflects, hypospadias,

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