A study from Denmark has claimed that commonly used chemicals, such as those found in rubber boots, nappies, bed linen and sunscreen are feminising male children in the developed world. The study blames these chemicals for reductions in sperm counts and genital abnormalities as well as the so called ‘lost boy’ phenomenon, in which more boys are born than girls. The Danish government is planning to use this evidence to lobby the EU institutions for tighter chemical legislation.