Turkish researchers have found another reason to be concerned about common chemicals found in plastics- they have been linked with abnormal growth of boys’ breasts.

The condition, called pubertal gynecomastia, is a common one and is estimated to affect as many as two-thirds of all adolescent boys.

Boys with gynecomastia are often teased for having “man-boobs” or “chesticles”, but the condition usually goes away once boys have finished puberty.

But researchers at Hacattepe University in Ankara have found a strong link between the plasticizer Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and the embarrassing condition.

They tested levels of DEHP and its by-product MEHP in 40 boys aged 11 to 15 and found those with gynecomastia had much higher levels of both chemicals in their blood than those that had never had the condition.

Boys with the highest MEHP levels were 25 times more likely to suffer from gynecomastia.

The findings add to a weight of evidence that phthalates, which also appear in many other household items such as personal care products and cleaning products, may interfere with the body’s endocrine system.

While the study didn’t pinpoint the exact reason for the association, lead researcher Dr Elif N Ozmert suggested limiting exposure to phthalates as a precaution.

He recommended avoiding using plastic cups and food coverings, especially when microwaving or handling hot foods.