Research from the University of Exeter has found that one-fifth of the male fresh water fish in the UK are ‘trans-gender’ or ‘intersex’, possessing both male and female behaviors and physical characteristics. Some of these male fish are even able to produce eggs! The changes in the fish can be attributed to chemicals that are flushed down household toilets in the UK and are then released into the water system. Many of these chemicals come from plastics, cleaning products, cosmetics, contraceptive pills and other medications.

Key Takeaways:

• A fifth of male fish in UK rivers are now ‘trans-gender’ due to chemicals in human waste, according to a new study.
• Research carried out at the University of Exeter has discovered that 20% of male fish tested in English rivers are now ‘trans-gender’ or ‘intersex’, with both female and male characteristicS
• The contraceptive pill, cleaning agents, plastics and cosmetics all getting into the water system are having an effect on the fish population.

“Other research has shown that many other chemicals that are discharged through sewage treatment works can affect fish including antidepressant drugs that reduce the natural shyness of some fish species, including the way they react to predators.”

Read more: https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2017-07-03/a-fifth-of-uk-fresh-water-fish-trans-gender-because-of-chemicals-we-flush-down-the-toilet/