Chemicals found in pizza boxes can cause female snails to grow mutant penises, according to scientists.
The hazardous substances, known as perfluorochemicals (PFCs) or perfluoroalkyl ethyl, are used to prevent oil and liquids from seeping through the cardboard.
The chemicals have long been linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems, but researchers now say the substances can mutate the sexual organs of snails, according to The Daily Record.
Scottish marine biologist Dr. Mark Hartly tells the British newspaper that the perfluoroalkyls have “inhibited an enzyme important in female sexual development” and a “build-up of testosterone in female snails, leading to masculinized females who grow penises.”
Three perfluoroalkyl ethyl substances were banned in the US this week by the Food and Drug Administration after a petition was filed last January by eight different health advocacy groups, including the Center for Food Safety and the Breast Cancer Fund.
Despite this, they are still being used in the UK, according to the Record.
In addition to pizza boxes, the chemicals can be found in microwave popcorn packages, wax paper, camping tents, carpet cleaners and countless other products.