Skewed sex ratio, environmental toxins and human wellbeing: the need for policies.

A skewed sex ratio exists in many developing countries. Skewed sex ratios are the result of interplay of genetic, economic, environmental and socio-historical processes. Many studies have examined the impact of skewed sex ratio at birth arising from a strong preference for sons in countries like China and India, and have suggested policies to deal with the resultant social disequilibrium. Recent scientific studies identify health concerns associated with new generations of boys and girls growing up in increasingly toxic environments, and the implications for adult sex ratios and social wellbeing. This paper highlights the issue of imbalance in the ‘latent’ adult sex ratio and raises the question of responses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]