Toxic living is too close to home

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Toxic living is too close to home
UR professor urges caution over 'everyday' products

Chris Swingle • Staff writer • February 4, 2009

Bernard Weiss has spent more than 50 years researching how toxic chemicals affect people's behavior and health, so he encourages caution when choosing the products you use in and around your body and your home. Of the 70,000-plus chemicals in commerce now, scientists have studied the effects on human development for only a tiny proportion.

"What really bothers me is that we are subjects in a massive experiment and we don't have informed consent," says Weiss of Brighton, referring to the way chemicals and toxic substances have become so pervasive in the air, water and consumer products. Regulations don't require that products list all ingredients, making it hard to protect yourself.

The 83-year-old professor of environmental medicine at University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry recommends caution about the following common substances.

Phthalates in plastics

What they are: Phthalates are various oily chemical compounds used to soften certain plastics and to hold color and scent. Vinyl shower curtains, vinyl flooring, air fresheners, perfumes, nail polish, detergents, lubricants, soap, paint, shampoo and toys may contain phthalates, as can food packaging plastics labeled recycle code 3.

The problem: The health effects aren't fully known, but phthalates have been linked to developmental and reproductive changes. You can be exposed by using products that contain phthalates, breathing household dust contaminated with phthalates or having a medical treatment such as a blood transfusion or dialysis that uses plastic equipment.

What to do: Manufacturers are not required to list phthalates but might include these abbreviations: DBP, DINP, DEP, DEHP, DMP, BBP, DNOP and DIDP. The federal government will ban more than trace amounts of certain phthalates — DEHP, DBP and BBP — in children's products manufactured after next Tuesday. Some researchers recommend limiting products such as lotions and powders on infants, applying them only for medical reasons. KidsHealth, which provides doctor-approved health information, suggests choosing natural products for cleaning, such as baking soda, borax and vinegar. KidsHealth recommends that pregnant women steer clear of certain household chemicals, such as some paints, paint thinners, oven cleaners, varnish removers and carpet cleaners. Look for shower curtains labeled PVC-free or made from PEVA, a chlorine-free plastic material.

For more: www.cdc.gov/ExposureReport/pdf/factsheet_phthalates.pdf, kidshealth.org/research/phthalates.html



BPA in plastics

What it is: Bisphenol A, or BPA, is used to make a clear, rigid plastic called polycarbonate and in epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are used in food and drink packaging, including some reusable water bottles. The resins are typically used to line metal products such as food cans, bottle tops and water supply pipes. Some dental sealants and tooth coatings contain bisphenol A.

Problem: Hundreds of studies suggest a link between common BPA exposure levels and higher rates of breast and prostate cancer, reproductive abnormalities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity and diabetes. An expert panel organized by the National Institutes of Health concluded in 2007 that there is "some concern" that BPA may adversely affect the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children, but called the risks minimal. Many scientists believe the risks are much greater. In October, the Food and Drug Administration said current exposure to BPA through food packaging poses no immediate health risk.

What to do: BPA-free products may be so labeled or listed on manufacturer's Web sites. Plastic labeled recycling code 7 may contain BPA. The American Dental Association says that the low level of BPA exposure that may result from dental sealants and composites poses no known threat and cites the benefits of protecting teeth from decay.

For more: www.environmentalhealthnews.org/newscience/2007/2007-0803chapelhillconsensus.html



Pesticides

What they are: They kill, repel, or reduce the severity of pests such as insects, mice or unwanted plants.

The problem: Some pesticides are known to cause cancer. Some can cause birth defects. Some affect the nervous, hormone or endocrine systems. Some can irritate the skin and eyes. You can be exposed by inhaling pesticides, absorbing them through your skin or by eating or drinking items treated or contaminated with pesticides.

What to do: Consider how you or anyone you hire uses pesticides in your home or yard. Mulch can be used instead of herbicide, for example. The Environmental Protection Agency offers tips.

For more: pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/113/4/S1/1030, www.pesticide.org, www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/Cit_Guide

CSWINGLE@DemocratandChronicle.com

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20090204/LIVING/902040314/1032