Recent Studies Show Chemicals from Plastic Found in Humans

Each day, humans are unknowingly exposed to a veritable cocktail of chemical compounds, some of which we know very little about and many of which are potentially hazardous to our health and the health of our children.


In 2007, a biomonitoring project of 35 Americans from seven states was conducted which examined the levels of three potentially hazardous classes of compounds, a plastic strengthener called bisphenol A (BPA), brominated flame retardants known as PBDEs and plastic softeners called phthalates. These compounds are found in common household products like shampoo, tin cans, shower curtains and upholstery. They are also common in children’s products such as baby bottles, sippy cups and toys. In the end, every person in the study tested positive for all three classes of contaminants. A larger study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found 148 chemicals in Americans of all ages, including lead, mercury, dioxins and PCBs. While the presence of these chemicals cannot yet be confirmed as a health risk, there are more and more studies showing that these chemicals are not only abundant in our world, but are indeed a cause for concern.


Numerous studies in animals show that these chemical compounds, even in low-doses, mimic hormones, lead to breast and prostate cancer and create abnormalities in the reproductive tract. Due to the lack of sufficient human-studies, researchers cannot declare whether or not these results hold true for humans, but do we really want to wait for that evidence before making a change? Frederick vom Saal of the University of Missouri put it very nicely when he said, “We can't say there are conclusive data in humans, but given the fact that we're seeing irreparable damage in animals, for heaven's sake, let's get this out of products our babies are coming in contact with."


One study in humans reported that higher levels of phthalates in mother’s milk correlated to lower testosterone levels in 1-3 month old male babies, while another reported lower sperm count. When L. Earl Gray Jr., a research biologist at the EPA, tested mixtures of two or more phthalates in animals, he found that as many as 50 percent of male rats who were exposed to the combination in utero developed abnormalities in the reproductive tract.


Toy companies seem to dislike this new evidence as it has come with new bans on common chemicals in the plastics used to manufacture toys and children’s products.


It seems virtually impossible in our world today to eliminate ones exposure to these chemicals. However, it is possible to make every effort to reduce the exposure to oneself and one’s children.


As far as possible, buy only organic and natural body care products and baby-care products. Avoid drinking from plastic bottles that have been left in high-heat conditions (such as in your car) as evidence shows that the chemicals leach out even more in the heat. Try drinking your water from glass bottles and using glass contains to store food. Check DTE for BPA-free baby bottles as well as a full line of natural care products. We’re here to help you in your journey toward better health!


 

Footnotes

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  1. Newsweek Article: http://www.newsweek.com/id/105588