By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
November 17, 2009
The number of studies warning consumers about the dangers to babies in the womb from chemicals found in everyday products continues to rise. Another study released today found mothers' bodies were "contaminated with chemicals" from a variety of consumer products.
The study, performed by The Washington Toxins Coalition (WTC), Commonweal, and The Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition detected such toxins in the women's bodies as phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA), and "Teflon chemicals."
The study was billed as the first of its kind because it tested the blood and urine from pregnant women during their second trimesters.
The environmental groups said their findings show policy changes are needed to protect pregnant women and their unborn children from toxic chemicals.
"This study reveals that children spend their first nine months in an environment that exposes them to known toxic chemicals," said Erika Schreder, WTC staff scientist, who authored the report. "Pregnant women can't avoid every exposure to these chemicals because they are in so many products. They can't shop their way out of this problem. We need policies that keep toxic chemicals away from pregnant women and the most vulnerable -- the developing fetus."
The findings come just one day after a study published in the International Journal of Andrology revealed women exposed to higher levels of two types of phthalates during their pregnancies had sons with "less masculine" play behaviors.
"Invaded by toxins from all angles"
In the WTC study, researchers tested pregnant women from Washington, California, and Oregon and discovered:
• Every woman was exposed to BPA, the hormone disrupting chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic and the lining for food cans. BPA is linked to cancer, early puberty, diabetes, obesity, and reproductive problems, researchers said;
• Each woman had at least two and as many as four "Teflon chemicals," or perfluorinated compounds, in her blood. Those chemicals are used to create stain-protection products and non-stick cookware and are linked to low birth weight, obesity, and cancer, the groups said.
• Every woman had mercury in her blood. Mercury is known to harm brain development, researchers said. The National Academy of Sciences has also reported that 60,000 children each year may suffer brain problems as a result of exposure to mercury in the womb. This exposure can affect their ability to play and learn.
• Every woman was exposed to at least four phthalates, the plasticizers and fragrance carriers found in shower curtains, shampoo, soaps and other consumer products. Phthalates are linked to reproductive problems and asthma.
The findings shocked and angered women in the study.
"I consider myself more conscious than most of what chemicals I expose myself to on a regular basis," said Connie Galambos Malloy, of Oakland, California. "Of course I did everything I could to protect my baby before he was born. However, this study shows that, despite my best efforts, my body has been invaded by toxins from all angles. I'm angry that chemical companies can get away with putting harmful chemicals on the market."
Medical professionals said the study shows tougher laws are need to protect pregnant woman and their babies.
"With increasing rates of chronic diseases, like asthma, diabetes, and breast cancer, we need to update our country's laws to ensure that harmful chemicals aren't used in products mothers and children use everyday," said Dr. Rich Grady, pediatric urologist at Seattle Children's Hospital. "As this study shows, even the most careful mother can't protect herself from exposures to chemicals, so the answer is to phase them out of products."
Charlotte Brody, a registered nurse and National Field Director of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families campaign, agrees.
"Since 1976, only 200 chemicals out of the 80,000 on the market have been tested for health and safety," Brody said. "Clearly our current laws are failing us. We're calling on policymakers at all levels of government to reform our outdated laws."
The groups involved this latest study have urged Congress to reform what they call the "outdated" Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the current federal law for regulating chemicals.
Specifically, the groups want legislative changes that would:
• Immediately start action to eliminate chemicals that build up in our bodies or are passed on to the next generation;
• Reduce the use of chemicals that can cause serious health problems, such as cancer and reproductive harm, or lead to learning disabilities;
• Require companies to make products only with chemicals that are fully tested for safety and to disclose all information on the chemicals' hazards;
• Preserve the states' rights to adopt legislation that sets higher chemical safety standards than federal law.
What you can do
Health and environmental experts alike recommend several ways you can reduce or eliminate exposure to unsafe chemicals, including:
• Avoid buying processed foods. According to U.S. News and World Report, one study found that prepared lunches had high levels of phthalates because food workers wore plastic gloves during the preparation.
• Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.
• Look for cosmetics that are phthalate-free. Hair sprays, nail polish, deodorants, and other cosmetics contain phthalates, but the ingredients may only identify them as "fragrances."
• Limit children's exposure to soft plastic toys.
• Ventilate homes and offices. Many building materials and household items contain phthalates that experts say can get in the air and dust. Also keep vinyl tiles, imitation leather furniture, and other products that contain phthalate materials out of kids' rooms.
• Read labels. Many common household consumer products contain phthalates. Some companies, however, are advertising their phthlates-free stance, and have come out with toys and baby products that do not contain the chemicals.
• Use environmentally-friendly products. Experts say these products not only protect consumers, but also the earth. They include chlorine-free paper, non-PVC plastics, and mercury-free thermometers.
Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.
|
Print This 
Email This
• 