ABOUT

Smart discussion of the latest science and news on toxins in your food, water, and air, and what government agencies should be doing to protect public health. Enviroblog is a project of EWG Action Fund. (More. . .)

FEED

 Subscribe in a Reader

Subscribe by Email

An EWG podcast for environmental health news on the go.

TWITTER UPDATES

TIPS

Did we miss something? Email Amanda.

BLOGROLL

STAY CONNECTED

Get our monthly eNewsletter, action alerts, & environmental tips. [Privacy policy, About EWG]

Confirmed: New shower curtain smell is gross

House bill would ban BPA in food, beverage packaging

Chemical injections in Colorado

FEATURED

BPA in your body: How to minimize your exposure

Caution: These 7 household items may feminize baby boys

BPA in infant formula: This is not a call to panic

Cheatsheet: Bisphenol A

7 ways to reduce your exposure to PBDEs

Your BPA questions, answered

Ask EWG

What is "fragrance"?

Which infant formula is best?

Is there eco-friendly jewelry?

Are stainless steel water bottles safe?

Is mineral-based makeup safer?

SEARCH

ARCHIVE

select month June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004

« SMM: iCount video bonanza | Main | Childhood obesity increases dramatically »

August 27, 2007

Prenatal PFC exposure:
The weight just won't stick

That babies are being born with man-made chemicals in their bloodstreams isn't news in these parts, but the results of two studies released this month indicate direct physical effects from prenatal exposure. Babies exposed in the womb to perfluorochemicals (PFCs) appear likely to be born slightly smaller than others.

PFCs are used in non-stick cookware (think Teflon) and stain-resistant fabric (like Scotchguard), among other things. The EPA has acknowledged that these global contaminants are a likely cause of cancer, and has encouraged manufacturers to phase the chemicals out by 2015, but (from USA Today)

Leo Trasande, assistant director of Mount Sinai Center for Children's Health and the Environment in New York, says the studies suggest companies should phase out these chemicals even sooner.

Although the researchers in charge of the studies acknowledge that exposed infants' smaller size is not necessarily indicative of health problems, but that doesn't mean you should go around licking Teflon pans. The EPA advises that it's wise to limit exposure to PFCs, even if all the results aren't in yet.

« SMM: iCount video bonanza |