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April 11, 2008
Phthalate-induced asthma: Gasping for breath
The smell of a new car, that new shower curtain odor, and those off-gassing carpets recently installed in your office have one thing in common: these consumer products contain plastics chemicals that can become volatile, spread through air and hit our olfactory systems. And we are accustomed to consider such chemical smells a good thing. Who wouldn't like to have the status symbol of a new car, volatile chemicals and all?
It turns out that the “plastic smell” is not quite so innocuous as people used to believe. One of the most common plastic materials is PVC, polyvinylchloride, which is used extensively for covering of interior building surfaces, food wrappers, water pipes, and many other applications. On its own, PVC is a pretty rigid material; its flexibility is achieved by addition of plasticizers, especially a family of chemicals called phthalates. We have already heard many concerns about phthalates in cosmetics and in children’s toys because these chemicals pose great risks to development of reproductive system in baby boys.
However, an article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives highlights a new, previously unforeseen systemic danger of phthalates as allergy-inducing chemicals.
Two scientists at the Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University of Birmingham conducted a thorough analysis of research literature on allergy and asthma and identified 41 papers that indicated a likely link between phthalates and these illnesses. Our review of the literature further identified 4 more studies, now bringing the total to 45. These 45 studies include research in animals, case studies of occupational exposure, and broad-range epidemiological studies in people of different ages. Is it time to sit up and take notice?
- Seventeen different animal studies demonstrated that phthalates from PVC products can prompt development of allergy. In these studies, phthalates increase production of IgE antibodies and immune signaling molecules that are associated with allergies and asthma attacks.
- Nine articles reported cases of occupational asthma related to PVC fumes. For example, PVC-linked asthma has been observed in meat-packing workers, workers employed in production of artificial leather, and fire-fighters exposed to fumes from residential fires involving now-ubiquitous plastic laminates.
- Finally, nineteen articles described epidemiological studies that show an association between PVC fumes and asthma and respiratory symptoms. Most worrisome, five of these studies unambiguously demonstrated the effects in children where phthalate exposure in the home is linked to the risk of asthma and allergies.
EWG has repeatedly called for governmental action on phthalates, such as risk assessment and setting of regulatory limits and phase out programs. In addition to established reproductive toxicity of these chemicals, a huge body of research evidence now confirms that exposure to phthalates in homes and work increases the risk of asthma and allergies both in children and in adults. It is now time for quick and decisive action. Children's health -- in fact, all of our health -- cannot wait.
Photo by PhylB.
Comments
I think that fragrances in toilet stalls in public places including Dr. offices are just as bad. Especially for people who are sensitive to chemicals! All the advertising about spraying your furniture and house with fragrances. It's eveb in cleaning products now! Can't people see the harm this is doing to babies sleeping in a bedroom with a fragrance emitter putting out a stink!
Posted by: Bee Bell | April 12, 2008 2:29 PM
What most of us don't realize is that one of the biggest threats to our children is the arsenal of toxic chemicals that we have in our homes.
Here are some startling statistics:
• EPA surveys find that indoor air can be 3 - 5 times more chemically polluted than outdoor air.
• After analyzing 2,983 chemicals used in personal care products, 884 were found to be toxic. (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.)
• According to the National Safety Council, more children under the age of four die of accidental poisonings at home than are accidentally killed with guns at home.
• Of chemicals commonly found in homes, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer, and psychological abnormalities. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
• Women who work at home have a 54% greater risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home?
Children are uniquely vulnerable to household toxins because of their higher metabolic rate. They require more oxygen, and they breathe in two to three times as much air, relative to body size, than adults. Additionally, children are more physically active, also increasing their breathing rate. Finally, children play on and close to the floor where many heavier pollutants settle. In short, our children are breathing in more toxins than adults.
These toxins are suspected to be a factor in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Also linked to toxins are allergies, asthma, learning difficulties, and immune system disorders.
Where are these toxins? They are in a wide variety of household and personal care products, including:
• Laundry products
• Dish washing products
• Toothpaste and mouthwash
• Deodorants
• Shampoos
• Cleaning Product and more!
What can you do? There are safer products available in some health food stores and through some Internet based companies. Some of these out-perform the grocery-store brands, and cost less. If you'd like to know more email me at WellnessAndMore@gmail.com.
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Posted by: Claudia Masciangioli | April 17, 2008 12:47 PM