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« Santa, please bring me toxin-free fragrance | Main | Mercury in light bulbs »
Phthalates, phthalates everywhere
Soft plastic toys are often loaded with phthalates.
National Research Council tells EPA: cumulative risk assessment of phthalates and other toxic chemicals is urgently needed
A real victory for both human and environmental health has been achieved right at the end of the year, as the National Research Council (NRC) directed EPA to examine the combined risks of exposure to phthalates, a family of toxic chemicals that have been linked to allergies and asthma, infertility, reduced testosterone concentrations, and, most worrisome, abnormal development of reproductive system in baby boys.
Phthalates are used in a wide variety of consumer products such as fragrances, cosmetics and shampoos, medical devices, soft toys that children and pets play with and often chew, building and home decorating materials, and even children's clothing. Because of health concerns associated with phthalates, several of them have been restricted in the European Union and the US; yet, a parent looking for a phthalate-free baby powder or a soft toy may not know what to buy, since manufacturers frequently don't disclose all ingredients in consumer products. Meanwhile, many different phthalates contaminate the bodies of most Americans, including children developing in the womb, since phthalate exposures are nearly ubiquitous.
EWG has been bringing attention of the public, the scientific community, media, and legislators to the dangers that phthalates pose to infants, especially baby boys. EWG testified twice in front of the NRC urging the Council scientists to guide EPA on the need for a cumulative risk assessment for this family of endocrine disrupting chemicals that, unfortunately, found their way into most homes. We applaud the NRC for its strong stance on phthalates that is both scientifically based and focused on protecting public health. NRC recommendation for a cumulative risk assessment for phthalates is the first step in the right direction towards avoiding exposure to these toxic chemicals.
With this important new advance in regulatory toxicology, EPA also needs to take to heart NRC's diagnosis with what is wrong in EPA's current approach of assessing the toxicity of one chemical at a time. As the NRC reported,
Currently when conducting cumulative risk assessments, EPA often considers only chemicals that are structurally related... That practice ignores how exposures to different chemicals may result in the same health effects. The conceptual approach taken for phthalates -- to consider chemicals that cause similar health effects -- should also be applied when completing any cumulative risk assessment. For instance, EPA could evaluate the risk of combined exposures to lead, methylmercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls because all contribute to cognitive deficits consistent with IQ reduction in children.
Research by EWG and many scientists all around the world clearly demonstrated that children are exposed to numerous toxic chemicals simultaneously. That's why EWG is backing the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act, federal legislation that promises comprehensive reforms, including a requirement that manufacturers prove their chemicals are safe before they go on the market.
What can concerned parents do right now? First, we call on everybody to learn how the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act will fundamentally overhaul the outdated, ineffective system now in place that allows toxic chemicals on the market with no safety testing. Then join us to pass this important new legislation. We need your help.
Also check out the EWG For Parents site with lots of helpful tips to protect your family from industrial chemicals. And for all people on your gift list who may have children, you can find suggestions for safe, healthful, and very useful holiday gifts at EWG's Parent's Buying Guide. Happy Holidays, everybody!
Photo by gynti_46.
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