SUNDAY NOV 11, 2007 (Foodconsumer.org) -- A new study found that not only bisphenol A is ubiquitously present in every American as we reported early, but phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are found in all Americans tested, the Environmental Safety Network reported on Nov. 9.
The study tested 35 people in a wide spectrum of occupations from seven states including Alaska, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan Minnesota, Connecticut and Illinois for these three highly toxic chemicals.
The toxic chemicals are used in baby bottles, food containers, shower curtains, cosmetics, couch cushions, computers, TVs, toys, carpets and scores of other common items found in most American homes, schools and workplaces.
Studies have found these three chemicals are associated with birth defects, cancer, learning disabilities, infertility, asthma and other health impacts.
These chemicals are present in the everyday consumer products, but few people might ever have any doubt about their safety. Stephanie Felton of Illinois, a U.S. Naval veteran and stay-at-home mother said "People have a trust that products manufactured and sold in the United States are safe. This report proves otherwise. The results are particularly troubling to me as a nursing mother."
According to a release by the National Environmental Trust, which is also involved in the study, the federal law regulating chemicals - the Toxics Substances Control Act - was enacted in 1976 and has not been updated to reflect recent scientific knowledge, including evidence that low doses of certain toxic chemicals may cause harm.
Sharyle Patton, one of the coordinators of the project, "Our nation’s chemical safety system has failed. It’s time to join together to support common sense policies that will protect people from involuntary exposure to toxic chemicals from products we use every day."
The seven states involved in this project are said to be taking the lead to create new solutions regulating chemical use in those states as well as nationally.
The Environmental Working Group, a not-for-profit organization that aims to promote environmental health, early reported that hundreds of chemicals including those found in the current study, many of them are toxic and cancer-causing agents, have been found in Americans.
