Is It In Us?
December 31, 2007 by Gabrielle
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Ick. I’m afraid so.
I can always count on my pal L. to send me links and action alerts to get me even more riled up than I already am. Here’s one that directly relates to my Blog Action Day post regarding phtalates and plastics and their nasty effects on fertility (among other things).
Among the results of this Project which strived to answer a basic question: If toxic pollution is in products, is it in us? are:
More than six billion pounds of bisphenol A (used in some plastic water and baby bottles, dental sealants, and the resin linings of metal food cans) are produced each year and 95% of Americans tested by the Centers for Disease Control now excrete it in their urine. In laboratory studies, bisphenol A alters egg development in exposed fetuses and increases the risk of genetic damage in the next generation, thus providing evidence for multigenerational effects. In laboratory animals exposure to bisphenol A profoundly affects the male reproductive system, with adverse changes to the testes, testosterone and sperm production. (emphasis mine)
Damn. This study and others like it are fueling some of my New Year’s Resolutions. Check later today to see what those are.
I covered this project on my hometown blog because some of the participants were from the area. The results of the project have prompted CT lawmakers to take action to ban these chemicals with state legislation, something that the state of Washington has started to do. While the facts are scary, the awareness and subsequent actions are a positive step in the right direction. I also blogged about this project on Daily Tomorrow.