Project Is It In Us? Taking Action On Chemical Exposure

I recently covered a story for my hometown blog about Is It In Us? – a biomonitoring project that tested people from around the country for 20 toxic substances in three classes of chemicals: phthalates, bisphenol A, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs. The story was of particular interest to me because several of the study participants were from my home state of Connecticut and I am very pleased to see a growing awareness there, one that may lead to a state legislative ban on these chemicals.

The chemicals in question are commonly found in many products we use everyday. While each is metabolized by our bodies fairly quickly, levels of these toxins in humans remain high because of repeated and frequent exposure. There is growing evidence that these chemicals are linked to asthma, cancer, birth defects and reproductive disorders.

While these chemicals remain legally present in many commonly used products, you can take action to reduce your and your family’s exposure. Here is a quick reference with links to in-depth resources on the specific chemicals:

Phthalates are used to soften plastics, like PVC, and have been linked to reproductive disorders and shown to cause liver, kidney and lung damage in laboratory animal studies. Variations of phthalates are present in vinyl flooring, vinyl shower curtains, children’s toys, perfumes, nail polish, lotions, adhesives, paints and automobile interiors. A list of common phthalates and where they are found is here. You can reduce your exposure to phthalates with the tips below (from Pollution in People).

• Opt for wood windows and doors instead of vinyl.
• Avoid products packaged with the #3 recycling symbol.
• Choose cotton shower curtains with polyester or nylon liners.
• Opt for PVC-free toys. Toymakers that have pledged to stop using PVC include: Early Start, Little Tikes, Lego, Prime Time Playthings, Sassy, and Tiny Love.
• Buy plastic wrap and bags made from polyethylene. For food storage, use glass containers or plastic containers with recycling symbols other than 3.

BPA, also Bisphenol A, is found in hard plastics including baby and sports bottles (like Nalgene), plastic food containers, toys, CDs and in the resin that lines tin cans. BPA is a suspected endocrine disruptor, a chemical that can interfere with the normal function of hormones and certain aspects of growth, metabolism and body function. The body metabolize BPA fairly quickly but regular exposure keeps levels high in humans. To reduce your exposure to BPAs follow the tips below (adapted from Environmental Working Group):

• Use ceramic or glass dishes to heat food in the microwave, not plastic
• Avoid plastic cling wrap
• Or use wax paper between food and plastic cling wrap
• Or switch brands, SC Johnson, makers of plastic products, Ziploc® brand bags and containers, and Saran™ brand wraps, does not use BPA in its plastic products
• Opt for natural materials for children’s toys, BPA is banned from children’s toys and products in the European Union but not in the United States
• Opt for reusable drink containers made from stainless steel without a plastic liner.
• Try Swiss bottle maker SIGG, aluminum personal water bottles that have held up in laboratory testing not to leach BPA into water. Also available for babies and for big kids
• Avoid plastics labeled #7 for recycling

PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are used as a flame retardant. The most commonly used form, deca-BDE, has been shown to cause developmental and neurological disorders in lab animals. Another concern is that when PBDEs burn they can release dioxin, a carcinogen. Lawmakers in Washington state passed a ban on PBDE earlier this year with support from both the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters and the Washington Fire Chiefs. PBDEs are found almost anywhere but there are ways to reduce your exposure with the tips below (adapted from Nat’l Geo’s Green Guide)

• Eat a heart-healthy diet to reduce exposure to bioaccumulating chemicals such as PBDEs, PCBs and dioxins.
• Eat farmed fish less frequently (some researchers recommend no more than once per month), especially European and U.S. salmon, which have been shown to have high PBDE, PCB and dioxin levels. Choose wild salmon “fresh, frozen or canned” instead.
• Clean floors with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner that traps fine particles of dust, soot and pollen, and wet mop regularly. Keep your home well-ventilated. This will also help reduce concentrations of other forms of indoor air pollution.
• Cover and seal rips in upholstery that expose polyurethane foam, especially if the foam is loose and crumbling, a condition that may encourage the release of PBDEs into house dust and air. When buying new furniture, explore your PBDE-free options.
• Contact your mattress manufacturer to see whether your mattress is made with polyurethane foam that contains PBDEs
• Consider purchasing a tightly woven allergen-barrier mattress casing to block dust that may be laden with PBDEs. Replace the mattress as soon as it shows wear with a non-PBDE options.
• If you buy a new air conditioner, choose one with a HEPA filter, clean it regularly to remove dust.

Also see Be Afraid of What You’re Made Of, Study Says, Hartford Courant

and Ask TreeHugger: What is an endocrine disruptor?