Tag: phthalate
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Nicholas Kristof, “Do Toxins Cause Autism?,” The New York Times, February 25, 2010
“Concern about toxins in the environment used to be a fringe view. But alarm has moved into the medical mainstream,” writes New York Times op-ed contributor Nicholas Kristof in this February 25, 2010, piece examining a purported shift in how the scientific community perceives the likelihood that ubiquitous chemicals affect the developing brain. Kristof references…
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EPA Takes Steps to Limit or Ban Phthalates
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it will take a series of actions on four chemicals that purportedly raise serious health or environmental concerns, including phthalates, which are plasticizers used in a wide array of consumer products. The agency will establish a “Chemicals of Concern” list under the Toxic Substances Control Act and…
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Phthalates Purportedly Linked to Breast Enlargement in Boys
A Turkish study has reportedly found that adolescent boys with abnormal breast enlargement, a common condition known as pubertal gynecomastia, had significantly higher phthalate blood levels than boys in a control group. Erdem Durmaz, et al., “Plasma Phthalate Levels in Pubertal Gynecomastia,” Pediatrics (December 2009). The study specifically focused on the most commonly used phthalate,…
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Danish EPA Publishes Report on Endocrine Disruptors in Consumer Products
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency has published a survey and health assessment examining the exposure of 2-year-olds to chemical substances in consumer products. The report apparently focused on endocrine disruptors, including phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), found not only in general consumer products but specifically in food products and food contact materials. The study apparently…
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Nicholas D. Kristof, “Chemicals and Our Health,” The New York Times, July 16, 2009
Just last month, the Endocrine Society – composed of thousands of doctors in this field – issued a powerful warning that endocrine disruptors including phthalates are ‘a significant concern to public health,’” writes New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof in this op-ed article examining the chemicals’ purported role in a range of health problems such…
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Two Studies Link Phthalates to Premature Birth, Low Birth Weight
A recent study has reportedly claimed that mothers of premature babies “have, on average, up to three times the phthalate level in their urine compared to women who carry to term.” John Meeker, et al., “Urinary Phthalate Metabolites in Relation to Preterm Birth in Mexico City,” Environmental Health Perspectives, June 16, 2009. Collaborating with the…
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Connecticut AG Seeks Details of “Apparent Campaign” to Fight BPA Regulation
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has reportedly launched an investigation into chemical and packaging lobbyists who allegedly sought to thwart regulation banning the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles, infant food jars and other products. Blumenthal is seeking details about a series of joint trade association meetings held in April and May 2009,…
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Minnesota and Chicago Ban BPA in Baby Bottles
Minnesota and Chicago have reportedly become the first state and municipality to prohibit the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic food and beverage containers intended for children ages 3 or younger. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) recently signed legislation (H.F. 326) that would prohibit the sale of these products in the state as of…