Before, During and Beyond Pregnancy The Impact of Environmental Toxins on Reproductive Health. Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles

Transcription

1 Before, During and Beyond Pregnancy The Impact of Environmental Toxins on Reproductive Health Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles PSR-LA

2 Chemicals Are All Around Us The number of chemicals registered for commercial use now stands at 80,000- a 30% increase since 1979 In 2007, over 54 million pounds of chemicals were released into the environment in California. (TRI data) PSR-LA

3 Pathways of Exposure Residues on Food PSR-LA

4 Pathways of Exposure In the Home PSR-LA

5 Pathways of Exposure Personal Care Products PSR-LA

6 Pathways of Exposure In the Workplace One study found that women plastics workers more frequently sought treatment for infertility than the general population. (Center for American Progress) PSR-LA

7 Pathways of Exposure Outdoor Urban Pathways PSR-LA

8 Chemical exposures occur in utero Testing of 10 newborn umbilical cords detected a total of 287 industrial chemicals- including pesticides, consumer products chemicals and wastes from burning coal, gasoline and garbage. (Environmental Working Group) PSR-LA

9 Low-income children of color are exposed to dangerous chemicals often at the highest levels. PSR-LA

10 Health Impacts of Chemical Exposure Birth defects (Schettler et al. In Harm's Way: Toxic Threats to Child Development. A Report by the Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility Low Birth Weight (Figa-Talamanca. et al. Occup. Med. 2001; Bove et al. Environ. Health Perspectives. 2002) Reproductive disorders: fertility, miscarriage, endometriosis, premature menopause (Schettler. Infertility and Related Reproductive Disorders. Peer-reviewed report for Collaborative on Health and the Environment ) Endocrine disruption (Carpenter. Environ. Health Perspectives. 2002; Schettler 2003.) Learning disabilities (Garry et al. Environ. Health Perspectives ) Cancer & Breast Cancer (Snedeker. Environ. Health Perspectives. 2001; DeBruin. Environ. Health Perspectives. 2002) Asthma (Solomon. Asthma and the Environment. Peer-reviewed report for the Collaborative on Health and the Environment ) Autism (Roberts et al. Environ. Health Perspectives ) PSR-LA

11 Declining Reproductive Health Premature Births Premature births have increased significantly- 11% in 1994 to 12.5% in 2004 Premature births are increasing for Whites and Latinos but remain highest amongst African Americans (Center for American Progress) PSR-LA

12 Declining Reproductive Health Low Birth Weight Low and very low birth weights are rising among all ethnicities. African American low birth weights are rising faster and remain significantly higher. PSR-LA

13 Declining Reproductive Health Learning Disabilities The percent of U.S. students treated for a learning disability has increased from 8.3% in 1976 to 13.8% in Children of color suffer disproportionately from learning disabilities. PSR-LA

14 Environmental Injustice A study utilizing national data found that Latino, African-American, and Asian/Pacific Islander mothers experienced higher mean levels of air pollution and were more than twice as likely to live in the most polluted U.S. counties compared with white mothers after controlling for maternal risk factors, region, and educational status (Woodruff et al. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2003.) PSR-LA

15 Phthalates A group of chemicals used to soften plasticsfound in toys, cosmetics and food containers. Linked to a host of reproductive health issues: Premature births Genital abnormalities in boys Reduced sperm counts Exposure to Phthalates occurs: Orally (children chewing on toys) Leaching from food containers Dermal application of personal care products Inhalation of dust and air ( new car smell ) PSR-LA

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17 Bisphenol-A (BPA) BPA is a plasticizer and ranks among the highest-volume chemicals worldwide. Many products contain BPA including toys, food and drink containers and electronics. Linked to a host of reproductive health issues: Development of prostate and breast cancer Miscarriages Altered reproductive tract development Exposure to BPA typically comes from ingesting foods or fluids in containers or packages made from BPA. Workers with manufacturing jobs involving BPA have been found to have higher exposures levels. PSR-LA

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19 Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in couches, fabrics and electronics. They are bio-accumulative and are present in breast milk and food. PBDEs are linked to the following reproductive health issues: Disruption in maternal and fetal thyroid hormones (brain development) Lower sperm counts Behavioral disorders in offspring PBDEs Flame Retardants PSR-LA

20 Cracks in the Regulatory Process Risk-based -requires regulators to show toxins pose unreasonable risks before taking action Discounts low-level exposures over a long period of time Ignores cumulative and synergistic impacts PSR-LA

21 Chemicals The majority of synthetic chemicals in use have never been tested for their effects on human health. PSR-LA

22 What does good Chemical policy look Requires Safer Substitutes and Solutions Phases-out Persistent, Bioaccumulative, or Highly Toxic Chemicals Gives the Public and Workers the Full Right-To-Know Acts on Early Warnings Requires Comprehensive Safety Data for All Chemicals Takes Immediate Action to Protect Communities and Workers like? PSR-LA

23 Ways to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals Use fewer products Always read the label- check the ingredients Visit nt.org Breastfeed Buy BPA-free bottles and sippy cups Wash/scrub all fruits and vegetables to reduce pesticide levels Avoid certain types of plastics for food (avoid #s 3, 6, and 7) PSR-LA

24 Ways to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals Avoid heating food in plastic containers Avoid anti-bacterial products Keep your house free of dust-which may contain harmful flame retardants Use less toxic cleaners (vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide) Use safer pest control practices (IPM) Have toddlers, painted surfaces and dust tested for lead if you live in a house built before 1978 If you work around chemicals, wash exposed skin and change out of your work clothes before returning to your home. Clean your work clothes separately. PSR-LA

25 Ways to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals Get involved locally with advocacy efforts aimed at reducing pollution in your community (CEHAJ-710) Get involved with statewide efforts CA SB 797 BPA Bill CA SB 772 Flame Retardants Bill (exempts juvenile products) Host Green Cleaning/Cosmetic Parties PSR-LA

26 Contact PSR-LA for more information Katherine Attar (213) x108 26