Six Classes We can reduce harmful chemicals for a healthier world.

Transcription

1 Six Classes We can reduce harmful chemicals for a healthier world.

2 9 F 17 Cl 35 Br Six classes 1. Highly fluorinated chemicals water and oil repellants, surfactants 2. Antimicrobials triclosan, triclocarban 3. Flame retardants brominated, chlorinated, phosphate 4. Bisphenols and phthalates plastic additives 5. Organic solvents benzene, methylene chloride Certain metals lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, arsenic 2

3 Six Classes: 4. Endocrine Disruptors in Plastic: Bisphenols & Phthalates Carol Kwiatkowski, PhD Executive Director, The Endocrine Disruption Exchange 3

4 Overview Introduction to endocrine disruption Bisphenol A Phthalates How to reduce exposure Photo by onebigfish 4

5 The Endocrine System Image from HCWH Europe/Mariana Rei. (2013) 5

6 Functions of the Endocrine System Organ formation and growth Sexual maturation Intelligence Mood and bonding behaviors Sleep patterns Appetite and thirst Stress response Bone density Blood pressure Blood sugar Cholesterol levels Metabolic level Fat storage Ability to fight illness 6

7 What is an Endocrine Disruptor? An endocrine disruptor is an exogenous chemical, or mixture of chemicals, that can interfere with any aspect of hormone action. (The Endocrine Society) 7

8 The Fossil Fuel Connection Perfluorinated Compounds Flame Retardants Antimicrobials Surfactants Solvents Plastics Dyes Personal Care Products Household Products Cleaning Products Electronics Furniture Clothing Toys Benzene 8

9 Where are endocrine disruptors? Food, Water Soil, Air Bodily fluids Babies 9

10 Important features Effects at very low concentrations Permanent effects from prenatal and early childhood exposure Effects expressed in multiple generations 10

11 Bisphenol A Uses Polycarbonate resins (hard plastics) Epoxy resins (linings) Flame retardants, thermal cash register receipt paper, and in other products 11

12 Bisphenol A Production Up to 6 billion pounds produced globally per year Detected in more than 90% of people tested How does it get in us? 12

13 Bisphenol A Effects in Humans TEDX Review of Human Health Effects Over 75 human studies showed adverse health effects Reproductive, thyroid, immune, metabolic In utero exposure - abortion, low birth weight, genital abnormalities, obesity, neurodevelopment, behavior, asthma Some effects seen at BPA levels 5000 times lower than government safe levels Rochester JR, Bisphenol A and Human Health: A review of the literature. Reproductive Toxicology C:

14 Bisphenol A - Regulatory Status In the United States 12 states and several counties and cities have enacted bans FDA banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, effective October 2012 Internationally European Union France, Canada, other countries What is being used instead? 14

15 Phthalates Photo by Eric Peacock Uses Makes plastics softer and more flexible Makes fragrances last longer 15

16 Phthalates Production volume (as reported to EPA for 2011) DEHP 30 million pounds, DINP 24 million pounds Human exposure Phthalate metabolites detected in more than 97% of people tested How do they get in us? 16

17 Phthalates Effects in Humans Shorter ano-genital distance, incomplete testicular descent, and increased risk of hypospadias in prenatally exposed baby boys Increased abdominal obesity and insulin resistence in adult men Other: altered hormone levels, reduced sperm viability, earlier breast development, asthma 17

18 Phthalates - Regulatory Status In the United States Federal lawbans certain phthalates in some childrens products A few states have similar and/or pending legislation Internationally EU has bans for children's products, food packaging and medical devices Other countries have similar and/or pending legislation 18

19 Labeling No labeling laws specific to BPA and phthalates in the U.S. BPA-free and Phthalate-free are becoming more common Future laws 19

20 Reducing harmful exposures Photo by Sean Dreilinger Purchase/Promote BPA-free and Phthalate-free products Fragrance-free products Stainless steel (unlined) or glass water bottles Glass or ceramic food containers Frequent hand washing among employees Avoid BPA coated thermal receipts Unnecessary plastic products Demand Better disclosure/labeling of product ingredients Better laws to protect consumers Research to prove that a chemical is safe before it is introduced to the market Green chemistry incentives 20

21 Take Home Points Endocrine disruptors have effects at very low concentrations and are linked to numerous diseases and disorders Children are particularly susceptible Adverse effects of BPA and phthalates are found in the general population at levels considered safe by the EPA Product labeling should be required Alternatives appear when they are demanded (by governments or consumers) but regetable substitutions must be avoided 21

22 Follow-up Questions Are BPA or phthalates in the products you manufacture, sell, or use? What functions do they serve? How necessary are these functions? What alternatives have you investigated? If you have interest in continuing this discussion contact: Erika Houtz For more information on endocrine disruptors go to TEDX s website at endocrinedisruption.org 22