How safe is your home?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an alarming report, Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals 2012, which is a follow-up to a 2002 report entitled Global Assessment of the State-of-the-Science of Endocrine Disruptors.

Now so far your are probably thinking "So?  Why do I need to know this?"  But the truth is you do need to know this and you need to care.  Both these reports studied the effect of everyday household products made with man-made chemicals that are seriously affecting our health.

The 2002 report commissioned in 1997, the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), a joint programme of WHO, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Labour Organization, stated in it's general conclusions that:

"Although it is clear that certain environmental chemicals can interfere with normal hormonal processes, there is weak evidence that human health has been adversely affected by exposure to endocrine-active chemicals.  However, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that adverse endocrine-mediated effects have occurred in some wildlife species.  Laboratory studies support these conclusions."

 This document further concluded that there was a need for more in-depth study.

This latest study from the WHO, has found that our health is being seriously affected by chemicals found in every home and may cause breast cancer, asthma, infertility and birth defects.  They call them "gender-bending compounds" and they are used in toys, PVC flooring, car dashboards, and credit cards.  The WHO has even suggested that a ban may be needed to protect future generations.

The 2012 report states it is "reasonable to suspect" chemical substances called Phthalates of harming female fertility and also linked them to rising rates of childhood illnesses including Leukemia.

Another prime chemical suspect is Bisphenol A, which is found in many daily items such as tin cans and sunglasses.

It is thought that these man-made compounds interfere with the natural hormones that are key to our growth, development and general health, hence the name "gender-bending compounds".

The WHO also said that there is "very strong evidence" in animals that they can interfere with thyroid hormones - which can cause brain damage, stunted intelligence, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.

"Significant evidence" also exists linking prostate cancer to agricultural pesticides, and some evidence linking exposure during pregnancy to weight gain in infants and children and potential links to breast cancer.

The report now declares the chemicals as a global threat, the authors of this 2012 report said that humans and animals are exposed to hundreds of compounds, many of which have yet to be identified or properly studied.  Some of these compounds are inhaled in dust, others enter our bodies from food or by simply licking our fingers.

This new report is the most comprehensive to date.  It doesn't just focus on one chemical or one illness, it evaluates all the evidence.

"The diverse systems affected by endocrine-disrupting chemicals likely include all hormonal systems and range from those controlling development and function of reproductive organs to the tissues and organs regulating metabolism and satiety.

"Effects on these systems can lead to obesity, infertility or reduced fertility, learning and memory difficulties, adult-onset diabetes or cardiovascular disease, as well as a variety of other diseases."

What is even more worrying is that the report warns that the chemicals that have so far been assessed by scientists may only be the very "tip of the iceberg".

The key role of hormones in the development of tissues and organs means that unborn babies and young children may be particularly at risk.  The report also states that the rise in some conditions is too rapid to be blamed on genes alone.

"The prevalence of pediatric asthma has more than doubled over the past 20 years and is now the leading cause of child hospitalization and school absenteeism.  Certain birth defects, such as those of the male reproductive organs are on the rise.  The incidence of pediatric Leukemia and brain cancer have risen, as has the incidence of testicular cancer.  These are stark health statistics."

Dr. Maria Neira, Director for Public Health and Environment at WHO, said, "The latest science shows that communities around the globe are being exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their associated risks.  We all have a responsibility to protect future generations."

The European Union (EU) is trying to tighten up the regulation of gender-bending chemicals.  The WHO also states that wildlife is also at risk and calls for much more research into the chemicals and their effects and also says there may be a case for banning or restricting them.

PHTHALATES:
Used to soften plastics and give cosmetics a silky feel, these are found in children's toys, PVC flooring, shower curtains and credit cards.  In the EU, phthalates are banned from being used in cosmetics but may be found in makeup produced outside of the EU.

Studies have linked phthalates to diabetes, asthma, and male reproductive defects that could affect fertility.  Campaigners advise choosing natural wooden flooring over PVC, metal or wooden toys for children and glass shower screens instead of shower curtains.

If plastic can't be avoided, more rigid varieties should have a lower content of phthalates than softer versions.

BISPHENOL A:

This is a basic ingredient of many common plastics and is found in a wide variety of household items such as; cutlery, CD cases, and sunglasses.  It has recently been banned from baby bottles but can still be found in till receipts and is used to line tin cans.

Bisphenol A has been linked to fertility problems, breast cancer, prostate cancer and heart disease.

BROMINATED FLAME RETARDANTS:
These chemicals are linked to a long list of health problems such as; hyperactivity, learning difficulties, low sperm counts and difficulties to conceive.

They are found in sofas, and other soft furnishings, carpets, rugs, computer casings, DVD players and mobile phones.

Also on the danger list are PCBs, chemicals linked to liver cancer and male fertility problems.


Social Nutrition:
You can make an appointment to improve your health with Social Nutrition either in person (Madrid) or online (Skype).  Just send an email to lucycarr@socialnutrition.com