All posts tagged 'Phthalates'
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Posted @ 4/11/2011 12:36 PM By Terri Wiebold
Since 1976, the EPA has issued regulations on 5 chemicals that were determined to present unreasonable risk. These 5 chemicals are out of 80,000 known chemicals! Our regulations are far behind other countries’.
BGH (Bovine Growth Hormone) is used to increase milk production in dairy cows. Only 3 countries allow the use of BGH: the United States, South Africa, and Mexico. Dairy cows that have been given BGH produce a high insulin-like growth factor in the milk (IGF-1). Human IGF-1 is identical to cow’s IGF-1. Premenopausal women with a high IGF-1 have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing breast cancer than postmenopausal women.
In 2001, the EU classified 2 phthalates (DEHP and DBP) as Category 2 substances, defined as chemicals to impair fertility in humans and thought to cause developmental toxicity to humans. (For more information on Phthalates, see the Nov. 15, 2010 blog.) The EU Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC) was revised to ban 1,100 chemicals from cosmetics. The FDA in the US has restricted only 11 chemicals, and phthalates is not one of them.
The good news: Some companies (such as OPI, Body Shop, and Burt’s Bees) have made the initiative to remove these chemicals from their products. And some states, like California and Washington, are now requiring a disclosure statement on labels.
It is up to us to choose products that are chemical-free. We can also choose to drink milk that is hormone-free. Read labels and choose wisely! As consumers, we have the power to influence what chemicals are included in our food and cosmetics.
Posted @ 11/15/2010 2:09 PM By Terri Wiebold
Phthalates:
Phthalates are chemicals used to make medical packaging, food packaging, and toys. The use of Phthalates has steadily increased since the 1950s. Recent studies have proven that Phthalates migrate out of food packaging materials and into the food, particularly when put in a microwave. (“A Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives” by Ruth Winter, M.S.)
Heath problems arise because of chronic exposure to Phthalates. Recent research has found that exposure to Phthalates causes adverse health effects, including:
- Preterm deliveries
- Fetal malformations
- Behavior, emotional and mental ability problems
- Premature sexual development in young girls
- Low sperm counts in males, causing reduced fertility
Studies have also shown that women with high Phthalate levels were 2.2 times more likely to develop breast cancer!
Food is the major source of Phthalates exposure, but Phthalates can also be found in
- Fragrances
- Hair products
- Personal care products
Parabens:
Parabens are the most commonly used antimicrobial preservative in the U.S. It is estimated that 75-90% of cosmetics use Parabens. Parabens behave like the hormone, estrogen, in the body. High levels of estrogen contribute to abnormal cell growth, which often results in cancer.
Parabens can be found in products such as
- Shampoos
- Hair products
- Make-up
- Lotions
- Deodorants
- Pharmaceuticals
- Foods
- Beverages
Read labels and ingredient lists on product packaging to determine if Phthalates or Parabens are included. If they are, choose to use different products!
The research continues on ways the environment affects our health. We all need to consciously make choices to live cleaner lives. If you feel toxic or have had an environmental exposure, please contact me to receive treatment to correct chemical imbalances you may be experiencing!