FACT SHEETS

Click on the links below to download chemicals facts sheets (docs).

Phthalates

Phthalates and Breast Cancer

Phthalates and Toys

DINP/PVC in Toys

Bispenol A (BPA)

Penta- Deca- and Octa-BDE (PBDEs)

Do Low Doses Pose a Danger?

Although recent scientific studies have explored the effects of some chemicals such as BPA, atrazine and phthalates at very low doses in animal studies, most chemicals are not tested for possible effects at low dosages. Typically, chemicals are tested by exposing laboratory animals to smaller amounts of a substance until adverse health outcomes are no longer observed. But recent science suggests that well below this “ No Observable Effect Level” (NOEL), there may be observable effects at very low levels of exposure.

Logically, we have always assumed that the “dose makes the poison” and it’s difficult to understand how tiny amounts might have any effect, when larger amounts do not. However, recent science continues to confirm that this may be true for many toxic chemicals.

It may be surprising to consider enormous impacts linked to tiny amounts of toxic chemicals. We can understand more about how industrial chemicals at low levels can be biologically active when we consider chemicals used for medical purposes. Many prescriptions drugs aimed at addressing a host of medical conditions can cause the intended biological effects at doses similar to the low levels found for the chemical pollutants in this project.

Hormones have the capacity to act at extremely low levels to regulate development, reproduction, immune function and many other biological systems at parts per million or parts per billion as well. It is not surprising that industrial chemicals also have this capacity.

Toxic Chemicals

This project focused on three groups of industrial chemicals that have been linked to harmful health effects in laboratory studies or in humans:

Phthalates: Used in soft PVC (vinyl) toys, shower curtains, flooring, and medical equipment; also binds scents and color in cosmetics and air fresheners. Research links phthalates to feminized genitals in baby boys, prompting bans in California and Europe. (more info)

Bisphenol A (BPA): Used in some plastic water and baby bottles, dental sealants, and the resin linings of metal food cans. Developed originally as a synthetic estrogen hormone, human and animal studies link BPA to reduced sperm counts and other reproductive impacts, cancer, obesity, and miscarriages. (more info)

PBDEs: Flame-retardants added to the plastic cases of televisions and home electronics, automobile components, foam cushions, upholstered furniture and other textiles in home and workplace. Studies link PBDE exposure to impaired memory, learning, and behavior in laboratory animals. (more info)

While our project focused on bisphenol A, phthalates, and PBDEs, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found over a hundred industrial chemicals contaminating the blood and urine of Americans of all ages and races. The toxic chemicals within us are our “body burden,” and many of them are known toxics or have had no safety testing."

Industry Interference with Chemical Regulatory Process: In 2008, several Congressional investigations were launched into issues regarding industry interference with chemical policy on bisphenol A alone. Led by then chair Congressman John Dingell (D-MI), the House Energy and Commerce Committee looked into the Weinberg Group, a communications firm hired by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), that may have deliberately misled the pubic about bisphenol A. Another inquiry to the ACC head at the time, Jack Gerard (now with the Petroleum Institute), demanded letters sent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the federal agency regulating BPA. A third inquiry is looking into the FDA's reliance on ICF, a consulting firm with ties to BPA manufacturers, when evaluating BPA. (more info)