Toxic Chemicals All Around Us: The Fight for Real Reform
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This document provides an overview of a webinar about toxic chemicals commonly found in homes and the environment. It discusses three chemicals - bisphenol A (BPA) found in plastics, formaldehyde found in household products, and chemical flame retardants found in furniture. For each chemical, it outlines their uses, health impacts like cancer and developmental issues, and ways to reduce exposure. It also discusses the failures of the Toxic Substances Control Act to regulate chemicals and legislative efforts in Congress to reform the law.
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Toxic Chemicals All Around Us: The Fight for Real Reform
- 1. Toxic Chemicals in Our Homes and All Around Us: The Fight for Real Reform June 19, 2014 Thank you for joining us. We will begin in a moment. Please check your speakers/phone connection. If you experience any problems, please let us know by typing in the chat box. Follow the OEC on Twitter: @OhioEnviro. The hashtag for this webinar is #OECwebinar
- 2. Andy Igrejas National Campaign Director Toxic Chemicals in Our Homes and All Around Us: The Fight for Real Reform Melanie Houston Director of Water Policy & Environmental Health
- 3. Ohio Environmental Council The OEC is the Ohio’s most comprehensive, effective and respected environmental advocate for a healthier, more sustainable Ohio. Our experts work daily to restore, protect, and strengthen the quality of life for families and communities—from the air we breathe and the water we drink to the food we eat and natural resources we enjoy. Please join us! OEC members: Receive great benefits Become part of the community working to restore, protect, and strengthen the quality of life for families and communities in Ohio. Become a member today at www.theOEC.org.
- 4. Problem: Unregulated toxic chemicals Chemicals are found all around us: couches, carpet, baby gear, canned food… Growing evidence pointing to health problems associated with chemicals Childhood cancer Early puberty Infertility Learning and developmental disabilities
- 5. Overview of Today’s Webinar Three common toxic chemicals Use Where they are found Associated health problems Ways to reduce exposure Current state of federal regulation on toxic chemicals Legislative updates on bills in US House and Senate What you can do to get involved
- 6. What is Bisphenol-A (BPA)? Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical Present in many hard plastic bottles and metal- based food and beverage cans (FDA.gov) Primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/) Found in: • water bottles • canned food • infant feeding bottles • medical devices
- 7. Health Problems & Bisphenol-A (BPA) Bisphenol A (BPA) use is widespread Can leach into food and water Primary source of exposure to BPA is through diet CDC found: • “Detectable levels of BPA in 93% of Americans 6 years and older” National Toxicology Program has reported: • “some concern” for BPAs effect on brain, behavior, prostate gland in fetuses, infants and children
- 8. Ways to Reduce your Exposure to Bisphenol-A (BPA) Avoid plastic containers with #7 Avoid microwaving plastic containers Avoid placing plastic containers in dishwasher Eat fresh or frozen food Opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel Look for baby bottles and toys that are labeled “BPA free”
- 9. What is Formaldehyde? A colorless, strong-smelling gas (cdc.gov) Purposes: •used to add permanent-press qualities to clothing and draperies • as a component of glues and adhesives •as a preservative (epa.gov) Found in • Household products • Pressed-wood • Cigarette smoke • Clothing & textiles • Foods and personal care products • Even baby products
- 10. Health Problems & Formaldehyde Irritation of eyes, nose, throat and skin Allergic contact dermatitis – rashes, blisters, and flaky dry skin More acute exposures can be severe: pulmonary inflammation or death “Probable carcinogen” – US EPA (research demonstrated cancer in animal studies)
- 11. Ways to Reduce your exposure to Formaldehyde Avoiding smoking or using unvented heaters indoors Removing formaldehyde sources from your home Sealing unfinished ply board and ventilating if engaging in woodworking Avoiding or washing new “wrinkle free” clothing Limiting/reducing number or personal care products that you use
- 12. What are Chemical Flame Retardants? Marketed to public as mechanism of fire protection Use began with CA’s flammability standard: TB 117 Found in: • Furniture • Baby mattresses & products • Car interiors • Electronic devices • Hospital setting • Food (meat & dairy)
- 13. Health Problems & Chemical Flame Retardants Americans carry high levels of these chemicals in their bodies Found in blood, breast milk & umbilical cord blood Associated with smaller babies, lower IQs, attention problems, cancer, male infertility, early puberty, obesity etc.
- 14. Ways to reduce your exposure to Chemical Flame Retardants Avoid purchase of furniture and products treated with flame retardants Safer products made from wool, polyester, cotton or down filled Washing hands frequently Vacuuming with HEPA vacuum Discard damaged foam products
- 15. Failings of Toxic Substances Control Act • Outdated – no change or reform in law since 1976 • Ineffective at the start 62,000 chemicals “grandfathered in” under the law Testing on only approx. 200 chemicals Only 5 chemicals have been restricted for some use
- 16. Time for Meaningful TSCA Reform GAO Report EPA cannot require companies to provide info on toxicity and exposure of chemicals Court reversal of 1989 asbestos rule EPA has not been able to challenge companies confidentiality claims
- 17. What you Can Do Contact Senators Brown & Portman – oppose Chemical Safety Improvement Act as drafted Contact Your US Congressperson (Bill Johnson and Bob Latta are key players) – oppose the Chemicals in Commerce Act Get involved with the OEC and Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families on this issue www.theOEC.org www.SaferChemicals.org
- 18. Chemical Safety Improvement Act Senate bill- sponsored by Sen. Vitter (R-LA) and the later Sen. Lautenberg (D-NJ) Sen. Udall (D-NM) now the lead Democrat 25 bi-partisan co-sponsors in Senate (not Portman or Brown). Opposed by Senator Boxer (D-CA), the Chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee.
- 19. Chemicals in Commerce Act “Discussion Draft” circulated in February by John Shimkus (R-IL), Chair of Environment and Economy Subcommittee. Revised in April in response to criticism. Multiple “oversight” hearings on TSCA in 2013, and two “legislative” hearings on discussion draft in 2014. Democratic proposals for changes rejected. Reps. Latta and Johnson on subcommittee.
- 20. Problems with Both Bills Both retain legal barriers from current TSCA that prevented action on asbestos. Neither explicitly requires that pregnant women and children are protected from all known exposures. Both allow chemicals to be set aside without a full safety review. Both have sweeping pre-emption (nullification) of state chemicals rules.
Notas del editor
- “Andy Igrejas is the campaign director for Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, a coalition of diverse groups united by concerns over toxic chemicals. Before that he headed the environmental health program at the National Environmental Trust (NET) for seven years, a position he remained in when that organization merged with the Pew Charitable Trusts in 2008. During that time, Igrejas helped put chemical policy reform on the national agenda; he also led the NET’s work on chemical security, right-to-know, food safety, and California initiatives such as the successful campaign for the Safe Cosmetics Act.” -ACS bio
- The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through the diet. While air, dust, and water are other possible sources of exposure, BPA in food and beverages accounts for the majority of daily human exposure. -http://www.niehs.nih.gov/ Some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children -mayoclinic.org Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) have “some concern” for effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to BPA. The NTP has “minimal concern” for effects on the mammary gland and an earlier age for puberty for females, in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to BPA. The possibility that BPA may alter human development cannot be dismissed, according to the NTP. In cooperation with the NTP, FDA is carrying out in-depth studies to answer key questions and clarify uncertainties about the risks of BPA. -http://www.niehs.nih.gov/
- The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through the diet. While air, dust, and water are other possible sources of exposure, BPA in food and beverages accounts for the majority of daily human exposure. -http://www.niehs.nih.gov/ Some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children -mayoclinic.org Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) have “some concern” for effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to BPA. The NTP has “minimal concern” for effects on the mammary gland and an earlier age for puberty for females, in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to BPA. The possibility that BPA may alter human development cannot be dismissed, according to the NTP. In cooperation with the NTP, FDA is carrying out in-depth studies to answer key questions and clarify uncertainties about the risks of BPA. -http://www.niehs.nih.gov/
- The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through the diet. While air, dust, and water are other possible sources of exposure, BPA in food and beverages accounts for the majority of daily human exposure. -http://www.niehs.nih.gov/ Some research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children -mayoclinic.org Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) have “some concern” for effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to BPA. The NTP has “minimal concern” for effects on the mammary gland and an earlier age for puberty for females, in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures to BPA. The possibility that BPA may alter human development cannot be dismissed, according to the NTP. In cooperation with the NTP, FDA is carrying out in-depth studies to answer key questions and clarify uncertainties about the risks of BPA. -http://www.niehs.nih.gov/
- Exposure to this chemical, which has been linked to adverse health effects for more than 30 years, typically occurs through inhalation and dermal (skin) contact. Formaldehyde can be used to enhance wrinkle resistance in some clothing and textiles, especially those made of cotton. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reviewed formaldehyde in clothing in the 1980s and determined that the levels found did not pose a public health concern. At that time, most clothing sold in the United States was made here--but the market has changed such that most U.S. clothing is now made in other countries The health risk of greatest concern associated with formaldehyde in clothing--allergic contact dermatitis--stems from dermal exposure. A form of eczema, allergic contact dermatitis affects the immune system and produces reactions characterized by rashes, blisters, and flaky, dry skin that can itch or burn. Washing clothing before it is worn often reduces formaldehyde levels but is not always successful. -http://www.gao.gov/ Smoking, pressed wood, and particle board have all been shown to be sources of formaldehyde. Higher formaldehyde levels are usually found in newer homes or homes with new construction. The levels decrease over time. Formaldehyde levels also increase with increases in temperature and humidity. Formaldehyde is known to cause cancer. The cancer of greatest concern is cancer of the nose and throat. Scientific research has not yet shown that a certain level of formaldehyde exposure causes cancer. However, the higher the level and the longer the exposure, the greater the chance of getting cancer. Exposure to formaldehyde might increase the chance of getting cancer even at levels too low to cause symptoms. -cdc.gov
- Exposure to this chemical, which has been linked to adverse health effects for more than 30 years, typically occurs through inhalation and dermal (skin) contact. Formaldehyde can be used to enhance wrinkle resistance in some clothing and textiles, especially those made of cotton. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reviewed formaldehyde in clothing in the 1980s and determined that the levels found did not pose a public health concern. At that time, most clothing sold in the United States was made here--but the market has changed such that most U.S. clothing is now made in other countries The health risk of greatest concern associated with formaldehyde in clothing--allergic contact dermatitis--stems from dermal exposure. A form of eczema, allergic contact dermatitis affects the immune system and produces reactions characterized by rashes, blisters, and flaky, dry skin that can itch or burn. Washing clothing before it is worn often reduces formaldehyde levels but is not always successful. -http://www.gao.gov/ Smoking, pressed wood, and particle board have all been shown to be sources of formaldehyde. Higher formaldehyde levels are usually found in newer homes or homes with new construction. The levels decrease over time. Formaldehyde levels also increase with increases in temperature and humidity. Formaldehyde is known to cause cancer. The cancer of greatest concern is cancer of the nose and throat. Scientific research has not yet shown that a certain level of formaldehyde exposure causes cancer. However, the higher the level and the longer the exposure, the greater the chance of getting cancer. Exposure to formaldehyde might increase the chance of getting cancer even at levels too low to cause symptoms. -cdc.gov
- Exposure to this chemical, which has been linked to adverse health effects for more than 30 years, typically occurs through inhalation and dermal (skin) contact. Formaldehyde can be used to enhance wrinkle resistance in some clothing and textiles, especially those made of cotton. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reviewed formaldehyde in clothing in the 1980s and determined that the levels found did not pose a public health concern. At that time, most clothing sold in the United States was made here--but the market has changed such that most U.S. clothing is now made in other countries The health risk of greatest concern associated with formaldehyde in clothing--allergic contact dermatitis--stems from dermal exposure. A form of eczema, allergic contact dermatitis affects the immune system and produces reactions characterized by rashes, blisters, and flaky, dry skin that can itch or burn. Washing clothing before it is worn often reduces formaldehyde levels but is not always successful. -http://www.gao.gov/ Smoking, pressed wood, and particle board have all been shown to be sources of formaldehyde. Higher formaldehyde levels are usually found in newer homes or homes with new construction. The levels decrease over time. Formaldehyde levels also increase with increases in temperature and humidity. Formaldehyde is known to cause cancer. The cancer of greatest concern is cancer of the nose and throat. Scientific research has not yet shown that a certain level of formaldehyde exposure causes cancer. However, the higher the level and the longer the exposure, the greater the chance of getting cancer. Exposure to formaldehyde might increase the chance of getting cancer even at levels too low to cause symptoms. -cdc.gov
- Flame retardants are used in many different consumer products. They are intended to slow the spread of fire. Rather, chemical flame retardants make fires more toxic. Flame retardants are used in many different consumer products to meet flammability standards, namely California’s Technical Bulletin 117. When used in fabric, they are intended to act as a shield to the flame, to limit oxygen supply to the fire (http://www.cefic-efra.com/). However, according to a recent investigate reported by the Chicago Tribune called Playing with Fire, chemicals flame retardants have not been effective at reducing or slowly the spread of fire. Further, the chemicals only make fires more toxic by forming deadly gases and soot -- real killers in most fires. And, Because of the widespread use of flame retardant chemicals, Americans carry much higher levels of these chemicals in their bodies than anyone else in the world and California children contain some of the highest levels ever measured. Exposure to toxic flame retardants have been linked to real and measurable health impacts. Women with higher levels of flame retardants in their blood take longer to get pregnant and have smaller babies. Children exposed in the womb have lower IQs and attention problems. Other studies have linked flame retardants to cancer, male infertility, male birth defects, and early puberty in girls. A recent study in animals has linked toxic flame retardants to autism and obesity. -NRDC.org flame retardants page
- Flame retardants are used in many different consumer products. They are intended to slow the spread of fire. Rather, chemical flame retardants make fires more toxic. Flame retardants are used in many different consumer products to meet flammability standards, namely California’s Technical Bulletin 117. When used in fabric, they are intended to act as a shield to the flame, to limit oxygen supply to the fire (http://www.cefic-efra.com/). However, according to a recent investigate reported by the Chicago Tribune called Playing with Fire, chemicals flame retardants have not been effective at reducing or slowly the spread of fire. Further, the chemicals only make fires more toxic by forming deadly gases and soot -- real killers in most fires. And, Because of the widespread use of flame retardant chemicals, Americans carry much higher levels of these chemicals in their bodies than anyone else in the world and California children contain some of the highest levels ever measured. Exposure to toxic flame retardants have been linked to real and measurable health impacts. Women with higher levels of flame retardants in their blood take longer to get pregnant and have smaller babies. Children exposed in the womb have lower IQs and attention problems. Other studies have linked flame retardants to cancer, male infertility, male birth defects, and early puberty in girls. A recent study in animals has linked toxic flame retardants to autism and obesity. -NRDC.org flame retardants page