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The first ever nationwide report to measure levels
of environmental chemicals in the bodies of Americans has found unexpectedly
high levels of compounds used in some types of soap, shampoo, and other
products.
The study found surprisingly
high levels of chemicals called phthalates in some people.
Animal studies suggest that long-term exposure to phthalates, also found
in hairsprays, nail polish, and flexible plastic products, can cause organ
damage and other harmful effects. Whether long-term exposure is harmful
to humans is being studied by government agencies.
Exposure to phthalates appears to be higher than previously
believed. Other studies of environmental chemicals have relied on measuring
levels in the air, water or soil. The current report measured blood and
urine levels of 27 chemicals in a sample of about 5,000 Americans during
1999.
The CDC report suggests
that the scientific models of exposure that we use generally underestimates
the public's real-world exposure.
This report should serve as a
wake-up call -- Americans are clearly being exposed to an array of
toxic chemicals -- many of which can and probably should be avoided. Every
family in America should be taking note of this unprecedented information
and should be asking for more of it.
One encouraging finding was that cotinine
levels, an indicator
of second-hand smoke, have gone down more than 75%
since the measurements taken in 1991.
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention Press Conference Atlanta, GA March 21, 2001
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