March 2009 - In Search Of Phthalate-Free

Remote control-wielding couch potatoes, fast-food junkaholics and Americans with conventional blind-faith-in-regulatory-institutions all pay little attention to scare-mongering articles or newscasts highlighting the latest food recall due to E. coli, salmonella, etc., or toxicity from (fill in the blank yourself).

And read a food label? Whatever for? Most health-conscious consumers do try to avoid obvious health hazards such as mercury-laden fish, tobacco smoke and hydrogenated oils, all proven to cause bodily harm. But how many of us think twice before applying that after-bath lotion for dry skin, or popping the binky in baby's mouth, or spritzing the house with air freshener before company arrives? Research, a LOT of research, suggests innumerable everyday products full of chemicals might cause us more harm than good.

Americans' bodies are virtual stewpots of industrial chemicals, coming into us via foods, food wrappers and containers, air, water, clothing, furniture, wallcovering, vehicles, fuels -- if I go on, I'll run out of room for the rest of this column. While testing more than 2,000 people in an ongoing study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found 148 synthetic substances running through their systems. Many of these chemicals weren't in existence a mere 50 years ago. When a coalition of environmental groups measured chemicals in the blood and urine of 35 people from all parts of the country, they and the participants were startled to find that all participants carried flame retardants and 95 percent carried chemicals found in plastics.

Maybe the mere presence of chemicals isn't cause for upset, according to the government and the manufacturers of these synthetics. But did you know that most chemicals aren't tested for safety before entering the market? The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 grandfathered in about 60,000 of the 82,000 chemicals used today.* When a potential safety hazard arises, the EPA finally examines the health effects. This standard makes the assumption that chemicals are 'innocent until proven guilty,' certainly a shortsighted view if you look back only as far as to DDT and lead in paint and fuel. The European Union, far more progressive in many arenas than the US, requires proof of safety by manufacturers PRIOR to release to the marketplace.

Baby's binky, teething rings, soft vinyl squeeze toys and shower curtains, that highly-treasured "new car smell," nail polish, air fresheners and more may contain phthalates, a group of chemicals which keeps vinyl soft, nail polish hard, and prolongs fragrance life. Although federal law requires cosmetics labels to list ingredients, "fragrance" or "parfum" doesn't require details of its components to be listed -- and that's where phthalates can be found. A recent report by Natural Resources Defense Council found that 12 out of 14 common household air fresheners contain phthalates. Another study** found men's urine contained higher phthalate levels within 48 hours of using aftershave or cologne. Here, personal care products are the source of exposure.

Phthalates' dangers? The chemicals disrupt the endocrine system. Male reproductive system problems have been linked to phthalate exposure. A few years ago, " . . . researchers correlated higher levels of phthalates in adult men with lower sperm counts--and said those higher phthalate levels were typical of levels found in the general population." (Author's emphasis) A number of other studies demonstrated fetal exposure to phthalates (phthalates cross the placental barrier in pregnant women) with genital feminization of baby boys.

The European Union has had a permanent ban on six types of phthalates in children's toys since 2005. In July 2008, legislation banning six phthalates from children's toys and cosmetics was passed by Congress. Washington, Vermont and California legislators have restricted phthalate use in children's goods, and several major retailers say they will phase out phthalate-laden toys.

So what's a health-conscious person to do, especially if the label won't help? Start by going to www.ewg.org.  You'll find consumer lists containing phthalate-free products, including baby and children's products. Avoid synthetically-scented products, including cosmetics and air fresheners and use natural scents. Herbal essential oils will make you, and your house, smell wonderful.

Got a stinky bathroom? Don't reach for the aerosol spray! Open a window, turn on the ventilator fan, light a (unscented) candle. Musty basement or closet? Set out shallow bowls of cider vinegar, or tuck a few charcoal briquets around the area. Both vinegar and charcoal absorb odor, and charcoal will also absorb moisture. Company coming? Simmer water on the stove, and add cloves, orange peel, and cinnamon. Or shake some pumpkin pie spice mix into the water. Or try vanilla or almond extract - bring the water to a simmer and turn the heat off before adding a few drops of the extract.

Meanwhile, Chew On This: Long-term feeding trials found that by the third and fourth litters, offspring of mice given a diet of genetically-modified corn were fewer and smaller. Researchers said there was a direct link between the changes seen and the GM diet.*** A non-GMO Shopping Guide can be found on the Internet at www.healthiereating.org.

"Let food be your medicine," sums up Sue Cosgrove's stance on health and wellness. She believes nutrient-dense and biologically-alive sustenance is not only nature's best prevention, but also nature's best cure. Comments welcome by e-mail at chewsorganic@yahoo.com.