Issues > July/August 2005 (#109) > Body Burdened: CDC Study Finds Widespread Exposures to Phthalates, Pesticides and Other Chemicals

Body Burdened: CDC Study Finds Widespread Exposures to Phthalates, Pesticides and Other Chemicals

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—PAHs: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are produced in motor vehicle exhaust, furnaces and fireplaces, cigarettes, in the charbroiling of meat and other burning of organic substances. Several PAHs are linked to cancer in human and animal studies. The CDC detected a number of PAH metabolites widely across the population. Cut down on your personal production of PAHs by driving less, using your fireplace less and see The Green Guide's suggestions for greener grilling.

Also, to reduce exposure, avoid exercising near roadways during rush traffic and on unhealthy air days (see www.epa.gov to check your local levels).

—Dioxins and PCBs: Several forms of dioxin cause cancer in human and animal studies, and low levels of PCBs (banned in the U.S. since 1978) are linked to impaired neurological development in newborns and children. Although levels of dioxins and PCBs have declined dramatically over the past few decades, the chemicals are still showing up in about 5 to 25 percent of the population (and some PCBs are in as much as 50 percent of the population). What you can do: dioxins and PCBs accumulate in high fat foods such as eggs, dairy products and certain fish and animal fats. Breast milk is a major source of exposure for infants. Eat a balanced diet that is low in animal fats, and continue to breast feed because overall the health benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks from dioxins and PCBs.

Do avoid purchasing products made of PVC, the production and incineration of which produce dioxins. PVC containers can be recognized by their #3 recycling code.

—Phthalates: Phthalate metabolites were found in the majority of people tested, a concern because these plasticizers are widely used in products ranging from toys to food packaging to personal-care products such as shampoo, nail polish and perfume. In animals, several phthalates have been linked to liver cancer and male and female reproductive abnormalities. Phthalates are converted quickly to metabolites in the body, and they don't bioaccumulate, so the CDC urine tests reveal that Americans are being exposed frequently and recently. For most of the phthalate metabolites tested, levels were higher in children aged 6 to 11 than they were in teens and adults. The CDC study did not test children under 6, but a previous study showed that metabolites of one phthalate, DEHP, were higher in children aged 2 to 6 years than in their parents. For suggestions on phthalate-free cosmetics, see "Gentle Touches: Personal Care." Choose toys from manufacturers that do not use phthalates; for a list, see Greenpeace's Toy Report Card. For other toy options, see our Toy Product Report.

—DDT and other organochlorine pesticides: Diet is the main source, as these chemicals are fat-soluble and end up in milk, dairy products, and fish. The EPA banned DDT in 1973, but it is still used in other countries and imported food may contain traces of it. The main metabolite DDE takes a long time to be removed from the body's fat stores. DDT has been linked to reduced fertility, neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer in animals, although the association between DDT and breast cancer is uncertain. To avoid DDT on foreign foods, shop for produce from local sources when in season; see our Top Ten Fruits & Vegetables To Buy Organic list. Don't forget you can freeze berries and other fruits for off-season enjoyment.

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