Petrochemicals...where do we begin?
Petroleum-based chemicals are found in nearly every conventionally manufactured product from toothpaste to plywood.
Petrochemicals and their byproducts, such as dioxin, are known to cause
an array of serious health problems, including cancers and endocrine
disruption.
Of the more than 75,000 chemicals registered with the Environmental
Protection Agency, only a fraction have gone through complete testing
to find out whether they might cause problems for human health. Many
that are produced in enormous quantities have never been tested at all.
Usually, it takes dramatic episodes of workplace injuries or wildlife
poisonings, combined with rigorous scientific proof of harm and public
outcry, before the government will act to restrict or ban any chemical.
And that is no accident. The current regulatory system allows synthetic
chemicals into our lives unless proven beyond doubt to be dangerous.
Recommendations
Find alternatives to plastic products whenever possible. Some specific
suggestions:
» Avoid all PVC and Styrene products
» Use natural fiber clothing, bedding and furniture.
» Buy food in glass or metal containers.
» Avoid heating food in plastic containers, or storing fatty foods in plastic containers or plastic wrap.
» Do not give young children plastic teethers or toys.
The following is a chart of products made with petrochemicals, where they are found, and what risks
they pose to our health.
| Plastic |
Common
Uses |
Adverse
Health Effects |
Polyvinyl
chloride
(#3PVC) |
Food
packaging, plastic wrap, containers for toiletries, cosmetics, crib
bumpers, floor tiles, pacifiers, shower curtains, toys, water pipes,
garden hoses, auto upholstery, inflatable swimming pools |
Can
cause cancer, birth defects, genetic changes, chronic bronchitis,
ulcers, skin diseases, deafness, vision failure, indigestion, and
liver dysfunction. |
Phthalates
(DEHP,
DINP,
and others) |
Softened
vinyl products manufactured with phthalates include vinyl clothing,
emulsion paint, footwear, printing inks, non-mouthing toys and children’s
products, product packaging and food wrap, vinyl flooring, blood
bags and tubing, IV containers and components, surgical gloves,
breathing tubes, general purpose labware, inhalation masks, many
other medical devices. |
Endocrine
disruption, linked to asthma, developmental and reporoductive effects.
Medical waste with PVC and pthalates is regularly incinerated causing
public health effects from the release of dioxins and mercury, including
cancer, birth defects, hormonal changes, declining sperm counts,
infertility, endometriosis, and immune system impairment. |
| Polystyrene
|
Many
food containers for meats, fish, cheeses, yogurt, foam and clear
clamshell containers, foam and rigid plates, clear bakery containers,
packaging "peanuts", foam packaging, audio cassette housings,
CD cases, disposable cutlery, building insulation, floatation devices,
ice buckets, wall tile, paints, serving trays, throw-away hot drink
cups, toys. |
Can
irritate eyes, nose and throat and can cause dizziness and unconsciousness.
Migrates into food and stores in body fat. Elevated rates of lymphatic
and hematopoietic cancers for workers. |
Polyethelyne
(#1 PET) |
Water
and soda bottles, carpet fiber, chewing gum, coffee stirrers, drinking
glasses, food containers and wrappers, heat-sealed plastic packaging,
kitchenware, plastic bags, squeeze bottles, toys. |
Suspected human carcinogen. |
| Polyester |
Bedding,
clothing, disposable diapers, food packaging, tampons, upholstery. |
Can
cause eye and respiratory-tract irritation and acute skin rashes |
Urea-
formaldehyde |
Particle
board, plywood, building insulation, fabric finishes |
Formaldehyde
is a suspected carcinogen and has been shown to cause birth defects
and genetic changes. Inhaling formaldehyde can cause cough, swelling
of the throat, watery eyes, breathing problems, headaches, rashes,
tiredness. |
Polyurethane
Foam |
Cushions,
mattresses, pillows. |
Bronchitis,
coughing, skin and eye problems. Can release toluene diisocyanate
which can produce severe lung problems. |
| Acrylic |
Clothing,
blankets, carpets made from acrylic fibers, adhesives, contact lenses,
dentures, floor waxes, food preparation equipment, disposable diapers,
sanitary napkins, paints. |
Can cause breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, weakness, headache and fatigue. |
Tetrafluoro-
ethelyne |
Non-stick coating on cookware, clothes irons, ironing board covers, plumbing and tools. |
Can irritate eyes, nose and throat and can cause breathing difficulties. |
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control Report, "National
Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals," 2001.
Dadd, Debra,
Home Safe Home, Penguin Putnam, New York, 1997.
Ecology
Center Plastic Task Force
Report, Berkeley, CA, 1996.
Goettlich,
Paul, "What
are Endocrine Disruptors?," 2001
National
Resources Defense Council website, "Endocrine
Disruptors FAQ," 2001.
|
