September 27, 2005
Lunchbox legend
Hardly a week goes by that we don't see an urban legend about plastics and phthalates pop up in the media. This week's comes from Mothering magazine. In advising moms how to pack healthy lunches, the article warns against reusing soda bottles made from PET because "after repeated use, PET containers can leach DEHP."
If the reporter, Molly Rauch of Green Guide, had called me, my answer would have been clear:
"WRONG!"
PET doesn't contain any DEHP, or any other phthalate (or adipate, which is what the Green Guide Web site says). PET is polyethylene terephthalate, which has no plasticizer in it and certainly not DEHP.
As for Ms. Rauch's advice to "purchase only non-PVC plastic wrap," wrong again! None of the plastic wraps U.S. consumers purchase at the supermarket are made of PVC.
Posted by Marian at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)
September 23, 2005
"Irresponsible, hysterical scaremongering"
Those aren’t my words – well, not this time, at least. You’ll find them in a piece written by Robin McKie, science editor for London’s Observer, which is the Sunday sister paper of the left-leaning Guardian. McKie quotes “London’s leading poison experts” in criticizing pressure groups, especially Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund, for hyping the presence of minute traces of chemicals in the body, and for deliberately confusing risk with hazard.
The story can be found at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/waste/story/0,12188,1572734,00.html
Posted by Marian at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)
September 19, 2005
Another Questionable Study Published
Another statistical analysis has been published suggesting that some phthalates interfere with the reproductive development of infants. But even a quick look at this analysis suggests serious flaws. This study, by a Danish-Finnish team, was just published on line by Environmental Health Perspectives, the journal that has published many such studies.
It claims to show a relationship between phthalate levels found in breast milk and lowered hormone levels. Here are our Panel toxicologist's preliminary comments:
1. The data in the study confirm that phthalate exposures from breast milk are at low levels, and that exposures of breast-fed infants are well within margins considered by government agencies to be safe.
2. Importantly - the phthalate levels did NOT correlate with cryptorchidism (undescended testicles). In other words, the data, taken at face value, suggest that phthalate exposure is not a cause of this type of testicular problem. One reason why this is important is that cryptorchidism is a major effect of some phthalates in some rodent studies.
3. There are some statistically significant findings in the study. But of 54 comparisons reported, eight are statistically significant. (About three statistical correlations would be expected to occur purely by chance). And of those eight, three were associated with either MEP or MMP, two metabolites which are NOT considered to be reproductive toxicants.
4. Finally, the authors concede failing to take steps to correct for the presence of contaminants that could have skewed their results.
At the moment, the media seem to be staying away from this story. A more formal and lengthy panel statement will be issued if developments warrant. For a more detailed analysis of the study conducted by our European colleagues, please see: http://www.phthalates.com/upload/documents/document37.pdf.
Posted by Marian at 11:25 AM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2005
CIR says DBP “Safe for use”—again
Remember the CIR – the Cosmetic Ingredient Review? It’s an independent panel of seven scientists who review the use of chemicals in personal care products for the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association. FDA has a permanent seat on the panel. In late 2002, it ruled that DBP, DEP and DMP were “safe for use” in their current concentrations. Special interest groups loudly criticized the finding (see http://www.phthalates.org/mediacenter/panelstatement.asp?ID=10).
At its most recent quarterly meeting earlier this week, the CIR panel again looked at DBP to consider whether any changes should be made to the use determination. The review was prompted by new published data, primarily the Swan study (see http://www.phthalates.org/mediacenter/panelstatement.asp?ID=57). The CIR panel quickly concluded it would stand by its earlier finding that DBP is continued “safe for use” at its current product concentrations. The CIR committed itself to keeping an eye on research as it evolves, but also noted that it had a “number of issues” with the quality and basic premises of the Swan study.
Posted by Marian at 9:56 PM | Comments (0)
September 8, 2005
Phthalate Panel Launches Web Log
Welcome to the new Phthalate Esters Panel blog. The Panel is composed of all of the major U.S. manufacturers of phthalate esters. It has been in existence since 1973. Its main activities are research, advocacy with state and federal governments and communications. Advocacy takes the form of responding to proposed regulations and legislation with information packages about phthalates. We on occasion also meet with State and Federal staff.
Check this site to get up to the minute information on meetings we're attending, latest Panel publications, reactions to news and journal articles and interesting phthalate trivia. I've managed the panel for over 15 years and look forward to sharing information and insights with you.
Posted by Marian at 4:34 PM | Comments (0)