Phthalate -PVC- exposure, linked to less-masculine play by boys, altered male genital development. Phthalates are becoming more controversial as scientific research increasingly associates them with genital defects, metabolic abnormalities, and reduced testosterone in babies and adults. A federal law passed in 2008 banned six phthalates from use in toys such as teethers, play bath items, soft books, dolls and plastic figures.Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics. Recent studies have shown that the major source of human exposure to the two phthalates of most concern (DEHP and DBP) is through food. These phthalates are used primarily in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), so any steps in the processing, packaging, storage, or heating of food that use PVC-containing products can introduce them into the food chain.Babies recently treated with infant personal care products such as lotion, shampoo, and powder, were more likely to have manmade chemicals called phthalates in their urine than other babies

November 18, 2009 in Health
Tags: health hazards, phthalates, PVC

http://kl.am/4X9z

Nanoparticles used in common household items cause genetic damage in mice. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles, found in everything from cosmetics to sunscreen to paint to vitamins, cause systemic genetic damage in mice, according to a comprehensive study – http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116165739.htm (via http://ff.im/byOMe)

November 17, 2009 in News
Tags: health hazards, nanoparticles

http://kl.am/4VSi