Gender Bending Plasticizers in Fast Food Containers Linked to Sex Changes
It can also cause depression and memory impairment
SOURCE
Plasticizers, known as a chemical called phthalates, are found in a variety of household products.
However, recent studies show that this dangerous chemical is found in pizza takeaway boxes and other fast food containers, meaning many people are ingesting it without being aware of its very serious side effects.
A recent study examined 9,000 people. It was found that those who ate fast food and take-out more often had higher levels of phthalates found in their urine than those who did not frequently eat fast food. It was theorized that PVC tubing, plastic gloves the food handlers use and the containers the food comes in were the likely culprits of this build up of the chemical.
It was also observed that those who had a higher amount of the chemical in their body consumed more meat and grains than those who did not.
Phthalates are found in many plastic household items, which help keep plastic flexible. But they were found to be likely carcinogenic and the U.S. Product Safety Commission banned them in children’s toys.
But if this chemical abounds, what is so dangerous about it?
When this plasticizer is found in wildlife refuges, it is often linked to the feminization of non-intersex male animals who then go on to develop female characteristics. Although no studies have been done on humans to determine if this is also the case, researchers say the results are relevant as humans have similar endocrine systems.
Additionally, exposure to the chemical while pregnant can lead to the masculinization of a baby, as well as disrupting the thyroid levels of the fetus in the crucial third trimester.
Researchers have also found that pregnant women exposed to the chemical have an over 72% chance of having a child who would later develop asthma between the ages of 5 and 11.
The chemical can also lead to migraines, depression and impaired memory in senior adults.
In order to protect yourself from phthalates, it is recommended that you cut back on your take-out and fast food. It is also recommended that you replace plastic products in your household with glass or fabric alternatives and that you avoid purchasing food with any plastic wrapping.
Millions Of American Men Exposed To Feminizing Chemical In Drinking Water
Atrazine, a potent hormone disrupter linked to sex-changes
in animals and powerful effects on humans in extremely low doses has
been found in one in 6 American’s drinking water.
According to research, exposure to atrazine
in utero can cause genital deformation in young boys, including the
development of a micropenis, medically known as microphallus.
The chemical, banned in Europe for its harmful qualities, is known to disrupt endocrine function in human beings, which can lead to a slew of disastrous health disorders.
Problems that may occur as a result of exposure include breast and prostate cancer, weight gain, lowering metabolism, ovarian cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, thyroid disorder and hairy cell leukemia.
“Timing of exposure may be more important than exposure levels. Research shows that low levels of exposure during key periods of pregnancy may interfere with healthy fetal development,” warns the Pesticide Action Network of North America. The third trimester of pregnancy appears to be most critical, says a recent epidemiological study. Synergystic effects between atrazine and other pesticides may also render health harms more severe.“
And these problems can occur at extremely low-level exposure to the chemical.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states the safe level of atrazine in drinking water is 3 drops per an Olympic sized pool, however it is clear that many water companies are getting away with including much more in an effort to save money by not properly filtering their water.
According to NRDC’s 2010 analysis of the most recent EPA data, drinking water in 67 public systems had peak atrazine levels above 3 parts per billion (ppb), with one as high as 60 ppb in Ohio – a staggering twenty times over the legal limit.
Six water systems had average annual atrazine concentrations that exceeded the EPA limit entirely. And these figures are for treated drinking water — raw water samples contained even higher concentrations. (See also NRDC’s 2009 Poisoning the Well)
Syngeta AG, the makers of the chemical, are attempting to promote the chemical as safe. However as the Wall Street Journal reported, the Swiss chemical giants paid $105 million to settle a class action lawsuit with several Midwestern water companies alleging atrazine had poisoned their water supplies.
How can you protect yourself and your family from this dangerous chemical – as well as others poisoning that poison the well the nation drinks from?
Stop drinking water straight from the tap. Filter your water as much as possible before you consider it safe to drink. Not all water filters are born equal – make sure you read the small print and ensure the filter is certified to remove atrazine.
The chemical, banned in Europe for its harmful qualities, is known to disrupt endocrine function in human beings, which can lead to a slew of disastrous health disorders.
Problems that may occur as a result of exposure include breast and prostate cancer, weight gain, lowering metabolism, ovarian cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, thyroid disorder and hairy cell leukemia.
“Timing of exposure may be more important than exposure levels. Research shows that low levels of exposure during key periods of pregnancy may interfere with healthy fetal development,” warns the Pesticide Action Network of North America. The third trimester of pregnancy appears to be most critical, says a recent epidemiological study. Synergystic effects between atrazine and other pesticides may also render health harms more severe.“
And these problems can occur at extremely low-level exposure to the chemical.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states the safe level of atrazine in drinking water is 3 drops per an Olympic sized pool, however it is clear that many water companies are getting away with including much more in an effort to save money by not properly filtering their water.
According to NRDC’s 2010 analysis of the most recent EPA data, drinking water in 67 public systems had peak atrazine levels above 3 parts per billion (ppb), with one as high as 60 ppb in Ohio – a staggering twenty times over the legal limit.
Six water systems had average annual atrazine concentrations that exceeded the EPA limit entirely. And these figures are for treated drinking water — raw water samples contained even higher concentrations. (See also NRDC’s 2009 Poisoning the Well)
Syngeta AG, the makers of the chemical, are attempting to promote the chemical as safe. However as the Wall Street Journal reported, the Swiss chemical giants paid $105 million to settle a class action lawsuit with several Midwestern water companies alleging atrazine had poisoned their water supplies.
How can you protect yourself and your family from this dangerous chemical – as well as others poisoning that poison the well the nation drinks from?
Stop drinking water straight from the tap. Filter your water as much as possible before you consider it safe to drink. Not all water filters are born equal – make sure you read the small print and ensure the filter is certified to remove atrazine.