phthalates… rxn’s are bad

Phthalates may cause more damage than originally reported.

An investigation released by a committee from the National Research Council has found that the government risk assessment methods likely underestimate the effects of phthalates. The report has concluded that the EPA could understate the risk of phthalates if it does not consider the effect of combined exposure to different compounds. In other words, mixed with other chemicals, phthalates could be even more damaging.

Phthalate compounds with different chemical structures can interfere with androgen activity in ways that are different, yet lead to the same health outcome. The report stresses that particularly for hormone-mediated effects, risk assessments should group chemicals by common outcome, regardless of the chemical structure or mechanism involved. That will mean assessing products that may contain multiple phthalates or multiple products that may be used together or frequently in ways that could compound an individual’s total phthalate intake. Surprisingly, one such product may be certain types of medications.

In addition, scientists at Harvard, Boston University, and the CDC have identified phthalates in 47 different pharmaceuticals. Versions of the chemical are used in the coating surrounding some medications. Samples of urine were tested, and depending on dosage, some individuals were found with concentrations higher that allowed by the EPA.

Obviously, this has raised concern in over the counter medication, especially those used on pregnant women and children.

The article came via Consumer Reports, HERE.