Existing controls inadequate in United States, study finds
Reuters
Updated: 5:26 p.m. ET Sept. 8, 2004
BOSTON - In the first long-term study of air pollution’s effects on children, researchers reported Wednesday that contaminated air stunts lung development in teenagers and the effects could extend well into adulthood.
The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, show that existing pollution controls in many parts of the United States are inadequate.
The researchers, who followed 1,759 children in a dozen southern California communities, said pollution is probably having a similar effect on children elsewhere.
The youngsters were tested for eight years beginning at age 10, just before their lungs began their final maturation spurt.
James Gauderman of the University of Southern California and his colleagues found that 7.9 percent of the 18-year-olds in the highest pollution areas had lung capacities that were less than 80 percent of what they should have been.
Among teenagers subjected to the least-polluted air, only 1.6 percent had underperforming lungs.
The damage was seen in teens who had never smoked and had never had asthma.
“This is some of the most convincing evidence that air pollution has chronic effects,” Gauderman told Reuters. “We see the effects in all kids. And it’s an unavoidable exposure. It’s not like smoking, where you can advise people to stop. This is a day-in-day-out kind of exposure.”
The damage, he said, may be permanent.
“By the time they reach their late teens, their lung development has pretty much stopped,” said Gauderman.
Teens face greater risksAt that age, lower lung capacity may translate into wheezing during a cold or a bout with the flu, or make it harder to recover after an illness, he said.
But because adults lose about 1 percent of their lung capacity each year, beginning in their late 20s, teens with lame lungs face greater risks if serious illness subsequently strikes.
“In your 50s and beyond, low lung function is a major risk factor for death from respiratory illness or heart disease,” he said.
Although southern California is notorious for its bad air, Gauderman said pollution levels had declined in the last two decades so the amount of dirty air there is comparable to most urban centers.
In an editorial in the Journal, C. Arden Pope of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, said the findings showed that ”the control of air pollution represents an important opportunity to prevent disease.”
Copyright 2004 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Group Links Nail Polish to Birth Defects
November 29, 2000Web posted at: 11:27 a.m. EST (1627 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An environmental group Tuesday warned women of childbearing age to avoid using nail polish that contains a chemical that has been shown to cause birth defects in laboratory animals.
A report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) said the chemical in question is called dibutyl phthalate or DBP. Phthalates are a class of industrial plasticizers that were invented in the 1930s. They are often used in cosmetics because they make nail polish flexible, help bleed the chemicals of fragrances, and help lotion better penetrate the skin. They aren't always required to be labeled on the products.
Lab animals given dibutyl phthalate had higher numbers of offspring with birth defects, especially of the male reproductive system.
In September, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the results of a study that tested 289 adults aged 20-60 for seven metabolites associated with exposure to various phthalates and found it was present in all of those tested, with women of childbearing age having the highest levels.
Jane Houlihan, Senior Analyst at the EWG, said women between the ages of 15-45 are probably exposed to dibutyl phthalate through cosmetics and particularly nail polish.
"We think that women of childbearing are should avoid all exposures to dibutyl phthalate when they're considering becoming pregnant, when they're pregnant or when they're nursing," Houlihan said.
But a spokesman for The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association said nail polishes and cosmetics are safe.
"The Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, Health Canada and other scientific bodies in Europe, North America, and Japan have examined phthalates and allow their use. Phthalates were also reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, an independent body that reviews the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics. CIR found them to be safe for use in cosmetics.
Consumers can have confidence in their cosmetics given their oversight by FDA and a long history of safe use," said Dr. Jerry McEwen, vice-president of science at CTFA.
Still, there are several unanswered questions about the chemical, including what level of exposure causes illness.
"By directly measuring levels of phthalate metabolites in urine, we have markedly improved our understanding of human exposure to phthalates and also improved our ability to determine potential health risks from exposure," said John Brock, a senior chemist at CDC.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Working Group says male birth defects have been on the rise since the 1970s. In Puerto Rico, one study found girls who were experiencing premature puberty had high levels of a different phthalate in their bodies. The EWG said the last tests for safe close exposure were done in rats in 1953. They're calling for more testing and clearer product labeling.
"We believe manufacturers should fully label their products and that the label should be legible for consumers," Houlihan said. "We're also advising that pregnant women avoid exposures to dibutyl phthalate even while they're trying to get pregnant, while they're pregnant or while they're nursing."
The CDC said additional studies are needed to examine possible sources of the exposures, as well as the need for more insight into the safety and health effects of these chemicals.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An environmental group Tuesday warned women of childbearing age to avoid using nail polish that contains a chemical that has been shown to cause birth defects in laboratory animals.
A report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) said the chemical in question is called dibutyl phthalate or DBP. Phthalates are a class of industrial plasticizers that were invented in the 1930s. They are often used in cosmetics because they make nail polish flexible, help bleed the chemicals of fragrances, and help lotion better penetrate the skin. They aren't always required to be labeled on the products.
Lab animals given dibutyl phthalate had higher numbers of offspring with birth defects, especially of the male reproductive system.
In September, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the results of a study that tested 289 adults aged 20-60 for seven metabolites associated with exposure to various phthalates and found it was present in all of those tested, with women of childbearing age having the highest levels.
Jane Houlihan, Senior Analyst at the EWG, said women between the ages of 15-45 are probably exposed to dibutyl phthalate through cosmetics and particularly nail polish.
"We think that women of childbearing are should avoid all exposures to dibutyl phthalate when they're considering becoming pregnant, when they're pregnant or when they're nursing," Houlihan said.
But a spokesman for The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association said nail polishes and cosmetics are safe.
"The Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, Health Canada and other scientific bodies in Europe, North America, and Japan have examined phthalates and allow their use. Phthalates were also reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, an independent body that reviews the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics. CIR found them to be safe for use in cosmetics.
Consumers can have confidence in their cosmetics given their oversight by FDA and a long history of safe use," said Dr. Jerry McEwen, vice-president of science at CTFA.
Still, there are several unanswered questions about the chemical, including what level of exposure causes illness.
"By directly measuring levels of phthalate metabolites in urine, we have markedly improved our understanding of human exposure to phthalates and also improved our ability to determine potential health risks from exposure," said John Brock, a senior chemist at CDC.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Working Group says male birth defects have been on the rise since the 1970s. In Puerto Rico, one study found girls who were experiencing premature puberty had high levels of a different phthalate in their bodies. The EWG said the last tests for safe close exposure were done in rats in 1953. They're calling for more testing and clearer product labeling.
"We believe manufacturers should fully label their products and that the label should be legible for consumers," Houlihan said. "We're also advising that pregnant women avoid exposures to dibutyl phthalate even while they're trying to get pregnant, while they're pregnant or while they're nursing."
The CDC said additional studies are needed to examine possible sources of the exposures, as well as the need for more insight into the safety and health effects of these chemicals.
Beauty Procedures and Pregnancy... Whats' Safe and What's not.
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
Manic ManicuresMany pregnant women find that their nails tend to grow more quickly, producing a need to groom them more often. What once was a three or four times a year task now becomes a once-a-month visit.
"Normally, my nails break and are very brittle so I keep them short,"says Crystal Riggs, a small business owner from Seneca, S.C. "I only have to trim or groom my nails every couple months because they just don't grow. But during my pregnancy, my nails grew longer, stronger, held up to everything including kids and dishes. I loved the fact that I "needed" to go to the salon to get my nails done, something I normally wouldn't do."
Visit any manicurist and you will see the finest collection of chemicals, from nail polish and removers to oils, paints and skin treatments, all believed to be safe. But according to a recent report from the Food and Drug Administration, research indicates that chemicals in nail polish, nail polish removers and the like, namely methyl methacrylate and acetonitrile (a chemical that breaks down into cyanide when swallowed), are in fact dangerous and can cause numerous health problems including skin irritation, contact dermatitis, rashes, poisoning and even death. These facts alone cause a concern and fear of manicures.
But according to manicurist, Heather Jacobson, it all depends upon the chemicals used and who uses them. "Not all manicurists use the same products or use them in the same way," says Jacobson. "For example, I use mostly natural or biodegradable products and the nail polish I use on my customers is edible." It's not that you could eat it right from the bottle, but if you do ingest it... as most women do from time to time from biting their nails, licking their fingers, etc. รข it won't harm you, as it has only natural ingredients. But others may still use products that contain chemicals that are not safe during pregnancy or otherwise. It is best to ask your manicurist or request she/he use natural products. And if you're not sure, simply skip the nail polish and have your nails buffed for a natural shine.
Barefoot's nail polish has no phalates, formaldehyde or Toluene. Other nail polishes are supposed to be recycled at your local gas stations. Shaklee’s can be thrown away in your garbage. Yet measures of its long-lasting and chipware qualities are equivalent to the top of the line nail polishes.
Question to Dr. Jim Greene --Director Product FormulationPersonal Care and Household
I have a customer whose nails yellow everytime she uses nail polish. She has not used -- yet. What causes this? She said that other women she knows complains of this also.
Dr. Jim Green's reply:.
This is usually caused by exposure to formaldehyde that cross-links theprotein in the nail and turns it yellow. She should try one nail with thebase/top coat for several days to make sure; but, there is less chance with a formaldehyde-free products...Jim
Manic ManicuresMany pregnant women find that their nails tend to grow more quickly, producing a need to groom them more often. What once was a three or four times a year task now becomes a once-a-month visit.
"Normally, my nails break and are very brittle so I keep them short,"says Crystal Riggs, a small business owner from Seneca, S.C. "I only have to trim or groom my nails every couple months because they just don't grow. But during my pregnancy, my nails grew longer, stronger, held up to everything including kids and dishes. I loved the fact that I "needed" to go to the salon to get my nails done, something I normally wouldn't do."
Visit any manicurist and you will see the finest collection of chemicals, from nail polish and removers to oils, paints and skin treatments, all believed to be safe. But according to a recent report from the Food and Drug Administration, research indicates that chemicals in nail polish, nail polish removers and the like, namely methyl methacrylate and acetonitrile (a chemical that breaks down into cyanide when swallowed), are in fact dangerous and can cause numerous health problems including skin irritation, contact dermatitis, rashes, poisoning and even death. These facts alone cause a concern and fear of manicures.
But according to manicurist, Heather Jacobson, it all depends upon the chemicals used and who uses them. "Not all manicurists use the same products or use them in the same way," says Jacobson. "For example, I use mostly natural or biodegradable products and the nail polish I use on my customers is edible." It's not that you could eat it right from the bottle, but if you do ingest it... as most women do from time to time from biting their nails, licking their fingers, etc. รข it won't harm you, as it has only natural ingredients. But others may still use products that contain chemicals that are not safe during pregnancy or otherwise. It is best to ask your manicurist or request she/he use natural products. And if you're not sure, simply skip the nail polish and have your nails buffed for a natural shine.
Barefoot's nail polish has no phalates, formaldehyde or Toluene. Other nail polishes are supposed to be recycled at your local gas stations. Shaklee’s can be thrown away in your garbage. Yet measures of its long-lasting and chipware qualities are equivalent to the top of the line nail polishes.
Question to Dr. Jim Greene --Director Product FormulationPersonal Care and Household
I have a customer whose nails yellow everytime she uses nail polish. She has not used -- yet. What causes this? She said that other women she knows complains of this also.
Dr. Jim Green's reply:.
This is usually caused by exposure to formaldehyde that cross-links theprotein in the nail and turns it yellow. She should try one nail with thebase/top coat for several days to make sure; but, there is less chance with a formaldehyde-free products...Jim
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