> Far and away in the greatest amount were the little-known phthalates,
> ubiquitous plasticizers used to soften everything vinyl, including
> flooring, raincoats, shoes and purses, tablecloths, shower curtains,
> upholstery, carpet backing, garden hoses and PVC water pipes.
New Asthma Threat Detected in Homes
A July study by a team of Swedish researchers found that two chemicals
common in household dust pose significant risks for allergic and
asthmatic reactions in children. The chemicals, known as phthalates
(pronounced tha-lates), are common plasticizers found in a wide
variety of consumer goods around the world.
The researchers focused on three phthalates: di-n-butyl phthalate
(DnBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
(DEHP). DnBP was not associated with allergies or asthma. BBzP is
found in vinyl tile, carpeting, and artificial leather and was
strongly associated with nasal allergies and eczema (a rash-like skin
allergy). DEHP is heavily used as a plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) and was found to be an asthma trigger.
DEHP could constitute a significant public health concern, as
childhood asthma rates have increased sharply around the world in
recent years. DEHP is widely used, making up approximately one-half of
the global market share of all phthalates. It is found in high
concentrations in household dust, and children in industrialized
countries are likely exposed to large doses of the chemical each day.
The researchers state that inhalation is a likely exposure pathway for
DEHP-the chemical is easily inhaled, especially by children whose
natural play behaviors place them on the floor, where house dust
ac***ulates.
While several studies have examined the concentration of phthalates in
household dust, this research is the first to draw a strong link
between the chemicals and asthma.
Since the publication of the book Our Stolen Future in 1996,
phthalates have been the subject of growing controversy. The plastics
industry claims the chemicals are safe. However, researchers are
concerned about a variety of adverse impacts from phthalates. In
addition to the asthma risk identified by the Swedish study,
scientists also have linked phthalates to endocrine disruption, which
negatively affects hormone levels and the reproductive systems of
wildlife and humans.
The asthma study will be published in Environmental Health
Perspectives and is available at
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2004/7187/7187.html.
For more in-depth information about phthalates, visit
www.ourstolenfuture.org.
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