 |
   |
         |
|
Recent Coverage
E/E 179
2 Low dose phthalate effects reported Researchers have reported low level effects of phthalates, but industry claims this research was flawed. 2 Anxiety panic and serotonin 3 Arsenic and chicken High levels of arsenic have been detected in chicken, which may alter estimated dietary intake of this suspected endocrine disruptor 3 Dietary dioxin modeling Researchers have developed a new technique for modeling dietary dioxin intake. 4 Alzheimer’s linked to low testosterone 4 Challenges of chronic pesticide effects surveillance 5 Estrogenic assay comparison 5 Doubts cast on dioxin-endometriosis link 6 Psycosocial Disturbances and ED Effects 7 New perchlorate detection technique 8 Ultralow BPA detection 8 New simultaneous xenoestrogen detection technique 9 Dioxin and breast differentiation 9 Behaviour obesity association 10 Differing estrogenicity of nonylphenol 10 Chlorination reduces estrogenicity 11 BPA corner Reports on neural, LH, and tadpole effects. BPA resistance to seawater degradation.
E/E 178
2 Autism Costs Could Bankrupt Healthcare The incidence of autism has nearly doubled over the last 4-years in California. At this current rate of growth, this disease could cost the US Healthcare system $83 billion/year by 2014. Changes and deficiencies in a variety of hormone systems have been associated with this disease. 8 California adds DEHP to reprotox list The state of California has added DEHP to a list of reprotoxic substances that must be labelled in the state. Products sold in the state with DEHP will require labelling unless manufacturers can prove that the levels found are safe. 10 EU REACH Launched The European Union has launched new legislation that would require that manufactures confirm the safety of existing chemicals. The new process could cost industry over $6 billion over the next decade. Environmentalists argue that it does not go far enough in protecting consumers. 10 Q&A with RJ Witorsch on BPA Report E/E Letter interviews Raphael J Witorsch, who has written extensively on BPA. He notes, “To imply that a slight increase in prostatic weight or body weight associated with in utero BPA exposure is evidence that the substance is a risk factor for prostate cancer or obesity is in my opinion premature and scientifically irresponsible.” 12 Greenpeace Phthalate Campaign Greenpeace UK reports finding phthalates and nonylphenol in pajamas perfumes, shampoos, and plastic goods. But industry notes that studies by the European Union and the Consumer Products Safety Commission exonerate the phthalates found from safety concerns. 12 Jim Solyst on The Precautionary Principle The American Chemistry Council responds to some concerns that have been raised about the use of the precautionary principle. 13 EPA Decides Against Regulating Dioxin in Sewage 13 GMO Leakage Not ED Concern 13 Schlumpf on Sunscreens Margot Schlumpf discusses the relevance and concerns around recent research involving the estrogenicity and anti-androgen activity of various sunscreen chemicals.
E/E 177
2 BPA Addendum Witorsch questions human relevance of low-dose research on mice. Cites major differences in hormone levels during pregnancy. 2 Correction BPA levels found in drinks at levels as high as 213 ppb. 3 Snails Affected by Low Doses of BPA, NP, and OP New Oehlmann paper notes LOEC down to 1 PPB for BPA and OP Calculated effect concentration down to 0.004 ppb for BPA, and 0.07 ppb for NP Oehlmann notes, “effects on these snails threatening the survival of populations in the field may affect even the ecosystem level.” APERC responds on shortcomings of study 6 Update on HR 4709 Reintroduced as HR 852 with companion bill in senate, S 1588 Now has 49 co-sponsors. 7 Govt. Report Recommends Steps to Reduce Dietary Dioxin Recommends less saturated fats from meat and milk 9 But a Little Dioxin May Be Good For You Synopsis of Science article on hormesis indicating that small amounts of toxins can be beneficial. Quotes vom Saal as saying, “the declaration that low-dose effects are often healthy “is where Ed [Calabrese] falls off the edge of the earth.” Also notes, “[vom Saal] says that regulators are missing a whole suite of harmful effects of chemicals that haven’t been adequately tested at low levels. Even if the effect appears beneficial—faster growth, larger offspring—that’s not necessarily a good thing, he points out.” Brief on new cadmium research showing effects down to 5 ppb. 10 Organohalogen Compounds in Fish New survey looks at compounds in wild and cultured salmon and other fish Q&A with Vladimir Zitko on steps to provide ongoing analysis and monitoring
E/E 175
2 E/E Exclusive: Animal Diets Questioned Respected researchers are asking why the EPA has decided to use the Purina 5002 diet for its Endocrine Disruptor testing program of tens of thousands of chemicals. A recent study in press has suggested that phytoestrogen levels can vary from 159-431 ppm and that these levels can affect the results of certain assays. This report also calls into question some of the research that has been conducted on endocrine active compounds using phytoestrogen rich diets, or in diets, like the Purina 5002 in which phytoestrogens are not controlled. Researchers are reporting phytoestrogen variations up to 600% in the 5002 diet. All three major manufacturers already produce diets that exclude the soy and alfalfa. These rodent studies have not yet been started, so it is not too late for the EPA to reopen this issue for discussion. It is the opinion of many that this EPA decision must be reviewed. 11 Q&A With Jun Kanno “For more precise endpoints such as gene expression, which could be at least a part of newer ED screenings and testing, I think a Phytoestrogen Low Diet is very important.” 12 Q&A with vom Saal and Welshons “Only those hoping to delay the process of completing establishment of a validated screening and testing program by having experiments conducted using Purina 5002 would applaud the misguided decision by the EPA to use this feed in any future EPA-sponsored studies.” 13 Comparison of diets involved in BPA studies 13 Comparative estrogenic effects of phytoestrogens 14 Summary of EHP reports on rat uterotrophic assay 15 Who spiked the SPES? Pharmaceutical contamination mars reputation of popular herbal remedy. Sparks lawsuit.
E/E 173
2 SCOPE vs Hiroshima Contrasts between two major ED conferences in Japan. 3 Anthropological ED Study Research by Dr. Elizabeth Guillette links pesticides with breasted boys; bigger, glandless breasts in girls; mental impairment, and social isolation. 5 Lyons on Precaution The WWF’s Gwynne Lyons recommends precaution in dealing with suspected endocrine disruptors like bisphenol A. Notes EU decision-making process does not yet reflect the importance of precautionary controls for dealing with endocrine disruption. 7 Phthalate Sperm Damage New research suggests phthalates may cause sperm damage. More research required. 8 Ashby Corrected Ashby’s comments on Yokohama reprinted with correct dosage information. 9 UK NPE Controls The United Kingdom is urging voluntary controls of Nonylphenols and their Ethoxylates ahead of EU wide action. 12 Estriole and MS Estriole appears to reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in women. 13 HRT Mixtures and Breast Density New research indicates that progesterone and estrogen increase breast density, while estrogen by itself does not. Increased breast density has been associated with breast cancer. 14 E/E Notes Thyroid Toxicants Workshop April 28-29 ED Database Now Available Nuts reduce diabetes Korean Anti-Phthalate Campaign More Chemical Impact Research Funding Rapid ED Test Developed 16 Doctors Urge Mercury Caution The California Medical Association (CMA) has adopted a resolution urging the labeling of canned tuna regarding mercury, a suspected endocrine disruptor. Meanwhile the EPA is considering reducing the maximum recommended reference dose of mercury. The tuna industry is up in arms about
|
