Latest news with #DEHP
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Bedding among 3 household items to ‘avoid at all costs' after links to stroke, cancer and 356,000 deaths in just 1 year
Find out everything you need to know about microplastics and the potential health risks below HOME HAZARDS Bedding among 3 household items to 'avoid at all costs' after links to stroke, cancer and 356,000 deaths in just 1 year A TOP scientist has revealed three everyday household items we should 'avoid at all costs' after they were linked to a raft of serious health problems. Repeated exposure could lead to cancer, infertility, and strokes, she warns. Advertisement 3 Polyester sheets may be riddled with dangerous PFAS Credit: Getty Dr Shanna Swan, a reproductive epidemiologist and member of the Plastic Health Council, says Brits are being exposed just by eating, sleeping, and showering. This is because many household items contain microplastics - tiny fragments of plastic less than 5mm in size. These particles have now been found throughout the human body, including the brain, lungs, blood, and even unborn babies. Studies have linked them to a range of potential health issues, including reproductive problems, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological effects. Advertisement They can also contribute to inflammation, cell damage, and disrupt the gut microbiome. One plastic chemical alone, a phthalate called DEHP, was linked to more than 356,000 deaths worldwide in a single year, according to a study by Professor Leonardo Trasande from New York University, US. Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastic more flexible and durable. They've been linked to hormone disruption, fertility problems, developmental issues, and a higher risk of certain cancers. Advertisement Studies have also connected phthalate exposure to asthma, ADHD, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. "Every day that passes more plastic chemicals enter our bodies through items many consider safe and normal," Dr Shanna says. The 6 everyday items 'poisoning' you with toxic plastics linked to cancer 'Whilst there are some plastic products we should aim to avoid at all costs we need regulatory action if we are to see real change. "We must phase out toxic plastics and prioritise health in every part of the plastics supply chain.' Advertisement The three items Dr Swan and other experts are most concerned about are food containers, bedding, and personal care products. Plastic containers used for microwave meals, takeaway packaging, and clingfilm can release phthalates when heated or frozen, previous research has found. Synthetic bedding, like memory foam pillows, polyester sheets, and mattresses, may contain flame retardants and water-resistant coatings known as PFAS. PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. Advertisement 3 When heated up, plastic containers can release chemicals linked to fertility problems Credit: Getty 3 Some shower gels are made of plastic-based chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin Credit: Getty Exposure has been linked to increased risk of certain cancers, altered immune function, liver damage, and reproductive and developmental issues. Some studies also suggest links between PFAS and thyroid disease, changes in cholesterol levels, and behavioural problems in children. Advertisement These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, especially during long hours of sleep. Toiletries, including shower gel, shampoo and moisturiser, may also contain phthalates as well as other plastic-based chemicals such as acrylates and thickeners. These substances can be absorbed through the skin, potentially causing irritation, hormonal disruption, and long-term health effects. 'Plastic is not inert," Sian Sutherland co-founder of the Plastic Health Council and campaign group A Plastic Planet said. "It is a toxic mixture of chemicals". Advertisement She added: "If governments and industry refuse to protect us we need to take charge of our own health and demand to know why when the science has been so clear for decades are our babies now born pre-polluted. When will enough be enough.' The warning comes as world leaders gather in Geneva to finalise the UN Global Plastics Treaty which aims to reduce plastic production and ban toxic chemicals from everyday products. Most nations back strong measures but a small group of oil-producing countries and the plastics industry have delayed progress. The Plastic Health Council is calling for a cap on plastic production, a ban on harmful substances and mandatory chemical testing of all plastic products before they reach consumers. Advertisement
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Claigan Webinar - Are Canadian Products Safer than Products in Poland?
For toxins in consumer products OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - On 13 August 2025, Claigan Environmental Inc. ( will present and compare the findings of restricted materials testing on consumer products from Canada and Poland. Over the last two years, Claigan tested sixty (60) similar consumer products sourced from Canada and Poland for restricted materials. In particular, we focused on DEHP (which causes attention deficit) and lead (a reproductive toxin and carcinogen). This webinar will look at real restricted materials test data concerning products you buy and touch everyday. Whose products do you think have the higher risk? Is it Poland? Or is it Canada? Attend this webinar to find out. The main topics to be covered in this webinar are: Which products are safer? Levels of carcinogens and reproductive toxins Effects of the levels detected % of products tested with harmful levels of chemicals Comparison of product types and level of harm Are the same products found in the US and the rest of the EU? Due to the interest in these topics, two (2) webinars will be held on August 13 to accommodate a larger audience. About Claigan Environmental ( Claigan is the leading provider of restricted materials compliance. Claigan has tested tens of thousands of products for restricted materials compliance and offers complete cost effective solutions for even the most complex products. Claigan is an ISO 17025 certified laboratory and is dedicated to providing practical solutions for supply chain due diligence and social responsibility. At Claigan, we believe in 'Less Journey. More Results.'
The Hindu
29-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Endocrine disruptors in plastic waste: a new public health threat
Plastics have revolutionised modern living with their convenience and affordability, but this same ubiquity is spawning an invisible, long-term health crisis. Beyond choking oceans and clogging landfills, plastics are now infiltrating our bodies through microplastic particles and a cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The evidence is clear and deeply concerning: these substances are interfering with our hormonal systems, damaging reproductive health and increasing our susceptibility to chronic diseases, including cancer. India, now the world's largest generator of plastic waste, stands at the epicenter of this escalating public health emergency. Microplastics in the human body: from the environment to the bloodstream Once considered inert pollutants, microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5 mm—are now recognised as biologically active. A 2022 study by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam detected microplastics in the blood of 80% of human participants. Further, a 2024 study published in Nature Scientific Reports reported the presence of microplastics in nearly 89% of blood samples in India, with an average concentration of 4.2 particles per milliliter. These particles have also been found in human lungs, hearts, placentas, breast milk, ovarian follicular fluid, and semen. Alarmingly, testicular tissue in Indian men was found to contain three times more microplastics than that in dogs. The plastics in our lives are not chemically neutral. They often contain EDCs such as: Bisphenol A (BPA) and BPS: Used in water bottles, food containers, and thermal paper. - Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP): Used to soften plastics and found in cosmetics, toys and IV tubing. - PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Found in food packaging and non-stick cookware. These chemicals mimic or block natural hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. They interfere with receptor binding, disrupt gene expression in reproductive organs, and induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis (cell death). Animal studies published in Food and Chemical Toxicology (2023) showed that even low doses of polystyrene microplastics (20 μg/L) disrupted testosterone levels, impaired sperm production, and damaged the blood-testis barrier. Similar effects were observed in ovaries, where microplastics reduced anti-Müllerian hormone levels, triggered oxidative stress pathways, and induced cell death. Growing fertility crisis and other health risks Recent clinical studies from China and India have linked the presence of microplastics in semen to reduced sperm count, concentration and motility. Exposure to BPA and phthalates has been associated with lower testosterone levels and elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels—both indicators of endocrine disruption. A global review published in Science of the Total Environment further supports the connection between microplastics and male subfertility. Notably, a 2023 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters reported a strong correlation between microplastic levels in semen and decreased sperm count, motility, and abnormal morphology in Chinese men. In India, studies have documented a 30% decline in average sperm count over the past two decades. A study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (2025) found microplastics in 14 out of 18 follicular fluid samples collected from women undergoing fertility treatment in Italy. These particles, along with their associated endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), were found to compromise egg quality and were linked to menstrual irregularities, reduced estradiol levels, and an increased risk of miscarriage. Epidemiological studies have also linked exposure to phthalates and BPA with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and spontaneous abortions. These associations have been further supported by findings published in Advances in Pharmacology (2021) and Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2023). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) now classifies several plastic additives as probable human carcinogens. Case-control studies from India have shown that women with elevated levels of DEHP in their urine face nearly a threefold increased risk of breast cancer (odds ratio = 2.97). Exposure to BPA and phthalates has also been linked to higher incidences of prostate, uterine, and testicular cancers. In addition to their carcinogenic potential, these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been implicated in metabolic disorders. By mimicking cortisol, altering insulin sensitivity, and promoting fat storage, EDCs contribute to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, PFAS exposure has been associated with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid dysfunction, as reported in a 2024 study published in Frontiers in Public Health. India: a nation in the crosshairs India generates over 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. Of this, approximately 5.8 million tonnes are incinerated, releasing toxic gases, while 3.5 million tonnes end up polluting the environment. Studies have shown that residents in cities like Mumbai are exposed to between 382 and 2,012 microplastic particles daily through air, food, and water. In Nagpur, doctors are reporting an increase in cases of early puberty, respiratory problems, obesity, and learning disorders in children—conditions increasingly linked to plastic pollution. Recent testing by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) detected phthalate concentrations in drinking water samples from Delhi, Jabalpur, and Chennai that exceeded European Union safety limits. Despite progressive policies like the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, updated in 2022 and 2024), enforcement remains inconsistent. Current regulations do not account for low-dose effects or the complex interactions of EDCs, nor do they address the specific vulnerabilities of children and pregnant women. Economic costs of inaction and way forward The health burden associated with EDCs in India is staggering, costing over ₹25,000 crore annually due to increased healthcare spending and lost productivity. The poorest populations, often living near waste dumps or working in the informal recycling sector, bear the brunt of this crisis. Globally, the U.S. reports healthcare costs of $250 billion annually linked to plastic-related chemicals, according to the Endocrine Society. Biomonitoring and surveillance are crucial for establishing national programmess that measure endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) levels in blood, urine, and breast milk. Longitudinal studies must be funded to assess the health impacts of EDC exposure on fertility, neurodevelopment, and chronic diseases. In addition, public awareness needs to be improved, and behaviour changes should be encouraged, such as educating people on the risks of microwaving food in plastic containers and promoting the use of glass, stainless steel, and EDC-free alternatives. It is also important to advocate for antioxidant-rich diets to help counteract oxidative stress. Further actions should include enforcing plastic segregation, recycling, and safe disposal, while investing in microplastic filtration systems for water treatment plants. Additionally, incentivising the development of biodegradable, non-toxic materials is essential to reduce EDC exposure. Plastic pollution is no longer a distant environmental concern; it is a biological invasion with profound implications for human health. The infiltration of microplastics and plastic-derived EDCs into our bodies is triggering hormonal disruption, reproductive dysfunction and chronic diseases. The science is undeniable, and the time for action is now. For India, the world's most exposed population, this is more than a policy issue—it is a generational imperative. We must address this silent epidemic through science-driven regulation, robust monitoring, public education, and systemic change. The health of our people, especially our children, depends on it. ( Dr. Sudheer Kumar Shukla is an environmental scientist and sustainability expert with over 20 years of experience in environmental policy, waste management and the circular economy. He currently serves as Head-Think Tank at Mobius Foundation, New Delhi. Email : sshukla@ )
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
SF SoMA sex shop sued for allegedly selling ‘toxic' mouth gags
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A decades-old sex shop in San Francisco's SoMa (South of Market) neighborhood is being sued for allegedly selling mouth gags laced with toxic chemicals without a clear warning label. A civil case filed on Friday, June 6 by Seven Hills LLP on behalf of Blue Sky Forever says that Mr. S. Leather Co., Incorporated violated a health and safety code for not letting customers know about the dangers of a product called 'The Jaw Master Gag' and the 'harms caused by exposures to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate ('DEHP'), a toxic chemical found in and on gags manufactured, imported, distributed, sold, and offered for sale.' See court document hereDownload Mr. S Leather is located at 385 8th St. and has been in business since 1979. 'Detectable levels of DEHP are found in and on the gags Defendants manufacture, import, sell and distribute for sale in California,' the suit adds, saying that exposures to DEHP can cause birth defects and other reproductive issues. On its website, Mr. S. Leather states, 'We've been designing and producing exceptional bondage gear as well as leather, neoprene & sports clothing for kinky guys since 1979…When you're ready for the good stuff – Mr. S Leather is a place you'll want to check out.' The court document says the case is actionable, thanks to Proposition 65, and that Mr. S. Leather could face civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day for each violation. 'On October 24, 2003, pursuant to Proposition 65 implementing regulations, the State of California listed DEHP as a chemical known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm,' says the suit. 'DEHP became subject to the 'clear and reasonable warning' requirements one year later, on October 24, 2004.' KRON4 reached out to Mr. S. Leather before the publication of this article and will update this story with a provided statement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Increased Toxicity Risk Identified For Children With ADHD, Autism
The number of people being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has risen sharply in recent decades, and research continues to look at factors involved in these conditions. A study published in 2023 revealed there's a difference in how children with autism or ADHD clear the common plastic compound bisphenol A (BPA), compared to neurotypical children. BPA is used in a lot of plastics and plastic production processes, and can also be found inside food and drink cans. However, previous research has also linked it to health issues involving hormone disruption, including breast cancer and infertility. Researchers from Rowan University and Rutgers University in the US looked at three groups of children: 66 with autism, 46 with ADHD, and 37 neurotypical kids. In particular, they analyzed the process of glucuronidation, a chemical process the body uses to clear out toxins within the blood through urine. They found that kids with ASD and ADHD couldn't clear out BPA and another similar compound called diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) with as much efficiency as other kids, potentially leading to longer exposure to their toxic effects. "Detoxification of these two plasticizers is compromised in children with ASD and ADHD," wrote the researchers in their published paper. "Consequently, their tissues are more exposed to these two plasticizers." It was only in the case of BPA that the difference was statistically significant though: the efficiency was reduced by about 11 percent for kids with ASD and 17 percent for kids with ADHD, compared with the control group of children. The researchers think that gene mutations in certain individuals mean that BPA can't be cleared as well as it needs to be, which means the substance sticks around in the body. That potentially could cause damage in terms of neuron development and operation. Conditions like ASD and ADHD are thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and this new study brings together both of them. However, it's only part of the story – not every child with a neurodevelopmental disorder had problems flushing out BPA, so there are other factors at play, too. Work is continuing to identify how exactly ASD and ADHD develop in people – whether it's in utero before birth for example, or later on in life – as the data isn't enough to show whether BPA exposure causes either disorder. "There is an extensive body of epidemiological evidence for a relationship between neurodevelopmental disorders and environmental pollutants such as plasticizers," the researchers wrote. "How important plasticizer originated neurodevelopmental disorder is in the overall occurrence of these disorders is not known, but it must account for a significant proportion or would not have been so easy to detect in a metabolic study of moderate size such as this study." The research was published in PLOS ONE. A version of this article was first published in October 2023. Coffee Could Be The Secret to Healthy Aging For Women, Scientists Discover Texas Woman Dies From Brain-Eating Amoeba After Flushing Sinuses Menopause Drug Reduces Breast Cancer Growth In Clinical Trial
