Latest news with #phthalates
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
How Children Are Exposed To Brain-Harming Chemicals From Mattresses
Babies and young children may breathe and absorb phthalates, flame retardants, and other harmful ... More chemicals from their mattresses while they sleep, according to recent research from the University of Toronto. Every parent wants their child to sleep safely and soundly. Yet, recent research led by the University of Toronto and co-authored by the Green Science Policy Institute has uncovered a disturbing reality: the very mattresses our babies and young children sleep on may be exposing them to a cocktail of harmful chemicals, including phthalates and flame retardants, night after night. The first study detected concerning levels of more than two dozen phthalates, flame retardants, and UV-filters in the air of young children's bedrooms, with the highest levels lurking around the beds. A companion study testing 16 newly purchased children's mattresses confirmed that they are likely the major source of these chemicals in children's sleeping environments. When the researchers simulated a child's body temperature and weight on the mattresses, chemical emissions surged. The phthalates and organophosphate ester flame retardants measured in this study are hormone disruptors and linked to neurological harms, including learning disorders, reduced IQ scores, behavioral problems, and impaired memory. Some are also linked to childhood asthma and cancer. Several UV-filters are hormone disruptors. Young children are not just 'little adults.' Their developing bodies and brains, higher breathing rates, and hand-to-mouth behaviors make them especially susceptible to the harms of these chemicals. Babies can spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping, meaning their contact with mattresses is prolonged and intimate. Their skin is more permeable, and their surface area relative to body weight is three times that of adults, further increasing their risk. Critically, once a child's brain development is disrupted, the consequences can be permanent and lifelong. The mattresses were purchased in Canada, but most contained materials originating from other countries including the U.S. and Mexico. Because of integrated mattress markets and supply chains, the results are likely to apply to mattresses purchased throughout North America. The high levels of flame retardants in most of the mattresses tested were therefore puzzling, given these chemicals are not necessary to pass neither Canadian nor U.S. mattress flammability standards. Both countries' updated regulations allow mattresses to pass safety tests without the use of added flame retardants. Flame retardants are linked to neurological, reproductive, and hormonal harm as well as cancer, and also have no proven fire-safety benefit as used in mattresses. It was unclear whether the chemicals were intentionally added or present due to supply chain contamination. Several mattresses had chemicals that are banned or restricted in Canada, suggesting that manufacturers are not currently testing children's mattresses for these chemicals and other unnecessary chemicals before putting them on the market. While the burden should not fall on parents to ensure chemical safety of mattresses, there are immediate steps families can take to reduce exposure: · Declutter the sleeping area: Limit the number of pillows, blankets, and toys, as these can also harbor or emit chemicals. · Wash bedding frequently: Bedding and pajamas act as a barrier between your child and the mattress. Regular washing helps remove any chemicals that may accumulate. · Opt for undyed or neutral-colored bedding: Brightly colored fabrics may require additional chemical additives, including UV-filters and plasticizers. · Advocate for change: Write to manufacturers to demand transparency and safer products, and support policies that restrict harmful chemicals in children's products. The findings from these studies are a wake-up call for mattress manufacturers and policymakers. Perhaps the most important takeaway is that manufacturers must test their products for these substances and take other precautions to ensure clean supply chains before the products reach the market. For example, the UK's mattress trade association reacted to the study by issuing guidance for its members. The group calls on manufacturers to work with their supply chains to ascertain the presence of certain chemicals in raw materials as it is already possible to produce a specification for mattresses where they are not present. Governments must also prioritize children's environmental health by implementing more stringent regulations on chemical use in mattresses and other children's products, requiring transparency from manufacturers, and investing in research that further clarifies these connections between environmental exposures and health harms. Every child deserves the right to a safe sleep environment free from invisible chemical hazards that threaten their development, their potential, and ultimately their future.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The three toxic items in EVERY home that this doctor warns should be removed ‘immediately'
A DOCTOR has revealed the three household items that should be thrown away "immediately" because of their toxic traits. Repeated use could lead to high blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive issues, he warns. Gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi is known for sharing a wealth of health expertise on various social media platforms, including Instagram (@ He previously shared three foods he always avoids to protect his liver. Now, the 42-year-old has revealed three toxic items commonly found in people's homes, and advises people get rid of them immediately. In a clip, which has racked up 11.8m views and over 141,000 likes, Dr Sethi's first warning is over scented candles. 'These contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormone levels,' the doctor, from California, US, says. 'And cause respiratory issues." Phthalates are chemicals used in synthetic fragrances to help the scent bind to the wax and last longer. When candles containing phthalates burn, they release them into the air. Dr Sethi adds: 'Opt for unscented or natural candles made from soy or beeswax.' Phthalates have been linked to various health risks, including endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, developmental problems, and increased risk of certain cancers. How to prevent toxic plastics 'destroying' your brain - as doctor warns of 'damage and dementia risk' Studies have also shown connections between phthalate exposure and asthma, ADHD, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The second household item Dr Sethi lists as being a danger is plastic cutting boards. He says: 'These can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into your food, which can accumulate in the body." Studies have linked microplastics to a range of potential health issues, including reproductive problems, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological effects. They can also contribute to inflammation, cell damage, and disrupt the gut microbiome. Instead, Dr Sethi advises: "Switch to a wooden one to minimise risk.' 3 Last on Dr Sethi's list is scratched or chipped non-stick pans. Dr Sethi explains: 'These contain PFAS, which have been linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive issues. 'Damaged pans can release these particles into your food." PFAS are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since about the 1950s. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health problems, including 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. Dr Sethi advises: "So make sure to either replace these pans as soon as they are scratched or chipped. 'Or replace those with safer alternatives, such as stainless steel or cast iron.' What are microplastics and why are they a worry? Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimetres in diameter. They come from a variety of sources in our everyday life, from larger pieces of plastic debris, such as from the degradation of bottles, to the tiny beads in personal care products like toothpaste and exfoliants, and synthetic fibres from textiles like polyester and nylon. We can either ingest them, for example in food and water contaminated with them, or inhale them from the air. There is growing concern about the potential health impacts of microplastics on both the environment and human health. When ingested or inhaled, microplastics can cause physical and chemical damage to living organisms. Studies have shown that they may be involved in inflammation in the body by leading to the release of proteins called inflammatory cytokines. While these studies are typically small and in animals or cells, inflammation is linked to a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Cellular damage has been a key focus of studies on microplastics. The tiny pieces of plastic have been shown to cause cell death, cause damage via oxidative stress, and interfere with hormone function. There is also evidence to suggest that microplastics can cause genotoxic effects, meaning they can damage genetic material within cells - raising fears they can contribute to cancer. The evidence is still evolving for these tiny particles that are barely visible to the naked eye.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- BBC News
Counterfeit toys in Southall seized by Swansea trading standards
Counterfeit toys, thought to be valued between £6m and £10m have been seized in London as part of one of the largest multi-agency operations in the standards officers from Swansea Council led the raids on four toy warehouses in an industrial estate in Southall, south-west found toys packaged as well-known brands like Pokemon, Peppa Pig and Marvel and which were later found to contain harmful investigation began after counterfeit toys were seized last Christmas from pop-up shops around Swansea city centre. 'Dangers with these toys' During testing the toys were found to contain banned chemicals known as phthalates which if ingested can affect the body's hormone system and have been linked to certain types of cancer, Swansea Council Harries, Swansea Council's trading standards lead officer, said: "In terms of the large amount of dangerous and counterfeit goods we have seized, I have no doubt that all of these were destined for the high streets of many of the UK's towns and cities. "It's great to know that we have had a positive impact and are able to not only protect families and young children from the possible dangers associated with these toys, but also to protect established brands who have been affected by the sale of counterfeit products."Swansea's trading standards officers were joined by their counterparts from Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Buckinghamshire, Kent and Surrey councils, Met Police officers as well as brand representatives from major toy member for Corporate Services and Performance, David Hopkins, said: "Our own trading standards did not stop at simply dealing with counterfeit goods being sold on the street in Swansea, they showed a lot of professionalism and determination to tackle the wider distribution into other towns and cities. "I'm extremely proud of everyone's efforts, along with the assistance of external partners who have provided support for this operation."
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Top doctor reveals hidden toxin in pills taken by millions daily linked to sudden heart attacks
A top heart doctor has revealed the insidious chemical in medicine capsules that could increase your risk of a heart attack. Dr Evan Levine, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai in New York, told the Daily Mail that phthalates - chemicals used to make plastics more flexible - in soft gel capsules could have damaging effects.
The Independent
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Common household chemical found linked to heart disease deaths
Daily exposure to chemicals used in common household plastic products could be behind hundreds of thousands of heart disease -related deaths every year, according to a new study. Scientists have long warned of health problems linked to this class of plastic chemicals called phthalates, typically found in cosmetics, detergents, solvents, plastic pipes, and bug repellants. Previous studies have linked the chemicals to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, hormone and fertility issues, and cancer. Now, a new study has linked the plastic ingredient to more than 356,000 global deaths from heart disease in 2018 alone. Researchers from New York University Langone Health studied Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, or DEHP, which is used to make food containers, medical equipment, and other plastic products softer and more flexible, and found that prolonged exposure to the chemical could cause inflammation in the arteries of the heart, which, over time, could heighten heart attack or stroke risk. The latest study, published in the journal EBio Medicine, found that DEHP exposure contributed to 356,238 deaths in 2018, nearly 13 per cent of all global mortality from heart disease among men and women aged between 55 and 64 that year. Researchers estimated the economic burden from the deaths at around $510 billion but noted that it could reach as high as $3.74 trillion. 'By highlighting the connection between phthalates and a leading cause of death across the world, our findings add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous danger to human health,' study co-author Sara Hyman said. In the study, scientists assessed health and environmental data from dozens of population surveys to estimate DEHP exposure across 200 countries and territories. The data also included urine samples containing chemical breakdown products left by the plastic additive. India had the highest death toll linked to phthalates at 103,587, followed by China and Indonesia, the study concluded. Scientists suspect the high mortality linked to DEHP exposure in these countries could be due to a boom in their plastic production but with fewer manufacturing restrictions than in other regions. 'There is a clear disparity in which parts of the world bear the brunt of heightened heart risks from phthalates,' study senior author Leonardo Trasande said. While researchers cautioned that the findings did not imply DEHP caused heart disease directly or alone, they said the overall death toll from heart disease connected to these chemicals could be much higher. 'Our results underscore the urgent need for global regulations to reduce exposure to these toxins, especially in areas most affected by rapid industrialization and plastic consumption,' Dr Trasande said.
