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Substance and Sources
Health Effects
Avoiding PBDEs: Living the Science Recommendations and Resources
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What are Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)?
Like PBCs, Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are man-made compounds. They are classified as being lower brominated PBDEs or higher brominated PBDEs based on the number of bromine atoms contained in each PBDE molecule (bromine is a halogen element and tends to dangerous at room temperature). Lower brominated PBDEs have one to five bromine atoms and are thought to accumulate more easily in the environment and in animal tissues. Higher brominated PBDEs have five or more bromine atoms.
Common Sources: PBDEs are used widely as flame retardants in furniture and electronics. PBDEs often get into dust which is then eaten in food or is inhaled by humans or other animals. After ingestion or inhalation, PBDEs accumulate in animal blood and tissues and as such, humans get exposed to PBDEs via direct sources and also when they eat animal products (including dairy as well as meat). Concentrations in the environment and in human samples varies by country and region with the United States having higher blood, breast milk and dust levels than those from Europe and California having especially high levels (likely in part to more stringent furniture flammability standards).
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Read more... [Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)]
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Substance and Sources: What is Perchloroethylene (PERC)? Perchloroethylene (PERC) also known as PCE, perchloroethene, tetrachloroethylene, and tetrachloroethene is a man-made chlorocarbon. It is a colorless liquid produced by a handful of companies worldwide. Common Sources: Perchloroethylene (PERC) is primarily used in dry cleaning and is often referred to as dry cleaning fluid. It is also used in some degreasers, paint strippers, and in some laundry spot removers. Exposure to PERC generally comes from inhalation of vapors from clothes that have been dry cleaned or from working or living near a dry cleaner using PERC. PERC can also be absorbed through the skin when in direct contact with clothes that have been dry cleaned or from absorption while using degreasers, paint strippers, and spot removers containing PERC. PERC has been shown to end up in water and dirt as a result of chemical dumping.
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Read more... [Perchloroethylene (PCE, PERC) AKA: Perchloroethene, Tetrachloroethylene, Tetrachloroethene]
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Substance and Sources
Effect of Phthalates on Health
News and Discoveries
Avoiding Phthalates: Living the Science Recommendations and Resources
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Research References
Substance and Sources:
What are Phthalates?
Phthalates are a group of man-made chemicals that are often used to provide flexibility and durability to plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Phthalates in pure form are usually clear liquids, some with sweet odors and some with faint yellow colors.
Common Sources:
Phthalate containing plastics are widely used. Phthalates are also included in many non-plastic items. They can be found in everything from food containers to toys, building materials, solvents and detergents. The most common pathway for phthalate exposure is through the diet via the ingestion of food that has been contaminated with phthalates – often via food containers. Phthalates are also present in the breast milk of exposed women, in cow’s milk, and in infant formula. Plastic tubing used for intravenous delivery of fluids, medicines and blood also contain phthalates.
Phthalates can also be absorbed through the skin when they are present in cosmetics, lotions, and sunscreens. Another pathway of phthalate exposure is via inhalation of phthalate containing indoor air. Phthalates are often released via off-gassing from building materials like indoor vinyl flooring and paints. Phthalates from off-gassing of building materials often attach to house dust which is then inhaled.
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Read more... [Phthalates]
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