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 Toxins ’R’ UsPosted on Feb 24, 2009By Amy Goodman Is your lipstick laden with lead? Is your baby’s bottle toxic? The American Chemistry Council assures us that “we make the products that help keep you safe and healthy.” But U.S. consumers are actually exposed to a vast array of harmful chemicals and additives embedded in toys, cosmetics, plastic water bottles and countless other products. U.S. chemical and manufacturing industries have fought regulation, while Europe moves ahead with strict prohibitions against the most harmful toxins. The European Union says regulation is good for business, inspiring consumer confidence and saving money over the long term. Most people would be surprised to learn that the cosmetics industry in the United States is largely unregulated. Investigative journalist Mark Schapiro is the author of “Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s at Stake for American Power.” In the absence of oversight, researchers and journalists like Schapiro and grass-roots organizations have stepped into the breach. Schapiro told me, “Whether it is your nail polish, eye shadow, shampoo, essentially personal-care products [are] not regulated by the [Food and Drug Administration]. ... Numerous times in the Senate, over the last 50 years, there have been efforts to expand the purview of the FDA, and it’s been repeatedly beaten back by the cosmetics industry.” Details on the toxins are hard to come by. Schapiro continued, “The reason I even know what kind of material is in cosmetics is not because the FDA has told us; it’s actually because the European Union has taken the action to remove that stuff, and they have a list.” The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics lists numerous toxins that appear regularly in cosmetics and personal-care products, among them lead and phthalates. Phthalates are linked to birth defects, including disruption of genital development in boys, decreased sperm counts and infertility. Lead appears in lipstick and hundreds of other products. The CSC reports that “lead ... is a proven neurotoxin—linked to learning, language and behavioral problems ... miscarriage, reduced fertility in both men and women, hormonal changes, menstrual irregularities and delays in puberty onset in girls.” This is the stuff women and girls are putting on their lips all day, licking it off and reapplying. The European Union, with 27 member nations representing almost half a billion people, is asserting itself on issues of toxins, using serious economic muscle. Stavros Dimas, European Union commissioner for environment, explained the long-term benefits of regulation: “The medical expenses for chemical-related diseases will be less. Medicines will not be needed. We will not lose working hours, and productivity will be better. So the overall benefits will by far outweigh costs to the industry.” Advertisement In the wake of the 2007 China toy recall in the U.S. (because of lead found in the toys), Congress passed, and President George W. Bush signed, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. A key provision, mandating a ban of phthalate- and lead-containing products intended for children 12 years of age and younger, went into effect Feb. 10. If you bought a plastic toy before that date, beware: After the law passed last summer, some stores stuffed their shelves with tainted toys and sold them at fire-sale prices to unload their inventory. Safe alternatives for toys, cosmetics, shampoos and other products are becoming increasingly available as demand for organic products grows. The difference between market forces limiting toxins and a law doing it, Schapiro says, is “if you have a law, it makes it far more equitable, because everybody gets the same protections, whether you have the resources or the knowledge to pursue the alternatives.” That is where the EU comes in, with its expansive and world-leading regulatory system in place (called “REACH,” for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of CHemical substances). Schapiro notes, “The European-led revolution in chemical regulation requires that thousands of chemicals finally be assessed for their potentially toxic effects on human beings and signals the end of American industry’s ability to withhold critical data from the public.” Tough regulations on toxins are not only essential to saving lives; they also make good business sense. The U.S. now has an opportunity to catch up to our European partners—and make changes that are more than just cosmetic. Distributed by King Features Syndicate Elsewhere: . CommentsAre you a Truthdig member yet? Login now, or register with Truthdig. Add Your Comment
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By caroblite, March 11 at 3:56 pm #
An excellent column, along with a slew of great posts.
Another ToxiCANT (thanks, Crazed Chemist, for pointing out the correct nomenclature!) that needs attention by the public are the “silver” mercury based compounds used in dentistry.
Recently the FDA has finally acknowledged on their official web site that mercury fillings are not healthy for pregant women, nor for the young.
While qualified, this, from what I understand, is a milstone in FDA history.
I’m glad that Ms. Goodman has reported on the presence of mercury in high-fructose corn syrup, and interviewed those who pointed out where and how this toxin—er, toxicant (excuse me!)—got into the stuff in the first place (from antiquated techonology . . .).
Report thisBy Crazed Chemist, March 1 at 4:02 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Toxic Synthetic Chemicals and Metals are NOT toxins by the definition of the word toxin. This is an increasingly pervasive colloquialism (see the CSC’s usage!) that misuses highly specific, defined scientific terms. This isn’t quite up there with “nukular” (phenomena deriving from forces in the nukulei of atoms?), but it’s intensely frustrating to biochemists/biologists and undermines the credibility of the person who uses the term in the new, fashionably generic fashion.
I adore Amy Goodman, Juan Gonzales and the rest of the DN! crew, but journalists of this caliber should make more of an effort to use terms correctly.
Toxins are BIOLOGICAL products. PolyBrominated Diphenyl Ethers and lead are ABSOLUTELY NOT biological products. Both elemental lead (a metal) and many synthetic organic compounds are intensely ToxIC and therefore poisonous, but they are NOT ToxINS.
ToxINS are defined as:
“any poison produced BY AN ORGANISM (emphasis mine), characterized by antigenicity in certain animals and high molecular weight, and including the bacterial toxins that are the causative agents of tetanus, diphtheria, etc., and such plant and animal toxins as ricin and snake venom.”
Synthetic, poisonous compounds and poisonous (toxic) materials NOT produced by the action of biological systems are properly refered to as “ToxiCANTS” or acceptably pluralized as toxics.
So, to review a few examples:
Botulin - a neuroToxIN produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria
Snake Venoms - A variety of different ToxINs produced by snakes, often injected with fangs or sprayed at the head of a victim.
Benzene - A ToxIC, highly Carcinogenic compound, often used as a nonpolar organic solvent.
PBDEs - a family of organic compounds called Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, used as flame retardants in many electronic products, highly pervasive in biological systems at the ppb level - thought to be quite ToxIC.
Please try to be specific and accurate in reporting this type of information! Not doing so can really cheapen a crucially important report. The bioaccumulation of synthetic chemical products in both humans and other organisms is a huge issue that needs much more public attention and a great deal more hard science (and concomitant funding).
Without cold, hard, Purely factual information (absent both hyperbole and understatement) delivered ACCURATELY to the public, it will be difficult to convince politicians to enact the necessarily strict policies given the lobbying influence of the Chemical Manufacturers and their industrial allies.
Amy Goodman is one of the very best journalists in the English speaking world in my opinion. The use of “Toxin” here is beneath her general standard of excellence I fear.
Report thisBy GKH, February 28 at 10:45 am #
We are all aware of the sights of “glue sniffing” kids in 3rd world countries. We know they are gradually dying off withing years due to the damages done to their brains and central nervous systems. What we do NOT seem to realize is that we ALL are “glue sniffers” in some form or the other. The only difference between those 3rd world street kids and us is the amount of dosage with each sniff. The most dangerous 2 ingredients, Acetone and toluene are part and parcel in almost any domestic and industrial chemicals. From hair-spray, nail-polish, paints, varnishes, solvents and more. They are even part of the many fuel additives in our gas and diesel.
Report thisI am personally now a victim of such exposure during my time as an independent industrial services contractor. It crept up slowly on me. Today I am heavily medicated to just be able to function “Zombie-like”, and it took 8 years for the doctors to finally agree that “this must be the cause”.
Today, if my daughter wants to color her hair, she goes to a friend’s place. if I am invited to a housewarming party, I have to decline if the house had just been painted a few days ago. I can’t even go to the local garage and supervise the work on my wife’s car. My movements in public places are restricted to sections of town and buildings where no ‘construction activity’ is taking place. Even a visit to the mall can become hell if it just happens so that one shop within the mall gets a paint over or other renovations.
What is even stranger however is that the medical profession seems unable to diagnose much less even care to listen to the reports on this. If a kid comes into the emergency room all “Glue-sniffed” up to his ears, then the diagnosis is easy, but the minute and constant exposures seem to be ignored.
How this relates to the economy?
It shows again the faults of the capitalistic system and the private market. I have always been for nationalization. Since I am also a “Green” Party member, I propose a true nationalization of all markets and businesses on the large scale. Especially the health care system. In the health care system the only accounting that should matter is the services provided and the efficiency of a system. The accounting that should not be accepted is to get big “Pharmaceutic International” rich.
In a “free market” in which everyone wants to make everything a disease, a problem and create an “industry” to solve this “problem” - the snake oil salesmen will begin to outnumber the true business people.
We no longer seem to enjoy business as a “profession” in the sense that the professional is in this job not just for the money but for the “love and pride” for his profession. The “pride” in being the best woodworker and thus being the owner of the best furniture manufacturing business. The “pride” in being a Pharmaceutical research scientist with a “nose” for finding medications for specific diseases, etc.
The free market is not free, it is rather just the soccer field taken over by a bunch of drunk & greedy rowdies.
By Teresa Greer, February 28 at 1:22 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
I have been thinkng about the time line lately of when the playtex infant nursers became so popular and whether there may be PDBE’s in the plastic liners that may have caused the autism in some children. It can’t be that difficult folks to figure out. This epidemic is growing faster than AIDS if i in every 150 children has it. It didn’t actually come into being so much until the mid to late 80’s. What are we doing differently? Additives to foods? It has to be something we are doing now that we did not do 50 years ago with our children. Disposable diapers? Help…
Report thisBy melpol, February 27 at 7:05 pm #
There is a growing holy war against marijuana users, abortion receivers, and gay lovers led by religious fanatics. They claim “Devils Weed” Is responsible for fetus murder and sodomy. But the holy warriors cannot stop abortions, gay lovers or pot smokers. They would rather go to hell than give up their freedom.
Report thisBy Blackspeare, February 26 at 12:48 pm #
PlanetaryWitness touches on a subject that I am quite familiar with and that is ozone treatment for open and infected wounds most commonly associated with people having severe diabetes. In simple terms, ozone is a super form of oxygen having a powerful disinfection potential with no side effects. Ozone is a gas that is produced on site and the affected limb is bathed in the gas for a period of time to allow the oxygen atoms that are released by the ozone to do its job of disinfection. This may be repeated a few times over a certain period and the results are remarkable—-the wound heals and the limb is saved. For some reason such ozone is not sanctioned in the US and because of that amputation is the usual outcome. Many people tell me it’s a time and money issue. It’s a lot easier and quicker, not to mention more profitable, to cut off a foot or a leg than spend a couple of weeks with ozone treatment. I dunno? In Europe ozone treatment can be performed by a physician or a licensed practitioner.
Report thisBy PlanetaryWitness, February 26 at 8:16 am #
Has anybody looked into the relationship between the AMA and FDA? Or considered why in Canada and Europe there is something called “Ozone treatment” for CURING cancer and AIDS, but is not allowed in US by FDA? Has anyone considered the fact that health care in our country is an “industry”? Sick people make BIG profits. Healthy people do not!
Report thisBy nestoffour, February 26 at 2:58 am #
Thanks for the informative post, Gary Rosenblum.
Report thisBy Rachel Aronoff, February 25 at 7:04 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Don’t forget hair dyes ingredients! Since most of what is used goes down the drain, our environment is more genotoxic than ever! Kids and their moms especially need to learn about this issue!
Report thisWatch out and don’t be a fashion victim or make our world one in the worst way!
By Gary Rosenblum CIH ARM, February 25 at 5:08 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Another relatively unknown source of toxins to children are the chemicals added to bedding, pillows, cribs, to meet excessive flame retardant standards. These chemicals which have not been sutdied well enough to prove their safety are PDBE’s - polybrominated diphenyl ethers.
Report thisIn dozens of animal studies, these fire retardants also have been shown to harm reproduction and scramble brain development. Studies are underway to determine if PBDEs are contributing to increases in autism, hyperactivity, birth defects, infertility, diabetes and obesity in people. PDBEs kill pets. They are used because politicians pass laws requiring flame resistance, at the bidding of fire fighter groups who, for good reasons want to reduce fire losses to people and property. These requirements actually do not reduce the number or severity of fires, and instead of requiring flame resistance only if it can be done safely, politicians do not add requirements as to the safety of the methods used, and manufacturers just slather the cheapest most readily available chemical on our bedding and furniture, with the potential toxicity issues tamped down by the chemical manufacturers and their public affairs front, the American Chemistry Council (formerly known as the Chemical Manufacturers Association). PDBEs are bio persistent and flake off fabric from bedding and furniture and become part of the dust of the house and are ingested by children and pets at a higher rate than adults. On average, dust in California homes contains 10 times the PBDEs found in dust from other states and 200 times the amount in houses in Europe, according to a new study from the Silent Spring Institute. Worse, Californians have twice the level of this fire retardant in their blood as do people in other states. A recent research report by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group showed that American toddlers have, on average, a level of fire retardant in their bodies that is three times higher than that found in their mothers. This issue needs to be brought to the attention of the public…especially those who are looking for an environmental causation element in the rise of autism cases in children now that vaccines are not the likely candidate.
By AT, February 25 at 3:04 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
I was wondering if the FDA can’t do their job due to underfunding or political interference or both?
Report thisBy ElkoJohn, February 25 at 12:34 pm #
getting the Big Money Profiteers out of control of our Big, Nanny-State Government’s Congress will be the biggest challenge. Obama needs to appoint a ‘‘Progressive Advisory Committee’’ composed of Amy Goodman, Diane Rehm, et al for the purpose of educating the public & Congress on how the Big Money Profiteers craft so much of our legislation to the detriment of the people.
Report thisBy Purple Girl, February 25 at 12:10 pm #
“100 million Guinea Pigs” was orginally published in 1933! I read it in Jr. High- 30 yrs ago.Same shit different Millenia.
Report thisRepugs love to scream ‘tax cuts’ but never mention what they intend to cut funding to- FDA, USDA?Yep!
Now all you Botoxed Day spa’ers want to keep voting Repug? Of course if you’re willing to inject a Toxin under your skin that causes Botulism, why would we think you’d have enough sense to care about what’s hidden in your kids Baby bottle? “its not how you Feel, It’s how you Look” Right? Unfortunately most of you look frightening. Gotta love those women who have the self inflicted ‘Parkinsonian mask’.FYI when only your mouth smiles- it’s disturbing and it is very difficult to determine what you are trying to project.happiness or Sarcasm? Real Expression involve all the muscles of your face- that’s why you have Wrinkle all over- forehead, eyes, cheeks, mouth. One thing to tighten up when your 75, but when your 30- its ludicrous.What will happen when the botox deadens the nerves paralyzing the muscles and the Collegan begins to shift?Remember the Boob jobs that began leaking and moving?
So Ladies Pick Up a Book, We’ve been being poisoned for centuries just so we can look more ‘beautiful’ and they can make Huge profits.
By jackpine savage, February 25 at 9:51 am #
But the new law needs some serious tweaking to keep small, local toy and clothing producers in business. The retiree making wooden toys in his shop can’t afford the testing to prove that he didn’t use lead based paint that isn’t even on the market.
Report thisBy Reverb, February 24 at 11:53 pm #
Another great column by Amy Goodman. Who will head the FDA? TheScientist.com suggests it has come down to either Baltimore city health commissioner Joshua Sharfstein or Margaret Hamburg, an AIDS researcher, a Harvard Medical School grad who was the New York City health commissioner for much of the 1990s and served in the Clinton administration.
Obama seeks “a cure for cancer in our time,” but if he abets corporations that flood our food, air, water and bodies with toxins, then the illnesses that afflict us will grow in number and complexity. As TheScientist reports, PhARMA chief lobbyist Billy Tauzin is eagerly awaiting the appointment of the FDA head.
Report this