News
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
U.S. extends the list of pollutants
To conduct the study was collected urine and blood samples to more than 2,500 Americans of different age and sex, the universe of the study being distributed throughout the United States. With this addition, since there are 300 chemical compounds under surveillance for being present in the bodies of American citizens, and the possible negative consequences that might be generated. Chemicals such as bisphenol A, found in many plastics, and flame retardants used by many listed tissues. Here are two new elements incorporated into the 75 national report on human exposure to chemicals, a study being done that since 1999 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in order to determine which chemicals can penetrate the body of people and how hard. This is the fourth survey since then, and it is noteworthy that of the 212 pollutants listed in the first list done, now the figure has soared to nearly 300.
Sampling techniques
As identified in the same, the chemical that easily penetrates the body of American citizens is the bisphenol A or BPA, as found in the urine of 90% of respondents. This product is used as a component of commonly used plastics and cans, ink cartridges, glasses, toys or bottles. Canadian Studies not only confirm their presence in the body of persons, but also warn of its harmful effects, hence in Canada and even California and much is discussed about a possible prohibition. In Europe, according to comments Miquel Porta (Barcelona, 1957)-researcher and professor of public health of the Municipal Institute of Medical Research (IMIM) and Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB)- today 12 Tuesday December in the newspaper 'El Pais', still believes there is no enough knowledge to prohibit its use. In contrast, in Canada and California have warned that may promote the development of behavior problems, induce precancerous changes in cells or disrupt hormones in development.
More pollutants
Next to the BPA, this study also reveals other interesting facts such as the presence in the bodies of several pollutants studied further. The first would be the flame retardants. As flame retardant used in computers, curtains or upholstery, have been demonstrated its harmful effects in animals, affecting the thyroid, liver and brain. We have also found used in cadmium batteries, plastics, ...- or snuff in the presence of acrylamide, which are formed by the combustion of snuff and in the cooking of carbohydrates, being carcinogenic in high doses in animals.Finally, note that in the world only the United States and Germany made as comprehensive biomonitoring studies, and among the best reference we have it in the study by Miquel Porta. The report was based on samples of blood and urine made to 919 persons and, under that law, all people tested were contaminated with at least three of the 19 compounds analyzed.