Nexus - 0306 - New Times Magazine-pages

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lack of public awareness concerning phthalates: "We would be dence regarding any ‘proven' side-effects of xeno-oestrogens or surprised if many mothers were even aware of the potential prob- hormone mimicry.‘ Greenpeace was not asked to contribute to the lems." The Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria has preferred not to _study’s findings and has called CSIRO's independence into ques- comment on phthalates, citing funding concerns. tion. And when CSIRO researchers are not permitted to speak or A new book, Our Stolen Future, prompted the plastics industry confer with other researchers, certain National Socialist policies to hold a seminar to discuss its implications: "Our Stolen Future enforced in pre-World War II Germany spring to mind. is so dramatic, persuasive and comprehen- - Professor Mark Wahlqvist, head of the sive, it is likely to become the foundation of Department of Medicine at Monash dozens of attacks on industrial products and University and Chairperson of the Australian processes... It is a comprehensive review Nutritional Foundation, expressed his of the potential impact of synthetic chem- concen: “We know there are naturally icals on human health," said an industry The petrochemical ; occurring oestrogens and xeno-oestro- handout. A spokesperson for the Plastics H gens in the food chain...the latter being of and Chemicals Industries Association industry insists there i Is some concern. Research is required to (PACIA) denied there were any proven no proof of any links or . establish the levels of xeno-oestrogenic serious or long-term health issues associ- compounds in the human food chain and ated with phthalates, but stated, "...if chronic health risks in human tissue, as a matter of priority." there is an issue, it's a potentially serious associated with the use Recent studies have shown fish to change one." PACIA noted its commitment to : : sex with long-term exposure to oestro- genic compounds. Phthalates and many other chemicals, such as DDT, 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D, PCBs and dioxins, continue to leave future generations with an unknown legacy. programs such as Responsible Care, aimed at improving its environmental! performance. Initiatives such as Responsible Care and the chemical and plastics industries’ self-regulation were recently assessed by the Matt Ruchel, national toxics coordinator Australian Centre for Environmental Law. It for Greenpeace Australia, believes industry noted that the failures of self-regulation far outnumber its success- _ should stop using phthalates before it's too late: "Regulators and es, and concluded that Responsible Care "...is unlikely to substan- _—_ industry must adopt a precautionary approach and seek to elimi- tially improve...environmental performance of the chemical _ nate pollution from these chemicals now, rather than wait for con- industry or regain the trust of the public in the industry's integri- __ clusive proof of harm...this will mean ceasing the manufacture of ty". PVC plastics...the main sources and use of hormone-disrupting A CSIRO study, commissioned and financed by PACIA, is due —_ chemicals like phthalates and dioxin. The future of human repro- for release on 12th September 1996 [just as we go to press]. The duction and development is too important to us all." study will undoubtedly side with industry claims, despite the prin- The petrochemical industry insists there is no proof of any links cipal researchers' personal misgivings concerning available data. _ or chronic health risks associated with the use of PVC or its many The CSIRO's report will probably show that there is little evi- additives. Meanwhile, Australians, on a per-capita basis, rank PHTHALATES AND HEALTH © Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital Poison Advisory Centre did not consider a one-off exposure to oestrogen or estrogenic compounds to be harmful, but "the exact toxic doses have not been determined". On the subject of phthalates, there was "no data available about possible systemic effects, although irritation to eyes, mucous mem- branes and skin has been reported". 0 Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Consultative Council on Obstetrics, Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity show the majority of infant deaths under the age of 12 months are associated with endocrine-relat- ed disorders, congenital defects, diseases of the nervous system and complications immediately before and after birth. Victoria's water management authorities and the Environmental Protection Authority do not monitor phthalate levels in water or air samples. Statistics from Victorian Health and Community Services reveal that Melbourne's industrial areas have higher rates of asthma and lung disease. Dr Geraldine Elliott, Executive Director of the Asthma Foundation of Victoria, suggested proper research should be a priority: “Increased awareness and bal- anced research is a very important process. Availability of known facts concerning various chemicals enables con- sumers to make up their own minds and reduce their exposure to irritants." 0 Medical studies have suggested that sperm counts have fallen by up to 50 per cent over the last 50 years in some countries, with testicular cancer rates increasing dramatically in the same period. Several varieties of phthalates, including DEHP, are known testicular toxicants. A recent study on aborted male foetuses found they were already developing testicular cancer in the womb. Testicular cancer rates in agricultural countries also appear to be higher than those in non-agricultural countries. For example, testicular cancer rates in Denmark have risen 300 per cent, while rates in Finland have remained the same. The increase in abnormalities, including undescended testicles and genital malformation, appear to be related. NEXUS © 13 PHTHALATES AND HEALTH OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 1996