Monday, April 15, 2013

Endocrine-Distruptors Starting to Worry UNEP and WHO

From Science Daily: Effects of Human Exposure to Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals Examined in Landmark United Nations Report

Feb. 19, 2013 — Many synthetic chemicals, untested for their disrupting effects on the hormone system, could have significant health implications according to the State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WHO.

Key sections:

  • Some substances can alter the hormonal system. 

  • Human exposure can occur in a number of ways. 

  • More research is needed.

  • Recommendations:

The study makes a number of recommendations to improve global knowledge of these chemicals, reduce potential disease risks, and cut related costs. These include:
  • Testing: known EDCs are only the 'tip of the iceberg' and more comprehensive testing methods are required to identify other possible endocrine disruptors, their sources, and routes of exposure.
  • Research: more scientific evidence is needed to identify the effects of mixtures of EDCs on humans and wildlife (mainly from industrial by-products) to which humans and wildlife are increasingly exposed.
  • Reporting: many sources of EDCs are not known because of insufficient reporting and information on chemicals in products, materials and goods.
  • Collaboration: more data sharing between scientists and between countries can fill gaps in data, primarily in developing countries and emerging economies.

Read the full article.

   

 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Organizations worth following

High time for a useful post to help the faithful readers get news before I get around to tweeting or posting it to Facebook! I rely on some great advocacy groups and news sources to stay on top of issues related to toxins. Here's a look at the best.

Environmental Working Group
Pesticide Action Network
Organic Consumers Association (though a little radical sometimes)
Healthy Child Healthy World
For Pennsylvanians: PASA
Mother Jones
E The Environmental Magazine
Science Daily

Please comment with your favorites if I missed any good ones. Happy reading!