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Potentially toxic chemicals linked to escalating rates of endocrine disruption-related disease are present in a broad array of consumer products.

Fifty-five chemical compounds that are regarded as endocrine disruptors with potential risks to human health were found in 213 commercially available consumer products, including cleaning agents, cosmetics, air fresheners, dryer sheets, shower curtains, and other household goods. Researchers from the Silver Spring Institute (Massachusetts, USA) found that these products contained parabens, phthalates, bisphenol A, triclosan, ethanolamines, alkylphenols, fragrances, glycol ethers, cyclosiloxanes and UV filters.  The team noted that many such detected chemicals were not listed on product labels.   Importantly, the researchers tested both conventional and “green” products, finding that the distinction of “environmental” products did not affect the levels of endocrine disruptors present. Warning that: “Common products contain complex mixtures of [endocrine disruptor compounds] and asthma-related compounds,” the study authors conclude that: “findings raise cautions about potential confounding from co-occurring chemicals and misclassification due to variability in product composition.”

Dodson RE, Nishioka M, Standley LJ, Perovich LJ, Brody JG, Rudel RA.  “Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma-Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products.” Environ Health Perspect ., March 8, 2012.

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