6 environmental research studies reveal critical health risks from petro-plastic

In a series of environmental research studies, scientists call for regulatory action to prevent dire health effects of man's exposure to petroleum based plastics. Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and flame retardants (PBDEs) are strongly associated with adverse health effects on brain development and reproductive organs of humans and laboratory animals, the scientists found. A special section in the October 2008 issue of Environmental Research, titled "Plastic World", provides critical new research on these environmental contaminants and their adverse reproductive and behavioral effects.

Plastic products contain "endocrine disrupting chemicals" that can block the production of the male sex hormone testosterone (phthalates used in PVC plastic), mimic the action of the sex hormone estrogen (bisphenol A or BPA used in polycarbonate plastic), and interfere with thyroid hormone (brominated flame retardants or PBDEs used in many types of plastic).

Two articles report very similar changes in male reproductive organs in rats and in humans related to fetal exposure to phthalates. Two articles show that fetal exposure to BPA or PBDEs disrupts normal development of the brain and behavior in rats and mice. Two other articles provide data that these chemicals are massively contaminating the oceans and causing harm to aquatic wildlife (and here).

The other studies integrate new laboratory research with a broader view reflecting exposures to a variety of chemicals in plastic. These ubiquitous chemicals found in many plastics act independently and together to adversely affect human, animal and environmental health.

The articles show amongst others the massive contamination of the Pacific Ocean with plastic, and the amount of contamination has increased dramatically in recent years; animal brain structure, brain chemistry and behavioral effects from exposure to BPA and "phthalate syndrome" in rats' male offspring.

For the first time a series of articles will appear together that identify that billions of kilograms of a number of chemicals used in the manufacture of different types of plastic can leach out of plastic products and cause harm to the brain and reproductive system when exposure occurs during fetal life or prior to weaning. - Dr. Frederick vom Saal, Guest Editor of theme issue "Plastic World"

"Not only are these studies of scientific importance, they also contribute to the ongoing US congressional hearings involving the Food and Drug Administration," remarked Gert-Jan Geraeds, Publisher of Environmental Research. As such, "The Plastic World" has a broader societal impact and raises awareness of increasingly important environmental issues:
energy :: sustainability :: biomass :: bioplastic :: oil :: plastics :: toxicity :: ocean :: wildlife :: reproductive organs :: hormones :: brain development :: endocrine system organs ::

Environmental Research: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Environmental Sciences, Ecology, and Public Health publishes original reports describing studies of the toxic effects of environmental agents on humans and animals. The principal aims of the journal are to define the etiology of environmentally induced illness and to increase understanding of the mechanisms by which environmental agents cause disease.

Illustration: the male and female endocrine system.

References:
Frederick S. vom Saal, Stefano Parmigiani, Paola L. Palanza, Lorne G. Everett, Richard Ragaini, "The plastic world: Sources, amounts, ecological impacts and effects on development, reproduction, brain and behavior in aquatic and terrestrial animals and humans", Environmental Research, 108 (2008), pp. 127 - 130

Charles James Moore, "Synthetic polymers in the marine environment: A rapidly increasing, long-term threat", Environmental Research, 108 (2008), pp. 131 – 139

Jörg Oehlmann, Matthias Oetken, Ulrike Schulte-Oehlmann, "A critical evaluation of the environmental risk assessment for plasticizers in the freshwater environment in Europe, with special emphasis on bisphenol A and endocrine disruption", Environmental Research, 108 (2008), pp. 140 – 149

Paola Palanza, Laura Gioiosa, Frederick S. vom Saal, Stefano Parmigiani, "Effects of developmental exposure to bisphenol A on brain and behavior in mice", Environmental Research, 108 (2008), pp. 150 – 157

Chris E. Talsness, "Overview of toxicological aspects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers: A flame-retardant additive in several consumer products", Environmental Research, 108 (2008), pp. 158 – 167

Kembra L. Howdeshell, Cynthia V. Rider, Vickie S. Wilson, L. Earl Gray Jr., "Mechanisms of action of phthalate esters, individually and in combination, to induce abnormal reproductive development in male laboratory rats", Environmental Research, 108 (2008), pp. 168 – 176

Shanna H. Swan, "Environmental phthalate exposure in relation to reproductive outcomes and other health endpoints in humans", Environmental Research, 108 (2008), pp.