Laura's Story:
In 2007 I agreed to participate as a volunteer in a biomonitoring project called “Is It In Us?” (IsItInUs.org). For this project, I donated samples of my blood and urine to be tested for the presence of 3 chemicals.
Like 95% of the U.S. population, the results indicated that I carried bisphenol-A, phthalates, and PBDE’s in my body. The most important lesson for me from this experience was that toxic chemical exposure is not necessarily from our neighborhood factories or industrial parks. Much of our exposure to these chemicals is in our own homes, cars and workplaces. Bisphenol-A is used to make certain plastics used for things like food containers and water bottles. It is also used in the epoxy liner of food cans. The chemical leaches into the liquid or food. Phthalates are also widely used in food containers and plastics, and in personal care products (lotions, nail polish, etc.). PBDE’s are chemicals that act as flame retardants and are used in the manufacture of all kinds of items in our homes. For example, furniture upholstery, rugs, fabric or curtains, electronics, mattresses are made with PBDE’s. What people don’t realize is that dust settles on these objects and absorbs the chemicals. Then we, and our children, breath in the dust and absorb the chemicals as well.
As I reflected on these results, I began to think back to some experiences I have had that I suspect are related to chemical exposure since these chemicals are associated with cancers, infertility, reproductive problems and learning disabilities to name just a few. First, I have known a handful of families who have had a child treated for cancer. I don’t remember any child in my community when I was young who died of cancer. I have known several women who have died of breast or ovarian cancer. I struggled with infertility for several years, yet both my mother and grandmother had several children.
Before having children, I worked as a school psychologist in different elementary schools. I came across many children afflicted with problems maintaining attention, learning disabilities and autism. I thought back to my own experience as an elementary student. I don’t remember anyone with anything like autism in my classrooms, neighborhood, church or community. When I think about the fact that today’s newborn is born with over 200 chemicals in their cord blood, it all seems to fit together.
The part about this that is insane is that since the 1970’s, thousands of chemicals have been released into the marketplace, in fact, more than 80,000. Our toxic chemical policies are so loose that we require little or no evidence for a chemical’s safety before allowing its use. This is shamefully irresponsible and completely unacceptable.
I used to think that my efforts to keep my family from harm were mostly effective. However, now I’m not so sure. I wonder if that water from the plastic filter in my refrigerated is tainted. I worry about my daughter’s Ipods and Nintendo DS’s and I remind them to wash their hands after using them. I hope that the polyester shower curtain which replaced the vinyl shower curtain is not emitting anything harmful. I don’t buy canned food anymore, but I don’t know what we’re getting when we eat out. I store most food items in glass containers. I never cook with plastic in the microwave. I don’t like to see dust! But, I know it’s impossible to eliminate it. We buy nail polish without certain chemicals and try to find more healthful personal care products.
I am disturbed that most little girls and their mothers walk into their local drug store and, unknowingly, purchase any pretty products displayed on the shelves. The bottom line is, we need our legislators to better regulate chemicals to protect our children and ourselves.
Laura Anderson
Wethersfield, Connecticut
