http://www.cnn.com/2001/HEALTH/03/21/chemical.exposure.02/index.html [links] Unexpectedly high chemical levels found in Americans March 21, 2001 Web posted at: 10:26 p.m. EST (0326 GMT) In this story: 24 chemicals measured for 1st time Lead findings disputed Dramatic reduction in smoking-related chemical RELATED STORIES, SITES WASHINGTON -- While lead levels are down, surprisingly high amounts of a chemical used in soap, cosmetics and plastics were detected in Americans' blood and urine, federal health officials reported Wednesday in the first nationwide study of environmental toxins in people. Levels of diethyl phthalate were "considerably higher than one would have predicted," said Dr. Richard Jackson, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Environmental Health. "It may mean that the compound is able to get into humans better because it's directly applied to the skin," said Dr. Jim Pirkle, deputy director of laboratories for NCEH. Phthalates are a class of chemicals that are found in many plastics, especially flexible plastics. Some types are also found in cosmetics. Animal studies suggest that large amounts of diethyl phthalate may disrupt normal hormone function and cause birth defects. The government is studying whether repeated exposure is harmful to humans. The Consumer Product Safety Council has recommended that toy makers stop using phthalates, used in plastics to soften such things as doll heads and teething rings. 24 chemicals measured for 1st time CDC researchers tested for 27 chemicals, including mercury, phthalates, lead and compounds from second-hand tobacco smoke. The tests were performed in 1999 on samples from 3,800 people. For 24 of the chemicals, it was the first time they were measured, so they represent a baseline number that will help the CDC determine trends. "The report is a major step toward assessing in the U.S. population which environmental chemicals are present in blood and urine samples, who is exposed, trends in exposure over time, and whether interventions to reduce exposure are working," said Jackson. Previous studies had looked at lead, cadmium and cotinine. Lead findings disputed Lead levels have decreased since previous studies, but the researchers were quick to say it remains a public health concern, and people with children who live in houses built before 1950 should still be on alert. Advocacy groups also pointed to the small sample size of the study, only about 250 children between the ages of 1 and 5. Dr. Bailus Walker, director of the Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, said the new statistics reflect only part of the reality about the problem. "Statistics on the national average blood-lead level fail to reflect the continuing problem of lead poisoning for the children, families and communities at highest risk, and the striking disparities in lead poisoning rates," Walker said. Cadmium, a chemical found in rechargeable batteries and paints, remained at about the same levels previous studies have shown. Dramatic reduction in smoking-related chemical The levels of cotinine, a chemical found in second-hand smoke, has decreased four-fold over the past decade, according to researchers. One researcher who worked on the study said he had never seen such a reduction in a study like this and considered that a huge success. The researchers said the reductions in lead and cotinine show the CDC's public-health messages are working and should continue in areas that are seen as risks. Mercury levels were tested for the first time this year. The levels were not dangerously high, but the CDC reiterated its previous warnings of the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, both of which tell women who want to have children or those who are breast-feeding not to eat fish high in mercury. Mercury may harm an unborn baby's developing nervous system and that can affect its ability to learn. Fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish are all considered to be potentially high in mercury. Mercury is prevalent in the air and falls into the water. Once in the water, it mixes with other chemicals and turns into a toxic form of the chemical. Larger fish such as shark and swordfish become higher in mercury when they eat smaller fish. Canned fish, shellfish and farm raised fish are considered safe for women. The EPA says freshwater fish such as those recreational anglers catch should also be avoided. The CDC plans to test these chemicals and more every year working up to 100 different chemicals. Annual testing will allow them to track chemicals of concern and trends in human exposure to them. The researchers said just because someone tests positive for these chemicals isn't a bad thing, but it's important to know the pathway for how these chemicals enter people and the health effects of the chemicals. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright (c) 2001 Cable News Network. All Rights Reserved.
