REPORT LINKS CHEMICALS AND DECREASED FERTILITY

[Patricia Dines <73652.1202@CompuServe.COM>]

More evidence on the link between (endrocrine disrupting) chemicals and
fertility and other harm.  For your info - P. Dines

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From: Rich Winkel, INTERNET:rich%pencil@uga.cc.uga.edu
To: Patricia Dines, 73652,1202
Sender: o-imap@chumbly.math.missouri.edu
Date: Mon, Nov 18, 1996, 4:21 PM
Subject: Chemicals-Decreased Fertility Link

/** headlines: 144.0 **/
** Written  8:33 AM  Nov 14, 1996 by newsdesk in cdp:headlines **
/* Written 12:26 AM  Nov 12, 1996 by twn@igc.org in twn.features */

REPORT LINKS CHEMICALS AND DECREASED FERTILITY

The suspicion of a link between the deteriorating reproductive
health of humans and wildlife and the increasing number and
complexity of synthetic chemicals in the environment, has been
boosted by a recent report by Friends of the Earth Scotland on
hormone disrupting chemicals.

By Linda Cook

     A recent report by FoE [Friends of the Earth] Scotland on
hormone disrupting chemicals (HDCs) supports the link made in
recent years between a decline in the reproductive health of
wildlife and humans and an increase in the number and complexity of
synthetic chemicals in the environment. It also includes the
results of FoE Scotland's own investigations into HDC levels in the
Scottish environment and recommends specific government action.

     More than 50 groups of chemicals have been shown to have
hormone disrupting effects. These include alkyphenol ethoxylates
(APEs), dioxins, furans, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides,
phthalates and bisphenol-A. Household commodities containing such
chemicals include some hair-care products, detergents and food
items (particularly infant formula). The report emphasises that
areas where there is clear cause for concern include exposure to
bisphenol-A from dental sealants (often used for children) and APE
levels in industrial and sewage effluent.

     Human reproductive health is being increasingly threatened by
cancers and abnormalities, with, for example, an estimated 45%
reduction in sperm counts between 1945 and 1990 and an increase in
the incidence of hormone-sensitive cancers of the breast, uterus,
prostrate and testes. Observations of wildlife also show
reproductive failures, increased deformities of the reproductive
organs and behavioural abnormalities in new-born mammals, birds and
fish. Meanwhile, around 1,000 new chemicals have been introduced
onto the market each year since the 1940s.

     The link between these trends is the endocrine system, the
mechanism which uses hormones to control bodily functions including
growth and reproduction. HDCs are capable of acting like hormones,
or of disrupting the normal system of hormone activity. It seems
likely that the potential long-term effects of HDC exposure will be
severe: some studies already indicate learning difficulties in
children, and animal research points to attention deficits, reduced
stress tolerance and increased aggression.

     The FoE Scotland report cites numerous examples of tests
carried out since the 1930s and 1940s that give evidence of this
link. During the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, for example, the chemical
DES, which mimics oestrogen in the body, was administered to 5
million pregnant women. Side-effects came to light only a
generation later, when the so-called DES daughters suffered
clusters of exremely rare cancers, in particular vaginal cancer,
and DES sons reported elevated rates of testicular cancer and
fertility problems. Also, male roosters treated with DDT in the
1950s to kill insects underwent feminisation. In the 1970s, it was
shown how DDT and other synthetic chemicals could disrupt the
sexual development of birds.

     FoE Scotland found it difficult to obtain useful information
on current levels of HDCs in Scotland. Certain areas of industry,
in particular food manufacturers, were 'either ignorant or
dismissive of the issues' and 'even those who replied are, of
course, under no obligation to tell the truth.' The report
concludes with recommendations to the government. Although the
government committed itself to 'action to limit the use of
potentially dangerous materials or the spread of potentially
dangerous pollutants, even where scientific knowledge is not
conclusive' in its Sustainable Development Strategy, it has so far
maintained that there is not enough evidence to merit action.

     But apparently swift action is possible. Some food
manufacturers have already opted for materials free of phthalates,
and APEs are subject to a total ban in Switzerland. FoE Scotland
has called on their government not only to step up its research
efforts, but also to replace HDCs, set safety levels, screen other
chemicals and provide information to the consumer. As the report
points out, 'further research is necessary, but there is already
sufficient information known to take precautionary action now - not
in 5 or 10 years time when another generation will have been
exposed to these chemicals and wildlife will have been further
disrupted.' - Third World Network Features

-ends-

About the writer: Linda Cook is with Friends of the Earth International.

This article first appeared in Link, July/August 1996.

When reproducing this feature, please credit Third World Network
Features and (if applicable) the cooperating magazine or agency
involved in the article, and give the byline. Please send us
cuttings.

For more information, please contact:

Third World Network
228, Macalister Road, 10400 Penang, Malaysia.

Email: twn@igc.apc.org; twnpen@twn.po.my
Tel: (+604)2293511,2293612 & 2293713;
Fax: (+604)2298106 & 2264505

1525/96

** End of text from cdp:headlines **

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THIS INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:  Patricia Dines
73652.1202@compuserve.com

Specializing in educating and empowering citizen action on toxics and their
alternatives, and how we might work together to create a healthy global
ecosystem, with healthy people, agriculture, etc.  I do this work through
writing articles, classes, booklets, and other materials, and through teaching
and giving talks.

Please contact me for more information on my services, how it might support your
goals, to make a financial contribution so that I can continue my work (often
made for free), or to alert me to potential clients who might be supported by my
services.

Thanks!
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