A recent investigation conducted by the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has found select consumer items to contain Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals (EDCs) which could cause damage to hormones in certain quantities.
Issuing a statement, the CEJ revealed that the chemicals were found in select consumer items, such as hand wash, feminine wash, anti-virus wipes, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, an apron, and a raincoat, all purchased in Sri Lanka.
The CEJ further said that in-depth testing of textile samples involved assessing Extractable Organic Fluorine (EOF/ TEOF) and 58 targeted PFAS, while personal care products underwent analysis for the presence of Parabens and triclosan.
The full statement by the CEJ is as follows;
Detection of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Water-Repellent Clothing
Exploring the Impact: Scientists have underscored the endocrine-disruptive properties of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). PFAS exposure can transpire through various routes, including occupational exposure in firefighting or with chemical products, consumption of contaminated food, inhalation of air containing PFAS, and usage of products made or packaged with PFAS-containing materials. This silent threat poses significant risks to both humans and the environment due to their prolonged persistence and accumulation. PFASs exhibit high mobility in air, water, and soil, contributing to their considerable environmental persistence.
Unveiling Health Concerns: According to a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report, these chemicals have been linked to potential damage to the liver, kidneys, thyroid, reproductive system, and cancer. Associations have also been identified with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, pregnancy-related high blood pressure, as well as impacts on the nervous system, brain development, and hormones. Moreover, PFAS can be transmitted from mothers to babies through cord blood and breast milk, potentially causing developmental issues in infants if exposure levels are elevated. Their water solubility further elevates the risk of exposure to aquatic animals, compounding the environmental impact.
Study Findings: In October 2022, Sri Lanka submitted six textile samples, including a T-shirt, jackets, an apron, and a raincoat from 6 distinct manufacturers, to the Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Czech Republic, for laboratory testing. This study, conducted in collaboration with IPEN, Arnika, and other partner organizations, identified PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid) in two out of the six samples from Sri Lanka, with concentrations of 2.7 ng/g in an apron and 2.6 ng/g in a raincoat.
In the comprehensive global study involving 72 samples from 13 countries, 16 samples (22%) were found to contain at least one Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) exceeding the EU recommended level of 25 ppb (ng/g). Countries with samples identified as PFAS-treated or -contaminated included Czechia (10), Serbia (1), Netherlands (1), Germany (1), UK (1), Sri Lanka (2), Thailand (6), Bangladesh (5), India (5), United States of America (7), Montenegro (3), and Kenya (4). These results raise concerns about potential exposure through imported and gifted products from these countries.
The report, released by IPEN, underscores the necessity of regulating all PFAS substances rather than specific groups. Encouragingly, 26 samples (36%) showed no detection of PFAS, indicating the feasibility and potential availability of PFAS-free products. Notably, companies such as Deuter, Jack Wolfskin, Mammut, ORTOVOX, Polartec, and Vaude have already implemented a ban on PFAS in their products, validating the study’s findings.
Presence of Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals (EDCs) in Personal Care Products: Legal Permissions vs. Scientific Scrutiny
Exploring the Impact: The impact of Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals on hormone functions and associated health risks is a prominent concern in the scientific community. Although certain chemicals are subject to regulation under national and international standards, their continued detection in consumer products raises significant questions. It’s noteworthy that some of these chemicals pose a more considerable risk to aquatic biodiversity than to humans, a factor that appears overlooked in the process of setting standards.
This study, conducted in collaboration with the Wonjin Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health in Korea, involved the collection of 30 samples across eight product categories—hand wash (4), toothpaste (6), body wash (5), mouthwash (3), feminine wash (3), baby wipes (4), anti-virus wipes (2), and deodorant (3). These samples were sent to Korea for laboratory testing.
The examination focused on detecting Methylparaben (E number E218), Ethylparaben (E214), Propylparaben (E216), Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutyl paraben, Pentylparaben, Phenylparaben, Benzylparaben, Triclosan, and Triclocarban.
Unveiling Health Concerns: Research Highlights Negative Health Consequences of Paraben-Containing Food, Medicines, and Cosmetics. Studies indicate potential risks, including endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity (ability to cause defects in a developing foetus), reproductive toxicology, and adipogenesis (the process by which fat-laden cells, called adipocytes, develop and accumulate as adipose tissue at various sites in the body), alongside psychosocial issues linked to perinatal and childhood exposure. Notably, a study on young Chinese adults underscores that urinary concentrations of Parabens in women are double those found in men, emphasizing a higher risk for females.
Triclosan, commonly found in personal care products, can be absorbed through the skin and oral mucosa. Its structural resemblance to anthropogenic oestrogens, coupled with proven endocrine-disrupting effects similar to polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins, raises concerns. Researchers also warn of the potential for triclosan to foster drug-resistant bacteria. Strong evidence from studies highlights the toxicity of triclosan to algae and its reproductive and developmental effects on some fish.
Study Findings: Test results unveiled the presence of Methylparaben ranging from 0.07 to 2823.2 μg/g in 8 samples, Propylparaben ranging from 0.03 to 14.20 μg/g in 3 samples, and 75.07 μg/g of Butylparaben in one sample. Although none surpassed national and EU standards for these chemicals, the study suggests revisiting these standards considering their endocrine-disruptive properties, detection in human samples, bioaccumulation, and toxicity to aquatic organisms.
Acknowledgment: CEJ extends heartfelt appreciation to IPEN (International Pollutants Elimination Network) and ARNIKA, a Czech non-profit organization, along with the Wonjin Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health (WIOEH) and the Korea Financial Industry Foundation (KIFI) for their invaluable support and funding, contributing to the successful completion of this study. (NewsWire)