Slide 1 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma-Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products Robin Dodson, ScD Silent Spring Institute

Slide 2 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g SILENT SPRING INSTITUTE is a non-profit scientific research organization dedicated to identifying the links between the environment and women's health, especially breast cancer. We are a groundbreaking collaboration of scientists, physicians, health advocates, and community activists, and a leading edge research institution using multi-disciplinary, state-of-the-art approaches. “A lab of our own”

Slide 3 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g Chemicals of Interest  Mammary carcinogens damage DNA  Endocrine disruptors as tumor promoters  Endocrine disruptors as developmental toxicants that alter susceptibility Ionizing radiation Tamoxifen, HRT

Slide 4 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g  Agents that interfere with synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones *EDCs = endocrine disrupting compounds NIEHS, 2009 What are endocrine disruptors?

Slide 5 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g  Thyroid –PCBs, PBDEs, perfluorinated compounds  Estrogen –bisphenol A, nonylphenol, parabens  Androgen –dibutylphthalate, DEHP EDCs can be defined by the hormone systems they interact with Phthalates Parabens Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers

Slide 6 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g Health Endpoints  Reproductive health (incl. puberty)  Hormonal Cancers  Neurodevelopment  Obesity  Diabetes  Heart disease  Immune function ©2006 Women to Women

Slide 7 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g Examples  Pharmaceuticals: oral contraceptives, diethylstilbesterol (DES)  Pesticides: DDT  Flame retardants: PBDEs  Associated with plastics: bisphenol A, phthalates  Industrial compounds: PCBs, dioxins  Metals: Cd, Pb, Hg  Natural substances: phytoestrogens, soy

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Slide 10 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g Cape Cod Household Exposure Study 120 homes Air, dust, urine 89 endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) 30 measured for the first time indoors Rudel et al ES&T

Slide 11 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g 67 EDCs 27 pesticides DDT 2/3 homes Phthalates in 100% homes Phenols, parabens abundant Flame retardants higher than Europe All homes above guidelines 28 detected EDCs have no health guidelines Some people – very high levels Cape Cod Household Exposure Study Findings

Slide 12 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g So, what can I do?

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Slide 15 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g 50 product types Dodson et al EHP

Slide 16 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g “Alternative” Product Criteria Primarily plant-based ingredients Paraben-free Fragrance-free (allow some botanical extracts, except tea tree oil and lavender) No ethanolamines Not stain-resistant (e.g. no organofluorines) No antimicrobials (e.g. triclosan, Microban) No alkylphenol-based surfactants No dichlorobenzene No phthalates

Slide 17 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g 66 endocrine disruptors and asthma- associated chemicals Dodson et al EHP

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Slide 20 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g Top Tips CHOOSE Fewer products Plant-based ingredients Plain water, baking soda and vinegar for cleaning Shade, hats and tightly woven fabric cover- ups for sun protection

Slide 21 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g Top Tips AVOID Fragrances in cleaning and personal care products Vinyl products, especially pillows and mattress-protectors Antimicrobials in soap, toothpaste and other products (watch out for “antibacterial,” “antimicrobial,” “triclosan” and triclocarban” on the label)

Slide 22 w w w. s i l e n t s p r i n g. o r g Top Tips AVOID Stain resistant furniture sprays or clothing Lavender and tea tree oil Parabens in lotions, deodorants, shampoos and other cosmetics (look for “paraben- free” and watch out for “methylparaben,” “ethylparaben” and “butylparaben”) Cyclosiloxanes in suncreen and hair products (watch out for “cyclomethicone”)

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