impact of toxic chemicals on reproductive health

impact of toxic chemicals on reproductive health
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/0502-12.htm

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
MAY 2, 2006
4:10 AM

*CONTACT: Greenpeace <http://www.feingold.senate.gov>
*Helen Perivier, Greenpeace International Toxics Campaigner, tel +32
(0)496 127107 (EN, FR) Nadia Haiama, Greenpeace EU policy director on
chemicals, tel +32 (0)476 961376 (PT, FR, EN, ES) Katharine Mill,
Greenpeace International Communications, tel +32 (0)496 156229 (EN, FR)


*Everything you didn't want to know about sex...
Greenpeace report reveals the impact of toxic chemicals on reproductive
health*

http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/0502-12.htm

AMSTERDAM - May 2 - Falling sperm counts, rising infertility and genital
abnormalities in babies could all result from exposure to hazardous man-
made chemicals used in perfumes, carpets, electronics, clothing and a
host of other consumer goods, a Greenpeace report released today has
revealed [1].

The report, 'Fragile: Our reproductive health and chemical exposure',
collates the findings of a number of peer-reviewed scientific studies of
recent years. Together, the studies show for the first time a
comprehensive picture of an increase in reproductive health disorders,
mirroring the rising presence in our lives of man- made chemicals.

Sperm counts have fallen by 50% in 50 years, infertility among couples
has more than doubled in industrialised countries since the 1960s, while
testicular cancer has become increasingly common. The male-female birth
ratio has changed dramatically in some areas and birth defects of the
reproductive system are increasingly noted in baby boys.

"The growing body of scientific evidence indicating links between
exposure to man- made chemicals and damage to our reproductive systems
is extremely disturbing. Greenpeace is calling for any chemical that can
potentially harm humans in this way to be removed from use wherever a
safer alternative is available," said Dr David Santillo of Greenpeace
International's Science Unit, one of the report's authors.

Many of the disorders which have been increasing in incidence are
thought to originate in the developing stages of the child's life in the
womb or shortly after birth. At the same time, tests have shown that
exposure to some commonly used chemicals which may affect fertility
takes effect almost from the moment a child is conceived. Among the
chemicals concerned are alkylphenols, phthalates, brominated flame
retardants, organotin compounds, bisphenol-A and artificial musks.
However, these chemicals, used as examples in this report, represent
only a fraction of the problem. Most chemicals on the market have never
been tested for their safety for human health or the environment, yet
many are routinely used in products found on supermarket shelves and in
our bathroom cabinets.

An EU law (REACH [2]) currently being discussed is supposed to allow for
much stricter checks and controls on the manufacture and use of
chemicals. But an aggressive lobby from certain chemicals producers has
been so successful in undermining REACH that the law could ultimately
allow substances suspected of harming our hormone system and sexual
organs to remain in use. [3]

Greenpeace International Toxics Campaigner, Helen Perivier, said: "Many
individuals and couples see their lives and welfare affected by
reproductive disorders. The EU cannot close its eyes to this rising
problem by weakening the protection that REACH could provide against
chemical-induced health problems."

Greenpeace argues that there can be no justification for allowing the
continued use of hazardous chemicals that can be passed to developing
children and that may harm sexual development.

Governments and Members of the European Parliament will vote on the EU
chemicals regulation later this year.

To arrange an interview with David Santillo, Greenpeace Science Unit,
contact Katharine Mill

Notes to the editor:
1. The report Fragile is available at http://www.greenpeace.org/fragile
2. REACH: Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation
of Chemicals
3. Fatal Flaws, http://www.greenpeace.org/fatalflawsbrief