Our team at the Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) Research Program at UT Health San Antonio wanted to share this important external study:
“U.S. preschoolers exposed to broad range of potentially harmful chemicals” by multiple institutions alongside the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The study found that preschool children “are routinely exposed to a broad range of potentially harmful chemicals. Many of the chemicals the researchers identified are not routinely monitored and may pose health risks.”
Researchers analyzed urine samples from 201 children ages 2 to 4 years and tested for 111 chemicals.
Their study found:
- 96 chemicals were detected in at least five children.
- 48 chemicals were found in over half of the children.
- 34 chemicals were detected in more than 90% of children.
Some of the identified chemicals included:
- Phthalates and phthalate alternatives used in plastics like toys and food packaging, as well as personal care products and household items.
- Parabens commonly used in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos and pharmaceuticals.
- Bisphenols found in plastic containers, food can linings and thermal paper receipts.
- Benzophenones found in sunscreens, cosmetics and plastics.
- Pesticides used in agricultural and residential pest control.
- Organophosphate esters (OPEs) used as flame retardants in furniture and building materials and as plasticizers in food packaging.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), byproducts of combustion found in vehicle exhaust, grilled foods and tobacco smoke.
- Bactericides found in antibacterial soaps and personal care products.
“Our study shows that childhood exposure to potentially harmful chemicals is widespread. This is alarming because we know early childhood is a critical window for brain and body development,” said Deborah H. Bennett, lead author and UC Davis professor. “Many of these chemicals are known or suspected to interfere with hormones, brain development and immune function.”
Chemical exposure at any age is an important concern in development of chemical intolerance (CI) and TILT, said Dr. Claudia Miller, allergist/immunologist, professor emeritus, and leader of the TILT Program at UT Health San Antonio.
How can you find out if you have chemical intolerance?
Answer these three questions from the TILT Program on Chemical Intolerance:
- Do you feel sick when you are exposed to tobacco smoke, certain fragrances, nail polish/remover, engine exhaust, gasoline, air fresheners, pesticides, paint/thinner, fresh tar/asphalt, cleaning supplies, new carpet or furnishings? By sick, we mean: headache, difficulty thinking, difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, upset stomach, etc.
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse or allergic reactions to any drugs or medications (such as antibiotics, anesthetics, pain relievers, X-ray contrast dye, vaccines or birth control pills), or to an implant, prosthesis, contraceptive chemical or device, or other medical/surgical/dental material or procedure?
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse reactions to any foods such as dairy products, wheat, corn, eggs, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, or food additives (e.g., MSG, food dye)?
If you answer YES to any question, take the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) and share the results with your doctor!