It’s only a snapshot, but 20 physicians and nurses from ten states allowed their bodily fluids to be tested for the presence of chemicals that are linked to health problems and are everywhere in our environment. All the medical professional were found to have surprising levels of toxic chemicals in their systems.
The biomonitoring targeted Bisphenol A, Mercury, Perfluorinated compounds, Phthalates, Polybrominated diphenyl, ethers and Triclosan. These were selected, the organization said, because they are chemicals that are used in the health care setting and have been associated with endocrine disruptors and certain diseases.
The PSR testing showed that 18 chemicals were detected in every single participant; all 20 had at least five of the six kinds of chemicals for which the group tested, and 13 of the participants had all six. Bisphenol A was found in all. Finally, 13 of the medical professionals had had dimethyl phthalate metabolites.
The organization called for the following actions:
• Take immediate action on the most dangerous chemicals and persistent, bioaccumulative toxic chemicals should be phased out of commerce.
• Hold industry responsible for the safety of their chemicals and products. And, chemical companies should be required to provide full information on the health and environmental impacts of all their chemicals.
• Use the best science to protect all people and vulnerable groups. Chemicals should meet a standard of safety for all people, including children, pregnant women, and workers.
The test subjects came from Alaska, California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon and Washington.
