Danish EPA Identifies Most Significant EDCs for Babies

The most significant endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to which babies and pregnant women may be exposed are dioxins, PCBs, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), BHA and BHT, according to Danish state research.

The phthalates included in this group were DEHP, DBP and DIBP.

The study by the Danish EPA assessed the combined risks posed by 37 EDCs and suspected EDCs to children under the age of three, pregnant women and unborn children.

The aim was to simulate overall exposure by including as many substances from previously published literature. The team then discounted any for which exposure was not realistic based on an initial qualitative assessment, including several brominated flame retardants, perfluorinates and phenols.

They selected the final substances using criteria produced by the agency in 2011.

The researchers estimated hazard in the form of derived no effect levels (Dnels) and exposure based on both modelled and measured data. They then combined these to give risk characterisation ratios (RCRs).

Exposure through food contributed significantly to the risk for all of the substances with high RCRs. Exposure through indoor environment contributed significantly for the phthalates, and exposure through consumer products for the phthalates and bisphenol A.

The researchers found relatively high levels of BHT in cosmetics, primarily creams. But they also found "considerable" uncertainty in their exposure estimates. This was because knowledge on absorption and metabolism in the body through dermal exposure was "limited".

Paracetamol

The RCRs for the common over the counter painkiller paracetamol were orders of magnitude higher than those for any other substance.

But the researchers say in their report the risks associated with a drug would not normally be assessed using the method they used. They based their risk assessment on animal studies and followed principles generally applicable to environmental or food related substances.

They say that risk assessment of drugs is generally based on human data. It is also different because drugs have acceptable side effects.

Pharmacovigilance groups at the European Medicines Agency have concluded that based on available studies and data there is insufficient evidence for a link between paracetamol and anti-androgenic effects.

Nevertheless the researchers say "the intake of paracetamol at critical periods during the early development may result in a potential risk of anti-androgenic effects".

Neurotoxic substances

The study included assessment of 39 neurotoxic substances. The most significant to which babies and pregnant women may be exposed are lead, dioxins, PCBs, mercury, methyl mercury, BPA and acrylamide. Lead "constitutes by far the highest risk of the chronic neurotoxic effects," the researchers say.