Scan shows everyday risk of toxic chemicals

By Mary Carey
Staff Writer

Published on November 16, 2007

State Rep. Ellen Story, D-Amherst, said Nov. 9 that she was among 35 people in seven states who tested positive for three chemicals linked to everything from birth defects to Parkinson's disease.

The tests were part of an experiment sponsored by a group lobbying for legislation to limit the use of toxic chemicals in the Baystate.

In fact, the three toxic chemicals she was tested for are found in so many everyday products - from shower curtains to plastic water bottles and computers - that all 35 people tested had positive results.

Proponents hope the test results will prompt the Legislature to pass "An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts: Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals."

The bill would require manufacturers to use less-toxic substitutes if feasible and, if passed, would be the first of its kind in the country, said Danielle Connor, spokeswoman for "The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow," a statewide coalition.

The alliance sponsored the tests, which cost $5,000 each and were performed about seven months ago. Several representatives of the group and Epi Bodhi, Amherst's health director, also spoke at the press conference at Amherst Town Hall, where Story announced her test results.

Story is a co-sponsor of the toxic chemicals bill, which has cleared several legislative hurdles and is now before the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Connor said proponents are lobbying to have the full Senate consider the bill before Thanksgiving.

It's "a pragmatic approach to phasing out toxic chemicals when possible and replace them with safer alternatives," Connor said.

Phthalates, PBDEs and Bisphenol-A are the chemicals the group is targeting.

Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals that make some shower curtains and plastic toys flexible and is found in many cosmetics.

PBDEs are flame retardants and are commonly found in electronics and some furniture foams, textiles and kitchen appliances.

Bisphenol-A is used to make epoxy resin and some plastic products including water and baby bottles as well as food storage and heating containers.

Bodhi said she has a personal as well as professional concern about chemicals in everyday items.

"When I turned 50, I got a unique present: I got breast cancer," Bodhi said. "I went through the usual thing of blaming myself (saying), What did I eat?' I came out saying it wasn't me. We all live in this chemical soup."

Story's test results "could probably happen to you or me," Bodhi said.

For people who must work with the chemicals in factories, the problem is even worse, said John Thoma, co-executive director of Western Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health.

Mary Carey can be reached at mary.carey@att.net.