34 molecules on average are concentrated in the hair of children. These endocrine disruptors alter the functioning of the endocrine system.
Difficult to escape endocrine disruptors. Whether in our floors, bathrooms and kitchens, they seem to be everywhere. Few objects do not contain these substances which alter the functioning of the endocrine system. The fight therefore seems to be over for our dear blond heads. A survey conducted by the magazine 60 Million Consumers confirms it. On average, 34 suspicious molecules are found in their hair.
Early puberty
Phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides… the list of candidates for endocrine disruptors is long. So much so that the magazine has chosen to group them into seven families welcoming, in total, more than 250 molecules. 43 children, girls and boys, were selected for this survey. And despite the ban on their use, bisphenol A and certain phthalates persist in the body of these kids.
The phthalates also obtain the palm of the most concentrated substance, with 2,669 picograms per milligram of hair. Heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons follow. In the end, children accumulate 34 molecules on average in their body. But the toll can go up to 54 substances for a child.
The finding is alarming because endocrine disruptors have the capacity to interfere with the natural development of the body. “In children, we (them) are responsible in particular for prematurity, congenital malformations, or even precocious puberty”, thus illustrates 60 Million Consumers. In fact, childhood is a critical period.
Organic, glass, wood
But can we escape endocrine disruptors? This is the whole question raised by this investigation. Despite successive bans, especially PCBs, exposure persists. 60 Million therefore advises its readers to ventilate the rooms regularly, in order to avoid the accumulation of pollutants. But acting upstream is also possible, on condition of paying increased attention to labeling.
Favoring organic products in the bathroom and the kitchen is, for example, a saving reflex. Likewise, consumers are encouraged to use glass rather than plastic and avoid PVC flooring (lino, vinyl, etc.). As a precaution, any product that may contain a flame retardant can be substituted with an alternative.
It remains to convince the authorities to act more firmly vis-à-vis endocrine disruptors. As part of the presidential campaign, some candidates have pledged to implement stronger regulations. But without an international policy on the subject, not sure that the hair of the youngest is cleaned quickly.
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