Harmful Substances in the Environment
Hazardous Substances in the Every Day Environment
By Rebecca McKinlay
Aug 3, 2007, 11:35

Phthalates in the milk of animals grazed on land treated with sewage sludge  06/2007 Science of the Total Environment (Research study)

A four year study examining whether sheep grazed on sludge treated land have elevated levels of phthalates and alkyl phenols in their milk. No significant difference in levels of alkyl phenols were detected between animals grazed on sludge treated and conventionally fertilised land, but phthalate concentrations were increased approximately two fold by grazing on sewage treated land. The estimated daily phthalate intakes for both lambs and potential human consumers of the milk was of potential biological significance. Using sewage sludge as a fertiliser is widely seen as a favourable alternative to incinerating it or dumping it at sea. Phthalates are implicated in infertility, birth defects and some cancers.

The Toxicity of Commercial Jet Oils 01/2002 Environmental Research (Scientific Review)

Passengers and airline staff can be exposed to oils used in jet engines via the aeroplanes' cabin air intake whilst it is airbourne. These oils contain hazardous ingredients icluding skin sensitisers and neurotoxicants. The hazards posed are severely understated in publically avaliable information.

Plasticisers go from breast milk to baby 07/2006 Environmental Science and Technology Online (News article)

Pthalates, a group of chemicals used as plasticisers in many household items, have been found by a recent Canadian study to be present in human breast milk in concentrations that could have a toxic effect. Studies in animals have shown that they can adversely affect development. The researchers called for measures to be taken to reduce human exposure to these compounds.