Multiple Chemical Sensivity

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http://www.ncchem.com/research.htm

The research of F. Arnold and others at Tulane

University published in June, 1996 shocked the

scientific community. It proves that

hormone-disrupting chemicals, known to cause mild

effects, when used in combination produce

significantly dramatic hormonal effects " Synergistic

Activation of Estrogen Receptor with Combinations of

Environmental Chemicals, " 272 Science 1489-1492

(June7, 1996).

Combinations of two or three pesticides, which are

commonly found in the environment at low levels, are

up to 1600 times more powerful than any of the

pesticides individually in their impact on hormones.

Some chemicals, which individually do not disrupt

hormones, tremendously magnifies the ability of other

chemicals to disrupt hormones. That was the finding

with chlordane.

The study focused on endosulfan, chlordane, toxaphene

and dieldrin, all of which impact a gene making

estrogen in animals. Estrogen controls the formation

and development of female organs and is strongly

associated with both breast cancer and causing male

sex organs to be deformed.

This is the beginning of a revolution in scientific

knowledge that will profoundly effect the way

pesticides are screened and tested.

This research should prompt EPA to immediately require

appropriate warnings. Regulations have long been based

on studies of individual chemicals and their

individual effects. Now EPA must take steps to

regulate combinations of chemicals in order to assure

appropriate levels of public safety.

The example of chlordane is particularly disturbing

because it means that EPA, manufacturers and the

scientific community must now assess and evaluate of

chemicals long believed to have minor hormonal

impacts. Accomplishing such testing will take years

and all the while significant damage to people will

continue unabated.

The prevailing view that chemicals are safe until

proven otherwise is no longer valid and all

manufacturers must be required to prove the safety of

their products when used in conjunction with other

chemicals.