Bisphenol a—commonly known as BPA—was developed in the 1930s as an estrogenic mimicker and is used in the industrial manufacture of plastics. Countless established and emerging reports continue to confirm that the ubiquitous chemical appears to cause significant disruption to the body’s endocrine system and has been linked to cardiovascular disease, intestinal problems, and brain cell connection interference.

BPA has also been connected to increased risks of reproductive and immune system diseases and disorders; problems with liver function testing; interruptions in chemotherapy treatment; links with serious health problems; and erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems in males. In urine tests, BPA is found in the overwhelming majority of Americans, more than 93 percent and, significantly, the chemical is found in 90 percent of all newborns. More You Can Reduce BPA Exposure

Not too long ago, we wrote that a man raised at the Camp Lejeune Marine base told lawmakers that his breast cancer resulted from contaminated base water. This was not the first time allegations were made regarding contaminated water and cancer diagnoses linked to that base.

Now, the Associated Press (AP) is reporting that an environmental contractor “dramatically underreported” the amount of benzene, a known carcinogen, found in tap water at the Camp and, worse, completely omitted its presence in information when the base was preparing for a federal health review, said the AP. Ten years prior, the Marine Corps was warned about the “dangerously high” benzene levels that originated from “massive” fuel tank leaks at the base, said the AP, citing studies and its review. More Camp Lejeune Contractor Underreported Cancer Chemical

We have long been writing about the dangers of lead exposure on the general population and, most especially to children. We have pointed out that lead poisoning is considered the greatest environmental health threat to children under the age of six, a very serious issue given that these children face the greatest risks since their growing bodies absorb lead easier than adult bodies. Poisoning occurs from swallowing lead, for instance from consuming lead paint chips and from breathing lead paint dust.

A known neurotoxin, lead exposure can cause brain and nervous system damage in children and fetuses, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, headaches, mental and physical retardation, and behavioral and other health problems. Lead is known to cause cancer and reproductive harm and, in adults, can damage the nervous system. In high doses, lead poisoning can cause seizure, coma, and death. Experts agree that there is no safe level of lead. More Lead Poisoning a Suspect in ADHD

On the heels of a meeting between chemical industry lobbyists and officials with the Obama administration, federal regulators are doing what seems to be a bit of a back track in the inclusion of bisphenol A—BPA—in its regulation of dangerous chemicals, said the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel.

The meeting took place last year and has many wondering, especially given that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head has been vocally critical about the public’s exposure to chemicals, especially the highly ubiquitous BPA. The agency released its list on December 30th, said the Journal Sentinel; BPA was not on the list of four chemicals subject to more stringent labeling and reporting. The EPA said the highly controversial chemical will not be on its regulatory plan another two years, according to the Journal Sentinel. More EPA Delays BPA Action Following Industry Pressure

Not surprisingly, those workers and residents who were exposed to the dust and fumes that were caused by the collapse of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 continue to report that they still suffer from headaches, said Science Daily. The publication cited just-released research scheduled for presentation at the American Academy of Neurology’s 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto, Canada from April 10 to April 17, 2010.

“We knew that headaches were common in people living and working near the World Trade Center on and immediately after 9/11, but this is the first study to look at headaches several years after the event,” said study author Sara Crystal, MD, of the NYU School of Medicine in New York City, quoted Science Daily. More People Exposed to Ground Zero Dust Still Experiencing Headaches

A food additive linked to an illness that has come to be called “Popcorn Lung” is being reviewed by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Diacetyl has long been linked to Popcorn Lung, an irreversible lung ailment seen mostly among workers in the snack food industry. However, over the past several years, some consumers have also come down with the illness.

Popcorn Lung, known formally as Bronchiolitis obliterans, is a potentially life-threatening, irreversible ailment, for which the only cure is a lung transplant. Popcorn Lung inflames the bronchioles—small lung airways—causing scarring and “obliterating” appropriate airflow. More “Popcorn Lung” Chemical Putting Consumers at Risk

Target has stopped selling some Valentine’s Day toys today after tests revealed lead levels that violated federal law for products for children under age 12. California Attorney General Jerry Brown had asked Target the pull the Valentine’s Day “Message Bears” after his office was informed of the tests results.

The action involves two “Message Bears.” One is a pink stuffed bear with “XOXO” across the chest and the other a brown stuffed bear with “I Love U” across the chest, with “love” represented by a heart. The bears were made in China and sold exclusively by Target stores. More Target Stops Selling Valentine’s “Message Bears” After Tests Reveal Excessive Lead Levels

WebMD, citing the National Academy of Sciences, reports that the toxin, PERC, is a so-called “likely human carcinogen.” Known as perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene, PERC is a commonly used dry cleaning solvent that can be found in routine use in about 85 percent of all United States dry cleaners, said WebMD. PERC is also used in the manufacture of other chemicals and can be used as a degreaser.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), tetrachloroethylene can lead to negative neurological, liver, and kidney effects in humans following acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure. PERC exposure can also lead to adverse reproductive effects, such as spontaneous abortions. More Dry Cleaning Chemical, PERC, Likely Causes Cancer

A popular pesticide, atrazine, is making news again. The crop pesticide was discussed in a study scheduled to be presented at the annual meeting for the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s (SMFM), The Pregnancy Meeting ™, in Chicago, said Science Daily. The findings are expected to detail a link between atrazine and gastroschisis, a birth defect, said Science Daily.

Science Daily explained that gastroschisis is an “inherited congenital abdominal wall defect” that generally occurs in the intestines, but can occur in other organs, explained Science Daily. The organ typically develops outside the fetus’ abdomen and through an opening in the abdominal wall. Gastroschisis is increasing in prevalence, showing a two-to-four-fold increase in the past three decades, said Science Daily. The team, at the University of Washington in Seattle, was advised of the increase in the eastern portion of the state of Washington, which led them to hypothesize that there could be a link to that area’s environment, said Science Daily. More Study Finds Link Between Atrizine, Birth Defect

A new study has found a link between a once popular metal cleaner and increased risks of developing Parkinson’s disease. According to Science Daily, the chemical, trichloroethylene (TCE), was used to clean automotive components. The study, just released, will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto, Canada from April 10 to April 17, 2010.

“This is the first time a population-based study has confirmed case reports that exposure to TCE may increase a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease,” said study author Samuel Goldman, MD, with the Parkinson’s Institute in Sunnyvale, California, quoted Science Daily. Dr. Goldman is also a member of the American Academy of Neurology. “TCE was once a popular industrial solvent used in dry cleaning and to clean grease off metal parts, but due to other health concerns the chemical is no longer widely used,” Dr. Goldman added. More Parkinson’s Disease Risk Linked to Exposure to Industrial Cleaner