Studies Find Chemicals in Human Body

bisphenol-A, PBDEs and phthalates -- Oh my!

They're chemicals, potentially toxic or unhealthy, and they are in you, and me, and every one of us -- or so it seems, based on new studies written about in today's Newsday.

PBDEs are polybrominated diphenyl ethers, used as flame retardants. Bisphenol-A and phthalates are ingredients in plastics, among other products.

Studies found the compounds in the blood and urine of people nationwide. What that means for our health is an open question, but animal studies have turned up some worrying information about these polysyllabic chemicals, primarily that even at low levels they may tongue-tie the body's instant messenger, the hormonal system.

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