EWG Report || BodyBurden 2 - The Pollution in Newborns

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News Release

1: Executive summary

2: Babies are vulnerable to chemical harm

3: Human health problems on the rise

4: Recommendations

Detailed findings

Methodology

Questions and Answers

References

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Naphthalene

Naphthalene was found in 5 of 10 umbilical cord blood samples from babies born in U.S. hospitals in 2004, at concentrations ranging from 85.9 to 198.5 ng/g (lipid weight, in whole blood). It was also found in 3 of 3 adult blood samples, at concentrations ranging from 17.8 to 39.5 ng/g (lipid weight, in whole blood).

PAHs are a group of chemicals formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage, or other organic substances, such as tobacco and charbroiled meat. Other sources of PAHs include asphalt and roofing tar. PAHs are found throughout the environment in air, water, and soil. There are more than 100 PAH compounds, and although the toxicity of individual PAHs is not identical, there are some similarities. PAHs are linked to cancer in both animals and humans. In humans, PAH exposure by inhalation or skin contact has been linked to cancer. Laboratory studies show that PAHs cause tumors in laboratory animals when inhaled, ingested, or in contact with the skin. PAHs cause birth defects, are toxic to the skin, blood, reproductive and immune systems in animals. Although robust information exists for only some of the PAHs investigated in this study, studies show that toxicity profiles are likely similar across all chemicals in this family. EPA has determined that seven PAH chemicals are "probable" human carcinogens: benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, chrysene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, and indeno[ 1,2,3-c,d]pyrene. (ATSDR 1995).

About Naphthalene *

CAS RN 91-20-3

Chemical Class Polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)

Trade and product names Kenplast® A-450, Shellsol® A150 Solvent, Shellsol® A200 Solvent

Chemical functions Impurity, poison, Solvent

May be found in the following types of products Activators, Adhesive and binding materials, Anti-corrosion materials, Anticorrosive paints, Base oils, Binding agents (see also Adhesives), Biocides - pesticides for non agricultural uses, Building and repairing of ships, Building and repairing of ships and boats, Building materials and additives, Catalysts, Cleaning and washing agents, Cleaning/washing agents, Construction materials, Construction materials (building materials), Corrosion inhibitors, Dyestuff, pigments, Emulsion-inhibiting agents, Emulsion-inhibiting agents - for inhibiting an emulsion. An emulsion is a mixture of two (or more) liquids. One is dispersed but not dissolved in the other, Extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas, Feed additives, Fertilizers, Fillers, Filling agents, Fuel additives, Fuel additives - for adding to the fuel to improve yield, Fuels - for heating or as fuel for motorized vehicles including cars and boats, General construction of buildings and civil engineering works, General repair shops, Impregnation agents (see also Pesticides; Paints), Industry for coke, refined petroleum products and nuclear fuel, Industry for fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment, Industry for motor vehicles, Inhibitors (see also Process-regulating agents; Stabilizers), Laboratory chemicals, Lubricants, Maintenance and repair garages for motor vehicles, Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles, Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment, Manufacture of refined petroleum products, Motor oils, Other fuel additives, Other paints and varnishes, solvent-based, Other use, Paint industry, Paint, lacquers and varnishes, Painting, Pesticides, Private households with employed persons, Underseal materials, incl. cavity seals, Wholesale and retail trade

Uses also, production of azo dyes, surfactants and dispersants, tanning agents, carbaryl (insecticide), alkylnaphthalene solvents (for carbonless copy paper), and use without processing as a fumigant (moth repellent), diluent, plasticizer, production of phthalic anhydride, carbaryl insecticide, beta-naphthol, tanning agents, moth repellent, and surfactants-naphthalene: main use: production of phthalic anhydride (intermediate for polyvinyl chloride plasticizers), solvent

Manufacturers Kenrick Petrochems., Koppers Ind., Shell International Chemical

* Information may include trade names, manufacturers, and products for other chemicals in the Polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) class.

Priority Health Concerns for Naphthalene

Health Concern or Target Organ Weight of Evidence

Cancer Known Effects
Reproductive System Probable Effects

References for Health Effects

Suspected Health Concerns for Naphthalene

Birth Defects / Developmental Delays, Cardiovascular System Or Blood, Stomach Or Intestines, Brain, Nervous System, Skin

References for Health Effects