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Endocrine chemical intake level safe

August 29, 2012
The low dietary exposure of the general population to seven groups of endocrine disrupting chemicals is below their representative health-based guidance values, and thus unlikely to cause adverse health effects to humans, the Centre for Food Safety announced today.
 
The seven kinds of chemicals are organochlorine pesticides, dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, bisphenol A, styrene, phthalates, organotins, and nonylphenol.
 
The centre today released findings of a literature review on seven kinds of potential endocrine disrupting chemicals in food, which were identified by the European Union as priority items for review. These industrial chemicals may have a greater impact on the environment and human health because of their high production volume globally or persistence in the environment.   
 
Endocrine disrupting chemicals can be naturally occurring or man-made substances that may mimic or interfere with the function of hormones and thus affect the normal functions of tissue and organs. Humans are exposed to these substances through food intake, skin contact, and air inhalation.
 
Some epidemiological studies indicate these chemicals might have potential health concerns in relation to reproduction, development, and neural and immune functions, and have been associated with different types of cancers.
 
The centre advises the public to buy food and food contact materials from reliable suppliers and pay attention to the suitability of the product for holding hot, fatty or acidic foods, or for use in microwave ovens. Misuse of these products may cause the migration of potential endocrine disrupting chemicals from the plastic materials to food.


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