Cameron Scott

Non-Stick and Stain-Proof Coatings Linked to High Cholesterol in Kids

by Cameron Scott, 09/10/10

Children and adolescents who’ve been exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), commonly used in non-stick pans and stain-resistant fabrics, had higher cholesterol levels than those who have not, according to a new study published in the Archive of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Researchers found a link between higher levels of PFOA in the blood and higher cholesterol levels — a risk factor in heart disease — among more than 12,000 participants aged 1 to 18.
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Coalition Calls on Toys “R” Us to End “Toxic Toy Story”

by Cameron Scott, 07/22/10

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is the most dangerous plastic of all. BPA? Check. Pthalates? Check. Lead? Also check. So why is are these toxins found in so many children’s products? A coalition led by the Center for Health, Environment & Justice is presenting that question to the largest toy store in the world, Toys “R” Us, today at its flagship location in Times Square.

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Infants Ingest Nearly 80 Times Safe Level of Dioxin

by Cameron Scott, 07/13/10

The Environmental Protection Agency is holding public hearings today to review a proposed safe exposure limit for dioxin, a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor produced as a common industrial byproduct. It’s all but impossible to avoid exposure to dioxin. Women exposed to it pass it on to fetuses in the womb, and both breast milk and formula have been shown to contain the stuff. Research done by the Environmental Working Group has shown that a nursing infant ingests an amount 77 times higher than what the EPA has proposed as safe exposure. Adults are exposed to 1,200 times more dioxin than the EPA suggests is safe, mostly through eating meat, dairy and shellfish (a good reason to go vegan).