Shower Curtains Research Articles

Evaluation of Exposure to Bisphenol A, Bisphenol F, and Phthalates in Patients with Phenylketonuria and Its Differences According to Dietary Status.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common amino acid metabolism disorder. Patients with blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels of ≥6 mg/dL require treatment, and the most definitive treatment is the Phe-restricted diet. Bisphenols and phthalates are widely used endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in personal care products, baby bottles, and food packaging. In this study, we evaluated the possible routes of exposure to these EDCs in patients diagnosed with PKU (n = 105, 2-6 years of age) and determined the relationship between the plasma levels of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), di-butyl phthalate (DBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), mono-(2ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), and dietary regimens. Participant characteristics and exposure routes were evaluated according to their dietary treatment status. Thirty-four of these patients were on a Phe-restricted diet, while the remaining 71 had no dietary restrictions. DBP and DEHP levels were higher in those using plastic tablecloths (p = 0.049 and p = 0.04, respectively). In addition, plasma DBP levels were higher in those who used bottled water (p = 0.01). Being under 4 years of age, using plastic food containers, and using plastic shower curtains were characteristics associated with higher MEHP levels (p = 0.027, p = 0.019, and p = 0.014, respectively). After adjustment for baseline characteristics (Model 1), the odds of having a plasma BPA level in the upper tertile were 3.34 times higher in the free-diet group (95% CI = 1.09-10.25). When we additionally adjusted for plastic exposure (Model 2), the odds ratio was found to be 18.64 (95% CI = 2.09-166.42) for BPA. In the free-diet group, the probability of having plasma DEHP levels in the upper tertile was increased by a relative risk of 3.01 (p = 0.039, 95% CI = 1.06-8.60). Our results indicate that exposure to bisphenols and phthalates varies with dietary treatment. The difference in sources of exposure to EDCs between the diet and non-diet groups indicates that diet plays an important role in EDC exposure.

O-090 Endocrine disruptors

Abstract Female mammals, including women, are exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on a daily basis. This is of concern because many EDCs inhibit ovarian follicle growth and steroidogenesis, processes that are critical for maintaining female fertility. Our research focuses on the effects of EDCs known as phthalates on female fertility. Phthalates are of interest because they are ubiquitous synthetic chemicals used as plasticizers and stabilizers in a myriad of consumer products, including everything from shower curtains to children’s toys to cosmetics and personal care products such as perfumes, nail polish, deodorants, and lotions. Phthalates are also used in pesticides, wood finishes, adhesives, solvents, lubricants, defoaming agents, and in medical devices including tubing, blood bags, surgical gloves, and dialysis equipment. Despite the widespread use of phthalates and ubiquitous human exposure, limited information is available about the effects of environmentally relevant phthalate mixtures on female reproduction. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to an environmentally relevant phthalate mixture affects female reproduction in the F1, F2, and F3 generations of mice. To test this hypothesis, pregnant CD-1 mice were orally dosed with vehicle control (corn oil) or a phthalate mixture (20µg/kg/day-500mg/kg/day) daily from gestational day 10 to birth. The mixture was based on urinary phthalate metabolite levels measured pregnant women in the United States, and consisted of 35% diethyl phthalate, 21% di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 15% dibutyl phthalate, 15% di-isononyl phthalate, 8% diisobutyl phthalate, and 5% benzylbutyl phthalate. Adult F1 females born to these dams were used to create the F2 generation by mating them with unexposed males and F2 females were used to create the F3 generation by mating them with unexposed males. At selected times, estrous cyclicity and fertility indices were monitored and ovaries and sera were collected for analysis. Our data indicate that prenatal exposure to the phthalate mixture significantly decreases anogenital distance, testosterone levels, and litter size, but it significantly increases abnormal estrous cyclicity, uterine weight, the number of cystic ovaries, follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and luteinizing hormone levels compared to control in the F1 generation. Further, our data indicate that prenatal exposure to the phthalate mixture increases body weight, uterine weight, the number of cystic ovaries, and time to pregnancy and it decreases testosterone levels compared to control in the F2 generation. In addition, our data indicate that prenatal exposure to the phthalate mixture increases body weight, uterine weight, the number of cystic ovaries, and abnormal cyclicity and it decreases anogenital distance and the number of live pups compared to control in the F3 generation. Collectively, these data suggest that prenatal exposure to an environmentally relevant mixture of phthalates adversely affects reproductive function in a multi- and transgenerational manner in female mice. These findings have increased our understanding of the mechanisms by which EDCs cause female reproductive toxicity. This information eventually may lead to the development of novel targets for the prevention or treatment of infertility induced by EDCs.

“Bubbling” the Fourth Age in the Time of COVID-19

“Bubbling” the Fourth Age in the Time of COVID-19

Suspect Screening Analysis of Chemicals in Consumer Products.

A two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF/MS) suspect screening analysis method was used to rapidly characterize chemicals in 100 consumer products-which included formulations (e.g., shampoos, paints), articles (e.g., upholsteries, shower curtains), and foods (cereals)-and therefore supports broader efforts to prioritize chemicals based on potential human health risks. Analyses yielded 4270 unique chemical signatures across the products, with 1602 signatures tentatively identified using the National Institute of Standards and Technology 2008 spectral database. Chemical standards confirmed the presence of 119 compounds. Of the 1602 tentatively identified chemicals, 1404 were not present in a public database of known consumer product chemicals. Reported data and model predictions of chemical functional use were applied to evaluate the tentative chemical identifications. Estimated chemical concentrations were compared to manufacturer-reported values and other measured data. Chemical presence and concentration data can now be used to improve estimates of chemical exposure, and refine estimates of risk posed to human health and the environment.

Hospital microbial surface colonization revealed during monitoring of Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and non-tuberculous mycobacteria

Hospital environmental conditions, human occupancy, and the characteristics of the equipment influence the survival of microbial communities and raise a concern with regard to nosocomial infections. The objective of the present work was to use the monitoring of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp. and non-tuberculous mycobacteria as a strategy to improve knowledge on microbial colonization of non-critical equipment and surfaces, in a tertiary hospital from Central Portugal. A 3-month microbiological survey was performed in a district teaching hospital. A total of 173 samples were obtained from the wards Hematology, Urology, Medicine, and Renal Transplants, and 102 presumptive strains recovered. Per sampling, Pseudomonas Isolation agar showed 42.8 to 73.3% of presumptive P. aeruginosa colonies and MacConkey agar recovered mostly Staphylococcus. Most of the colonies recovered in Middlebrook 7H10-PANTA belonged to the genus Methylobacterium. Taps and WC shower curtains carry high bacterial species diversity. The Redundancy Analysis grouped the samples in those mostly handled by patients, and those mostly handled by healthcare staff or of mixed use. This study shows that the preferential users of the space and equipment seem to be important contributors to the microbial community. The most recovered genus was Methylobacterium, known as colonizer of the water distribution system therefore, it is possible that the water points and biofilms in taps also contribute as dispersion hotspots.

Methylobacterium spp. as an indicator for the presence or absence of Mycobacterium spp.

Objective/BackgroundA published survey of bacteria in showerhead biofilm samples revealed that Methylobacterium spp. and Mycobacterium spp. seldom coexisted in biofilms. MethodsTo confirm that information, biofilm samples were collected from household plumbing of Mycobacterium avium patients and Methylobacterium spp. and M. avium numbers were measured by direct colony counts. ResultsThe results demonstrated that if Methylobacterium spp. were present, Mycobacterium spp. were absent, and the opposite. ConclusionThe data demonstrate that microbial populations in biofilms can influence the presence or absence of opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens and, thereby, increase the range of strategies to reduce exposure to waterborne pathogens. Finally, by assessing for the visual presence of methylobacteria as pink pigmentation on showers and shower curtains, homeowners and managers of hospitals and other buildings can quickly determine whether a premise plumbing biofilm sample has mycobacteria with a high degree of assurance.

Post fire materials identification by micro-Raman spectroscopy and principal components analysis

The chemical and physical characteristics of thermally damaged polymers, found in fire debris are studied using micro-Raman spectroscopy for identifying original materials in a fire compartment. Six polymeric materials commonly found in households were selected for the initial study. They are, polypropylene (DVD case), polystyrene foam (plates), polyurethane (sofa foam), polyester (PET curtains), Ethylene vinylacetate (EVA shower curtains) and nylon (stockings). Raman shifts were obtained for each material prior to them, being burnt as the baseline for determining the loss of Raman bands due to a material modification by the fire. Each material was then burnt, and the subsequent Raman spectra collected. The average Raman spectra for each material were subjected to principal component analysis, which showed that after thermal decomposition, Raman spectroscopy could be used to identify and differentiate materials found in burnt debris. Raman spectra for each material were distinguishable in the sample group and could then be used for identification of the material in their post fire state.

Isolation and molecular identification of landfill bacteria capable of growing on di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and deteriorating PVC materials

Waste materials containing Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a suspected endocrine disruptor and reasonably anticipated human carcinogen, are typically disposed of in landfills. Despite this, very few studies had been conducted to isolate and identify DEHP-degrading bacteria in landfill leachate. Therefore, this study was conducted to isolate and characterize bacteria in landfill leachate growing on DEHP as the sole carbon source and deteriorating PVC materials. Four strains LHM1, LHM2, LHM3 and LHM4, not previously reported as DEHP-degraders, were identified via 16S rRNA gene sequence. Gram-positive strains LHM1 and LHM2 had a greater than 97% similarity with Chryseomicrobium imtechense MW 10(T) and Lysinibacillus fusiformis NBRC 15717(T), respectively. Gram-negative strains LHM3 and LHM4 were related to Acinetobacter calcoaceticus DSM 30006(T) (90.7% similarity) and Stenotrophomonas pavanii ICB 89(T) (96.0% similarity), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis also corroborated these similarities of strains LHM1 and LHM2 to the corresponding bacteria species. Strains LHM2 and LHM4 grew faster than strains LHM1 and LHM3 in the enrichment where DEHP was the sole carbon source. When augmented to the reactors with PVC shower curtains containing DEHP, strains LHM1 and LHM2 developed greater optical densities in the solution phase and thicker biofilm on the surfaces of the shower curtains.

PVC biodeterioration and DEHP leaching by DEHP-degrading bacteria

Newly isolated, not previously reported, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-degraders were augmented to assess their role in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shower curtain deterioration and DEHP leaching. The biofilms that developed on the surfaces of the bioaugmented shower curtains with Gram-positive strains LHM1 and LHM2 were thicker than those of the biostimulated and Gram-negative strain LHM3-augmented shower curtains. The first derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) peaks of the bioaugmented shower curtains with the Gram-positive bacteria were observed at ∼287°C, whereas the control and Gram-negative strain LHM3-augmented shower curtains were detected at ∼283°C. This slight delay in the first DTG peak temperature is indicative of lower plasticizer concentrations in the shower curtains that were bioaugmented with Gram-positive bacteria. Despite bioaugmentation with DEHP-degraders, aqueous solutions of the bioaugmentation reactors were not DEHP-free due probably to the presence of co-solutes that must have supported microbial growth. Generally, the bioaugmented reactors with the Gram-positive strains LHM1 and LHM2 had greater aqueous DEHP concentrations in the first half (<3 wk) of the biodeterioration experiment than the biostimulated and strain LHM3-augmented reactors. Therefore, strains LHM1 and LHM2 may play an important role in DEHP leaching to the environment and PVC biodeterioration.

Chemical Analysis of Household and Personal Care Products for Endocrine Disrupting Compounds and Other Chemicals of Emerging Concern

PP-29-091 Background/Aims: Concern about exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds from use of commercial household and personal care products is growing, but limited labeling or testing information is available to evaluate products as exposure sources or inform exposure reduction efforts. Methods: In this study we tested 214 products, including some advertised as “nontoxic” or “natural,” for 66 chemicals. Targeted compounds included parabens, phthalates, bisphenol A, triclosan, ethanolamines, alkylphenols, fragrance compounds, glycol ethers, cyclosiloxanes, and ultra-violet filters. We tested soaps, detergents, and other cleaners; makeup; shampoo and other hair products; lotions; diapers; sunscreen; and shower curtains. First, we developed criteria to guide selection of “alternative” products—products expected to be without the targeted chemicals. For comparison, we selected products not meeting the criteria, defined as conventional products and selected, in part, based on market share. To minimize analytical costs, 2 of 7 conventional products were composited within a product type (eg, bar soap) and analyzed as one analytical sample. Each alternative product was analyzed independently to identify specific products without target compounds. A total of 86 product samples were tested. Results: Results indicate widespread exposure to a range of endocrine disrupting compounds and other chemicals of concern from consumer products. All conventional samples had at least one detected compound; 11 alternative products contained no detectable amounts of targeted compounds. The average number of detected compounds in conventional products was up to 8.7 (uncertainty due to composite sampling) and in alternative products was 2.9. The most frequently detected compounds in conventional samples were 8 fragrance compounds followed by bisphenol A. Further analysis was conducted to determine whether products without chemicals of concern could be identified from product labels. As expected, few compounds (eg, parabens and antimicrobials) were consistently and clearly labeled, emphasizing that current regulations provide inadequate information on product composition. Conclusion: Findings will be used to design evidence-based exposure reduction strategies.

Effect of TBT exposures on Protein kinase D activity of human Natural Killer cells

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that target and destroy (lyse) tumor cells, virally infected cells, and antibody coated cells. Due to their capacity to respond without a need for prior sensitization, they are at the forefront of the immune response to tumor and virally infected cells. Tributyltin (TBT) is an organotin that is found in many different products. It is found in antifouling paints and has been used as an antifungal agent in a wide variety of applications including silicon baking parchments and shower curtains. Due to its contamination of the environment it has also been found in human blood. Exposure of human NK cells to TBT decreases their lytic function and causes activation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). The aim of the current study is to examine the role of the serine threonine kinase, protein kinase D (PKD) in the TBT‐induced activation of NK cell MAPKs. PKD activation has been shown in other cells types to lead to the activation of MAPKs. In this study NK cells were exposed to 300, 200, 100, 50, and 25 nM TBT for 10 min and 1 h and cell lysates were prepared and analyzed by SDS‐PAGE followed by Western blot. The activation state of PKD was monitored using an antibody to phospho‐PKD. The results indicated that PKD was activated approximately two fold by 300‐100 nM TBT within 10 min. These results suggest that TBT‐induced activation of PKD may be in part responsible for the TBT‐induced activation of MAPK.Supported by NIH grant S06 GM008092‐34.

Crevice-Galvanic Corrosion in Aluminium Shower Curtain Poles

Abstract Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were employed to identify the key factors responsible for the crevice-galvanic corrosion of shower curtain poles produced from EN AW-6060 alloy. The corrosion process has started between the aluminium poles and the metallized plastic hooks used to hang the shower curtains on the poles. The highly alkaline bathroom cleaning agent has penetrated between the aluminium profile and the plastic hooks leading to the dissolution of the unusually thin anodic oxide layer. The aluminium profile which has been stripped of its anodic oxide locally via crevice corrosion is then allowed to contact the Ni-, Cr- and Cubearing coating of the plastic hooks. The corrosion process has accelerated due to a galvanic couple effect as evidenced by the analysis of the corroded regions where Cu and Ni were abundant.

Concentrations of Toxic Chemicals in PVC Shower Curtains

Concentrations of Toxic Chemicals in PVC Shower Curtains

Encouraging young PhDs to jump boundaries

Lisa Randall’s Quick Study piece in the July 2007 issue of Physics Today (page 80) makes very good reading. It reminded me of a private discussion I had a couple of years ago with a postdoc specializing in string theory, who had already published 10 papers on the subject. He started by explaining the idea of branes and the strings that connect them, and he made a drawing like the one in Randall’s article. I was immediately reminded of dislocations in solid-state physics, about which my colleague had no idea. Shower curtains might be a helpful model, at least for the geometric description. But dislocations offer a situation in the full context of crystal physics. The “gravitybrane” and the “weakbrane” are compared with two surfaces of the crystal, and the “bulk energy,” which is contained in the lattice between the two surfaces, depends on the lattice’s symmetry and elastic properties. The dislocation is a one-dimensional defect that connects the two surfaces and is essential for crystal growth as well as for plastic deformation, depending on its Burgers vector. Nowadays young physicists don’t have a chance to learn things in unrelated areas. After getting a PhD in quantum field theory, I got a job at the geophysical laboratory of Shell Oil Co, where I worked from 1953 to 1960. My first task there was to learn something about dislocation theory, because the laboratory also did high-pressure experiments on plastic flow for minerals like calcite and dolomite. Such jumps between the specialties of physics do not happen anymore, and the blame belongs equally to university professors and industry leaders. It is up to the young PhDs to ask for such changes in their experience. All three groups might find those jumps helpful in the application of mathematics to physics.© 2008 American Institute of Physics.

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa: an unusual cause of oral ulcers in AIDS patients

A vast majority of patients with AIDS present with oral manifestations [1]. The essential risk factors that influence the development of such oral manifestations are the low number of CD4 lymphocytes, xerostomia, and a lack of antiretroviral therapy [2]. The most common oral lesion seen in HIV disease is oropharyngeal candidiasis [1]. Here we present a case of an HIV-positive patient who presented with oral ulcers caused by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, which to our knowledge has not been reported in the literature. A 45-year-old HIV-positive patient presented to the internist with complaints of non-healing oral ulcers and white patches in the mouth of 2 months' duration associated with painful swallowing and dry mouth. The patient was a known case of HIV for 6 years and his CD4 cell count at presentation was 52 cells/μl. He had been receiving oral fluconazole for 2 months and antiretroviral therapy for 4 years. He was currently on saquinavir, zidovudine and lamivudine. The patient showed no improvement on the current therapy, instead the ulcers increased in size. On examination, the oral ulcers were bilateral, deep, and 1 ×1 cm in size (Fig. 1a). Swabs were obtained from the edges of the ulcers and were subjected to direct Gram staining and culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) and SDA with chloramphenicol in duplicate; they were then incubated at 25°C and 37°C.Fig. 1: Oral ulcer caused by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa.(a) Clinical photograph showing a deep ulcer on the buccal mucosa (arrow). (b) Reddish pink yeast-like creamy colonies of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and (inset) Gram-stained picture of R. mucilaginosa.On direct microscopy large round yeast cells with narrow angle budding and a thin capsule were seen. Reddish pink yeast-like creamy colonies were isolated in pure culture 5 days later on SDA at 25°C and 37°C, which showed large round budding yeast cells and no hyphae (Fig. 1b). The organism did not ferment glucose, sucrose, lactose, galactose, maltose or trehalose. On performing carbohydrate assimilation tests on yeast nitrogen base agar, glucose, sucrose, trehalose, D-xylose, raffinose, and D-arabinose were assimilated, whereas lactose, melibiose, galactose, maltose, cellobiose and inositol were not. Urea was hydrolysed. Repeated sampling showed similar results. Based on the above tests, a diagnosis of R. mucilaginosa (earlier called Rhodotorula rubra) oral ulcers was made. The patient was started on itraconazole thereafter and antiretroviral therapy was continued. A dramatic improvement in the symptoms was noted, with healing of the ulcers. A CD4 cell count was repeated and the count was recorded as 42 cells/μl with no improvement. R. mucilaginosa is a yeast found in air, soil, lakes [3], ocean water [4], and dairy products. It can be found in shower curtains, bath tubs or tooth brushes [5]. On Gram staining it is a Gram-positive yeast and may show a thin capsule on India ink preparation. On SDA, cultures are coral pink, smooth, sometimes reticulate, rugose or corrugated, and moist to mucoid yeast like in appearance. The germ tube test is negative, hydrolysis of urea is positive, growth on cycloheximide medium is negative and growth at 37°C is variable [6]. Rhodotorula differs from Cryptococcus by its inability to assimilate inositol and the carotenoid pigment, and from Candida by producing pink-to-red colonies, lacking pseudohyphae and its inability to ferment sugars [5]. There is a scarcity of papers in the literature regarding the association of R. mucilaginosa with oral ulcers. In a report from Taiwan [7] it was noted on endoscopy that oesophageal ulcers caused by R. rubra resembled ulcers caused by Candida. R. mucilaginosa, usually considered a commensal, is known to cause fungal peritonitis, endocarditis [6], fungemia [6,8–10] and meningitis [6,10] in patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and those with indwelling intravenous catheters [6,11], and disseminated R. mucilaginosa infection [9] and meningitis [12] in HIV patients. Eye infections caused by Rhodotorula spp. have included chronic postoperative endophthalmitis and dacryocystitis [13]. An outbreak of R. mucilaginosa in a neonatal intensive care unit was recently reported in preterm infants with indwelling catheters [14]. A positive direct microscopy and repeated isolation in pure culture pointed towards it being the causative agent. Studies have shown that Rhodotorula is susceptible to 5-fluorocytosine, is moderately susceptible to amphotericin B, miconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole, and is mostly resistant to fluconazole [6]. An improvement seen in the patient after a change in therapy to itraconazole emphasizes the aetiological role of the fungus in our patient. Information on the oropharyngeal and esophageal involvement of Rhodotorula in patients with HIV infection is scarce and therefore important. Although the clinical presentation is similar to infection caused by Candida, the response to treatment is different. The role of mycological evaluation and culture is thus increasingly important in cases not responding to conventional therapy, especially in reducing the morbidity in patients with AIDS with low CD4 cell counts.

Avoiding Pink Stain Pain

This article discusses an investigative approach developed by Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency (CLCJAWA) in Lake Bluff, Illinois, to identify the organisms that cause pink staining on bathroom fixtures, toilet bowls, sinks, shower curtains, laundry tubs, etc. The article describes laboratory analyses on pink stains and the cleaning process required to rid households of the stain. Suggestions for minimizing pink staining are given, along with further resources.

Phthalates Not in Plastic Food Packaging

I am writing with regard to a misleading photograph and caption in the article “Children’s Centers Study Kids and Chemicals” (Phillips 2005) published in the October 2005 issue of EHP. The article includes the following caption (p. A 665): Mothers, babies, and chemicals. Researchers are studying whether variations in the enzymes that metabolize the phthalates found in some plastic bottles correlate with later birth and growth outcomes. Above the caption is a photograph of a mother-to-be holding a plastic water bottle. Contrary to both the photograph and caption, phthalates are not used in plastic beverage bottles, nor are they used in plastic food wrap, food containers, or any other type of plastic food packaging sold in the United States. The term “phthalates,” short for “orthophthalates,” refers to a class of additives that are used in some plastic products, specifically products made with a particular type of plastic—polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl)—to make the material soft and flexible. Vinyl shower curtains, cable, wire, and flooring are examples of flexible PVC products that can contain phthalates. Plastic beverage bottles sold in the United States are made from a type of plastic known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Although polyethylene terephthalate (the plastic) and phthalate (the additive) may have similar names, the substances are chemically dissimilar. PET is not considered an orthophthalate, nor does PET require the use of phthalates or other softening additives. Another article in the same issue, “Are EDCs Blurring Issues of Gender?” (Hood 2005), echoes this misperception concerning phthalates and plastic food packaging. The article, which discusses phthalates, contains a photograph of plastic beverage bottles (p. A675) and, in the last two paragraphs (p. A677), makes reference to both plastic wrap and Saran Wrap. As a point of clarification, phthalates are not used in plastic food wraps sold in the United States categorically, and SC Johnson’s website specifically states that “… phthalates are not used in any Saran or Ziploc product” (SC Johnson 2006). The article (Hood (2005) also discusses bisphenol A, a substance used to make the plastic in some reusable water bottles, but not the convenience-size beverage packaging shown in the photograph. The American Plastics Council respectfully requests that EHP address the misinformation that appeared in these articles and which is available on the EHP website.

Severe Burns as a Consequence of Seizure while Showering: Risk Factors and Implications for Prevention

Severe Burns as a Consequence of Seizure while Showering: Risk Factors and Implications for Prevention

Inhalation and ingestion of phthalate compounds from use of synthetic modeling clays.

Phthalate esters, including di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), are plasticizers used to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This PVC is used for many household items such as flooring, shower curtains, medical devices, food packaging, and toys. Phthalates have been the focus of numerous studies that aim to assess their potential to cause birth defects and/or reproductive abnormalities. Animal experiments have indicated that low exposures to phthalates have the potential to alter the organs that produce and deliver sperm, and phthalates also exhibit adverse effects on other organs and systems (Raloff 2000b). Ema and Miyawaki (2002) demonstrated that the phthalate, BBP, causes adverse effects on the development of the reproductive system in male rats. Phthalates have also been shown to cause thelarche, premature breast development, in young girls aged 6 to 24 months. In a study conducted in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 41 girls with thelarche and 35 girls with normal development were tested to find possible reasons for the premature development. About 68% of the girls with thelarche had detectable phthalate levels, opposed to only 17% of the girls with normal development (Raloff 2000a). The results of studies like these prompted the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a drinking water standard for the phthalate, DEHP, of6.0 ppb in 1994 (USEPA 2002), and DEHP has been labeled as a "probable human carcinogen" for over a decade (USEPA 1993). Children and infants are likely to experience phthalate exposure when mouthing, sucking, or chewing on toys or other objects that contain phthalates (Shea 2003). When children suck on teethers or old pacifiers made of soft PVC, the phthalates are released from the PVC and into the child's saliva. Although the European Union put a temporary ban on phthalate softeners in baby toys, so far, no limits have been put in place for phthalate content in toys or other products in the United States (Christen

Molecular analysis of shower curtain biofilm microbes.

Households provide environments that encourage the formation of microbial communities, often as biofilms. Such biofilms constitute potential reservoirs for pathogens, particularly for immune-compromised individuals. One household environment that potentially accumulates microbial biofilms is that provided by vinyl shower curtains. Over time, vinyl shower curtains accumulate films, commonly referred to as "soap scum," which microscopy reveals are constituted of lush microbial biofilms. To determine the kinds of microbes that constitute shower curtain biofilms and thereby to identify potential opportunistic pathogens, we conducted an analysis of rRNA genes obtained by PCR from four vinyl shower curtains from different households. Each of the shower curtain communities was highly complex. No sequence was identical to one in the databases, and no identical sequences were encountered in the different communities. However, the sequences generally represented similar phylogenetic kinds of organisms. Particularly abundant sequences represented members of the alpha-group of proteobacteria, mainly Sphingomonas spp. and Methylobacterium spp. Both of these genera are known to include opportunistic pathogens, and several of the sequences obtained from the environmental DNA samples were closely related to known pathogens. Such organisms have also been linked to biofilm formation associated with water reservoirs and conduits. In addition, the study detected many other kinds of organisms at lower abundances. These results show that shower curtains are a potential source of opportunistic pathogens associated with biofilms. Frequent cleaning or disposal of shower curtains is indicated, particularly in households with immune-compromised individuals.