Monday 24 November 2003

ContamiNATION, The Results of WWF's Biomonitoring Survey shockingly reveals that chemicals, such as DDT, which have been banned for decades and which are associated with a range of health problems including cancers and nervous and immune system disorders continue to contaminate people today. Other chemicals with similar properties, and which are still in use, were also found in high levels.

The survey is the first to identify the widespread contamination of ordinary people by a chemical used to prevent fire in everyday products such as cars and TVs. The flame retardant was found in seven per cent of those tested, with the highest levels of contamination being comparable with those found in people who are exposed to the chemical at work.

The widely used chemical, known as deca-brominated dipheyl ether, has not been properly tested for safety. Alarmingly, current risk assessments are linking the chemical to damage of the brain and nervous systems. Chemicals with similar properties and which have been shown to have similar negative effects on health have been banned.

"The chemical industry is contaminating the nation and the government is rolling over and allowing it to continue," said Justin Woolford, leader of WWF's Chemicals and Health Campaign. "As a major player in Europe, the UK must take proactive action to drive through tough EU legislation which prioritises our health and that of the environment by phasing out the most harmful chemicals in favour of safer alternatives."

The survey, carried out in association with The Co-operative Bank and National Federation of Women's Institutes, tested the blood of 155 volunteers nationwide for 77 chemicals. It provides unique data on the concentrations of PCBs (Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls), used in industrial electrical equipment, and certain types of pesticides and flame retardants in the UK's population.

PCBs and a breakdown product of the pesticide DDT were found in 99 per cent of those tested. However, women were found to have lower levels of certain PCBs than men and the levels appear to reduce in relation to the number of children they carried and breast-fed. These differences seem to be related to women 'off-loading' some of the chemicals in their bodies to their children.

"This report shows us that it doesn't matter who we are or where we live we are all contaminated by industrial chemicals which have not been properly assessed for their safety before they are unleashed upon us," said Justin Woolford. "The number and concentrations of chemicals found are deplorable. We are unwittingly playing Russian roulette with our health because of regulatory inaction."

The survey does show that effective chemical regulation banning the manufacture and use of hazardous chemicals can eventually begin to reduce human levels of contamination. For example, the survey failed to find two types of pesticide which have been banned from use in the UK. It also found that contamination from PCBs, which were banned more than twenty years ago, is gradually decreasing from levels found in the UK 10 years ago. In addition, older people were found to have higher levels of PCBs in their blood.

Sheila Macdonald, Chief Operating Officer of campaign partner The Co-operative Bank said: "These results should concern each and every one of us. As one of the people tested, the results clearly demonstrate that man made chemical contamination of our bodies is a reality. That is why the bank has joined this important campaign and we make no apology for highlighting the issues to our customers and hammering home to those in the legislative front line that REACH offers a one in a lifetime opportunity to help safeguard not only wildlife and the environment but our future generations."