America's Obesity Epidemic May Be Fueled by Chemicals in Everyday ProductsChemicals called 'obesogens' are in our food, cars and homes, according to recent scientific studies -- and they may be making us fat./snip
Certainly this research doesn't mean that all cases of obesity are the result of chemicals and that factors like diet and exercise aren't important. They still are. But especially for younger kids who are growing up in an increasingly more toxic environment, these chemicals may be all around them (and their moms during pregnancy).
Let's take a look at some of these chemicals.
The "plasticizer" phthalates for instance, are so ubiqutous that an estimated 1 billion pounds are produced each year worldwide. The Environmental Working Group reports that phthalates are found in
"toys, food packaging, hoses, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wall coverings, lubricants, adhesives, detergents, nail polish, hair spray and shampoo."
PCBs were used as coolants and lubricants in electric equipment and have also been added to plastics, inks, adhesives, paints, and flame retardants. PCBs are not only into the products we buy but is in the air and water, and many people are exposed to them through eating certain kinds of fish -- especially the ones highest on the food chain.
Bisphenol A (or BPA) is often found in hard plastics, including baby bottles, food-storage containers, water coolers, dental fillings, the lining inside canned goods, sports equipment, CDs, sunglasses ... the list goes on.http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/143036/what_if_being_fat_is_not_your_fault_america%27s_obesity_epidemic_may_be_fueled_by_chemicals_in_everyday_products?page=entire