Comments on: We Are Not Crazy – Plastic Is a Problem!

By: Anthony Samsel

Anthony Samsel — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:46:04 +0000

You are not crazy. Although the use of the plasticizer BPA is declining, a more insidious problem still lurks in plastics, PBDE, AKA Polybrominated diphenyl-ether and Antimony trioxide. PBDE’s and Antimony trioxide are combined to make a flame retardant system used in 90% of plastics made in the USA & China.

Food and drink containers, mattresses, carpeting, clothing, electronics and a host of other consumer products are loaded with this dangerous flame retardant system.

In the early seventies I worked on a project at Arthur D Little, Inc. Cambridge , MA. where this flame retardant system was developed. In 1969 NASA lost an Astronaut team in a tragic launch pad fire. NASA awarded ADL a contract to develop a flame retardant system for space clothing.

The flame retardant system comprising Decabromodiphenylether and Antimony trioxide was added to Spandex to fire proof space clothing. It was never intended to be in worldwide use as we new it’s toxicity. The heads of Product Development at ADL ignored my concerns about it’s safety. Their only focus was to solve NASA’s problem with space clothing.

Shortly thereafter the flame retardant system was marketed to the plastics industry and other manufacturing sectors of private industry including the National Fire Protection Agency.
This flame retardant system contains up to 60% Antimony trioxide and is a known endocrine system disruptor.

Liver, Kidney, Bladder, Lung diseases, sexual dysfunction and an inability to metabolize fat are associated with these materials.
A laboratory study on mice found that ingesting this flame retardant system inhibited the metabolism of fat causing obesity. Test animals increased fatty tissue from exposure and gained weight.

Interesting is a look at the world consumption of Antimony Trioxide from the mid to late 1970’s (when this flame retardant system was introduced ) to the present. A graph of millions of tons of Antimony Trioxide shows a continuous upward curve that is similar to the obesity curve for the same time period.

Virtually all plastics contain this flame retardant system. Liquids packaged in plastic become contaminated from the Antimony Trioxide & PBDE’s. Water bottles, juice drinks, milk, cooking oils, cans lined with plastic, mayo, salad dressings etc.
WARNING: these materials are bio-cumulative and should be avoided.
Best regards and good health to all,
Anthony Samsel retired Hazardous Chemical Materials Consultant for Arthur D. Lttle, Inc.

By: Will

Will — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:28:11 +0000

Thanks Keith!

By: Keith

Keith — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:16:35 +0000

Plastic is a problem in the environment. The evidence supports such a belief. Plastic is also a problem inside the human body. These compounds mimic hormones that can lead to all sorts of diseases.

I agree with the poster who enjoys your lack of ranting and raving. Your rational voice always adds to the discussion.
Keith´s last blog ..Mar 11, Portrait of Richard M. Nixon, Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post Cover 1960

By: Joseph Condron

Joseph Condron — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:32:10 +0000

That is a great idea. I may adopt it myself in the future.

By: Cool Garden Things

Cool Garden Things — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:31:59 +0000

Oh boy! You don’t have to convince me! I always tell my daughter don’t microwave anything in plastic…we are trying not to use bottled water! Ugh I wish we had never even had in the first place and it would be so much easier to get away from:)
gartengrl
Cool Garden Things´s last blog ..Great Ground Cover Suggestions For A Northern Garden

By: Stephen Settle

Stephen Settle — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:19:37 +0000

Taking such hard core steps is difficult for everyone, but if everyone of us will try small small things it will make a big impact.

By: Will

Will — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:26:41 +0000

Yeah more research is probably good, but you are smart to use common sense and avoid exposure as much as possible.

This site has always received direct emails with questions, but also some that really are comments and should be on the post for everyone’s benefit.

By: solarglobalgreen

solarglobalgreen — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:53:34 +0000

I think what we need is further research so that people can have all of the information to make choices about these products. Personally I do not think there has been sufficient oversight into these chemicals traditionally and therefore I choose to avoid these products.

By: Snowcatcher

Snowcatcher — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:22:49 +0000

I, too, appreciate being better informed, and in a sensible manner, too. In my opinion, you don’t rant and rave. You present facts clearly, and that’s why I keep coming back.
Snowcatcher´s last blog ..Fingerprint Friday

By: Bumbles

Bumbles — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:08:46 +0000

Isn’t that interesting that people often comment to you directly via e-mail instead of here? Are the messages long? Maybe they feel they have too much to say and don’t want to create a post long comment? I often communicate back and forth via e-mail with our commenters – but it most always starts with their public comment on one of our posts and every now and then I’ll reply via e-mail which engages us in a personal conversation. I’ve not had people e-mail us instead of commenting though.

As for the whole plastic debate, I like to be as informed as possible and then make whatever decisions I feel are best for me and mine. If I think it’s a bunch of hooey that’s my risk to take. If I think it’s a serious threat, I have the info. I need to make different decisions. Thanks for keeping me better informed :0)
Bumbles´s last blog ..ON BLOGGING ~ All Apologies…