Phthalates and other hormone-disrupting chemicals that interfere with the male hormone system are so common, and so potentially damaging, that an expert panel has argued that the government should stop studying them one by one and consider their combined effect.
These chemicals pollute the air, water and dust and are found in hundreds of consumer products. Studies have found phthalates in virtually everyone, including pregnant women and babies.
The Environmental Protection Agency typically studies the impact of these and other chemicals individually. But that approach may underestimate the effect of being exposed to many different chemicals with similar effects. The best way to protect people may be to measure the cumulative impact of this hormonal barrage.
In fact, according to Deborah Cory-Slechta, chairwoman of the panel, the EPA should always consider cumulative effects -- not just for hormone disruptors, but for all potential toxins. That would allow the EPA to create regulations to protect Americans from harmful exposures.