"The main take-home message is that what we do—how we treat our own health with respect to diet and chemical exposure—can have effects far beyond effects on us," explains study author Bruce Blumberg, PhD, professor of pharmaceutical sciences and developmental and cell biology at the University of California–Irvine. "For example, if a pregnant woman is exposed to an endocrine-disrupting chemical such as TBT, known to have transgenerational effects, then this might influence her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A very sobering thought indeed."
More from Prevention: BPA Now, Heart Disease Later?
TBT is known by scientists as an "obesogen," one of around 20 compounds that seems to either increase the number of fat cells, or promote fat storage in cells. We also appear to be exposed to obesogens via food (triflumizole, a common fungicide used on non-organic lettuce, seems to harbor fat-promoting properties) and even paint (TBT is often added to paints to confer antifungal properties).
And BPA, the chemical lining used in many canned foods and as a coating for some cash register receipts, might also promote weight gain: Blumberg has identified one compound in BPA, called bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), that appears to catalyze fat storage.
His latest research on vinyl indicates that TNT triggers an increase in body mass and an accumulation of dangerous visceral fat (which surrounds internal organs). The levels of vinyl used in the study were similar to what humans encounter, so eliminating our exposure might very well help prevent obesity now...and for generations to come.
Rethink your shower curtain. A report from the Center for Health, Environment and Justice found TBT and related chemicals in every vinyl shower curtain tested. Instead of vinyl curtains, opt for hemp varieties that are naturally mold and mildew resistant. If you do buy a plastic shower curtain, check that it's free of vinyl.
Step up your floor plan. Time to remodel? Instead of reaching for vinyl flooring (sometimes referred to as laminate), search for sustainable wood, bamboo, cork, or real linoleum. An added bonus? Vinyl floors sometimes contain lead, so by avoiding this type of flooring, you'll be dodging another bullet. Use a HEPA-enabled vacuum to reduce TBT levels in household dust. (Learn more about HEPA filters, and other cleaning must-haves, with Surprising Ways To Dodge Pesticides.)
Forget fake leather. Fake leather purses are typically made of vinyl, too. Even those shiny decals on children's book bags are vinyl based. Choose more natural, sustainable fabrics, like organic cotton.
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