At the closing conference in Nicosia, Cyprus the DEMOCOPHES study disclosed the results of hair and urine samples of 4000 mothers and children in 17 countries. The study had investigated mercury, cadmium, cotinine (a metabolite of nicotine present in tobacco) and five phthalates used in polymer food packaging. Some countries further investigated bisphenol A, parabens and triclosan. The substances tested are thought to be endocrine disruptors (EDCs), exposure to which is particularly harmful at early stages of development. Research has found EDCs to be associated with a range of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, asthma, obesity, some cancers and male and female reproductive health. Results will be published by individual member states.

Read more:

Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Press Release

HEAL

Federal Institute for Public Health, Switzerland (in German)

Federal Public Service for Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Belgium

Democophes Cyprus (in Greek)

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