A chemical found in food and drink packaging, called bisphenol A (BPA), may be linked to behavioural problems in girls, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics.
The researchers studied 244 pregnant women living in the USA. Urine samples were collected from the women twice during pregnancy at 16 weeks and 26 weeks, and then again 24 hours after the women had given birth. Further urine samples were also collected from the children at one, two and three years of age. When the children were aged three, the parents completed two questionnaires about their child’s behaviour.
Researchers found that pregnant women who had high levels of BPA in their urine were more likely to have daughters who were more anxious, prone to depression or hyperactive than those who had low levels of BPA. No such link was found among women who gave birth to boys.
BPA is a chemical commonly found in the lining of tin cans, plastic bottles and other food or drink packaging. The researchers suggest that BPA may affect how hormones and other chemicals in the brain work.
Dr Layla McCay, Assistant Medical Director, Bupa, commented: “It’s difficult to draw any firm conclusions from a small study such as this. There is still much research that needs to be done to determine if this chemical really has any effect on children’s behavioural development.
“This study only looked at a small number of mainly Caucasian pregnant women from Ohio in the USA. We therefore don’t know whether these results can be generalised to other populations. It’s also important to note that these behavioural problems were not clinically diagnosed by doctors – parents simply completed two questionnaires about their child’s behaviour.
“Considering that we don’t know if there is, in fact, a cause and effect in this study, the results are not clear enough to recommend any particular changes to how we package food or how this might affect women’s diet during pregnancy. What we do know is that maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is a great way to help keep mother and baby well.”
This study didn’t take into account many of the other factors relating to lifestyle that could have affected the results. The researchers also didn’t follow up the children as they got older, when many of these behavioural effects may not have been so obvious.
2011年7月21日星期四
‘Move me out’ pleads tenant living with black mould
A Honiton council tenant says he would rather be moved than have work to remedy black mould carried out while he remains in his flat.
Paul Crewe, 47, of Custance House, says a ceiling will have to be replaced and that he fears asbestos will be disturbed during the works.
The mobile caretaker for a local authority has been fighting a losing battle with the mould and last week told The Herald he has had enough.
“I had a back operation a couple of weeks ago and I’m struggling with the stairs to my top floor flat. It would make more sense for me to be moved and the work carried out while the flat is empty,” he said.
The district council is inviting him to discuss a possible move to a ground floor property.
Mould became a nightmare for Mr Crewe around four years ago.
“It has got worse since plastic window frames were installed,” he said.
“I have got to leave my windows open - even in the winter.
“I’m not going to do any more to the flat, because it is money down the drain.”
Council officials were shown around the flat by Mr Crewe’s aunty while he was in hospital.
“The ceiling has to come down, not be painted over,” he said. “The council has agreed the work has to be done, but they want me to stay in the flat while it is carried out.
“I am worried asbestos will be disturbed. It is a small, one bedroom flat and they want me to move into one room.
“I am struggling with the stairs and I have sent the council a letter from my doctor saying the flat is no longer suitable for my needs.”
A spokesman for East Devon District Council said: “This tenant has been living in the flat since 1998 and we have always resolved any issues that have cropped up over that period.
“More recently, we have been looking into concerns about mould and dampness.
“An officer attended the flat on July 13 and arranged for repairs to an extractor fan.
“He also agreed to have the bathroom ceiling renewed and to carry out some insulation work on the upper walls. These works were to have been carried out while the tenant was in hospital, but were put on hold when a relative advised that mobility problems might prevent the tenant moving back into the flat.”
The spokesman added: “Work on the loft has been done, as this does not need access from the flat itself.
“The remainder of the works can be done pretty soon, but we would need to work round the tenant.
“Most of the mould is caused by condensation and there are some measures the tenant can take himself to improve the situation.
“We are waiting to hear from the tenant’s relative so that we can resume and complete the works.
“If there is an issue about the tenant wishing to move to a ground-floor flat, he would need to discuss this with us so we can assess his needs and see if alternative accommodation might be available.”
The Midweek Herald was shown around Mr Crewe’s flat on Thursday last week and noted mould throughout the property, particularly in the bathroom and lounge.
Paul Crewe, 47, of Custance House, says a ceiling will have to be replaced and that he fears asbestos will be disturbed during the works.
The mobile caretaker for a local authority has been fighting a losing battle with the mould and last week told The Herald he has had enough.
“I had a back operation a couple of weeks ago and I’m struggling with the stairs to my top floor flat. It would make more sense for me to be moved and the work carried out while the flat is empty,” he said.
The district council is inviting him to discuss a possible move to a ground floor property.
Mould became a nightmare for Mr Crewe around four years ago.
“It has got worse since plastic window frames were installed,” he said.
“I have got to leave my windows open - even in the winter.
“I’m not going to do any more to the flat, because it is money down the drain.”
Council officials were shown around the flat by Mr Crewe’s aunty while he was in hospital.
“The ceiling has to come down, not be painted over,” he said. “The council has agreed the work has to be done, but they want me to stay in the flat while it is carried out.
“I am worried asbestos will be disturbed. It is a small, one bedroom flat and they want me to move into one room.
“I am struggling with the stairs and I have sent the council a letter from my doctor saying the flat is no longer suitable for my needs.”
A spokesman for East Devon District Council said: “This tenant has been living in the flat since 1998 and we have always resolved any issues that have cropped up over that period.
“More recently, we have been looking into concerns about mould and dampness.
“An officer attended the flat on July 13 and arranged for repairs to an extractor fan.
“He also agreed to have the bathroom ceiling renewed and to carry out some insulation work on the upper walls. These works were to have been carried out while the tenant was in hospital, but were put on hold when a relative advised that mobility problems might prevent the tenant moving back into the flat.”
The spokesman added: “Work on the loft has been done, as this does not need access from the flat itself.
“The remainder of the works can be done pretty soon, but we would need to work round the tenant.
“Most of the mould is caused by condensation and there are some measures the tenant can take himself to improve the situation.
“We are waiting to hear from the tenant’s relative so that we can resume and complete the works.
“If there is an issue about the tenant wishing to move to a ground-floor flat, he would need to discuss this with us so we can assess his needs and see if alternative accommodation might be available.”
The Midweek Herald was shown around Mr Crewe’s flat on Thursday last week and noted mould throughout the property, particularly in the bathroom and lounge.
2011年5月18日星期三
Struktol Company of America Introduces New Lubricant for Nylon 6 and 66 Compounds
Struktol Company of America has unveiled STRUKTOL® TR 063, a unique lubricant which has been designed to reduce compound viscosity, significantly improve metal release, and enhance dispersion of mineral fillers and reinforcing agents in nylon 6 and 66. The product boasts a novel chemistry which makes it highly compatible with polyamides and superior in performance to alternative lubricants, according to Mike Fulmer, Struktol's Product Manager for Plastic Additives.
"TR 063 provides compounders and processors with a cost-effective, versatile process additive that can significantly improve throughput and efficiency," said Fulmer.
The company reports dramatic decreases in die build-up during compounding and extremely good overall processing, both in extrusion and injection molding of the finished compounds. "The metal release provided by this product is as good as we've seen," added Fulmer.
Strand pelletizing of nylon 6 and 66 compounds often results in die build-up after a short time. STRUKTOL TR 063 added at 0.5% to 1% loadings minimizes this type of build-up, allowing the processor to run longer and more efficiently without concern for contamination or discoloration. This is especially important in natural or light color compounds. At the same time, physical properties are minimally affected by TR 063, unlike competitive lubricants which can present concerns.
In filled or reinforced compounds, TR 063 provides a balance of viscosity reduction and dispersion improvement which leads to more consistent processing and maximum physical properties. The lubricant has been shown to have minimum interaction with coupling agents often used with reinforcing products such as glass fiber.
STRUKTOL TR 063 is designed to work in the temperature processing range of nylon 6 and 66 compounds. It can be added directly at the compounding stage or by the processor during part manufacturing. In pellet form, it can be easily added to extrusion or injection molding machines.
Struktol Company of America, headquartered in Stow, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of process additives for the plastics and rubber industries. The privately-held company provides Intelligent Additive Solutions for a variety of polymer-based products and compounds for the consumer, industrial, packaging, and automotive industries. The company's technical specialists, R&D chemists, and compound laboratory are dedicated to creating innovative solutions to meet the exacting demands of an ever-changing polymer industry. Struktol's R&D center, technical service center, and manufacturing plant are located in Stow, Ohio. The company's additive solutions keep customers ahead of the competition with increased productivity, better quality parts, and lower overall costs.
"TR 063 provides compounders and processors with a cost-effective, versatile process additive that can significantly improve throughput and efficiency," said Fulmer.
The company reports dramatic decreases in die build-up during compounding and extremely good overall processing, both in extrusion and injection molding of the finished compounds. "The metal release provided by this product is as good as we've seen," added Fulmer.
Strand pelletizing of nylon 6 and 66 compounds often results in die build-up after a short time. STRUKTOL TR 063 added at 0.5% to 1% loadings minimizes this type of build-up, allowing the processor to run longer and more efficiently without concern for contamination or discoloration. This is especially important in natural or light color compounds. At the same time, physical properties are minimally affected by TR 063, unlike competitive lubricants which can present concerns.
In filled or reinforced compounds, TR 063 provides a balance of viscosity reduction and dispersion improvement which leads to more consistent processing and maximum physical properties. The lubricant has been shown to have minimum interaction with coupling agents often used with reinforcing products such as glass fiber.
STRUKTOL TR 063 is designed to work in the temperature processing range of nylon 6 and 66 compounds. It can be added directly at the compounding stage or by the processor during part manufacturing. In pellet form, it can be easily added to extrusion or injection molding machines.
Struktol Company of America, headquartered in Stow, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of process additives for the plastics and rubber industries. The privately-held company provides Intelligent Additive Solutions for a variety of polymer-based products and compounds for the consumer, industrial, packaging, and automotive industries. The company's technical specialists, R&D chemists, and compound laboratory are dedicated to creating innovative solutions to meet the exacting demands of an ever-changing polymer industry. Struktol's R&D center, technical service center, and manufacturing plant are located in Stow, Ohio. The company's additive solutions keep customers ahead of the competition with increased productivity, better quality parts, and lower overall costs.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)