Chemicals and gender - Gender Climate

21Su b s ta n c e a n dCl a s s o fCo n t a m i na n tLead [Heavy metal]Mercury [Heavymetal]Use a n d s o u r c e o fe xp osu r eHousehold use:Lead-based paint, batteries,solders, lead-solderedfood cans, lead-glazedpottery, ammunition, plasticstabilizers, cosmetics (surmaand kohl)Environmental use: leadedpetrol, traffic emissions,cable covering, water pipesExposure:Food and drinking water,contaminated soil and dust,hand-to-mouth activity inchildrenCosmetics use:Skin lightening creams andsoaps, eye make-up and eyemake-up remover (phenylmercuric salts)Gend eru s e /c o u n t r yGlobalWomenMiddleEast, Asiaand AfricaAs s o c iat e d a d v e r s e h e a lt heffec t sAdverse effects on nervous systemand cognitive development (childrenare more susceptible than adults),kidney damage, reduced hemoglobinproduction, anaemia, reproductiveeffects.Skin rashes, damage to the nervoussystem and kidneys. The developing childis more susceptible than adults.Methyl mercury and mercury vapor isneurotoxic, possibly carcinogenic.UNDP En v i r o n me n t & En e r g y Gr o u pIndustrial, medical andhousehold use:Artisanal gold mining;chlorine and caustic sodaproduction, batteries,vapor lamps, switches,thermometers, dentalamalgam fillingsGlobalMetallic mercury and inorganic mercurycompounds are nephrotoxic.Exposure:Methyl mercury in fish(especially predatory fish),inhalation of mercury vapor,dermal uptakeParabens [EDC]Cosmetics use:Preservative used inskin creams, shampoos,sunscreensGlobalSome are endocrine active, interfereswith estrogen and androgen. Someparabens are weak skin sensitizers.Phthalates [EDC]Cosmetics use:Personal care products,skin moisturizers, perfumes,lipstickWomenGlobalSome show effects on reproductionand development. Endocrine active,interfering with estrogen and androgenhormones.Household use:Plastics