[Carry_Okie]

For the benefit of those unfamiliar with industrial formulation, PVC materials, most of which contain phthalates, are some of the most extensively tested chemicals found in modern life. They are used in everything from food handling, water piping, and thousands of medical devices. Of the latter, all such products used in contact with blood, require cytotoxicity testing, allergy testing, and independent lab certs from suppliers of every chemical component in the product. For anyone to suddenly "find" that low doses of phthalate induce any particular pathology would require both extensive confirmation and a healthy dose of skepticism.

[GRRRRR]

Good point on the toxicity testing, medical grade PVC easily passes USP Class V testing. The highest level, CLass VI, is used to qualify implantable medical devices...nothing to be concerned about.

[Reeses]

the effects of hormone-mimicking chemicals

Speaking of hormone mimics, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, tofu and other soy products interact with human estrogen processes. Women naturally love these foods for some reason but what are the effects in growing boys? Is their strong dislike natural? Boys are force fed much more broccoli and brussel sprouts than PVC plastics but there are no studies from the tofu crowd. Are boys hopped up on vegetable estrogen easier to raise and control? Does vegetable estrogen influence their male mental and physical development?

Gray Davis always starts his day with a tall tofu shake.