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Food chemicals 'may harm humans' Food chemicals 'may harm humans'
(30 minutes later)
Low levels of man-made chemicals in basic foods such as brown bread, butter and milk could combine to harm humans, a conservation charity has warned.Low levels of man-made chemicals in basic foods such as brown bread, butter and milk could combine to harm humans, a conservation charity has warned.
WWF-UK said scientific tests link the chemicals to hormonal changes, cancers and immune deficiencies.WWF-UK said scientific tests link the chemicals to hormonal changes, cancers and immune deficiencies.
Dutch research suggests low levels of the chemicals are found in food from the environment or packaging.Dutch research suggests low levels of the chemicals are found in food from the environment or packaging.
However, some scientists have questioned whether the small quantities involved present a danger to health.However, some scientists have questioned whether the small quantities involved present a danger to health.
The Dutch scientists found low levels of pesticides, flame retardants, non-stick chemicals, artificial musks used to scent products and phthalate chemical compounds used in plastics were present in food.The Dutch scientists found low levels of pesticides, flame retardants, non-stick chemicals, artificial musks used to scent products and phthalate chemical compounds used in plastics were present in food.
Further research at the London School of Pharmacy suggests low doses can work together to produce a significant combination.Further research at the London School of Pharmacy suggests low doses can work together to produce a significant combination.
Tests on animals and human cells show they might be a factor in various serious medical conditions.Tests on animals and human cells show they might be a factor in various serious medical conditions.
'Balanced view''Balanced view'
Professor Alan Boobis of Imperial College, London, is among toxicologists who have played down the research.Professor Alan Boobis of Imperial College, London, is among toxicologists who have played down the research.
He said: "We should not be complacent about the presence of these chemicals in foods and should keep trying to reduce the levels.He said: "We should not be complacent about the presence of these chemicals in foods and should keep trying to reduce the levels.
"But we should also maintain a balanced view about whether these trace amounts represent a risk to the consumer and I don't believe that at these levels they represent a significant threat to human health""But we should also maintain a balanced view about whether these trace amounts represent a risk to the consumer and I don't believe that at these levels they represent a significant threat to human health"
Toxicologist Professor John Henry of St Mary's medical school, London, said WWF-UK was well intentioned but it had not demonstrated that the chemicals cause harm.Toxicologist Professor John Henry of St Mary's medical school, London, said WWF-UK was well intentioned but it had not demonstrated that the chemicals cause harm.
The Food Standards Agency and the chemical industry said levels of individual chemicals are not harmful but they are looking into how they add up in people's diets.The Food Standards Agency and the chemical industry said levels of individual chemicals are not harmful but they are looking into how they add up in people's diets.
The WWF has made its warning Europe-wide, based on supermarket food samples from seven countries including the UK.