Danger feared from chemicals getting into bay

From yesterday's SF Gate:

Danger feared from chemicals getting into bay
by Jane Kay, Chronicle Environment Writer

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Chemicals found in household products like antibacterial soap and plastic bottles are found in sewage water that is discharged into San Francisco Bay, posing a threat to wildlife and humans, according to new data.

Sophisticated sewage systems treat biodegradable food, human waste and metals, but they are not designed to capture the thousands of tons of synthetic chemicals used to manufacture consumer products, say officials at the East Bay Municipal Utility District, who found evidence of potentially harmful substances in sewage from businesses and homes.

Chemical ingredients are leaching out of toothpaste, deodorant, canned food liners and vinyl and polycarbonate plastics. They pass through the municipal sewage plants virtually untreated, the experts say.

[...Click the link above to read the rest of the article. It concludes with the following list of problem products:]

Problem Products
-- Perfumes and beauty products labeled "fragrance."

-- PVC/vinyl flexible plastic in food wraps, toys and shower curtains.

-- "Antibacterial" detergents and hand soap with triclosan.

-- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in nail polish.

-- Hard, clear polycarbonate plastic baby bottles and water bottles.

-- Canned food containing solid colored liners.

-- Plastic pet products, including toys and some water dishes.

-- Foam shoe insoles.

Source: Environmental Working Group

E-mail Jane Kay at jkay@sfchronicle.com.