Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What's at Stake for American Power

by Mark Schapiro

Winner of the 2008 NAUTILUS SILVER AWARD in the category of Ecology/Environment/Sustainability and Conscious Media/Journalism New evidence seems to arrive daily--from stories about tainted pet food to toxic toys--of the dangerous consequences that lax environmental policies are having on the consumer products that we, and our children, use every day thanks to lobbying efforts by the U.S. chemical industry.

Meanwhile, the European Union is forcing these global corporate giants to chart a new path that, by requiring safe products, is revamping how businesses can create safe products and make money.

In The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What's at Stake for American Power investigative journalist Mark Schapiro takes the reader inside the corridors of global power where tectonic battles are occurring that will impact the health of ourselves and the planet.

Schapiro's expos© shows how laws adopted by the European Union--where stricter consumer-safety standards are in place--have forced multinationals into manufacturing safer products. And, short of such strong government action the United States will lose its claim of economic and environmental supremacy.

Increasingly, products developed and sold in the United States are equated with serious health hazards, and many of those products are soon to be banned from Europe and other parts of the world.

Schapiro's revelations in this thought-provoking work will change the way American consumers think about everyday products--from plastic softeners that can contribute to sexual malformations to lipstick additives that are potential toxins to the brain, liver, kidneys, and immune system. And it will stir them into forcing our government to take the lead of others, including the European Union, China, and countries in Central and South America.

Exposed is a revealing and fascinating look at global markets, everyday products, and the toxic chemicals that bind them. It will shock, inform, and warn American businesses and government leaders about the risks of being left behind in the international marketplace.

Schapiro's book shines a light on Europe's evolving search for higher standards that places Brussels, not Washington, at the center of global market innovation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Science, Environment, Politics, Sustainability

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 16, 2007

About the author

Mark Schapiro is editorial director of the Center for Investigative Reporting in San Francisco. He has written extensively on foreign affairs and his work has appeared in Harper's, The Atlantic Monthly, The New York Times Magazine and other publications, and he has reported stories for Frontline, NOW with Bill Moyers, and public radio's Marketplace. Schapiro lives in San Francisco, California"

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The E.U. is currently implementing environmental safeguards that are much more stringent than those in the United States — eliminating toxic materials, overseeing the entire life cycle of a product, and generally holding up the precautionary principle as the guidepost for consumer safety decisions.

So what does this mean for American manufacturing and consumers? As Mark Schapiro lays bare, it means a lot. Specifically, if American manufacturers want continued access to the buying power of the EU market, they are going to have to comply with EU standards.

The principal objection to passing similar environmental regulations here in the States has been the issue of cost (and a reluctance to intrude on the sacred ground of the all-knowing market). The fear was, and is, that stronger regulations would price American manufacturers out of competition. In the EU, that has not been the case. Schapiro highlights case after case where industries have reformulated their products for the EU market and have continued to post standard margins of profit and growth.

But if you insist on pessimism and are looking for a downside, here it is: these same industries may now have two separate production lines running – one that complies with EU standards and one that doesn’t. As it stands right now, the U.S. consumer market – yep, that’s us – is being positioned as the dumping ground for products that can’t legally be sold in the EU.

As they say, caveat emptor.

[Christian Cabunag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Schapiro's Exposed is about America's decline in power in the world's manufacturing industries. Schapiro explores the different dangerous, and unhealthy products that America uses, and sells to other countries to continue manufacturing. These products however, are cheap, and low quality to the American people. Countries such as China, Mexico, countries in Africa, and Southeast Asia take part in American businesses, such as Toys r Us to make these products. Schapiro explains that since America ceases to sell to countries like China, American products will continue to be cheap and dangerous to peoples' health. He points out the different chemicals such as pthalates that are in every day products like plastic tupperwares and computers. As America continues to find cheap ways to make these products, European countries have shied away from China, and have passed policies making sure that manufactured products are safe for the people. Schapiro explains that the EU and other countries in the world have followed the agenda of creating natural, safe and healthy products, but America, health institutions such as the FDA resists to follow. In effect, Schapiro emphasizes that America is slowly losing power in the world's economy, and countires such as China are taking over. Although Schapiro highlights all the downfalls in the American business industry, he never once suggests a solution. His tone in the book is rather firm, and sounds as if he is a lobbyist complaining to the FDA and the federal government. I would suggest this book to all my friends and family, because Schapiro does a great job in informing the reader on the potentially dangerous chemicals that are in our daily products. After reading the book, I look at all my possessions differently, checking the tags to see if they were made in China.

[Lindsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Americans being sold down the river by their own government - it's not a new story, but it's still a compelling one. Mark Schapiro reveals the dirty business of major manufacturers - from cosmetics giants to companies producing household cleansers, electronics and even baby toys that are full of toxic chemicals proven to cause disease and sickness. Yet big business lobbyists have effectively quelched any new legislation requiring manufacterers to remove these harmful chemicals. Perhaps most shocking, is the fact that nearly all of the American products mentioned in this book are banned in other parts of the world, from Europe to China, while we unknowingly buy and use products deemed unsafe elsewhere. Schapiro also asks what will happen to Americans if our businesses can no longer compete in the global economy - a timely question given the current state of affairs.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book about how the United States has become the dumping ground for all the toxic chemicals that the European Union and other countries have banned. Since the EU banned thousands of toxic chemicals based on the precautionary principle, multinationals have developed alternative less toxic products that meet EU standards while continuing the produce and sell the old toxic ones here because the gov't lets them. Plus, all these chemical companies are making great progress and money in the "green chemistry" revolution while American companies that still produce the old stuff are in trouble because other countries don't want this junk. Read it - it will make you furious and also have you checking labels. And get rid of those PVCs and flame retardants.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best surprise book gifts I've ever received. My sister bought it for me for Christmas one year and it has stuck with me.

I lent it out and have never seen it back. It is probably time to purchase it again!

The gist is that the U.S. lost our leadership position with respect to consumer product protection and why that is a bad thing for the economy and our health.

[Carly MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is 11 years old so kind of old information.

[P.S. Carrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all know that the world has been poluted with man made poisons, what most of us don't realize is that these toxins have infiltrated every living system including ourselves. Schapiro covers toxic chemicals in everyday use such as cosmetics, GMOs, e-waste, pesticides and links each to the criminal negligence of governments, namely the U.S. to regulate and or ban these substances. He extensively cites all the regulations of the EU and makes the case that the U.S. has lost substantial influence in the world in regards to environmental protections. The last one hundred years, all of us have benefitted from out of control capitalism and the savage rape of the earth's natural resources. None of us are innocent and now we will all reap the rewards of a selfish short sighted civilization. The average person has over 270 toxic chemicals in their bodies, most of which are known carcinogens or are neurotoxic. As we all go into zombie mode, the earth's systems will begin to go into final collapse and we can all blame DOW Chemical or Monsanto. The truth is, we let it happen and like mentally deficient sugar doped children, we skipped along in idiotic glee rejoicing in the comforts and conveniences of modern life. There are no happy endings here. So enjoy your organic strawberries, BPA free sippy cups and make sure your computer is disposed of in a third world country far from your home. We all live in the same toxic sludge pit. This hellish existence is the paradise promised by the Industrial Age. Hope you enjoyed it.

[Shruts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shapiro unleashes an unabashedly biased diatribe against the US regulatory agencies and the chemical industries they are supposedly watchdogging.

His primary point is well taken: The Bush administration's dogged determination to tear down all federal regulatory authority has only encouraged the European Union to write our rules for us. So, since our economies are intertwined, instead of less regulation, we will now have more, but without US input, and results that are beyond our control.

It is unfortunate that Shapiro, in his blind bias, uses examples that have backfired since the books publication in 2007. Two examples: he predicts that because the EU rejects genetically modified grain seeds, the price of corn will crash. Instead, in 2008 corn hits record levels.
Second, he proudly pronounces that China is embracing the EU standards on chemical use. Only one who knows little about the way China manufacturing works would believe that. The fact that China has nonchalantly sends out milk with melamine and toys with lead paint (all certified as chemical free) sends Shapiro a wake up call.

Nonetheless, his bottom line is sadly true. The US once was the leader in environmental protection. Bush has gutted that. Our policies are now made for us in Brussels

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Schapiro, the chief editor for the Center for Investigative Reporting will speak tonight at the bookstore where i work (Red Hill Books on Cortland) to talk about his book Exposed which is about how the EU is going to kick the US economy's ass (already is) especially where green packaging and product is concerned as European countries seem to be the only ones following our long ago established guidelines for health and safety regarding the host of petroleum products we ingest every day.

He's got lot's of valuable info in here on products even the most green informed of us use all the time. given my penchant for lipstick, i'm now paying a good deal more attention. Revlon puts lead in their best reds...why? to make it go on smoother...like lead paint. well, at least i now have an excuse for any unusual behavior or mental states or typing dyslexia (i had to retype behavior 3 times): i've been eating lead.... anyway i hope to see friends at the bookstore tonight because the book is not just dry downer information, but well written and actually funny, very much like Eric Schlosser or Michael Pollan (who Schapiro just did a book tour with.) It starts at 7pm tonight.

[Jennifer Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Chronic chemical exposure generally occurs in minute quantities that accrue over time; assessing their precise effect is extremely difficult. But the sheer abundance of toxins to which women are routinely exposed - through cosmetics as well as numerous other products - prompted the Breast Cancer Fund, a non-profit group of health care advocates, to assert that as many as one-half of new breast cancer cases cannot be explained by known risk factors, such as genetic predisposition, smoking, or estrogen hormone-replacement therapies. The group claims that chemicals may be a significant contributing factor."

"The average American adult is exposed to more that one hundred distinct chemicals from personal-care products every day."

"In the United States, the very absence of the FDA in regulating cosmetics suggests (to the public anyway) its implicit endorsement of their safety. The United States relies on industry to determine otherwise."

"...artificial musk aromas contained in perfumes and soaps called galaxolide...reduce the ability of the body to expel other toxins."

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book.
Original take on muckraking the toxins, the even more pervasive toxins, in the most seemingly innocuous products.

it is a great call to arms:

if we don't follow our own guidelines toward safety and we continue to turn our backs on our health, then we are doomed in an increasingly green conscious marketplace. and we are getting sicker and sicker while losing more money!

helloooo...

Mark Schapiro will make a personal appearance at Red Hill's house at 401 Cortland
on December 13th at 7pm and discuss all this, answer questions, etc. super smart man.
heads the center for investigative reporting and he's all over critical progressive issues.

come meet him and ask good questions. you'll get good answers.

[Shin Furuya]

Provides a good overview and analysis of regulatory gap between the US and Europe (and the world), deconstructing the myths of the US environmental leadership while warning the increased risks for massive use of toxic chemicals in various products without ever being tested (or even being tested and has some negative implications). It's pretty easy to follow with each chapter focuses on specific industries, most of which are key industries for chemical uses. The US government's reactionary policies, in the end, puts its own citizens at substantial risks of exposure to these chemicals at excessive levels. By following each industry issues, the reader also can get a grasp of the political economy of the global regulatory landscape.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent venture into how and why America is losing power in today's global economy. Although Japan, China, Mexico and the European Union are making great strides to protect consumers from toxic chemicals, genetically modified foods and other carcinogenic/mutagenic substances US political and industrial leaders are dragging their feet to comply. Their excuses as to why compliance will ruin American industry just don't add up and are actually destroying America's ability to compete in the global market. In addition, Americans are being exposed to these toxic substances through our own industries as well as from global manufacturers who can no longer sell their toxic items in other areas of the world.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started this thinking "great, a real 'upper' book for the start of the year" but I'm three chapters in and it's really not that bad. It's also not one of those Warning! Disaster LOOMS! books, which is nice.

On the other hand, the author injects himself into the "story" too often, and adds (IMVHO) unnecessary color to the narrative. This isn't Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, peopled with charming, colorful characters, it's a nonfiction work looking at the changing world of chemicals and production. I don't need to know what someone smokes, likes to eat or what they're wearing to appreciate their point of view.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

ossibly one of the driest books ever. like eating a bowl of shredded wheat without milk. basically you need to fortify yourself with like a double espresso and a very uncomfortable chair, and you'll be all set. but it is a worthwhile thing to read. hmm, i think the take home message is 'if you want to avoid toxic shit, move to europe because at least the people in charge there aren't paid to ignore it.' yikes. it certainly didn't make me feel very good about plastic toys. phthalates = bad news. ironically, buying stuff from big name multinational toy companies like mattel (sp?) or retailers like toys r us is actually better because they are already meeting the european regulations.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a huge eye opener on the lack of protection that the United States provides for everyday consumers. I heard some people criticizing the book on campus saying that it "wasn't enough scientific information explaining the detail of the toxins in products". I understand why they are saying that there isn't enough information on that, however the book's thesis was not about the toxins. The thesis was that we already know there are toxins in our products, however the United States is choosing not to move forward with safety precautionary measures like Europe is doing. So therefore America is now loosing the power shift to Europe because of their apathetic concern.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Schapiro documents the rise of the European Union and the economic power shift occurring. Seeking stricter safety regulations and healthy products in spite of US protests, the EU is leading the world to new standards in manufacturing. Why aren't US manufacturers protecting US citizens from carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins when the EU can and does demand higher standards. The US is becoming the dumping ground for goods not wanted elsewhere and the health of our food exports are increasingly suspect.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a used book store, and it changed how I viewed global markets in one afternoon. If you cannot understand why corporations battle current environmental and health policy-making in Washington, this book will open your eyes to why those companies do not want change. If America does not adopt a preventative attitude like those policies that are developed in Brussels, you might count on this country becoming a third-world nation that suffers as a dumping ground for the world's toxic waste.

[Natasha P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The many products that we use everyday of our lives from mascara to lotion is what's behind such things as infertility, cancer etc. The US government has NO AGENCY that regulates what toxic substances that are put in our personal care products.

[Selena Calingo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book illustrates why our government just doesn't work for the people anymore. At times, reading this, I was thoroughly disgusted with the US. Europe seems to have the right preventative approach to the toxicity problem.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unsettling look at the non-regulation of personal care products, and the disingenuous way corporations have fought to keep toxic ingredients on our shelves. I went out and bought new baby shampoo after reading this.

[Russ Stratfull · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is frightening but has been a great read. Makes me realize how much our government has abandoned our safety. Before this book, I didn't realize that the EPA and the FDA stopped being the global trend setters for what is safe in the market place for consumers.

[Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting this book to be entertaining and informative, and it was both. Not a very difficult read and full of details on the microscopic and macroeconomic consequences of our everyday household purchases.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll never want to drink from plastic or wear make-up again after you read this book. Demonstrates how the US is FAR behind the EU in regulating and keeping consumers safe from chemicals we are exposed to every day. READ IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN.

[Sarah]

So far I am really, really enjoying this book. I'm learning a ton about the politics of the chemicals we use in our society -- and the gnarly stuff that we have in products in the USA that are banned abroad.

[Luke Reisdorf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is focused on the differences in regulation of chemicals in Europe verses’ the US and how they may be encouraging innovative alternatives in Europe, benefiting their economy while suspect chemicals remain grandfathered in and in use in the US.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read nonfiction, but this is a wake-up call and it has inspired me to pursue public policy as a possible career choice.

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

overview of the EU's regulatory approach to toxic chemicals compared to the approach of the US. pretty dry read. the synopsis on NPR's Fresh Air is a welcome synopsis.

[Jamal]

chemistry is love

[vida · Rating 4 out of 5]

a must-read...if nothing else, skim the sections that most apply to you