tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21113838557887619872024-03-13T22:39:03.126-04:00The Purple GreenAn environmental health blog. A place for information and tips on living a toxic-free lifestyle, and learning about environmental health issues. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-24339179686024979942014-06-03T11:04:00.000-04:002014-06-03T11:04:06.583-04:00EDCs and adrenal fatigueFor the past few months, I have been dealing with crippling fatigue, dizziness and blackouts. I've seen several doctors and while I am still awaiting some test results, doctors are pointing in the direction of low cortisol and adrenal insufficiency. That got me to thinking about whether endocrine disrupting chemicals could affect the adrenal gland and cortisol levels. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.brainleadersandlearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/cortisol_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.brainleadersandlearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/cortisol_image.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from:http://www.brainleadersandlearners.com/general/the-brain-on-cortisol/</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cortisol is a steroid stress hormone, released when you are stressed. It helps regulate the immune system, blood pressure, and balance blood sugar. Symptoms of low cortisol include; dizziness, weakness, weight loss, craving salt, irregular menstrual cycles, and hyperpigmentation. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Heavy metals, especially mercury, can affect the adrenal glands, although chemicals found in everyday household personal care products can also affect them. Assault from environmental toxins can create a cycle where the adrenal glands become more and more stressed, leading to greater fatigue. While I'm not sure this is what is causing my health issues, it does point out that EDCs can harm another body part. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sources: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.patient.co.uk/health/addisons-disease-leaflet">Patient.co.uk</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.holistichelp.net/adrenal-fatigue.html">Holistichelp</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-80964186751519038342014-04-29T17:29:00.000-04:002014-04-29T17:29:31.020-04:00Label Check: OxybenzoneThis is the latest in my Label Check series, in which I examine a chemical ingredient in more depth. Oxybenzone, also known as benzophenone-3, is found in sunscreens and products containing spf. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be found in 97% of Americans.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://beautifulwithbrains.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/oxybenzone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://beautifulwithbrains.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/oxybenzone.jpg" height="106" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from http://beautifulwithbrains.com/</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Oxybenzone is a known endocrine disruptor having both estrogenic and weak anti-androgenic (anti-male hormone) effects. Oxybenzone also damages the skin. Sunlight + oxybenzone creates free radicals that cause cell damage and are implicated in aging. A 2008 study linked oxybenzone exposure in pregnant women to low-birth weight babies. This chemical also causes allergic reactions, triggered by sun exposure. Children are particularly at risk. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What can you do? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Avoid products with oxybenzone. Look for natural sunscreens with non-nanoparticle ingredients. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sources: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://blog.pharmacymix.com/is-oxybenzone-safe">Beautiful With Brains</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://blog.pharmacymix.com/is-oxybenzone-safe">PharmacyMix</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ewg.org/news/testimony-official-correspondence/cdc-americans-carry-body-burden-toxic-sunscreen-chemical">EWG </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-23084273216500782162014-04-21T10:34:00.000-04:002014-04-21T10:38:57.771-04:00Back from hiatus and thinking about "How green can you be?"Hello again! I apologize for the hiatus. While I was away I continued to think about environmental justice issues and how overwhelming it can be processing all of the information on toxic chemicals in food, personal care products, household products and industrial products you come into contact with every day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.naturalemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Overwhelmed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.naturalemama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Overwhelmed-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
For instance, a recent <a href="http://ww.utexas.edu/news/2014/04/02/crib-mattresses-emit-chemicals/">University of Texas, at Austin</a> study found that crib mattresses emit "high rates" of volatile organic compounds while infants sleep. That's enough to frighten any parent. So how do you balance all of this information? It can be very expensive to live a completely green life. Plus it can be very stressful to find all green products.<br />
<br />
I've always believed that if you do what you can that you're ahead of the battle. Even if that means you can't afford to purchase an entirely off-the grid home built of recycled, non toxic materials. What do you think? How green can you be? How green should you be? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-12479550261320348352014-03-24T11:19:00.002-04:002014-03-24T11:22:06.139-04:00The Importance of Soil Testing Before You GardenIt's that time of year when we all want to break the chains of winter and back out into nature. What many of us don't realize is that there may be danger lurking in our soil. If you live in a home that is older than 40 years old, if you live near a factory, and/or you don't know the land use records of the land before you moved in, it's very important to test your soil for toxic chemicals.<br />
<br />
Recently, citizens of Tonawanda, NY found out that their soil was contained with elevated levels of the carcinogen Benzo[a]pyrene, or BaP. This BaP may have been released from the local Coke foundry plant (<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/town-of-tonawanda/toxic-chemicals-found-in-soil-of-homes-near-tonawanda-coke-plant-20140303">The Buffalo News, 2014</a>). <br />
<br />
So how do you test your soil?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://aggie-turf.tamu.edu/aggieturf2/soilsample/images/soilsample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://aggie-turf.tamu.edu/aggieturf2/soilsample/images/soilsample.jpg" height="270" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from http://aggie-turf.tamu.edu/aggieturf2/soilsample/images/soilsample.jpg</span></div>
<br />
Contact your local cooperative extension office: <a href="http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/">http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/ </a><br />
<br />
Contact your local university's agriculture program to see if they offer soil testing services. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.growtolearn.org/view/SoilTesting">New York City Schools </a>recommend that all schools test their garden soil every two years for heavy metals and nutrient levels. They also give instructions on how to collect the soil for test samples. <br />
<br />
The good thing about county extension offices is that not only will they help you with soil testing, they will offer guidance on how to plant the best garden for your type of soil. So remember, test first, then garden. <br />
<br />
<u>Sources</u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/town-of-tonawanda/toxic-chemicals-found-in-soil-of-homes-near-tonawanda-coke-plant-20140303">Buffalo News</a><br />
<a href="http://www.growtolearn.org/view/SoilTesting">Testing Your Soil</a><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-71264002941918296772014-03-17T10:39:00.002-04:002014-03-17T10:40:55.179-04:00Autism and the Environment A new meta-analysis study of 100 million US medical records from the University of Chicago links environmental pollution, such as pesticides, to autism and intellectual disability (ID). The researchers found that autism and ID were "correlated at the county level with incidences of genital malformations in newborn males," according to <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/environmental-toxins-play-major-role-autism-reports-new-study">The Examiner</a>. The researchers claim that autism is strongly correlated with the incidence of congenital genital malformation in males. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4097/4889435516_d07025d99c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4097/4889435516_d07025d99c.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cgpgrey/4889435516/">CGP Grey</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a></span></div>
<br />
There are certain times during a pregnancy where the fetus is particularly sensitive to small molecule environmental pollutants, like pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Some of these molecules alter the normal development of the fetus, through unknown processes. The researchers studied genital malformations in females and males but found that the congenital malformation - autism link was much stronger in boys. <br />
<br />
The study's main author is quick to point out that this study does not count out genetic and other factors for autism. Nor does it directly point to the environment as the cause for autism, but it does point to a strong argument for an environmental role.<br />
<br />
Sources<br />
<br />
<a href="http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2014/03/13/autism-and-intellectual-disability-incidence-linked-environmental-factors">University of Chicago </a><br />
<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/03/14/autism-disorders-greatly-linked-with-environmental-factors-study-claims/">FoxNews</a><br />
<a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/environmental-toxins-play-major-role-autism-reports-new-study">The Examiner</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
An
analysis of 100 million U.S. medical records reveals that autism and
intellectual disability (ID) rates are correlated at the county level
with incidence of genital malformations in newborn males, an indicator
of possible congenital exposure to harmful environmental factors such as
pesticides. - See more at:
http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2014/03/13/autism-and-intellectual-disability-incidence-linked-environmental-factors#sthash.iqZzther.dpuf<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
An
analysis of 100 million U.S. medical records reveals that autism and
intellectual disability (ID) rates are correlated at the county level
with incidence of genital malformations in newborn males, an indicator
of possible congenital exposure to harmful environmental factors such as
pesticides. - See more at:
http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2014/03/13/autism-and-intellectual-disability-incidence-linked-environmental-factors#sthash.iqZzther.dpuf</div>
</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
An
analysis of 100 million U.S. medical records reveals that autism and
intellectual disability (ID) rates are correlated at the county level
with incidence of genital malformations in newborn males, an indicator
of possible congenital exposure to harmful environmental factors such as
pesticides. - See more at:
http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2014/03/13/autism-and-intellectual-disability-incidence-linked-environmental-factors#sthash.iqZzther.dpuf<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
An
analysis of 100 million U.S. medical records reveals that autism and
intellectual disability (ID) rates are correlated at the county level
with incidence of genital malformations in newborn males, an indicator
of possible congenital exposure to harmful environmental factors such as
pesticides. - See more at:
http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2014/03/13/autism-and-intellectual-disability-incidence-linked-environmental-factors#sthash.iqZzther.dpuf</div>
</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
An
analysis of 100 million U.S. medical records reveals that autism and
intellectual disability (ID) rates are correlated at the county level
with incidence of genital malformations in newborn males, an indicator
of possible congenital exposure to harmful environmental factors such as
pesticides. - See more at:
http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2014/03/13/autism-and-intellectual-disability-incidence-linked-environmental-factors#sthash.iqZzther.dpuf</div>
</blockquote>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
100 million U.S. medical records </div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
100 million U.S. medical recordfrom the University of Chicago links </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-77348323304728851942014-03-10T10:26:00.001-04:002014-03-10T10:27:50.154-04:00Cadmium in children's toysWe've often heard of lead in children's toys, but we also need to be concerned about cadmium. Cadmium is a metal that can be found in children's products, including clothing accessories, jewelry, and the paint on the surfaces and linings of toys. Outside of children's products, it can be found in batteries, metal coatings, industrial paints, tobacco smoke, and as a stabilizers in plastics. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://files.cdn.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KidsToys_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://files.cdn.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KidsToys_640.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image taken from http://ecowatch.com/2013/08/08/childrens-toys-toxic-cadmium/</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cadmium is used as an alternative to lead. It's cheaper, but it's also toxic. Cadmium exposure has been linked to kidney and bone damage, and delayed brain development in children. Cadmium has also been labelled a "known human carcinogen." Children are of particular concern because they put toys, jewelry and other products in their mouths. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In 2011, the U.S. Congress, limited the amount of cadmium that can be used in toys and there is a voluntary industrial standard on the amount of cadmium that can be used in jewelry. However, critics claim this is not enough, as some products still contain hazardous levels of cadmium. Six states and the European Union have put Cadmium bans into place for certain products. The states are CA, CT, IL, MD, MN and WA. </div>
<br />
<u>Sources</u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/cadmium-in-child-products-legislation.aspx">NCSL</a><br />
<a href="http://www.saferstates.com/2010/07/cadmium.html#.Ux3FG15FrX0">SAFER States</a><br />
<a href="http://ecowatch.com/2013/08/08/childrens-toys-toxic-cadmium/">ECOWATCH</a><br />
<a href="http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?section=health&xfile=/data/health/2014/March/health_March13.xml">Khaleej Times</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-77902424989768023912014-03-03T12:12:00.000-05:002014-03-03T12:15:49.966-05:00BPA & Brain Development We already know bisphenol A (BPA) as an endocrine disruptor, carcinogen, and obesogen, but now it has been linked to altered brain and central nervous system (CNS) development prenatally. BPA mimics estrogen and can be found in many everyday products, like the linings of metal cans, receipts, and even in our foods and drinks. BPA is banned in the European Union and Canada, but not the United States. <br />
<br />
When neurons, or nerve cells, are growing, they rely on a local chloride levels to guide them to their correct location in the brain. Exposure to BPA disrupts this process. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Over time, as the neurons mature, chloride is pumped out of the cells by
a chloride transporter called KCC2. If chloride levels remain high, the
neural circuits don’t form and connect properly."</blockquote>
<br />
In a new study by Dr. Wolfgang Liedtke and colleagues at Duke University found that;<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"when exposing the neurons to minute amounts of BPA, the gene that makes
KCC2 shut down, which kept chloride longer in the neurons. They suspect
the BPA made a different type of protein -- known as MECP2 -- more
abundant in neurons, which in turn bound to KCC2 and shut it down." </blockquote>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtS4BHk5vo8/UxSzV7jwtWI/AAAAAAAAAJM/yFHXJdyJISI/s1600/130225153122-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtS4BHk5vo8/UxSzV7jwtWI/AAAAAAAAAJM/yFHXJdyJISI/s1600/130225153122-large.jpg" height="144" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Credit: Michele Yeo, Duke Medicine</i> </div>
<div id="credit" style="float: left; text-align: center; width: 300px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
In Liedtke and colleague's study of rodent models, that was also "verified in human systems," both sexes were affected by BPA disruption, but females tended to be more susceptible to BPA's attack. Researchers proposed that this processes of BPA attack on cell development may hold clues on the development on autism and Rett syndrome. Fortunately, in rodents, the effects were reversible when treated with a drug that allowed the neurons to compensate for the excessive chloride levels. This study is just another reason for tougher regulation and bans on BPA in the US.<br />
<br />
<u>Sources </u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://healthland.time.com/2013/02/26/how-bpa-may-disrupt-brain-development/">Time Magazine</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bpa-exposure-linked-to-genetic-changes-that-alter-brain-development/">CBS News</a><br />
<a href="http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/news/bpa-may-affect-the-developing-brain-by-disrupting-gene-regulation">Duke Alert</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153122.htm">Science Daily</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-69140368369204870622014-02-28T11:38:00.001-05:002014-02-28T11:38:16.597-05:00Label Check: Sodium Laureth Sulfate.This is the latest in my Label Check series in which I examine a chemical or ingredient in depth. Today I am looking at Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). It is a surfactant used as a foaming agent, as people often incorrectly believe that more foam equal more cleaning power. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-velpV3o1874/TkHarAtZ43I/AAAAAAAAAZc/FSEaamzm4Go/s320/Sodium-Laureth-Sulfate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-velpV3o1874/TkHarAtZ43I/AAAAAAAAAZc/FSEaamzm4Go/s320/Sodium-Laureth-Sulfate.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image take from<a href="http://www.mylifeasanesthetician.com/"> http://www.mylifeasanesthetician.com</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can find SLES in toothpastes, shower gels, bubble bath, soaps, facial cleansers, and detergents. It's an inexpensive ingredient, so manufacturers like to use it to keep costs down. SLES can cause eye irritation and can be contaminated with the carcinogen 1-4 dioxane and ethylene oxide, which is a carcinogen, along with being a reproductive/development toxicant, and immunotoxicant. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
While SLES is thought to be milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), there are still concerns. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sources: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ewg.org/">Environmental Working Group</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-90982014125352723612014-02-25T10:31:00.002-05:002014-02-25T10:35:47.513-05:00Green Chemistry: What is it and why do we need it? While we may be used to traditional chemistry creating both many of the products we use everyday and the toxins we face everyday, we may not be familiar with green chemistry. According to the <a href="http://www2.epa.gov/green-chemistry">EPA,</a> green chemistry "is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/styles/large/public/basics.jpg?itok=3IMdfOkk" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/styles/large/public/basics.jpg?itok=3IMdfOkk" height="98" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo taken from <a href="http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/styles/large/public/basics.jpg?itok=3IMdfOkk">EPA</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Green chemistry is presenting opportunities not only for a cleaner environment, but also for increased business opportunities and savings. </span>A 2011, <a href="http://www.navigantresearch.com/newsroom/green-chemicals-will-save-industry-65-5-billion-by-2020">Pike Research</a> report stated that by the year 2020, green chemistry will save industry $65.5 billion in liability for social and environmental costs. The same report stated that in terms of market opportunity, green chemistry will represent $98.5 billion in market opportunity by 2020. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One green chemist is already seizing the opportunity. Chemical engineering professor <a href="http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/healthscience/64786-green-chemist-richard-wool-makes-products-from-renewable-resources">Richard Wool</a> of the University of Delaware uses environmentally-friendly products like flaxseed, chicken feathers and vegetable oil to make a variety a products, including car parts, tape, shoes and roofing materials. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Colleges and universities around the world are also now focuses efforts on green chemistry. The <a href="http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/greenchemistry.html">American Chemical Society</a>, not to be confused with the toxic lobbying group the American Chemistry Council, even provides research grants for green chemistry. Green chemistry allows for continued progress without continued detriment to public and environmental health. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rIE4T2HLW7c?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-7977229290359788272014-02-24T10:30:00.000-05:002014-02-24T13:59:38.006-05:00Toxins in Children's ClothingIt seems like everywhere you look these days there is news that something else is toxic! Recently, Greenpeace came out with a report of toxic chemicals found in children's clothing. Greenpeace Taiwan tested 27 brands of children's clothing ranging from Dior to Disney to Herme<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">s and</span></span> Versace. They found 16 brands contained at least one toxic chemical. The toxic chemicals discovered were phthalates, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE), antimony and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/30/article-2548452-1AECB00B00000578-898_634x573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/01/30/article-2548452-1AECB00B00000578-898_634x573.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo of a Burberry shirt taken from: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2548452/Burberry-crackdown-toxins-childrens-clothing-Ban-comes-tests-harmful-substances-garments-12-different-brands.html">Daily Mail UK</a> & Greenpeace.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
What's is the danger in these chemicals?<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Phthalates </b>are known endocrine disruptors. Phthalates are linked to birth defects,
infertility, breast cancer, liver cancer, obesity, and diabetes.</li>
<li><b>NPE</b> are endocrine disrupting chemicals.</li>
<li><b>Antimony </b>is a carcinogen and is toxic to the skin, liver, heart and lungs. It can be found in polyester textiles. </li>
<li><b>PFCs</b> are endocrine disruptors, are thought to raise the risk for cancer, and are believed to be linked to the following: thyroid disruption, infertility, developmental delays, liver dysfunction, immunotoxicity, preeclampsia and risk of high cholesterol. PFCs can be found in stain-resistant and water-repellant clothing. </li>
</ul>
These chemicals can also be found in adult clothing. However, since the release of this report, 19 of the 27 brands and one of the fashion suppliers have promised to try to clean up their act and remove the toxic chemicals from their products.<br />
<br />
Sources:<br />
<a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/press/releases/New-study-finds-toxic-monsters-lurking-in-childrens-clothing1/">Greenpeace</a><br />
<a href="http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/02/19/2003583870">Taipei Times </a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-21516992093048284442014-02-21T11:28:00.001-05:002014-02-21T13:57:03.339-05:00Dietary Toxins and Eating Well <span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span>While I normally focus on toxins in personal care products and the environment, I've decided to take a look at toxins and harmful chemicals in the food we eat. This is a collaborative post with a wonderful blogger, Jessica David of <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.iconveyawareness.com/" target="_blank">Conveying Awareness with Jessica David</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1398/1226016289_3c995fe189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1398/1226016289_3c995fe189.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwind3/2343142046/">Bradley Wind</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a> </span></div>
<br />
To begin with, let's short list of some chemicals that we need to avoid in the food we eat.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Mercury in fish: </b>The dangers of mercury exposure include fatigue, memory problems, mercury poisoning, and dangers to the developing fetus. </li>
<li><b>Artificial dyes: </b>These are a color followed by a number, for example, Red 3. These dyes have been linked to behavioral problems in children and cancer. </li>
<li><b>Sodium nitrate</b>: Found in processed foods like hot dogs, bacon and sausage, sodium nitrate gives these foods their red tint. Sodium nitrates leads to an increase of nitrosamines in your body, which can lead to cancer. </li>
<li><b>Bisphenol A ( BPA)</b>: Often found in the lining of canned foods and beverages. It is estrogenic and can also leach from plastic. BPA has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. </li>
<li><b>Polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs)</b>: These are industrial coolants that can be found in farm-raised fish and are known endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. </li>
<li><b>Dioxins: </b>Dioxins are contaminants formed during combustion and industrial processes. For example, trash burning, forest fires, incineration, herbicide manufacturing, and paper pulp bleaching. Dioxins can also be found in farm-raised fish and in the fatty tissues of animals that have been exposed to dioxins. The risks of dioxin exposure include, reproductive & developmental problems, an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease, and cancer. </li>
<li><b>Hydrogenated oils: </b>Oils are long, often branched chains of carbon and hydrogen that are liquid are room temperature. The branches are caused when there are carbon to carbon double bonds. Scientists can go into the lab and add hydrogen atoms to these double bonds to break them and make the molecule more stable. This is a hydrogenated oil. They are used to increase the shelf life of food products, but have been linked to diabetes and heart disease. </li>
<li><b>Artificial sweeteners: </b>Aspartame is probably the most famous artificial sweetener. It has been linked to headaches, dizziness and neuronal damage. Recently, another artificial sweetener, Splenda (sucralose) was linked to the release of cancer-causing chemicals when cooked & baked. </li>
<li><b>GMOs: </b>GMOs are genetically modified organisms. They are created when scientists take the genes from organism/species A and put them into unrelated organism/species B. We were told that GMOs would help alleviate the problem of world hunger, but instead, GMOs have largely been used to increase the consumption of pesticides (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://thepurplegreen.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-link-between-gmos-and-pesticides.html" target="_blank">The Link Between GMOs and Pesticides</a>). Studies on the safety of GMOs have largely come from the companies that produce GMOs, who have a vested interest in the outcome of those studies. While more independent scientific studies are needed on the safety of GMOs on humans, experiments from farmers show that animals prefer non-GMO food. One scientific study on rats, showed lifetime exposure to Roundup Ready GM corn lead to tumors, multiple organ damage and death. </span></li>
<li><b>Pesticides: </b>Conventional farming relies heavily on pesticides. Pesticides have been linked to endocrine disruption, infertility, neurological damage and cancer. The most widely used pesticide, atrazine, has been extensively studied by Dr. Tyrone Hayes of UC Berkeley. He used to work for the company that made the pesticide, Syngenta, but when he tried to publish a paper on the negative effects of the product, they stopped him. Syngenta has been trying to stop him ever since. His website can be found <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.atrazinelovers.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. Unfortunately, even organic foods are exposed to some pesticides through rain, runoff and the water table, though to a lesser extent than conventional produce. </span></li>
</ul>
Sources <br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.alternet.org/story/141870/13_secret_toxins_lurking_in_your_food,_and_how_to_avoid_them" target="_blank">Alternet</a></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.care2.com/causes/why-you-should-never-bake-with-splenda.html" target="_blank">Care2</a></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/index.cfm" target="_blank">NIEHS</a></span><br />
<br />
Now let's transition into how you can improve your diet to become your best you. <br />
<ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LIm6-g4fUes/UvWb1bJeCNI/AAAAAAAAQdQ/02VPFVAWY4M/s1600/iCA_Fruits-Veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LIm6-g4fUes/UvWb1bJeCNI/AAAAAAAAQdQ/02VPFVAWY4M/s1600/iCA_Fruits-Veggies.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">One of my passions is to share the benefits of eating the [real] rainbow daily and it's found in fruits and vegetables. I wasn't always like this though. It only occurred to me about 5 years ago the importance of eating more of nature's best so that I could heal some conditions that had plagued me for years. Though I have always been thin, I wasn't always healthy and I didn't know any better and guess what? I didn't care much about longevity in my 20s. It wasn't until I became a mom at age 31 that I decided to make some changes! It took another new mom to pull me aside and share with me how I could eat more fruits and vegetables and that it could be the first step in the right direction for reversing some damage done through nutrient poor food choices that I had made for many years. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Fast forward a few years, I became a certified health coach. The seed to link arms with others in their wellness journeys was planted months after that talk with my friend. Learn more about my story<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://conveyingawareness.com/about/meet-the-coach/" target="_blank">here</a>. So here I am encouraging you to strive for 5. Eat five different fruits and 5 different vegetables daily. Here are some tools to help you meet that goal. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span><o:p></o:p><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">1) Download my free<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/16bNSP6" target="_blank">eGuide</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">
<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">2) Learn more about Traffic Light Eating from a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/14QfLNV" target="_blank">L.E.A.N. perspective</a>.</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">3) Follow me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/conveyawareness" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. These boards are helpful:</span>
<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">+<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/NgtJDh" target="_blank">Eating the Real Rainbow</a></span>
<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">+<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/NgtSqi" target="_blank">Recipes Using Veggies</a></span>
<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">+<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1gYkiB7" target="_blank">My recipes</a></span>
<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">4) Join a CSA (farm-share co-op). For a listing in your area, visit<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.localharvest.org/" target="_blank">Local Harvest</a>.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p></o:p><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">5) If it's right for you, take one of my L.E.A.N. Start online classes. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">In session three, we talk about ways to eat more of nature's best - fruits and vegetables!<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/WvdMKo" target="_blank">Info</a>.</span></span><o:p></o:p><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">In tip 2, it mentions the L.E.A.N. perspective. This is the 4 pillars of health: Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude, and Nutrition and no matter the way you slice it (different words to describe the same concepts), we need all 4 components for our journey to wellness. World-renown pediatrician and author of nearly 40 books, Dr. Bill Sears (of the Sears Wellness Institute) teaches us that the most basic foundation of understanding nutrition is through the colors of a stoplight. Today's lesson is on the green light. The other two colors are summarized in tip two. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Green light foods are fruits and vegetables found closest to nature. If you're concerned about pesticides, other contaminants, and GMOs, purchase them organic or know your supplier. I teach that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is key to wellness and the benefits outweigh the risks. Over time, as your pockets adjust, you will find that eating produce without *most contamination may serve you better and it will support small local farmers and their families. Knowing your supplier is key because you can support local farmers and their families that cannot afford the organic label. This also applies to getting whole food nutrients in a capsule. If the product doesn't carry the USDA Organic seal, you may also look for NSF International's seal - this means that what the product claims to have or not have in their product is the truth via NSFs third-party non-affiliated testing and certification.</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">* Even USDA Organic foods have some contaminants. See this <a href="http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/ofp/ofp.shtml" target="_blank">link</a> for more info. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I live in a food desert. The options for fresh, sustainable produce free of contaminants are low. There are no farmers' markets in my area so it is difficult for me to find a good variety of produce locally. I shop about twice a week to two or three stores to find the best quality of produce. It's important for me to eat a variety of produce and for specific crops, I almost always buy organic when I can (see EWG Dirty Dozen for more info, link is below). I'm thankful that there is a farm-share co-op drop off in my city. I am a subscriber to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.abundantharvestorganics.com/" target="_blank">Abundant Harvest Organics</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and eventually, I hope to grow my own soon with a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.jdavid.towergarden.com/" target="_blank">Tower Garden</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">If you want more information on which fruits and vegetables have the highest levels of contaminants, visit EWGs:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/" target="_blank">The Dirty Dozen</a>. If you'd like to know how many and what kinds of contaminants are on your produce, check out<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.whatsonmyfood.org/index.jsp" target="_blank">What's On My Food</a>. </span><o:p></o:p>
<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">
</span> <span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Choose, eat, and live well! =)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RGLaaHEBWNE/UvWcbNrTJFI/AAAAAAAAQdY/xnIv1EsOo-I/s1600/JDavid_2014_Bio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RGLaaHEBWNE/UvWcbNrTJFI/AAAAAAAAQdY/xnIv1EsOo-I/s1600/JDavid_2014_Bio.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.94px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jessica David is a Certified L.E.A.N. Health Coach and the owner and founder of Conveying Awareness providing nutrition tips via a plethora of resources. Jessica feels that through encouragement we can impart education with lasting results. She advocates for families to eat more fruits and vegetables. She lives in Ridgecrest, California with her husband and their son. Find her on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/conveyawareness" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/conveyawareness" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/conveyawareness" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, and her <a href="http://www.iconveyawareness.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-22354769466295836042014-02-18T11:57:00.001-05:002014-02-18T11:57:35.510-05:00Label Check: PetrolatumThis is the 5th installment in my Label Check series, in which I examine a chemical in depth.<br />
<br />
Like its name suggests, petrolatum is created from petroleum or crude oil. It's a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons used as a skin or hair conditioner, skin protectant, and machinery lubricant. It also absorbs UV rays. One of the most famous petrolatum products is probably petroleum jelly, in petrolatum is the main ingredient. For years, doctors have suggested parents use petrolatum to cure diaper rash for their babies. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-7551287dt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.toysrus.com/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-7551287dt.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: http://www.toysrus.com/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-7551287dt.jpg</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Petrolatum was originally found at the bottom of oil rigs in the 1800s. However, during refining, all of the carcinogenic products may not be removed. While the brand Vaseline is generally regarded as non-toxic, other brands may not be as trustworthy. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Petrolatum also blocks the pores of your skin. It keeps your skin "moisturized," because it blocks water from being able to escape from your skin. It creates an illusion of moisturization, while really blocking air and water from reaching your skin. The thick barrier of petrolatum also blocks in any dirt on your skin, making it more difficult to clean. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">According to the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/vaseline-petroleum-jelly_n_4136226.html" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a>: </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">"</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">People suffering from skin conditions like acne and rosacea should stay
away from petroleum jelly altogether, since such thick emollients can
aggravate those conditions. Those who rub Vaseline on dry, cracked noses
to get through a cold might want to think twice, too: If petroleum
jelly gets into the lungs, it can cause lipid pneumonia. It won't happen
if you apply it once in a while, but Dr. Dattner recommends not making a
daily habit of it."</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
Instead of using Petrolatum, use more natural moisturizers. I sell <a href="http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/monicaunseld" target="_blank">Ava Anderson</a> Products and use them myself. <br />
<br />
<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-70138417195459732942014-02-17T11:40:00.000-05:002014-02-17T11:40:17.894-05:00One more reason to fight for tougher regulation of toxic chemicals. Breastfeeding is best. We all know that. However, breastfeeding can also expose your child to toxic chemicals. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3508/3802740128_8c6522fd65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3508/3802740128_8c6522fd65.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aurimas_m/3802740128/">c r z</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">cc</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Man-made<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">chemicals called persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are of most concern. They spread through the environment and are stored in the fatty tissues of fish and animals until they reach the top of the food chain, humans. Once in humans, they are are stored in our fat, and our fat is necessary for the production of breast milk. When a nursing mother feeds her child, these POPs are released into the breast milk. Examples of POPs include certain pesticides, dioxin, toxic metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), flame retardants and PCBs. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What can mothers do? </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a list provided by the <a href="http://www.nrdc.org/breastmilk/whattodo.asp" target="_blank">National Resources Defense Council</a>. </span></span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Quit smoking or never start, and keep others from smoking in your house or car</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Avoid alcoholic beverages</span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Avoid use of pesticides in the home and garden or on pets</span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Avoid exposure to solvents, such as paints, non-water-based glues, furniture strippers, gasoline fumes, perfume and nail polish</span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Avoid dry cleaners and recently dry-cleaned clothes</span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Eat a balanced diet low in animal fats and high-fat dairy products</span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Avoid fish that may
have high mercury or PCB levels, such as swordfish, shark, tuna and
locally caught fish (see NRDC's guide to <a href="http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/index.asp">Mercury Contamination in Fish</a> for more information)</span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Eat organically grown food, if available"</span> </li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do these toxins harm you baby? </span></span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A 2009, <a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/science-you-can-use-worried-about-toxins-in-your-breastmilk-get-the-facts" target="_blank">CDC study</a> found that levels of certain toxins were higher in formula than they were in breast milk. Also, breastmilk may contain bacteria that can metabolize perchlorate, another environmental toxin found in breastmilk. <b>Scientists and doctors still promote breastfeeding as the best option for mothers and children, if possible. </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What else can mothers do? </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Again, I support, <a href="http://saferchemicals.org/" target="_blank">Safer Chemicals Health Families</a> and their actions on tougher regulation for toxic chemicals. <b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-12533164290554867262014-02-14T11:51:00.000-05:002014-02-14T11:51:21.513-05:00Label Check: PEGsThis is the 4th installment in my Label Check series, in which I examine a toxic ingredient in depth.<br />
PEGs (polyethylene glycol) is a petroleum-based product that has many uses and applications, from laxatives, to medicinal solvents and lubricants, and eye drops. PEGs can also be found in skin creams, toothpastes, and personal lubricants. PEGs dissolve grease and oil. So by dissolving our skin's natural oils, they make our skin more vulnerable to other toxins. The structure of polyethylene glycol is below. The "n" denotes the number of repeating units. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Polyethylene_glycol.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Polyethylene_glycol.png" height="161" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Polyethylene_glycol.png</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
According to <a href="http://w.truthinaging.com/review/what-is-it-pegs" target="_blank">Truth in Aging</a>: </div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"In cosmetics, PEGs function in three ways: as emollients (which help
soften and lubricate the skin), as emulsifiers (which help water-based
and oil-based ingredients mix properly), and as vehicles that help
deliver other ingredients deeper into the skin."</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are multiple forms of PEGs. In labels, you will see the letters PEG often followed by a number. The number tells the molecular weight. PEGs with a lower molecular weight can penetrate the skin more easily. For example, PEG-8 has a lower molecular weight than PEG-100. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You also often see PEGs on the label as PEG-2 stearate. The stearate shows that the compound polyethylene (plastic) + glycol (alcohol) attached to a stearic acid molecule. Stearic acid, is a naturally occurring fatty acid, often from vegetable oil. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
According to the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704983/POLYETHYLENE_GLYCOL/" target="_blank">Skin Deep Database</a>, polyethylene glycol, may be contaminated with the carcinogens 1-4 dioxane and ethylene oxide. Consider this with PEGs skin penetrating properties. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Skin irritation due to PEGs will depend on the condition of your skin. Again from <a href="http://www.truthinaging.com/review/what-is-it-pegs" target="_blank">Truth in Aging</a>: </div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"To note, independent of molecular size, PEGs of all sizes may penetrate
through injured skin with compromised barrier function. So it is very
important to avoid products with PEGs if your skin is not in tip top
condition.<br />
<br />
This penetration enhancing effect is important for three reasons: 1) If
your skin care product contains a bunch of other undesirable
ingredients, PEGs will make it easier for them to get down deep into
your skin. 2) By altering the surface tension of the skin, PEGs may
upset the natural moisture balance. 3) PEGs are not always pure, but
often come contaminated with a host of toxic impurities."</div>
</blockquote>
Check labels carefully to avoid products with PEGs, especially if you skin has any cuts, abrasions or openings. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-53480487138795383452014-02-14T10:54:00.001-05:002014-02-14T10:54:57.926-05:00Treating Yourself Naturally - Bath Time Done Right!This Valentine's Day treat yourself to a nice, relaxing Detox bath! This is a collaborative post with Conveying Awareness with Jessica David. <br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.iconveyawareness.com/2014/02/treating-yourself-naturally-bath-time.html#sthash.ROwIJdk4.cmfs">Treating Yourself Naturally - Bath Time Done Right!</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-4298619589930325932014-02-12T12:11:00.001-05:002014-02-12T12:11:17.936-05:00Toxic Chemicals at your fingertips.Who doesn't love to paint their fingernails, or toenails for that matter; especially as the weather warms and the sandals come out? For many of us, it is a special indulgence, a bright spot in a stressful week. It's like changing your hair color, but less expensive and less time consuming. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/article_thumbnails/news/2012/04_2012/toxic_nail_polish/375x321_toxic_nail_polish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/article_thumbnails/news/2012/04_2012/toxic_nail_polish/375x321_toxic_nail_polish.jpg" height="273" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from http://www.webmd.com/beauty/nails/20120411/is-your-nail-polish-toxic</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 2006, health advocates began raising alarms and awareness about three chemicals in nail polish (including top and base coats) referred to as "the toxic trio," According to the <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/02/ask-well-is-nail-polish-harmful/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0" target="_blank">New York Times</a>; </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">"</span></span>The <a href="http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=224">trio</a>
consisted of a known carcinogen, formaldehyde, used as a hardening
agent, and two materials linked to developmental defects: toluene, to
evenly suspend color, and the plasticizer dibutyl phthalate, or DBP, to
add flexibility and sheen."</div>
</blockquote>
Nail polish manufacturers said that they removed these chemicals from their products and began to label their polishes "non-toxic." However, a 2012 study by the <a href="http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPrevention/upload/NailSalon_Final.pdf" target="_blank">California Environmental Protection Agency: California Department of Substances Control </a>found that the "numerous" companies continued to use one, two, or all three chemicals in their polishes. A highlight video of the study is below. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JnkNIxXkLgY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</blockquote>
These chemicals are toxic to both nail technicians and consumers, including pregnant women & children. (Phthalates pose a developmental risk to children, and children tend to chew on their nails). Adverse health effects of exposure include, asthma, birth defects and cancer. To find a safe brand, use the Skin Deep Database at <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/">http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/</a>.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-82547107663882690962014-02-11T13:55:00.000-05:002014-02-11T13:55:19.594-05:00A Big Day for Environmental Justice; a 20th AnniverssaryToday, February 11th, is the 20th Anniversary of <a href="http://ej4all.org/environmental.executive.php" target="_blank">Executive Order 12898</a>: Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://drrobertbullard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/37-President-Clinton-EJ-Executive-Order-White-House-Oval-Office-Washington-DC-1994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://drrobertbullard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/37-President-Clinton-EJ-Executive-Order-White-House-Oval-Office-Washington-DC-1994.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/ahuang/president_clintons_executive_o.html</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
However, this was not the beginning of the EJ movement, it was just the first and largest federal recognition of the movement. Here is a brief timeline from the folks are the <a href="http://ww.nrdc.org/ej/history/hej.asp" target="_blank">National Resources Defense Council</a> documenting some milestones in the EJ movement. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><b>"Early 1960s</b> - Farm workers
organized by Cesar Chavez fight for workplace rights, including
protection from toxic pesticides in California farm fields.<br /><br /><b>1962</b> - Rachel Carson's <i>Silent Spring</i> details the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment.<br /><br /><b>1964</b>
- Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed. The law's "Title VI" -- prohibiting
use of federal funds to discriminate based on race, color and national
origin -- will become an important tool in environmental justice
litigation.<br /><br /><b>1967</b> - African-American students take to the streets of Houston to oppose a city dump that had claimed the lives of two children.<br /><br /><b>1969</b>
- Lawsuit filed on behalf of six migrant farm workers by California
Rural Legal Assistance plays a role in the ban on the pesticide DDT in
the United States.<br /><br /><b>1970</b> - U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency established to enforce laws that protect human health and
safeguard the natural environment.<br /><br /><b>1971</b> - President's
Council on Environmental Quality acknowledges that racial discrimination
negatively affects the quality of the environment for the urban poor.<br /><br /><b>1972</b> - The United States bans the use of the toxic pesticide DDT.<br /><br /><b>1973</b> - The EPA issues rules that phase out lead in gasoline over several years; lead levels in the air will fall by 90 percent.<br /><br /><b>1978</b>
- Hundreds of families evacuated from Love Canal area of Niagara Falls,
New York, due to rates of cancer and birth defects; toxic chemicals
were buried decades before under neighborhood.<br /><br /><b>1979</b> -
African-American community in Houston opposing a landfill brings first
Title VI lawsuit challenging the siting of a waste facility."</span></blockquote>
The EJ movement is not finished yet. There is still work to be done. There are still areas like Mossville, LA, Rubbertown in Louisville, KY, Houston, TX, and Richmond, CA where minority and low income populations are subject to disproportionate levels of pollution. For example, you might have heard of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Many people are opposed to this project for climate change reasons, but for Native Canadians who live near the Tar Sands, this is an EJ issue. They are being exposed to oil spills and chemical pollution from tar sand extraction. I say this just to point out that pollution issues and EJ issues often go hand and hand. The pollution has to go into someone's back yard. Unfortunately, these communities are often left to fend for themselves, but if we all lend a hand, maybe things will start to change. Remember the wind and rivers unite us all. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-14381476636583232102014-02-10T11:37:00.006-05:002014-02-17T10:57:20.132-05:00Label Check: Mineral OilThis is the 3rd in my Label Check series, in which I examine a label ingredient in depth. Here I will examine mineral oil. Mineral oil is the name given to any various colorless, odorless mixtures of petroleum products. Baby oil is simply mineral oil that has been given a fragrance. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pics2.ds-static.com/prodimg/10779/300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pics2.ds-static.com/prodimg/10779/300.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from drugstore.com</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mineral oil, in it's various forms, has many uses, including as a laxative, a moisturizer, a medication for diaper rash, furniture polish, air freshener and toilet bowl cleaner. It can be found in makeup, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and as lubricants for car engines and heavy machinery, just to name a few. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
According to the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703977/MINERAL_OIL/" target="_blank">Skin Deep Database</a>, the adverse health effects of exposure to mineral oil include, possible immune system toxicity or possible allergen status. Some carcinogenic concern for aerosolized mineral oil products, and toxicity for non-reproductive organs. According to the website <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/121496-dangers-mineral-oil/" target="_blank">Livestrong</a> adverse health effects include, vitamin deficiencies, lung damage, birth defects, brain embolism, and gastrointestinal problems. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you are looking for an alternative to mineral oil, you might want to try plant-based essential oils.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-22729070920368490062014-02-07T16:06:00.000-05:002014-02-07T16:06:06.931-05:00Endocrine Disruptors in DepthWe've all probably heard the term endocrine or hormone disruptors multiple times and we are all probably aware that they are bad for us, but what are they exactly? How do they function?<br />
According to the <a href="http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/" target="_blank">National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s
endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive,
neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife." </blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/images/bodyorgansjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/images/bodyorgansjpg.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> photo from http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/images/bodyorgansjpg.jpg</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can be natural or man-made. However, since WWII and our increasing dependence on synthetic chemistry, our concern has turned toward the over 80,000 new chemicals created. Many of these chemicals are EDCs. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hormones in our body interact with specific target organs (made of cells). For example, estrogen targets the ovaries. disrupt these pathways by interacting with the target organ, binding to hormone transport proteins, disrupting gene expression, inducing or inhibiting enzymes and interfering with cellular uptake and export. Source: <a href="http://endocrinedisruption.org/endocrine-disruption/introduction/overview" target="_blank">TEDX</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/Images/graphs/arsenicblocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/Images/graphs/arsenicblocks.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/Images/graphs/arsenicblocks.jpg</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://greenprintsurvival.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/endocrine-disruption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://greenprintsurvival.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/endocrine-disruption.jpg" height="320" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">http://greenprintsurvival.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/endocrine-disruption.jpg</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
EDCs can be found pretty much everywhere, from food to toys and pesticides. Unfortunately, we can't shop our way around this problem. We need strong legislation to rid ourselves of these chemicals once and for all. That is why I support Safer Chemicals for Healthy Families. Please Check out their website.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.saferchemicals.org/" target="_blank">Safer Chemicals Health Families</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-26355700301386155662014-02-06T11:32:00.000-05:002014-02-06T11:36:18.013-05:00What is Environmental Justice (EJ)? Yesterday, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy posted this video on the EPA Environmental Justice <a href="http://blog.epa.gov/ej/2014/02/embracing-environmental-justice/" target="_blank">Blog</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cLsfqOoijWk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
February 2014 is Environmental Justice month! But wait a minute. What is environmental justice (ej)? Well, according to the EPA:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful
involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or
income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement
of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EPA has this goal for
all communities and persons across this Nation. It will be achieved
when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental
and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to
have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work."</blockquote>
In a <a href="http://thepurplegreen.blogspot.com/2014/01/health-based-on-where-you-live.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, I detailed two communities, Mossville, LA and Savoonga, AK. Unfortunately, communities exist all over the nation, in fact all over the world, that suffer from disproportionate exposure to toxic chemicals. These chemicals can come from factories and/or from cheaper products on local store shelves that contain more toxic chemicals. <br />
<br />
In 1991, the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit met in Washington DC. They drafted and adopted The <a href="http://ej4all.org/environmental.principles.php" target="_blank">17 Principles</a> of the Environmental Justice.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"1) <b>Environmental Justice</b> affirms the sacredness of Mother
Earth, ecological unity and the interdependence of all species, and the
right to be free from ecological destruction. <br />
2) <b>Environmental Justice</b> demands that public policy be
based on mutual respect and justice for all peoples, free from any form
of discrimination or bias. <br />
3) <b>Environmental Justice</b> mandates the right to ethical,
balanced and responsible uses of land and renewable resources in the
interest of a sustainable planet for humans and other living things. <br />
4) <b>Environmental Justice</b> calls for universal protection
from nuclear testing, extraction, production and disposal of
toxic/hazardous wastes and poisons and nuclear testing that threaten the
fundamental right to clean air, land, water, and food. <br />
5) <b>Environmental Justice</b> affirms the fundamental right to political, economic, cultural and environmental self-determination of all peoples. <br />
6) <b>Environmental Justice</b> demands the cessation of the
production of all toxins, hazardous wastes, and radioactive materials,
and that all past and current producers be held strictly accountable to
the people for detoxification and the containment at the point of
production. <br />
7) <b>Environmental Justice</b> demands the right to
participate as equal partners at every level of decision-making,
including needs assessment, planning, implementation, enforcement and
evaluation. <br />
8) <b>Environmental Justice</b> affirms the right of all
workers to a safe and healthy work environment without being forced to
choose between an unsafe livelihood and unemployment. It also affirms
the right of those who work at home to be free from environmental
hazards. <br />
9) <b>Environmental Justice</b> protects the right of victims
of environmental injustice to receive full compensation and reparations
for damages as well as quality health care. <br />
10) <b>Environmental Justice</b> considers governmental acts of
environmental injustice a violation of international law, the Universal
Declaration On Human Rights, and the United Nations Convention on
Genocide. <br />
11) <b>Environmental Justice</b> must recognize a special legal
and natural relationship of Native Peoples to the U.S. government
through treaties, agreements, compacts, and covenants affirming
sovereignty and self-determination. <br />
12) <b>Environmental Justice</b> affirms the need for urban and
rural ecological policies to clean up and rebuild our cities and rural
areas in balance with nature, honoring the cultural integrity of all our
communities, and provided fair access for all to the full range of
resources. <br />
13) <b>Environmental Justice</b> calls for the strict
enforcement of principles of informed consent, and a halt to the testing
of experimental reproductive and medical procedures and vaccinations on
people of color. <br />
14) <b>Environmental Justice</b> opposes the destructive operations of multinational corporations. <br />
15) <b>Environmental Justice</b> opposes military occupation, repression and exploitation of lands, peoples, and cultures, and other life forms. <br />
16) <b>Environmental Justice</b> calls for the education of
present and future generations which emphasizes social and environmental
issues, based on our experience and an appreciation of our diverse
cultural perspectives. <br />
17) <b>Environmental Justice</b> requires that we, as
individuals, make personal and consumer choices to consume as little of
Mother Earth’s resources and to produce as little waste as possible; and
make the conscious decision to challenge and reprioritize our
lifestyles to insure the health of the natural world for present and
future generations." </blockquote>
While you may be thinking that these ej issues don't affect you because you don't live in these neighborhoods, you would be wrong. You see, the wind blows and connects us all. The river runs and links us all together. The pollution doesn't stay in one place. If we fight for these communities, we fight for ourselves. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/images/hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/images/hands.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image taken from http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/images/hands.jpg</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br /></blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-17635536396440309702014-02-05T13:00:00.001-05:002014-02-17T10:57:34.854-05:00Label Check: PhthalatesPhthalates (pronounced thalates) are a class of chemicals used to soften vinyl and plastics. They also act as dyes, adhesives and solvents. They can be found in fragrances, cosmetics, lotions, food packaging, plastic wrap, vinyl toys, wallpaper, pharmaceuticals, shower curtains, medical tubing, insecticides, and nail polish, just to name a few. Phthalates are capable of off-gasing, becoming gaseous and entering the
air we breathe and have been found in indoor air and dust. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/content/58/2/350/F1.medium.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/content/58/2/350/F1.medium.gif" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image taken from <a href="http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/content/58/2/350/F1.expansion.html" target="_blank">http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/content/58/2/350/F1.expansion.html</a></span></div>
<br />
The health effects of exposure to phthalates may include lower sperm counts, endocrine disruption, cancer, and negative impacts on the developing male reproductive system. Phthalate metabolites have also been detected in the urine of women with breast cancer (<a href="http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/radiation-chemicals-and-breast-cancer/phthalates.html" target="_blank">Breast Cancer Fund</a>). <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"A 2012 study examined whether or not there is a relationship between
urinary levels of nine different phthalates and the incidence of breast
cancer. In this study, urinary phthalate <a href="http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/clear-science-glossary.html#metabolites" target="_blank">metabolites</a>
were detected in 82 percent of the women, whether or not they had been
diagnosed with breast cancer. Monoethyl phthalate (MEP), a urinary
metabolite of the parent compound diethyl phthalate (DEP; often used in
fragrance), was elevated in women with breast cancer. This association
was most profound in pre-menopausal women. Metabolites of two other
common phthalates (butyl benzyl phthalate, BBP; and di-n-octyl
phthalate, DOP) were negatively associated with breast cancer risk in
this study (Lopez-Carrillo, 2010)."</blockquote>
How can you avoid phthalates? The folks are <a href="http://saferchemicals.org/toxic-chemicals/phthalates.html" target="_blank">Safer Chemicals Healthy Families</a> have provided some excellent tips! <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"1. There’s no sure-fire way to completely
avoid phthalates until Congress passes legislation that will require
chemical manufacturers to demonstrate that their products are safe <i>before</i> they end up in our lotions, dashboards, and bodies.
<br />
<b>Until then...</b><br />
<div class="hanging_indent">
<i>2.</i> Skip the fragrance when choosing cosmetics, personal care
products, cleaning products, detergents, and air fresheners.
Manufacturers aren’t required to list phthalates on the label, but any
item listed as “fragrance” is often a chemical mixture that can contain
phthalates.<br />
<i>3.</i> When buying cosmetics, purchase from <a href="http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1" target="_blank">companies</a> that have pledged not to use phthalates.<br />
<i>4.</i> Check the <a href="http://www.healthystuff.org/departments/toys/" target="_blank">Healthy Toys database</a> for toys bought before 2009 - they may contain phthalates.<br />
<i>5.</i> Avoid buying plastics that may be treated with
phthalates, including vinyl toys, shower curtains, and gloves. Look out
for "PVC," "V" or the "3" recycling code on the item or its packaging.<br />
<i>6.</i> If you have vinyl flooring in your home, damp mop
regularly since phthalates bind to dust on the floor. Direct sunlight on
vinyl tiles causes them to release phthalates more quickly, so put
lower blinds on windows that shine directly on flooring."</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Source: <a href="http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=24" target="_blank">Tox Town </a><br />
<br />
Happy label reading! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-2844166297257849012014-02-04T14:33:00.001-05:002014-02-05T09:54:12.396-05:00Toxic BabiesDid you know that the typical North American newborn has hundreds of toxic chemicals present in their cord blood at birth? These toxins include both industrial chemicals and chemicals from everyday personal care products. This is particularly disturbing because newborns don't have established detoxification systems yet, nor is there a blood-brain barrier established to protect their developing brains.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/sciam/cache/file/0B81EBD4-513A-4040-B925A6B332F3557C_article.jpg?0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.scientificamerican.com/sciam/cache/file/0B81EBD4-513A-4040-B925A6B332F3557C_article.jpg?0" /></a></div>
How do the babies get these chemicals into their systems? Well, it turns out that the placenta doesn't block or filter out toxins. Some of the chemicals detected include pesticides, the industrial coolant PCBs, non-stick pan coatings, BPA, and flame retardants. A recent study, written about in <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/newborn-babies-chemicals-exposure-bpa/" target="_blank">Scientific American </a>showed that <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">minority groups</a> have higher levels of chemicals in their cord blood and that this may lead to disproportionately higher rates of chronic disease in minority communities; see <a href="http://thepurplegreen.blogspot.com/2014/01/health-based-on-where-you-live.html" target="_blank">Health based on where you live</a>.<br />
<br />
Another study by the <a href="http://scienceinthetriangle.org/2010/09/10-americans-industrial-toxins-found-in-umbilical-cord-blood/" target="_blank">Environmental Working Group</a>, examined 10 babies and found, on average 200 chemicals in the cord blood. The study also found the following health effects. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>"134 have shown to cause cancer in lab animals or people.</li>
<li>151 are associated with causing birth defects.</li>
<li>154 are endocrine disruptors, they interfere with the body’s
hormonal system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive,
neurological, and immune effects.</li>
<li>186 are linked to infertility.</li>
<li>130 are immune system toxins.</li>
<li>158 are neurotoxins."</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
Those are pretty scare numbers! So how can you minimize exposure while pregnant? Well, the Environmental Working Group has a few suggestions.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>"Buy organic.</li>
<li>Eat fish that is low in mercury.</li>
<li>Filter tap water. Check out the Environmental Working Group’s <a class="aga aga_3" href="http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/home">National Drinking Water database</a>. </li>
<li>Use cast-iron and stainless steel cookware instead of nonstick products.</li>
<li>Shop smart for personal care products, such as shampoos, cosmetics
and toothpastes. Stay away from nail polish and dark hair dye and check
out other products on the Environmental Working Group’s <a class="aga aga_7" href="http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/">Skin Deep database</a>."</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com/images/pdbd/228/ddpb28928wee_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com/images/pdbd/228/ddpb28928wee_007.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Be sure to check out my previous posts on Toxic Chemicals to Avoid to help with your shopping. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br /></blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-26632867275241656362014-02-03T12:58:00.001-05:002014-02-17T10:57:49.836-05:00Label Check: Parabens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This is the first in my Label Check series, in which I focus on one chemical or class of chemicals. Today I'll focus on parabens, antimicrobial preservatives found in cosmetics (including baby products), deodorants, foods, and pharmaceuticals. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.medscape.com/fullsize/migrated/508/430/derm508430.fig1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.medscape.com/fullsize/migrated/508/430/derm508430.fig1.gif" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Parabens are absorbed through the digestive system, skin and blood. Parabens are estrogenic endocrine disruptors that bind to estrogen receptors.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"They also increase the <a href="http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/biology-of-breast-cancer/genetic-epigenetic-and-tissue-organizational-effects/#changes">expression</a> of many genes that are usually regulated by the natural estrogen <a href="http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/biology-of-breast-cancer/endocrine-system/#estradiol">estradiol</a> and cause human breast tumor cells (MCF-7 cells) to grow and <a href="http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/clear-science-glossary.html#proliferation" target="_blank">proliferate</a> in vitro (<a href="http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/radiation-chemicals-and-breast-cancer/parabens.html" target="_blank">Byford, 2002; Pugazhendhi, 2007</a>)"</blockquote>
Meaning, that outside of the body, in tissue samples, parabens increased human breast cancer cell growth. <a href="http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=291" target="_blank">A small 2004 study of</a> 20 women in the UK found intact (un-metabolized) parabens in breast tumors, although this study did not establish a cause-effect relationship between parabens and breast cancer. Some people disregard this 20-person study because it did not take into account normal paraben tissue amounts. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.justlifeshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/beauty-16-paraben.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.justlifeshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/beauty-16-paraben.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></div>
Parabens can also act as toxins to the reproductive system. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12419695" target="_blank">Studies in animals </a>have shown that dietary exposure to parabens lead to decreased daily sperm production and decreased serum testosterone production in male mice.<br />
Parabens have also been linked to neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity and skin irritation.<br />
<br />
You can avoid labels by looking for "paraben-free" products. Happy label reading!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-19538874621002902332014-01-31T12:54:00.002-05:002014-01-31T12:56:02.335-05:00"Fast Track," the TPP and Why we Must Stop them BothToday's blog will be a collection of links and quotes from other source because this is a complicated issue and an important one. The TransPacific Partnership is a free-trade agreement (a la NAFTA) supported by President Obama and the GOP, so it has bipartisan support. It also has HEAVY support from industries like Monsanto and some have called the bill "NAFTA on steroids." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.credoaction.com/images/no_tpp_180.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.credoaction.com/images/no_tpp_180.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.saferchemicals.org/2014/01/stop-fast-track-.html#.Uuvdq89MHXM.blogger">Safer Chemicals Healthy Families: Stop “Fast Track” </a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Fast Track is a piece of legislation that was first introduced by
Nixon in 1974, but was recently re-introduced by U.S. Representative
Dave Camp and Senator Max Baucus as a bill that would grant President
Barack Obama “<a href="http://www.exposethetpp.org/Fast_Track_Bill_Analysis.pdf">Fast Track</a>” trade promotion authority. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This is a fancy way of saying it would take away power from Congress
to amend and discuss important details of secret international trade
deals. Trade deals that may roll back state, national and international
laws on toxic chemicals, environmental and worker protections. "</blockquote>
Hmmm. Let's take a look at the trade deal itself. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://stoptpp.org/" target="_blank">Stop TPP </a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The nations involved are the United States, Australia, New Zealand,
Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Chile, and Peru. Japan, Mexico and
Canada have indicated a desire to join.</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>TPP will <b>offshore millions of good-paying jobs </b>to low-wage nations, undercutting working conditions globally and increasing unemployment.</li>
<li>TPP will expand pharmaceutical monopoly protections and institute longer patents that <b>will </b><b>decrease access to affordable medications</b></li>
<li>TPP will <b>limit food GMO labeling</b> and allow the <b>import of </b><b>goods that do not meet US safe standards</b>.</li>
<li>TPP will institute <b>SOPA, PIPA, </b>and <b>CISPA-like regulations </b>and Internet measures which restrict our right to free speech.</li>
<li>TPP will <b>roll back Wall Street regulations</b>, and prohibit bans on risky financial services.</li>
<li>TPP will <b>give multinational corporations and private investors the right to sue nations</b>
in private tribunals. These tribunals have the power to overturn
environmental, labor, or any other laws that limit profit, awarding
taxpayer funded damages.</li>
<li>TPP will encourage the <b>privatization of lands and natural resources</b> in areas where indigenous people live."</li>
</ul>
<i></i>From <a href="http://huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/08/tpp-trade-agreement_n_4409211.html" target="_blank">The Huffington Post:</a> <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"One of the most controversial provisions in the talks includes new
corporate empowerment language insisted upon by the U.S. government,
which would allow foreign companies to challenge laws or regulations in a
privately run international court. Under World Trade Organization
treaties, this political power to contest government law is reserved for
sovereign nations. The U.S. has endorsed some corporate political
powers in prior trade agreements, including the North American Free
Trade Agreement, but the scope of what laws can be challenged appears to
be much broader in TPP negotiations."</blockquote>
One of the many reasons people have been pushing back against this law is that negations have been taking place in secret. <a href="http://www.citizenstrade.org/ctc/blog/2014/01/15/leaked-tpp-texts-reveal-bonanza-special-rights-corporations/" target="_blank">Wikileaks</a> is responsible for finding and releasing some documents to the public. I'll compile some links below that will provide more information on the trade agreement and actions you can take.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.exposethetpp.org/index.html" target="_blank">Expose the TPP</a><br />
<a href="http://www.citizenstrade.org/ctc/" target="_blank">Citizen Trade Campaign</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flushthetpp.org/" target="_blank">Flush the TPP</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.occupy.com/sites/default/files/tpp_capitol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.occupy.com/sites/default/files/tpp_capitol.jpg" height="145" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111383855788761987.post-77863801771189959752014-01-30T16:46:00.000-05:002014-01-30T16:46:00.720-05:00Toxic Chemicals and Mental Illness <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Mental illness is often kept quiet, in this country. We may all know someone who suffers from a mental illness but none of us may want to talk of about it. Having lost people in my life to suicide, I try to make a point to support mental health causes when and wherever I can. That's why I became interested in the link between toxic chemicals and mood disorders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://searchingeyes.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/what-mental-illness-did-howard-hughes-have1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://searchingeyes.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/what-mental-illness-did-howard-hughes-have1.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It turns out that heavy, pesticides, solvents, PCBs, vinyl chloride, and other chemicals and cause or trigger mood disorder symptoms*. How does this happen?<br />
<br />
According to <a href="http://www.breakingfreefromdepression.com/exposure-to-toxins-can-cause-depression-anxiety/" target="_blank">Dr. Janelle Sinclair,</a> 4 different mechanisms cause depression.<br />
<ol>
<li>Toxins, particularly solvents, heavy metals, and pesticides disrupt neurons' (brain cells') normal abilities to communicate with each other through electrical signals. </li>
<li>Both mercury and lead are so toxic to the brain that they damage the actual structure of the brain.</li>
<li>Toxins affect the levels of neurotransmitters available. The electrical signals lead to the creation of neurotransmitters, like serotonin, that travel from neuron to neuron. Too much or too little of these neurotransmitters can affect our mood. An example, provided by Dr. Sinclair is manganese. Manganese reduces serotonin levels. If your serotonin levels are too low, you feel depressed. </li>
<li>Mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic create free radical damage in the body. In the brain, this can lead to inflammation, and neuronal death. </li>
</ol>
Now what about other disorders? Well, from the citation below, you will find a treasure trove a information, including pesticides. I will post some charts from the paper below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgMsrtUTsew/UurGK3Gt75I/AAAAAAAAAIk/Fw6vM-_DWJA/s1600/tinexposure.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgMsrtUTsew/UurGK3Gt75I/AAAAAAAAAIk/Fw6vM-_DWJA/s1600/tinexposure.tiff" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nK7D11yms4/UurGz6t31ZI/AAAAAAAAAIw/u5d8RiCeIZ4/s1600/solvents+in+home.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nK7D11yms4/UurGz6t31ZI/AAAAAAAAAIw/u5d8RiCeIZ4/s1600/solvents+in+home.tiff" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEpeKx-ki-4/UurG2XMI_dI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Hb-62I3Dwew/s1600/solvents.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEpeKx-ki-4/UurG2XMI_dI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Hb-62I3Dwew/s1600/solvents.tiff" height="279" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1890041626"></span><span id="goog_1890041627"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/images/GetHelp/Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/images/GetHelp/Logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0.33in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
*Collaborative on Health and the Environment. (2008, November). Mental
Health and Environmental Exposures from Learning and Developmental
Disabilities Initiative. Retrieved January 30, 2014, from <a href="http://www.health andenvironment.org/?module=uploads&func=download&fileId=620 " target="_blank">http://www.healthandenvironment.org/?module=uploads&func=download&fileId=620</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07990579643653542985noreply@blogger.com0