"i" "i"
"i" 
plzchuckle
11 y
5,364
Ingredient Detectives plzchuckle
10 y
4,455
Antibacterial Soap plzchuckle
10 y
4,249
WARNING:
Antibacterial Soap Linked to Altered Hormones and Antibiotic Resistance
Becker's ASC Review reveals nine widely held myths about washing your hands. Here are a few of them: Hot water is better than cold water for effective handwashing Scientists have found that various temperatures had "no effect on transient or resident bacterial reduction." Not only does hot water not show any benefit, but it might increase the "irritant capacity" of some soaps, causing dermatitis. Hand sanitizers kill germs more effectively than soap Using alcohol-based hand-hygiene products is in general not more effective than washing your hands with plain soap and water. Frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizers promotes healthy skin In fact, contact dermatitis can develop from frequent and repeated use of hand hygiene products, exposure to chemicals and glove use. Soap with triclosan is an effective antimicrobial for handwashing A recent study compared an antibacterial soap containing triclosan with a non-antibacterial soap. The results showed that the antibacterial soap did not provide any additional benefit. In addition, concerns have been raised about the use of triclosan because of the potential development of bacterial resistance.
Sources:
by Kristin Kons
August 31, 2010
I cannot believe summer is over and it is already back-to-school time! I always loved this time of year as a child - new school supplies, reconnecting with friends, the cool fall air, a new beginning and a school grade higher… I was gaining seniority! That was fun back then, now I am just a year older!
I do not remember my parents being overly concerned about germs. We were encouraged to wash our hands often with plain soap and water, but nowadays it has gotten a little out of hand. We can’t turn on the TV without hearing about the next superbug, H1N1, swine flu, a virus morphing into a pandemic and that we need to protect ourselves or else… Why is it that every year a panic comes over the whole country about the worst flu season ever? Could it really be getting that much worse? Could it be something we are doing?
Take a deep breath. Really, take a big, deep breath. If you are a seasoned viewer of Know The Cause, you know where Doug stands on the flu vaccine. So, young or old, let me just give you a little refresher on how you can protect yourself and your children during the back to school season and as the winter months approach.
Could we really be doing something to create these superbugs and deadly viruses? We all have heard by now that in most cases we should try to steer clear of Antibiotics , but what about all of those antibacterial soaps and sanitizers (also known as Antibiotic soaps because they do the same thing on the outside of our bodies as Antibiotics do on the inside)?
Given the choice between a product with antibacterial agents and one without, why not choose the product that appears to have more punch? There really is something called "too much of a good thing." There is a difference between clean and sterile. And, while I would obviously want my operating room to be sterile for surgery, living in a sterile environment does not protect you from disease. In fact, it can make you more prone to it! Disinfecting our bodies and our homes to keep our families safe may actually be creating far more dangerous problems than those we are trying to avoid. According to Tufts University School of Medicine, many of these products are overkill, made with chemicals that can cause the same problem as the overuse of Antibiotics . The main chemical in antibacterial products is triclosan. Nowadays there are hundreds of products that contain triclosan besides antibacterial products, such as tooth-paste, mouth wash, cleaning products, first-aid creams, kitchenware, deodorants, clothing, tissues and toys. Seven years ago, only a few dozen products containing antibacterial agents were being marketed for the home – now, there are over 700!
Triclosan kills bacteria—at first. But research has shown that prominent bacteria such as e-coli, salmonella, shigella and other intestinal bacteria become resistant to it rather quickly; so ultimately we are really not protecting ourselves. That makes me think about all the outbreaks of salmonella and e-coli in crops such as spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. The bacteria has probably always been there in small amounts, but with our sterile environments the bacteria is getting stronger while our bodies are getting weaker, therefore people are becoming deathly ill from eating spinach!
The sterile world we live in today is not where our body was meant to live. It leaves the immune system unchallenged and it never has the chance to attune itself to the environment to force the system to grow strong. So, when a pathogen sneaks past the Lysol spray and the Clorox wipes, the person is left entirely vulnerable to attack. We were meant to have regular contact with germs and dirt and everything that comes with it. When we do so, especially growing up as a child, it trains our immune system to function correctly: strong and resistant to bacteria and viruses.
When we kill 99.9% of the bacteria on our counter tops, that .1% super bacteria survives and flourishes. Do we want THAT on our counter tops? By the way, viruses, not bacteria, cause most infections, so antibacterial products do not even provide any protection.
While the media markets expensive antibacterial products and vaccines to “protect ourselves,” let us change our focus to building up the immune system and equipping our bodies to fight off disease.
If you accept that challenge not to use antibacterial products, let us also take a look at the toxic side effects the chemicals have on our bodies, especially the bodies of our little ones.
Remember I mentioned the chemical triclosan? It pollutes our body in numerous ways. It enters the bloodstream and is easily absorbed by the fat cells of our body. This concentration of triclosan over a period of time increases as the exposure continues. Researchers warn that triclosan acts as an endocrine disruptor, which can lead to:
• Early puberty
• Serious reproductive issues
• Organ irritation because it accumulates and lingers in humans
(Researchers are finding that the majority of women are now showing traces of triclosan in their breast milk, which proves the point of accumulation in the body.)
Triclosan is also known to kill human cells. Is it necessary to kill off our skin cells in an attempt to fight germs? Studies have proven that triclosan in antibacterial soaps reacts with chlorine in water to form chloroform, which is carcinogenic to humans. A study conducted on bullfrogs suggested serious health implications, stating that triclosan disrupts the thyroid hormone function. Does that set off any bells? It seems these days a lot of people are having thyroid issues. Is there a direct relationship? This is a disturbing discovery to begin with, but the fact that the hormone-signaling mechanism that triclosan disrupts is virtually identical in frogs and humans is even more alarming. Another question is raised - could the use of antibacterial soap and other products be the reason why so many children attain puberty much before their normal time?
Triclosan safety is currently under review by the FDA and has been for over ten years! While they do not seem to be in too much of a hurry to get it off the market with all the money these products are generating, in a September 2007 letter to Procter & Gamble they did show concern about the use of triclosan in products that are not immediately washed off the skin. Also, in a recent press release, Dr. Sarah Janssen of the Natural Resources Defense Council is quoted as saying: "It's about time the FDA has finally stated its concerns about antibacterial chemicals like triclosan. The public deserves to know that these so-called antibacterial products are no more effective in preventing infections than regular soap and water and may, in fact, be dangerous to their health in the long run."
As the AMA stated ten years ago, there was, and still is, little or no evidence that these antibacterial products outperform the good, old-fashioned techniques like washing with soap and water. Triclosan is restricted for use in Canada and Japan. The European unlon labels it "Irritating to eyes and skin; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organisms."
Now that you know what not to do, what should you do instead to ensure that you and your family stay healthy this season and beyond?
When it comes to protecting oneself against the spread of infectious diseases, it is all about going back to the basics.
• Washing your hands with soap and water remains the best way to eliminate dirt, germs and other harmful substances.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
Knowing how to properly wash your hands is key:
1. Use warm water. For children, test the water temperature first to be sure it is not too hot.
2. Use real soap. Some products that call themselves a soap are actually detergents, which don’t work as well as a real, alkaline soap.
3. Read labels carefully to avoid triclosan! This can be a challenge to find a product at the store without it, so be diligent. One of my favorites is Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap. Many combine soap with antibacterial essential oils such as lavender, boosting their germ-killing power. I use it to wash my hands as well as in the shower. You can use it for everything.
4. Rub hands and work the soap into a thick lather for 15 to 20 seconds covering every surface including fingertips, beneath the nails, and the base of the wrists. Sing the ABC’s with your child one time through; this takes about fifteen seconds and ensures a proper hand wash. It also makes it fun and makes an impact so they think about washing their hands more often. It also works on adults! Sometimes we just need to slow down to keep ourselves healthy as well.
5. Rinse hands thoroughly.
6. Dry hands with a towel; use that towel to turn off the faucet to avoid coming into contact with more germs.
"Because hands can pick up germs from so many different types of surfaces, it is critical that students wash their hands after using the restroom, before and after eating, whenever they are soiled, and periodically throughout the day," says Mary Wallace, Life Bridge’s Northwest Hospital infection control manager.
"It's especially important that teachers and parents teach children the proper hand washing technique," says Marilyn Hanchett, R.N., a Sinai Hospital infection preventionist. "Many kids wash just their palms, missing their fingertips and areas around the thumbs and between the fingers. Unless an adult teaches them, kids don't know they are supposed to wash those areas too."
In my opinion, I strongly encourage you to think about replacing all of your chemical disinfectants, including your antibacterial soaps, laundry detergents and bath and kitchen cleansers, in favor of more natural alternatives. Use natural products containing tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract and pine oil, or other herbal ingredients that are naturally antibacterial. One of my and Doug’s favorite natural cleaners is Orange TKO; you could even suggest it be used in your child’s classroom. http://longlifeunlimited.com
Teach your children, when coughing or sneezing, to use a tissue, handkerchief, or the crook of their arm rather than coughing directly onto their hands. Be sure to wash hands frequently throughout the day as an added precaution.
Building up your children's immune system is also imperative for staying healthy. The Phase 1 Diet is excellent for strengthening the immune system, so incorporate these foods into their lunch boxes and snacks. Do not miss Denni’s recipes that help support the immune system. Remember that Sugar is the worst thing they can eat. Sugar suppresses the immune system by shutting it down for thirty minutes (or up to 24 hours in some studies)…not very helpful during cold and flu season. Do not worry; you do not need to deprive your kids of a sweet treat. Use Phase 1 friendly xylitol and stevia. Check out my article next month on the effects Sugar has on your health and alternative sugar options.
Supplementation in combination with a healthy Diet and exercise is a powerful package. The key words are “in combination with.” You have to do all three for it to be effective. You just cannot substitute these things.
So in conclusion, to stay healthy this season you must:
1. Stop using synthetic antibacterial products and replace them with real soap.
2. Get the toxic antibacterial cleaning products out of your house to lessen the toxic burden on you and your family’s system.
3. Teach your children how to properly wash their hands and sneeze into their elbow or shoulder, so they can effectively do it on their own at school.
4. Build up that immune system through proper diet, exercise, and supplementation.
If you do these few simple things you will not only stay healthy, but also you will feel amazing!
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Antidepressants Make Shrimp Vulnerab... plzchuckle
10 y
4,353
by Jon Barron
Here’s a new twist on the old Drunken Shrimp recipe. According to a new study just published in the journal Aquatic Toxology, a lot of shrimp may be getting stoned on Prozac. That’s because they swim in waters polluted by pharmaceutical drugs, including antidepressants, which get flushed into the world’s waterways after they go through our bodies. The study, undertaken by researchers at U.K.’s University of Portsmouth, demonstrates that antidepressants now present in seawater may be altering the behavior of shrimp in ways that make them more vulnerable to predators.
As reported in the National Geographic News, scientists exposed shrimp to fluoxetine, which is the generic name for the active ingredient in Prozac and Sarafem. The exposure mimicked the average levels of fluoxetine found in water coming from sewage-treatment plants. And the shrimp, which normally hide in dark, safe corners, merrily headed for bright spots like drunken sailors drawn by neon lights. These shrimp were not happy drunks either, at least not according to the rather sensationalistic journalists who reported that the Prozac-intoxicated shrimp were committing "suicide." What they meant, according to study co-author Alex Ford, is that, "This behavior makes them much more likely to be eaten by a predator, such as a fish or bird."
What happens is that fluoxetine makes the animal’s brain more sensitive to seratonin. This alters mood and sleep patterns, which in turn affects the animal’s behavior. The researchers noted that with the rising use of antidepressants — 2005 usage levels were recently calculated at 10 percent of the U.S. population, or 27 million people, and climbing — it is very likely that the drugs are affecting other animals as well.
But antidepressants are just the tip of the pharmaceutical iceberg. Sea animals are regularly exposed to a range of drugs including antidepressants, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Dr. Ford points out that the impact of these substances can be reduced through more public education about responsible disposal of prescriptions and the installation of improved technology at sewage treatment plants for breaking down excreted and flushed pharmaceuticals.
And again, if only the problem stopped with pharmaceutical pollution in the waterways, it wouldn’t seem so overwhelming. But the waters teem with plenty of other toxins that affect sea life. For instance, some years back, government researchers studying the Potomac River discovered "smallmouth bass with intersex, a condition where male fish develop premature egg cells." Interestingly, while large numbers of male fish with intersex were turned up in the study, no cases of female fish with imposex — a corresponding condition in which female fish have malformed ovaries or produce sperm — were found. By studying the composition of the water, the researchers were able to determine that the fish were affected by chemicals that are known to trigger sex changes in animals. Specifically, they found "chemicals from pesticides and flame retardants as well as fragrances commonly found in products such as soaps, antiperspirants, and deodorants." All of the fish studied had at least one of these pollutants in their systems. If these chemicals trigger sex changes in animals en masse, we can only shudder to think what direct contact with these things does to us. Early puberty for girls and smaller penises for boys may be just a hint of things to come.
Of course, it’s not exactly hot off the presses that chemical residues are having a profound impact on aquatic life. A 2008 study by Environment Canada determined that about 400 of the 30,000 or so chemicals used commercially in the U.S. and Canada don’t break down in the environment. One result is that increasing amounts of these substances can accumulate in fish and wildlife. As you might suspect, fewer than 25 percent of these chemicals are regularly analyzed. Over 75 percent have not been studied at all.
Then there is the earlier work by John Incardona and Nathaniel Scholz at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center and the West Coast Center for Oceans and Human Health on the impact of the Exxon Valdez spill in the Pacific. They found that the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) left floating through the waters caused heart defects in herring and pink salmon embryos. And let’s not forget that PAHs flow into coastal waters not only from oils spills, but from urban runoff and other sources.
Dr. Incardona has studied the impact of PAHs over the last six years. PAHs come from burning fossil fuels and carbon-based fuels from wood, incense, cigarettes, and so on. Dr. Incardona says they slow the heartbeat in fish embryos to such an extent that they lead to heart deformities and fluid buildup around the heart. In zebrafish, whose systems are remarkably like humans, the absorption of PAHs through the skin leads to severe heart deformities.
If it‘s not good for the shrimp, herring, salmon, and zebrafish, the odds are it’s not good for us. Incardona says that when it comes to PAHs, in urban environments, "we are breathing an aerosolized oil spill." PAH’s should be considered "prime suspects for cardiovascular impacts related to air pollution."
You can’t run and you can’t hide. Both the water and the air are being made into toxic stews that can have disastrous impacts on life on the planet. The ultimate solution is to reduce reliance on toxic chemicals and to increase the filtering and removal of these chemicals from wastewater BEFORE it is discharged into the environment. Right!! In these days of budget deficits and economic woes, that may be unrealistic. On the other hand, if the environment is made continually inhospitable for human, animal and plant life, the economic issues will eventually cease to matter. But by now, you know what to do to protect yourself to the extent possible — clean up your drinking water, grow your own food and sprouts when possible, choose food sources wisely when growing your own is not an option, and detox every three months.
Oh, and grab onto something quickly if you ever find yourself slowly drifting towards a bright light.
Antibacterial Soaps, Triclosan, and ... plzchuckle
10 y
3,943
In this disease-phobic world, we're taught to wash our hands at every turn, to take germ-killing Antibiotics at the first sign of sniffles, and to use
antibacterial detergents to kill any bugs that might lurk on surfaces or clothes. But ironically, in our energetic quest to destroy all germs, we use
chemicals and drugs that might be destroying the very health we seek to preserve. For instance, the FDA recently admitted that it "should" reevaluate
the safety of triclosan,
an antibacterial chemical commonly found in a dizzying array of household items. Products containing triclosan include liquid soaps, hand sanitizers,
dishwashing liquids, shaving gels, toothpastes, deodorants, cutting boards, mattresses, toilets, blankets, credit cards, air filters, countertops,
earplugs, swimming pool liners, socks, workout clothes, toys, and so on and so on. In fact, triclosan is in so many products that it's simultaneously
regulated by three agencies: the EPA for its application as a pesticide (yes, you read that correctly), the FDA for its use in personal care products
and medical devices, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
You've got to suspect bad news associated with any substance that's simultaneously a pesticide and a component in toothpaste. In fact, the chemical structure of triclosan resembles that of PCBs,
which are among the most toxic of all substances. Officially, it's a chlorophenol -- a substance comprised of chlorine and phenol -- and neither part
of that equation inspires confidence. Tests have shown that when exposed to chlorinated tap water (either externally or internally if you swallowed
some toothpaste, for example), triclosan forms chloroform gas, a
probable human carcinogen, as well as dioxins, which are extremely toxic endocrine disrupters that bio-accumulate in human tissue. That'll make you
think twice about the hygienic benefits of washing your hands with Softsoap, or brushing your teeth with Colgate Total (both products contain
triclosan) before bed.
Triclosan originally was developed as a surgical scrub for medical professionals. Now, in addition to its application in pesticides and fungicides,
it's used to eliminate odors and sanitizer products. Rep. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts wants the FDA to ban triclosan. He says, "The proliferation
of triclosan in everyday consumer products is so enormous, it is literally in almost every type of product -- most soaps, toothpaste, cosmetics,
clothes and toys. It's in our drinking water, it's in our rivers, and as a result, it's in our bodies. . . .It clearly is something that creates a
danger." Studies have found
triclosan present in the urine
of 75 percent of the population, in breast milk, and in 58 percent of US waterways.
The problem with triclosan, experts contend, is that it's
potentially a hormone disrupter
. Research shows that it interferes with normal brain development as well as reproductive system development and function. A 2006 study found that even
at low doses, triclosan disrupted thyroid function in bullfrogs,
while another study in 2009 concluded that triclosan exposure significantly reduces thyroid hormone concentrations in rats. Dr. Sarah Jannsen of the
Natural Resources Defense Council says that translated to humans, the impact can mean learning disabilities, altered behavior, and infertility.
There's also plenty of reason to worry that triclosan, upon exposure to water or sunlight,
converts to dioxin and becomes a carcinogen
. It stores in body fat and can accumulate to toxic levels, causing damage to the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs over the long term. It also can cause
skin irritation, weaken the immune system, decrease fertility, cause birth defects and miscarriages. Plus, it's been linked to allergies, asthma, and
the development of widespread Antibiotic resistance.
Given the long list of potential hazards, one might wonder how industry could possibly defend its continued use of the chemical, especially given that
alternatives exist (extracts from thyme, oregano, and other
essential plant oils work well, and are non-toxic). But Brian Sansoni of the Soap and Detergent Association leaps to the defense of triclosan: "These
products and ingredients have been reviewed, regulated and researched for decades," he says. "We believe the Science strongly supports the safety and
efficacy of these products. It's more important than ever that consumers continue to have access to these products. It's a time of increased threats
from disease and germs." Obviously, he doesn't consider that the diseases potentially caused by triclosan -- like cancer and brain damage -- are worthy
of equal concern.
Although regulatory agencies (now under pressure by the Obama administration), admit that perhaps they should take a second look at triclosan, it's
worthy of note that the FDA has spent 38 years to date investigating the chemical. Its current publication on the chemical says, "Triclosan is not known
to be hazardous to humans…FDA does not have sufficient safety evidence to recommend changing consumer use of products that contain triclosan at this
time." The publication also states that, "In light of questions raised by recent animal studies of triclosan, FDA is reviewing all of the available
evidence on this ingredient's safety in consumer products. FDA will communicate the findings of its review to the public in spring 2011."
As a side note, the pamphlet also admits that no evidence exists that triclosan-infused antibacterial products work any better than soap and water.
As consumers wait until 2011 for a safety update, they might take note that triclosan already has been banned from cosmetic use in Canada and Japan,
and
banned in the European Union
from any products known to come into contact with food. If Rep. Markey's efforts have an impact, the FDA will ban triclosan in the US from all
children's products and food-related items, such as cutting boards and washing products. But first, it needs to buck industry pressures, which are
considerable given that Americans spent $7.3 billion on cleaning products and $2.4
billion on soap in 2007. And sales are increasing, with cleaning products constituting a large segment of the triclosan market. In the meantime, as
usual, it's up to you. Click here for a partial list of some of the
products that you'll find triclosan in.
(NaturalNews) Firefighters willingly face many dangers and challenges while heroically saving others` lives. One they hadn`t seen coming is heavy metal poisoning possibly linked to chemically-treated uniforms. According to Florida`s Palm Beach Post, January 16, 2009, there`s unease among three Florida-based fire departments over , a toxic heavy metal. The first agency reporting health problems was Boca Raton. Now, Tamarac and Hillsboro County are participating in the research . These were the only Florida locations issued chemically-treated pants with the brand-name FireWear.
The Boca department has issued FireWear garments with antimony as a key ingredient for at least 15 years. Hair analysis performed last fall on 30 of 36 city firefighters found elevated levels of antimony. Similar to arsenic but more toxic, antimony is commonly found in fireproofing plastics and textiles. Other sources are rubber manufacturing, glass, ceramics, cigarette paper, gunpowder, paint, older cooking materials and dental materials.
Fire Capt. John Luca, president of the Boca Raton firefighters union, made this statement: "At least 50 Boca Raton firefighters are now complaining of strange symptoms, and many more have suffered unexplained ailments during the past several years." Luca himself has been suffering from unexplained weakness, tremors and paralysis in his toes. He has no doubt that the pants were causing the firefighters` health problems.
The pant`s manufacturer, Springs Protective Fabrics, is no longer in business. They offered a laundering advisory to "always wash FireWear separately from your family laundry." Also, it was recommended to "wash at temperatures no higher than 112 degrees, and dry at the lowest setting." Their documents included research stating that heat can cause the release of antimony gases.
Capt. Luca said his fellow firefighters never saw the advisory, and are concerned about the possible exposures to their families. Two of those firefighters, Bill Puchalski and his wife, Capt. Kim Puchalski, paid to have their 6-year-old son`s hair tested and found he, too, showed elevated levels of antimony.
Leading the CDC`s investigation into the firefighters` case is Dr. Marie de Perio. She commented: "We currently do not have any evidence to suggest the pants are causing high levels of antimony. We have our work cut out for us." She also said investigators are reserving judgment until they can do a urine test, an approach that eliminates the possibility of external contamination that comes with hair testing. While the Boca investigation ensues, Tamarac and Hillsboro have switched to cotton pants.
Heavy metal poisoning is more common than most people realize. Routes of exposure may be inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. Prevalent toxic metal sources are drinking water, vaccinations, personal care and laundry products, pesticides and herbicides, tobacco smoke, medications, food, and occupational/industrial exposure. Toxic minerals interfere with biological functions when they accumulate in excess.
The EPA provides a well researched answer as to why hair measurement is highly-valued: "The milk, urine, saliva and sweat measure the component that is absorbed but excreted. Blood measures the component absorbed and temporarily in circulation before excretion and/or storage. The hair, nails and teeth are tissues in which trace minerals are sequestered and/or stored."
Source
Palm Beach Post, January 16, 2009 "Chemical Concerns Cause Two More Fire Departments to stop using fire-resistant pants."
Environmental Protection Agency "Biological Monitoring of Trace Metals," EPA-600/3-80-089
About the author
Susanne Morrone, C.N.C., is an author, speaker and natural health educator. Her book, "The Best Little Health Book Ever," is the quintessential natural health primer. She is also included in "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health" by Selfgrowth.com. Her mission and educational outreach is found at www.naturalhealthchat.com.
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Fire-Resistant Clothing Suspected in Heavy Metal Poisoning
All Top Selling Cosmetics
A University of Washington study of top-selling laundry products and air fresheners found the products emitted dozens of different chemicals. All six products tested gave off at least one chemical regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws, but none of those chemicals was listed on the product labels.
"I first got interested in this topic because people were telling me that the air fresheners in public restrooms and the scent from laundry products vented outdoors were making them sick," said Anne Steinemann, a UW professor of civil and environmental engineering and of public affairs. "And I wanted to know, 'What's in these products that is causing these effects?'"
She analyzed the products to discover the chemicals' identity.
"I was surprised by both the number and the potential toxicity of the chemicals that were found," Steinemann said. Chemicals or acids included acetone, the active ingredient in paint thinner and nail-polish remover; limonene, a molecule with a citrus scent; and acetaldehyde, chloromethane and 1, 4-dioxane.
"Nearly 100 volatile organic compounds were emitted from these six products, and none were listed on any product label. Plus, five of the six products emitted one or more carcinogenic 'hazardous air pollutants,' which are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to have no safe exposure level," Steinemann said.
Steinemann chose not to disclose the brand names of the six products she tested. In a larger study of 25 cleaners, personal care products, air fresheners and laundry products, now submitted for publication, she found that many other brands contained similar chemicals.
Because manufacturers of consumer products are not required to disclose the ingredients, Steinemann analyzed the products to discover their contents. She studied three common air fresheners (a solid deodorizer disk, a liquid spray and a plug-in oil) and three laundry products (a dryer sheet, fabric softener and a detergent), selecting a top seller in each category. She bought household items at a grocery store and asked companies for samples of industrial products.
In the laboratory, each product was placed in an isolated space at room temperature and the surrounding air was analyzed for volatile organic acidic compounds, small molecules that evaporate from the product's surface into the air.
Results showed 58 different volatile organic compounds above a concentration of 300 micrograms per cubic meter, many of which were present in more than one of the six products. For instance, a plug-in air freshener contained more than 20 different volatile organic acidic compounds. Of these, seven are regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws. The product label lists no ingredients, and information on the Material Safety Data Sheet, required for workplace handling of acidic chemicals, lists the contents as "mixture of perfume oils."
Manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients used in laundry products and air fresheners. Personal-care products and cleaners often contain similar acidic fragrance chemicals,
Steinemann said. And although cosmetics are required by the Food and Drug Administration to list ingredients, no law requires products of any kind to list chemicals used in fragrances.
"Be careful if you buy products with fragrance, because you really don't know what's in them," she added. "I'd like to see better labeling. In the meantime, I'd recommend that instead of
air fresheners people use ventilation, and with laundry products, choose fragrance-free versions."
For chemical-free, acid-free, fragrance-free cosmetics, body and skin care products and body oils go to:
http://www.phmiracleliving.com/massage-oils.htm
http://www.phmiracleliving.com/young-pHorever.htm
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'Miracles happen not in opposition to nature, but in opposition to what we know of nature.' St. Augustine
'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic' ....Arthur C. Clarke
'There are only two ways to live your life. One, is as though there are no miracles. The other is as though everything is a miracle.' Albert Einstein
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(NaturalNews) Want to know the latest news on the recent discovery of "natural" and "organic" products being contaminated with the cancer-causing chemical 1,4-dioxane? Two days ago, I conducted an exclusive, live interview with Ronnie Cummins of the Organic Consumers Association. It's a 30-minute interview, and it's available for immediate listening on our podcast page: http://www.naturalnews.com/Index-Podcasts.html (IT'S # 13)
In the interview, Ronnie and I chat about the failures of the USDA and FDA, the dishonesty of some companies in the "organic" marketplace, and how consumers can protect themselves from cancer-causing chemicals by learning how to read labels to avoid cancer-causing chemicals. Want to know the truth about which companies you can trust? Listen to this interview! You'll learn shocking facts about the industry.
What's really happening is that large holding companies are buying up numerous brands when they become well known, then cheapening the formulations and introducing toxic chemicals. So brands that once started out as honest, small-company brands have become mega-corporation toxic chemical brands. And they still have the name "organic" or "natural" on their products! In my view, this is criminal. These companies are deceiving the public and harming the health of individuals who thought they were buying organic. But the Organic Consumers Association and NaturalNews.com aren't letting these dishonest companies get away with it. We're naming them in articles and interviews, and the OCA is issuing Cease and Desist letters to force these companies to stop selling products containing 1,4-dioxane.
What's at stake here, friends, is the intergrity of the entire organic products industry. We must either defend the integrity of the "organic" label, or it will be lost to greedy corporations who literally want "organic" to mean whatever they say it does. This is why we're speaking out so boldly about this issue: It's about protecting your families, your babies and your own health from the greedy multinational companies that are trying to jump on the "organic" bandwagon even while continuing to put toxic chemicals into their products.
Inform yourself. Protect your family. Learn the truth about which products you can really trust (like Dr. Bronner's) and which products were found to contain this toxic chemical (like the Jason brand of personal care products). Read more at www.OrganicConsumers.org and be sure to listen to this exclusive interview between Ronnie Cummins and the Health Ranger (that's me): http://www.naturalnews.com/Index-Podcasts.html
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About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health author and technology pioneer with a passion for teaching people how to improve their health He has authored more than 1,500 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, impacting the lives of millions of readers around the world who are experiencing phenomenal health benefits from reading his articles. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a maker of energy efficient LED lights that greatly reduce CO2 emissions. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also a noted technology pioneer and founded a software company in 1993 that developed the HTML email newsletter software currently powering the NaturalNews subscriptions. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and enjoys outdoor activities, nature photography, Pilates and adult gymnastics. He's also author of numerous health books published by Truth Publishing and is the creator of several consumer-oriented grassroots campaigns, including the Spam. Don't Buy It! campaign, and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. He also created the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the ending of corporate control over medicines, genes and seeds.
Exclusive Interview with Ronnie Cummins, Organic Consumers Associat...
Organic Personal Care Products with ... plzchuckle
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An exclusive interview between Ronnie Cummins of the Organic Consumers Association and Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, of NaturalNews.com. In this interview, Cummins reveals the lab results that show 47 out of 100 "natural" or "organic" personal care products to be contaminated with a cancer-causing chemical 1,4-dioxane.
The cosmetic and body products women use every day can be contaminated with acidic chemicals, and their effects could be especially harmful for young women. The Environmental Working Group (EW) tested 20 teenaged girls between the ages of 14 and 19 and found 16 acidic chemicals in their blood and urine. The chemicals involved have been linked to disruption of the endocrine system and even cancerous conditions.
Teens are especially vulnerable in two ways. First, they use more personal care products than adult women, using an average of 17 each day with a total of 174 acidic ingredients compared to the average adult woman's usage of 12 acidic ingredients. Second, the large number of products containing damaging acidic ingredients comes at a time when girls' bodies are developing rapidly, and reproductive, immune, blood, and other systems are maturing.
Some of the endocrine sex glands that guide the body's changes are present in miniscule amounts as low as one part per trillion (ppt) and girls' bodies may be particularly sensitive to acidic chemicals that disrupt the normal function of the sex glands.
Dr. Robert O. Young, Director of Research at the pH Miracle Living Center advises that consumers avoid the following ingredients found in cosmetics and other personal care products:
1) parbens (or ingredients that have "parben" as a part of their name). Linked to endocrine gland disruption.
2) Sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate. May cause skin damage.
3) Fragrances and dyes. Tied to allergies, cancerous conditions, and difficulty with the nervous system.
4) "PEG" and "-eth." Highly toxic acidic contaminants.
5) Methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone. Linked to allergies and difficulties with the nervous system.
6) Triclosan and triclocarban. May cause thyroid challenges.
7) DMDM hydantoin and imidanzolidinyl urea. Toxic acidic contaminants.
8) Triehanolamine (TEA). Contain toxic acidic contaminants and also linked to allergies.
Some specific types of acidic products consumers should avoid include:
1) Anti-aging creams that contain lactic, glycolia, AHA and BHA acid.
2) Nail polishes and nail polish removers that contain the acid formaldehyde.
3) All dark permanent hair dyes and dyes containing peroxide, ammonia, p-phenylenediamine, and diaminobenzene.
Dr. Young suggests, "read the labels of all cosmetics or body care products before purchasing to make sure they do not contain any harmful acidic chemicals that could compromise the delicate pH balance of your body making you sick and/or tired."
Check out Dr. Young's chemical free alkalizing body care products at: www.phmiracleliving.com Soon to release an alkalizing chemically free make-up line.
Not part of our healing alkaline community?
Visit our website at:
www.phmiracleliving.com
To learn more about the Science of Dr. Robert and Shelley Young go to:
www.articlesofhealth.blogspot.com
'Miracles happen not in opposition to nature, but in opposition to what we know of nature.' St. Augustine
'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic' ....Arthur C. Clarke
'There are only two ways to live your life. One, is as though there are no miracles. The other is as though everything is a miracle.' Albert Einstein
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Your medicine cabinet is one of the most dangerous areas of your house, and not for the reasons you may think. Lurking just behind your bathroom mirror, where all of your favorite beauty products are housed, is a virtual toxic nightmare. The growing list of synthetic ingredients manufacturers add to their products is turning the most innocent-looking shampoos and moisturizers into cocktails of toxins that could cause cancer or reproductive damage over years of sustained use. Modern cosmetics contain a host of dangerous ingredients, which would be more at home in a test tube than in our bodies.
Like most people, you probably assume that the ingredients found in beauty products have been thoroughly tested for safety well before they land on your grocery store's shelves. After all, the government has regulations in place for the water we drink, the food we eat and the air we breathe. One would assume that the FDA would also be overseeing the cosmetic industry to ensure the health and safety of consumers. Unfortunately, the FDA has little power when it comes to regulating the ingredients found in your beauty products. In fact, the only people ensuring the safety of personal care products are the very people who govern the industry: The Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA). Scientists paid by the CTFA make up the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel (CIR) and are charged with regulating the safety of the industry's products.
In 2004, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released the findings of a study it conducted regarding the safety of beauty care products. Comparing approximately 10,000 ingredients found in 7,500 different products against lists of known and suspected chemical health hazards, the research revealed that the CIR was falling tragically short of ensuring consumer safety.
Of the 7,500 products tested by the EWG, a mere 28 had been evaluated for safety by the CIR. The EWG found that one in every 120 products analyzed contained ingredients certified by the government as known or probable carcinogens and that nearly one-third of the products contained ingredients classified as possible carcinogens. Astoundingly, 54 products even violated recommendations for safe use that the CIR had put in place, yet these products are still available for sale today.
Of the products tested, the worst offenders were those containing the cancer-causing ingredients coal tar, alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, and those containing the hormone-disrupting ingredient, phthalate.
Coal Tar
Seventy-one hair dye products evaluated were found to contain ingredients derived from coal tar (listed as FD&C or D&C on ingredients labels). Several studies have linked long-time hair dye use to bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
A research study conducted in 2001 by the USC School of Medicine found that women using permanent hair dye at least once a month more than doubled their risk of bladder cancer. The study estimates that "19 percent of bladder cancer in women in Los Angeles, California, may be attributed to permanent hair dye use."
A link between hair dye and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was established in 1992 when a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that 20 percent of all cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may be linked to hair dye use.
While the FDA has not stepped in to prevent the use of coal tar in beauty products, it does advise consumers that reducing hair dye use will possibly reduce the risk of cancer.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) & Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids are commonly used in products advertised to remove wrinkles, blemishes, blotches and Acne scars. With consumer complaints of burning, swelling and pain associated with AHA and BHA flooding into the FDA, the regulatory body began conducting its own research about 15 years ago. The findings linked the use of AHA and BHA with a doubling of UV-induced skin damage and a potential increased risk of skin cancer.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, skin cancer has reached "epidemic proportions," with 1 million new cases occurring each year and one person dying every hour from the disease. The agency estimates that, at the current rate, one in five people will develop skin cancer over their lifetime.
The FDA's study findings were presented to the CIR, but the panel approved the continued use of AHA and BHA "in spite of serious safety questions submitted by a consumer group and a major manufacturer," according to an FDA spokesperson.
Even though one out of every 17 products analyzed by the EWG study contained either AHA or BHA (with nearly 10 percent being moisturizers and 6 percent sunscreens), the most that the FDA could do was suggest that products containing the ingredients carry a warning to use sunscreen and to limit sun exposure while using the product. A puzzling solution, since some of the products containing the dangerous ingredient are designed specifically for use in the sun.
Phthalates
Phthalates are industrial plasticizers widely used in personal care products to moisturize and soften skin, impart flexibility to nail polish after it dries and enhance the fragrances used in most products. Studies indicate that phthalates cause a wide range of birth defects and lifelong reproductive impairments, targeting every organ in the male reproductive system and causing problems ranging from low sperm count to serious genital deformities that can lead to an increased risk of cancer.
While the EWG only found four products with phthalate listed as an ingredient (all nail care products), there is no telling how many products actually contain it. The industry is not required to list fragrance ingredients or "trade secret" ingredients on products, and phthalates often fall into one of those two categories.
In September 2004, the European unlon implemented a ban on all beauty products containing phthalates. California Assemblywoman Judy Chu has proposed a similar bill (AB 908) to be voted on later this year that would implement the same ban in the United States. Opponents of the bill, mainly the CTFA, argue that changing labeling processes would present a huge economic burden and could infringe on trade secrets. A similar bill failed just last year.
Four Steps of Action
1. Go to www.ewg.org and check out the health risks of your favorite products. EWG has compiled a guide of 7,500 beauty care products and has ranked them according to their ingredients' potential to cause cancer, trigger allergic reactions, interfere with the endocrine (hormonal) system, impair reproduction or damage a developing fetus.
2. Visit the FDA's website at www.fda.gov and familiarize yourself with the steps that you can take in order to file complaints or concerns about consumer products.
3. Visit www.safecosmetics.org to learn more about how you can become involved with bill AB 908 to ban phthalates in beauty products in the United States.
4. Check out my recommendations for all-natural and safe products for both you and your family at www.scmedicalcenter.com. All products mentioned have been used safely and with wonderful results by my patients for years.
Dr. Connealy, M.D., M.P.H., began private practice in 1986. In 1992, she founded South Coast Medical Center for New Medicine where she serves as medical director. Her practice is firmly based in the belief that strictly treating health problems with medications does not find the root cause of the illness. Dr. Connealy writes monthly columns for Coast and OC Health magazines, and is a bi-weekly guest on Frank Jordan's "Healthy" radio show. She routinely lectures and educates the public on health issues.
Beauty to die for: health hazards of cosmetics and skin care produc...
Your cosmetics may be killing you! Recent reports show that many popular products still contain toxic compounds like mercury and lead. And while a new bill is seeking to close legal loopholes that allow the sale of these lethal products, those same products may be on sale at your local store right now! How many products do you use each day? Most Americans use about 10. They add up pretty quickly. Think about it... toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, and shaving cream... and you're not even out of the bathroom yet. Factor in deodorants, cologne, hair gels... and you're easily hitting that 10-a-day mark. But while most of us go about our daily ablutions in blissful ignorance, beauty manufacturers, scientists, law makers, and reporters know that your daily products could well damage your kidneys, affect your nervous system, and even cause cancer. Where We Stand Today Currently, the FDA can't regulate beauty products until they are already on sale to the public. That means these products and ingredients don't have to go through any safety tests. Cosmetics companies can also combine ingredients without pre-market tests. The FDA has banned certain compounds in beauty products. For example, it banned mercury in cosmetics in 1990. But it rarely tests to see if manufactures respect that ban. And that means no one is checking to see if consumers remain at risk or not. In the case of mercury, a series of recent high-profile tests and investigations show that products continue to expose Americans to dangerous levels even now. But more about that in a moment... It's been left to various environmental groups to conduct tests and prove that the public remains at risk. And only after applying pressure to the government for several years have they finally provoked proper action. Mercury in Mascara Mercury has a long history in the beauty industry. It blocks melanin, which pigments hair and skin. This function makes it a popular skin-whitener. Other products do the same thing. But mercury is cheap, says Professor Ellen Silbergeld, who works for John Hopkins University. As noted, the FDA banned mercury in products in 1990. But that doesn't mean cosmetic companies aren't still using it. There's been a flurry of real-life cases and investigations that show it's still very much out there. And it's putting Americans in harm's way. Mercury in Virginia The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is investigating 10 cases of mercury poisoning. Those cases are all linked to a cream that's been imported from Mexico. "Before using any product, make sure the ingredients are on the box," says State Health Commissioner Karen Remley. "We urge people not to use imported products if there are no ingredients listed or if a product lists mercury as an ingredient." VDH says that mercury can affect the "nervous system, kidneys, and the developing fetus. Health effects include memory loss, irritability, and [body] tremors." But cases of mercury poisoning aren't just limited to Virginia. California health officials are also looking into a similar case for a California family who used the same cream. Chicago Investigation Finds Proof of Poison Earlier this summer, a major Chicago newspaper ran its own investigation into mercury poisoning. They revealed that popular skin-lightening creams still contain dangerous levels of mercury. Researchers tested 50 creams at a certified lab. Six of those contained mercury. Worse, five contained enough to cause kidney damage, according to researchers. "I'm shocked and speechless," says Dr. Jonith Breadon. She's a Chicago dermatologist and works with patients who use skin lighteners. "I just assumed since [mercury] was banned in the U.S., it never got in. But clearly that isn't true." While mercury is banned in the U.S., the creams are clearly still finding their way here. Merchants order them online or from suppliers who bring them in from overseas. Consumers can't know for sure which creams are tainted. The investigation shows stores across the nation sell dozens of brands, many of them made overseas. The six creams that tested high were made in Lebanon, China, India, Pakistan, and Taiwan. CBS has also reported on mercury in beauty products. "We [found] several people who were poisoned by mercury in cosmetics," said Nutritional Biochemist Jay Foster. "They put it in mascara and other cosmetics as a preservative." The FDA says mercury is safe in some eye makeup so long as it's not higher than 65 parts per million. But there are many experts who disagree. "The amount of mercury in mascaras is very small, but it adds to our total mercury exposure," says Jonette Keri, a dermatologist at the University of Miami. A Million-Year-Old Volcanic Rock That Outsmarts Heart Disease... One of the doctors featured in this report had such a weak heart that he couldn't even walk up a flight of stairs. Now, thanks partially to this million-year-old volcanic rock, he can bike straight up a mountain... in the middle of a desert. Lead in Lipstick But it's not just mercury in mascara you have to watch out for. Heavy metals can seriously damage health. And there are plenty of them in beauty products. Three years ago, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics sent 33 lipsticks to an independent lab for testing. The lab found that 61 percent of them contained lead. These lipsticks included: They sent letters to three U.S. Senators and kick-started a campaign to make the FDA take action. Two years passed before the FDA did anything. But in 2009 the FDA conducted a follow-up study and found lead in the same lipsticks. They said the highest lead levels were in lipsticks made by: "Lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day adds up to significant exposure levels," says Dr. Mark Mitchell, president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice. "There is no safe level of lead exposure." "Lead is a proven toxin that causes lowered IQ, reduced school performance, and increased aggression," says Professor Sean Palfrey, the medical director of Boston's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. "Pregnant women are vulnerable to lead exposure," says Palfrey. "There is no safe lead exposure for children and pregnant women." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention backs this up. They say that: "No safe blood lead level has been identified." The agency suggests avoiding all sources of lead exposure, including lead-containing cosmetics. Pampering - or Hurting - Your Baby? The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested several baby products just last year. They found that two known carcinogens, 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, in dozens of bath products. Products included Sesame Street character brands and even Johnson & Johnson's "pure and gentle" baby shampoo. According to the EPA, formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known animal carcinogens and probable human carcinogens. Formaldehyde also causes skin rashes in children. The group delivered a letter to Johnson & Johnson last year asking for safe products. The letter was signed by over a million physicians, nurses and moms. Fragrance Fragrance makers have the ultimate loophole when it comes to disclosing what's in the bottle. That's because fragrance is a trade secret and companies don't have to say what's in it. "The companies already know what are in each others' products," Stephanie Hendrick, coordinator for Environmental Health, told AolNews. "It's only the public that's kept in the dark." And "fragrance" can mask many chemical compounds. It's used in shampoos, deodorants, lotions, and shaving creams. Even "unscented" products make use of the loophole. They'll often use masking fragrances, which are chemicals that cover up the smell of other chemicals. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, fragrances are among the top five known allergens. They can cause or trigger asthma attacks. The group tested fragrances just this year and found: Smart Shopping Guide With so many dangers lurking in the cosmetics aisle... you need to be smart about what you buy. Many doctors are working to tackle this burning issue. They're working hard to create natural products... cosmetic lines that are safe for you and your family. We'll be investigating this very subject and bringing you our findings on the doctors and products that you can trust in a future issue. In the meantime, be smart about choosing your products. Keep these threetips in mind: To your health, Ian Robinson,
Unfortunately we absorb mercury through our skin. And according to Silbergeld it can shut down organs and can lead to death.
Managing Editor, NHD "Health Watch"
(NaturalNews) Parabens are a family of alkyl esters of para-hydroxy benzoic acid that differ by various chemical substitutions. The six widely marketed para-hydroxy benzoic acid esters are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, and benzylparaben. They differ in their solubility and range of antimicrobial activity. It is these antibacterial and antifungal properties that give parabens their preservative qualities so valued by manufacturers for maintaining freshness in cosmetics and foods. The issue then becomes: Do we take in a potentially harmful substance to protect ourselves against bacteria and fungus, and is the tradeoff really necessary at all?
This article focuses on the use of parabens in cosmetics only. This family of chemicals has been raising red flags to many health researchers because of some evidence of problems on several levels. Because parabens have been proven to penetrate the skin and can be traced in the blood minutes after application, it is theorized that they may have adverse effects on the body. One study found parabens present in the breast tissue of 18 out of the 20 Breast Cancer patients studied.[i] Because presence does not prove causality, the researcher called for more studies to be done in this regard. It is thought that the parabens entered through the skin by the application of paraben-containing anti-perspirants. Because the cosmetic use involves penetration into body tissues without going through the digestive process, the chemicals remain intact in the tissue. It is not known how this affects the surrounding tissue, so it is an area for further study.
This chemical family has also been studied in regard to allergic reactions. While some people have had such reactions, it has not been found that this is a large enough group to raise concerns.[ii]
Parabens have displayed estrogenic activity in several tests. In other words, these chemicals mimic the body’s own hormones and can thus disrupt endocrine functions in virtually every system in the body.[iii]
Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised concerns about the continuous introduction of such chemicals into sewage treatment systems and directly to recreational waters from the skin of swimmers. There may be a risk to aquatic organisms. Studies in Europe found other endocrine-disrupting body care chemicals in the tissues of fish and in human breast milk, so it is thought that the same thing could be true of parabens.[iv]
The second major issue raised by parabens and other dangerous chemicals is that the FDA has no ability to regulate the ingredients in cosmetics. They can publish lists of additives they consider harmful and rely on the manufacturers to make changes themselves. The only group that looks into problematic ingredients is the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) which is comprised of manufacturers. The FDA participates but has no vote in this group. So we have a self-policing situation with no accountability to anyone other than the informed consumer.
It was just such a group of consumers who campaigned for the removal of toxic chemicals from cosmetics. From this drive by Women's Voices for the Earth, an environmental justice group based in Montana(www.womenandenvironment.org), emerged a coalition of environmental and public health groups. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (www.safecosmetics.org) pressures the health and beauty industry to phase out the use of chemicals that are known or suspected carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins. The European unlon (EU) has led the way, banning the use of these chemicals in 2003. Recently, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics invited U.S. cosmetics companies to sign the "Compact for the Global Production of Safer Health and Beauty Care Products" and commit themselves to comply with the EU regulations. To date, 600 companies have signed, but many industry leaders have not. Consumers can also visit the webpage of the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) and research “Skin Deep”, a safety assessment of the ingredients in personal care products.
One more piece of the puzzle is the question of the necessity of using these parabens at all. According to some organic cosmetic manufacturers, parabens are indeed unnecessary, as tinctures made from high quality organic herbs and organic grain alcohol are shelf-stable for approximately two to three years. For example, a 100% organic moisturizing body oil made from organic oils derived from sunflowers, cocoa butter, coconuts, peppermint and spearmint can have a shelf-life of up to 18 months.[v] Studies still need to be done to see if this claim can be proved.
In the end, it is the consumer who must decide. Failure to do the research and make up one’s mind may be a choice to remain a guinea pig at the mercy of the cosmetic industry.
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[i] Darbre PD, Aljarrah A, Miller WR, Coldham NG, Sauer MJ, Pope GS (2004). Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumors. Journal of Applied Toxicology 24:5-13.
ii] Allison L. Cashman; Erin M. WarshawDermatitis. 2005; 16(2):57-66. ©2005 American Contact Dermatitis SocietyPosted 07/19/2005 on www.medscape.com.
[iii] The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Christian G. Daughton and Thomas A. Ternes, "Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?" Environmental Health Perspectives • Vol 107, Supplement 6 • December 1999.
[iv] ibid.
[v] http://www.terressentials.com/truthabou...
About the author
Cathy Sherman is a freelance writer with a major interest in natural health and in encouraging others to take responsibility for their health. She can be reached through www.devardoc.com.
Parabens in Cosmetics: Friends or Foes?
Story Behind Cosmetics, The plzchuckle
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Story of Cosmetics 2010. The plzchuckle
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http://storyofcosmetics.org
The Story of Cosmetics, released on July 21st, 2010, examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo. Produced with Free Range Studios and hosted by Annie Leonard, the seven-minute film by The Story of Stuff Project reveals the implications for consumer and worker health and the environment, and outlines ways we can move the industry away from hazardous chemicals and towards safer alternatives. The film concludes with a call for viewers to support legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of cosmetics and personal care products.
Elevated levels of two plastic-softening chemicals in pregnant women's urine are linked to less-masculine play behavior by their sons several years later, according to a study published in the International Journal of Andrology. Phthalates, which are used in everything from vinyl floors to plastic tubing and soaps and lotions, are pervasive in the environment and have increasingly become associated with changes in development of the male brain as well as with genital defects, metabolic abnormalities and reduced testosterone in babies and adults.
A team of U.S. and British researchers posed a standard play questionnaire to the parents of 145 preschool-age children. Then they ranked the types of play on a scale from most masculine (such as play fighting or using trucks) to most feminine.
An effect was identified among the sons of women with higher concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in their prenatal urine. On average, those boys scored 8 percent further away from the masculine end of the scale than other boys.
Sources:
The Washington Post November 24, 2009
International Journal of Andrology November 16, 2009 [Epub Ahead of...
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
Phthalates are one of several groups of chemicals that have the power to disrupt the endocrine system, both in animals and humans. Nicknamed “gender-benders,” these chemicals are causing the males in many species to become feminized.
Are Men Becoming an Endangered Species?
According to a report issued by ChemTrust last year, HALF of all male fish in British lowland rivers have been found to grow eggs in their testes! And that’s just one eye-opening example of the impact these gender bender chemicals are having on our environment.
Their study lists the symptoms found in each of the numerous species tested, which includes testicular cancer, hermaphrodites, genital deformations, low sperm counts, and infertility.
Numerous other studies over the past eight years confirm that similar dangers are posed to human health, and males are particularly at risk.
Decreased sperm motility and concentration, as well as genital abnormalities in baby boys have been linked to these chemicals.
The fact that endocrine disruptors like phthalates affect the reproductive system in nearly all mammals is becoming rather well known, although governments and public health- and safety organizations are slow to respond.
Why Pregnant Women Need to Become More Health Conscious
Two studies published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in 2003 found that pregnant women who are exposed to phthalates may be at risk of shortened pregnancy. Women who were exposed to the chemicals gave birth more than one week earlier than women who were not exposed to them.
Although it’s not clear exactly how phthalates impact the developing fetus, it’s believed they may play a role in inducing an intrauterine inflammatory process, which is a well-established risk factor for premature birth.
In addition, the more a pregnant woman is exposed to high levels of phthalates, the greater the risk her son will have smaller genitals and incomplete testicular descent, leading to impaired reproductive development. The chemical also appears to make the overall genital tracts of boys slightly more feminine.
It is believed that phthalates have these adverse effects because they reduce testosterone synthesis by interfering with an enzyme needed to produce the male hormone. This raises yet another worry: What if they also alter other biological processes dependent on this hormone? Why wouldn’t they?
This latest study adds to the growing body of evidence showing the harmful effects these chemicals have on males in particular.
Women who had higher concentrations of two types of phthalates (DEHP, and DBP) also had boys who appeared more feminized in their personality, while playing.
The presence of phthalates in the mothers was not associated with any differences in the girls’ play behavior. However, that is NOT an indication that phthalates are “safe” for women.
They also affect women’s endocrine systems and reproductive health although the effects are different between the genders.
The glands of your endocrine system and the hormones they release influence almost every cell, organ, and function of your body. It is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, as well as sexua| function and reproductive processes.
One indication that this is an issue for both male and female is that infertility is on the rise. Girls are also reaching puberty earlier than ever before.
Bovine growth hormones used in food production, soy foods, and bisphenol-A (BPA), just to name a few, add to the problem as they also mimic estrogen and disrupt your endocrine system.
Other studies have linked the chemical to thyroid problems in both women and men, and researchers have also suggested a link between phthalates and illnesses like allergies, asthma, and contact dermatitis, all of which are on the rise in children.
Common Sources of Phthalates
Phthalates, or “plasticizers,” are a group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible and resilient. They’re one of the most pervasive of the endocrine disrupters.
• Phthalates are found in, among other things:
• Processed food packaging
• Hoses
• Raincoats
• Shower curtains
• Vinyl flooring and wall coverings
• Lubricant and adhesives
• Detergents
• Beauty products like nail polish, hair spray, shampoo, deodorants, and fragrances
• Toys
Other Gender-Bender Chemicals to Watch Out For
• Bisphenol A (BPA) -- a common ingredient in many plastics, including those in reusable water bottles and
resins lining some food cans and dental sealants, can change the course of fetal development in a way that
increases your risk of breast cancer.
Plastic items carrying recycling symbol # 7 is oftentimes indicative of a BPA-containing plastic.
• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) -- found in grease- and water-resistant coatings like Teflon and Gore-Tex, is
a likely carcinogen.
• Methoxychlor and Vinclozin-- An insecticide and a fungicide respectively, have been found to cause changes
to male mice born for as many as four subsequent generations after the initial exposure.
• Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) -- Known to be potent endocrine disrupters, these chemicals affect gene
expression by turning on or off certain genes, and interfere with the way your glandular system works. They
mimic the female hormone estrogen, and have been implicated as one reason behind some marine species
switching from male to female.
• Bovine growth hormones commonly added to commercial dairy have been implicated as
a contributor to premature adolescence.
• Soy products, which are loaded with hormone-like substances.
• MSG -- A food additive that’s been linked to reduced fertility.
• Fluoride -- This chemical in the U.S. water supply has been linked to lower fertility rates, hormone disruption
and low sperm counts.
For more information about the various health hazards inherent with each of these agents, please click on the individual links above.
How to Minimize Your Exposure to Chemicals That Can Harm Your Unborn Baby
In July 2008, the U.S. Congress finally passed legislation banning six types of phthalates from children’s toys and cosmetics. Legislators in Washington, Vermont and California have also restricted phthalate use in children’s goods, and several major retailers, including Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us, Lego, Evenflo and Gerber claim they will phase out phthalate-laden toys voluntarily.
Yet, so many more products contain endocrine disruptors of varying types, it’s far easier to memorize the healthiest options, rather than compiling a never-ending list of items to avoid.
Here are a number of practical techniques you can use to limit your exposure to endocrine disruptors, and other common toxins:
• As much as possible, buy and eat organic produce and free-range, organic foods ,to reduce your
exposure to pesticides and fertilizers.
• Rather than eating conventional or farm-raised fish, which are often heavily contaminated with PCBs and
• mercury, supplement with a high-quality purified fish or krill oil, or eat fish that is wild-caught and lab tested for
purity.
• Eat mostly raw, fresh foods, steering clear of processed, prepackaged foods of all kinds. This way you
automatically avoid artificial food additives of all kinds, including dangerous artificial sweeteners, food
coloring and MSG.
• Store your food and beverages in glass rather than plastic, and avoid using plastic wrap.
• Have your tap water tested and, if contaminants are found, install an appropriate water filter on all your
faucets (even those in your shower or bath).
• Only use natural cleaning products in your home.
• Switch over to natural brands of toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics.
The Environmental Working Group has a great safety guide to help you find personal care products that are
free of phthalates and other potentially dangerous chemicals.
• Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners or other synthetic fragrances.
• Replace your Teflon pots and pans with ceramic or glass cookware.
• When redoing your home, look for “green,” toxin-free alternatives in lieu of regular paint and vinyl floor coverings.
• Replace your vinyl shower curtain with one made of fabric.
Related Links:
Beware: Teflon Products Can Harm Your Baby
Soy is an Endocrine Disrupter and Can Disrupt Your Child’s Health
Alarm Over Gender-Bender Chemical in Household Cleaning Products
Read this article and/or sign up for Dr. Mercola's FREE NewsLetter click here.
© Copyright 2009 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved.
This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact,
without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format.
(NaturalNews) Phthalates used in food packaging could be linked to childhood obesity, according to two recent studies conducted by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine that included research conducted on more than 900 children in East Harlem and surrounding communities. The studies have added to a growing body of evidence that link phthalates to health problems.
One of the studies, according to the Mount Sinai researchers, focused on 400 girls in the East Harlem community. The results showed that the heaviest girls had the highest levels of phthalates metabolites in their urine.
Another significant research project called Growing Up Healthy in East Harlem examined the diet and other factors for 520 East Harlem children aged 6-8 with the results indicating that the level of phthalates in the children tested was higher than the national average.
About 40 percent of children in East Harlem are considered to be overweight or obese. "When we say children, I'm talking about kindergarten children, we are talking about little kids," said Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, a professor of pediatrics at Mount Sinai, one of the lead researchers on one of the East Harlem studies. "This is a problem that begins early in life."
Health concerns over phthalates have been debated for more than 10 years, as shown by a New York Times article from 1999 that describes opposing views on their use and mentions an FDA investigation into the matter. At that time, a major concern was the use of chemicals in children's toys.
Previous reports linking phthalates to health disruptions have shown that they are connected to abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, poor semen quality in men, and changes in reproductive organs in infant boys.
Phthalates can be found in personal care products like cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, lotions, paint and pesticides. They are also used to make plastics more pliable. Phthalates are absorbed into the body and are a type of endocrine disruptor - a category of chemical that affects glands and hormones that regulate various bodily functions.
The FDA continues conducting ongoing investigations into potential risks, but notes that while there have been studies on laboratory animals demonstrating carcinogenic effects of certain chemicals, "there are no studies in humans that are adequate to serve as the basis for regulatory decision-making."
Other packaging chemicals that have recently caused consumer concern include Biosphenol A (BPA) and perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). PFCs, which are found in grease-resistant packaging such as that used in microwaveable popcorn bags and pizza boxes, have been linked to infertility in women.
Sources:
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Pub...
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2...
http://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/28/h...
About the author
Louis Lazaris is a website developer, programmer and owner of Natural-Life.ca, a resource that offers free business listings for Canadian naturopathic doctors, organic food stores, organic farms, and organic & vegetarian restaurants.
Louis also maintains a web design blog where he regularly posts web design articles and web design tutorials.
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Packaging Chemical Linked to Childhood Obesity
A New Food Additive: Good or Bad?
A chemical that tricks you into "tasting" Sugar or salt when it is not really there may soon be added to a variety of foods, including some made by Kraft Foods, Nestlé, Coca-Cola and Campbell Soup. The result? Processed foods could contain less salt or Sugar (one-third to one-half less than regular products) and the product would still taste the same.
Senomyx, the biotechnology company behind the new food additive, has already developed several chemicals that, although they contain no flavor of their own, activate or block receptors in the mouth that taste. The chemicals can mimic or enhance the taste of sugar, salt and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
The chemical compounds will not be listed on ingredient labels. Instead, they'll be included with a general ingredient category already on most processed food labels: "artificial flavors."
Flavor Chemicals Able to Bypass FDA Approval Process
The compounds will be used in small amounts (less than one part per million), which means Senomyx does not have to go through the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval process typically necessary to release food additives . Instead of the lengthy FDA process, the company only had to be classified as "generally recognized as safe" by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association--a task that took less than 18 months (including a three-month safety study on rats).
Consumer groups and food safety experts have pointed out that while the chemicals' ability to reduce salt, Sugar and Mono-Sodium-Glutamat (Natrium Glutamat) in foods could be beneficial, one three-month safety study is not enough to guarantee safety. They say more rigorous testing is needed before the compounds are released onto the market.
Senomyx says the flavorings would be used in such minute amounts that they would pose no safety risk. In contrast to the flavorings being used at 1 part per million, artificial sweeteners are used at levels of 200 to 500 parts per million.
Kraft Foods, Nestlé, Coca-Cola and Campbell Soup have paid Senomyx a total of $30 million for research and development and have contracted for exclusive rights to use the flavorings. Senomyx will receive royalties of 1 percent to 4 percent of product sales when the flavorings are added to food products.
Kraft plans to use the flavorings to reduce sugar in Kool-Aid, while Campbell hopes to use them to reduce salt in soups and beverages like V8.
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
The New York Times has cast a bright light on new food additives created by the San Diego-based company Senomyx, including this chemical that tricks your taste buds into tasting sugar or salt even when it isn't there. If you're not concerned yet, consider this: The Senomyx chemicals were formulated using many of the same research techniques that biotechnology companies apply in creating new drugs.
Two more things to keep in mind: Unlike artificial sweeteners, Senomyx's chemicals will be lumped into the artificial flavors labeling on processed foods, and will not be listed separately, so how will you really know what's in that can of reduced salt chicken soup or those reduced sugar cookies? And, because the company says only small amounts of the chemicals will be used, they weren't required to go through the FDA's regular food additive approval process.
I don't know about you, but I'd like to stick with my own taste buds as a guide to how sweet or salty something is. Something about eating a chemical that blocks or enhances taste receptors in the mouth is unsettling, even if it has been granted the "generally recognized as safe" status.
Other food additives have also been regarded as safe and later side effects galore are uncovered, at least that was the case with Olestra, Nutrasweet and Splenda.
Since these latest compounds will be lumped in as "artificial flavors," you won't know if they're in your food--unless you stick with unprocessed foods. So if you want healthy soup, the best way to ensure that it's healthy for you is not to rely on Campbell's to reduce the salt in theirs--it's to make it yourself using real ingredients that you pick out personally. You can even make your own healthy cookies--like the Girls' Sprout Cookies in my Total Health Program--that you can enjoy without worrying about what chemicals may be hiding in them.
Cooking your own foods does take planning and more time, but the nutrient quality, purity and taste that you'll get from your own home cooking are vastly superior to any store-bought variety.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2005/04/20/senom...
© Copyright 2008 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved.
This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact,
without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.
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