Toxins
FACTS and STATISTICS about
TOXICS
Frugal Alternative Non-Toxic
Readily-Available Ingredients
Monsanto's
Best-Selling "Safe" Pesticide is Highly Toxic
Common
Pesticide Causes Aggression & Brain Damage
Flame Retardant Chemical Found in Fish
& Humans
Toxins in the Bodies
of Washington State Citizens
North America Shifts Pollution from
Air to Land
Tomato Based Chemical Repels Insects
Altered Algae Soaks Up Toxic Metals
Chemicals in Personal Care Products
Toxic Chemicals
Common in Body
Children's Exposure
to Chemicals
A,B,C's of Household Chemicals
EPA Overlooks Toxic Pesticides
Formaldehyde Linked to Cancer
Lawn & Garden Chemicals
Chocolate & Cut Flowers
Carcinogen Methyl Iodide
Poison Prevention Week
Detoxifying the bedroom
What is in your blood?
Botanical Disinfectant
Toxic Waste Landfills
Links About Toxins
Avoiding Toxins
Chlorine Bleach
Recalled Drugs
Uses
for Coke
Toxic Babies
Best Option
Mercury
PBDEs
Teflon
Books
DEHP
POPs
Little Things Matter
Watch this video on toxins in children:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6KoMAbz1Bw
"These 10 newborn babies ... were born polluted. If ever we had proof that our nation's pollution laws aren't working, it's reading the list of industrial chemicals in the bodies of babies who have not yet lived outside the womb."
--Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY), discusses the findings of a study released last week by the Environmental Working Group. It tested blood from 10 umbilical-cords and found an average of 287 contaminants, including mercury, fire retardants, pesticides, and the Teflon chemical PFOA.
Sandra Steingraber:
Living Downstream
Having Faith is about a woman's womb being the first environment
and how the chemicals/pesticides in today's food, air, products, etc. get
into the womb and their effects on the developing baby. These chemicals
also have effects on adolescents and the elderly.
Salmon
Salmon caught in the Puget Sound were recently found to be contaminated with a toxic cocktail of 81 drugs and chemicals.
Tissues of the juvenile chinook were tested and researchers were blown away by what they found.
Drugs these fish were on included:
Prozac
Zantac
Advil
Benadryl
Lipitor
Cocaine
Flonase
Aleve
Tylenol
Paxil
Valium
Birth control pills (estrogen)
Zoloft
Tagamet
OxyContin
Darvon
Nicotine
Caffeine
Fungicides
Antiseptics
Anticoagulants
Cipro and other antibiotics galore…
Why? Because the process used in wastewater treatment facilities does not filter out all the drugs that are eliminated by humans into the water supply en masse on a daily basis. That water is then reused, contaminated more, taken up by crops and the animals that eat them, and it ultimately winds up on our dinner tables to be eaten and recycled once more.
Bees
This week, beekeepers across the country are waking their hives from winter hibernation to pollinate blooming almond orchards in California. But many honeybees won’t buzz back to life at all.
A deadly bee illness called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is sweeping across the US. Just last winter CCD wiped out almost a third of the nation’s hives.
We don’t know all the factors that cause CCD, but we do know one guilty party: A class of pesticides — known as neonicotinoids — that studies have shown to weaken, disorient and kill honeybees.
Despite the evidence, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just last year approved a new Dow pesticide called sulfoxaflor, which its own research showed was “highly toxic” to bees. (1/28/2014)
QUICK FACTS ON LAWN AND GARDEN CHEMICALS
Following is a Summary of Information from Kay Hizer, Director of "Healthy
Choices", a non-profit organization comprised of doctors, nurses, environmental
scientists and educators committed to teaching the public about the hazards
of chemicals in our homes and how we can avoid or minimize the risks. In
addition to the list of products, several other statistics were reported:
Over the last 20-30 years, as more toxic chemicals have been introduced in greater amounts, the level of toxins stored in adipose tissues (fat cells) of our bodies has risen. Bio-accumulation studies have shown that some toxins store in our bodies for life. Greater and greater amounts are being stored at younger ages. Diseases that used to occur later in life are now appearing at younger ages. Diseases that used to be rare are more frequent.
For Example: There has been a 28% increase in childhood cancer since the addition of pesticides into household products. (Source: National Cancer Institute)
In one decade, there has been a 42% increase
in asthma (29% for men; 82% for women-the higher rate for women is
believed to be due to women's longer exposure
times to household chemicals) (Source: Center for Disease Control)
Due to the increase in toxic buildup in our
bodies, including the toxic buildup of formaldehyde, dead bodies are not
decomposing as fast as they used to.
(Source: National Institutes of Health)
There is an increased risk for leukemia in
children where parents have used pesticides in the home or garden before
the
child's birth
(Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute)
Over 150 chemicals found in the average home
have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological
abnormalities.
(Source): Consumer Product Safety Commission
Toothpaste can contain a number of harmful ingredients, such as: ammonia, benzyl alcohol/sodium benzoate, colors, ethanol, flavors, flouride, formaldehyde, mineral oil, plastic (PVP), saccharin. Formaldehyde, mineral oil, PVP, and saccharin are all classified as carcinogens or suspected carcinogen, as is flouride, which has been banned in many European countries and is the subject of concern with regard to thyroid problems. In fact, as of April 1997, toothpaste is required to carry poison control information on the label as even a small amount can harm or kill a small child.
In most cases, however, you won't find much information on the label.
There are no requirements of manufacturers to actually disclose what is
in a product, and there is no regulation or enforcement. All of it falls
under proprietary trade secret legislation. The issues are as follows:
1. Many of the chemicals used have never been adequately tested for
their negative health effect, and almost none have been tested in combination
with other chemicals.
2. There are few regulatory agencies with any clout. The FDA oversees
personal care products, but can only regulate once they are on the market.
There is no review or approval process beforehand.
3. Safety testing is done by the manufacturer. Material Safety Data
Sheets are written by the manufacturer. Labeling is done by the manufacturer
- think they're going to list anything they don't have to?
4. A product that kills 50% of lab animals through ingestion or inhalation
can still be designated "non-toxic."
5. Only recently has the government come out with guidelines for "biodegradable,"
but the majority of the products on the market today have never been tested.
6. Testing is expensive and takes a lot of time, yet consumers generally
look for the cheapest product available - so how is it cost justified?
And there's the issue of animal testing.
7. Chemical names are often disguised by using innocuous trade names,
and most chemicals can be listed under several different synonyms to make
it even more confusing. For example, butyl cellosolve, an ingredient of
such products as Simple Green or Formula 409, can be listed as: 2-butoxyethanol,
ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, monobutyl glycol ether, or simply as a
glycol ether (glycol ethers are also listed by NIOSH as neurotoxins - effects
the central nervous system). Butyl is associated with blood and bone marrow
damage, and adverse effects on hematopoietic tissues, blood, kidneys and
liver. This information is available through NIOSH or the product Material
Safety Data Sheet.
8. Right-To-Know laws only cover the workforce. If you felt a manufacturer
wasn't being honest and wanted to do something about it, if you're not
an employee, you will be told to file a civil suit for "false advertising."
9. If you were an employee and filed a complaint, the company would
be warned, asked to change, fined if they didn't - and you'd probably be
out of a job, unless you had a really good attorney!
Dr. Joyce Woods worked as a medical/surgical nurse, public health nurse,
urse educator, nursing school administrator, occupational health consultant.
She holds Bachelor of Nursing, Bach for of Arts (Specialist), Master of
Education degrees, and has completed her doctoral degree in the area of
"Indoor Air Pollution, and ...it's effect on your health"
A. Begin by thinking of your home as a toxic waste dump. The average home today contains 62 toxic chemicals - more than a chemistry lab at the turn of the century.
B. More than 72,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced since WW II.
C. Less than 2% of synthetic chemicals have been tested for toxicity, mutagenic, carcinogenic, or birth defects.
D. The majority of chemicals have never been tested for long-term effects.
E. An EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air.
F. Another EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air.
G. CMHC reports that houses today are so energy efficient that "outgassing" of chemicals has no where to go, so it builds up inside the home.
H. We spend 90% of our time indoor, and 65% of our time at home. Moms, infants and the elderly spend 90% of their time in the home.
I. National Cancer Association released results of a 15 year study concluding that women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home.
J. Cancer rates have almost doubled since 1960.
K. Cancer is the Number ONE cause of death for children.
L. There has been a 26% increase in breast cancer since 1982. Breast cancer is the Number ONE killer of women between the ages of 35 and 54. Primary suspects are laundry detergents, household cleaners and pesticides.
M. There has been a call from the U.S./ Canadian Commission to ban bleach in North America. Bleach is being linked to the rising rates of breast cancer in women, reproductive problems in men and learning and behavioral problems in children.
N. Chemicals get into our body through inhalation, ingestion and absorption.
O. We breathe 10 to 20 thousand liters of air per day.
P. There are more than 3 million poisonings every year. Household cleaners are the Number ONE cause of poisoning of children.
Q. Since 1980, asthma has increased by 600%. The Canadian Lung Association and the Asthma Society of Canada identify common household cleaners and cosmetics as triggers.
R. ADD/ADHD are epidemic in schools today. Behavioral problems have long been linked to exposure to toxic chemicals and molds. Use of Ritalin has skyrocketed since 1990.
S. - Chemical and environmental sensitivities are known to cause all types of headaches.
T. - Labeling laws do not protect the consumer - they protect big business.
U. - The New York Poison Control Center reports that 85% of product warning labels were either inadequate or incorrect for identifying a poison, and for first aid instructions.
V. - Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene, xylene are found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are cancer causing and toxic to the immune system.
W. - Chemicals are attracted to, and stored in fatty tissue. The brain is a prime target for these destructive organics because of its high fat content and very rich blood supply.
X. - The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found more than 2500 chemicals in cosmetics that are toxic, cause tumors, reproductive complications, biological mutations and skin and eye irritations.
Y - Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, circulatory disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and hormonal problems are diseases commonly related to chemical exposure.
Z - Pesticides only have to include active ingredients on the labels, even though the inert (inactive) ingredients may account for 99%, many of which are toxic and poisons.
Our homes should have a complete change of air 3 or 4 time a day. New homes are built so air tight that it is impossible to get a complete change of air. We should leave our windows open on each side of our house for better cross ventilation.
In Alberta last year accidental poisoning statistics were as follows:
Between the ages of:
0 - 4 years - 11, 515 poisonings
5 - 10 years - 1,524
11 - 19 years 1,019
20 and over 7,799
Top three culprits - Household cleaners, bleach and medications.
In the USA the #1 cause of accidental poisoning is Dawn Dishwashing
detergent WHY?
Because it is the #1 seller Tide contains Lye and is the #1 polluter
and it is also the #1 seller.
Deep Woods Off has an ingredient called DEET. DEET causes seizures in children and adults.
Inert (or inactive) ingredients in products are protected by trade secrets and very dangerous. In the work place Material Safety Data Sheets must accompany any product used. The work place and the outdoors are considered legal environments while the air in homes is not.
The ideal rate of humidity is between 35% and 45%. Anything higher causes mold. When we use humidifiers or de humidifiers with standing water we are encouraging mold growth with the standing water.
The ideal temperature in the home is between 68 degrees and 72 degrees, anything higher makes chemicals more active.
When we shower, the hot water combined with the chlorine in the water, can cause major headaches.
Using aerosols causes dizziness.
Steam from our dryer vents is extremely toxic, because of the chemicals from dryer sheets and residue from laundry soap and bleach.
Chemicals used to dry clean clothing are very dangerous and can cause cancer. When you bring dry cleaning home, you should hang it outside for at least 3 days. Dry-cleaning chemicals are the same cancer causing chemicals that are found in moth balls.
There are 4700 chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Chemicals from carpets and plastic have been found to cause kidney and liver damage.
More products that contain Formaldehyde:
Antiperspirants
Mouthwash
Toothpaste
Tupperware
Baggies
Permanent Press clothing
Floor waxes and furniture polishes
Coffee
Wax Paper
Money
Some symptoms caused by formaldehyde are:
Allergies, cancer, immune system failings and asthma
Products that contain Phenols:
Acne medications
Baking Powder
Computers
TV sets
Mouthwash
Sugar substitutes
Wallpaper
Some symptoms caused by phenols, which are absorbed by lungs, and skin
are: (besides being possibly fatal) Caustic burns, kidney and liver
damage and hyperactivity
"Lysol" is even more dangerous than we thought. Lysol contains phenols
and dioxin (Agent Orange).
Fungicides used on fruit trees in the Okanagan, BC and in south-western
Ontario have been found to cause babies in both areas being born with no
eyes or very tiny eyes.
When using Chlorine, antiseptics or bleach in industrial areas you are required to wear impervious protective clothing, hard hats, boots, gloves, apron or coveralls, chemical goggles or full face shield and use in well ventilated areas.
When using Easy Off make sure all your skin is covered, wear protective
clothing, do not breath in and don't get on your enamel, (if this product
will hurt the enamel on your stove, can you imagine what it will do to
us.)
Air fresheners desensitize the nerves in your nose so you cannot smell.
1970 - NTA's were banned
1980 - Lobbying by Proctor & Gamble brought back the use of NTA's
in our products.
NTA's mean more suds - more suds mean less clean - more toxic danger!
Studies on the suds in toothpaste found the suds to be laundry soap.
Our immune system is very powerful, like a janitorial system Giving our bodies good nutrition means our body can repair itself and be able to handle what we face in the world.
Household chemicals cause all kinds of symptoms - from cardiovascular problems, panic attacks, anxiety attacks to bedwetting.
Eliminating the cause of the environmental illness is more effective
and much less expensive than treating the symptom.
Prevention - 80% - 90% effective
Treatments - 50% - 60% effective
******************************************
For more information, contact
petrich@whidbey.com
This information is a little dated but you may want to check your medicine cabinet just to make sure.
All drugs containing Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) are being recalled. Please read this CAREFULLY, as I know that some of you may USE some of these drugs (Alka Seltzer Plus for one).
Also, please pass this on to everyone you know. STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine.
The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:
Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant Plus Dietary Supplements
Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
Alka-Seltzer Plus Children"s Cold Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
Alka-Seltze! r Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent
Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine Effervescent
BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
BC Sinus Cold Powder
Comtrex Deep Chest Cold & Congestion Relief
Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief
Contac Day & Night 12-Hour Cold Capsules
Contac 12 Hour Caplets
Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
Dexatrim Caffeine Free
Dexatrim Extended Duration
Dexatrim Gelcaps
Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir
Dimetapp Elixir
Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets
Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
Permathene Mega-16
Robitussin CF
Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion
Triaminic DM Cough Relief
Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head Congestion
Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy
Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough
The person who sent this email to me added this:
"I just found out and called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children:
3D Orange Cold & Allergy Cherry (Pink)
3D Cold & Cough Berry
3D Cough Relief
3D Yellow Expectorant
They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund.
To confirm these findings please take time to check the following URL:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/default.htm#top
LONDON, United Kingdom, January 25, 2002 (ENS) - Women living within three kilometers (two miles) of a hazardous waste landfill site have a 40 percent greater risk of conceiving a child with a chromosomal birth defect, such as Down's syndrome, concludes a new study published today in the medical journal "The Lancet."
On this week's radio program Beyond Organic, join host Jerry Kay, publisher of the Environmental News Network (ENN.com), to find out how to detoxify your bedroom from head to toe. Why should we be concerned about sleeping on cotton sheets? Well, first of all, it's the world's second most heavily sprayed crop (right behind tobacco, but that's another story). And despite what you may think, you do eat cotton, either directly or indirectly. Cotton seed is fed to cattle, and cotton seed oil is commonly used in candy bars. This wouldn't matter if the seed and oil were checked for pesticide residue, but they're not, as a USDA official admitted in the late 1990s. Beyond cotton, mattresses are often made with petroleum products that emit toxic fumes and are sprayed with fungicides, herbicides, and flame-retardants.
Guests Dr. Linda Palmer, author of Baby Matters; Ginny
Caldwell, owner of Ecobaby Organics; and Matt Mole of Vermont Organic Fiber
will talk about alternatives to the toxic bedroom. The Beyond Organic show
broadcasts every Wednesday at 10 a.m. (PST). For more information and to
tune in, visit www.BeyondOrganic.com/radio. You can also listen at www.iciclenetworks.com
and Wisdommedia.com.
Related Links:
Dr. Linda Palmer, author of Baby Matters
Ginny Caldwell, owner of Ecobaby Organics
Matt Mole of Vermont Organic Fiber
Source: Icicle Networks
NEW YORK, New York, January 31, 2002 (ENS) - Freshwater fish in Virginia have been found to contain the highest reported levels in the world of a common but controversial flame retardant, penta bromo diphenyl ether. The chemical, which is showing up in animals and humans around the globe, has been linked in laboratory animal studies to behavioral problems, but little is known about its effects on humans.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 14, 2002 (ENS) - Genetically
altered algae is being used to clean up trace metals such as mercury, cadmium
and zinc in the contaminated sediments of Lake Erie. Toxic metals from
area industry accumulate in Lake Erie sediment and pose a risk to human
health and to wildlife. Bio-remediation researchers supported by Ohio Sea
Grant funding are now further enhancing genetically altered algae to maximize
its ability to pick up trace metals.
The researchers say the algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii,
is a common unicellular algae that responds well to genetic engineering
and grows fast into large quantities. Previous research by Ohio State University
researcher Richard Sayre found the algae to be more effective, less expensive
and safer than using chemical extraction methods to remove the metals.
Now, Sayre and his team have found further ways of altering the algae to
increase the algae's ability to attach itself to heavy metals in Lake Erie
sediment. They used three approaches of genetic alteration, and found that
each enhanced the cell's ability to bind with the metals.
The most effective method involved attaching metallothionen,
a protein that binds heavy metals, to the outside of the algae cell. It
picked up five times more metal than a regular cell and grew three times
faster when surrounded by high concentrations of heavy metals. Research
will continue to study how much of each trace metal binds to the Chlamydomonas
cell. Sayre will also work with engineering firms to test pilot facilities
for treatment of contaminated wastes and sites.
"By increasing the algae's ability to attach to
trace metals, we believe this research will be an important step in the
identification of the best strategies for reducing heavy metal pollution
and the remediation of contaminated sites and waters of the Great Lakes,"
said Sayre.
MONTREAL, Canada, May 31, 2002 (ENS) - Factories, electric utilities, hazardous waste management facilities and coal mines in the United States and Canada generated almost 3.4 million metric tonnes of toxic chemical waste in 1999, shows an annual report from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation of North America. The wastes included 269,000 tonnes of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive problems.
The report, "Taking Stock" is based on reports submitted to the national pollutant release and transfer registers of Canada and the U.S. by industry, and includes data on 210 chemical substances. This year, the study also presents the first five year analysis of pollution releases and management.
The five year trend shows a slight overall change in the total of toxic chemicals generated, but big changes in how those pollutants are handled. The North American manufacturing sector's 25 percent (153,000 tonnes) reduction in releases to air was offset by a 25 percent (33,000 tonnes) increase in on site releases to land and a 35 percent (58,000 tonnes) increase in off site releases, mostly to landfills.
Releases to lakes, rivers and streams also increased during this period by 26 percent (24,000 tonnes).
"'Out of the air, into the water and land' emerges as a major trend from our five year analysis," said Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) executive director Janine Ferretti. "North America's progress in reducing toxic releases to air must continue but it also must be matched by reductions in water and land releases."
The CEC is an international organization created by Canada, Mexico and the United States under the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation. The Agreement complements the environmental provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
The CEC was established to address regional environmental concerns, help prevent potential trade and environmental conflicts, and to promote the enforcement of environmental law. Its annual report on chemical wastes helps NAFTA partners set goals for reducing chemical pollution.
"Overall, the total reported amount of chemicals released changed little over the five years," Ferretti added. "The findings in this new report should prompt all of us - industry, government, environmental groups and citizens - to ask what can be done to get all of the trends pointing in a downward direction."
The CEC report signals a general decrease in on site releases - chemicals put into the air, water or otherwise disposed of inside a facility's fence - and a corresponding increase in amounts of chemicals transferred for disposal. Ferretti said that the growing shipment of toxic substances off site could indicate a desire to send wastes to locations that are better equipped to manage them.
Or, she said, it could signal that most companies are still reluctant to prevent pollution at its source instead of managing pollutants after they are already produced.
Among other findings in the report: · Total releases for 1999 include 269,000 tonnes of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive problems. · Release of all cancer causing chemicals fell by just three percent between 1995 and 1999, compared to a six percent decrease for all chemicals. · More than 13,000 tonnes of ozone depleting chemicals were released from Canadian and U.S. industrial facilities in 1999. Between 1991 and 1999, releases of these substances in the U.S. were reduced by over 90 percent. · Electrical utilities report the largest releases - over 450,000 tonnes - of any North American industry. · More than a million tonnes of chemicals were sent for recycling in North America in 1999. · The difference in average releases and transfers per facility between Canada and the United States is narrowing. In 1995, releases and transfers from Canadian facilities were 1.7 times the US average but this was down to 1.5 in 1999. Average amounts of chemicals sent to recycling by Canadian facilities in 1999 were 1.4 times the U.S. average.
Cross border chemical traffic decreased in 1999 from the previous year. Just four percent of all waste transfers in the U.S. went outside the country, and most of these were sent for recycling in Canada. The U.S. sent 31,000 tonnes to sites in Canada, most of which went to Ontario and Quebec, and 27,000 tonnes to sites in Mexico.
"Taking Stock" is produced by the CEC - the Montreal based environmental body established by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners - from data collected by the national governments of Canada and the United States. Reporting of data for Mexico is not yet mandatory, though legislation to collect this data was passed in Mexico late last year, and 117 Mexican facilities reported their chemical releases voluntarily.
"Mexico has made tremendous progress in passing enabling legislation for a mandatory and publicly accessible chemical reporting system," Ferretti said. "This important step helps set the stage for industries to track chemicals, citizens to learn about neighborhood facilities, and governments to gain an improved picture of chemical pollution."
The data collected by the national governments do not currently include all chemicals, nor all sources of pollution such as dry cleaners, service stations, cars and trucks. Also not covered, due to differences in national reporting, are releases from the mining industry.
The full report is available at: http://www.cec.org/takingstock
For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/may2002/2002-05-31-07.asp
The university has since licensed the right to produce the substance as an insect repellent to Insect Biotechnology Inc., a Durham company that specializes in developing and marketing biochemical insecticides. Funding for the research was provided in part by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the NC Biotechnology Center, the NC Agricultural Research Service, and Insect Biotechnology.
Roe and Insect Biotechnology Inc. officials believe the substance, which Insect Biotechnology is calling IBI-246, has the potential to replace DEET as the active ingredient in most insect repellents. It has been shown to repel mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, cockroaches, ants and biting flies, as well as insects that are agricultural pests such as aphids and thrips. Dr. Michael Roe of NC State with some of the mosquito pests his tomato derived substance can repel.
"People have been looking for a competitive product to DEET for 20 years," said Dr. John Bennett, chair and CEO of Insect Biotechnology. "I think this is it." DEET (short for N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a common chemical developed for the Army in 1946 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered about 230 products containing DEET, and the EPA estimates that one third of the U.S. population uses DEET each year.
While the EPA has found that the normal use of DEET does not present a health concern to the general population, the use of products containing DEET has been associated with rashes, swelling and itching, eye irritation and, sometimes, slurred speech, confusion and seizures. Products with high concentrations of DEET are considered hazardous to children, and the EPA no longer allows claims on labels of products containing DEET that the product is safe for children.
Recent research at Duke University with rats showed
that frequent and prolonged use of DEET caused brain cell death and behavioral
changes in the animals. Roe said the tomato based compound is already
used to make cosmetics, so its toxicity has already been studied.
"What this means is that the toxicology has been done, which is a big step
toward commercialization," Roe said. "It's found in tomatoes, it's natural,
it can be obtained organically, it's safe and it's at least as effective
as DEET, all features that the public would want for a new generation insect
repellent."
Toxic chemicals common in
body
By Robert Hager
NBC NEWS
Jan. 30, 2003
When scientists sampled Andrea Martin’s blood and urine to see what toxins she’d picked up from the world around her, she got a surprise. “I had 95 chemical contaminants in my little body. And it was very mind blowing,” said Martin. The test results indicate that we all pick up tiny amounts of an astounding number of chemicals that are known to be dangerous in larger doses.
MARTIN AND eight others were tested by Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
in New York and an advocacy organization called
the Environmental Working Group. On average, the nine participants
had traces of 53 chemicals known to cause cancer in human or animal tests.
In addition, they had an average of 62 chemicals toxic to the brain or
nervous system, plus 55 associated with birth defects. The scientists
did not find any single substance in amounts the government describes as
unhealthy, but said the sheer number of chemicals was unnerving, especially
given the uncertainty about the health effects of trace amounts.
For the rest of the story go to MSNBC:
Toxic Chemicals Common In The Body
http://www.msnbc.com/news/866641.asp?0cv=CB10
When you get to the site be sure to view the video clip with Tom Brokaw
on NBC news day.
In a study led by Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, in collaboration with the Environmental Working Group and Commonweal, researchers at two major laboratories found an average of 91 industrial compounds, pollutants, and other chemicals in the blood and urine of nine volunteers, with a total of 167 chemicals found in the group. Like most of us, the people tested do not work with chemicals on the job and do not live near an industrial facility.
Scientists refer to this contamination as a person's body burden. Of the 167 chemicals found, 76 cause cancer in humans or animals, 94 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 79 cause birth defects or abnormal development. The dangers of exposure to these chemicals in combination has never been studied.
Go to the website to see the results in detail. There are subsequent
pages to the study to be found there.
http://www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden/es.php
Did you know that a pesticide is added to your washing machine to help keep your white clothes white? This pesticide is also found in many household cleaning products that contain a "disinfectant" to kill germs. And it is found in household products used to clean mold and mildew from your shower or tub. Can you guess what this pesticide is? Chlorine Bleach!
You wouldn't think that ordinary chlorine bleach is a pesticide - but it is. Because it kills bacteria- and viruses it is called a disinfectant or an antimicorbial pesticide. And because it kills fungi and molds it is also known as a fungicide.
If you are responsible for doing laundry or other types of cleaning as some of your chores around the house, you may be using liquid chlorine bleach to do the job. If so, you need to be sure to always "Read the Label First" to know how to properly use this product and for safety information. Also, be sure your parents know what household products you are using. They can make sure you use them safely.
What's in it?
Standard household bleach contains the chemical sodium hypochlorite.
What health and safety things do you need to think about with chlorine
bleach?
Liquid bleach in the bottle is a 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution.
That means 5.25% of the liquid is the chemical sodium hypochlorite and
the rest is mostly water. The number 5.25% tells you how strong the concentration
of a chemical is. Look at the labels of other household cleaning products
that contain bleach in your home. Some contain sodium hypochlorite or chlorine
bleach in concentrations of .7%, 1.8% and 2.4%.
Never mix a chlorine bleach with any other household or cleaning products. Doing so can result in different types of harmful acids being formed. Poisonous gasses can also be released that will cause very serious breathing problems.
Always be careful when using chlorine bleach. Because it comes in 1
gallon jugs the container can be a little hard to handle. Spills and splashes
happen. Not only will the bleach damage your clothing but it is irritating
to your skin and can cause serious damage to your eyes, even blindness.
As with any chemical, your exposure to it is important to know.
How much mercury do you have in your body? Mercury affects the health of everyone, especially women and young children. One in six women of childbearing age in this country has enough mercury in her body to put her baby at risk. The Sierra Club is cosponsoring a project to raise awareness about the dangers of mercury pollution. For a small fee, you can order a test kit to find out how much mercury you have in your body. Just snip a small sample of hair and send it to an academic laboratory at the University of North Carolina-Asheville, which will process your results.
New Hampshire state legislators took the test. Read about it in the
Concord Monitor.
Every day children are exposed to harmful chemicals in their toys, food, breast milk, air, and water. These exposures are linked to learning and behavioral problems, cancer, reproductive failure, and other health problems. For example,
* A recent study linked exposure to phthalates, a chemical found in children’s toys, consumer products and medical devices, to reproductive problems in male infants.
* Low-level exposure to mercury is linked to learning and neurological problems in children.
* Scientists have found that children exposed to pesticides in the first year of life have a higher risk of developing asthma compared to children who have not been exposed.
Because kids proportionally drink more water, breathe more air, and eat more food than adults, they also take in much higher concentrations of toxic chemicals. This is especially alarming because children’s growing and developing bodies are especially vulnerable to harm caused by toxic chemicals. Rates of certain diseases linked to environmental exposures in children are increasing at alarming rates. Consider:
* Cancer rates in children have increased 26% between 1975 and 1998.
* In the last twenty-five years, the number of children who suffer from asthma has doubled to more than 8%.
* Nearly 12 million children have one or more learning, developmental, or behavioral disability.
The evidence is clear. Our children’s future is at stake. Chemicals
that build up in children’s bodies should not be used in consumer products
or churned out from factories, contaminating our air, water and food supply.
Instead, we should be focusing on creating and substituting safer products
through investment and innovation so that toxic products can be eliminated.
NEW STUDIES: MONSANTO'S BEST SELLING "SAFE" PESTICIDE IS HIGHLY TOXIC
Germs are everywhere, and some of the highest concentrations are found in your own home. At last there is a patented botanical disinfectant formula that gives you the power to fight even the toughest germs.
Germs: The Invisible Menace
If you could take a microscopic look at the typical kitchen, you’d
see several million uninvited guests. The typical kitchen counter is covered
with 62,000 germs per square inch. The kitchen faucet is swarming with
a staggering 250,000 germs per inch! In fact, up to 60% of all surfaces
can be infected with germs. What’s even more frightening is that non-disinfecting
cleaners may only spread them around, increasing the likelihood of contamination.
Dean Petrich can supply you with the first EPA approved botanical broad-spectrum
disinfectant that is 99.99% effective against common kitchen and bathroom
germs, including Salmonella choleraesuis (salmonella), Staphylococcus aureus
(staph),Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), and HIV-1
(the AIDS virus).
Botanical Germ Buster
Humans are not the only living things subject to attack from germs.
In nature, plants are also susceptible to invading microbes, and a number
of them have developed weapons to defend themselves. One such plant is
thyme. A common and popular herb, thyme produces a powerful essential oil
that functions as the herb’s immune system, protecting it from microscopic
invaders. This new botanical disinfectant harnesses the power of this essential
oil, creating a disinfectant that helps eliminate bacteria on counters,
sinks, and other surfaces—all with the fresh, herbal scent of thyme.
Broad Spectrum for Disinfection Beyond the Kitchen
While the highest concentration of germs is often found in the kitchen,
this botanical disinfectant is effective on nearly all hard, nonporous
surfaces around your home. And it’s even approved for use in more than
25 facilities, including day care centers, nurseries, schools, gyms, hotels,
and medical offices.
Use it on:
• Kitchen counters
• Phone receivers
• High chairs
• Cutting boards
• Light switches
• Changing tables
• Microwaves
• Doorknobs
• Toddler toys
• Kitchen faucets
• Garbage pails
• Toilet seats
What Makes It So Different?
It's not the only disinfectant but it is the first botanical
formula. One of the first things you’ll notice about it is its fresh herbal
scent. That’s because the formula comes straight from the herb thyme. With
its herbal scent and patented formula, you now have access to a pleasant
plant-based alternative that is non-corrosive, nonflammable, and non-reactive.
For more information, contact Dean Petrich
Ask for the detailed research report.
Toll-free: 877-713-7858
petrich@whidbey.com
The poison that kids most often ingest is not drain cleaner.
It's cosmetics and personal-care products, which account for 13.4 percent
of accidental poisonings.
Minneapolis Star and Tribune
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
EPA ADMINISTRATORS PRESSURE STAFF TO OVERLOOK TOXIC PESTICIDES
Environmental Protection Agency
studies have shown that indoor air pollutants are
3 to 70 times higher than outdoors.
The following information came from a conference call with Kay Heizer, Director of “Healthy Choices” (a non-profit organization comprised of doctors, nurses, environmental scientists and educators committed to teaching the public about the hazards of chemicals in our home and how we can avoid or minimize the risks):
Ø 50% of all illness is due to poor indoor air quality [Source: 1989 State of Massachusetts Study]
ØSince 1950, at least 70,000 new chemical compounds have been invented and dispersed into our environment. Only a fraction of these have been tested for human toxicity. We are, by default, conducting a massive clinical toxicology trial, and our children and their children are the experimental animals.
[Source: Herbert L. Needleman, M.D., Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Raising Children Toxic Free]
Ø150 chemicals found in the home are connected to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological disorders.[Source: Consumer Protection Agency (CPA)]
ØThe United States of America Federal Code of Regulations exempts manufacturers from full labeling of products if used for personal, family or household care.[Source USA FCR: Section 1910.1200C, Title 29, Section 1500.82 2Q1A]
Ø3 groups of people are primarily affected by indoor chemical
concentrations because they spend more time indoors and their immune systems
are weaker. The 3 groups are:
·Infants and toddlers
·Chronically ill
·Elderly
[Source: 1988 EPA, 5-year study]
ØIn 1901, cancer was rare: 1 out of 8,000. Since the Industrial Revolution, the cancer rate today has risen to 1 in 3 and by the year 2002, it will be 1 in 2.[Source: The American Cancer Society]
ØThe top 12 cancer-causing products (called the “Dirty Dozen”)
in the average home include the following:
·Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder w/Talc
·Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste
·VO5 Hair Conditioner
·Clairol Nice-n-Easy Hair Color
·Ajax Cleanser
·Lysol Disinfectant
[Source: The National Cancer Prevention Coalition]
ØLiquid dish soap is the leading cause of poisonings in the home for children under the age of six (over 2.1 million accidental poisonings per year). Most brands of liquid dish soap contain formaldehyde and ammonia.
ØOf the chemicals found in personal care products:
·884 are toxic
·146 cause tumors
·218 cause reproductive complications
·778 cause acute toxicity
·314 cause biological mutations
·376 cause skin and eye irritations
[Source: United States House of Representatives Report, 1989]
ØThe State of California recently passed legislation requiring
a 45% reduction in the amount of toxins found in:
·Hairspray aerosols
·Furniture polish
·Window cleaners
·Air fresheners
·Shaving cream
·Laundry detergents
·Nail polish remover
·Insect repellent
·Hair styling gel and mousse
[Source: Healthy Homes in a Toxic World]
ØOut of 2,435 pesticide poisonings in a one-year period, over 40% were due to exposure to disinfectants and similar cleaning products in the home.[Source: State of California Study]
ØJust by reducing (not eliminating) environmental carcinogens alone, we would save at least 50,000 lives taken by cancer annually.[Source: Dr. Lee Davis, former advisor to the Secretary of Health]
ØMost laundry detergent contains a form of NTA. NTA is a substance we may reasonably anticipate to be a carcinogen.
[Source: The Merck Index]
ØHousehold bleaches which claim to disinfect are classified as pesticides under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Inadvertently mixing bleach with other cleaners that contain ammonia produces a toxic chloramines gas. These toxic gases can cause coughing, loss of voice, a feeling of burning or suffocation, and even death.
[Source: Guide to Hazardous Products Around the Home, Household Hazardous Waste Project, 1989]
ØWomen who work in the home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who work outside of the home.
[Source: 17- year EPA study]
Ø150 chemicals found in the home have been connected to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological disorders.
[Source: The Consumer Protection Agency)
ØAs more toxic chemicals have been introduced to our everyday environment in greater amounts over the last 20 to 30 years, the level of toxins stored in adipose tissues (fat cells) of our bodies have risen. Bioaccumulation studies have shown that some toxins store in our bodies for life. Greater and greater amounts are being stored at younger ages. One study showed that in the fat of 100% of the people tested was 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, a chemical found in most household deodorizers and room fresheners.
ØDiseases that used to occur later in life are now appearing at younger ages. Diseases that used to be rare are more frequent. For example
·There has been a 28% increase in childhood cancer since the
addition of pesticides into household products.
</·Cancer is now the #2 killer of children – second only
to accidental poisonings. Since 1977 the rate of cancer among American
children has been steadily rising at a rate of nearly 1% each year.[Source:
National Cancer Institute]
·There is an increased risk for leukemia in children where parents have used pesticides in the home or garden before the child’s birth.[Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute]
ØSome products release contaminants into the air right away, others do so gradually over a period of time. Some stay in the air up to a year. These contaminants, found in many household and personal care products can cause dizziness, nausea, allergic reactions, eye/skin/respiratory tract irritations and some cause cancer.[American Lung Association]
ØAsthma was once a very rare disease. Now the condition is extremely common – the asthma rate has tripled in the last 20 years with nearly 30 million Americans currently afflicted.[Source: Consumer Federation of America, 1997]
ØIn one decade, there has been a 42% increase in asthma (29% for men, 82% for women). The higher rate for women is believed to be due to women’s longer exposure times to household chemicals. [Source: Center for Disease Control]
ØChildhood asthma has increased by more than 40% since 1980.
[Source: Environmental Health Perspectives, June 1997; 105 (6)]
ØAsthma death in children and young people increased by a dramatic 118% between 1980 and 1993.[Source: Environmental Health Threats to Children, Environmental Protection Agency 175-F-96-001, September 1996]
ØThe average child visits the doctor 23 times in the 1st 4 years of life, with the most common complaint being respiratory ailment.[Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 1997]
ØAttention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in adults and children is also rising – in 1993, 4.5 million children took the drug Ritalin so they could sit still long enough to learn. By 1998, 11.4 million children were being drugged with this powerful Class-2 narcotic.[Source: Your Children and Ritalin, The Detroit news (March 8. 1998)]
ØEven small doses of neurotoxins, which would be harmless to an adult, can alter a child’s nervous system development. [Source: Environmental Health Perspectives 106 Supplement 3:787-794 (June 1998)]
ØDeveloping cells in children’s bodies are more susceptible to damage than adult cells that have completed development, especially for the central nervous system. During the development of a child, from conception through adolescence, there are particular windows of vulnerability to environmental hazards. Most disturbing – until a child is approximately 13 months of age, they are virtually no ability to fight the biological and neurological effects of toxic chemicals.[Source: Herbert L. Needleman, M.D., Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Raising Children Toxic Free]
ØToday, children have chemical exposures from birth that their parents didn’t have until they were adults. Because children are exposed to toxics at an earlier age than adults, they have more time to develop environmentally triggered diseases, with long latency periods, such as cancer.
[Source: Environmental Policy and Children’s Health, Future of Children, Summer/Fall 1995; 5(2): 34-52]
ØFormaldehyde is a highly toxic substance. It is a known cancer-causing agent. It damages the neurological connectors in the body. It is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs and may cause:
skin reactions
ear infections
headaches
depression
asthma
joint pain
dizziness
mental confusion
nausea
disorientation
phlebitis
fatigue
vomiting
sleep disturbances
laryngitis
ØOne in five people are sensitive to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde
is commonly found in:
drugs
mouthwash
hairspray
cosmetics
cleaning products
perfumes
waxes
hair setting lotions
shampoo
air fresheners
fungicides
fingernail polish
floor polishes
dry cleaning solvents
toothpaste
laundry spray starch
antiperspirants
… just to name a few
DO YOU STILL WANT TO USE PRODUCTS IN YOUR HOME THAT CONTAIN FORMALDEHYDE?
ØDue to the increase in toxic buildup in our bodies, including the toxic buildup of formaldehyde, dead bodies are not decomposing as fast as they used to.
* denotes trade name
ØThe following products are just a few that are so toxic that
they should be disposed of in a toxic waste dump:
floor care products, furniture polish, window cleaners, bug spray,
nail polish remover
[Source: Water Pollution Control Federation]
ØWarning labels on containers refer only to toxic hazards from ingestion; however, only 10% of health problems from chemicals are caused by ingestion. 90% are caused by the inhalation of vapors and absorption of particles.
ØGovernment regulations require that only the most EXTREMELY
toxic substances must contain a warning label. Labels that say the
following should be removed from your house immediately:
·“Do not induce vomiting”
·“Corrosive – rinse from skin immediately”
·“Harmful or fatal if swallowed”
·“Call physician immediately”
·“Warning!” (may mean that as little as 1 teaspoon of product
can harm or kill adult)
·“Danger!” (means that as little as 5 drops can harm or kill
an adult)
ØPhenol is an extremely caustic chemical that burns the
skin. Absorption of phenol through the lungs or skin can cause:
·central nervous system damage
·pneumonia
·respiratory tract infection
·heart-rate irregularities
·skin irritation
·kidney and liver damage
·numbness
·vomiting
·and can be fatal
ØPhenol is a very common chemical and is regularly found
in the following common products:
·air fresheners
·aftershave
·bronchial mists
·chloroseptic throat spray
·deodorants
·feminine powders & sprays
·hair spray
·decongestants
·mouthwash
·aspirin
·solvents
·acne medications
·antiseptics
·calamine lotions
·cleaning products
·detergents
·furniture polish
·hair setting lotions
·lice shampoo
·polishes
·cold capsules
·all-purpose cleaners
·aerosol disinfectants
·anti-itching lotions
·carnex
·cosmetics
·disinfectant cleaners
·hand lotions
·lip balms
·sunscreen and lotions
·insecticides
·cough syrups
… just to name a few
DO YOU STILL WANT TO USE PRODUCTS IN YOUR HOME THAT CONTAIN PHENOL?
Additional Research Links:
Here is a list of several research sites regarding toxins and chemicals in the home. This is by far not the extent of what is available on this important subject. This is a drop in the bucket, but enough to show us why we all need safer healthier products in our homes everyday!!
http://www.chemed.org/index.php%3FPHPSESSID%3D4980c6feae025c7e14176e241984dc60
- Chemical Education Foundation
http://www.childenvironment.org
Kids and Chemicals with Bill Moyers:
http://www.pbs.org/now/transcript/transcript117_full.html
They also gave a website where you can check on the environment in
your area by putting in your zipcode...visit http://www.scorecard.org
Community Groups call on Massachusetts Governor to Regulate Toxic Chemicals
in Consumer Products
Please visit this page of the Breast Cancer Fund's website...and more.
Melaleuca is so far ahead in offering the public what it needs, deserves
and is now beginning to demand... http://www.breastcancerfund.org/site/pp.asp?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=275727&msource=enews
Toxin Brew News Clip:http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/media/cleaners_rm_030311.html
http://www.rmbarry.com
http://www.chem-tox.com/cancerchildren/default.htm
http://www.checnet.org
http://www.msnbc.com/news/547348.asp#BODY
Here are a couple more interesting sites for allergies and chemicals:
http://allergies.about.com/cs/formaldehyde/a/aa010801a.htm
http://allergies.about.com/cs/indoor/a/aa062199.htm
http://www.epa.gov/iris
http://www.epa.gov/iris/acronyms.htm
http://www.scorecard.org/
http://www.epa.gov/chemfact/
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/wasteman/wm6003.htm
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=12545
http://www.ourlifeline.net/andbabymakes3.htm
http://www.scienceblog.com/community/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3039
http://www.netspeed.com.au/rdi/cas/mainpg.html (non-toxic products
in schools)
DEHP is among the first six compounds that the EU is phasing out under its Registration, Evaluation, Authorization & Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH) program. Sale or use of these six chemicals will cease in three to five years unless industry obtains authorization, the European Commission announced on February17, 2011.
In addition to DEHP, the ban affects two other phthalates—benzyl butyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate. The three phthalates are targeted because of reproductive toxicity. The EU already prohibits use of these three compounds in children's toys.
DEHP is highly lipophilic (fat soluble). When used in PVC plastic, DEHP is loosely chemically bonded to the plastic and readily leaches into blood or other lipid-containing solutions in contact with the plastic.
This leaching of DEHP into humans via the solution with which it is in contact increases the risk of certain adverse health outcomes. Animal studies show that exposure to DEHP can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system, particularly the developing testes of prenatal and neonatal males.
Best Option
No time to mix your own ingredients?
Email petrich@whidbey.com
for information on how to
convert your home to products that
are: