Toxic Brew

This is a serious, life threatening problem. Fortunately there is a simple solution to protect you and those you love.

Could your home be healthier?
Learn how to get rid of toxins. . . it is worth it. 

This video clip is from a news program (CBC) in Canada.  The United States of America's Code of Federal Regulations is like Canada's in that; if a product is used for personal, family or household use.... the manufacturer does not have to tell us what is in it" (Section 1910.1200C, Title 29, Section 1500.82 2Q1A)

Link back to SOURCE:
http://video.aol.ca/video-detail/cbc-marketplace-report-toxic-brew/966454477/?icid=VIDLRVENT08
(you may need to scroll down)

Childhood Asthma and How to Combat It

Childhood asthma is a debilitating disease that affects the lungs of young children and can last throughout adulthood.  Childhood asthma can be terrifying; it is also on the rise.

Childhood asthma is now the most common condition in the developed world, and things aren’t getting any better.

The problem is that the lungs are very sensitive organs that eagerly absorb inhaled air to pick up all the oxygen that they can. In the process, lungs also absorb any particles in the air straight into their tissues. You may not be surprised to learn that the air indoors is filled with all kinds of particles that can cause damage to the lung tissue.
High on the list are particles produced from (1)paint and (2)outgassing.
*VOCs and other fume particles are clearly bad news, causing a variety of illnesses throughout the body, but when a baby is raised in a home where there’s a lot of VOCs, its lungs can become permanently weakened.
 VOCs and other fume particles can come from paint, home cleaning products, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleach and ammonia (to name a few things).

You may have never heard of outgassing.  Here is some more detail . . . .  one way it happens is when particle board is used to build houses. They release particles (called" exhaling") from inside its fibers into the air. Unfortunately, particle board is put together with truly nasty chemicals like formaldehyde, which have been proven to cause lung damage when they are inhaled.

And before you start blaming these construction chemicals for all the asthma in the world, take a good look at the studies done in Australia and Europe that link childhood asthma to common household cleaners, especially bleach. Window cleaners, air fresheners, and disinfectants were also pinpointed.

If you are worried about your child developing an asthma condition or if they already have asthma you may feel a bit panicky. That is understandable and may be your call to action!

Fortunately there are things you can do to make your home safer and hopefully asthma-free.

First, be extra careful of what chemical cleaners, personal care products and cosmetics you use. When in doubt, always look at the labels. If there’s a warning sign, it’s there for a reason. Stay away from bleach and try using eco-friendly products, stain-fighting enzymes, and ionized water when possible.

Second, use green construction materials wherever possible. VOC-free paints and varnishes are a must. To get rid of the out-gassing effect, try using green particle board instead. This board uses recycled lumber materials and natural resins instead of formaldehyde and other nasty chemicals.

*VOCs  = Volatile Organic Compounds 
For more info on how to go greener and cleaner go here and then after you peruse the info . . . click on "request information" near the top. 

Think Before You Go Pink

It sounds noble: a cosmetics company promises that if you buy one of its products, a portion of the sale will go toward “the fight against breast cancer.”

But what if that cosmetic contains chemicals that might actually increase your risk of developing the disease?

Many cosmetics contain chemicals known as parabens and phthalates, which recent studies indicate may be linked to cancer development.

• Parabens are chemical preservatives that have been identified as estrogenic and disruptive of normal hormone function. (Estrogenic chemicals mimic the function of the naturally occurring hormone estrogen, and exposure to external estrogens has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer.)
• Phthalates are known to cause a broad range of birth defects and lifelong reproductive impairments in laboratory animals that are exposed to these chemicals during pregnancy and after birth. Phthalates are also known to be hormone-mimicking chemicals, many of which disrupt normal hormonal processes, raising concern about their implications for increased breast cancer risk.
• There are numerous other chemicals of concern in personal care products. BCA is particularly concerned about lutein (progesterone), formaldehyde and coal tar due to their links to cancer.

The Environmental Working Group recently released Skin Deep, a report on the safety of cosmetics and personal care products. Astonishingly, 1/3 of products tested contain on or more ingredients that are known, probable or possible human carcinogens.

Cosmetic companies will argue that we don't need to worry about harmful chemicals in their products because they are only used on our skin and hair.

For example, the cosmetics industry has long stated that their widespread use of parabens and phthalates is not harmful because they remain on our skin and are not absorbed into our body.

• ----> However, a recent study found parabens in human breast cancer tissue, raising obvious questions about the ability of parabens to accumulate in our bodies (Darbre et al. 2004).
• ----> In September 2000 scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found phthalates at surprisingly high levels in every one of 289 people tested, especially in women of reproductive age.
• ----> The authors concluded that "from a public health perspective, these data provide evidence that phthalate exposure is both higher and more common than previously suspected" (Blount et al. 2000).
  
  Many cosmetic companies will also argue that the level of a harmful chemical in any one product is not enough to harm you, based on studies of chemical exposure in adults.
• ----> However, science is finding the timing of exposure is crucial, and that even a very small dose of some chemicals can have serious consequences in children and young women who are still developing.
• ----> Also, we are rarely exposed to a chemical just one time. We may use the same product every day, several days a week, for months or years.
• ----> In addition, we use dozens of personal care products daily, not just one. So while exposure from one product on one day may be small, the fact is we use numerous products a day for extended periods of time. As a result, scientists are finding chemicals such as parabens and phthalates accumulating in our bodies.

Many diseases like cancer, asthma, birth defects and learning disabilities are on the rise, and there is growing evidence that these health problems are linked to the chemicals we are exposed to in our air, water, food, and everyday products. It's time we start acting to protect human health. The Precautionary Principle, a common sense approach to chemical use, says "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". It guides us to take action to prevent exposure to chemicals we know or suspect are harmful to our health. In the case of cosmetics, when a product ingredient is known or strongly suspected of being harmful to our healthy, our top priority should be eliminating the use of this chemical and finding a safe substitute to replace it. In many cases, we know safe alternatives do exist and are already being used by some cosmetics company (Nicole Miller is one such line). The notion of "safe" or "acceptable" levels of hazardous chemicals in our products should only be introduced when we cannot find alternatives. We are entitled to products that won't hurt us. We can't let companies have it both ways.

Avon markets itself as “the company for women,” claiming to be the largest corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause in the U.S. But many Avon products contain parabens, according to its own website (including Soy Milk Hand & Foot Therapy, Asian Pear with Ginseng Body Cream, Skin-So-Soft Moisturizing Hand Cream, and many others). Evidence suggests that young females with developing breast tissue are particularly vulnerable to the increased breast cancer risk associated with exposure to external estrogens. Last year, Avon launched a new cosmetics line called “mark,” aimed at young women ages 16 to 24. The company is recruiting teenagers as sales representatives in this program. For more information on Breast Cancer Action’s campaign, see the Follow the Money campaign.

UPDATE: Be aware of dibutyl phthalates in product lines. Avon has reported that they plan to remove this chemical. This is a small but important step by a corporate giant. It's important for the people Avon markets, too. Many of their customers are women of childbearing age, and removing this chemical is important for future generations. BCA applauds this first step, and will continue to push Avon to remove other harmful ingredients from their products.

Revlon sponsors an annual 5K Run/Walk for Women that in part funds the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program—which, according to http://www.revlonrunwalk.com/, works toward “the control and consequent elimination of women’s cancers.” Meanwhile, The Safe Shopper's Bible, warns against carcinogenic ingredients in several Revlon products, including Revlon Powder Crème Blush, Revlon Powder Crème Make-Up Pressed Powder Full Matte, and Revlon Colorsilk Salon Formula Ammonia-Free Haircolor. UPDATE: in EWG's Skin Deep report, products were assigned scores from 0–10 based on the health concerns associated with their ingredients, with 10 being of highest health concern. Over 80% of the Revlon producs tested were rated 7.2 or higher. Revlon High Dimension 10 Minute Permanent Haircolor scored 9.6 and contains both known and suspected carcinogens.

Estée Lauder's Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), which states its mission as "prevention and a cure in our lifetime," sponsors breast cancer efforts such as the Global Landmarks Illumination Initiative, in which national landmarks such as the Mall of America are spotlighted in pink lights—an effort that is far more likely to generate positive publicity for Estée Lauder than it is to prevent any woman from developing breast cancer. Their products containing parabens include Polished Performance Liquid Makeup and Precision Lash Mascara, according to The Safe Shopper's Bible.UPDATE: Estée Lauder has announced it will reformulate its Clinique and MAC nail polishes to remove phthalates. BCA applauds this step, and will continue to push Estée Lauder to remove other harmful ingredients from their products.

Mary Kay, whose web site proclaims that the company’s charitable foundation is ”committed to eliminating cancers affecting women,” does not make it easy for consumers to find out if its products contain potentially harmful ingredients. It’s extremely difficult for a consumer to identify what is in Mary Kay products: the cosmetics are not available in stores, their product descriptions on the web site do not list ingredients, and repeated attempts to get information about product content from a sales representative were unsuccessful.

UPDATE: After BCA began this project, Mary Kay representatives contacted us to let us know about an ingredient guide that is available on request. Call 1-800-MARYKAY for more information. Also, a concerned consumer sent us a web link to their product, which is housed on a part of their web site restricted to Mary Kay sellers only. The web link has since been made inactive, and the public and consumer part of their web site does not list this product guide. Lastly, in 2004, BCA co-sponsored important California legislation (AB 2012) regarding the public's right to know about carcinogenic and reproductive toxins in cosmetics and personal care products. Mary Kay was a vocal opponent of the bill.

Source:
Think Before You Pink. a project of Breast Cancer Action

French Documentary

This is a must --- please take the time to watch this even if you do it in sections.
This is a documentary aired on French television - a documentary that Americans won’t ever see. The gigantic bio-tech corporation Monsanto is threatening to destroy the agricultural biodiversity which has served mankind for thousands of years



H/T: Nicene Truth

Our Personal Consumer Choices

“Our personal consumer choices have ecological, social, and spiritual consequences. It is time to re-examine some of our deeply held notions that underlie our lifestyles.”

~David Suzuki
(Canadian environmentalist, scientist and broadcaster)

Carcinogens in the Home

Despite the many scientific breakthroughs over the last 50 years, there has been a steady increase in killer diseases such as cancers, heart disease and diabetes. Many researchers believe this increase is related to the constant chemical cocktail that has become a routine part of modern life. That is the bad news. The GOOD NEWS is that we can make some easy changes to avoid many of these chemicals.

5 Quick but Important Details (bad news - GOOD NEWS follows!)

#1) Exposure to indoor pollution can result in lung cancer, or damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system. Young children are especially vulnerable to impaired lung function and respiratory infection. Symptoms such as l runny nosel itchy eyesl a scratchy throatl headachesl fatigue, dizzinessl skin rash, and respiratory infections are all common reactions to indoor air pollution.

#2) According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is one of the nation's most pressing personal health concerns. Peak concentrations of 20 toxic compounds - some linked with cancer and birth defects - were 200 to 500 times higher inside some homes than outdoors, according to a 5-year EPA study that surveyed 600 homes in six cities.

#3) More toddlers under age four are admitted to hospital emergency rooms as a result of household cleaner-related injuries than for any other reason. ALSO, household cleaners and personal care products can exacerbate breathing problems and asthma. Due to out gassing this can happen even when packaging is sealed.

#4) Residues of more than 400 toxic chemicals - some found in household products -have been identified in human blood and fat tissue.

#5) Not a single cosmetic company warns consumers of the presence of carcinogens in its products - despite the fact that a number of common cosmetic ingredients are carcinogenic or carcinogenic precursors.

THE GOOD NEWS:

#1) You can request a personal or group overview (via phone or webcast) of simple, straightforward ways to get rid of and avoid future use of these chemicals in your home. You have more control than you know!

sources:

~~> Cancer Prevention Coalition c/o School of Public Health University of Illinois Medical Center 2121 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612,Tel: (312) 996-2297, Fax: (312) 996-1374 http://www.healthy-communications.com/factsoncarcinogensathome.html

~~> From the Cancer Prevention Coalition and the "Safe Shoppers Bible" by Dr. Samuel S. Epstein and Dr. David Steinman, 1995

Quotes from The Safe Shoppers Bible

"Not a single cosmetic company warns consumers of the presence of carcinogens in its products - despite the fact that several common cosmetic ingredients or their contaminants are carcinogenic themselves or are carcinogenic precursors."

I use Nicole Miller products provided through Melaleuca. This is a simple way to buy cosmetics that are safe, top quality, reasonable priced and satisfaction guaranteed.

"Consumers have an inalienable right to know what ingredients are in products they use daily, and to be certain that chemicals posing chronic health risks will be phased out when alternatives are available. These are rights regardless of one's perception of the risk of the ingredient. Yet walk down the aisle of any supermarket and you will quickly see how minimal regulation has led to grossly inadequate labeling."

"How bad is the situation? Some leading household products do not disclose to the consumer that they contain carcinogens, neurotoxins or other hazardous substances. Shoppers may choose these products anyway and may want to continue using them, but deserve complete labeling information to make an informed choice."

"Government and industry have failed abysmally to protect consumer health adequately; at the very least, they have failed to inform consumers fully of the hazardous ingredients used in household products, cosmetics and foods. This glaring void leaves consumers at peril, uninformed and feeling powerless and frightened by the lack of information. One of the major reasons for our publishing the Safe Shoppers Bible is to empower you to transform your lifestyle into one that is healthier, more natural and in greater harmony with the health of our environment."

"The major dilemma for consumers anxious to find safe products is that they do not know where to turn for information. The only consumer guides available today stress homemade alternatives to household products or point up only those often more expensively priced brands available through health food markets and mail order. But most people today are so busy making a living, taking care of their children, and doing other daily chores that they do not have the time or patience to mix their own household cleaners or make their own laundry soap and cosmetics."

"The Safe Shoppers Bible is designed as tool to help shoppers find the safest foods and consumer products, whether major or alternative brands. Several thousand brands of consumer products have been evaluated."

"Occasionally, recommend brands are available only at health food stores or through mail order catalogs that specialize in environmentally safe products. But simply shopping in a health food store is no guarantee of buying the safest products or foods. Many health food stores sell foods grown with pesticides and consumer products that are no safe (and often more expensive) than those found in your favorite major supermarket. Furthermore, many of their health products make false or misleading claims."

"The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent regulatory agency created in 1972, is charged with ensuring that common consumer household products are safe from unreasonable risk of injury and death. The CPSC has jurisdiction of more than fifteen thousand consumer products. Yet manufacturers of household products are not required to disclose any of their hazardous ingredients used in their products. Federal regulations do require manufacturers to provide minimal label information, but not for carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, or reproductive effects, which hardly constitutes adequate disclosure. Disclosure of harmful ingredients will remain minimal as long as responsibility for disclosure rests with manufacturers and government oversight remains minimal."

"Our goal is to encourage industry to provide consumers more information and to produce safer products by reducing reliance on toxic chemicals."

Quotes have been provided by:

• Shelley Kramer, Chapter Head for the Los Angeles Chapter of the Cancer Prevention Coalition.


• The Breast Cancer Action web site


• The Safe Shopper's Bible: A Consumer's Guide to Nontoxic Household Products, Cosmetics, and Food by David Steinman & Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. published by Macmillan USA 1995 New York.