Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Fluoride Warnings for Infants
In contrast to recommendations adopted in the 1950s, fluoride supplementation is no longer recommended for newborn children. This includes both fluoride in drops, and fluoride in drinking water.
Not only is fluoride ingestion during infancy unnecessary, it can also be harmful - as suggested by a mounting body of evidence linking fluoride exposure during the first year of life with the development of dental fluorosis.
The American Dental Association recommend that children under 12 months of age should not consume fluoridated water while babies under 6 months of age should not receive any fluoride drops or pills.
Fluoridated drinking water contains up to 200 times more fluoride than breast milk. As a result, babies consuming formula made with fluoridated tap water are exposed to much higher levels of fluoride than a breast-fed infant.
A recent review describes fluoride as "an emerging neurotoxic substance" that may damage the developing brain. The National Research Council has identified fluoride as an "endocrine disrupter" that may impair thyroid function, while recent research from Harvard University has found a possible connection between fluoride and bone cancer.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Hormones in the Milk – Do You Know What Your Kids are Drinking?
The food kids eat today will have a lasting impact on their health. Unfortunately much of the food kids eat today is produced with harmful chemicals, genetically engineered ingredients, and artificial hormones. We’ve got a great opportunity to affect what kind of milk is in the National School Lunch Program.
Roughly 15 percent of all dairies (mostly large dairies) in the United States inject their cows with an artificial, genetically engineered growth hormone called recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) that increases cows’ milk production. Besides the documented increase of infections in dairy cows injected with rBGH, which necessitates increased use of antibiotics, there are ongoing questions about links to cancer in humans.
Most of the industrialized countries in the world have banned rBGH. But here in the United States, we’re giving it to our most vulnerable citizens—our children! It is possible that at least 84 million gallons of milk from artificial hormone-treated cows were distributed through the school nutrition programs in fiscal year 2005-2006 – or about one out of five pints of milk offered in school cafeterias nationwide.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Cancer Alert: Is your Johnson & Johnson’s safe?
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, PEG-150 Distearate, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-10, Tetrasodium EDTA, Quaternium-15, Citric Acid, Yellow 10 and Orange 4.
Quaternium-15 is a preservative found in many cosmetics and industrial substances that releases formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is one of the largest indoor pollutants in our homes. It is a recognized carcinogen, an immunotoxin, a reproductive toxicant, and a neurotoxin that can cause CNS & neurological disorders.
It is a common ingredient found in many products in your home such as air fresheners, rug cleaners, bubble bath, perfume, liquid scouring cleansers, toilet bowl cleaners, floor finishes, pressed board furniture, toothpaste, hair spray, soap, floor wax and furniture polish to name a few, but worst of all baby shampoo!
Symptoms caused by formaldehyde include allergies, cancer, asthma and cold like symptoms from immediate exposure.
“The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) classifies cosmetics and personal care products, but does not regulate them. In 1938, the FDA granted self-regulation to the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Fragrance Association (CTFA), the self-appointed industry organization.
With The exception of color additives and a few prohibited ingredients, a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost ANY raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product WITHOUT an approval from FDA” (”Prohibited Ingredients”, FDA Office of Cosmetics Fact Sheet, Dec. 19, 1994)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Health Risks of Perfume
Did you know that perfume is made of toxic chemicals that can injure your health? Many of the chemicals in perfume are the same chemicals in cigarette smoke, and yet there is no regulation of the fragrance industry. Many people are "bothered" by perfumes - developing headaches, sinus problems, and even asthma from exposures. Many have gotten sick or even disabled from wearing (or being exposed to) fragrances and using other scented products (me included). And fragrances are now used in almost every cleaning, laundry, and personal-care product on the market! These chemicals go directly into the bloodstream when applied to our skin and are also absorbed into the skin from our clothing. We also inhale the chemical fumes, which then go straight to our brains where they can do major harm. Many even have a "narcotic" effect, which is why some people seem "addicted" to their perfumes.
What the nose knows - Think twice before buying a loved one perfume, cologne! - (article) “The way to the heart is through the nose,” asserts Haarmann & Reimer, a leading fragrance manufacturer. But lovers may want to think twice about giving a bottle of cologne or perfume for Valentines Day, say some health advocates. Certain fragrances and their chemical constituents might trigger an allergic — rather than aphrodisiac — response. And some perfumes contain hidden ingredients that may pose longer-term hazards.'
noFragrance.org - SO WHAT'S WRONG WITH TRYING TO SMELL NICE? Nothing in itself. But the chemicals that are used to propagate fragrance can be quite toxic to some people. This isn't a matter of taste or unpleasantness; people who suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) become physically sick, often to the point of being incapacitated, when exposed to artificial fragrances. A minimal amount of exposure is enough to hurt. For instance, a trace of scented laundry detergent in a room can force an MCS sufferer in the room to flee—or get very sick.
Next time when you start to spray on that perfume or use some other scented product, remember all these chemicals you're exposing yourself and those around you to! There's absolutely nothing "romantic" about these chemicals! Perfume as something "romantic" is merely a line fed to you by the perfume industry - don't buy into it! We've been brainwashed by the industry that we must "cover up" our natural scents with toxic chemicals - that our own scents are not acceptable. Once you make the break and get away from toxic scents, the smell of "naturally clean" is simply wonderful!
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** * SPECIAL NOTICE * * *
The Environmental Health Network of California has filed a petition with the FDA to have the fragrance "Eternity" by Calvin Klein declared misbranded.The basis of this petition is the lack of a warning label on the product informing consumers that all the materials in the product and the product has not been adequately tested for safety. After an independently-funded analysis of this product, it was found to contain chemicals known to be on the hazardous waste list and that cause neurological and other problems. For more information about this petition and how YOU can tell the FDA that you're in favor of the petition, please see: "The Environmental Health Network of California files Petition with the FDA".
Monday, August 3, 2009
Stop Wasting Money On Dryer Sheets!

Never buy dryer sheets or fabric softener again. These laundry products are not only costly, but they are incredibly harmful to your health as well. You would be surprised at some of the chemicals that are in these products as well as the warnings to go with them. Although they may make your clothes feel soft and smell fresh, dryer sheets are one of the most toxic products in your home. They are filled with so many chemicals that they have to be scented with an incredible amount of fragrance. If the sweet smelling fragrance was removed, there would only be a noxious chemical smell remaining. Some of the chemicals that are contained in dryer sheets are Benzyl acetate(linked to pancreatic cancer), Benzyl Alcohol(respiratory irritant), Ethanol(linked to central nervous system disorders), Limonene(carcinogen), A-Terpineol(respiratory irritant and damaging to central nervous system), Ethyl Acetate(narcotic), Camphor(central nervous system damage), Chloroform(neurotoxin, anesthetic), Linalool(central nervous system damage), and Pentane(respiratory irritant). Some of the symptoms experienced from prolonged exposure to the chemicals in dryer sheets include: headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, central nervous system disorders, blood pressure reduction, tiredness that is not cured by resting, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, difficulty concentrating and remembering, and cancer.
People with allergies are especially susceptible to the dangers of dryer sheets and fabric softeners. These people can break out in rashes and experience itching if they are exposed to the chemicals in dryer sheets in any capacity. I'm no expert, but if it causes trauma to a sensitive person , on contact, then it can't be all that good for the rest of us. Babies are also easily harmed by dryer sheets. It is recommended that baby clothes do not get washed with fabric softeners or dryer sheets as it can be harmful or even fatal for developing babies. There a number of cases of SIDS associated with the use of fabric softeners and dryer sheets. You are also contributing to pollution and ozone depletion whenever you pop a dryer sheet in your dryer. Various toxic chemicals are being emitted into the air through you dryer vent.
Dryer sheets leave an oil coating on your clothes, which don't really leave them softer or fluffy. This oil builds up on the fibers and takes the absorbency out (oil repels water). They are designed to slowly release their chemicals, in the attempt to "keep them fresh" all day. In reality, they are causing you to experience prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals. In the dryer, fabric softener leaves a sticky residue on all the components like the moisture sensors and drum of the dryer. This residue is very flammable, which is why on the back of some fabric softeners it tells you not to use on towels, terrycloth or fleece. The number one cause of house fires is the dryer. Fabric softeners even take the fire retardant out of baby's clothes.
So...Stop Buying Dryer Sheets and try Dryer Magic Dryer Balls. These dryer balls are completely non-toxic and chemical free. Dryer Balls soften fabrics naturally without the need for fabric softener or dryer sheets. These two little Dryer Balls will take the place other fabric softeners without the use of chemicals, making them perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. Dryer Balls are reusable and hypoallergenic and come with a Lifetime Guarantee. These innovative balls tumble in the dryer to lift and separate laundry, so your clothes dry faster as hot air flows more efficiently. Soft tips massage fabrics to naturally fluff and soften without the use of chemical-laden dryer sheets or liquid softeners.
Save money with dryer balls. For just a little more than one fabric softener or dryer sheet purchase, you will have a fabric softening product that will last for years. Imagine the savings of never buying fabric softener or dryer sheets again. Plus with 15%-25% shorter drying times, you will save on energy costs and shorten the amount of time it takes to do laundry.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
.......as little as once a week may increase your odds of developing asthma symptoms.
Ask Dr. Weil: Air Fresheners
Are they bad for my health?
Q: I use air fresheners in my home, but have been told I shouldn't. Are they bad for my health?
A: It certainly looks like they are. Recent research strongly suggests that they raise your risk of a number of pulmonary diseases. Last year researchers found thatbeing exposed to chemicals from air fresheners as little as once a week may increase your odds of developing asthma symptoms by 71 percent. And a 2006 study showed that people with high blood levels of the chemical 1,4 dichlorobenzene—commonly found in air fresheners—were more likely to experience a decline in lung function.
Other studies point to a cancer link. University of California, Berkeley, researchers determined that, when used in small, poorly ventilated rooms, some air fresheners emit pollutants that create high levels of formaldehyde, a carcinogen shown to cause cancer in animals and respiratory irritation in humans.
Last year, the Natural Resources Defense Council evaluated 14 air fresheners, 12 of which had varying amounts of phthalates, chemicals that may affect fertility, cause cancer, and trigger developmental abnormalities in infants. The NRDC and other environmental groups filed a petition calling for all air freshener-related products to be tested for consumer safety and regulated by the government.
I recommend freshening the air by opening windows and eliminating the sources of unpleasant odors. If you enjoy aromas indoors, opt for natural items such as a lavender plant, potted herbs, or a bouquet of fresh flowers.
Andrew Weil, M.D., is a pioneer in the field of holistic health and founder and director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Arizona. He received his medical training at Harvard University.
Provided by Prevention
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Adolescent exposures to cosmetic chemicals of concern
During this window of vulnerability to toxic assault, adolescent girls typically experiment with an increasing number and variety of body care products. Teen study participants used an average of nearly 17 personal care products each day, while the average adult woman uses just 12 products daily. Thus, teens may unknowingly expose themselves to higher levels of cosmetic ingredients linked to potential health effects at a time when their bodies are more susceptible to chemical damage.
Cosmetics and other personal care products are an alarming example of government and industry failures to protect public health. Federal health statutes do not require companies to test products or ingredients for safety before they are sold. As a result, nearly all personal care products contain ingredients that have not been assessed for safety by any accountable agency, and that are not required to meet standards of safety. To protect the health of teens and all Americans, we recommend action:
- The federal government must set comprehensive safety standards for cosmetics and other personal care products.
- Teens should make healthy choices for themselves by reducing the number of products they use, and by using our Shopper’s Guide to Safe Cosmetics to select safer products.
- Companies must reformulate products to protect consumers from exposure to potentially toxic chemicals, untested ingredients, and noxious impurities.