Archive for the 'Environmental hazards' Category
February 19th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
The industrial cleaner trichloroethylene (TCE) has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to researchers from the Parkinson’s Institute in Sunnyvale, California.
TCE exposure occurred in jobs such as dry cleaners, electricians, machinists and mechanics. The chemical was once a popular industrial solvent used in dry cleaning and to clean grease off metal parts. Because of safety concerns, TCE is no longer widely used.
Source: American Academy of Neurology, News Release, Feb. 7, 2010
January 27th, 2010 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Yes, a toilet seat can harbor a variety of germs. MRSA, pinworms, and viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting are just some of the pathogens that can be transmitted to you by the toilet seat.
Researchers are now describing a new wave of irritating and itchy rash on the upper thighs and buttocks of children. Harsh chemical cleaners on toilet seats and/or exotic wooden toilet seats appear to be the main culprits causing this problem. A recent study from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center documents recent cases of toilet seat dermatitis in children, some of whom suffered for years before being diagnosed.
Toilet seat dermatitis was first documented and described in 1927 when varnish, lacquers, and paints were used on wooden toilet seats. In the 1980s and 1990s, plastic toilet seats replaced wooden ones and sanitary seat covers came into use. These changes were associated with a dramatic decline in the condition.
Recently, however exotic wooden toilet seats, as well as harsh toilet seat detergents have made a resurgence in popularity. Cleaners with ingredients such as didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, are being used as toilet seat cleansers although they have previously been documented to cause severe skin irritation.
To prevent any of these conditions, avoid sitting directly on a toilet seat or use a protective barrier in public restrooms. Avoid harsh cleansers at home and replace all wooden toilet seats with plastic ones.
Read more about the Super Bug, MRSA
Source: “Toilet Seat Dermatitis Making a Comeback”, MedPage Today, January 2010
Source: Center for Disease Control
June 2nd, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Environmental pollution may be contributing to the growing incidence of liver disease in the general U.S. population, according to researchers from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Their analyses found that at least some of this hazardous exposure may be attributed to banned organochloride pesticides and heavy metals such as mercury and lead.
Source: “DDW: Pollution May Explain Some Liver Disease in the U.S.”, MedPage Today, May 29, 2009
Source: Patel M, et al “Pesticide and heavy metal exposures are associated with ALT elevation in American adults: NHANES 2003-2004″ DDW 2009; Abstract 289.
February 17th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Passive smoking, also known as secondhand smoke, has been found to impair cognition according to British researchers from the University of Cambridge. In their recent study, nonsmokers with the heaviest secondhand smoke exposure were at a 44% higher risk of scoring in the bottom 10% on cognitive testing, compared with those with the lowest level of passive smoking.
People over fifty were included in this clinical trial, but other studies have also connected secondhand smoke exposure to impaired cognition in both children and adolescents.
Passive smoking has also been found to be a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, tuberculosis, breast cancer, psoriasis, glucose intolerance, and other chronic medical conditions.
The results from a number of studies affirm that public interventions which prohibit smoking can have an enormous impact on public health. In fact several studies have provided evidence that smoking bans have not only reduced respiratory symptoms among workers in service industries, but hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction in the general population have significantly decreased.
Source: “Secondhand Smoke Linked to Adult Cognitive Impairment’, MedPage Today, February 15, 2009
Source: Llewellyn D, et al “Exposure to secondhand smoke and cognitive impairment in non-smokers: national cross sectional study with cotinine measurement” BMJ 2009; DOI: 10.1136/bmj.b462.
Source: Menzies D et al. “Respiratory Symptoms, Pulmonary Function, and Markers of Inflammation Among Bar Workers Before and After a Legislative Ban on Smoking in Public Places.” JAMA. 2006;296:1742-1748
February 9th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
People living within 50 meters of a 220-380 kV power line are more likely to die of Alzheimer’s disease than those living at least 600 meters away from these lines, according to Swiss researchers from the University of Bern. The longer people lived close to the power lines, the higher their risk.
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are invisible lines of force that surround any electrical device that is plugged in and turned on. These electromagnetic fields are everywhere, in fact the cell phones, laptops, microwaves, hair dryers, electric blankets, and other appliances we surround ourselves with everyday emit an electromagnetic field in varying degrees.
The dangers of electromagnetic fields have long been a subject of discussion, controversy and research. Although there has been no conclusive evidence of a link between disease and EMF exposure, the World Health Organization has stated that these magnetic fields are possible human carcinogens. Some studies have found an increased risk of childhood leukemia in children living next to high-voltage power lines. Most recently, a study from 2005 found that children living within 200 meters of high-voltage power lines have a 70-percent increased risk of developing leukemia.
In your home there are a number of common-sense ways to reduce exposures to the EMFs that surround you during the day:
- Magnetic fields from appliances drop off dramatically in strength with increased distance from the source.
- Stand back from an appliance when it’s in use. A microwave, in particular, emits a considerable electromagnetic field within several feet of it during operation. Standing five-feet away from it during use will greatly reduce any EMF exposure.
- Keep at least an arm’s length away from computer monitors.
- Avoid using a laptop directly on the lap. There is no documented health hazard from using a laptop on the lap, but laptops do emit a small amount of radiation.
- Don’t let children play directly under power lines or on top of power transformers for underground lines.
- The duration of exposure is a factor of EMF exposure as well:
- Alarm clocks that sit next to your head for eight hours every night should be moved away from the head of the bed.
- Electric blankets that surround your body all night expose you to eight hours of low-dose EMF.
- Children are more susceptible to any potential dangers from EMF and parents might want to consider limiting cell phone use as a precautionary measure. Talking for hours on end, for instance, is a problem for a number of reasons, but the full breadth of the hazards of cell phone use by children is not completely understood yet.
- Correct any household wiring problems. This is also worth doing just for general safety reasons.
World wide, scientists who study the biological effects of radiation continue to do research on this issue.
Source: American Journal of Epidemiology, January 15, 2009.
Source: Draper G, Vincent T, Kroll ME, et al. Childhood cancer in relation to distance from high voltage power lines in England and Wales: a case-control study. British Medical Journal. 2005;330;1290-1294
February 4th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Sulfide gases being emitted from Chinese-made drywall have been detected in some Southwest Florida homes, according to a series of articles from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Foul odors, similar to that of rotten eggs, have been reported by people living in the homes and the residents are claiming health problems as a direct result of the gases being released from the drywall.
The drywall was manufactured by Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd., a Chinese subsidiary of a German-based manufacturer. A second manufacturer was Taishan Gypsum.
According to the Herald-Tribune, “the amount of Chinese-manufactured drywall imported into the United States since 2006 was potentially enough to build more than 60,000 homes nationwide.”
via Sarasota Herald-Tribune:
January 14th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
The likely source of the national salmonella outbreak has been identified in a container of peanut butter at a Minnesota nursing home. The 5-pound container of King Nut peanut butter, which tested positive, appears to be manufactured for sale in large containers to institutions such as nursing homes, cafeterias, etc.
Salmonella Typhimurium has been reported in 43 states since Sept. 3. The infections have been linked to 400 illnesses and three deaths — two in Virginia and one in Minnesota.
The distributor of King Nut peanut butter has taken voluntary action to withdraw its peanut butter products from the marketplace. The FDA, CDC, and state health agencies are continuing to investigate whether these products are the source of the national outbreak.
via FDA, January 12, 2009
January 8th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently reported that the industrial chemical melamine and a byproduct cyanuric acid have now been detected in four of 89 containers of infant formula made in the United States.
In a recent article in Yahoo, Finance, “In November, The Associated Press reported previously undisclosed FDA tests, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, showing that out of 77 containers of domestic infant formula tested, a can of milk-based liquid Nestle Good Start Supreme Infant Formula with Iron contained traces of melamine while Mead Johnson’s Enfamil LIPIL with Iron had traces of cyanuric acid.
The FDA has now updated its response to the AP’s FOIA request by posting results of 89 tests on its Web site. Those results show that two additional containers of Enfamil LIPIL with Iron had traces of cyanuric acid.
Separately, a third major formula maker — Abbott Laboratories, whose brands include Similac — told AP in November that in-house tests had detected trace levels of melamine in its infant formula.”
This contamination has been found to be extremely minute, at levels safe for babies, according to federal regulators.
The FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk or milk-derived ingredients from Chinese sources. Certain foods have been found to be contaminated with melamine and consumers have been advised not to consume any of these products. As of January 8, 2009, the list of products includes:
- Topaz Wafer Rolls with Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling
- New!Topaz Wafer Rolls with Hazelnut Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling New!
- Topaz Wafer Rolls with Vanilla Flavored Cream Filling New!
- Topaz Wafer Rolls with Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Cream Filling New!
- G&J Hot Cocoa Stuffer Item 120144
- G&J His and Hers Hot Cocoa Set Item 120129
- G&J Cocoa item 120126, sold in 2 flavors: French Vanilla Cocoa and Double Chocolate Cocoa
- Wonderfarm “Successful” Assorted Biscuits
- Wonderfarm “Royal Flavour” Assorted Biscuits
- Wonderfarm “Lovely Melody” Assorted Biscuits
- Wonderfarm “Daily Life” Assorted Biscuits
- Topaz Hazelnut Wafer Rolls with Hazelnut Chocolate Flavored Creme Filling (photo page)
- Sweet Time Christmas Dressy Bear with Chocolate Bar
- Fresh and Crispy Jacobina Biscuits
- Koala’s March Crème filled Cookies
- YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink
- YILI Brand Pure Milk Drink
- Blue Cat Flavored Drinks
- White Rabbit Candies
- Mr. Brown Mandehling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
- Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
- Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
- Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
- Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
- Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1)
- Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1)
- Infant formula manufactured in China
via FDA, January 2009 http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/melamine.html,
Photo above courtesy of the FDA
January 5th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
1. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and grains. Read about the top power foods.
2. Minimize high-fat foods and meats in your diet. Read and understand food labels
3. Be active and stay fit. Get started on a regular exercise program that you will enjoy. The 18 benefits of exercise and how to get started.
4. Drink minimal alcohol, if you drink at all. How much is unhealthy?
5. Don’t start smoking, and if you do smoke, make every effort to stop as soon as possible. Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in our society. Stop smoking, get results, change your life!
6. Shield your skin from the sun. Sun damage to deeper layers of skin eventually can cause cancer.
7. Get regular pap smear screening and colonoscopy as recommended for your age, family history, and medical history. Pap smear screening is an important method of detecting early cervical cancer. Colonoscopy both prevents and detects colon cancer. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Read about colonoscopy.
8. Girls age 11-18 should get the vaccine for HPV (human papilloma virus). A decision about whether a woman aged 19 to 26 years should get the vaccine should be based on an informed discussion between the woman and her health care provider.
9. Be aware of and try to avoid environmental carcinogens.
10. Ask your doctor about checking a blood test for Vitamin D levels. Many recent studies have found that adequate levels of Vitamin D appear to be critical in preventing cancer and many other serious, chronic diseases, yet the deficiency is widespread in the U.S. and worldwide. This has prompted a recent surge in the number of general practitioners and pediatricians who are now routinely screening for adequate blood levels of Vitamin D and recommending Vitamin D supplementation.
Photo courtesy of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
November 3rd, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
A board of independent advisers to the FDA has concluded that the FDA recently erred when it stated that the use of the common chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is safe, particularly for infants.
BPA is used in packaging of infant formula, in molded plastic bottles, dinnerware and sippy cups. The current margin of safety is 5 mg/kg, but the subcommittee recommended lowering that level.
A man-made chemical, BPA is classified as an endocrine disruptor, which alters the function of the endocrine system by mimicking the role of the body’s natural hormones. It is used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic, and as an additive in other widely used consumer products. The fear has been that exposure to BPA can cause birth defects and developmental problems. In addition, exposure to BPA has been blamed for a variety of other problems, including cancer, diabetes, obesity and attention-deficit disorder.
There has been a difference of opinion between researchers whether there is cause for concern over Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide. In September, the FDA issued a statement about BPA that said there was insufficient evidence to connect commonly used levels of BPA to some health issues, including those in infants. But now, a board of independent advisers to the FDA has concluded that the FDA was wrong.
Canada has banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and some scientists and consumer groups have warned for years that the chemical might contribute to some cancers, early puberty, alterations of the prostate and urinary tracts, and behavioral problems.
The board called for future, large-scale studies investigating BPA exposure and there will likely be new regulations. The FDA is currently working with manufacturing companies that use BPA in their products to develop alternatives or to figure out how to effectively lower levels of the chemical. It is not recommended that mothers stop buying infant formula and attempt to make their own BPA-free formula, as it will likely be less nutritious.
Read important facts about Bisphenol A (BPA) from Bay Area Medical Information