Yet another Reason to Avoid #1 Plastic a.k.a Polyesther, PET, PETE
by Tiffany
A new study by German scientists in Environmental Science and Pollution Research shows unknown estrogen mimicking chemicals leaching into the water from polyethylene terephthalate also known as PET, PETE, #1 plastic, and polyester. For some time now studies have documented the leaching of antimony from #1 plastic and polyester but now questions are being raised over other unknown substances that may be leaching from this and other plastics. Plastics and human health research is, as with many chemicals, just on the verge of catching up with these relatively new compounds that have taken over our daily lives. So far there really is no good news coming from this research which puts more emphasis on our need to shift from plastics to more inert materials such as 18/8 or higher stainless steel, glass, wood, and ceramics.
Posted in Antimony, Environmental Health Research, Plastics and what You Need to Know | No Comments »
The Kid-Safe Chemicals Act
by Tiffany
This presentation is over the findings of Environmental Working Group’s Body Burden 2 - The Pollution in Newborns it is a real eye opener and if you have children, are pregnant, trying, or even thinking of conceving a child it is a must see. The study came out as I was beginning my journey into autism and played a big part of my beginning to realize the toxic soup in which I was living. What disturbs me the most now is that I once thought that if a product was on the market it was safe and just last night I had someone who showed me their polycarbonate (BPA) plastic bottle and recounted the conversation he recenly had with the distributor who said “the product would not be available to sell if it were not safe”. I know now that I have to extensively research everything I use and everything we sell, but not everyone is there yet. As for adults, I am not so concerned, but babies have no choice in the matter. Saving the environment for me is little more than protecting the human race because let’s face it the Earth has the potential to long outlive us. However, for us to survive it is crucial for us to learn to live with and protect nature and stop poisoning ourselves. Environmental Working Group has gone on to present theKid-Safe Chemicals Act which will reform the Toxic Substances Control act that has not been updated since 1976. We can all make a difference by spreading the information as it becomes available so that people can make truly informed choices and if you want to take it a step futher and join Environmental Working Groups push for reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act sign the delcaration.
Posted in Environmental Health Research, Green Pregnancy, Health and Product Safety | No Comments »
Parkinson’s Disease: Pesticides and BPA
by Tiffany
photo by: Greencolander
The other evening I was reading a new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives about low level estrogen mimics, such as BPA and endosulfan, interfering with the release and reacquisition of dopamine. Almost simultaneously I noticed a PBS special on Parkinson’s Disease, a neuro-degenerative disease that results in loss of motor coordination, tremors, and bradykinesia that inflicted my grandmother. Interestingly enough loss of dopamine is what causes Parkinson’s Disease. For years now there has been a growing link between Parkinson’s and pesticide exposure, like this study that shows exposure to pesticides and herbicides to increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s by 70%. While the evidence is compelling against pesticides, BPA may also play the role of a trigger for this disorder by altering dopamine responses.
Here are some of the studies linking Parkinson’s to Pesticide Exposure:
Pesticides can increase the risk of Parkinson’s, is there anything that can decrease the risk? Studies have shown a decrease in the risk of developing Parkinson’s associated with moderate exercise such as biking, jogging, and lap swimming. So avoid the pesticides, the BPA, and get moving!
Posted in Environmental Health Research | No Comments »
Cancelled! Ice Cancels Greening the (918)
by Tiffany
Along with Lundeby’s Eco Baby, Greening the (918) Local Food and Sustainable Agriculture is cancelled for today until further notice. The next scheduled Greening the (918) Seminar is Tuesday, February 17th the topic is Alternative Transportation. All Greening the (918) seminars will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Central Center at Centennial Park, 1928 6th Street, Tulsa. We will keep you updated on changes to the series.
As for Lundeby’s Eco Baby, we plan to be open tomorrow and will post any further closings. Stay safe and warm.
Posted in Environmental Health Research, Product Updates | No Comments »
Chemicals, Pregnancy, and Epigenetics: A Canadia Study
by Tiffany
photo by: jurvetson
Epigenetics is an emerging science which is based on the idea that environmental triggers can cause an organisms genes to behave differently by turning them on or off. A good example is that of smoking and cancer; many have the genetic possibility for developing cancer but this possibility combined with carcinogens greatly increases the probability that one will be diagnosed with cancer. I first heard about epigenetics on this segment of NOVA Science Now and was further validated in my stance against chemicals. I have thought a little about the implications that epigenetics could have on development through gene/environment interface and fell that neurotoxins, carcinogens, and endocrine disrupters should be avoided to the extent possible during gestation and while breastfeeding.
photo by: meemal
It seems that the Canadian Government shares my concerns and has set out to do a 5 year study, Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals, which will follow mothers from the fist trimester to 8 weeks after birth and assess biological markers of environmental chemicals through blood, urine, hair, breast milk, and meconium (this process is know as biomonitoring). This will add to the relatively little, yet growing, research on chemicals and their effect on development.
Posted in Environmental Health Research, Green Pregnancy | No Comments »
Autism Increase a Reality — New Study
by Tiffany
I stopped questioning whether the increase in autism was due to better and earlier diagnoses while working in the schools and having Special Education teachers that had been working for 20 years say that in the past few years “the number of autistic-like students had increased year after year, no matter what you diagnose them as that type of student was increasing in numbers.” I even witnessed an increase in the few years I was working in the schools and while children with autism are all different there are enough similarities to have a feeling for someone on the spectrum.
A new study by researchers at U.C. Davis M.I.N.D. Institute published in January’s Issue of the peer-reviewed journal Epidemiology gives even more weight to the actual increase in cases of autism and the need for more research into possible environmental triggers. A great synopsis of the study can be found on the Autism Society of America’s website.
I fell in love with every child that I worked with, these children are truly beautiful. Their personalities are nothing short of charming and magical. However, education and medical expenses for children with autism can place an enormous financial and emotional burden on parents and without intensive one-on-one education as well as other therapies their quality of life declines drastically. So while I truly cherish and love these children for who they are, I do not wish the struggle on anyone.
Certainly there are some genetic components at work, but it is not all genetic and research does need to focus more on chemicals and their effect on neurodevelopment if we are going to get any real answers. Autism is what opened my eyes to the insane chemicals that I had incorporated into my everyday life from garden pesticides to cleaning chemicals to air fresheners to cosmetics. Most of the chemicals we use today have had little to no testing. Research available shows many chemicals to be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and endocrine disrupting in laboratory testing yet they are found in many common household products. For the most part ingredients are required to be fully disclosed so the consumer is able to adequately asses these chemicals (with a little research). One exception is ingredients that fall under trade secrets such as “fragrance”. When you see “fragrance” as an ingredient know that you may be getting more than what you bargained for as phthalates (many of which have recently been banned for use in products for children under the age of 12) extend the life of a fragrance and are considered to be trade secrets so they do not have to be labeled. A resource I find helpful in evaluating ingredients is Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database. Even if the products you are wanting information on are not in the database itself you can pull up research on the ingredients themselves.. All of this to say that we as consumers need to be as educated as possible about the products we bring into our homes to protect the health of our families.
Posted in Autism, Environmental Health Research | No Comments »
Why Organic Cotton: A Synopsis
by Tiffany
Why support Organic Cotton? Conventional cotton is very harsh on the environment and the health of those working in the fields. Conventional cotton accounts for about 25% of the worlds pesticides and considering the toll that pesticide poisoning takes, there is great incentive to reduce their usage. This does not even touch the health effects on those living near pesticide intensive areas.
photo by: flydime
A Study published in 2007 in Environmental Health Perspectives found that in California maternal proximity to heavily sprayed agricultural crops resulted in an increase in children diagnosed with autism. Then further down the chain much damage is done to the wildlife and the build up of chemicals in the soil, air, and water comes back to us when we eat, breath, and drink. Additionally, from the fetal stage through the first few years of life children are far more sensitive to environmental toxins due to the developing blood-brain barrier and immune system. This is an extremely critical time to avoid xenobiotics that could cause neurobehavioral impairment, reproductive damage, immune dysfunction, and increased risk of cancer because of the massive development that is taking place.
Posted in Autism, Environmental Health Research, Why Organic Cotton? | No Comments »
Third-Hand Smoke???
by Tiffany
Just yesterday I got a bit of a headache from someone who had obviously been smoking a lot in a confined area. Of course this is something I feel is somewhat psychological…. or is it? This is a really interesting and thought provoking article by Scientific American which draws attention to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics
by jphilipg
What is Third-Hand Smoke? Is it Harmful?
I am sure most of you can guess the way I feel about smoking (although I too have been down that path) and while “thirdhand” smoke bothers me I had not though so much about the health effects of it. The more I know about offgassing the more suspicious I am of smells. I have not always been this way. My mom raised me in an unscented house which caused me to be self conscious at school when I would smell the lovely smell of fabric softener wafting off of clothing so as soon as I was in charge of my own laundry I was on a mission to sent my clothing to the hilt. I used scented detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheet (ah, I have given chemical companies a lot of money). It did not stop with my laundry but pervaded every aspect of my life I wanted everything to smell sweet and fresh like fresh baked cookies: clothing, hair, skin, air… As I became aware of chemicals (such as phthalates) and began to think about pregnancy the more I began to question smells. Everyday there is something that causes me to look at life from a slightly different angle and for those learning experiences I am extremely grateful.
Posted in Environmental Health Research | No Comments »
