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Many Household Items Contaminated With Flame Retardants

SimaNovember 8, 2024November 10, 2024Leave a comment

If you already suspected that we are surrounded by toxic chemicals in our homes - yes, your suspicions are true. A new study found that toxic flame retardants are in many household items that we use daily, specifically black plastic items (e.g., kitchen utensils, toys, takeout containers). That's because black plastic items tend to include recycled plastics.

In the study the researchers tested 230 store-bought items in the Seattle area for flame retardants, and found flame retardants in 85% of them. All the tested items were of black plastic or had black plastic somewhere in them (e.g., underside of toy cars). Showing that the flame retardants are pervasive, the 10 items with the highest levels of flame retardants were a sushi tray, toy car, peeler, travel checkers set, toy beads, and other kitchen utensils.

The problem with recycled plastics is that much of it comes from plastic that originally had flame retardants and other toxic chemicals added to it, for example electronics and electric products. When these recycled plastics are added to ordinary household items, the original toxic chemicals are in them, and now the consumer gets exposed to them. For example, in food utensils, toys, takeout containers, office supplies, and more. These items do NOT need flame retardants in them.

The study found that up to 2.3% of the weight of the household products were flame retardants. Some of the chemicals they found have been phased out, but are still winding up in recycled plastic. Studies show that flame retardants migrate from cooking utensils into food, and from toys into saliva. These chemicals are linked to cancers, endocrine and reproductive problems, and other health problems. Also, they tend to bioaccumulate in the environment and in people. Yikes!

Bottom line: At this point try to avoid black plastic items or items with some black plastic, especially in toys, food containers, and kitchen/household products. Right now view all "recycled plastic" items as problematic and to be avoided.

From Medical Xpress: From kitchenware to toys, household items linked to toxic flame retardants

From toys to kitchenware to food takeout trays, researchers have discovered a toxic chemical banned for its link to cancer in many common household items. Exposure to the flame retardant can come with serious health risks. ...continue reading "Many Household Items Contaminated With Flame Retardants"

Forever Chemicals Are Linked To Colorectal Cancer

SimaSeptember 28, 2024September 28, 2024Leave a comment

A number of things can contribute to the development of colorectal cancer (colon cancer), such as highly processed foods, eating a Western diet low in fiber, or the bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum. These are known to contribute to or result in the gut microbiome being out of whack (gut dysbiosis).

Another factor is perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), which are chemicals we all are exposed to in everyday life. A recent study illustrated how long-term exposure to PFOS can also contribute to the development of colorectal cancer because of the effect it has on intestinal cells in the intestines.

PFAS and PFOS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are called forever chemicals due to their buildup (bioaccumulation) and persistence in people and the environment. We get exposure to these chemicals various ways - through ingestion (food and water), inhalation (dust), and from absorption through the skin (e.g., personal care products).

They are widely used chemicals, such as in non-stick coatings (e.g., pots and pans) and stain and water repellent products. We get exposure to these chemicals various ways - through ingestion (food and water), inhalation (dust), and from absorption through the skin (e.g., personal care products).

They are in all of us at varying levels, and they have harmful health effects. Effects include cancer, reproductive harm (e.g., poorer semen quality), birth defects, lowered sex and growth hormones in children, thyroid disease, immune effects, and liver and kidney damage. They are endocrine disruptors.

The chemical industry would have you think that the newer PFAS chemicals that replace the older ones are "safer", but guess what? They're not. They're very similar chemically, so it shouldn't be surprising that they don't appear to be safer.

Bottom line: You can't totally avoid PFAS chemicals, but you can lower your exposure to them. If possible, avoid products that are water and stain proof or leak-proof, especially if children will be using the product. Don't use nonstick cookware, stain resistant carpeting and fabrics, clothing treated to be water-proof, and synthetic turf. PFAS and PFOS don't have to be mentioned on labels, so it's buyer beware.

From Medical Xpress: Study links 'forever chemical' PFOS with colorectal cancer

A recent University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center study sheds light on how the environmental pollutant perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) may affect our intestines and possibly increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. ...continue reading "Forever Chemicals Are Linked To Colorectal Cancer"

Microplastics Found In Human and Dog Testicles

SimaMay 30, 2024May 30, 2024Leave a comment

Scientists have been finding microplastics (tiny plastic particles) in our bodies - in our lungs, our blood, even our stools. The latest is a study finding microplastics in both human and dog testicles (in the testicular tissue). The small microplastics get into our bodies through inhalation and by ingestion (in the food and water), and from there they travel to different organs of the body.

They found 12 types of microplastics in all 23 human and 47 dog testicles that were studied. [NOTE: testicles = testes] In all of them! Human testicular tissue had 3 times the amount found in dogs.

They also found that higher numbers of PVC microplastics in the dog testicular tissue was correlated with a lower sperm count. (They were unable to test for this in the human samples.)

These concerning results may be part of the reason human sperm count is dropping rapidly worldwide over the past few decades. (These are thought to be contributors to the decline: pesticides, endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, plastics.) Microplastics, occur as a result of plastics breaking down, and are now found everywhere that researchers look.

From Science Daily: Researchers find microplastics in canine and human testicular tissue

University of New Mexico researchers have detected significant concentrations of microplastics in the testicular tissue of both humans and dogs, adding to growing concern about their possible effect on human reproductive health. ...continue reading "Microplastics Found In Human and Dog Testicles"

Forever Chemicals Can Enter and Accumulate In the Brain

SimaMay 17, 2024May 17, 2024Leave a comment

The toxic chemicals PFAS, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" (due to their buildup and persistence in people and the environment) are in the news again. Once again, it's bad news. This time, researchers found that PFAS chemicals travel through the blood, and enter and accumulate in the human brain.

And not just the original PFAS chemicals (e.g., used in Teflon, Scotchgard), but even their replacements accumulate in the brain.

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are called forever chemicals due to their buildup and persistence in people and the environment. They are in all of us at varying levels, and they have harmful health effects. Effects include cancer, reproductive harm (e.g., poorer semen quality), birth defects, lowered sex and growth hormones in children, thyroid disease, immune effects, and liver and kidney damage. They are endocrine disruptors.

Bottom line: You can't totally avoid PFAS chemicals, but you can lower your exposure to them. If possible, avoid products that are water and stain proof or leak-proof, especially if children will be using the product. Don't use nonstick cookware, stain resistant carpeting and fabrics, clothing treated to be water-proof, and synthetic turf. PFAS don't have to be mentioned on labels, so it's buyer beware.

From Environmental Health News: PFAS can enter and accumulate in the brain, study confirms

A new study published in Environment International examines the ability of PFAS - a class of hazardous chemicals with known neurotoxic effects - to bypass the body’s protective barriers and enter into brain tissue. ...continue reading "Forever Chemicals Can Enter and Accumulate In the Brain"

Pregnant Women Ingest Forever Chemicals In Ultra-Processed and Fast Foods

SimaFebruary 11, 2024Leave a comment

Chemicals known as "forever chemicals" or PFAS have been in the news a lot recently. This is because PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are in so many products that we all use, yet research is showing more and more health harms from them. Including to pregnant women and developing babies.

A recent study found that pregnant women who ate more ultra-processed or fast foods had higher levels of a type of forever chemicals (PFAS) called phthalates in their bodies. The food wrappers and packaging of ultra-processed and fast food, and even the gloves worn by food handlers, are a source of the harmful chemicals.

The chemicals migrate from the packaging or wrapping into the food, which is then ingested by the person. They then get into the pregnant woman's bloodstream, and eventually the placenta and fetus. They are endocrine (hormone) disruptors. Studies find that pregnant women with higher levels of phthalates have an increased risk of preterm birth, babies with low birth weight, and other problems (e.g., autism spectrum disorder).

The researchers found that diets high in vegetables, fruits, yogurt, fish, and nuts during pregnancy were associated with lower phthalate levels (measured in the urine of the pregnant women). Ultra-processed foods were between 9.8 to 59.% of the pregnant women's diets, with the average being 38.6%.

Unfortunately, unprocessed and minimally processed foods are more expensive than ultra-processed foods. So it wasn't surprising that socioeconomic levels (including income levels) made a difference - the lower the household income, the greater the average ultra-processed food intake.

Bottom line: Try to eat less fast food and pre-made packaged food. Read labels and avoid foods with ingredients that are not found normally in a home kitchen, but are chemicals (e.g., soy lecithin, carrageenan, high-fructose corn syrup, colors). We can't totally avoid all PFAS, but we can lower our exposure to them.

From Medical Xpress: Study: Pregnant women should avoid ultraprocessed, fast foods

If you're pregnant, you may want to think twice before making a hamburger run or reaching for a prepackaged pastry, according to research published last month in the journal Environmental International. ...continue reading "Pregnant Women Ingest Forever Chemicals In Ultra-Processed and Fast Foods"

EPA Finally Proposing Some Forever Chemicals As Hazardous

SimaFebruary 2, 2024Leave a comment

Finally.... the EPA is proposing that 9 PFAS chemicals called "forever chemicals" be labelled as "hazardous to human health" or "hazardous constituents". This means that the chemicals are toxic or cause cancer, genetic mutations, or malformations of an embryo (developing baby). There actually are thousands of PFAS chemicals, but the FDA is only focusing on 9 of them.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are called forever chemicals because they break down very slowly and they tend to accumulate, both in the environment and in humans. They are endocrine disruptors (disrupt hormones).

In humans and animals these harmful chemicals cause numerous health effects, including cancer, reproductive harm (e.g., poorer semen quality), birth defects, lowered sex and growth hormones in children, thyroid disease, immune effects, and liver and kidney damage.

Nonstick pan Credit: Wikipedia

Almost all of us have PFAS in our bodies (at varying levels). It's very hard to avoid them totally, but you should try to minimize exposure. Unfortunately, these chemicals are in all sorts of consumer products that we are exposed to frequently or daily. For example: non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, synthetic turf, cosmetics, and materials that protect against grease, oil, and water (e.g., stain-resistant carpeting and fabrics, food packaging, and water-repellent clothing).

What can you do? If possible, avoid products that are water and stain proof or leak-proof, especially if children will be using the product. (For ex., can look for physical barriers instead of a chemical coating). Don't use nonstick cookware. PFAS don't have to be mentioned on labels, so it's buyer beware.

Excerpts from NPR: The EPA is proposing that 'forever chemicals' be considered hazardous substances

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing that nine PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," be categorized as hazardous to human health.

The EPA signed a proposal Wednesday that would deem the chemicals "hazardous constituents" under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. ...continue reading "EPA Finally Proposing Some Forever Chemicals As Hazardous"

Hundreds Of Common Chemicals Are Linked to Breast Cancer Risk

SimaJanuary 18, 2024January 19, 2024Leave a comment

People worry about breast cancer and whether exposure to chemicals "in the environment" can lead to breast cancer. According to many studies the answer is: YES, absolutely - and this is why they are called carcinogens (a substance capable of causing cancer). What are the chemicals?

A recent study found that 921 chemicals are likely "breast carcinogens" and thus increase the risk of breast cancer. Many of these are commonly used in everyday products, including personal care products. The authors also pointed out that this list of chemicals is incomplete because information is not publicly available on many additional chemicals . (Unfortunately, the EPA is not asking for more information and testing to be done on many chemicals.)

The authors of the study point out that breast cancer is "both the most commonly diagnosed cancer type and leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide". So knowing which chemicals could potentially cause breast cancer is important. Some examples: phthalates, parabens, many pesticides, endocrine disruptors.

Bottom line: Read ingredient lists in order to avoid many problematic chemicals. For example; if you see parabens or phthalates listed (e.g., in lotion) - avoid those products. Avoid fragrances, stain repellents, antimicrobials. Eat as many organic foods as possible (to avoid pesticide residues in non-organic foods). [See more tips on avoiding toxic chemicals.]

Also, avoid using pesticides as much as possible, and instead use least toxic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or organic methods, both inside the home and outside.

Excerpts from Environmental Health News: More than 900 common chemicals linked to breast cancer risk: Study

More than 900 chemicals commonly found in consumer products and the environment have been linked to breast cancer risk in a new study. ...continue reading "Hundreds Of Common Chemicals Are Linked to Breast Cancer Risk"

Microplastics Found In Placentas

SimaNovember 30, 2023November 30, 2023Leave a comment

Interesting, yet disturbing, research found microplastics in human placentas and also that the microplastic contamination of placentas has been rising steadily since 2006. During this time global plastic production has also increased.

Microplastics are the teeny, tiny plastic particles (less than 5mm or .20 inches in length) that are a result of plastics breaking up over time. The big question now is: Are microplastics also getting into the fetus?

University of Hawaii researchers examined 10 healthy human placentas in each of these years: 2006, 2013, and 2021. Microplastics were found in six of the 10 (60%) in 2006, 9 out of the 10 (90%) in 2013, and in all placentas (100%) in 2021. Only a sample (50 grams) was taken from each placenta, but it was clear that the number of microplastics found also increased over time: 22 particles from 2006, 38 particles in 2013, and 82 particles in 2021.

Another concern is that microplastic particles leach chemicals, and also that some of the particles found in the placentas had endocrine disrupting properties. It is unknown at this time what the effects are from microplastic accumulation in our bodies. Perhaps they have no effect, but absolutely no one thinks they are beneficial. So far other research has found microplastics in the human gut, lungs, bloodstream, and reproductive organs (male testes, female breasts).

Microplastics are of concern to all of us because we are ingesting them in our foods and beverages (especially bottled water), absorbing them through our skin, and breathing them in. Think of all the plastic products we use (e.g., toothpaste, bottled water, computers, cell phones, plastic bags) and wear (synthetic fabrics) daily.

From Science Daily: Rise of microplastics discovered in placentas of Hawaii mothers

A placenta (commonly known as the "afterbirth" or "ʻiewe" in Hawaiian) is a temporary organ which connects the mother to the fetus via the umbilical cord. Its purpose is to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the fetus while serving as a barrier to prevent infections or viruses from entering the developing fetus. ...continue reading "Microplastics Found In Placentas"

Health Concerns With Artificial Turf

SimaNovember 15, 2023November 16, 2023Leave a comment

Recently the NFL Players Association called for all 30 NFL stadiums to use natural grass rather than synthetic or artificial turf. The reason given is that artificial turf causes "unnecessary injuries" in football players.

It's true. For years, including the 2022 NFL season, there were significantly more non-contact injuries to the lower extremities (e.g., ACL tears) on synthetic turf than on natural grass. By the way, the FIFA World Cup soccer association always requires a grass playing field.

But there are also other compelling reasons to not use synthetic turf - all the toxic chemicals in it. Carcinogens (e.g., cancer-causing chemicals), endocrine disruptors, "forever chemicals" (e.g., PAHs), neurotoxicants. Study after study shows that these chemicals leach out into the environment, as well as on the people playing on the turf. And yes, it is thought they cause harmful health effects, such as cancer - but the studies have not been done.

Children playing on these synthetic fields are at highest risk - they inhale the chemicals being released from the tur, get it on their skin, and ingest tiny particles. The synthetic turf also heats up excessively in hot sunny weather - from 140 to 170 degrees F. (Grass rarely heats up more than 100 degrees F.)

The following are some good articles on this topic:

Moms Clean Air Force (non-profit group working on air quality issues): Artificial Grass Isn’t Always Greener: Toxic Chemicals in Synthetic Turf

For health information about the chemicals, and tips to reduce risks if you or your child plays on synthetic turf. From The Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai: Artificial Turf Health Risks

Great (and easy to read) reports on artificial turf from the non-profit research group Environment and Human Health. Main page (scroll down) on artificial turf articles. Good article: Synthetic Turf Report: Industry's Claims Versus the Science (Hint: they explain how the synthetic turf industry lies and distorts)

From Beyond Pesticides: Sports World Rejects Synthetic Turf, Favors Natural Grass as Organic Offers Safe Alternatives

Toxic Chemicals Are On Many Of the Clothes We Wear

SimaOctober 15, 2023Leave a comment

It turns out that the fabric used to make clothing is doused with all sorts of chemicals. Synthetic fabrics, fabrics dyed with azo dyes, and all fabrics treated to be stain repellant, anti-mold, anti-odor, wrinkle free, easy care, water resistant, flame retardant are the worst. Alden Wicker's book To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick - And How We Can Fight Back discusses this topic in depth.

To give fabric performance qualities, lots of toxic chemicals have to be used, including endocrine disruptors and PFAS. There is no regulation of all the chemicals used on fabrics, which means we are exposed to them when we wear clothing. And yes, people are getting sick from the fabrics, especially if they have to wear them as part of their job. For example, flight attendants and firefighters.

The book is both fascinating and horrifying. I started it one morning and found myself neglecting everything else that day - just reading and reading till I was done that evening. Interesting stories (especially what flight attendants went through with new toxic uniforms), very thorough, things you can do to protect yourself, and lots of references at the end if you want to pursue the topic further.

What you can do: Try to wear natural fabrics (cotton, linen, hemp, wool). Avoid clothes that are stain repellent, anti-mold, anti-odor, wrinkle resistant, and flame retardant. Look for Oeko-Tex and GOTS organic certification, if possible - even though only a limited number of the many toxic chemicals are tested for.

NPR interviewed the author. Some excerpts from NPR: Is 'Toxic Fashion' making us sick? A look at the chemicals lurking in our clothes

In 2018, Delta airlines unveiled new uniforms made of a synthetic-blend fabric. Soon after, flight attendants began to get sick. Alden Wicker explains how toxic chemicals get in clothes in To Dye For. ...continue reading "Toxic Chemicals Are On Many Of the Clothes We Wear"