The science of healthy children; hazard reduction
The health of the next generation; it is in our hands
Regulators would have us believe that our current level of exposure to the vast array of synthetic chemicals is completely safe. The FDA's recent decision on BPA in baby bottles and other children's products is a prime and concerning example of this. In many cases we have been told that while toxic chemicals may exist in our products, we don't absorb them, however numerous studies have proved this incorrect. In 2005 investigations by the Environmental Working Group found 287 commercial chemicals, pesticides and environmental pollutants in the umbilical cord blood of 10 newborns (with an average of 204 different contaminants per newborn) . Subsequently we have been told, that we may absorb them, but they don't do any damage. This also has been found to be false, with BPA for example found not only to cause endocrine disruption, but also significantly increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease in those with the highest blood levels.
While the scientist in me agrees that cause and effect are extremely difficult to demonstrate in this complex area, I certainly am not waiting until any body or government legislates against the use of the growing number of threats to human health found in everday products. The following excerpt is from one of my articles for Clean Food Organic Volume 5, which is available from www.cleanfood.com.au and from many Health Food store, organic stores and newsagents.
Organic Pregnancy by Gina Cacho (BSc)
Our children are exposed to an unprecedented level of synthetic chemicals even before they make their way from the womb to the world. Does this contamination of the next generation pose a risk to their long term health and what can expectant parents do to protect their unborn children?
Synthetic chemicals now pervade all aspects of every day life. Around 100 000 different chemicals are registered for use in the European Union. In addition to the billions of kilos of industrial chemicals released into air, water and landfill we are now facing exposure to synthetic chemicals through our household products and furnishings, our food and it’s packaging, personal care and cleaning products, our toys and even our clothes. Recent research has shown unequivocally that the foetus in the womb is now exposed to a cocktail of toxic chemicals.
The past 60 years has seen significant growth in industry of all forms. Following the world wars of last century, production of many synthetic chemicals previously required in the war effort continued as executives looked to find new markets for their products. Regrettably many of these chemicals have now found their way into our everyday lives and homes despite the fact that most have never been tested for their safety to work in this capacity. These pollutants have been found to cause many adverse biological effects both in local wildlife (including waterways) and in communities. Additionally each year around 2 500 new synthetic chemicals are launched into industry with very little safety testing. Many of these relatively new (and often untested) synthetic chemical compounds mimic the body’s natural hormones and therefore disrupt the endocrine (hormonal) system. Hormone disruption / imbalance is often cited as a cause of disease. The development of a foetus is largely controlled by hormones, making the influx of these endocrine disrupting compounds into our everyday lives a major concern.
Declining Health
While some will correctly point out that some natural chemicals are also potentially harmful, it is only with the rise in use of synthetic chemicals in the home, that we have seen a significant increase in the rates of asthma, autism (10 fold increase since the early 80’s), testicular cancer (66%), childhood brain cancer (40% increase), acute lymphocyctic leukemia (62% increase) and behavioural disorders such as attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Infertility rates and the rate of birth defects continue to rise and sperm counts continue to decline. While it is impossible to link these problems to one specific cause, environmental pollutants are likely to be contributing factors in the rise in the rates of cancer, allergies and developmental and reproductive disorders. It is also likely that prenatal exposure may increase the risk of an individual developing these diseases in adulthood.
Daily exposure
We live in chemical soup, with the majority of our daily activities providing a route for potentially harmful synthetic chemical exposure. The following list represents a small sample of the potential sources of contamination.
• Pesticides in our food and in the air
• Stain and grease resistant coatings for food wrap, carpet and furniture
• Fire retardants in TVs, computers and furniture
• Garbage incineration and plastic production
• Electrical insulation
• Car emissions and fossil fuel combustion
• Burning coal
• Personal care and cleaning products
The chemical cocktail
Some chemicals have been assessed for safety however most toxicology studies tend to look at individual chemicals in isolation. While this has been useful in providing insight into the likely sequelae of exposure to a particular chemical it does not provide useful information into the potential long term effects of the complex chemical combinations that are present in our bodies. While exposure to certain chemicals at high levels may result in severe birth defects, chronic low level exposure is likely to create more subtle changes that may surface later in childhood as learning or behavioural problems or in adulthood as cancer, autoimmune or neurodegenerative disease. Exposure safety limits are set with individual chemicals in mind. This does not take the interaction of chemicals or the effects of chronic bioaccumulation in the body tissues into consideration. While there is inevitable difficulty in determining a singular cause of most diseases, a study by the Natural Academy of Sciences in 2000 suggests that environmental factors contribute to at least 28% of childhood developmental disabilities.
Problematic research
Epidemiological studies are unable to provide precise information as there is little exposure data for most groups of chemicals. Having no unexposed groups to use as controls is also problematic. Additionally if a condition is frequent in a population then the ability to establish certain exposure as a direct cause is difficult. Currently hazard reduction is the best means of regulating exposure to these chemicals and while to some extent this requires changes in legislation and industrial practices there are certain steps we can take to reduce exposure for our unborn children.
Protecting the future generations
Some protection can be afforded by adopting the following strategies to minimize exposure. It is best to start following these guidelines as long before conception as possible, however reducing your exposure at any time before or during pregnancy is still beneficial.
EATING
• Eat less processed foods (which often contain chemical additives).
• Consume Organic foods which guarantee minimal pesticide residues for the consumer and protection for the farmer.
• Eat low on the food chain, by consuming less meat and dairy products which often contain a higher level of pollutants due to their high fat content (fatty tissues have a greater ability to accumulate persistent organic pollutants).
• Avoid consuming fish that are high on the food chain such as tuna and swordfish.
• Drink filtered water to reduce exposure to the pollutants found in most tap water.
• Avoid heating food in plastic, particularly soft plastics which can leech chemical contaminants into food.
PERSONAL CARE
• Reduce the number of personal care products you use and choose truly natural and /or organic varieties.
• Do not use conventional nail polish; if you must have painted digits opt for naturally based less toxic varieties.
• Avoid synthetic fragrances including perfume, aftershave, air fresheners and perfumed cleaning or personal care products.
HOME
• Avoid the use of stain repellants and opt for certified organic bedding.
• If you are pregnant use your growing belly to encourage somebody else to fill your car with petrol.
• Avoid painting the nursery or performing renovations either while you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you must renovate, use non-toxic paints and finishes whenever possible.
• When furnishing the nursery avoid purchasing pressed wood products that often use formaldehyde based glues. Opt for solid untreated plantation wood.
• Avoid conventional chemical based cleaning products.
• Consider a water filter for your shower to reduce contaminants.
BABY
• Avoid allowing your baby to play with or suck on PVC toys.
• Use minimal personal care products for your baby and stick to completely natural and or organic varieties.
• Opt for certified organic clothing and bedding for your newborn, or second hand clothing that is likely to have ‘off gassed’ many of the toxic substances.
Protecting the next generation is in our hands.
So while our legislators sift through poor quality studies sponsored by chemical producers, many of us will be making a positive change for our future. Even if you can make only one small change a month, you may be improving your families long term health, and in my mind, there is nothing more important than that.
With green thoughts for those making a difference
Gina
References:
Dorey C 2003. ‘Chemical Legacy: Contamination of the Child’. Greenpeace.
Greenpeace International 2005 ‘An Investigation of chemicals in Perfumes’.
Houlihan J, Brody C and Schwan B 2002. ‘Not Too Pretty, Phthalates, Beauty Products and the FDA’. Environmental Working Group.
Houlihan J, Kropp T, Wiles R, Gray S and Campbell C. 2005 Body Burden The Pollution in Newborns. Environmental Working Group.
‘The Human Impact of Man-made Chemicals’, Greenpeace UK, 2003.
National Academy of Sciences 2000. Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment. Committee on Developmental Toxicology. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, Washington, DC.
Peters, RJB 2003 ‘Hazardous Chemicals in Consumer Products’. TNO Netherlands Organisation for Applied Research.
US Environmental Protection Agency 2005. Supplemental guidance for assessing susceptibility from early-life exposures to carcinogens. EPA Risk Assessment Forum.
Swan SH, Elkin EP, Fenster L, 2000. The question of declining sperm density revisited; an analysis of 101 studies published 1934-1996. Environmental Health Perspectives 108; 961-966.
Regulators would have us believe that our current level of exposure to the vast array of synthetic chemicals is completely safe. The FDA's recent decision on BPA in baby bottles and other children's products is a prime and concerning example of this. In many cases we have been told that while toxic chemicals may exist in our products, we don't absorb them, however numerous studies have proved this incorrect. In 2005 investigations by the Environmental Working Group found 287 commercial chemicals, pesticides and environmental pollutants in the umbilical cord blood of 10 newborns (with an average of 204 different contaminants per newborn) . Subsequently we have been told, that we may absorb them, but they don't do any damage. This also has been found to be false, with BPA for example found not only to cause endocrine disruption, but also significantly increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease in those with the highest blood levels.
While the scientist in me agrees that cause and effect are extremely difficult to demonstrate in this complex area, I certainly am not waiting until any body or government legislates against the use of the growing number of threats to human health found in everday products. The following excerpt is from one of my articles for Clean Food Organic Volume 5, which is available from www.cleanfood.com.au and from many Health Food store, organic stores and newsagents.
Organic Pregnancy by Gina Cacho (BSc)
Our children are exposed to an unprecedented level of synthetic chemicals even before they make their way from the womb to the world. Does this contamination of the next generation pose a risk to their long term health and what can expectant parents do to protect their unborn children?
Synthetic chemicals now pervade all aspects of every day life. Around 100 000 different chemicals are registered for use in the European Union. In addition to the billions of kilos of industrial chemicals released into air, water and landfill we are now facing exposure to synthetic chemicals through our household products and furnishings, our food and it’s packaging, personal care and cleaning products, our toys and even our clothes. Recent research has shown unequivocally that the foetus in the womb is now exposed to a cocktail of toxic chemicals.
The past 60 years has seen significant growth in industry of all forms. Following the world wars of last century, production of many synthetic chemicals previously required in the war effort continued as executives looked to find new markets for their products. Regrettably many of these chemicals have now found their way into our everyday lives and homes despite the fact that most have never been tested for their safety to work in this capacity. These pollutants have been found to cause many adverse biological effects both in local wildlife (including waterways) and in communities. Additionally each year around 2 500 new synthetic chemicals are launched into industry with very little safety testing. Many of these relatively new (and often untested) synthetic chemical compounds mimic the body’s natural hormones and therefore disrupt the endocrine (hormonal) system. Hormone disruption / imbalance is often cited as a cause of disease. The development of a foetus is largely controlled by hormones, making the influx of these endocrine disrupting compounds into our everyday lives a major concern.
Declining Health
While some will correctly point out that some natural chemicals are also potentially harmful, it is only with the rise in use of synthetic chemicals in the home, that we have seen a significant increase in the rates of asthma, autism (10 fold increase since the early 80’s), testicular cancer (66%), childhood brain cancer (40% increase), acute lymphocyctic leukemia (62% increase) and behavioural disorders such as attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Infertility rates and the rate of birth defects continue to rise and sperm counts continue to decline. While it is impossible to link these problems to one specific cause, environmental pollutants are likely to be contributing factors in the rise in the rates of cancer, allergies and developmental and reproductive disorders. It is also likely that prenatal exposure may increase the risk of an individual developing these diseases in adulthood.
Daily exposure
We live in chemical soup, with the majority of our daily activities providing a route for potentially harmful synthetic chemical exposure. The following list represents a small sample of the potential sources of contamination.
• Pesticides in our food and in the air
• Stain and grease resistant coatings for food wrap, carpet and furniture
• Fire retardants in TVs, computers and furniture
• Garbage incineration and plastic production
• Electrical insulation
• Car emissions and fossil fuel combustion
• Burning coal
• Personal care and cleaning products
The chemical cocktail
Some chemicals have been assessed for safety however most toxicology studies tend to look at individual chemicals in isolation. While this has been useful in providing insight into the likely sequelae of exposure to a particular chemical it does not provide useful information into the potential long term effects of the complex chemical combinations that are present in our bodies. While exposure to certain chemicals at high levels may result in severe birth defects, chronic low level exposure is likely to create more subtle changes that may surface later in childhood as learning or behavioural problems or in adulthood as cancer, autoimmune or neurodegenerative disease. Exposure safety limits are set with individual chemicals in mind. This does not take the interaction of chemicals or the effects of chronic bioaccumulation in the body tissues into consideration. While there is inevitable difficulty in determining a singular cause of most diseases, a study by the Natural Academy of Sciences in 2000 suggests that environmental factors contribute to at least 28% of childhood developmental disabilities.
Problematic research
Epidemiological studies are unable to provide precise information as there is little exposure data for most groups of chemicals. Having no unexposed groups to use as controls is also problematic. Additionally if a condition is frequent in a population then the ability to establish certain exposure as a direct cause is difficult. Currently hazard reduction is the best means of regulating exposure to these chemicals and while to some extent this requires changes in legislation and industrial practices there are certain steps we can take to reduce exposure for our unborn children.
Protecting the future generations
Some protection can be afforded by adopting the following strategies to minimize exposure. It is best to start following these guidelines as long before conception as possible, however reducing your exposure at any time before or during pregnancy is still beneficial.
EATING
• Eat less processed foods (which often contain chemical additives).
• Consume Organic foods which guarantee minimal pesticide residues for the consumer and protection for the farmer.
• Eat low on the food chain, by consuming less meat and dairy products which often contain a higher level of pollutants due to their high fat content (fatty tissues have a greater ability to accumulate persistent organic pollutants).
• Avoid consuming fish that are high on the food chain such as tuna and swordfish.
• Drink filtered water to reduce exposure to the pollutants found in most tap water.
• Avoid heating food in plastic, particularly soft plastics which can leech chemical contaminants into food.
PERSONAL CARE
• Reduce the number of personal care products you use and choose truly natural and /or organic varieties.
• Do not use conventional nail polish; if you must have painted digits opt for naturally based less toxic varieties.
• Avoid synthetic fragrances including perfume, aftershave, air fresheners and perfumed cleaning or personal care products.
HOME
• Avoid the use of stain repellants and opt for certified organic bedding.
• If you are pregnant use your growing belly to encourage somebody else to fill your car with petrol.
• Avoid painting the nursery or performing renovations either while you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you must renovate, use non-toxic paints and finishes whenever possible.
• When furnishing the nursery avoid purchasing pressed wood products that often use formaldehyde based glues. Opt for solid untreated plantation wood.
• Avoid conventional chemical based cleaning products.
• Consider a water filter for your shower to reduce contaminants.
BABY
• Avoid allowing your baby to play with or suck on PVC toys.
• Use minimal personal care products for your baby and stick to completely natural and or organic varieties.
• Opt for certified organic clothing and bedding for your newborn, or second hand clothing that is likely to have ‘off gassed’ many of the toxic substances.
Protecting the next generation is in our hands.
So while our legislators sift through poor quality studies sponsored by chemical producers, many of us will be making a positive change for our future. Even if you can make only one small change a month, you may be improving your families long term health, and in my mind, there is nothing more important than that.
With green thoughts for those making a difference
Gina
References:
Dorey C 2003. ‘Chemical Legacy: Contamination of the Child’. Greenpeace.
Greenpeace International 2005 ‘An Investigation of chemicals in Perfumes’.
Houlihan J, Brody C and Schwan B 2002. ‘Not Too Pretty, Phthalates, Beauty Products and the FDA’. Environmental Working Group.
Houlihan J, Kropp T, Wiles R, Gray S and Campbell C. 2005 Body Burden The Pollution in Newborns. Environmental Working Group.
‘The Human Impact of Man-made Chemicals’, Greenpeace UK, 2003.
National Academy of Sciences 2000. Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment. Committee on Developmental Toxicology. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, Washington, DC.
Peters, RJB 2003 ‘Hazardous Chemicals in Consumer Products’. TNO Netherlands Organisation for Applied Research.
US Environmental Protection Agency 2005. Supplemental guidance for assessing susceptibility from early-life exposures to carcinogens. EPA Risk Assessment Forum.
Swan SH, Elkin EP, Fenster L, 2000. The question of declining sperm density revisited; an analysis of 101 studies published 1934-1996. Environmental Health Perspectives 108; 961-966.
posted by Gina Cacho | 3:19 AM
2 Comments:
Making housing healthy is a key to eliminating lead poisoning and many other health problems caused by children's exposures to environmental contaminants. One of our major strategies over the past 15 years is the development and implementation of local legislation to make older private housing and child care centers lead-safe for children. At HCOP's request, the Lead Hazard Reduction Citizens Advisory Committee was formed in 1993 by the San Francisco's Board of Supervisors to provide legislative recommendations about how to make private housing lead-safe.
--------------------------------
francis
Link Building
Making housing healthy is a key to eliminating lead poisoning and many other health problems caused by children's exposures to environmental contaminants. One of our major strategies over the past 15 years is the development and implementation of local legislation to make older private housing and child care centers lead-safe for children. At HCOP's request, the Lead Hazard Reduction Citizens Advisory Committee was formed in 1993 by the San Francisco's Board of Supervisors to provide legislative recommendations about how to make private housing lead-safe.
--------------------------------
francis
Link Building
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home