Chemicals and human health

[frosty]

As many of you now know I am disabled due to exposure to Orgnophosphate pesticides and now suffer serious reactions to any type of petroleum based chemical

I said some time ago I would start a topic on the effects these chemicals are having on everyone

I have lots of articles .......... so many I can never find the one I want :oops:

but this one came in my list emaails this morning so I thought it would do as a start and I will post some more as I find them

http://go.care2.com/e/DXz/P/AkQA>4.
Incentive to Eat Organic: Chemicals Passed to Babies

Environmental Working Group recently announced findings from a new chemical study of umbilical cord samples. It found that babies have an average of 200 known toxic chemicals in their blood, including mercury, fire retardants, pesticides and a chemical used in the production of Teflon, even before being born. It appears that hundreds of chemicals, pollutants and pesticides are stored in a mother's body fat and
then pumped to a fetus through umbilical cord blood.

snip

Question #4: How do industrial chemicals get in my body?

More than 75,000 commercial chemicals are currently approved for use in the U.S. (EPA 2005c), a number that grows by 2,500 new chemicals yearly (EPA 1997). U.S. industries produce or import 3,000 of these in quantities of greater than one million pounds per year (EPA 2005c). Many pesticides banned in the U.S. for decades (PCBs and DDT, for example) persist in the environment, build up in the food chain, and continue to contribute to daily exposures. Government sources detail more than 3,000 chemicals used as food additives (FDA 2005), an estimated 10,500 ingredients in personal care products (FDA 2000), and more than 500 chemicals approved as active ingredients in pesticides (EPA 2002a,2005b). Many of these chemicals, whether used purposefully or found as unwanted impurities, can contribute to a person's body burden through exposures from food, air, water, dust and soil, and consumer products. And for many chemicals in our bodies, the health consequences are unknown. The studies aren't required under federal law, and in most cases simply haven't been done.



Question #5: How can I reduce my chemical exposures?

Some exposures to pesticides and industrial chemicals are unavoidable. Persistent pollutants, some banned for decades, still contaminate the environment and end up in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.

Yet even exposures to persistent pollutants can be reduced through a varied diet that contains fewer meat and high fat dairy products. Other chemical exposures, like toxic substances in household cleaners, can be avoided altogether.

Some simple tips for reducing exposures to industrial chemicals are:

Eat fewer processed foods, which often contain chemical additives.

Eat organic produce. It's grown without synthetic pesticides and preservative chemicals.

Don't microwave food in plastic containers, use glass or ceramics.

Run your tap water through a home filter before drinking. Filters can reduce levels of common tap water pollutants.

Eat fewer meat and high fat dairy products, which contain higher levels of some pollutants.

Reduce the number of cosmetics and other personal care products you use, which can contain harmful chemicals and can be sold with no safety testing.

Avoid artificial fragrances.

Don't use stain repellants on clothing, bedding or upholstery.

Reduce the number of household cleaners you use. Try soap and water first.

Avoid using gasoline-powered yard tools — use manual or electric tools instead.

Avoid breathing gasoline fumes when you're filling your car.

Eat seafood known to be low in PCB and mercury contamination, including wild Alaska salmon and canned salmon. Avoid canned tuna — it contains mercury.

Particularly if you're pregnant, try to follow the tips listed above. Is there someone in your household who can take over using household cleaners and pumping gas while you're pregnant? Eat canned salmon instead of canned tuna. Paint the baby room well before you conceive. Don't use nail polish, which contains chemicals linked to birth defects in laboratory studies.


http://go.care2.com/e/DXz/P/AkQA

[gardenlen]

with you frosty,

i have cfs, diabtese 2 and hypertension all lifestyle disease. and my research says the lifestyle they allude to is the product that we eat from chemical agriculture where fresh is empty food.

and that is now compunded by legal chemicals the the med's pump into us to keep us going.

len

[frosty]

Hi len

yes the problem is much deeper than just the chemicals used in agriculture which is why I posted this ......... I have found many permies and even Organic growers know about ag chemicals but in other ways are totally in the dark

for instance an Organic grower we knew where we lived down south bought a property with an old timber frame house and then had it sprayed inside and out for termites ! then wondered why we werent keen to buy his produce ......

chlorpyrifos used for termite treatment is a potent neurotoxin and closely related to the nerve gas developed by the nazis in WW2 and also to sarin gas yet just about every house in australia puts it under the concrete slab and many respray it later !

it is not safe under the slab independant tests have found i present in the home and with spraying it under every home in towns it means the whole of the ground under the area plus the groundwater is contaminated ! suburbia floats on a toxic sea of chlorpyrifos :shock:

frosty

[frosty]

another good article

How to Avoid the Top 10 Most Common Toxins

By Dr. Joseph Mercola
with Rachael Droege

There are many upsides to living in a modern, high-tech society (like having access to the Internet and digital cameras and MP3 audio players to name a few of my favorites.) But as with most things in life and in nature, whether you call it yin and yang, balance or the principle that opposites attract, with the upside comes a significant downside.

For all of the conveniences and advances that we have grown so accustomed to comes a slew of environmental toxins -- chemicals and other materials largely from industry and carelessness -- that have very much saturated our water, our food and the very air we breathe.

Many of these toxins are things that you can't see, smell or feel, at least not right away. One of the major problems with them is just that. We don't realize that we're being affected until we come down with a chronic disease after years of subtle and often consistent exposure to a combination of these toxins.

This makes it almost impossible to pinpoint a specific environmental toxin as the source of illness, yet when you look at the facts -- the increasing numbers of cancers, immune system disorders, neurological problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, allergies and hormonal disturbances that are facing the nation -- it is hard NOT to take notice. Consider these statistics:

Some 77,000 chemicals are produced in North America
Over 3,000 chemicals are added to our food supply
More than 10,000 chemical solvents, emulsifiers and preservatives are used in food processing
1,000 new chemicals are introduced each year
Where do all of these chemicals end up? They are absorbed into our groundwater, rivers, lakes and oceans, spewed into our air, and added, quite intentionally, to our food supply.

The Effects of Toxins on Your Body


A study in last year’s British Medical Journal estimated that perhaps 75 percent of most cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors, including exposure to chemicals. Another report, this one by the Columbia University School of Public Health, estimated that 95 percent of cancer is caused by diet and environmental toxicity.

This is really not surprising when you consider that estimates show most Americans have somewhere between 400 and 800 chemicals stored in their bodies, typically in fat cells. Some of the short- and long-term effects of these toxins include:

Neurological disorders (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, depression, attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia, etc.)
Cancer
Nutritional deficiencies
Hormonal imbalances
Enzyme dysfunction
Altered metabolism
Reproductive disorders
Fatigue
Headaches
Obesity
Muscle and vision problems
Immune system depression
Allergies/Asthma
Endocrine disorders
Chronic viral infections
Less ability to tolerate/handle stress


The 10 Most Common Toxins


The following toxins are among the most prevalent in our air, water and/or food supply. This list is by no means all-inclusive, as thousands of other toxins are also circulating in our environment. Keep reading to find out tips to avoid these toxins and others as much as possible.

PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls): This industrial chemical has been banned in the United States for decades, yet is a persistent organic pollutant that's still present in our environment.

Risks: Cancer, impaired fetal brain development
Major Source: Farm-raised salmon. Most farm-raised salmon, which accounts for most of the supply in the United States are fed meals of ground-up fish that have absorbed PCBs in the environment and for this reason should be avoided.

Pesticides: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to be carcinogenic. Alarmingly, pesticide residues have been detected in 50 percent to 95 percent of U.S. foods.
Risks: Cancer, Parkinson's disease, miscarriage, nerve damage, birth defects, blocking the absorption of food nutrients
Major Sources: Food (fruits, vegetables and commercially raised meats), bug sprays

Mold and other Fungal Toxins: One in three people have had an allergic reaction to mold. Mycotoxins (fungal toxins) can cause a range of health problems with exposure to only a small amount.
Risks: Cancer, heart disease, asthma, multiple sclerosis, diabetes
Major Sources: Contaminated buildings, food like peanuts, wheat, corn and alcoholic beverages

Phthalates: These chemicals are used to lengthen the life of fragrances and soften plastics.
Risks: Endocrine system damage (phthalates chemically mimic hormones and are particularly dangerous to children)
Major Sources: Plastic wrap, plastic bottles, plastic food storage containers. All of these can leach phthalates into our food.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): VOCs are a major contributing factor to ozone, an air pollutant. According to the EPA, VOCs tend to be even higher (two to five times) in indoor air than outdoor air, likely because they are present in so many household products.
Risks: Cancer, eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment
Major Sources: Drinking water, carpet, paints, deodorants, cleaning fluids, varnishes, cosmetics, dry cleaned clothing, moth repellants, air fresheners.

Dioxins: Chemical compounds formed as a result of combustion processes such as commercial or municipal waste incineration and from burning fuels (like wood, coal or oil).
Risks: Cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, chloracne (a severe skin disease with acne-like lesions), skin rashes, skin discoloration, excessive body hair, mild liver damage
Major Sources: Animal fats: Over 95 percent of exposure comes from eating commercial animal fats.

Asbestos: This insulating material was widely used from the 1950s to 1970s. Problems arise when the material becomes old and crumbly, releasing fibers into the air.
Risks: Cancer, scarring of the lung tissue, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer)
Major Sources: Insulation on floors, ceilings, water pipes and healing ducts from the 1950s to 1970s.

Heavy Metals: Metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, aluminum and cadmium, which are prevalent in many areas of our environment, can accumulate in soft tissues of the body.
Risks: Cancer, neurological disorders, Alzheimer's disease, foggy head, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood vessels
Major Sources: Drinking water, fish, vaccines, pesticides, preserved wood, antiperspirant, building materials, dental amalgams, chlorine plants

Chloroform: This colorless liquid has a pleasant, nonirritating odor and a slightly sweet taste, and is used to make other chemicals. It's also formed when chlorine is added to water.
Risks: Cancer, potential reproductive damage, birth defects, dizziness, fatigue, headache, liver and kidney damage.
Major Sources: Air, drinking water and food can contain chloroform.

Chlorine: This highly toxic, yellow-green gas is one of the most heavily used chemical agents.
Risks: Sore throat, coughing, eye and skin irritation, rapid breathing, narrowing of the bronchi, wheezing, blue coloring of the skin, accumulation of fluid in the lungs, pain in the lung region, severe eye and skin burns, lung collapse, reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) (a type of asthma)
Major Sources: Household cleaners, drinking water (in small amounts), air when living near an industry (such as a paper plant) that uses chlorine in industrial processes.

Tips to Avoid Toxins


It's impossible in this day and age to avoid all environmental toxins. What you can do, however, is limit your exposure as much as possible with the following tips:

Buy and eat, as much as possible, organic produce and free-range, organic foods. If you can only purchase one organic product it probably should be free range organic eggs. Fortunately most grocery stores now have these available. If they don't contact the store manager and encourage them to carry them. Additionally I believe raw milk products are a key to staying healthy. They are best obtained locally but many people have a great challenge finding them. I have made special arrangements with a dairy in the only state that raw milk products are legal, California, so you can easily obtain them.

Rather than eating fish, which is largely contaminated with PCBs and mercury, consume a high-quality purified fish or cod liver oil like Carlson's. Contact your favorite health food store for it or another high quality brand or use our store for your immediate convenience. Another option is to have your wild-caught fish lab tested to find out if it is a pure source (we've found a delicious Alaskan wild red salmon that is mercury- and PCB-free and safe).

Avoid processed foods -- remember that they're processed with chemicals!

Only use natural cleaning products in your home. Most health food stores will have these available or you can search on line for them.

Switch over to natural brands of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics. Same sources here, either your local health food store or you can search on line.

Remove any metal fillings as they're a major source of mercury. Be sure to have this done by a qualified biological dentist. Although nearly any dentist is technically qualified to replace your amalgam fillings, far less than 95 percent have any clue on how to do it properly so your risk of mercury exposure is minimized. Please avoid the mistake I have seen THOUSANDS of patients make and have your fillings replaced by a non-qualified dentist. I made this mistake myself nearly 20 years ago. Do it right the first time and save yourself the expense and grief. If you don't personally know a qualified biological dentist, many people find one by contacting several of the health food stores in their area and asking the employees who they know. This is typically an excellent resource as they are usually networked quite well in the local health community.

Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners or other synthetic fragrances as they can pollute the air you are breathing.

Avoid artificial food additives of all kind, including artificial sweeteners and MSG

Get plenty of safe sun exposure to boost your vitamin D levels and your immune system (you'll be better able to fight disease).

Have your tap water tested and, if contaminants are found, install an appropriate water filter on all your faucets (even those in your shower or bath).

Seek to build your health up through the nutrition insights detailed in my Total Health Program, and then limit your use of drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) as much as possible. Drugs are chemicals too, and they will leave residues and accumulate in your body over time.

Sign up, and encourage your friends to too, for the free Mercola.com e-newsletter, your premier source for the latest health insights.

http://www.mercola.com/2005/feb/19/common_toxins.htm

[gardenlen]

g'day frosty i'm with you mate

that is why when we built here not only did we build so as not to have the need for any sort of heating or cooling we built in steel and there is nothing in the construction that will attract termites, and for that matter cockroaches and no ants inside either

so no chemical treatments at all here and all council approved. :lol:

we use no man made chemical applications here so how clean is that and we get no drift in pollutants from any major industrial sites or hiways

len

[Tamandco]

Len,

............. and you're moving?

[Tezza]

This might chear you up abit The bastards who make this crap are living dying as well

Tezza

[gardenlen]

yes tamandco,

this is one of those times in life where we have no choice.

len

[frosty]

This might chear you up abit The bastards who make this crap are living dying as well

Tezza

and the farmers who insist it is harmless as well :roll:

seems the uk might be finally waking up

Sunday Times September 11, 2005

Crop spraying is health risk, say scientists
Jonathan Leake, Environment Editor








FARMERS could be forced to curb spraying of toxic pesticides after a
report from leading scientists warning that the chemicals could be
poisoning tens of thousands of people living or working in the
countryside.
The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution has spent the past year
investigating claims that the 31,000 tons of chemicals sprayed on
Britain's farms each year are a toxic threat to humans.
Until now government scientists and the pesticide industry have
dismissed reports of miscarriages, elevated cancer rates and other
diseases among those exposed to pesticides. Next week, however, the
RCEP's final report will say that such fears could be justified.
It is expected to demand new safety rules for farmers and ask the
government to carry out detailed research into the chemicals' impacts.
It will also compare intensive arable farming with factories, saying
that while industrial emissions have been regulated for decades the
exemption of farmers from similar rules is anomalous.
If implemented, the report would be a victory for Georgina Downs, who
has led a campaign to overhaul pesticide regulations. It was her
pressure that persuaded ministers to involve the RCEP.
Downs, a former singer, started the UK Pesticides Campaign after being
diagnosed with serious health problems including osteoporosis and
neurological problems. Downs's home near Chichester, West Sussex is
surrounded by farmland that is sprayed regularly. When doctors said the
damage could be due to pesticides she vowed to fight back.
This weekend she could not comment on the unpublished report but added:
"The government has failed to protect people in the country from
pesticides. There should be a ban on crop spraying near homes, schools
and workplaces. Farmers should be legally obliged to warn communities
and visitors to the countryside about any intended spraying."
Pesticides are designed to kill at low concentrations. They destroy
insects, weeds and other pests but most are also toxic to humans.
Official reports warning of the danger were published by the Commons
agriculture select committee and the British Medical Association.
Those reports said farmers should be forced to pass exams in the use of
such chemicals before they were allowed to buy them. Successive
governments have, however, done little.
The RCEP report is likely to demand farmers warn residents before
spraying and leave buffer zones around the edges of fields close to
homes or other buildings such as schools. The size of such buffer zones
has been a crucial issue for Downs, who says it should be at least a
mile. A study in California found pesticides spread up to three miles
from where they were initially applied.
Professor Vyvyan Howard, a toxicologist who sits on the advisory
committee on pesticides, which approves such chemicals for use, said:
"The biggest threat is to developing children. A foetus can be affected
by such tiny traces of chemicals, in concentrations as low as parts per
trillion, that no exposure can be safe."

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0, ... 04,00.html

[Tamandco]

Yes Frosty, and only yesterday I was driving down the hwy minding my own and about 50 meters from the road was a tractor and sprayer in a vineyard it was almost unrecognisable in it's cloud of whatever. The spray seemed to be drifting on the breeze for a considerable distance.

Needless to say, in an attempt to protect my 2 children in the car with me, I put my foot down to speed past as fast as I could. But against my own freedom of choice, we no doubt had already been exposed, and we didn't even eat any of the produce!

Tam