A recent study showed that pregnant women and their 3-year-old girls tested high for bisphenol A (BPA) exposure when the moms ate foods stored in containers containing BPA. Researchers found when the mothers' BPA levels were high, the girls were more likely to show signs of hyperactivity, anxiety and depression.
BPA is chiefly used in the making of plastics and is found in plastic bottles and the inside lining of canned foods. It is also used as a color developer and therefore found on store receipts, which can be transferred to our hands. BPA interferes with the normal functioning of hormones and is linked to numerous negative health effects, such as birth defects, obesity, and breast and prostate cancer.
Yet another reason to avoid BPA. This means avoiding food and drink stored in BPA plastics (usually number 3 and 7) and BPA-lined canned foods (most canned foods), as well as refraining from heating foods in plastic containers.
Dollar bills have been found to be contaminated with bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disrupting chemical. Previous studies have shown that store receipts contain BPA and it is believed that the BPA is then transferred to money. This unbound BPA can then easily be transferred to the skin and get absorbed into the body in amounts nearly equal to that from exposure to drink and food sources.
BPA is chiefly used in the making of plastics and is found in plastic bottles, including baby bottles, and the inside lining of canned foods. It is also used as a color developer, that’s why it is found on store receipts. BPA interferes with the normal functioning of hormones and is linked to numerous negative health effects, such as birth defects, obesity, and breast and prostate cancer. Sadly, a Center for Disease Control study found BPA in 95% of the people tested.
While we wait for regulation of this dangerous chemical, we can do our best to avoid our exposure to it. Try limiting canned foods and drinks, avoiding plastic food and drink storage containers, and handling receipts with care. I recommend hand washing to remove BPA residue on the skin, especially after handling receipts and money.
Indoor air pollution is due to off-gassing of furniture, flooring, paint, and other household items. Well insulated homes have worse indoor pollution because there is less dissipation to the outside air. The toxic off-gassed chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and trichloroethylene are linked to negative health effects, such as fatigue, headaches, and even cancer.
House plants have the ability to clean the air. Through photosynthesis, they absorb these toxins, removing them from the indoor air. Some of the best plants studied are: weeping fig, English ivy, gerbera daisy, tulip, peace lily, areca palm, and bamboo palm.
Disturbingly high levels of toxic metals (mercury, lead, cadmium, aluminum) were recently found in the blubber of sperm whales. The scientists were so disturbed by the alarming results that they worry about the fate of the whales, as well as the populations of people who rely on fish as a food source. (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/24/tech/main6614750.shtml)
Sperm whales are on the top of the food chain, just like humans, so they can accumulate toxins. Although a good a source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, I am concerned about the regular consumption of fish because the toxic metals, mostly mercury, can bioaccumulate in people. I believe that most fish are just too polluted and therefore can cause significant health problems when included regularly in the diet.
When the weather is cold and rainy or snowy, it’s nice to burn candles, but all candles are not created equal. Most candles are made from paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct from refining crude oil. When burned, they create indoor air pollutants. The soot contains toxic chemicals that damage indoor air quality and may damage our health.The toxicity is compounded by the added chemical fragrances that enter the air when burned.
When it comes to candles, beeswax is the way to go. This natural wax actually cleans the air when burned by creating negative ions. These negative ions will attach to positive charged ions that contain dust and other allergens. This will then settle downward ready to be swept up. Do yourself and your family a favor and burn only beeswax candles. This is especially important for anyone with respiratory health conditions, such as asthma.
