THE MOST UNWANTED WANTED
TOXIC GOODIES - PART TWO
Most of us are happy to embrace the toxic products that our store shelves are stocked with. Part of the reason that people buy these toxic products and bring them home to their family is that a lot of these are not labeled as toxic. Often these products are marketed for children, and many items you would never imagine are a danger contain chemicals known to pose significant health risks. The only way to control the toxins you and you family are in contact with is to be informed and aware. Don't wait for regulations to protect you and your family, numerous toxins banned in other parts of the world are still widely used in this country. It may be impossible to avoid all the toxins that surround us, but you can make a significant impact if you are informed and aware:
ELECTRICAL CORDS
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Most people know that using electrical cords presents a risk of electrocution, fire and tripping on. However, not many people are aware of the dangers of simply handling a electrical cord, or the recommendation that you wash hands after handling and not touch any food.
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Electrical cords contain lead in their surface coating (PVC), it is used as a stabilizer in PVC. And it is commonly known that the lead comes off on you hands. The toxic lead is ingested into your body when you touch food or put your fingers in your mouth. This poses a risk of cancer risk, reproductive harm and birth defects. It is also a serious risk for babes and children who are more sensitive to lead poisoning. It has been reported that Christmas lights contain much higher levels that pose a significant risk of handling. In the state of California electrical cords, and products with a cord, must now carry a cancer risk warning label, but no other states require this warning on cords or products with a cord.
The American Cancer Society recommends the following: • The most important point to avoid exposure is to wash your hands after handling the cords or cables to avoid swallowing any lead that rubbed off onto them.
I SUGGEST: You can wrap the cords that you handle often in duct tape.
DO NOT wrap in electrical tape because that also contains lead (PVC). more info from AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY - click HERE CNN reports Christmas lights contain unsafe levels of lead - see HERE MOTHER JONES on Christmas lights - see HERE |
RECIEPTS (THERMAL PAPER)
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Did you know that handling receipts exposes your body to the chemical BPA? In recent years many have opted for BPA-free products to limit expose to this chemical, yet handling cash register receipts, and other thermal paper, ----. BPA has been linked to cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes, and it has been linked to developmental problems in children and infants. Prenatal exposure to BPA has been
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linked to reproductive disorders, such as brain development abnormalities. BPA has also been connected to increased risk of childhood obesity. It is recommended to people who handle receipts all-day, that anyone pregnant, or of child-bearing age, should wear gloves.
Recent studies have shown that using hand sanitizer can increase the body's absorption rate - by 185 times! |
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I SUGGEST: If you do not need the receipt, tell the cashier that you do not want it. If you must take the receipt, there is no reason to handle it - ask for it to be placed in your bag or package. Be overly cautious if pregnant. Never let children or infants handle receipts.
more on BPA in receipts - click HERE more from CONSUMER REPORTS - click HERE more from CBS NEWS - click HERE more from FOX NEWS - click HERE more about danger of mixing with hand sanitizer with BPA - click HERE |
COMMON PAINKILLERS
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Sure it's nice to have a readily available pill to help you cope with your aches and pains, but be cautious. After recent studies there has been a "strong warning" that use of over the counter pain killers increases your rick of a heart attack or stroke. Recent studies have also shown that taking over-the-counter pain killers can cause an increased risk of committing homicide.
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ACRYLIC NAILS
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The use of acrylic nails is widespread in this country but the jury is still out on the risk and long-term effect of these. Additionally, young girls want to use these products when they see bigger girls and moms using these products. Acrylic nails use chemicals such as resins and formaldehyde - which are known to cause cancer. Some chemicals we use in our nail acrylics - Toulene, BDP and others - are banned in Europe because they
are proven to cause cancer. Using acrylic |
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nails drys out the nails natural oils. Long-term use of acrylic nails can weaken the natural nail, and can even lead to nail loss. A common problem with acrylic nails is that the drying causes damage and splitting, which leads to infection from the acrylic. Some hospitals do not allow employees to wear acrylic nails because of the risk of infection. In the late 1990's, there were several deaths of premature infants that were specifically blamed on infection caused by the nurses nails. In addition to the dangers of acrylic, many nail salons also use other dangerous chemicals, such as MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) - which can cause serious lung damage. Although MMA is considered safe to use in dentistry, use in fingernails is has been declared poisonous by the FDA. In addition, breathing the fumes from acrylic nails is known to be harmful. There are also increased health risk for people who work in nail salons, some studies have shown a risk of misscarriage to pregnant nail workers.
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I SUGGEST: If you regularly use acrylic nails, reconsider. Keep all acrylic products away from toddlers and children. Discourage any nail dressing with children at all. Do not use acrylic if you are pregnant or if you have compromised health.
more from ABC NEWS - click HERE more about nail polish danger - click HERE using artificial nails when pregnant - click HERE |
DEODORANTS & ANTIPERSPIRANTS
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Most major brand antiperspirants and deodorants contain numerous toxic ingredients Recent studies have shown that the leading cause of breast cancer is use of aluminum-based antiperspirants. Aluminum has also been linked to alzheimer's disease and seizures. Many antiperspirants also contain triclosan - which has been classified as a pesticide and a probable carcinogen by
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the FDA. There are many other toxins that are commonly used in these products such as paragons, propylene glycol and others. There are hundreds of toxins that are commonly hidden in fragrance. Like other toxic products, deodorants and antiperspirants are particularly dangerous for children. Recent studies have shown that 50% of children are using deodorant by the time they are 11 years old. ---that are intended to be rubbed into a very sensitive area (and open gland) of your body.
I SUGGEST: Look into non-toxic deodorants and antiperspirants - available in "natural foods" markets. Avoid rubbing toxins into your armpits or any other open glands - especially if pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not let your children use major brand deodorants. more from NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE - click HERE more from WEB MD on antiperspirants and cancer - click HERE from HUFFINGTON POST - more HERE attention to breastfeeding moms - click HERE and more - click HERE |