CNN Says High Levels Of Chemicals in Kids May Lead to More Diseases
A story on CNN.com talked about the high chemical levels that were found in kid's bodies that may lead to more childhood diseases and disorders. One family participated in a study that tested the chemical levels in the blood of their 2 children, ages 18 months and 5. The tests revealed chemical levels up to 7 times that of their parents! The 18 month old had 2 to 3 times the amount of flame retardant PDBE chemicals that cause thyroid dysfunction in rats.
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Childhood Cancers, Asthma and More Increased Exponentially
The president of the American Council on Science and Health, (a so-called public health advocacy group that receives much funding from corporate America, including chemical companies like DuPont and Monsanto) thought that this should not cause any undue alarm. They said that all that we find out from this study is that we all have these chemicals in our bodies, not that they cause any harm. I, however, beg to differ. It seems like the other public health experts who are concerned about the mounting evidence of accumulating chemicals in our bodies are much closer to the truth. Rates of childhood cancers, birth defects, asthma and other disorders have increased exponentially over the past couple decades.
No Safety Tests Required on New Chemicals Used in Consumer Products
Children are at a much higher risk than most adults, as they breathe more air, eat more food and drink more, per pound, than adults do. Their immune systems and organs are still developing and are more vulnerable. Here in the US, the EPA does not require chemical manufacturers to prove the safety of their chemicals before they get approved to be used in the marketplace. No tests have to be run. So it is not surprising that many of these chemicals are dangerous, and may have to be removed from the marketplace later. In the meantime, we all suffer. Some of the major classes of chemicals that this article touched on that may be dangerous include the PDBEs, Phthalates, PCBs, PFOAs and Biphenol A.
PDBEs are Flame Retardants That Cause Liver Damage & More
PDBE is short for polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and are used in flame retardant materials, including your children's pajamas and all our conventional mattresses unless you seek out a safer alternative! They are also sprayed liberally on wildfires, and hence when there are fires like we've been experiencing in many parts of the USA this summer, many of us breathe them in from the air. They are also found in foam couches and other furniture, carpets and plastic casings for TV's computers and other electronic equipment. They have been implicated in liver, thyroid & neurological damage.
Phthalates in Plastics Disrupt Hormones & More
Phthalates also show up in high levels in people's bodies. Another name for phthalates is plasticizers, and these can be found in plastic bottles and plastic wrap, medical devices and soft toys. They are also used as solvents in fragrances, and hence are in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfumes, laundry detergents & fabric softeners and more. They tend to disrupt hormone levels, and hence cause reproductive defects and neurological dysfunction. They have especially been associated with male infertility problems and birth defects.
PCBs are Probable Carcinogens
PCBs stand for polychlorinated biphenyls, and act as coolants and lubricants in microwaves, refrigerators and TVs. They were actually banned in the 1970s in the US, but are so persistent in our environment that they are still found in high levels in humans today, even kids. They are probable carcinogens, cause problems with the immune and nervous systems, and can also cause liver damage.
PFOAs in Non-Stick Pans & Stain Resistant Clothing May Cause Liver Toxicity & Cancer
PFOAs are perfluorooctanoic acids. Did you notice the "fluor" (fluoride, fluorine)? That makes me think of the fluoride that many still think is a safe addition to our drinking water. PFOAs are found in non-stick coatings for pans and also stain and water resistant coatings on clothing and other materials. They cause developmental problems as well as liver toxicity, and may also be carcinogenic. They are a type of chemical that tends to stay in the body for years after exposure. Just in the last several years, many more items of clothing contain these stain resistant chemicals, especially for our kids, but we think that your health is far more important than keeping your clothes stain-free!
Biphenol A
Last, but not least is Biphenol A, found in plastics like polycarbonate hard water bottles and baby bottles, lining of food cans and other food containers, as well as some dental sealants. Biphenol A may cause female reproductive disorders like cancers and cystic ovaries.
Reduce Your Chemical Load As Much As Possible
These new tests showing high levels of all sorts of chemicals in both our kids and adults is just one more reason in our opinion to try to reduce your exposure to chemicals whenever you can. Use non-toxic cleaning products and body care products. Eat organic food and buy and use organic whole food based supplements that can fortify your body to withstand the chemical assault and help you to detoxify. Get a non-toxic bed and use tight-fitting all cotton pajamas for your kids instead of ones with flame retardant chemicals. Search out clothes with no chemical stain or wrinkle resistant finishes. You will still be exposed to chemicals, but whatever you can do to reduce the total load will only be to your and your loved one's benefit.
Copyright 2008, Karen Pijuan. This article may be copied in its entirety only if all links remain intact, including those in the resource or about the author box.
High Blood Levels of Chemical Levels Found in Kids WATER SOFTENER COMPARISON
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