Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Perfume the sweet poison
Sweet Poison:
The Dangers of Perfumes
The Health Risks of Twenty Most Common Chemicals Found in Thirty-One Fragrance Products.
Principal chemicals found in scented products are:
Acetone (in: cologne, dishwashing liquid and detergent, nail enamel remover) - On EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. “Inhalation can cause dryness of the mouth and throat; dizziness, nausea, incoordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, and, in severe exposures, coma.” “Acts primarily as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.”
Benzaldehyde (in: perfume, cologne, hairspray, laundry bleach, deodorants, detergent, vaseline lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, bar soap, dishwasher detergent) - Narcotic. Sensitizer. “Local anesthetic, CNS depressant”... “irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs, and GI tract, causing nausea and abdominal pain.” “May cause kidney damage.” “Do not use with contact lenses.”
Benzyl Acetate (in: perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, soap, hairspray, bleach, after shave, deodorants) - Carcinogenic (linked to pancreatic cancer); “From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough.” “In mice: hyperanemia of the lungs.” “Can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects.” “Do not flush to sewer.”
Benzyl Alcohol (in: perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener, laundry bleach and detergent, vaseline lotion, deodorants, fabric softener) - “irritating to the upper respiratory tract” ...”headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure.”
Camphor (in: perfume, shaving cream, nail enamel, fabric softener, dishwasher detergent, nail color, stickup air freshener) - “local irritant and CNS stimulant” ...”readily absorbed through body tissues” ...”irritation of eyes, nose and throat” ...”dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions” “Avoid inhalation of vapors.”
Ethanol (in: perfume, hairspray, shampoo, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, laundry detergent, shaving cream, soap, vaseline lotion, air fresheners, nail color and remover, paint and varnish remover) - On EPA Hazardous Waste list; symptoms: “...fatigue; irritating to eyes and upper respiratory tract even in low concentrations...” “Inhalation of ethanol vapors can have effects similar to those characteristic of ingestion. These include an initial stimulatory effect followed by drowsiness, impaired vision, ataxia, stupor...” Causes CNS disorder.
Ethyl Acetate (in: after shave, cologne, perfume, shampoo, nail color, nail enamel remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid) - Narcotic. On EPA Hazardous Waste list; “...irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract” ...”may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)” ...”defatting effect on skin and may cause drying and cracking” ...”may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys” “Wash thoroughly after handling.”
Limonene (in: perfume, cologne, disinfectant spray, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorants, nail color and remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, air fresheners, after shave, bleach, paint and varnish remover) - Carcinogenic. “Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer.” “Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking, ...applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor.”
Linalool (in: perfume, cologne, bar soap, shampoo, hand lotion, nail enamel remover, hairspray, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, vaseline lotion, air fresheners, bleach powder, fabric softener, shaving cream, after shave, solid deodorant) - Narcotic. ...”respiratory disturbances” ... “Attracts bees.” “In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression ... development of respiratory disturbances leading to death.” ...”depressed frog-heart activity.” Causes CNS disorder.
Methylene Chloride (in: shampoo, cologne, paint and varnish remover) - Banned by the FDA in 1988! No enforcement possible due to trade secret laws protecting chemical fragrance industry. On EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. “Carcinogenic” ...”Absorbed, stored in body fat, it metabolizes to carbon monoxide, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.” “Headache, giddiness, stupor, irritability, fatigue, tingling in the limbs.” Causes CNS disorder.
a-Pinene (in: bar and liquid soap, cologne, perfume, shaving cream, deodorants, dishwashing liquid, air freshener) - Sensitizer (damaging to the immune system).
g-Terpinene (in: cologne, perfume, soap, shaving cream, deodorant, air freshener) - “Causes asthma and CNS disorders.”
a-Terpineol (in: perfume, cologne, laundry detergent, bleach powder, laundry bleach, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, vaseline lotion, cologne, soap, hairspray, after shave, roll-on deodorant) - ...”highly irritating to mucous membranes”... “Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema.” Can also cause “excitement, ataxia (loss of muscular coordination), hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache.” “Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact.”
Relevant Facts:
95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxics and sensitizers - capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Neurotoxins:
At Home and the Workplace, Report by the Committee on Science & Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, Sept. 16, 1986. (Report 99-827)
Central Nervous System disorders (brain and spine) include Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Chloroform was found in tests of fabric softeners: EPA’s 1991 study.
A room containing an air freshener had high levels of
p-dichlorobenzene (a carcinogen) and ethanol: EPA’s 1991 study.
An FDA analysis (1968-1972) of 138 compounds used in cosmetics that most frequently involved adverse reactions, identified five chemicals (alpha-terpineol, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, limonene and linalool) that are among the 20 most commonly used in the 31 fragrance products tested by the EPA in 1991!
Thirty-three million Americans suffer from sinusitis (inflammation or infection of sinus passages).
Twelve million Americans have asthma. Asthma and asthma deaths have increased over 30% in the past 10 years.
Headaches cost $50 billion in lost productivity and medical expenses and 157 million lost work days in 1991.
“Focus on Fragrance and Health,” by Louise Kosta, The Human Ecologist, Fall 1992.
Reference: Lance Wallace, Environmental Protection Agency, Excerpts from “Health Hazard Information” References: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
The Dangers of Perfumes
The Health Risks of Twenty Most Common Chemicals Found in Thirty-One Fragrance Products.
Principal chemicals found in scented products are:
Acetone (in: cologne, dishwashing liquid and detergent, nail enamel remover) - On EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. “Inhalation can cause dryness of the mouth and throat; dizziness, nausea, incoordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, and, in severe exposures, coma.” “Acts primarily as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.”
Benzaldehyde (in: perfume, cologne, hairspray, laundry bleach, deodorants, detergent, vaseline lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, bar soap, dishwasher detergent) - Narcotic. Sensitizer. “Local anesthetic, CNS depressant”... “irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs, and GI tract, causing nausea and abdominal pain.” “May cause kidney damage.” “Do not use with contact lenses.”
Benzyl Acetate (in: perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, soap, hairspray, bleach, after shave, deodorants) - Carcinogenic (linked to pancreatic cancer); “From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough.” “In mice: hyperanemia of the lungs.” “Can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects.” “Do not flush to sewer.”
Benzyl Alcohol (in: perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener, laundry bleach and detergent, vaseline lotion, deodorants, fabric softener) - “irritating to the upper respiratory tract” ...”headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure.”
Camphor (in: perfume, shaving cream, nail enamel, fabric softener, dishwasher detergent, nail color, stickup air freshener) - “local irritant and CNS stimulant” ...”readily absorbed through body tissues” ...”irritation of eyes, nose and throat” ...”dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions” “Avoid inhalation of vapors.”
Ethanol (in: perfume, hairspray, shampoo, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, laundry detergent, shaving cream, soap, vaseline lotion, air fresheners, nail color and remover, paint and varnish remover) - On EPA Hazardous Waste list; symptoms: “...fatigue; irritating to eyes and upper respiratory tract even in low concentrations...” “Inhalation of ethanol vapors can have effects similar to those characteristic of ingestion. These include an initial stimulatory effect followed by drowsiness, impaired vision, ataxia, stupor...” Causes CNS disorder.
Ethyl Acetate (in: after shave, cologne, perfume, shampoo, nail color, nail enamel remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid) - Narcotic. On EPA Hazardous Waste list; “...irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract” ...”may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)” ...”defatting effect on skin and may cause drying and cracking” ...”may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys” “Wash thoroughly after handling.”
Limonene (in: perfume, cologne, disinfectant spray, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorants, nail color and remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, air fresheners, after shave, bleach, paint and varnish remover) - Carcinogenic. “Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer.” “Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking, ...applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor.”
Linalool (in: perfume, cologne, bar soap, shampoo, hand lotion, nail enamel remover, hairspray, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, vaseline lotion, air fresheners, bleach powder, fabric softener, shaving cream, after shave, solid deodorant) - Narcotic. ...”respiratory disturbances” ... “Attracts bees.” “In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression ... development of respiratory disturbances leading to death.” ...”depressed frog-heart activity.” Causes CNS disorder.
Methylene Chloride (in: shampoo, cologne, paint and varnish remover) - Banned by the FDA in 1988! No enforcement possible due to trade secret laws protecting chemical fragrance industry. On EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. “Carcinogenic” ...”Absorbed, stored in body fat, it metabolizes to carbon monoxide, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.” “Headache, giddiness, stupor, irritability, fatigue, tingling in the limbs.” Causes CNS disorder.
a-Pinene (in: bar and liquid soap, cologne, perfume, shaving cream, deodorants, dishwashing liquid, air freshener) - Sensitizer (damaging to the immune system).
g-Terpinene (in: cologne, perfume, soap, shaving cream, deodorant, air freshener) - “Causes asthma and CNS disorders.”
a-Terpineol (in: perfume, cologne, laundry detergent, bleach powder, laundry bleach, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, vaseline lotion, cologne, soap, hairspray, after shave, roll-on deodorant) - ...”highly irritating to mucous membranes”... “Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema.” Can also cause “excitement, ataxia (loss of muscular coordination), hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache.” “Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact.”
Relevant Facts:
95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxics and sensitizers - capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Neurotoxins:
At Home and the Workplace, Report by the Committee on Science & Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, Sept. 16, 1986. (Report 99-827)
Central Nervous System disorders (brain and spine) include Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Chloroform was found in tests of fabric softeners: EPA’s 1991 study.
A room containing an air freshener had high levels of
p-dichlorobenzene (a carcinogen) and ethanol: EPA’s 1991 study.
An FDA analysis (1968-1972) of 138 compounds used in cosmetics that most frequently involved adverse reactions, identified five chemicals (alpha-terpineol, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, limonene and linalool) that are among the 20 most commonly used in the 31 fragrance products tested by the EPA in 1991!
Thirty-three million Americans suffer from sinusitis (inflammation or infection of sinus passages).
Twelve million Americans have asthma. Asthma and asthma deaths have increased over 30% in the past 10 years.
Headaches cost $50 billion in lost productivity and medical expenses and 157 million lost work days in 1991.
“Focus on Fragrance and Health,” by Louise Kosta, The Human Ecologist, Fall 1992.
Reference: Lance Wallace, Environmental Protection Agency, Excerpts from “Health Hazard Information” References: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Value of Plant Protein
Plant sources of proteins deserve more attention and use from North Americans. Many plant foods- in proportion to the amount of energy they supply-provide not only much protein but also ample magnesium and fiber (especially soluble fiber), along with other benefits, such as vitamin E, iron, zinc, copper, and numerous phytochemicals. The plant proteins we eat also contain no cholesterol and little saturated fat, unless these are added during processing, eating fresh live food avoids that issue. Regular use of plant proteins makes a valuable addition to a diet because these supply a variety of other nutrients.
These are quotations from, Perspectives in Nutrition along with side notes from Chef D Rawk.
These are quotations from, Perspectives in Nutrition along with side notes from Chef D Rawk.
Does eating a high-protein diet harm you?
You may wonder about the potential harm of protein intakes greatly in excess of the RDA. If diets high in protein rely mostly on animal sources for protein, they may be simultaneously low in plant sources and therefore low in fiber, some vitamins (e.g., folate), some minerals (e.g., Magnesium), and phytochemicals. Additionally, high protein foods form animals are often rich in saturated fat and cholesterol and thus do not follow the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans or the Food and Nutrition Board in terms of reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Excessive intake of red meat, especially in processed forms, is linked to colon cancer. There are several possible explanations for this connection. The curing agents used to process meats such as hot dogs, ham, and salami may cause cancer. Substances that form during the cooking of red meat at high temperatures (heterocyclic amines) may also cause cancer. The excessive fat or low fiber contents of diets rich in red meat in general may also be a contributing factor. Because of these concerns, some nutrition experts suggest we focus more on poultry, fish, nuts, legumes, and seeds to meet protein needs. I suggest the nuts, seeds, legumes if you really need to, and getting amino acids directly from fresh fruits and vegetables, ready for your organs to convert them into the many different proteins that we have in every cell in our bodies.
Some researchers have expressed concern that a high protein intake may overburden the kidneys by forcing them to excrete the extra nitrogen as urea. Additionally, animal proteins may contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible people. To prevent these problems, there is some support for not exceeding protein needs. For instance, for people in the early stages of kidney disease, low-protein diets somewhat slow the decline of kidney function. Because preserving kidney function is especially important for people with diabetes and early signs of kidney disease, these people are advised against consuming a high protein diet. For people without diabetes or kidney disease, the risk of suffering kidney failure is minimal.
Based on the typical foods we eat in North America, about %70 of protein comes from animal sources. The most nutrient-dense source of protein is water-packed tuna, which has %87 of it's energy as protein. Other good sources are meat,poultry, fish, milk, and some mil products, beans, nuts, and seeds. Worldwide, %35 of protein comes from animal sources. In Africa and East Asia, only about %20 of the protein eaten comes from animal sources.
Excessive intake of red meat, especially in processed forms, is linked to colon cancer. There are several possible explanations for this connection. The curing agents used to process meats such as hot dogs, ham, and salami may cause cancer. Substances that form during the cooking of red meat at high temperatures (heterocyclic amines) may also cause cancer. The excessive fat or low fiber contents of diets rich in red meat in general may also be a contributing factor. Because of these concerns, some nutrition experts suggest we focus more on poultry, fish, nuts, legumes, and seeds to meet protein needs. I suggest the nuts, seeds, legumes if you really need to, and getting amino acids directly from fresh fruits and vegetables, ready for your organs to convert them into the many different proteins that we have in every cell in our bodies.
Some researchers have expressed concern that a high protein intake may overburden the kidneys by forcing them to excrete the extra nitrogen as urea. Additionally, animal proteins may contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible people. To prevent these problems, there is some support for not exceeding protein needs. For instance, for people in the early stages of kidney disease, low-protein diets somewhat slow the decline of kidney function. Because preserving kidney function is especially important for people with diabetes and early signs of kidney disease, these people are advised against consuming a high protein diet. For people without diabetes or kidney disease, the risk of suffering kidney failure is minimal.
Based on the typical foods we eat in North America, about %70 of protein comes from animal sources. The most nutrient-dense source of protein is water-packed tuna, which has %87 of it's energy as protein. Other good sources are meat,poultry, fish, milk, and some mil products, beans, nuts, and seeds. Worldwide, %35 of protein comes from animal sources. In Africa and East Asia, only about %20 of the protein eaten comes from animal sources.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Fiber
Average fiber intakes in the United States fall woefully short of the current adequate intakes set for various ages and genders. In contrast vegans and vegetarians among us routinely consume this amount or more, and the fiber intake of Paleolithic man has been estimated at about three to four times the current recommendations.
Some research studies support that stool size is protective against colon cancer and that fiber may be helpful for digestive diseases such as Irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis. Many of the diseases of public health significance such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, and constipation may be prevented or treated by increasing the amounts and varieties of fiber containing foods. Promotion of such a food plan across the lifespan by health-care professionals and subsequent implementation by our population should contribute to overall better health.
What better way to vary fiber intake than to make yourself a green smoothie everyday!
Special thanks to Perspectives in Nutrition for supplying some of this information.
Some research studies support that stool size is protective against colon cancer and that fiber may be helpful for digestive diseases such as Irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis. Many of the diseases of public health significance such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, and constipation may be prevented or treated by increasing the amounts and varieties of fiber containing foods. Promotion of such a food plan across the lifespan by health-care professionals and subsequent implementation by our population should contribute to overall better health.
What better way to vary fiber intake than to make yourself a green smoothie everyday!
Special thanks to Perspectives in Nutrition for supplying some of this information.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Protein Metabolism
Protein Metabolism begins after proteins are degraded into amino acids. Why eat pure protein then? Why not just get your amino acids from fresh local produce? Save fuel in delivery costs, know where your food comes from, buy fresh and local if you can. Two great sources of inexpensive, delicious, fresh local greens and produce are Supercharge Foods and The South Madison Farmers Market. Supercharge foods will be offering their fresh greens all winter long.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals, just another reason to eat a raw food lifestyle. There are clinical trials going on right now and more to come. Read the wiki link to see what phytochemicals are, why we need them daily and where to get them. Also read how processing destroys them.
Chef D Rawk
Chef D Rawk
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
What do these things have in common?
While reading Perspectives in Nutrition I realized that we ingest things that can react with each other if combined. Common things and found in many common products. Further reading on these 3 common food additives leads me to this question. If food product A contains ascorbic acid on it's own, and food product B contains either sodium or potassium benzoate, and neither contains EDTA, will this combination then as stated in the wiki links, produce benzene? Complex question I realize but this then leads to many other questions about common food additives and if we ingest them together will they react chemically?
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