July 11, 2011
Environmental Toxicity – How Much Do You Know?
So I’m cruising around the internet deciding what to read before bed. I realize after a documentary last night that I don’t know enough about what they are talking about…. The movie was called “Food Beware” and I saw what they listed as food’s chemical makeup, I knew the name and types of chemicals but I didn’t truly know what those chemicals were and their true (unbiased) effect on humans and greater life.
I decided to do some research. What I found was some of what I expected but certainly something that deserves to be published again!
I started with “Endocrine Disruptors.” I know a bit about the endocrine system from 8th grand biology but what the fuck is an endocrine disruptor…. Well that research led me down the path. Unfortunately that path hasn’t stopped in the past 3 hours since I started googling! However I will say I am more informed.
Essentially here is my research as summated by Wikipedia:
Endocrine Disruptors: are chemicals that interfere with endocrine (or hormone system) in animals, including humans. These disruptions can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. Specifically, they are known to cause learning disabilities, severe attention deficit disorder, cognitive and brain development problems, deformations of the body (including limbs); sexual development problems, feminizing of males or masculine effects on females, etc. Any system in the body controlled by hormones, can be derailed by hormone disruptors.
PCBs: PCBs were used as coolants and insulating fluids (transformer oil) for transformers and capacitors, especially in components of early fluorescent light fittings and electrical transformers, and as plasticizers in paints and cements, stabilizing additives in flexible PVC coatings of electrical wiring and electronic components, pesticide extenders, cutting oils, reactive flame retardants, lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, and sealants (for caulking in schools and commercial buildings[7]), adhesives, wood floor finishes (such as Fabulon and other products of Halowax in the U.S.),[7] paints, de-dusting agents, water-proofing compounds, casting agents, vacuum pump fluids, fixatives in microscopy, surgical implants, and in carbonless copy (“NCR”) paper.[2]
PBDE: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDE, are organobromine compounds that are used as flame retardants. Like other brominated flame retardants, PBDEs have been used in a wide array of products, including building materials, electronics, furnishings, motor vehicles, airplanes, plastics, polyurethane foams, and textiles. They are structurally akin to the PCBs and other polyhalogenated compounds, consisting of two halogenated aromatic rings. PBDEs are classified according to the average number of bromine atoms in the molecule. The health hazards of these chemicals have attracted increasing scrutiny, and they have been shown to reduce fertility in humans at levels found in households.[1] Their chlorine analogs are polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDEs). Because of their toxicity and persistence, their industrial production is to be eliminated under the Stockholm Convention, a treaty to control and phase out major persistent organic pollutants (POP).
Phalates: Phthalates, or phthalate esters, are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity). They are used primarily to soften polyvinyl chloride. Phthalates are being phased out of many products in the United States, Canada, and European Union over health concerns.
So why only 4 concerns listed???? Well there are simply just too many. The fact is that you absolutley need to do your own research into what you put into and on your body. Most everything you regularly come to think of is probably chemically treated at a minimum. Search the Cosmetics’ Database at: www.ewg.org/skindeep for more information on just about anything and everything available.
It isn’t just cosmetics boys!
Their list includes sunscreens, body wash, shampoo, deodorant/antiperspirant, soap, mouthwash, etc so don’t be a woose – take care of your body and health. Do your research and make a difference!
–The EBS Team–
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