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When taking the Ordination for Minister Practitioner each person must hand in, mail or email their research to qualify for the ordination. They are asked to choose any common product that they may see, use, have or know of and have never really questioned "what is it's impact on us and the earth?" The homework assignment for each person taking the ordination as Minister Practitioner requires them to research a common product and illuminate the problems and the solutions. We hope everyone finds this useful in their quest to cleanse themselves, help their loved ones and this beloved planet we call home.
Cutting Boards…A Full Circle “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” is an expression that can be interpreted on several levels. In the kitchen it is a fundamental guideline that keeps us safe from ingesting undesirable microbes that cause all manner of illness from the common cold to sicknesses caused by salmonella and e-coli. This paper will examine various surfaces on which we most commonly cut and prepare our food, thereby determining the safest material at this time. Perhaps the oldest form of cutting board is its namesake – the wooden cutting board. Used by primitive cave dwellers was any piece of wood that provided a cutting surface. As civilization progressed, hunks of wood were split for a more level cutting area. Further development of tools led to “slicing” slabs of wood to serve the purpose. An interesting note is that whenever the board appeared too dirty, chipped or worn by whatever the cleanliness standards were back then, it was merely “recycled” by tossing it into the family fire! Eventually every region developed their unique styles of cutting boards moving from the large open grains of oak to the tighter, less porous grains of maple, cherry, and walnut, to a variety of exotic woods like bamboo and teak. And, the world went on happily using their wooden cutting boards until the advent of plastic and glass cutting surfaces. Research then began to study the bacterial content and retention on each surface. One such study applied equal amounts of e-coli and salmonella to wood and plastic. The scientists found that 3 minutes after contamination, 99.9% of the pathogenic bacteria on the wood had died, while none of the bacteria had died on the plastic. In addition, bacteria held at room temperature overnight on a plastic cutting board increased in number but researchers could find no bacteria on wood treated in the same manner. It was surmised that a substance within the wood must have anti-bacterial properties. The inevitable conclusion was to advise the use of wooden cutting boards…
…But not so fast! Subsequent research found that instead of the bacteria dying off on the wood, they were actually being absorbed into the wood instead! This, of course, would be potentially able to infect the next prepared food. Use plastic or glass seemed to be the appropriate verdict… The wooden cutting boards again reacted as in the previous set of experiments with bacteria soaking deep into the board fibers. But, the plastic boards with their deep grooves from previous knife scores made the surface so difficult to clean that even after thorough hot soapy scrubbing the bacteria were ever present. What is the answer to this dilemma? An indication of the answer may lie in a California study done in June 1995 of random families with cases of salmonella. Those who were using wooden cutting boards in their homes were 50% less likely to contract this illness. Families who used glass or plastic cutting surfaces were close to twice as likely to contact salmonella. With that said, it does not mean that there is no risk of bacterial spread simply because you use a wooden cutting board. And, further research may indeed reverse that opinion again! So when using your cutting board, it seems a good rule of thumb would be to use one board for meat preparation, and another for vegetables. Cleaning EACH board between EACH food article also seems to be smart procedure. This can be accomplished by using one part vinegar to four parts water and letting that solution sit on the surface for a few minutes before washing with hot soapy water. And so, for those of you like me who have alternately heard opposing recommendations, it appears that the best cutting surface to use (for now!) is the original cutting surface – a wooden cutting board – a full circle from whence we came!
What is High Fructose corn syrup? August 19, 2011 Rachael A. Paz In the United Kingdom, it is called Glucose-fructose corn syrup. In the US, high fructose corn syrup is among the sweeteners that have replaced table sugar in the food industry. Factors such as subsiding corn farmers.( Hopefully with ethenol, the use of high fructose corn syrup will decline.) Besides that the taxing and quotas of sugar the use of high fructose corn syrup is more cost effective for food manifactures. Some state the usage of high fructose corn syrup in foods contributes to excess weight gain and that in some foods containing high fructose corn syrup there are traces of mercury ( a known neurotoxin.) One of the most common genetically altered crops in the US; is corn. Biogentic Companies state it will decrease the need for chemical pestisides. Buying "Organic" products do not protect you ; if they contain high fructose corn syrup, it can still contain mercury. Another concerning testimonial came from Dr. Melissa Shelton, DVM in the introduction of her book: ESSENTIAL OILS FOR NATURAL PET CARE. I was amazed when Dr. Melissa had found out that her son, husband and daughter all reacted to high fructose corn syrup. They had different effects. Torette's syndrome, minor skin break outs and behavior issues.
There are many healthier alternatives for using high fructose corn syrup: Organic raw cane sugar, stevia, agave, and honey are commonly used in our household.
Raw Cane Sugar is a low processed replacement for refined sugar. No animal by products, colorings or chemicals are used is claimed on the packaging of Wholesome Sweeteners Raw Cane Sugar. Honey is a common local product; perferrable nonpasturized (which is done so that it does not crystalize) . Besides being a sweetener it can be used for fighting against allergies, colds, boost immune system, the flu and many other health concerns. To be a healthy person, you must be an educated consumer and use your purchasing power to effect what products and ingredients become more readily available or less available.
Toothpaste by Rev. Michael Lopez
I recently saw the following warning label on a tube of toothpaste: Regular toothpastes contain various questionable ingredients. According to several websites, including www.oramd.com (The Mouth Doctor), those ingredients include, Triclosan, food coloring, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), hydrated Silica, and Sodium Fluoride. Triclosan is a combination of phenols, which is a class of chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is registered as a pesticide. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), Triclosan is very effective at removing tartar from teeth. Food colorings are added for purely cosmetic reasons; however, it is very common for them to contain organic and metallic compounds and synthetic coal tar substances. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) act requires certain inorganic substances to be classified for reference. Studies conducted in Australia showed links between food coloring additives, such as FD&C Blue #1 & 2, and ADHD, irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbances in children. According to the ADA, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a detergent that is used to create foaming action in the toothpaste. However, in 1983, the American College of Toxicology reported that SLS is highly irritating and dangerous. Hydrated Silica, according to the ADA, is a mild abrasive added to toothpaste to remove debris and residual surface stains from teeth. Unfortunately, the hydrated Silica is too abrasive and can damage the enamel on the teeth; analogous to cleaning glass with sandpaper, eventually, serious harm can occur. Most sites agree that baking soda is much better for this purpose since it is a much milder abrasive. Sodium Fluoride is the most dangerous ingredient in regular toothpastes and is the reason for the warning label. As it turns out, The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) issues the warning since Sodium Fluoride is considered very toxic and typical approved uses for the substance is as an insecticide or rat poison. According to the Journal of Dental Research 1987; (66:1056-1060), potentially fatal doses are 5 mg of fluoride per kg of bodyweight. This is "the minimum dose that could cause toxic signs and symptoms, including death, and that should trigger immediate therapeutic intervention and hospitalization... This does not mean that doses lower than 5.0 mg F/kg should be regarded as innocuous." The use of the term in the warning of “keep out of the reach of children under 6 years of age” is used since the typical weight of a child under that age would mean that if they ingested up to half of a tube the effect could be lethal. Fortunately, however, toothpaste-induced fatalities have been rarely reported in the US. In a review of Poison Center Control reports between 1989 and 1994, 12,571 reports were found from people who had ingested excess toothpaste. Of these calls, 2 people (probably both children) experienced "major medical outcomes" [defined as "signs or symptoms that are life-threatening or result in significant residual disability or disfigurement"] (SOURCE: Shulman 1997). The American Dental Association (www.ADA.org) promotes the use of Fluoride as an aid in preventing tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. I asked my sister, who is a Dental Hygienist, about the warning label and the dangers of Fluoride, and she was not aware of any side effects or dangers. A July 1998 report for The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that at least 22% of all American children now have dental fluorosis as a result of ingesting too much fluoride. Fluorosis is light spots and discoloration forming on developing teeth of children. In advanced cases pitting of teeth can occur. The ADA states that those effects are only cosmetic; and therefore, they are acceptable. This really made me question why the ADA pushed for fluoride to be added to toothpaste. I found several sites that contained a lot of information on this topic, including the Fluoride Action Network (www.fluoridealert.org), and Dr. Mercola (www.mercola.com). The sites mention many articles and books, including “The Fluoride Deception," by Christopher Bryson, and “The Fluoride Debate (A Response to the American Dental Association’s Booklet Fluoridation Fact” (Compiled by Anita Shattuck, Copyright Health Way House, 2000) "The Fluoride Deception" reveals a multi-tiered effort, or as Bryson says an abuse of power, by military and industry scientists and public health officials to shamelessly promote fluoride to the dentistry field and the American public with little regard to the implications it would have on human health. The unfortunate reality of Fluoride is that it is not only added to toothpastes (to the level of 0.8 – 1.2 mg per application, which the ADA describes as a pea-sized amount) but also to the majority of the public water supply in the US. The truth is that most of Europe has banned the practice of adding Fluoride to their water and their toothpastes contain lower Fluoride levels and as a result the amount of tooth decay among children has actually decreased. “The Fluoride Debate” explains the history of why the practice of adding Fluoride to water started and its dangers (which include bone issues, brain abnormalities and/or IQ deficits, thyroid issues, not to mention its carcinogenic effects, among many others). A short history of the practice of adding Fluoride to potable water supplies… The aluminum, steel and fertilizer industries all produce toxic hazardous waste by-products called silicofluorides, which are very toxic since they contain heavy metals and possibly some radiation, and they can only be disposed of in expensive toxic waste dumps. Prior to adding Fluoride to the water, these companies spent a fortune disposing of this waste, and paying for damages to livestock and the environment. As an example, the Aluminum Company Of America’s (ALCOA) Vancouver, Washington plant was found guilty of dumping 1,000 to 7,000 pounds of fluoride poison each month into the Columbia River. The fluoride contaminated the grass and forage and resulted in injury and death to cattle." (Source: Seattle Times, Dec. 16, 1952.) Ironically, today, if ALCOA disposes of 5000 pounds of silicofluorides into a river it’s considered pollution. Yet if city officials dump as much or more silicofluorides into municipal water supplies (5,000 pounds a day in San Francisco) it is called a "health measure." The question then remains, why would a toxic pollutant be added to public water supplies? The answer is to follow the money. By adding Fluoride to the public water supply, big companies did not have to pay large sums to get rid of their silicofluorides, instead, they were paid to give it to municipal water supplies. “The Fluoride Debate” states that after Oscar Ewing, Chief Counsel of the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) became head of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), in 1947, he offered the American Dental Association strong inducements to back fluoridation. To this day the ADA is paid well for endorsements of fluoride products. Grants are awarded to produce studies that will show fluoride is safe. Scientists whose research shows negative effects from fluoride often find it difficult to get their findings published. (See 0-6: "The Difficulty of Research on Fluoridation", Natick Fluoridation Study Committee Report,9/27/97). The sad irony is that the FDA regulates the amount of Fluoride, as a drug, that is put into a tube of toothpaste; whereas, they do not regulate the amount of Fluoride in drinking water, which can vary widely from town to town. So, if you swallow more than a pea-sized amount of Fluoride toothpaste, you should contact a Poison Control center; whereas, a typical glass of tap water would have an equivalent amount of Fluoride. Therefore, the question remains, if I have a glass of water, should I call Poison Control? Although, removing unwanted Fluoride from drinking water is possible, the options are typically expensive. Since I utilize a water ionizer at home, due to the benefits of alkalizing, as I just discovered, it has the additional benefit of removing Fluoride. Whereas; it is easier to control the amount of Fluoride in toothpaste by purchasing varieties that don’t contain Fluoride. Examples include Burt’s Bees, Tom’s of Maine, and Young Living Essential Oils (i.e., Dentarome Ultra). In conclusion, it is highly recommended to do one’s best to remove Fluoride from one’s personal hygiene products as well as from the water one drinks.
SCENTED CANDLES FRIEND OR FOE? Want to make an impression, add a special touch or light up a holiday celebration? What better way than with scented candles. They come in every conceivable size, color, scent and style; and the sparkle is pretty nice too. But while nearly every household in American has them to some degree, are they really the best choice in our quest to sustain the environment? Candles have long been part of a greener lifestyle as a relatively eco-friendly alternative to leaving the electric lights on. Who would mind adding some relaxation or romance to an evening and at the same time save energy? It’s a win/win. But while burning a candle isn’t going to add hugely to your carbon footprint, they certainly aren’t great for your health. Burning candles, as with everything that involves combustion, releases a cocktail of chemicals into the air. A study performed by the EPA found that numerous potentially hazardous chemicals are commonly used in scented candles including acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool and methylene chloride. According to Material Data Safety Sheets, when inhaled, these chemicals can cause central nervous system disorders, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, drowsiness, irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin and lungs, kidney damage, headache, respiratory failure, and fatigue among other things. Besides the chemicals noted above, that are released during the burning of these candles, soot is the next big issue. Soot is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon containing fuels, usually petrochemical based. That is what makes the flame glow so nicely. Since soot particles are so small, they have the potential of penetrating the deepest areas of the lungs, coating and clogging them in the same way they discolor walls or contaminate ventilation systems. We’ve all seen the smoky trail from an overlong wick. That dissipates in the air and comes off on your cleaning rag during the spring cleaning of your walls and windows. Studies suggest that candle soot may have the same negative effects as those from diesel exhaust or factory emissions. In fact, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, burning nine candles would release enough toxic matter to result in a higher level of pollution than would be legally allowed outdoors. And if your candle happens to be of the cheap, paraffin based variety? Paraffin is a by-product of petroleum, which means your supermarket candle is adding to the already considerable pressure on a non-renewable resource. One last hit to a staple for romance, small but noteworthy; some types of candles contained a tiny lead wire in their wick, which was used to make the wicks stand up and to prevent them from falling into the candle wax. Scientific studies have shown candles with these wicks to emit lead when burned, often resulting in indoor lead levels higher the EPA recommended limits. This may seem small compared to the lead paint scare from a few years back and I promise it will be much easier and less expensive to remove and replace. The good news is that these lead concerns prompted a change in manufacturing and these lead containing wicks have not been used in candles made in the US since 1974; however, imported candles with lead wicks can still be bought in the US. Another reason to buy American? And don’t forget the holiday candles that have been in our mother’s attic for decades. The Santa and Elf shapes are nostalgic and reminiscent of Christmas’s long ago. Display them on a gold plate with some sprigs of fresh holly bush but don’t light them. Chances are they are lead wired. (As a note, some candles with shiny metal wires do not contain lead but contain zinc or tin, which has not been linked to added health risks. As a precaution, check your candle for the country of origin). Candles were once used only to lighten a dark place. Candles were used for worship in temples and other places divine. They are now more often used for cosmetic purposes. They are a very popular decorative element and have become the life of the party. The variety in which they are available makes the possibilities endless. Aim emotionally when decorating with candles. The soft lighting has some real effects on the body, minds and moods of people. So let’s offer some healthy alternatives. Aside from devotedly reading labels and avoiding products made with perfumes and artificial dyes (found in most mass produced candles and fresheners), turning to soy based candles or beeswax candles may be the best option. Beeswax candles are a fantastic natural alternative, and soy based candles emit less soot that their paraffin based cousins and are made from plant waste. If unscented candles won’t do however, make sure your aromatherapy/scented candles avoid synthetic mess and instead utilize plant essential oils. Some names to keep in mind are Vermont Soy Candles, Blue Corn Naturals and Honeyflow Farms. Our sense of smell is the strongest of the senses, and the least understood. What’s clear is that we thrive on good smells and it seems like we have been subtly strong armed into thinking that synthetic “fresh” smells are better than the natural smells of living. With that being said, here are a couple more options for those of you with a drive for fresh aromas.
*You don’t have to buy this tried and true home air freshener but if you could, it would go by the name “Open Window.” Opening windows and doors for a short period of time can do more for your home’s indoor air quality than a host of commercial fragrances. The choices are many so don’t give up what you love. Enjoy the sparkle of the holidays, the scents that bring you calm and peace or ignites a glowing memory. It is only armed with knowledge that we can make the best decisions for ourselves, our loved ones and for Earth.
Diapers by Kristy Schafer
Disposable diapers became very popular in the 1970’s. There was a huge decline in the use of cloth diapers due to a feeling of convenience when it came to disposables.
Let's start with noting a very important fact...The SKIN is the largest organ in the body. Our skin is porous which translates to: everything we put on our bodies is absorbed directly into our blood stream and then transported to every organ, tissue & cell! As with everything, Cloth Diapers have also evolved. They are SUPER CUTE, and so EASY to use. There are so many different choices of styles and colors, the possibilities are endless. There truly is something for everyone!!
Hair Relaxers by Rev. Antoinette Barnes
We as women do a lot of things to our bodies in the name of beauty. Women love straight silky hair so, we do a number of things to our hair to achieve that goal. One major tool that most women use are hair straighteners or hair relaxers to relax the curls. I like to use the term liquid crack when referring to hair relaxers because they are highly addictive and extremely dangerous to our health. Hair relaxers are highly addictive because month after month you have to continue to process your hair in order to maintain the straightness. And after the process of relaxing our hair, it still is not straight enough so we resort to damaging our hair even more by using blow dryers and hot irons to complete the process. Remember this is all in the Name of Beauty! I explained why hair straighteners are addictive now let me explain why they are dangerous to our health. There are a number of ingredients in relaxers but, the active ingredients that allow the relaxers to straighten the hair are:
High Fructose Corn Syrup
While one may be hard pressed to find this ubiquitous sweetener as a stand alone ingredient in the pantry or cupboard, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is arguably the most difficult and potentially hazardous food additive to avoid in the modern industrialized world's diet. This fact is sounding an alarm throughout the health community at the very time obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and related conditions are on the rise around the globe, threatening to bring down already imperiled health care systems nearly everywhere due to frightening health & financial implications.
SCENTED CANDLES FRIEND OR FOE? Want to make an impression, add a special touch or light up a holiday celebration? What better way than with scented candles. They come in every conceivable size, color, scent and style; and the sparkle is pretty nice too. But while nearly every household in American has them to some degree, are they really the best choice in our quest to sustain the environment? Candles have long been part of a greener lifestyle as a relatively eco-friendly alternative to leaving the electric lights on. Who would mind adding some relaxation or romance to an evening and at the same time save energy? It’s a win/win. But while burning a candle isn’t going to add hugely to your carbon footprint, they certainly aren’t great for your health. Burning candles, as with everything that involves combustion, releases a cocktail of chemicals into the air. A study performed by the EPA found that numerous potentially hazardous chemicals are commonly used in scented candles including acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool and methylene chloride. According to Material Data Safety Sheets, when inhaled, these chemicals can cause central nervous system disorders, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, drowsiness, irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin and lungs, kidney damage, headache, respiratory failure, and fatigue among other things. Besides the chemicals noted above, that are released during the burning of these candles, soot is the next big issue. Soot is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon containing fuels, usually petrochemical based. That is what makes the flame glow so nicely. Since soot particles are so small, they have the potential of penetrating the deepest areas of the lungs, coating and clogging them in the same way they discolor walls or contaminate ventilation systems. We’ve all seen the smoky trail from an overlong wick. That dissipates in the air and comes off on your cleaning rag during the spring cleaning of your walls and windows. Studies suggest that candle soot may have the same negative effects as those from diesel exhaust or factory emissions. In fact, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, burning nine candles would release enough toxic matter to result in a higher level of pollution than would be legally allowed outdoors. And if your candle happens to be of the cheap, paraffin based variety? Paraffin is a by-product of petroleum, which means your supermarket candle is adding to the already considerable pressure on a non-renewable resource. One last hit to a staple for romance, small but noteworthy; some types of candles contained a tiny lead wire in their wick, which was used to make the wicks stand up and to prevent them from falling into the candle wax. Scientific studies have shown candles with these wicks to emit lead when burned, often resulting in indoor lead levels higher the EPA recommended limits. This may seem small compared to the lead paint scare from a few years back and I promise it will be much easier and less expensive to remove and replace. The good news is that these lead concerns prompted a change in manufacturing and these lead containing wicks have not been used in candles made in the US since 1974; however, imported candles with lead wicks can still be bought in the US. Another reason to buy American? And don’t forget the holiday candles that have been in our mother’s attic for decades. The Santa and Elf shapes are nostalgic and reminiscent of Christmas’s long ago. Display them on a gold plate with some sprigs of fresh holly bush but don’t light them. Chances are they are lead wired. (As a note, some candles with shiny metal wires do not contain lead but contain zinc or tin, which has not been linked to added health risks. As a precaution, check your candle for the country of origin). Candles were once used only to lighten a dark place. Candles were used for worship in temples and other places divine. They are now more often used for cosmetic purposes. They are a very popular decorative element and have become the life of the party. The variety in which they are available makes the possibilities endless. Aim emotionally when decorating with candles. The soft lighting has some real effects on the body, minds and moods of people. So let’s offer some healthy alternatives. Aside from devotedly reading labels and avoiding products made with perfumes and artificial dyes (found in most mass produced candles and fresheners), turning to soy based candles or beeswax candles may be the best option. Beeswax candles are a fantastic natural alternative, and soy based candles emit less soot that their paraffin based cousins and are made from plant waste. If unscented candles won’t do however, make sure your aromatherapy/scented candles avoid synthetic mess and instead utilize plant essential oils. Some names to keep in mind are Vermont Soy Candles, Blue Corn Naturals and Honeyflow Farms. Our sense of smell is the strongest of the senses, and the least understood. What’s clear is that we thrive on good smells and it seems like we have been subtly strong armed into thinking that synthetic “fresh” smells are better than the natural smells of living. With that being said, here are a couple more options for those of you with a drive for fresh aromas.
*You don’t have to buy this tried and true home air freshener but if you could, it would go by the name “Open Window.” Opening windows and doors for a short period of time can do more for your home’s indoor air quality than a host of commercial fragrances. The choices are many so don’t give up what you love. Enjoy the sparkle of the holidays, the scents that bring you calm and peace or ignites a glowing memory. It is only armed with knowledge that we can make the best decisions for ourselves, our loved ones and for Earth.
What is High fructose corn syrup? In the United Kingdom, it is called Glucose-fructose corn syrup. In the US, high fructose corn syrup is among the sweeteners that have replaced table sugar in the food industry. Factors such as subsiding corn farmers.( Hopefully with ethenol, the use of high fructose corn syrup will decline.) Besides that the taxing and quotas of sugar the use of high fructose corn syrup is more cost effective for food manifactures. Some state the usage of high fructose corn syrup in foods contributes to excess weight gain and that in some foods containing high fructose corn syrup there are traces of mercury ( a known neurotoxin.) One of the most common genetically altered crops in the US; is corn. Biogentic Companies state it will decrease the need for chemical pestisides. Buying "Organic" products do not protect you ; if they contain high fructose corn syrup, it can still contain mercury. Another concerning testimonial came from Dr. Melissa Shelton, DVM in the introduction of her book: ESSENTIAL OILS FOR NATURAL PET CARE. I was amazed when Dr. Melissa had found out that her son, husband and daughter all reacted to high fructose corn syrup. They had different effects. Torette's syndrome, minor skin break outs and behavior issues. There are many healthier alternatives for using high fructose corn syrup: Organic raw cane sugar, stevia, agave, and honey are commonly used in our household.
To be a healthy person, you must be an educated consumer and use your purchasing power to effect what products and ingredients become more readily available or less available.
Aspartame Before you open a can of diet soda you might want to think about what is in that diet soda. One ingredient in diet sodas is aspartame. Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener that replaces sugar and is180 times sweeter than sugar. Aspartame is used by 100 million people in over 100 countries. It has been approved for use in 6,000 products, such as, Nutrasweet, Equal, soft drinks, frozen desserts, fillings, baked goods, refrigerated and non-refrigerated ready to drink beverages. Aspartame is one of the most controversial products on the market today. It was discovered, by accident in 1965, by James Schlatter, a chemist, who was testing an anti-ulcer drug. Aspartame was approved for dry goods in 1981 and carbonated beverages in 1983. The FDA claims it is a safe product. But sufferers of adverse reactions to aspartame call it a chemical poison. Aspartame has accounted for 75% of adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA. Symptoms listed in these reports are, headaches/migraines, dizziness, seizures, nausea, vision problems and memory loss to name a few. When a person stops using products that contain aspartame these symptoms generally disappear within a short time. Aspartame is made up of 3 chemicals, Aspartic acid (40%), Phenylalanine (50%) and Methanol (10%). Aspartic acid is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain it transmits information from neuron to neuron. Phenylalanine is an amino acid normally found in the brain. Methanol is a wood alcohol/ poison and when it is gradually released in the small intestine methanol breaks down into formic acid and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde, a deadly neurotoxin, is also created when aspartame products are exposed to high temperatures over 86 degrees F. Examples of high temperature exposure are improper storage of beverages or when a food product such as Jello is heated.
Methanol is found in many foods and alcoholic beverages, but these foods have protective chemicals in them that prevent the conversion of methanol into formaldehyde when it’s absorbed into the body.
People with the genetic disorder PKU (phenylketonuria) cannot metabolize phenylalanine and must restrict their use of aspartame products. An excessive amount of phenylalanine in the brain can lead to depression or emotional disorders.
Works researched:
Horse Care For my reasearch, I knew I wanted to do something on horse care. But what? There are simply SO many things wrong with the horse industry today. And it's just that... it's an INDUSTRY. Like most things, turned into big business. Unfortunately, the ones that suffer are our majestic friends. In the end, I decided to do something that might be the easiest thing to change for horse owners. There's nothing extra to buy!! On the contrary, cost savings should be seen in the next 8 - 10 weeks!! What is it? STOP WORMING YOUR HORSES!!! For me, growing up, about every 2 months, it was time to worm the horses. Make sure you write down the date you did it and which wormer you used. Used a different one every time, because the worms will become immune to the same wormer if you use it each time. So that's what we did. Every 8 weeks. Why? Because that's just what you do... and if you don't.. cover your mouth and gasp!!! You were a bad horse owner!! So we worm, and worm, and worm. Pouring more and more chemicals into these sensitive animals. Does anyone even do fecal tests for horses anymore? Did you even know that before worming became so very "popular," that they actually did test? Then, and only if needed, the horses were wormed. One vet said, "maybe twice a year a couple horses out of a heard might need it". If horses do have parasites, studies have shown that actually about two out of three horses will become reinfected in eight to ten weeks after deworming. When reinfected, those that initially had high numbers of eggs will continue to have high numbers. Those that had low numbers to begin with had low numbers later, too! So the parasites can be reduced with chemicals BUT they obviously just come back in “parasite prone” horses anyway. Could this be more of a genetic-type resistance in the horse rather than effectiveness of dewormers? In my opinion, the more you give chemicals the weaker the horse becomes, with a consequent tendency for many more problems. Have you noticed all the horses with allergies today? How about all the horses with chronic lung problems? Why all of a sudden do horses have a problem from being exposed to the opossum (EPM) when the two, horses and the opossum, have co-mingled for millions of years. Could our horses be weaker today? Noticed more laminitis lately? How about colic? There are certainly other contributing factors such as over-vaccination, improper nutrition, etc., but no doubt our horses are weaker today than they used to be. I believe we are killing our horses... from the inside out. Take this for instance... the most “modern dewormer” today, Quest, will even kill your dog if he happens to get a hold of a little. Another potential problem situation might be a horse that has been on a daily wormer most of his life. This horse would never have had the opportunity to develop any natural resistance. Also, it is easy to develop a false sense of security with these products and just never check them. Don’t make that mistake – remember these classes of dewormers are the type that most parasites do develop resistance to. That is why so many of the newer “generic” ones are twice the strength. One more note about such daily products: if you buy a new horse always ask the “daily wormer” history. Sudden exposure to a wormy environment with no resistance could be disastrous. There are reports that there is considerable resistance to wormers like Benzelmin, Panacur and Anthelcide. There is even resistance to Strongid (pyrantel pamoate) being reported. Noticed a price drop lately in these products? So, how effective are these “daily” products if resistance is already present? The only product that doesn’t have resistance problems in equine parasites is Ivermectin. For goats however, it is a different situation – there is a lot of resistance to Ivermectin. This problem is coming for horses – What will we do then? The “cure” today may be the disease soon – especially if chemicals are weakening our horses! A recent article in a major Equine health magazine stated “custom deworming programs based on consultation of a veterinarian and fecal exams of individual horses will help postpone drug abuse, and thus drug resistance by common parasites”. They went on to state a “looming disaster” if we continue deworming the way we do today. My feelings, exactly – we have a serious situation! As I said at the beginning of this... I used to be one of those people. One that wormed just because I thought I was supposed to. So, what changed it for me? One of my horses coliced one night. I had wormed her that morning. Fortunately I was sensitive to how she was feeling and went back to check on her. There she was, laying in her stall. I got her up, took her to the round pen and walked her for about a half hour. Then she stopped, and her bowels started working. We were lucky. I caugh it that early. But it would take a second time of this very thing for me to put 2 and 2 together. That was 2 years ago. And I haven't wormed any of my 6 horses since then. vaccination, improper nutrition, etc., but no doubt our horses are weaker today than they used to be. I believe we are killing our horses... from the inside out. Take this for instance... the most “modern dewormer” today, Quest, will even kill your dog if he happens to get a hold of a little. Another potential problem situation might be a horse that has been on a daily wormer most of his life. This horse would never have had the opportunity to develop any natural resistance. Also, it is easy to develop a false sense of security with these products and just never check them. Don’t make that mistake – remember these classes of dewormers are the type that most parasites do develop resistance to. That is why so many of the newer “generic” ones are twice the strength. One more note about such daily products: if you buy a new horse always ask the “daily wormer” history. Sudden exposure to a wormy environment with no resistance could be disastrous. There are reports that there is considerable resistance to wormers like Benzelmin, Panacur and Anthelcide. There is even resistance to Strongid (pyrantel pamoate) being reported. Noticed a price drop lately in these products? So, how effective are these “daily” products if resistance is already present? The only product that doesn’t have resistance problems in equine parasites is Ivermectin. For goats however, it is a different situation – there is a lot of resistance to Ivermectin. This problem is coming for horses – What will we do then? The “cure” today may be the disease soon – especially if chemicals are weakening our horses! A recent article in a major Equine health magazine stated “custom deworming programs based on consultation of a veterinarian and fecal exams of individual horses will help postpone drug abuse, and thus drug resistance by common parasites”. They went on to state a “looming disaster” if we continue deworming the way we do today. My feelings, exactly – we have a serious situation! As I said at the beginning of this... I used to be one of those people. One that wormed just because I thought I was supposed to. So, what changed it for me? One of my horses coliced one night. I had wormed her that morning. Fortunately I was sensitive to how she was feeling and went back to check on her. There she was, laying in her stall. I got her up, took her to the round pen and walked her for about a half hour. Then she stopped, and her bowels started working. We were lucky. I caugh it that early. But it would take a second time of this very thing for me to put 2 and 2 together. That was 2 years ago. And I haven't wormed any of my 6 horses since then. vaccination, improper nutrition, etc., but no doubt our horses are weaker today than they used to be. I believe we are killing our horses... from the inside out. Take this for instance... the most “modern dewormer” today, Quest, will even kill your dog if he happens to get a hold of a little. Another potential problem situation might be a horse that has been on a daily wormer most of his life. This horse would never have had the opportunity to develop any natural resistance. Also, it is easy to develop a false sense of security with these products and just never check them. Don’t make that mistake – remember these classes of dewormers are the type that most parasites do develop resistance to. That is why so many of the newer “generic” ones are twice the strength. One more note about such daily products: if you buy a new horse always ask the “daily wormer” history. Sudden exposure to a wormy environment with no resistance could be disastrous. There are reports that there is considerable resistance to wormers like Benzelmin, Panacur and Anthelcide. There is even resistance to Strongid (pyrantel pamoate) being reported. Noticed a price drop lately in these products? So, how effective are these “daily” products if resistance is already present? The only product that doesn’t have resistance problems in equine parasites is Ivermectin. For goats however, it is a different situation – there is a lot of resistance to Ivermectin. This problem is coming for horses – What will we do then? The “cure” today may be the disease soon – especially if chemicals are weakening our horses! A recent article in a major Equine health magazine stated “custom deworming programs based on consultation of a veterinarian and fecal exams of individual horses will help postpone drug abuse, and thus drug resistance by common parasites”. They went on to state a “looming disaster” if we continue deworming the way we do today. My feelings, exactly – we have a serious situation! As I said at the beginning of this... I used to be one of those people. One that wormed just because I thought I was supposed to. So, what changed it for me? One of my horses coliced one night. I had wormed her that morning. Fortunately I was sensitive to how she was feeling and went back to check on her. There she was, laying in her stall. I got her up, took her to the round pen and walked her for about a half hour. Then she stopped, and her bowels started working. We were lucky. I caugh it that early. But it would take a second time of this very thing for me to put 2 and 2 together. That was 2 years ago. And I haven't wormed any of my 6 horses since then.
Light Bulbs vs Compact Flourescent Lamps Why can't the government just be happy with the Incandescent Light Bulb? They are inexpensive, come in a large selection and have been around for a long time without any problems. Enter the Compact Flourescent Lamp, a.k.a. CFL. Now in the name of saving energy we may now be forced to choose a CFL which may save energy, but costs more and comes with Mercury, a toxic substance which is not environmentally friendly. If you use a CFL in your home and it breaks, you will have to follow a very specific cleanup protocol, or suffer serious health risks. NEVER USE A VACUUM CLEANER TO CLEAN UP MERCURY! You can go to www.energystar.gov to find out how they recommend to clean up the hazardous spill. Just to be fair, this website does say that most mercury emissions come from coal fired power plants. So the benefit of using these bulbs is that less coal will be burned since the demand for electricity will be less. Regardless of which bulb is truly better, I personally do not want to use the CFL in my home as long as I can use the Incancescent Light Bulb. The health risks of Mercury exposure include:
Mercury in the central nervous system (CNS) causes psychological, neurological, and immunological problems in humans.25 26 27 Mercury bonds very firmly to structures in the CNS through its affinity for sulfhydryl-groups on amino acids. Other studies have shown that mercury is taken up in the periphery by all nerve endings and rapidly transported inside the axon of the nerves (axonal transport) to the spinal cord and brainstem.28 29 30 Unless actively removed, mercury has an extremely long half-life of somewhere between 15 and 30 years in the CNS.1 This information is from www.Mercola.com. The article is - Mercury Toxicity and Systemic Elimination Agents. This article is geared for dental amalgams fillings, but offers up some great information such as how to detox Mercury. Some natural solutions to help eliminate Mercury include Chlorella, Chitosan, Cilantro, Garlic (for the sulfur), Vitamin E, C, Selenium, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glutathione. November 2010
Syrup High-fructose Corn Syrup/Corn Syrup Recently the Corn Refiners Association had a T.V. ad questioning the audience about, so what’s so bad about corn syrup? “It’s made from corn, doesn’t have artificial ingredients, and like sugar, it’s fine in moderation”. Moderation? It’s in practically everything that’s moderately sweet. This led me to finding out about HFCS on my own. High-fructose corn syrup is made by changing the glucose in cornstarch to fructose. It extends shelf-life of processed foods and is cheaper & sweeter than sugar. High-fructose corn syrup is processed by using glutaraldehyde, a synthetic agent. If the glutaraldehyde doesn’t come in contact with the cornstarch, high-fructose corn syrup can be considered a natural product according to the FDA. Glutaraldehyde is a colorless, oily liquid-chemical used for applications such as sterilizing medical instruments, antimicrobial in water treatment systems and embalming solutions to name a few. Workers with skin/inhalation contact with glutaraldehyde could be subject to throat & lung irritation, asthma, dermatitis, nasal irritation, burning eyes. One study shows a link between high consumption of beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup and obesity. “They looked at the correlation between the 1,000% increase in high-fructose corn syrup consumption between 1970 and 1990, and a correlating rise in obesity rates”. The study supported by the beverage industry would of course state that this shouldn’t be noted as a sole link because other sweeteners are just as guilty. Yet another study shows where sugar sends a chemical trigger of “I’m full” to your brain and prevents the release of a chemical that signals hunger, corn syrup does none of that. And while doing some of these studies in 2009, of the 20 samples of HFCS used, 9 of the samples showed traces of mercury. I’d rather know that I’m full when I’m supposed to be full; number one. Number two, why possibly subject my body to this aldehyde or traces of mercury? ICK!
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-fructose-corn-syrup/an01588
Sunscreens
Protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays is a significant concern. The medical community advises that sun protection be used daily and reapplied frequently and liberally. Sunscreen additives
Oxybenzone
What to do?
Judy Till
CHLORINE BASED BLEACH by Marie-Eleana First Chlorine Based Bleach, the popular liquid that has been used for generations that whitens the dingiest of whites, kills and eliminates household germs, and immaculately sterilizes surfaces, is neither wonderful nor effective. In fact, it is caustic and wreaks havoc on us, our pets and the environment, and often creates toxic and deadly environments. According to www.infobarrel.com, ?chlorine bleach is not a safe option for eliminating germs. Bleach causes respiratory issues. It can also cause burns to the skin and even nervous system damage. People with allergies and asthma are often irritated by bleach and can have serious reactions to it. In addition, www.infobarrel.com tells us that chlorine bleach is a product that has some really dangerous potential reactions with other chemicals and materials. These include: gas (chlorine mixed with household cleaners); mustard gas1 (bleach mixed with household dish detergent); chloroform2 (bleach mixed with organic matter such as blood, mud, feces/urine). Mixing bleach with organics is easy to do while cleaning up blood, mud, pet accidents, and the bathroom, while washing laundry, cleaning the kitchen, and floors. Furthermore, http://www.kitchenstewardship.com us that bleach needs to dry in order to eliminate all the germs and if it comes into contact with organic matter then it is rendered ineffective. Fortunately, there are solutions to making our clothes white and keeping our surfaces safe and germ-free without using chlorine bleach. Here are some recipes for household cleaner or whitening laundry: Household Cleaner/Laundry Whitener (from www.grit.com): 12 cups water?1/4 cup lemon juice?1 cup hydrogen peroxide Mix. Add 2 cups per wash load or put in spray bottle and use as a household cleaner. All-Purpose Cleaner (www.infobarrel.com) Use 1/2 bottle of vinegar and 1/2 bottle of water with a few drops of your favorite essential oil (as far as I am concerned, Young Living Essential Oils are the only oils to use!) for a good all-purpose cleaner. Whitening Laundry (from http://laundry.about.com) Add ½ cup baking soda to laundry detergent, presoak whites overnight in a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 6 parts warm water, or add one cup of hydrogen peroxide to a full load of laundry, or use the sun to whiten clothes. So, in the end, I have found out from this research that in my valiant efforts to clean after my cat and keep the bathroom germ-free, I almost bleached her to death. Also, I learned, that a dear friend of mine, who scrubs his dishes regularly with dish detergent and bleach, is actually producing mustard-gas and I wonder if this has to do at all with the Bells-Palsy that he had contracted about twelve years ago. I need to be kind to myself and to my environment and use chlorine bleach alternatives and they are indeed available. 1 Mustard Gas is the chemical that was used in the trenches during World War I 2 Chloroform is a toxin and a known carcinogen
What’s in our Water supply? – Carlos Vazquez Water consumption is very important; the human body is made up of 90% water. Water is a solvent and a transport medium. It moves in and out of cells, and forms allegiances with various chemicals to facilitate cleaning. It is a catalyst for draining, cleaning, alkalizing and calming the body. As a transport medium, water supports, aids and provides a base for the alchemy of DNA. The consumption of water assists the body to release toxins stored in fat tissue and the spine. In today’s society, it is mandatory to have a good water filter, one that will filter out the additive chemicals being forced on us by the government. There is Fluoride and Chlorine in the public water supply. If you Google the term: “Sodium Fluoride” or “Fluoridation of water” and “Cancer,” you will get hundreds of mainstream news articles, and links, sounding alarms about the dangers and hazards to this ionic molecule. Fluoride is added to 70% of water which most of us drink because the government says it is a safe and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay. However, this is a scam, fraud and hoax. Fluoride is a deadly poison; it is used in every known pesticide. It causes brain lesions in rats, impotence in men, and causes the numbing down of higher brain functions. Fluoride causes Fluorosis and modeling of teeth. Under the catch-all term "Sodium Fluoride", the government is adding in most cities, anywhere from 150 to over 300 deadly chemicals including toxic waste from nuclear weapons, uranium purification, aluminum production, fertilizer waste, mercury, lead, melamine, arsenic, (just to name a few) into our reservoirs!! Fluoridation began in the late 1930’s in Nazi Germany. This toxic sedative induces infertility, lowers the sperm count, and attacks the entire body. The chemical attacks your bones, the thyroid, hypothalamus, and causes bone cancer in the bone marrow. Fluoride accelerates the aging process, attacks the white blood cell and stem cell production. It is one of the smallest particles on the periodic table. It is a tiny and deadly poison that accumulates in the human body for years. There is a reason for all of this. The Russians and the Nazis learned to put Fluoride in the water to give the slaves to sedate/control them. There is a reason why Americans are in a trance, passive and lethargic – a chemical bomb has hit us. Please watch this short investigative video and read the article about imported Fluoride from China being used in Massachusetts. They are up in arms about a sticky substance that is not soluble, and it is actually getting stuck and sabotaging the machines that process the water. The municipality had to shut down water fluoridation. The emphasis of the video is on recent questionable Chinese products America keeps importing such as melamine, lead in toys, and poisons in jewelry. The emphasis here is not on the fluoridation in the municipalities that buy their fluoride. It’s the same problem from local Fluoride from states like Florida. It too has hundreds of chemicals in it. We allowed it to happen. It keeps happening, and no one does anything about it. Follow the link: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/22817552/index.html Below is a screenshot I lifted from the video that plainly shows the word "DANGER" Fluoride “targets your Heart, Kidneys, Bones, Central Nervous System, Gastrointestinal System, and Teeth… Teeth? IT EVEN SAYS, “DO NOT INGEST.” Now, you may be thinking; it’s only being used with small dose parts per millions. Some of you may be saying; well, “I boil my water, which should help.” When you bathe or shower you absorb the fluoride through your largest organ your skin and as you breath it. Some of you maybe thinking; if it’s so bad, why are we living longer? The fact is we are not. Our ancestors lived longer; they had nutrient dense foods, and had clean water. Americans are listed 28th in the world for longevity, right along side to Libya and others, but the bigger issue is we live less extended lives than we did 100 years ago. With the advancement of medicine and science we would all be living to 120 or more, but with the drugging of the water and food (I will not go into the food today, that one will follow) we are growing what people deem as old, frail and diseased much faster.
See what is happening to the Kangaroos poisoned by fluoride: Did you notice they now put Fluoride in bottled water? Even drinking bottled water, which is acidic (a Ph of less than 7) coupled with the petroleum in the plastic bottles that leaches out due to the acidity of the water, is a bad combination which destroys any possible value derived from bottled water. Why is fluoride forced-medication? This is illegal on every front! It is illegal to put something in the water supply because they say it is good for you. If the government were concerned about your teeth, why are we ingesting this gassy substance in our water? If they really were concerned why not inculcate nutrients, vitamins or probiotics? Five years ago the EPA and AMA said fluoridation is not good for human consumption, but let’s assume fluoride is good for the teeth. That’s like saying; “I’m putting sunscreen on my arm to protect me, however the municipalities say I should drink the sunscreen.” If we do not do something about this your children and children’s children will be affected. Until a change comes to our water processing plants, we will have to innovate to survive this dilemma. As was stated above, a good water filter is a must in today’s society. There are also water-processing machines that extract water from out of the air; they run the water through 12 filters (see ecoloblue.com for more details.) Lastly, I do not believe in knocking anything without putting something in its place. Here are some healthy water drinking suggestions: Drinking water at the correct time maximizes its effectiveness on the human body: 2 glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs 1 glass of water 30 minutes before and 1 hour after a meal - helps digestion Never drink water or liquids with your meals. 1 glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure 1 glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack To your health, bottoms up.
may 10, 2010 Kitty litter was invented in 1947, when Edward Lowe, whose family owned an industrial absorbents company, convinced a neighbor who had been complaining of her cat tracking ashes (used as litter) through the house, to take home absorbent clay called Fullers Earth. She loved it, and her enthusiasm spurred Lowe to sell "Kitty Litter." In the 80's, Thomas Nelson, a biochemist and cat lover, observed that a certain type of soil clumped in the presence of moisture, allowing waste to be isolated and scooped out. Today, 60% of cat litter sold in the US, is the clumping variety, and most of it is made from bentonite clay. There are no clinical studies, and the debate continues over the safety to the health of cats and humans. Side 1: There are Vets and owners that believe that breathing the dust, and the cat's ingestion (through cleaning) would expand and absorb moisture in the intestines, causing blockage and dehydration, and prevents absorption of nutrients. Side 2: Manufacturers deny all claims. Since there is no conclusive study on health related problems, there is an environmental negative impact: There are two million tons a year of sodium bentonite (clay under topsoil) being strip mined in Wyoming and Montana. This non-biodegradable is then dumped in landfills all over the country. We also have "natural clumping" cat litter, which uses a natural wheat enzyme to neutralize odors. This can be used as mulch. It is even safe to eat (although I wouldn't recommend it). There are other natural, biodegradable products, like corn or pine chips or cedar chips or newspaper that can be used.
Sources:
Judith Hancox KITCHEN SPONGES
Kitchen sponges are not remotely related to the natural sea sponge, and not as harmless as they might appear at first glance. Its material is entirely man-made and toxic to the environment. Different forms of plastics are the basic ingredient for synthetic kitchen sponges. According to ASelfSufficientLife.com, its synthetic ingredients include plastic, and "an assortment of bleaches, sulphates and other mysterious chemicals." Production of the synthetic sponge uses oil, and toxins are created in its manufacturing process. ASelfSufficientLife.com warns us that the polyurethane sponge's manufacture depends on hydrocarbons that help break down the ozone layer. When incinerated, they may emit dioxins and other cancer-provoking substances. Additionally, the chemical triclosan is now being added due to our obsessive, bacteria-phobic, social trends. GreenLivingTips.com states there is increasing evidence linking triclosan to health problems, as well as its harm to the fragile aquatic ecosystems—especially algae, that other animals directly or indirectly depend on. While attempting to disinfect everything, we're weakening our immune systems by producing stronger strains of bacteria.
Toxic Toys
Because I have four granddaughters ranging in age for 12 to 2, I was very shocked to learn about the latest threat to our children's health coming out of China. Around the end of 2009, the media began to report that the toxic lead paint that had been discovered and banned for use in toys had now been replaced with cadmium. Some of the products manufactured with a cadmium component are inexpensive jewelry such as charm bracelets and pendants.
Toxic lead replaced by even more toxic Cadmium in children's toys, trinkets
Dejak/AP
There's more trouble in Toyland. Wikipedia: Cadmium Poisoning Last updated: May 2010
Sources of Exposure
Answers.com Cadmium can be very toxic, and is dangerous if it is swallowed or inhaled. While spontaneous recovery from mild cadmium exposure is common, doses as low as 10 milligrams can cause symptoms of poisoning. There is no accepted fatal dose amount.
Description When cadmium dust or powder is inhaled, the first symptoms are a sweet or metallic taste, followed by throat irritation. Other symptoms that may appear in three to five hours include: When a person has exposure to cadmium in low doses over a long period of time, symptoms may include loss of sense of smell, cough, shortness of breath, weight loss, and tooth staining. Chronic cadmium exposure may cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Causes & Symptoms The most common cause of cadmium poisoning is a lack of proper precautions in places where cadmium is used. In such industries, air quality should be regularly monitored. Cadmium-plated containers should never be used to store acidic foods such as fruit juices or vinegar. Fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, release cadmium fumes into the air. Chronic cadmium poisoning is also possible through soil or water contamination. This problem may occur with improper disposal of nickel-cadmium batteries used in items such as cameras. Cadmium poisoning has been associated with Itai-Itai disease in Japan. Diagnosis Cadmium poisoning is usually diagnosed by its symptoms, particularly if there is reason to believe that the patient has been exposed to cadmium. Because patients may not request treatment for up to a day following cadmium exposure, diagnosticians should carefully question any patient who shows symptoms consistent with this condition.
Treatment
Driesbach, R. M. Handbook of Poisoning. 7th ed. Lange, 1971. Periodicals
Davis, R. D. "Cadmium - A Complex Environmental Problem. Part II. Cadmium in Sludges Used as Fertilizer." Experientia (February 15, 1984): 117–26.
Research paper: Coffee, its ecological and health effects
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world today and is prepared from the roasted seeds or "beans" of the coffee cherry that grows on trees in over 70 countries throughout the world. The two most commonly grown varieties are the highly regarded coffea Arabica and the robusta form of the hardier coffea canephora. Both are cultivated primarily in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The ripe coffee berries are picked, processed, and dried. The seeds are then roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor. They are then ground and brewed to make coffee. Due to its caffeine content, it has a stimulating effect on humans and is very addictive. In fact, it is the most widely used drug in the world, mainly because it is easily attainable and inexpensive.
June 4th Linda Lebo Baby powder is an astringent powder used for preventing diaper rash, as a deodorant, and for other cosmetic uses. It may be composed of talc (in which case it is also called talcum powder) or corn starch. Talcum powder is harmful if inhaled since it may cause aspiration pneumonia or granuloma.[1] Illicit substances such as cocaine are sometimes cut with talcum powder;[2] it is also an ingredient in counterfeit pharmaceuticals. POWDERS based on talc have been used as medicinal products for over a century and are still popular today for delivering skin care benefits such as treatments for infections and skin rashes. The main ingredient of baby powder and in similar body powders is talc. Talc is a truly unique ingredient. It is in fact a mineral hydrated magnesium silicate and is mined in certain parts of the world including the United States, India, China, Italy ... talc mineral ranging in color from white through various shades of gray and green to the red and brown of impure specimens, translucent to opaque, and having a greasy, soapy feel. It is a hydrous silicate of magnesium, Mg 3 Si 4 O 10 (OH) 2 , and usually contains small quantities of nickel, iron, and aluminum as impurities. It occurs commonly in folia (thin layers), but is also found in coarsely granular, finely granular, or cryptocrystalline masses. Soapstone ,or steatite, is a massive, granular form of talc. French chalk is a fine-grained variety. Talc is usually associated with chlorite schists, serpentine, dolomite, and other metamorphic rocks; it is apparently a secondary mineral formed by the alteration of other magnesium silicates. There are important deposits of talc in Austria, Italy, France, and Canada and in the United States in California, North Carolina, Texas, Georgia, and Montana. Talc is used in making paper (as a filler), paints, face and talcum powder, soap, fireproof roofing, foundry facings, lubricants, linoleum and oilcloth, electrical insulation, and pottery. My thoughts on the use of this product would require more in depth research due to the other ingredients found like aluminum. They say it has small amounts, but how small, so without research I would look into this more clearly.
<>July 12, 2010 What is the impact of these on our bodies & environment? As many women take pride in presenting themselves nicely, are they truly aware of the ramifications of these synthetic chemicals on their bodies? There are many TV Commercials and magazine advertisements that put a lot of pressure especially on our young woman today to look PERFECT! People may assume everything they buy in the store is safe…not so! Not only are there adverse reactions to the body but these chemicals are impacting the environment. The chemicals from these products not only sit on our skin and affect many organs in the body but once you shower they go down the drain and into our waterways. The following are ingredients found in Hairspray:
Butane/Propane- Human Toxicant
Although hairspray is not used in my house,
I looked at a bottle of Seal & Shine by Paul Mitchell that my daughter uses today. Phenoxyethanol- Possible connection to reproductive or developmental harm to fetus, potential for reduced fertility, classified as toxic and an irritant. Potential risks to wildlife & environment through excretion of body product toxins & disposal of cosmetics Proplylparaben-Potential breast cancer risk & endocrine disruptor raising concern for impaired fertility or development & increased risk for certain cancers, Liver toxicity hazard This is a real eye opener for me. I feel a strong responsibility not only to my family but everyone I know, to educate them about the chemicals in our beauty care products and what they are doing to us physically ant the environment as well! Below is a recipe for natural Hairspray you can make:
Boil 2 c of Water & one lemon chopped into ½ inch pieces until it has been reduced by half. Cool mixture then strain it into a pump spray bottle. Refrigerate will last for one week.
Is alkaline water good for you? By Kayleen Hendler I researched alkaline water to see if I could validate the claims that alkaline water is healthier for you than regular water or purified (reverse osmosis) water. There are a number of sites that discuss the issue. Some blatantly say that the health claims of alkaline water are bunk, but most of those sites quickly lose credibility. Alkaline water is also known as ionized water whereby the water is made by an electrolysis procedure creating a negative charge to the water with a free hydrogen ion which is negatively charged. In nature, free floating negative ions look to attach to free floating positive ions. This is reportedly what happens when one consumes ionized water. The free radicals in our body are positively charged ions floating around in our body. It is reported that the ionized water will attach to these free radicals thereby helping with the antioxidant mechanism in our body. It is suggested that because of our environment and the foods most of us eat, that our bodies are unable to maintain the homeostasis of a neutral pH and we tend to keep more of an acidic pH to our bodies. The ionized water which has an alkaline pH helps to neutralize our pH and we feel better, even if the other health claims aren’t supported. The www.Mayoclinic.com states that studies have not substantiated all health claims, but it is undisputed that alkaline water slows bone loss according to studies. The www.watershed.net site shows many Eastern studies showing the health benefits of alkaline water. So, even though the studies have not been done in the United States, studies still exist. www.phionbalance.com that drinking acidic water contributes to low energy, fatigue, excess weight, aches and pains, etc. Toxic Handbags and Purses by Susan Shafer
Who would think by carrying our cute little purses that we all love and have been known to just shop and keep adding to our collection could be slowly killing us!!! Just think as the hands holding on to that beautiful purse start to warm up, what toxins are being pumped into the bloodstream. How about the baby that is drawn to Mom or Grandma's purse to suck on it could be filling their little body with the lead contained in the paint of the purse. Never really gave it much thought that it could possibly and slowly be killing us and our children.
The Potential Hazard of Ionizing Radiation in Smoke Detectors Two types of smoke detectors the photoelectric detector & the ionization detector. (Reference; http://iicph.org/radioactive_fire_detectors International Institute of Concern for Public Health) The ionizing detector (battery operated) contains radioactive Americium 241 and or Radium 226. The radionuclides continue to ionize the air within the detector, sending a small current of electricity. When a smoke particle comes in contact with the electric wave it sets off the alarm. Photoelectric has a small light beam inside when smoke hits the light it sets off the alarm. This type is connected to a electric outlet and you should have a battery back-up. The ionizing detector is better in a flame fire. However most people are not aware they should not be touching this radioactive material, Americium 241 or Radium 226. Radioactive materials are composed of unstable atoms. An unstable atom gives off excess energy until it becomes stable. The energy the atom emits is radiation. The process by which an atom changes from an unstable state to a more stable state by emitting radiation is called radioactivity. There four major types of ionizing radiation: Alpha particles are positively charged particles made up of two neutrons and two protons. They are relatively heavy and slower moving than other radioactive emissions. Alpha particles can be stopped by a piece of paper or the dead outer layer of our skin. Beta Particles are negatively charged particles made up of an electron. A beta particle is lighter and faster than an alpha particle and can be stopped by a thin piece of aluminium or a short span of air. Gamma Rays are short wavelength electromagnetic radiation emitted in the radioactive decay of an unstable atom. Gamma radiation is highly penetrating and is stopped by lead. X-rays are similar to gamma rays, but are generally lower in energy and less penetrating. X-rays are emitted from processes outside the nucleus, while gamma rays originate inside the nucleus. A few millimeters of lead can stop medical x-rays. Radium is a radionuclide, naturally occurred radioactive metal formed by the decay of uranium & thorium in environment. Radium emits alpha & gamma rays. Alpha particals are generally only harmful if emitted inside the body. However both internal and external exposure to gamma radiation is harmful. Gamma rays can penetrate the body, even when the source is a distance away. Long term exposure to radium externally increase risk of cancer to varying degrees in all tissues and organs. Inhaled or ingested, the risk of developing such disease as lymphoma, bone cancer, and diseases that effect the blood, like leukemia, and aplastic anemia. So they think it takes years to develop, but I beg to differ. Also disposing them in dumpsites can enter into our water and hence internal exposure. Americium 241 is a manmade radioactive metal that exists as a solid under normal conditions. Americium is produced when plutonium absorbs neutrons in nuclear reactors & nuclear weapons test. Americium occurs in several forms called isotopes unstable & 241 is most common. Potential pathways of exposure include ingestion, inhalation, and external pathway from gamma radiation. If swallowed or inhaled americium tends to concentrate primarily in the skeleton, liver, and muscle = cancer. It also has a risk from direct external exposure. This radioactive material can become available for ingestion/inhalation through the gradual deterioration of its packaging when discarded in landfill or after its release during actual fire. THIS WILL BE/IS INEVITABLY HAZARD TO FUTURE GENERATIONS…HELLO February 1, 1978 Legislation to prohibit sale of smoke detectors containing radioactive isotopes. In landfills Americium is soluble, it can accumulate in oil and water, entering into our water, plants, fish, and animals. Americium is considered more of a risk than plutonium because it is readily taken up by animals, plants and humans. Americium can also leak from smoke detectors because it is layered with a thin layer of gold foil. Americium is a waste product from nuclear reactors…Are we glowing under the black light yet? The other great option to a smoke detector is a get a smart dog or cat. Thank you, Debbie Grider (References; http://www.epa.gov/rpdweb00/radionuclides/radium.html#body , http://www.stoller-eser.com/ionizing_radiation.htm ,
Research on Rembrandt Toothpaste Toothpastes Ingredients Home > Toothpaste > Toothpaste Ingredients
Toothpaste: The human mouth is home to millions of microorganism. Although most are harmless, some can cause oral infections such as tooth decay or gum disease. These microorganisms feed on leftover food particles and product acid and volatile sulfur molecules. Acid damages the tooth enamel which can lead to the formation of cavities while volatile sulfur molecules cause bad breath. The purpose of toothpaste, along with a toothbrush, is to clean teeth and fight plaque while delivering active ingredients to promote healthy teeth and gums. There is much different toothpaste currently being offered on the market. While each brand has slight variations in their formula, most contain the same basic ingredients: abrasives, coloring agents, detergents, flavoring, fluoride, humectants, thickeners, preservatives, sweeteners, and whiteners. Abrasives: used to remove plaque and tartar, abrasives give toothpaste their cleaning power. Abrasives also polish teeth and remove stains. Common abrasives include alumina, hydrated silica, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). All eventually wear down your enamel It is important to note that toothpastes which are too abrasive can damage tooth enamel. This can result in tooth sensitivity and yellowing of the teeth. Coloring Agents: coloring adds visual appeal to toothpaste. Examples of coloring agents are red, green (D&C #5), and blue. Titanium dioxide is used to make toothpaste white. Detergents: are also referred to as soaps, foaming agents, or surfactants. Detergents are used to remove compounds that have varied properties such as oil and water. The foaming action from the detergents also prevents toothpaste from dripping out of the mouth while brushing. The presence of detergent requires flavoring to mask their flavor. Common detergents include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl sacrosinate. Unfortunately, these ingredients have been reported to cause canker sores or mouth ulcers in some users. For those who suffer from canker sores, we recommend the use of a SLS free toothpaste. Humectants: are used to maintain a consistent paste-like texture and retain water in the toothpaste. Retaining water prevents the separation of liquid and solid. Examples of humectants include sorbitol, glycerin, water, and pentatol. Xylitol is an uncommon, but superior humectant. Flavoring: is included to improve the taste of toothpaste. It also masks the flavor of detergent components especially SLS. Commonly used flavorings are peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, wintergreen, and menthol. Fluoride: also known as sodium monofluorophosphate, fluoride works to prevent decay by incorporating itself into the tooth enamel. This makes teeth more resistant to acids product by plaque bacteria. Preservatives: are included to prevent the growth of microorganisms in the toothpaste. Commonly used preservatives are sodium benzoate, methyl paraben, and ethyl paraben. Sweeteners: are only intended to improve taste. Examples of sweeteners are xylitol, calcium or sodium saccharin and aspartame. Whiteners: are added to toothpaste, but cannot actually whiten teeth. Instead, whiteners work to reduce stains on teeth. Examples include peroxide, citroxain, and certain abrasives. Whitening Toothpastes. A new group of toothpastes has recently become available. These remineralization toothpastes are not only approved by the FDA to treat tooth sensitivity but research indicates that these Calcium Phosphate complexed toothpastes has also been shown to remineralizes the enamel i.e. reverse small cavities (incipient caries). As you can see from above I have highlight all the caustic materials that are in 1 tube of Rembrandt Toothpaste. Below I will go on and a short line of one caustic caustic result from some of the ingredients. Abrasives: Cleaning power to remove abrasives: Alumina:known to cause cancer: seeps directly into blood stream thru the mucus membranes in the mouth. Coloring Agents: Red and Green : known to cause cancer: visually appealing Detergents: caustic to system soap :( we usually are not known to put soap in our mouths) Fluoride: Works to prevent decay Humectants: Sorbitol, glycerin, pentatol, Xylitol: Sweetners Preservatives Known to cause cancer this is used to prevent growth of microorganisms Sweeteners: aspartame causes cancers causes tooth decay which you’re trying to prevent Alternative is using Thieves Toothpaste Dentatome which has the following ingredients and advantages CLOVE: Boosts body natural defenses, regulates response to stress CINNAMON BARK: Antiseptic {properties) ROSEMARY: Improves mental clarity and concentration LEMON: Excellent souce d-limonene –boost natural defenses EUCALPTUS RADIATUS: Oil blend diltoits wide range of purifying properties contains purifying properties contains citral constituent known for its cleansing abilities All of the ingriedients in Thieves Dentatome Toothpaste promotes the Body’s Natural Defenses |
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