chemical exposure Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Early BPA Exposure Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Disease, Stroke, & Type 2 Diabetes

The AHA! Team — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:34:09 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – The pervasive presence of this toxic substance in everyday items creates a significant health threat. BPA (Bisphenol A), a colorless and soluble chemical, is likely within reach right now, as it’s commonly used in plastics and embedded in so many consumer products. The pervasive presence of this toxic substance in everyday items creates a significant health threat. A recent study in The Journal of Hazardous Materials links early BPA exposure to a higher risk of serious health issues, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, stroke, and heart disease. This early exposure can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to long-term consequences that extend well into adulthood. BPA is found in the most common consumer products BPA is found in food packaging, processed foods, consumer products, and even industrial items, making it nearly impossible to avoid. As an endocrine disruptor, this chemical alters hormones, increasing the risk of chronic diseases over time. Unfortunately, because it’s so widespread, exposure often begins early in life, during those crucial formative years. Research shows that BPA exposure in childhood sets the stage for cardiometabolic health issues that persist into adolescence and adulthood. By damaging blood vessels and the heart, BPA compromises the body’s ability to regulate weight, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and process nutrients effectively, leading to long-term health challenges. A closer look at the BPA research that’s shaking up the health industry To better understand BPA exposure, the research team used direct and indirect methods to predict its impact. They cross-referenced food consumption diaries with demographic data, urine samples, and blood biomarkers, adjusting for key variables like overall energy intake. Participants were asked to provide detailed information about their food and drink choices, including when and where they consumed them and specifics like preparation methods, portion sizes, brand, and packaging. Because BPA exits the body quickly, 24-hour urine samples were analyzed to more accurately measure daily exposure. The team followed up at 4-, 7-, and 10-year intervals, with a 13-year follow-up for adolescents, to track the long-term effects of early exposure. BPA causes a multitude of health problems most aren’t aware of According to the study, BPA exposure is linked to increased fat mass, particularly around the waist, leading to a higher risk of abdominal obesity. This type of fat accumulation is especially concerning, as it’s associated with a greater risk of metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, BPA exposure can significantly impact insulin function, raising insulin resistance and levels in the body. This disrupts the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar effectively, which, over time, can lead to chronic conditions such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The compound’s effects on metabolism can be subtle but serious, impacting long-term health in often overlooked ways. Tips to reduce BPA exposure If you have a child, or teen at home, reducing their exposure to BPA is essential. While BPA is widespread in consumer products, there are simple actions you can take to limit its presence in your home. When shopping, avoid processed foods and choose organic options instead. Once home, transfer food from plastic packaging into BPA-free containers, such as glass or stainless steel. To further reduce BPA exposure, minimize the use of plastics whenever possible. Opt for bulk items instead of those packaged in plastic and choose products with plastic-free packaging. By making these small changes, you can significantly lower your family’s BPA exposure and support healthier long-term outcomes. Sources for this article include: Sciencedirect.com Childrenshealthdefense.org To read the original article click here.

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Cancer Alert: Insidious Chemical Linked to Increased Prostate Cancer Risk

The AHA! Team — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:11:33 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. More than 299,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2024 alone. A new study published in Nutrients reveals environmental endocrine disruptors, including BPA (Bisphenol A) chemicals, are tied to a heightened risk of prostate cancer. Elevated BPA levels have a causal relationship with a higher incidence of prostate cancer The study found that higher exposure to BPA chemicals in men was associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Researchers utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2003 and 2012 and analyzed several factors, including BPA levels, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration, medical history, and sociodemographic information. Sociodemographic data considered in the study included: Body mass index (BMI) Poverty income ratio (PIR) Race and ethnicity Smoking status Cholesterol levels Statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between BPA exposure and prostate cancer risk. This is likely due to BPA’s interaction with estrogen receptor-α, a hormone expressed in the prostate gland, which may play a role in the development of prostate cancer. Defining prostate cancer risk through quantification According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a PSA level of 4 ng/mL is considered a threshold for prostate cancer risk. Levels below 4 ng/mL are associated with low cancer risk, while readings above 4 ng/mL indicate a higher risk. From the nearly 54,000 participants in NHANES, 2,738 men met the study’s inclusion criteria. The analysis identified a correlation between PSA and BPA levels, showing that for each unit increase in BPA concentration, there was a 2.760 ng/mL rise in PSA. Further data showed that men classified as high-risk for prostate cancer had a 42.5% to 72% increased likelihood of developing the disease with each additional unit of BPA concentration. A single unit increase in urinary BPA levels corresponded to a 2.760 ng/mL spike in PSA, reinforcing the connection between BPA exposure and elevated PSA levels, which may lead to the development of prostate cancer. Additional analysis of a subgroup revealed that individuals aged 75 and older had an even higher risk. Those with hypertension also showed an increased risk of prostate cancer, which escalated alongside rising BPA concentrations. The positive association between BPA and PSA levels has a key cutoff point Research has identified a significant inflection point in the relationship between BPA concentration and PSA levels at 4.46 ng/mL. The positive correlation between BPA exposure and PSA levels is notably stronger at this specific threshold, particularly in older American males. This cutoff point marks a critical value where the risk of elevated PSA, and potentially prostate cancer, becomes more pronounced with increasing BPA levels. This finding is important because previous studies may have overlooked such specific benchmarks. Medical professionals will likely adopt the 4.46 ng/mL cutoff as a valuable reference for prostate cancer screenings. This could improve early detection, especially as BPA exposure becomes a recognized factor in prostate cancer risk. Solutions to reduce your BPA exposure BPA (Bisphenol A) is widely present in many everyday products, making it impossible to avoid them completely. However, there are effective ways to significantly reduce your exposure to this harmful chemical, particularly for men concerned about the link between BPA and prostate health. 1. Minimize plastic use Reduce or eliminate your use of plastic products, especially those that come into contact with food. BPA is commonly found in plastic containers, water bottles, and packaging materials. Opt for BPA-free or non-plastic alternatives such as glass, stainless steel, or ceramic. 2. Transfer food to non-plastic containers After shopping, transfer foods from plastic or canned packaging into non-plastic containers. Cans often have BPA in their lining, so moving food to safer storage options, like glass containers, reduces potential BPA leaching. 3. Avoid heating food in plastic Never microwave or heat up a food in plastic containers, as heat can cause BPA to leach into the food. Instead, use alternative containers like glass or ceramic. Plus, as a ‘side note,’ don’t use a microwave – which damages the quality of your food. 4. Limit canned foods BPA is often used in the lining of canned foods, so try to reduce the consumption of canned goods. Choose fresh or frozen foods whenever possible, and look for brands with BPA-free packaging. 5. Use BPA-free water bottles and tableware Replace plastic water bottles with BPA-free versions, or use stainless steel or glass bottles. Similarly, switch to BPA-free plates and utensils to further limit exposure. 6. Say no to sales receipts Many thermal paper receipts contain BPA, which can be absorbed through the skin. If possible, decline printed receipts or use digital receipts as an alternative. 7. Be mindful of other sources BPA is also found in protective eyewear, dental sealants, and personal care products. Be conscious of the materials you come into contact with and seek BPA-free alternatives where applicable. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your exposure to BPA and minimize the health risks associated with these endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Sources for this article include: MDPI.com News-medical.net Zerocancer.org To read the original article click here.

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Food Safety Alert: Many GF Foods Contaminated with Glyphosate & Other Agrochemicals

The AHA! Team — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:07:58 +0000

Olivia Cook via Natural News – Recent tests on both organic and non-organic gluten-free food samples have produced disturbing results that could affect at least 20 million people who eat gluten-free food in the United States. Moms Across America tested 46 samples of gluten-free foods (including bread, pasta, crackers, snacks, flour, dessert mixes and chips) for glyphosate/AMPA, 236 pesticides, minerals and gluten. Approximately 600 million people worldwide avoid gluten, with many experiencing sensitivities and some having celiac disease, a condition that affects roughly one percent of the population. Approximately 600 million people worldwide avoid gluten Celiac disease is an autoimmune system disorder that occurs when gluten – a protein found in barley, rye and wheat – is ingested. This condition can cause damage to the small intestine’s lining, leading to various health issues and preventing the absorption of certain nutrients. The only effective way to manage celiac disease is by adhering to a gluten-free diet. Many people believe that gluten-free products are automatically healthier or safer, but these can actually be among the most misleadingly marketed and chemically contaminated foods on store shelves, according to the Health Ranger Mike Adams, author of “Food Forensics: The hidden toxins lurking in your food and how you can avoid them for lifelong health.” (Related: Health Ranger Mike Adams warns of shocking levels of GLYPHOSATE weed killer in some organic foods.) Zen Honeycutt, director of Moms Across America, noted that the organization comprises a large, committed network of mothers dealing with health challenges, both mental and physical, in their families. The belief that foods labeled as “clean” are truly free of contaminants, including organic options, is increasingly being called into question. Honeycutt pointed out that many people who have been eating gluten-free and mostly organic foods for years are suffering from health issues like anxiety and digestive problems. Testing results and food quality concerns The tests, conducted by the Health Research Institute Laboratories found glyphosate residues in 44 out of 46 gluten-free food samples. Glyphosate, the primary chemical in Roundup herbicides, was the most frequently detected among nearly 240 pesticides screened. This weed killer was detected in nearly 96 percent of the samples at levels above 0.1 parts per billion, and 21 percent of the samples had levels higher than 10 ppb, which is the European Union’s safety threshold for pesticide residues. Research suggests that even very low levels of glyphosate can affect gut health, disrupt hormones and have long-term health effects. (Related: Glyphosate warnings go mainstream as the dangerous truth about this toxic herbicide can no longer be denied.) The only two products without any detectable glyphosate were Lesser Evil Popcorn and Edward and Sons Rice Crackers. (Related: Glyphosate herbicide may be altering children’s genetics and causing BIRTH DEFECTS.) In addition to glyphosate, all tested samples had pesticide residues – including piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a chemical flagged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a “possible human carcinogen.” Seven samples had only trace amounts, but 25 samples (54 percent) had measurable levels of another pesticide, 2,4-D. More troubling, the tests also showed that several products contained gluten levels above the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) maximum limit of 20 parts per million (ppm). The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) has an even stricter threshold of 10 ppm. In the analysis by Moms Across America, three samples had gluten levels that exceeded 20 ppm. Further tests revealed that almost all samples had very low levels of essential nutrients, like calcium, iron and magnesium, which is very concerning. Honeycutt emphasized that when people buy gluten-free food, they are really paying for nutritional value, including necessary minerals. Yet many convenient and inexpensive foods, such as those served in schools and fast food, lack proper nutrition. She made it clear that while Moms Across America acknowledges that gluten-free manufacturers aim to produce safer and healthier foods, the challenge lies in the contaminated ingredients available due to the use of harmful agrochemicals. (Related: Glyphosate worse than we could imagine. “It’s everywhere.”) Call for higher and stricter standards Moms Across America is now pushing for more stringent food regulations. Honeycutt emphasized the critical issue of contamination from glyphosate and other chemicals in foods intended for individuals with celiac disease and other conditions covered by the Americans with Disabilities. Honeycutt believes this kind of contamination could be avoided. She thinks policymakers in the U.S. should ban the use of glyphosate and other chemicals as drying agents on crops. This change alone could eliminate up to 80 percent of glyphosate exposure through food. (Related: Glyphosate to be banned across Europe? Massive war raging, and poison-pushing Monsanto is playing dirty.) Honeycutt urged gluten-free food manufacturers to advocate for stricter regulations to protect consumers. She also criticized government agencies like the FDA, EPA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for failing to prioritize public health over corporate profits. According to Honeycutt, Moms Across America is committed to exposing the truth about food safety and pushing for changes that will create healthier communities. Visit Glyphosate.news for more stories like this. Watch this video about gluten-free foods being found loaded with glyphosate. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Study: Glyphosate is present in both organic and genetically modified foods. Glyphosate’s undeniable connection to autism. Avoid harmful chemicals like glyphosate in food by ALWAYS choosing ORGANIC. Sources include: MomsAcrossAmerica.com FoodForensics.com BakeryAndSnacks.com NaturalHealth365.com Brighteon.com To read the original article, click here: https://www.naturalnews.com/2024-09-03-gluten-free-foods-loaded-glyphosate-agro-chemicals.html

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Is Stainless Steel or Cast Iron Cookware Best? Is Teflon Safe?

The AHA! Team — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:38:10 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – What is the best type of pots and pans to use? In my last video, I expressed concerns about the use of aluminum cookware. So, what’s the best type of pots and pans to use? As I discuss in my video Stainless Steel or Cast Iron: Which Cookware Is Best? Is Teflon Safe?, stainless steel is an excellent option. It’s the metal chosen for use “in applications where safety and hygiene are considered to be of the utmost importance, such as kitchenware.” But what about studies showing that the nickel and chromium in stainless steel, which keeps the iron in stainless unstained by rust, can leach into foods during cooking? The leaching only seems to occur when the cookware is brand new. “Metal leaching decreases with sequential cooking cycles and stabilizes after the sixth cooking cycle,” after the sixth time you cook with it. Under more common day-to-day conditions, the use of stainless steel pots is considered to be safe even for most people who are acutely sensitive to those metals. A little leaching metal can even be a good thing in the case of straight iron, like a cast iron skillet, which can have the “beneficial effect” of helping to improve iron status and potentially reduce the incidence of iron deficiency anemia among children and women of reproductive age. The only caveat is that you don’t want to fry in cast iron. Frying isn’t healthy regardless of cookware type, but, at hot temperatures, vegetable oil can react with the iron to create trans fats. What about using nonstick pans? Teflon, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), “is used as an inner coating material in nonstick cookware.” Teflon’s dark history was the subject of a 2019 movie called Dark Waters, starring Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway. Employees in DuPont’s Teflon division started giving birth to babies with deformities before “DuPont removed all female staff” from the unit. Of course, the corporation buried it all, hiding it from regulators and the public. “Despite this significant history of industry knowledge” about how toxic some of the chemicals used to make Teflon were, it was able to keep it hidden until, eventually, it was forced to settle for more than half a billion dollars after one of the chemicals was linked to “kidney and testicular cancers, pregnancy-induced hypertension, ulcerative colitis, and high cholesterol.” “At normal cooking temperatures, PTFE-coated cookware releases various gases and chemicals that present mild to severe toxicity.” As you can see below and at 2:38 in my video, different gases are released at different temperatures, and their toxic effects have been documented. You’ve heard of “canaries in the coal mine”? This is more like “canaries in the kitchen, as cooking with Teflon cookware is well known to kill pet birds,” and Teflon-coated heat lamp bulbs can wipe out half a flock of chickens. “Apart from the gases released during heating the cooking pans, the coating itself starts damaging after a certain period. Some of the Teflon can start chipping off and make its way into the food It is normally advised to use slow heating when cooking in Teflon-coated pans,” but you can imagine how consumers might ignore that. And, if you aren’t careful, some of the Teflon can start chipping off and make its way into the food, though the effects of ingestion are unknown. I could find only one study that looks at the potential human health effects of cooking with nonstick pots and pans. Researchers found that the use of nonstick cookware was associated with about a 50 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer, but that may be because of what they were cooking. “Non-stick cookware is used in hazardous cooking methods (i.e. broiling, frying, grilling or barbecuing) at high temperatures mainly for meat, poultry or fish,” in which carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCA) are formed from the animal protein. Then, the animal fat can produce another class of carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Though it’s possible it was the Teflon itself, which contains suspected carcinogens like that C8 compound from the movie Dark Waters, also known as PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid. “Due to toxicity concerns, PFOA has been replaced with other chemicals such as GenX, but these new alternatives are also suspected to have similar toxicity.” We’ve already so contaminated the Earth with it, though, that we can get it prepackaged in food before it’s even cooked, particularly in dairy products, fish, and other meat; now, “meat is the main source of human exposure” to these toxic pollutants. Of those, seafood is the worst. In a study of diets from around the world, fish and other seafood were “major contributors” of the perfluoroalkyl substances, as expected, given that everything eventually flows into the sea. Though the aquatic food chain is the “primary transfer mechanism” for these toxins into the human diet, “food stored or prepared in greaseproof packaging materials,” like microwave popcorn, may also be a source. In 2019, Oral-B Glide dental floss was tested. Six out of 18 dental floss products researchers tested showed evidence of Teflon-type compounds. Did those who used those kinds of floss end up with higher levels in their bloodstream? Yes, apparently so. Higher levels of perfluorohexanesulfonic acid were found in Oral-B Glide flossers, as you can see below and at 5:28 in my video. There are a lot of environmental exposures in the modern world we can’t avoid, but we shouldn’t make things worse by adding them to consumer products. At least we have some power to “lower [our] personal exposure to these harmful chemicals.” This is the second in a three-video series on cookware. The first was Are Aluminum Pots, Bottles, and Foil Safe?, and the next is Are Melamine Dishes and Polyamide Plastic Utensils Safe?. What about pressure cooking? I covered that in Does Pressure Cooking Preserve Nutrients?. So, what is the safest way to prepare meat? See Carcinogens in Meat. Key Takeaways While concerns exist about nickel and chromium leaching from stainless steel cookware, these typically diminish with use. Stainless steel is generally considered safe for cooking, even for those sensitive to these metals. Cooking with cast iron can increase iron intake, potentially benefiting iron-deficiency anemia. However, frying in cast iron can lead to the formation of trans fats. Teflon (PTFE) coating in nonstick cookware has raised health concerns due to the release of toxic gases and chemicals at normal cooking temperatures. Prolonged use or overheating can damage the coating, leading to ingestion of Teflon particles. Research suggests a potential link between the use of nonstick cookware and an increased risk of colorectal cancer, possibly due to the cooking methods used with these pans and the formation of carcinogens. Chemicals like PFOA, used in nonstick coatings, have widespread environmental contamination, affecting food sources like seafood. Meat is the main source of human exposure to these toxic pollutants. Additionally, consumer products like dental floss may contain similar compounds, contributing to personal exposure. To read the original article click here.

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Low Levels of BPA Exposure Can Affect Prenatal Brain Development

AHA Publisher — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 07:00:11 +0000

University of Calgary via News-Medical – Humans are exposed to a bath of chemicals every day. They are in the beds where we sleep, the cars that we drive and the kitchens we use to feed our families. With thousands of chemicals floating around in our environment, exposure to any number is practically unavoidable. Through the work of researchers like Dr. Deborah Kurrasch, PhD, the implications of many of these chemicals are being thoroughly explored. “Manufacturers follow standards set by regulatory bodies, it’s not up to the manufacturers to prove the chemicals in consumer products are safe,” says Kurrasch, a researcher in the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) and Alberta Children’s Research Institute at the Cumming School of Medicine. “Scientists play a critical role and do the meticulous work of determining where the risks lie.” Kurrasch’s research over the past decade has focused on a chemical that is broadly recognizable: Bisphenol A, also known as BPA. This chemical is commonly found in plastics, canned food linings, and even thermal receipts. Studies from Kurrasch’s lab contribute to the collective research that shows the harms of exposure to this industrial compound. The latest study out of Kurrasch’s lab, published in Science Advances, suggests that continued vigilance is needed. A postdoctoral researcher in her lab, Dr. Dinu Nesan, PhD, examined the impact of low levels of BPA exposure to pregnant mice and the brain development of their offspring. “Our goal was to model BPA levels equivalent to what pregnant women and developing babies are typically exposed to. We purposefully did not use a high dose. In fact, our doses were 11-times and nearly 25-times lower than those deemed safe by Health Canada and the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), respectively. Even at these low levels, we saw effects on prenatal brain development in the mice.” Dr. Deborah Kurrasch, PhD, Researcher, University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) Using this BPA exposure model, Nesan found striking changes to the brain region responsible for driving circadian rhythms, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, located in the hypothalamus. When prenatally exposed to these low levels of BPA, the suprachiasmatic nucleus failed to develop properly. This change can have implications for sleep, activity levels, and other behaviours. “Previously we showed embryonic exposure to low-dose BPA can affect the timing of when neurons develop in zebrafish, but it was unclear whether a similar effect would be observed in a mammalian model with more similarities to humans,” says Nesan, first author on the study. When neurons develop, they rely on proper signals to guide them. If neurons develop too early, the cues they experience are different, which can lead to developmental errors such as migrating to the wrong location, becoming the wrong type of neuron, or forming inappropriate connections. These errors can lead to altered behaviors later in life. “Our study shows that in pregnant mice, prenatal exposure to BPA affects the timing of neuron development in the fetal brain, which has lasting effects on behaviours. Offspring that are exposed to BPA during gestation are awake longer and exhibit hyperactivity. The prenatal BPA exposure seems to change the brain’s circadian cues, causing the animals to have elevated energy levels and spend less time resting,” says Nesan. The researchers are hopeful their findings will add continued pressure on regulatory bodies to keep revisiting their determinations around safe levels of BPA. “We think there’s an incredible abundance of data showing BPA exposure guidelines are not yet at the appropriate level, which includes even the EU (European Union) who is leading on this front, but their ‘safe’ levels are still twice the dose we used in our study” says Kurrasch, “We hope our research serves as a reminder that low dose BPA is still capable of causing changes that are measurable and significant.” Her message of how to interpret this research is simple: Limit your exposure to BPA the best you can. Maintain smart practices with plastics in your kitchen, for example not heating them, and using glass or stainless steel when possible. This research was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Michael Antle, PhD, professor of psychology and member of the HBI. To read the original article click here.

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