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Hair Dye WARNING: Undeniable Link Between Hair Dye Chemicals & Cancer

The AHA! Team — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:04:18 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – Surprisingly, 75 percent of people in the U.S., Japan, and Europe dye their hair regularly. Gray hair can make people look prematurely old, and hair color is used to preserve that more youthful appearance. Sometimes, people just want a change from their natural hair color, and dyeing it can help them make a ‘fashion statement.’ In truth, hair coloring is an ancient practice. However, in the past, people used natural substances such as henna and other pigments found in plants, soil, and clay. Today, most of the store-bought hair color options are made with harsh, toxic chemicals that can pose a serious health risk when used regularly over time. The dangers of hair color aren’t highly publicized Some of the risks and side effects of the chemicals found in hair dyes include cancers of the kidney, bladder, and breast, as well as blood-based cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. But don’t expect your local salon to post any warning signs soon – for obvious reasons. The “official word” on hair color products that contain harsh chemicals is far from cautionary. However, one of the common chemicals used, called P-phenylenediamine (PPD), is documented as causing side effects like asthma, gastritis, severe dermatitis, eye irritation, vertigo, tremors, convulsions, kidney failure, and coma in those who are exposed to it. Now, a new study adds to growing concerns by revealing that another synthetic hair dye pigment, 4-Chloro-orthophenylenediamine (4-Cl-OPD), can cause significant DNA damage when exposed to high nitric oxide levels. Researchers found that this damage leads to structural changes in DNA, triggering immune system reactions in those with prolonged hair dye use. The study even linked these immune responses to hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting that chronic hair dye exposure could contribute to a pro-inflammatory, cancer-promoting environment. Some hair color products contain thousands of chemical compounds However, PPD and 4-Cl-OPD aren’t the only risks. Some hair color products contain as many as 5,000 chemicals, including lead acetate and ammonia. The chemicals in hair color products also interact with the substances in human hair to produce harmful effects. Hair colors come in temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent solutions. However, 80 percent of the market comprises permanent colors containing agents like couplers and intermediates that react with hydrogen peroxide. While the worst hair color product ingredients were banned in the 1970s, many products still contain dangerous substances. Research confirms the health hazards of hair color products Numerous studies have substantiated these hair color risks. A 1994 National Cancer Institute report covered the dangers of dark hair dyes used over extended periods. They were found to raise the risk of cancers like multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Another study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that hairdressers who worked regularly with these products had an increased risk of bladder cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. The scalp has a rich blood supply, making it easy for the toxic chemicals in hair dyes to soak into the skin. During the 30 minutes, hair dyes remain in contact with the scalp and can easily enter the blood supply. Fortunately, there is a better way. Avoid the cancer risk: Consider safer, non-toxic alternatives Fortunately, there are safer alternatives to these toxic products. Hairprint is a natural hair color brand developed by award-winning chemist John Warner. Instead of harsh chemicals, it contains non-toxic, plant-based, food-grade pigments and minerals. Best of all, Hairprint has a restorative effect on hair, enriching it and restoring the shine and luster that can be lost as hair ages. Hairprint products are also hypoallergenic and free of odor. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Beatcancer.org NIH.gov Oxfordjournals.org To read the original article click here.

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Hand Sanitizer & Skincare Products May Increase BPA Absorption Through the Skin

The AHA! Team — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:12:49 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Your handy hand sanitizer could increase the amount of BPA absorbed through your skin. How many of you have ever taken advantage of the free hand sanitizer that cashiers leave at the checkout counter? How many of you keep a bottle in your car or purse for a quick squirt before sitting down to a meal? While your intent may be in the right place – to kill harmful bacteria and viruses that you may come in contact with in your day-to-day life – you could suffer an unintended consequence, according to a scientific paper. Specifically, your handy hand sanitizer could increase the amount of BPA absorbed through your skin. Recent research highlights even more concerns, particularly for children. Their study reveals that chemical-based hand sanitizers pose risks such as skin irritation, hypoglycemia, and acidosis and may also contain harmful contaminants such as methanol, benzene, and acetaldehyde. These contaminants can have toxic effects through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal absorption. Using hand sanitizer makes it easier for a harmful chemical to get into your bloodstream, research shows Conventional hand sanitizer usually contains about 65-90% alcohol along with other chemicals, many of which are potentially harmful in their own right. In a paper published in PLOS One, the researchers discovered that people who used hand sanitizer and then touched receipts had significantly higher blood serum and urine levels of another harmful chemical, BPA. Specifically, hand sanitizer use was associated with a 100-fold increase in BPA absorption. Why is this so? It turns out that skin care products like hand sanitizers are explicitly designed to make the skin more permeable. So every time you pump a bit of the product into your palm, you’re potentially opening the gates to toxic chemicals … even if most (though never all) of the germs on you will be killed. Sounds like a tough trade-off. The serious problem with BPA and a few tips for keeping your hands clean without the need for hand sanitizers In case you don’t remember, BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical found in plastics and can easily leech into the products they contain – water, food, infant formula, etc. Here’s why we don’t want BPA in our bodies: Endocrine disruptors The chemical is a known endocrine disruptor, which means it mimics and/or disrupts the function of key chemical messengers in the body, including estrogen. This can lead to everything from reproductive health issues to bone health issues. In fact, animal and human research has linked BPA exposure to issues like cognitive impairments, male and female infertility, and impotence. Of course, communicable bacteria and viruses can also harm your health, and it’s well-established that healthier hands mean healthier bodies. So, what’s a health-conscious consumer to do? First, wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible, especially if your hands are visibly dirty. This tried-and-true practice is still deemed the best way to reduce the spread of germs. If you can, opt for natural soaps and skin care products that are gentle on your skin, effective, and free of harmful additives like parabens and phthalates. These additives can also disrupt hormone function or even increase the risk of cancer. And if you’re out shopping, consider asking for an emailed-only receipt. Editor’s note: The best way to remove phthalates is to sweat. Discover a way to own your own at-home personal sauna to remove unwanted toxins safely and effectively. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Newsweek.com PLOS.org NIH.gov CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

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New Purification Tech Helps Turn Seawater into Drinking Water Without Tons of Chemicals

The AHA! Team — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:31:00 +0000

University of Michigan via EurekAlert! – Cutting acid and base treatments from conventional desalination plants could save billions of dollars globally, making seawater a more affordable option for drinking water Water desalination plants could replace expensive chemicals with new carbon cloth electrodes that remove boron from seawater, an important step of turning seawater into safe drinking water. A study describing the new technology has been published in Nature Water by engineers at the University of Michigan and Rice University. Seawater into Drinking Water Boron is a natural component of seawater that becomes a toxic contaminant in drinking water when it sneaks through conventional filters for removing salts. Seawater’s boron levels are around twice as high as the World Health Organization’s most lenient limits for safe drinking water, and five to 12 times higher than the tolerance of many agricultural plants. “Most reverse osmosis membranes don’t remove very much boron, so desalination plants typically have to do some post treatment to get rid of the boron, which can be expensive,” said Jovan Kamcev, U-M assistant professor of chemical engineering and macromolecular science and engineering and a co-corresponding author of the study. “We developed a new technology that’s fairly scalable and can remove boron in an energy-efficient way compared to some of the conventional technologies.” In seawater, boron exists as electrically neutral boric acid In seawater, boron exists as electrically neutral boric acid, so it passes through reverse osmosis membranes that typically remove salt by repelling electrically charged atoms and molecules called ions. To get around this problem, desalination plants normally add a base to their treated water, which causes boric acid to become negatively charged. Another stage of reverse osmosis removes the newly charged boron, and the base is neutralized afterward by adding acid. Those extra treatment steps can be costly. “Our device reduces the chemical and energy demands of seawater desalination, significantly enhancing environmental sustainability and cutting costs by up to 15 percent, or around 20 cents per cubic meter of treated water,” said Weiyi Pan, a postdoctoral researcher at Rice University and a study co-first author. Given that global desalination capacity totaled 95 million cubic meters per day in 2019, the new membranes could save around $6.9 billion annually. Large desalination plants—such as San Diego’s Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant—could save millions of dollars in a year. Those kinds of savings could help make seawater a more accessible source of drinking water and alleviate the growing water crisis. Freshwater supplies are expected to meet 40% of demand by 2030, according to a 2023 report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. The new electrodes remove boron by trapping it inside pores studded with oxygen-containing structures. These structures specifically bind with boron while letting other ions in seawater pass through, maximizing the amount of boron they can capture. But the boron-catching structures still need the boron to have a negative charge. Instead of adding a base, the charge is created by splitting water between two electrodes, creating positive hydrogen ions and negative hydroxide ions. The hydroxide attaches to boron, giving it a negative charge that makes it stick to the capture sites inside the pores in the positive electrode. Capturing boron with the electrodes also enables treatment plants to avoid spending more energy on another stage of reverse osmosis. Afterward, the hydrogen and hydroxide ions recombine to yield neutral, boron-free water. “Our study presents a versatile platform that leverages pH changes that could transform other contaminants, such as arsenic, into easily removable forms, “said Menachem Elimelech, the Nancy and Clint Carlson Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice University, and a co-corresponding author of the study. “Additionally, the functional groups on the electrode can be adjusted to specifically bind with different contaminants, facilitating energy-efficient water treatment,” Elimelech said. The research is funded by the National Alliance for Water Innovation, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. National Science Foundation, and the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation. The electrodes were studied at the Michigan Center for Materials Characterization. Study: A highly selective and energy efficient approach to boron removal overcomes the Achilles heel of seawater desalination (DOI: 10.1038/s44221-024-00362-y) Journal Nature Water DOI 10.1038/s44221-024-00362-y To read the original article click here.

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Can Your Air Fresheners be Destroying Your Health?

The AHA! Team — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 07:15:35 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – According to a newly published study in The Science of the Total Environment, air fresheners can be dangerous as they significantly increase the concentrations of particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in vehicle cabins, which can cause adverse health effects such as cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammation, and autonomic dysfunction. There’s no denying the appeal of a scent. Whether it’s the rejuvenating odor of lemon or the calming scent of jasmine, certain fragrances have the ability to evoke energy, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. But, when it comes to the ‘value’ of a typical air freshener product, researchers have learned that a pleasant fragrance can mask a cloud of toxic chemicals. According to a newly published study in The Science Of The Total Environment, air fresheners can be dangerous as they significantly increase the concentrations of particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in vehicle cabins, which can cause adverse health effects such as cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammation, and autonomic dysfunction. Moreover, renowned researcher and scientist Dr. Anne Steinemann has studied the damaging effects of most commonly used air freshener products on human health and the environment – and the impact is so serious and widespread that she refers to it as an “epidemic.” Warning about your air fresheners: Don’t be deceived by the ‘fresh’ smell Air fresheners and deodorants – variously marketed as sprays, gels, disks, plug-ins, candles, and oils – are virtually everywhere. Due to the commercial practice of “scent branding,” custom-designed signature fragrances may be wafted into the air of stores, offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, independent living centers, and even churches. Chemical scents also permeate cleaning products and personal care items – including laundry detergents, fabric softeners, shampoos, conditioners, hairsprays, moisturizers, cosmetics, sunscreens, and soaps (and this is only a partial list!) We have even taken our national scent obsession “on the road,” relentlessly scenting the air of airports, airplanes, rail stations, trains, buses, and cruise ships. Not surprisingly, a recent study showed that 99 percent of Americans are exposed to chemical fragrances – on a daily basis. But what are the health effects of this national cloud of scent? Air fresheners are a “toxic cocktail” consisting of hundreds of chemicals The truth is that commercial air freshener formulations may include literally hundreds of toxic chemicals – which include respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins, and carcinogens. Shockingly, there is no law compelling manufacturers of air fresheners and deodorizers to list every product ingredient on a label or website – even if these compounds are hazardous pollutants and known carcinogens (for which the EPA says no safe level exists). So (no surprise here), these compounds tend to remain unidentified – although manufacturers may choose to describe select ingredients in the most innocent-sounding terms possible. What is labeled as a “biodegradable softening agent” or a “perfume” is more than likely a collection of VOCs featuring such compounds as ethanol, benzyl acetate, chloromethane, and acetaldehyde – all classified under federal law as toxic or hazardous. Almost a third of the population suffers adverse effects from air fresheners Dr. Steinemann, an internationally recognized expert on environmental pollutants, conducted a population survey examining the effects of scented products on the health of 1,136 adult participants. The study, published in the scientific journal Air Quality, Atmosphere, and Health, exposed a litany of harmful side effects, impacting a substantial percentage of the study group. Almost a third of the participants – a whopping 30 percent – reported breathing difficulties and headaches after exposure to air fresheners and fragrances. Dr. Steinemann found that respiratory problems were the most common adverse effect – followed by congestion and migraines. Other adverse effects included rashes, muscle cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and rapid or irregular heartbeat – even from low-level exposures. Immune system problems – such as swollen lymph glands, fever, and fatigue – have also been reported from exposure to air fresheners, along with even more serious conditions such as anaphylaxis, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Dr. Steinemann notes that air fresheners are also linked to autoimmune disorders, weakened immune systems, and adult and childhood cancers. Significantly, the study revealed that many of those experiencing adverse effects had not used the product first-hand. Almost a quarter of all Americans have adverse effects from somebody else’s perfume or cologne – while one in five people suffer adverse effects simply from being in a room previously cleaned with scented cleaners. We’ve all heard of “second-hand smoke” – maybe it’s time to raise awareness of the dangers of “second-hand scents.” But surely products labeled as “green” are safe, right? Although it’s tempting to think otherwise, it turns out that fragrances and deodorizers labeled as “green,” “natural,” and even “100 percent organic” are no safer than their conventional counterparts. Studies have shown that they cause the same level of toxic emissions and are likely to contain the same “witches’ brew” of carcinogenic pollutants. As used on air freshening products, these marketing terms are meaningless – not only undefined but unregulated. (By creating a false sense of safety, they are actually worse than meaningless!) The wisest alternative is to use the non-toxic and inexpensive cleansing and freshening agents you can find in your kitchen: baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice. Unscented castile soap and hydrogen peroxide also get the thumbs-up as safer alternative cleaners. Here’s a health tip: Some natural health experts recommend a mixture of baking soda, water, and vanilla extract for a light, pleasing room spray. You can also create an inviting fragrance by simmering water, orange peels, and cinnamon on a stovetop. You can craft your own personal care products – such as shampoos and moisturizers – using tried-and-true natural ingredients such as rosemary, avocado, olive oil, and lemon juice. Of course, improving room ventilation and identifying and removing the sources of odors could be the most effective solution. And, finally, don’t forget about the ability of houseplants – particularly palms, orchids, and lilies – to purify and sweeten the air naturally. In the end, chemical air fresheners do nothing to clean or purify the air – only release pollutants that temporarily mask odors and cause grave harm to many. We hope you agree with us: It’s time to truly clear the air – especially our indoor air space. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ChemicalFreeGal.com WSIMG.com WSIMG.com To read the original article click here.

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Can We Safely Use Melamine Dishes and Polyamide Plastic Utensils?

The AHA! Team — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 06:19:29 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Melamine is used to make a variety of hard plastic “food contact items such as cups, plates, bowls, and utensils because they are dishwasher safe, inexpensive, and durable.” I recommend glass, ceramic, porcelain, or stainless steel tableware and wooden or stainless steel cooking utensils. Melamine is used to make a variety of hard plastic “food contact items such as cups, plates, bowls, and utensils because they are dishwasher safe, inexpensive, and durable.” If that word sounds familiar, it may be because melamine has also been added illegally to protein products to game the system to make it appear that “food commodities” like pet food contain more protein than they actually do. By 2007, more than a thousand potentially contaminated pet food products were recalled By 2007, more than a thousand potentially contaminated pet food products were recalled after “the chemical was found to be a contaminant in wheat gluten used in those products,” but not before it caused disease and death in pets throughout North America. “It is presumed that melamine was intentionally added by suppliers in China to falsely elevate the measured protein content and, hence, the monetary value of these products.” The pet food scandal was just the writing on the wall. The following year, “melamine was discovered to be the cause of an outbreak of urinary tract stones and renal failure” (kidney stones and kidney failure), affecting hundreds of thousands of infants and young children throughout China. “Investigations revealed that the compound was added illegally to powdered milk and baby formulas to falsify protein content.” As I discuss in my video Are Melamine Dishes and Polyamide Plastic Utensils Safe?, in the United States, you can find it in food packaging and sneaking its way into animal feed. However, those using melamine dishware can be exposed directly, as it migrates straight into the food upon exposure to heat. In fact, “cooking spoons and crockery made of melamine resin are not suited for microwaves and cooking,” according to food safety authorities. Okay, but what if you never cook with it, fry with it, or microwave it? What if you just use melamine to eat out of? In “A Crossover Study of Noodle Soup Consumption in Melamine Bowls and Total Melamine Excretion in Urine,” researchers measured the amount of melamine flowing through the study subjects’ bodies compared to eating the same soup out of ceramic bowls. “Melamine tableware may release large amounts of melamine when used to serve high-temperature foods” Their findings? “Melamine tableware may release large amounts of melamine when used to serve high-temperature foods”—and not even hot foods. “Melamine migration can be detectable from daily-use melamine-made tableware, even in the low temperatures,” like just warm water. Why do we care? Because the level of melamine you’re exposed to “is signiﬁcantly associated with kidney function deterioration in patients with early-stage CKD,” chronic kidney disease, in which even relatively “low melamine levels may cause a rapid decline in kidney function.” So, I would suggest glass, ceramic, porcelain, or stainless steel tableware instead. What about polyamide utensils, common black plastic spoons, spatulas, and the like? All sorts of different plastic materials are used in kitchen utensils. Polyamide is “typically used for turners [spatulas] or ladles due to their high heat and oil resistance.” “However, components of this plastic can migrate from the utensils into the food and consequently be ingested by consumers.” Out of 33 utensils tested, nearly 1 in 3 exceeded the upper safety limit. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment “recommends that consumers keep contact with food as brief as possible when using PA [polyamide] kitchen gadgets, especially at high temperatures,” such as above the temperature at which we may drink hot tea or coffee. A different survey of black plastic kitchen utensils found about a third contaminated with flame retardant chemicals. “Utensils for frying may lead to considerable dietary exposure.” Why? Because it may be made from plastic recycled from electronic equipment that was impregnated with the stuff. Then, should you dip the polyamide utensil into oil, the chemicals can trickle out, suggesting that using such “utensils for frying may lead to considerable dietary exposure.” The black dye itself in some polyamide utensils can leach out, too. Eventually, with enough use, the levels drop, but it may take the equivalent of boiling the utensils for about a hundred hours before the dye leaking approaches safety levels. It’s probably just easier to use utensils that are wooden or stainless steel. This is the last in a three-part series of cookware videos. If you missed the others, check out Are Aluminum Pots, Bottles, and Foil Safe? and Stainless Steel or Cast Iron: Which Cookware Is Best? Is Teflon Safe?. It may not be safe to microwave melamine, but what about microwaving in general? See Are Microwaves Safe? and The Effects of Radiation Leaking from Microwave Ovens. Key Takeaways Melamine, known for its use in hard plastic food contact items like cups and utensils, has been illegally added to protein products, leading to pet food recalls and disease and death of pets themselves, and later, to contaminated baby formulas and powdered milk in China. Melamine exposure, particularly from dishware, can lead to kidney problems, with significant implications for individuals with chronic kidney disease. Opt for safer alternatives like glass, ceramic, porcelain, or stainless steel tableware to minimize exposure to melamine. Polyamide utensils, like black plastic spoons and spatulas, pose migration risks, with some exceeding safety limits and potentially containing flame retardant chemicals. Choose wooden or stainless steel utensils over polyamide to reduce the risk of chemical exposure and dye leaching. To read the original article click here.

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Homemade Mouthwash with Essential Oils Recipe

The AHA! Team — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:03:54 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN via Dr. Axe – Mouthwash is a rinse that is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. It is not intended to be swallowed. According to the American Dental Association, there are two main types of mouthwash: cosmetic and therapeutic. The therapeutic version can be purchased both over-the-counter and by prescription and many may help control plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. Cosmetic mouthwash, or mouth rinse, can help temporarily by staving off bad breath, but usually there is no other benefit ‚ so it’s almost like a minty chewing gum, only as a rinse. (1) Is mouthwash safe to use? While you don’t swallow it, anything that touches the skin or body can get absorbed. Some over-the-counter mouthwash options contain ingredients that can cause organ system toxicity, for example. The active ingredient, methyl salicylate, in many commercial mouthwashes may cause developmental/reproductive toxicity. It is important to note that doctors advise that children under the age of 6 years should not use mouthwash unless under proper supervision since they may swallow the mouthwash. (2) Now that you have a little mouthwash background, perhaps making your own mouthwash is the way to go. It is so easy and you will avoid unnecessary chemicals getting into the body. Also, if gingivitis is a problem for you, try my homemade mouthwash for gingivitis, bad breath and even use as a mouthwash for whitening your teeth. A natural mouthwash has many advantages, and by using some essentials oils, you can naturally cleanse your teeth and gums in no time. Let’s delve into how to make a DIY mouthwash. How to Make Homemade Mouthwash Using a mason jar or BPA-free plastic bottle, add the spring water, calcium carbonate powder and the trace minerals. Mix with a spoon. Using spring water helps eliminate any bacteria that could come from regular tap water and since we are not using preservatives, that is important. Keeping those pearly whites healthy, in addition to keeping your gums healthy, is critical. (3) Trace minerals offer excellent antioxidants, which helps repair cell damage. (4) Next add the essential oils. Peppermint essential oil obviously provides fresh breath, but why not get the benefits of antimicrobial properties while you’re at it. And spearmint essential oil, being a relative of peppermint, does the same thing while adding a nice taste to your mouthwash. Spearmint also helps fight gingivitis. Tea tree essential oil is a great alternative for good oral health since it helps fight bacteria and gingivitis. It also eases any inflammation that may be present in the mouth ultimately helping speed along the healing process. Lemon essential oil helps add a little whitening sparkle to your teeth. While you don’t want to overdo it, this is a great way to keep those teeth on the whiter side without having to go for the chemical versions. If you need a little sweetness, you can add pure liquid stevia. Put the lid on and give it a good shake or two. To use take a small sip, then swish your homemade mouthwash around in your mouth, gargling periodically for 20–30 seconds. Then spit out. Do not swallow. You can store it in a dark place or the fridge. Homemade Mouthwash with Essential Oils Author: Dr. Josh Axe Total Time: 5 min Yield: 40 uses 1x Most store-bought mouthwash has many ingredients that aren’t good for you. Instead, make your own mouthwash! It’s easy and can offer additional benefits with these essential oils. Ingredients 5 drops peppermint essential oil 5 drops tea tree essential oil 3 drops spearmint essential oil 3 drops lemon essential oil 3 cups spring water 1 tablespoon calcium carbonate powder 8 drops concentrated trace minerals liquid 6 drops liquid pure stevia optional Instructions Place all ingredients in a mason jar. Put the lid on the jar and tighten. Shake well. Notes To use take a small sip, then swish your homemade mouthwash around in your mouth, gargling periodically for 20–30 seconds. Then spit out. Do not swallow. You can store it in a dark place or the fridge. To read the original article click here.

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Some E-Cigarette Chemicals Mimic Nicotine, Possibly Bypassing Regulation

The AHA! Team — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 08:21:24 +0000

Duke Health – In what appears to be an effort to bypass public health regulations covering vaping products, some tobacco companies have begun replacing nicotine in e-cigarettes with related chemicals that have similar properties but unknown health effects, Duke Health researchers report. In a research letter appearing Aug. 7 in JAMA, study authors at Duke and Yale University also found that the quantity of these chemicals, known as nicotine analogs, are not accurately disclosed on the packaging. “Vaping products containing nicotine are subject to federal laws that prohibit sales to people under the age of 21,” said study co-author Sairam V. Jabba, D.V.M., Ph.D., a senior research scientist at Duke University School of Medicine. Nicotine analogs are currently not subject to the FDA process “Nicotine analogs are currently not subject to the FDA process and have not been studied for their health effects,” Jabba said. “Our analysis of some of these analog-containing vaping products sold in the U.S. found significant and concerning inaccuracies in the ingredients these products claim to contain and what they actually contain. Further, it’s possible manufacturers are attempting to avoid FDA tobacco regulation.” One chemical, known as 6-methyl nicotine, has been shown in rodent experiments to be far more potent than nicotine in targeting the brain’s nicotine receptors and more toxic than nicotine. Another, called nicotinamide, is marketed as targeting the same brain receptors as nicotine, despite evidence it does not bind to these receptors. The nicotine analogs were included in flavored e-cigarettes, which prior research has indicated are preferred by youths and those who vape for the first time. Jabba and colleagues, including co-senior author Sven Eric Jordt, Ph.D., analyzed an e-cigarette product sold under the brand name Spree Bar, which comes in at least nine flavors and is listed as containing 5 percent 6-methyl nicotine. Study results showed the actual amount of the chemical was about 88% less than labeled. The e-cigarettes also included an artificial sweetener that is up to 13,000 times sweeter than table sugar, and an artificial coolant that mimics menthol’s effects. A second brand of e-cigarettes — marketed as Nixotine, Nixodine, Nixamide and Nic-Safe – contained a nicotine analog called nicotinamide, also at levels lower than the labels indicated, and combined with undisclosed amounts of 6-methyl nicotine. This brand did not include sweeteners or coolants. These products appear to be designed to circumvent the laws and regulations “These products appear to be designed to circumvent the laws and regulations in place to protect people — especially children — from the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco use,” Jordt said. “We do not know what these chemicals do when they are heated and inhaled. These are questions that should be answered before we allow products on the market.” In addition to Jordt and Jabba, study authors include Hanno C. Erythropel, Peter Silinski, Paul T. Anastas, Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin and Julie B. Zimmerman. Yale’s Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science received funding support for the study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (U54DA036151), and the Center for Tobacco Products of the FDA. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH or the FDA. To read the original article click here.

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WARNING: Study Shows Exposure to Household Cleaning Products May Be as Harmful as Car Exhaust

AHA Publisher — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 07:00:18 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – Inherent in the phrase “cleaning product” is the idea that, upon using it, your space will become free of dirt, grime, and toxins. Unfortunately, in the latter case, that may not always be true. With COVID-19 bringing what we might call the “age of cleaning” into our homes, workplaces, and schools, we now coexist with a bunch of unwanted chemicals. Ironically, given that COVID is a respiratory disease, all this cleaning might actually be worse for our airways than doing nothing. A recent study found that commercial disinfectants can decrease indoor air quality and increase pollutants in both gas and aerosol form. Scientists Find Most Cleaning Products May Do More Harm Than Good Anyone who has ever stepped into a commercial building after the cleaning staff finished their work is then left with no doubt: that chemical smell is a very unhealthy feeling. With the use of strong disinfectants, that sharp smell is quite intense and, in many cases, sickening. Make no mistake about it: those synthetic scents are meant to cover up the cancer-causing chemicals within those products. The study’s authors carefully mimicked the indoor conditions of cleaners while taking measurements in real-time. What they discovered should shock all of us! Household Cleaning Aerosols May Emit More Harmful VOCs Than Cars, According to New Study Researchers discovered that commercial cleaning agents were detected in the air within minutes of their application to a surface. This was also noted to be in well-ventilated areas that convincingly duplicated those of a large office building. They measured a variety of pollutants, including oxidants, radicals, and aerosols, among others. In some cases, chemical concentrations were more than double that of normal outdoor amounts – without the same room to disperse. Why does that matter? In the study, researchers found that all those chemicals got sucked into human lungs. In fact, they deposited at rates comparable to or worse than that of aerosols inhaled from cars. Who Is at Risk of Developing Adverse Health Effects From Exposure to Cleaning Products? The short answer is that everyone is at risk with ubiquitous chemicals such as these. The longer answer is that we should be most concerned about people working with them routinely – cleaning staff, for example. Some of them spend all day, every day, using chemicals to disinfect common touchpoints throughout the office. They may also spend extra time disinfecting bathrooms and eating areas. In addition, let’s remember that due to the persistent COVID fear-mongering campaign, millions developed cleaning paranoia over the past two years – despite learning early in the pandemic that SARS-CoV-2 spreads by aerosolized droplets, not by touching surface areas. This means that attacking every office space as though COVID or other diseases are lurking on its surfaces may actually be counterproductive to our wellbeing. Redefine “Clean” by Saying NO to Toxic Chemicals That’s not to say cleaning is bad. We all intuitively understand the benefits of a clean home or workspace for mental health, and it turns out to be good for your immune system. But, be advised, take time to read product labels and opt for safer alternatives when purchasing cleaning products to be used in your home. We also need to follow science’s cues about which cleaning methods do and do not matter. Hopefully, this can be our wake-up call that adding toxic chemicals to indoor spaces won’t help fight a disease whose transmission isn’t affected by the use of these chemicals at all. Sources for this article include: Science.org DailyMail.co.uk DailyMail.co.uk To read the original article click here.

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Chemicals Found in Everyday Products Found to Be Harmful to Fertility

AHA Publisher — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 07:00:37 +0000

University at Albany, State University of New York via Newswise – ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 1, 2021) – Three studies led by a University at Albany PhD student found that a group of chemicals found in many plastic products are harmful to women who are pregnant and to couples planning a pregnancy – yet the products are often not on the list of things to be avoided. Phthalates — a group of chemicals used to make plastic more flexible, found in items ranging from toys to personal care items and flooring — have long been thought to be associated with infertility but the results have been inconsistent, explained Thoin F. Begum, an environmental health sciences PhD student who led the recent studies. “Phthalates are known to be disruptors to the endocrine system, but the extent and exact outcomes of the exposure is still relatively unknown,” Begum said. “Animal studies have shown that phthalates are reproductive toxicants, so we wanted to determine if phthalates are linked to any reproductive outcomes in humans.” In three separate studies, published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, Reproductive Toxicology and Reviews on Environmental Health, Thoin and colleagues found that several of the environmental chemicals are indeed harmful to the reproductive process and can have harmful effects on the fetus. In one of the studies, the team enrolled over 30 couples visiting a fertility clinic in San Francisco to examine their lifestyle and behavioral patterns, and collected urine samples to determine how much and what types of environmental chemicals they were exposed to. The analysis showed that women who applied several lotions, moisturizers and other personal care products had more exposure to lower molecular weight phthalates, while women who applied nail polish and perfume had more high molecular weight phthalates in their bodies. The male partners of the women who used of lotions and moisturizers also were associated with high molecular weight phthalates, indicating that both women and men face exposure to phthalates through the use of personal care products. When they looked at both partners’ phthalate exposure, the researchers found that greater exposure to the phthalates specific to personal care products (MBP, MHxP and MEHP) were associated with lower likelihoods of a successful pregnancy and live birth. Additionally, the male partner’s exposure to phthalates also mattered when considering the likelihood of conception and having a live baby — suggesting that when thinking about becoming pregnant, both partners should be aware that using personal care products may lead to unwanted exposure to phthalates. “Pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy, including the woman’s partner, should limit their exposure to these chemicals by not using products such as nail polish and perfume, cologne, hair dyes and a slew of other personal care products,” Begum said. “Interestingly enough, and of concern, these things are often not on the list provided by doctors of things couples should avoid during a pregnancy or while planning one.” Begum worked with associate professors Beth Feingold and Xiaobo Romeiko, professor David Carpenter, as well as fellow student Celeste Butts and Michael Bloom, Begum’s MS advisor who is currently at George Mason University. Colleagues at University of California at San Francisco also participated in the research. Though the three peer-reviewed studies indicated that phthalates are a reproductive toxicant, Begum noted that more research on phthalates overall is needed. “While it is quite clear that phthalates are reproductive toxicants, the other effects are a bit unclear,” she noted. “Phthalates appear to be thyroid antagonists in that they reduce thyroid hormone levels with multigenerational and persistent effects. In our review, we found that exposure to phthalates may be associated with a wide range of other health outcomes aside from reproductive outcomes and this requires further research.” To read the original article click here.

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