Alice Shabecoff Asks “What’s Amiss with our Children?”

What’s Amiss with our Children:
by Guest Blogger, Alice Shabecoff

As we watched each of our five grandchildren and their friends enter this world and begin their life’s journey, it became more and more clear that something is amiss with this generation. How are your children and your friends’ children doing?

Most likely, one of three of the children you know in this generation suffers from a chronic illness. Perhaps it’s cancer, or birth defects, perhaps asthma, or a problem that affects the child’s mind and behavior, such as Downs Syndrome, learning disorders, ADHD or autism. Though one in three may sound exaggerated, unbelievable, the figures are there amidst various government files.

This generation is different. Childhood cancer, once a medical rarity, has grown 67 percent since 1950. Asthma has increased 140 percent in the last twenty years and autism rates without a doubt have increased at least 200 percent. Miscarriages and premature births are also on the rise, while the ratio of male babies dwindles and girls face endometriosis even in teenage.

This generation is the first to be raised in a truly toxified world. Even before conception and on into adulthood, the assault is everywhere: heavy metals and carcinogenic particles in air pollution; industrial solvents, household detergents, prozac and radioactive wastes in drinking water; pesticides in flea collars; artificial growth hormones in beef, arsenic in chicken; synthetic hormones in bottles, teething rings and medical devices; formaldehyde in cribs and nail polish, and even rocket fuel in lettuce. Pacifiers are now manufactured with nanoparticles from silver, to be sold as ‘antibacterial.’ What’s wrong with rinsing a pacifier in soapy water?

Despite naysayers (who pays them to say nay?—that’s a whole story in itself), it’s clear there is both an association and a causative connection between the vast explosion of poisons in our everyday lives and our children’s “issues.” Over 80,000 industrial chemicals (tested only by the manufacturer) are in commerce in this country, produced or imported at 15 trillion pounds a year. Pesticide use has leapt from the troubling 400 million pounds Rachel Carson wrote about in the 1960s to the mind-boggling 4.4 billion pounds in use today. Nuclear power plants, aging and under-maintained, increasingly leak wastes, often without notifying their community.

What could be more elemental than our desire to protect our children. Children and fetuses, because of their undeveloped defense systems, are ten to sixty-five times more susceptible to specific toxics than adults. These toxics diminish the capacities of our children…the future of our families, our communities, our nation.

Illness does not necessarily show up in childhood. Environmental exposures, from conception to early life, can set a person´s cellular code for life and can cause disease at any time, through old age. This accounts for the rise in Parkinson´s and Alzheimer´s diseases, prostate and breast cancer.

Yet this is not the dispiriting ‘Bad News’ it might seem. It is, actually, a message of hope and optimism. We are fearful only when we are ignorant and powerless. Now that we know what is happening, we can determine not to let it happen further.

These poisons are manmade; manufacturers can take them out of our children´s lives and make profits from safe products. ‘Green chemistry’ can replace toxic molecules with harmless ones. We can connect global climate change actions to environmental health strategies. If we replace coal-fired power, in the process we reduce not only carbon but also emissions of the tons of lead, mercury, hydrochloric acid, chromium, arsenic, sulfur and nitrogen oxides that cause autism, Alzheimer’s and other public health menaces.

In a riff on Pogo, let’s say, “We have met the heroes and it is us.” We cannot bury our heads and hope it will all go away. We cannot leave the job to someone else. Some may feel the problem is so massive, it’s best to pretend it doesn’t exist. But it isn’t more massive than we allow it to be. It’s totally within our reach.

We are mothers and grandmothers. There are 23 million children adversely affected by our toxic lives. That makes (more or less) 23 million mothers, 46 million grandmothers. We are a powerhouse. It is in our power to learn about what harms our children and to share our knowledge. It is in our power as a community of citizens and parents to demand action against the current harmful policies and practices and against the indiscriminate use of processes and practices that destroy and degrade all life on our planet.

—
Alice Shabecoff is the co-author with her husband Philip of Poisoned Profits: The Toxic Assault on our Children, Random House. She’ll be participating in a call-in podcast episode of Living in a Chemical Soup next month. You will be able to ask questions and talk with Alice.
See her website, www.poisonedprofits.com.

Good Interview with Environmental Defense Fund Scientists

They’ve been asked many of the questions we all want to know.

From the article:

We recently had the opportunity to speak with two EDF scientists in this field: Richard Denison, EDF’s Senior Scientist specializing in policy, hazard and risk assessment and management for industrial chemicals and nanomaterials; and Caroline Baier-Anderson, EDF’s Health Scientist providing technical and scientific support on chemical regulatory policy, air toxics and nanotechnology.

Go to Toxic America: Time for Reform Interview.

FAIL! Neurotoxins, Our Brains and the Limitations of Scientific Testing

Neurotoxic Chemicals- Is Scientific Testing Alone Protecting Us?

Below are 3 detailed reports on neurotoxic chemicals and their effects on our bodies. I’d argue that in light of the fact that we are polluted, the system as it is has failed us. I mean, the contributing products are already in our homes.

Please allow for more ranting and some questions.
1. I wonder while we look at the hardware (brains), what are these chemicals doing to our software? Our brain functions such as moods, learning, memory, language, etc? We use chemicals to alter our minds, why is it so hard for some to make the leap to environmental toxins may be changing our brains? I’ve been reading scientific studies this morning. The evidence is there and worth consideration. Or do they just alter our hormones and cause cancer?

2. Of the thousands of chemicals used to make them, only a fraction have been tested. Who seriously believes that someone, somewhere knows how much mercury is in my home? In total?

3. They are almost never tested in combination, only as single chemicals. What happens when they are mixed? Do the results change? http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/effects.htm

4. How perfect is testing when done on rats, in labs? I’d say that the real testing is going on…but not in labs. Look in a mirror. But what does it all mean? We don’t know for sure, but we do have signs. Perhaps it’s time for a new way of looking at things, other than “The dose makes the poison”.

5. What about the differences between developing brains and older brains?

6. What does the addition of another factor such as stress have on the effects of a chemical? Again, I’ve been looking at studies this morning. A stressed brain vs. a non-stressed one responds different to chemicals.

7. If we were to study for all the factors I’ve just raised, how long would it take? I studied math enough to have learned about the permutations. And I have to ask those who want definitive scientific testing and absolute proof before taking this seriously, “How long are you willing to wait for such testing to take place?”

*A single ingredient such as fragrance (undisclosed and a trade secret of a self-regulated industry) can contain thousands of ingredients. That’s ONE INGREDIENT in your body lotion or scented garbage bags. Let’s say it gets tested alone, in combination with other chemicals, in lab rats of varying stages of development, in stressed and non-stressed rats, etc. I think males and females have different bio-chemical make-up, too? How would each chemical affect each sex differently? See where I’m going with this? Are we going to pull every product around us and start again, with a new regulatory system for testing which reflects the variations that exist in reality? Or will we carry on with the status quo and stick to the “this dose of mercury is harmful….to all humans” method? And keep counting the people who are getting sick as what? Non-humans?

*It’s about more than health. Case in point? When was the last time you saw a list of toxic ingredients on a pack of cigarettes? (Cigarette smoke can contain over 4000 chemicals). How big of a package would it take to print such a list? Or is smoke exempt because it’s just a product of cigarettes, not the product itself? Still legal, still sold in stores, proven to cause cancer. Why hope for anything different for the other products under suspicion? Warn, sell, profit, repeat.

*In the case of pharmaceutical drugs, the cycle has been to bring the drug to market, note unsuspected deaths, then recall the product, followed by law suits. Or is that law suits, then recall? What about air fresheners, pesticides, dry cleaning fluid and other toxic products? Why is there no such regulation for them? And why is the onus on us instead of the manufacturer to prove their safety? I seriously think fragrance used in scent marketing should be regulated as a drug, due to its sedative effects on our brains. And let’s not even talk about the ethics of altering our brains in order to relax us, change our moods, all in the name of selling us products. It all seems to have gotten away from us.

So what’s an alternative? Reports such as these point to a new way of approaching the problem. It surrounds looking at evidence and prescribes the pre-cautionary principle.

1. Mind Disrupted A report put out by the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative
http://www.minddisrupted.org/

Below is a list of the chemicals included in this study and some of the health outcomes that have been associated with exposure to them. This list serves as a quick reference and a shorthand introduction to the chemical fact sheets found in Appendix B. For many of these chemicals, it is not possible to prove that they are responsible for adverse health outcomes in humans. Information regarding the neurotoxicity or developmental neurotoxicity of these chemicals is often from laboratory experiments, typically with animal subjects. Conclusive human epidemiological studies are rare. The scientific community must rely on the weight of evidence that these chemicals can alter development or disrupt normal brain function. For some chemicals, the weight of evidence is strong enough for the scientific community to accept a causal relationship; for others this strong connection has yet to be established, and may never be. Regardless, precaution dictates that we take action to reduce and eliminate harmful exposures.

Learning and Developmental Disabilities and Toxic Chemical Exposures

2. Developmental Neurotoxicity of Industrial Chemicals
Grandjean, Landigan, 2007

Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, attention deficit disorder, mental retardation, and cerebral palsy are common, costly, and can cause lifelong disability. Their causes are mostly unknown. A few industrial chemicals (eg, lead, methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], arsenic, and toluene) are recognised causes of neuro-developmental disorders and subclinical brain dysfunction. Exposure to these chemicals during early fetal development can cause brain injury at doses much lower than those affecting adult brain function. Recognition of these risks has led to evidence-based programmes of prevention, such as elimination of lead additives in petrol. Although these prevention campaigns are highly successful, most were initiated only after substantial delays. Another 200 chemicals are known to cause clinical neurotoxic effects in adults. Despite an absence of systematic testing, many additional chemicals have been shown to be neurotoxic in laboratory models. The toxic effects of such chemicals in the developing human brain are not known and they are not regulated to protect children. The two main impediments to prevention of neurodevelopmental deficits of chemical origin are the great gaps in testing chemicals for developmental neurotoxicity and the high level of proof required for regulation. New, precautionary approaches that recognise the unique vulnerability of the developing brain are needed for testing and control of chemicals.

3. In Harm’s Way: Toxic Threats to Child Development Project
Facts of Concern

* FACT: According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17% of children under 18 in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities.
* FACT: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered a common syndrome that affects 3-6% of all school children. Ongoing studies suggest the incidence may be much higher.
* FACT: Some commonly used pesticides cause lifelong hyperactivity in rodents exposed to a single small amount on a critical day of brain development.
* FACT: Fetal mercury exposure may impair learning, memory, and attention in children as they grow older.
* FACT: IQ deficits in adolescent children are linked to fetal PCB exposure.

Go to In Harm’s Way– (You can download in parts)

As always, your thoughts are welcome.

Lead and Cadmium in Jewelry and Handbags, Enough is Enough! Here is a Kick in the Pants if You Still Need One

Stop Putting Poison into our Consumer Products

Two more reports have come out recently showing high levels of toxic heavy metals in children’s jewelry and handbags. What are you doing about it?

Manufacturers have been barred from using lead in some children’s products. So what did they do? They substituted the more harmful cadmium in its place. Some people will stop at nothing to make a profit. I can’t tell you how disgusting this practice is to me. And to all you readers, I’m sure. If the plant or head office were in our town or city, there would be moms and dads and people in general coming out in droves to state clearly, “Enough is enough!” We are not being protected and this deceitful practice has to stop. It’s poisoned our pets and it’s poisoning us. With manufacturing going on overseas, I sometimes feel powerless and overwhelmed due to the vast distance and lack of understanding of standards and regulations. And a lot of days like today, I’m just pissed off. Period. Like you, I’m doing my best and that’s all I can do.

Whenever I shop now, I look at where a product is made. I can’t trust it’s safe just because it’s sold in a chain store or supermarket. I look for ingredients, a luxury sometimes, since many industries don’t have to list what is actually in their products. And when they do release information, it is sometimes a lie. Just this week, it was reported that fast foods actually contain more calories than was stated on the information given to consumers. And last year, Dr. Steinemann’s tests showed unlisted ingredients in the products she’d tested. VOC’s, more harmful ingredients.

I’ve had enough. Life is stressful enough without worrying if my new casserole dish is lowering my IQ or cans are disrupting my hormones. Without a clear plan and a clear head, we consumers can worry ourselves to death. Let’s take a breath and look at this through the lens of information. That is the very reason I began this blog and podcast. It’s a process of learning and taking action …and it takes time.

Fact: The handbags were made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Lead is commonly found in PVC. I’ve written in the past about PVC-what numbers on plastics mean as well as about finding PVC-free school supplies. We’ve heard recently about toxic shower curtains made with PCV and concern over water bottles and PVC pipes that carry our drinking water. PVC is a soft plastic and what makes it soft are chemical additives such as phthalates, which mimic the human hormone estrogen. When we ingest these chemicals. it’s said we change our body’s natural hormone cycles. Do you know what plastic is made from? If not, that’s a good place to start your research. Then decide if you want to heat it in your microwave and eat off of it. And while you’re at it, check into PVC, a type of plastic.

I just visited an industry website which reassures me that the baby with the plastic PVC soother is safe. While the studies go on, and the conflicting messages continue, we’re left confused. Just perfect for people who want to prey on our lack of certainty and sell us products that we don’t need, that are poorly made and that may even harm us.

The antidote? INFORMATION! That’s all we can really do is keep sharing what we learn and shop consciously. I have faith that after there is a certain awareness, consumers will send the message: Enough is enough! We want safe, well-made products. We want correct information and integrity in manufacturing and advertising. And we’re willing to do our homework and buy differently, from companies who do differently. They are out there, the ones that are trying to do differently. Let’s support them.

The Star of Life

I can’t tell you what to buy. But I can suggest how to shop if you don’t want to be surprised by these types of news articles.

1. Don’t shop with your eyes or nose. The pretty package is designed to make you buy it without even know what’s in the stuff. I’ve noticed another disturbing trend: Great packaging for crappy products. Use your intellect. Use your conscience, your heart. Know yourself!

2. Read labels. Call companies and ask questions. If you don’t get satisfying answers, don’t buy from them. Find a company that is transparent in what and how they manufacture goods.

3. Sniff out the baseless marketing claims and greenwashing and think critically.

4. Remember: If you make good decisions, YOU already know what’s good for you and if you’re not sure, it’s probably not that good for you. Seriously! Confusion results in bad decisions. Remember what is healthful and life-giving to you and your family. And stick to it.

5. Talk about safer products with your friends and family. Share better, health-giving alternatives. Demand more from manufacturers. There are usually smaller, better choices out there!

6. Take time to buy. Slow down. This is probably the biggest mistake people make. They’re so busy, they don’t have time to shop consciously. They want to do their shopping in one trip, as quickly as possible. They don’t have time to their homework so they buy products that come back to bite them. Recently, this happened to me. I was so overwhelmed by my shopping trip, I bought some meat and eggs I didn’t want. I had shopped against my conscience and my better judgment. They had won. They had got my money one time but not my trust, nor loyalty.

4. Think materials, not just products. If you were going to make yourself a shower curtain, would it be ok to put in toxic chemicals? What about your food? Your pet’s food? NO! So why is it ok for some faceless company to do the same? Without impunity?

5. Wake up and smell the toxins. Get out of harmful habits and addictions. No more excuses. This simply is enough already! It takes 3-6 months to change a habit and do something differently. Find a supportive group and start with one small change. Do it for a day, then a week and soon, that becomes months and years and you’ll get the benefits of making smart choices.

Is your butt hurting yet? I don’t know about you but for me, I sometimes need to get angry and say ENOUGH before I take action. Please share your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.

And just FYI, another interview on Living in a Chemical Soup Podcast is on its way next month. I hope you’ll listen and if you can, join in the live recording to ask questions of my guest. The topic will be toxins in everyday products and health. Please send me a note if you’d like participate during recording and call in with a question or two. More to come.

Related report: Pretty But Poisonous: Lead in Handbags and Wallets A good link with pictures of faux leather handbags found to contain lead in paint. From April last year. Guess this isn’t the first time for this news, either.

Remember….Stop thinking products and think MATERIALS. Faux leather ain’t leather. Do you know what’s it’s made from? Maybe it’s time to find out.

Disinfectant Overkill, Our Health and Alternatives

Non-Toxic Cleaning = Better Health for Us and the Planet

Women’s Voices for the Earth (a great organization with lots of resources on their website) has published a report “Disinfectant Overkill” about what disinfectants are linked to health problems. In it, they explain why hospital cleanliness standards for the average home are not healthy, despite what we constantly are shown on TV commercials. They give ways to safely clean the home, without spraying damaging chemicals. Did you know you can use your microwave for this?

Download the report (pdf)
Download the shorter fact sheet.

One ingredient their report doesn’t list is hydrogen peroxide. While I don’t spray with it every day, I do use it when I want to whiten or disinfect the dirtiest spots.

You can also read a post I’d written on this topic:
How to Sanitize and Disinfect without Chlorine