Striving4Zen

Although the FDA stated that three manufacturers had the highest levels of lead, it did not disclose any names. (The 2007 CSC report also found a few brands with consistently higher lead levels, including L'Oreal, Maybelline, and Cover Girl.)

Read full story....

Labels: lead, lipstick, make-up, study, toxic, toxins

# posted by Striving4Zen : 9/02/2009  0 comments

The origins of this new law date back to 2001, when an outbreak of Salmonella poisoning in Canada was traced back to an almond grower in California. At that time, the California Department of Health Services worked with that grower to increase the safety of almond production. But when a second round of Salmonella problems occurred with an entirely different grower, the federal government stepped in to consider a more comprehensive set of actions. The USDA, together with the U.S. FDA, CDC, California Almond Board, and other agencies drafted legislation designed to prevent further Salmonella outbreaks based on post-harvest processing of almonds.

Specifically, these government agencies designed a mandatory pasteurization program in which handlers of almonds would be required to process the almonds in such a way that a dramatic reduction in the amount of Salmonella bacteria would take place. To achieve this dramatic reduction in Salmonella bacteria, two major alternatives were envisioned: (1) exposure to steam heat sufficient to raise the surface temperature of the almond kernels to about 200°F (93°C) or (2) insertion of the kernels into a closed chamber where they could be exposed to propylene oxide gas (please note that fumigation with propylene oxide is not allowed in the processing of almonds if the almonds are going to be sold as certified organic).

Two exceptions to these processing requirements were included in the legislation. First, almond growers can receive exemption from these requirements if they can show that their ordinary manufacturing process achieves the same minimum 4-log reduction in Salmonella content. For example, their ordinary manufacturing process might include enough dry roasting or blanching to accomplish this same goal. Second, almond growers can also receive exemption if they will only be selling their almonds directly to customers at local markets, with a limit of 100 pounds per person per day in direct farmer's market sales.

What are the health implications of this new legislation? First, I am expecting us to see a certain amount of potentially problematic almonds being prevented from entering the marketplace, and that prevention will be a good thing. Second, I am also expecting us to see some nutrient loss in steam-heated almonds that will be unwanted, and, in the case of many almonds, also unnecessary. Third, I am expecting us to see some propylene oxide residues in almonds that were gassed to reduce Salmonella concentrations, and this will be a bad thing because propylene oxide is classified by the U.S. EPA as a probable human carcinogen.

In the long run, I believe the only solution to the Salmonella-and-almonds predicament will be to understand the underlying reasons why Salmonella bacteria become present in certain batches of almonds and to correct these underlying problems. Problems which, I believe have evolved due to non-sustainable approaches to almond growing and inappropriate post-harvest processing. Yet, in the meantime, if you are looking for 100% raw, organically grown almonds, your only option is to purchase from a grower at a local farmer's market, from a grower who has received exemption from the mandatory processing rules, or from a certified organic almond grower outside of the United States who exports almonds to this country.

Source

Labels: almonds, blanching, dry roasted, FDA, Nuts, pasteurization, salmonella, toxic, toxins

# posted by Striving4Zen : 8/12/2009  0 comments

The Yale team's findings, previewed earlier this month to the Endocrine Society, a 14,000-member scientific and medical professional organization devoted to hormone system research and treatment, have intensified scientists' concern that exposure BPA, a synthetic estrogen that disrupts the endocrine system, may have grave consequences for human reproduction.

In an interview, study co-author Hugh S. Taylor, M.D., professor and chief of the reproductive endocrinology section at Yale University School of Medicine, said his team injected pregnant mice with BPA for just one week. After those mice, and a control group, gave birth, the scientists found that the genetic chemistry of female offspring exposed to BPA in the womb had been irrevocably altered.

Read Full Story.

Labels: BPA, endocrine system, hormones, infertility, synthetic growth hormone, toxic

# posted by Striving4Zen : 7/29/2009  0 comments

Labels: Boca burgers, hexane, processed foods, soy milk, soybeans, toxic, toxins

# posted by Striving4Zen : 7/26/2009  0 comments

Labels: deli meats, disease, food, nitrates, nitrosamines, study, toxic, toxins, water

# posted by Striving4Zen : 7/07/2009  0 comments

1. Start at the end where preservatives are listed. Try to avoid:
   
• Words ending in “paraben”
• DMDM hydantoin
• Imidsazolidinyl urea
• Methylchloroisothiazolinone
• Methylisothiazolinone
• Triclosan
• Triclocarban
• Triethanolamine (or “TEA”)
  
2. Next, check the beginning of the ingredients list. Here you’ll find the soap, surfactant, or lubricant that has been added to make the product work. Try to avoid ingredients that start with “PEG” or have an “-eth” in the middle (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate).
   
3. Finally, read the middle ingredients. Here you’ll look for some common – but not essential - additives that may bring excess hazard: fragrance and dyes. On the label look for “FRAGRANCE,” “FD&C,” or “D&C.”

Labels: environmental working group, EWG, Ingredients, living holistically, personal care, skin care, toxic

# posted by Striving4Zen : 6/26/2009  0 comments

So what should you do?

Plastics of different types are assigned corresponding resin numbers. The types, 1-7, look something like this.

• #1 polyethylene terephthalate – aka PET/PETE – soda bottles, mouthwash bottles, bottled water, etc.
• #2 high density polyethylene – aka HDPE - milk jugs, household cleaner and detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, etc.
• #3 polyvinyl chloride – aka V/PVC – meat packaging, some household cleaner bottles, rigid plastic containers, household pipes, etc.
• #4 low density polyethylene – aka LDPE – newspaper bags, grocery bags, sandwich bags, cling wraps, frozen food bags, etc.
• #5 polypropylene – aka PP – yogurt/sour cream tubs, ketchup bottles, medicine bottles, etc.
• #6 polystyrene – aka PS – coffee cups, packing peanuts, to-go containers, etc.
• #7 “other” (Category assigned for mixed plastics or plastics introduced after 1987. The category includes polycarbonate, plant-based polylactide and other new hard plastics.) – baby bottles, water cooler bottles, rigid containers for food storage, lining for canned food, etc.

Are there better / worse options?

Although you’ll find criticism/skepticism about every category in some corners, most experts believe that better bets include #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE) and #5 (polypropylene) plastics because they appear to be more stable and less prone to leaching when used properly.

Of high concern are PVC (#3), polystyrene (#6) and the polycarbonate plastics (subcategory of #7). PVC contains phthalates, known endocrine disruptors and carcinogens, that present a particular risk to children. As for polystyrene, studies have linked this plastic to cancer, neurological damage and reproductive issues (PDF). And we’ve all likely heard the debate about BPA, a component of polycarbonate plastics. Although industry has fought the link tooth and nail, it’s becoming clear that BPA can seriously impact hormonal balance and reproductive function. (1, 2, 3)

Finally, some research suggests that a common plastic for water bottles, PET plastics, leach estrogenic compounds. These compounds, xenoestrogens, can disrupt hormonal balance in both men and women, although the single use of these plastics may lessen the overall leaching impact on consumers.

So, what can you do to prevent leaching? First off, there’s your own use of plastic. Use plastic containers only in accordance with their originally intended use (e.g. Don’t reheat a microwave dinner container or wash a single use water bottle and use it over and over – especially after continual washing in a hot dishwasher.) Second, avoid heating any plastic whenever possible or storing hot food/drink in plastic containers. In much of the “leaching” research, plastics are heated to high temperatures for long stretches of time, but even brief heating can be enough to allow chemical shedding of sorts. Remove plastic packaging and use a good old glass bowl or stove top pot for heating and a regular mug instead of a foam cup for your morning coffee. (And use a plain paper towel, preferably unbleached, to cover food in the microwave rather than plastic wrap.) The same goes for storage. (A liquid or moist food item has the potential to absorb more from its container than loose “dry” items.) Acidic food reacts more with the materials it comes in contact with. Keep your tomatoes and juices preferably in glass. Finally, look into alternatives to plastic bags like wax paper sandwich bags or stainless steel Bento boxes. (Just be sure to wrap those acidic foods in wax paper before storing them in stainless steel or aluminum.)

Read Full Article on Mark's Daily Apple!

Labels: BPA, healthy cooking, living holistically, microwave, plastic, PVC, toxic, toxins

# posted by Striving4Zen : 6/18/2009  0 comments

The National Healthy Nail Salon Alliance surveyed product manufacturers and found that 74% of polishes were entirely "three free." Great news!! If you're curious whether your favorite brand is in the clear, print the downloadable card — it's as easy as one, two, three when you cut, fold, and save the wallet-sized sheet as a reference.

Labels: health trend, manicure, nail salons, personal care, toxic, toxins

# posted by Striving4Zen : 6/06/2009  0 comments

The substances in question are 1,4-dioxane (a byproduct of the manufacturing process) the preservative formaldehyde, which is slowly released by a chemical called Quaternium-15, both probable human carcinogens . . . and both found in the much-loved Johnson's Baby Shampoo, marketed as the "number-one choice of hospitals."

According to a Johnson & Johnson spokesperson:

The trace levels of certain compounds that were noted by the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics can result from processes that make our products gentle for babies and safe from bacteria growth. Many regulatory agencies around the world consider these trace levels safe.

Labels: 1.4-dioxane, chemicals, FDA, formaldehyde, health and safety, Johnson's Baby Shampoo, personal care, toxic

# posted by Striving4Zen : 5/27/2009  0 comments

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wants the feds to test commonly used baby shampoos and cosmetics, after a study revealed that many popular brand-name items contain cancer-causing substances.

"It's important to me because I'm a mom with two young kids," the state's junior senator told The Post. "When I read this report, it basically talked about products that I have in my bathroom and I've been using for years."

The report, issued by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, found that products including Baby Magic Soft Baby Scent Baby Lotion, and CVS and Johnson & Johnson brand baby shampoos contain the chemicals formaldehyde and 1.4-dioxane.

Gillibrand's proposed legislation, the Safe Baby Products Act, would require the FDA to investigate by testing the products and report its findings. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics study tested 28 products and found the presence of both chemicals in 61%.

Dr. John Bailey, a former FDA cosmetics analyst now with the trade group Personal Care Products Council, said the agency had already determined that levels of the two chemicals in child bath products were safe.

Source

Labels: 1.4-dioxane, beauty, cosmetics, FDA, formaldehyde, toxic, toxins

# posted by Striving4Zen : 4/27/2009  0 comments

MSG is banned in organic foods.

Here's a list of ingredients that ALWAYS contain MSG:

Autolyzed Yeast -- Calcium Caseinate -- Gelatin Glutamate -- Glutamic Acid -- Hydrolyzed Protein -- Monopotassium Glutamate -- Monosodium Glutamate -- Sodium Caseinate -- Textured Protein -- Yeast Extract -- Yeast Food -- Yeast Nutrient

Source

Labels: food additives, MSG, toxic, toxins

# posted by Striving4Zen : 4/23/2009  0 comments

Candles have long been the source of providing an instant pick-me-up to an otherwise boring atmosphere. With varying colors, designs and scents, candles can turn a plain, poorly lit room into a romantic, inviting space.

Along with everything else from grocery bags to beauty products, candles have begun a green transformation making them more eco-friendly by emitting fewer carcinogens.

While paraffin wax and lead-based wicks have been common components of scented candles, companies are now employing soy and vegetable waxes along with cotton or paper core wicks, which are friendlier to Mother Earth-- and your lungs.

These longer- and cleaner-burning votives are made with essential and natural oils that don't have petroleum-based notes. As an added bonus, they come in recycled packaging and, most importantly, are made of harmless ingredients.

Best Sound Effects:

Dayna Decker "Bardou" has an EcoWood Wick, which crackles just like a fireplace.

Best Kitchen Scent:

James Boyce for Voluspa "Tomato, Celery and Fennel"

Most Fun:

Soular Therapy Astrological Candles "Pisces"

Illume "Black Lavender"

Best Basic Scent:

Paddywax "Linden," $28 at

Votivo "White Ocean Sands"

Thymes "Eucalyptus"

Sweetest Smelling:

Nest "Beeswax and Whipped Cream"

Labels: breathe, candles, clean air, cool new product, eco-friendly, lead, toxic, toxins

# posted by Striving4Zen : 4/14/2009  0 comments

Labels: bottled water, cleaners, cool new product, electrolyzed salt water, living holistically, non-toxic, toxic

# posted by Striving4Zen : 3/19/2009  0 comments

Sodium nitrate: used to preserve color and flavor in meat products like bacon, ham, smoked fish and luncheon meats. This preservative prevents the growth of healthy bacteria and has also been linked to various types of cancer.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT): used to preserve foods like cereals, chewing gum and potato chips. Both are antioxidants that may cause cancer.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG): an amino acid used to flavor soups, salad dressings and restaurant food. It can cause headaches and nausea and other health problems.

Most of these additives are used to preserve and enhance the flavor of packaged foods. You don’t need to eat bland food, but rather by eating fewer packaged foods and opting for ingredients you can pronounce like vegetables, whole grains and fruit you will maintain or improve your health.

Source

Labels: BHA, BHT, MSG, Olean, preservatives, sodium nitrate, toxic, toxins, unhealthy

# posted by Striving4Zen : 3/18/2009  0 comments

But campaigners fear fluoride has health risks. And they say adding it to tap water amounts to mass medication. And independent experts at York University have concluded there is only limited evidence that adding fluoride to water reduces decay.

The uncertain scientific evidence has led to an angry debate between those for and against fluoride.

"What is this toxin going to do in the body for the next 40 years? It's cumulative. It sits in the tissue and grows.

"Nobody knows what it can do. So I say err on the side of caution and don't put it in the water."

Full article...

Labels: chemicals, fluoride, health and safety, toxic, UK, water

# posted by Striving4Zen : 2/26/2009  0 comments

Labels: Hershey's, HFCS, high fructose corn syrup, Kraft, mercury, Quaker, Smucker's, study, toxic

# posted by Striving4Zen : 1/28/2009  0 comments

Decaf coffee increases acidity

Coffee is highly acidic and it can stimulate the hyper-secretion of gastric acids. Coffee creates more reflux than caffeine added to water, suggesting that other components of coffee contribute to its aggravating effect. Decaf coffee has been shown to increase acidity to a greater degree than either regular coffee or caffeine alone due to the fact that decaffeinated coffee is made from Robusta beans. This in result aggravates health problems such as acid reflux, GERDS and ulcers making people susceptible to the detrimental effects of high levels of acidity.

Decaf coffee consumption has also been associated with a greater incidence of heartburn than drinking any other fluids. Therefore, quitting coffee may reduce stomach problems that are associated with the high acidity of decaf coffee.

Decaf coffee increases cholesterol and heart attack risk

Several studies have shown that decaffeinated coffee raises the risk for heart attacks similar to regular coffee in spite of the lowered levels of caffeine. A U.S. National Institutes of Health study suggested that drinking decaffeinated coffee increased the risk of heart disease. This study showed that the group drinking decaffeinated coffee experienced an 18% rise in non-essential fatty acids in the blood, which can drive the production of LDL cholesterol and an 8% rise in apolipoprotein B - a protein associated with cholesterol linked to cardiovascular disease.

Levels of LDL cholesterol, a strong predictor for heart attacks, increase after coffee drinkers switch from regular coffee to decaf coffee. These finding suggests that a phytochemical present in coffee other than caffeine is responsible for the subsequent LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B activity.

The fact is that caffeinated and decaf coffees are known to be made from different beans. Decaf coffee is often made from Robusta beans, which contain a much higher content of fats called diterpenes. Diterpenes are known to stimulate fatty acid production in the body. Thus, decaf coffee has proved more harmful effects on the heart as compared to regular coffee. Coffee oils other than caffeine have also been demonstrated to elevate liver enzyme levels, further inhibiting the liver’s ability to effectively regulate serum cholesterol.

Also, chlorogenic acid is found in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. It is believed to raise plasma levels of homocysteine, which is associated with increased susceptibility of developing cardiovascular disease. Reducing intake of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee may be important in controlling plasma homocysteine levels.

Decaf coffee may lead to osteoporosis

According to an osteoporosis expert of Creighton University in Omaha, there occurs a loss up to 5 milligrams of calcium for every six ounces of regular coffee that you drink. As little as 300 to 400 mg of caffeine a day doubles the risk of hip fracture.

Low bone density increases chances for developing osteoporosis. Metabolic acidity contributes to demineralization of the bones. The high acidity of decaf coffee increases the risk for developing osteoporosis. It alters bone cell function, increasing osteoclastic bone resorption and decreasing osteoblastic bone formation. Avoiding regular and decaf coffee and including 3-4 servings of calcium rich foods a day can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Decaf coffee leads to increased incidence of rheumatoid arthritis

Decaffeinated coffee intake is independently and positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) onset. According to researchers from the American College of Rheumatology, older women who drink four or more cups of decaffeinated coffee a day are more than twice as likely to develop RA as regular coffee drinkers. Moreover, drinking more than 3 cups of tea per day is actually associated with decreased risk of developing RA.

Decaf coffee increases risk of glaucoma

Caffeine consumption may be harmful to people with glaucoma because it increases pressure within the eyeball. While caffeinated coffee more significantly increases intraocular pressure, decaffeinated coffee also causes a rise in levels of pressure within the eye. People at risk for developing glaucoma and those who already suffer from glaucoma should avoid anything that further increases intraocular pressure to avoid damaging their eyes.

Link to cancer and organ damage

The decaffeinated coffee is likely to contain the solvent methylene chloride that is used to remove caffeine from coffee. This process leaves small amounts of this chemical in the beans. Methylene chloride is a proven carcinogenic that is toxic to lungs, the nervous system, liver, mucous membranes, and central nervous system (CNS). Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Ethyl acetate is an alternate solvent used to extract caffeine. As this chemical is in low quantities found naturally in fruit, companies often market coffee decaffeinated using this process as naturally decaffeinated. However, this is a chemical with serious health consequences.

Kicking the decaf coffee habit

The health risks of decaffeinated coffee have been studied, with varying results. People most often switch from caffeinated to decaffeinated coffee due to a desire to improve their health. But for people with a number of existing health conditions, drinking decaffeinated coffee may not necessarily provide the desired health benefits. Current studies suggest that, for people who are sensitive to the effects of coffee, decaffeinated brews may still exacerbate their health problems. Therefore, the healthiest option may be to eliminate both regular and decaffeinated coffee from the diet.

Source

Labels: acid, caffeine, coffee, decaffeinated, study, toxic

# posted by Striving4Zen : 1/13/2009  0 comments

Environmental Working Group exposes FDA plan to push mercury-laced seafood

Labels: EPA, EWG, FDA, fish, mercury, toxic, toxic metals, toxins, tuna

# posted by Striving4Zen : 12/17/2008  0 comments

What's up with the absence of such an important detail? Since the skin absorbs topical products quite readily, applying a nourishing alternative specifically formulated for people with cancer seems like the safest bet to me — not to mention anyone worried about the repeated exposure they may have unknowingly received from any unlabeled creams.

Source

Labels: breast cancer, cancer, estrogen, moisturizer, skin care, study, toxic

# posted by Striving4Zen : 12/16/2008  0 comments

Labels: cosmetics, France, health and safety, toxic, toxins

# posted by Striving4Zen : 11/26/2008  0 comments