Archive for the ‘ Environmental Dangers ’ Category

Bees are Disappearing

Recent years have seen a drastic reduction in the world’s honeybee population. When compared to previous periods of population decline, the current rate of honeybee extinction is alarmingly critical. This past year alone has seen a 500% increase in losses. A mass reduction of honeybee colonies was first observed last fall in the US. Approximately half [ READ MORE ]

Air Fresheners

As many of you will recall, I wrote extensively about the danger of phthalates in my book, Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten. Phthalates are a group of chemicals known to have significant toxic effects including perhaps most importantly, disruption of hormone activity, especially thyroid function. This effect is associated with significant downstream consequences especially [ READ MORE ]

Cold Weather and Blood Pressure

You love the snow, bundling up in sweaters and warming by the flames burning in the fireplace. The cold just seems to suit you. But as relaxing an atmosphere as it seems, you still can’t seem to gain control over your hypertension. Despite your love for colder climates, you might find managing your blood pressure easier if [ READ MORE ]

Update on Cell Phones and Brain Risk

In The Better Brain Book, I titled a section “Electromagnetic Fields: Is Your Cell Phone Frying Your Brain?” (pp. 154-158). Recentley, I looked at the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) web site on cell phones (www.fda.gov/cellphones). In addition to a basic discussion of how cell phones work, the site contains the following statement: In October, [ READ MORE ]

Improving Food Safety

As the U.S. food system continues to face the challenges of various food borne illnesses, a Washington, D.C. based watchdog organization is calling for major reforms to a system run by “100 year old practices.” The Trust for America’s Health is criticizing government agencies for leaving Americans vulnerable with outdated federal policies, limited oversight of imports [ READ MORE ]

Vaccinations

Do the standard vaccinations against childhood diseases such as polio, tetanus and whooping cough increase your child’s risk for autism or ADHD? There has been a great deal of controversy reported in the mainstream press as well as medical and academic publications about the safety of various vaccines, as well as their impact on developing [ READ MORE ]

Submerged in a Sea of Plastic

Plastic is everywhere – water bottles, food containers, ovenable food trays, food can lining, cereal box liners, as well as children’s toys, shampoo and skin product bottles, floor tile, lumber, medical equipment, house siding, cables, trash cans and liners, shipping envelopes, brooms, brushes, cars, medical IV bags and tubes, insulation, foam packing, DVDs, sunglasses, contact [ READ MORE ]

Lead Found In Certain Supplements

Lead has made headlines in two recent studies. In August 2008, published “Survey Data on Lead in Women’s and Children’s Vitamins”. The FDA tested 324 multivitamin-mineral products, purchased over the internet, that included four categories: young children (0-6 years); older children (7+ years); pregnant and lactating women; and adult women.1 The FDA summarizes: “Estimates of lead exposures [ READ MORE ]

Common Sense Approach to Pests

Pesticides are one of the most common, and potentially dangerous hazards in the home. There are an estimated 1,400 pesticides in consumer products as part of the ingredients. Of the 1,400 pesticides, at least 37 registered for use on foods are neurotoxic organophosphate insecticides. These substances are closely related chemically to even more toxic nerve agents [ READ MORE ]

Fluorescent Lighting

As the world seeks more environmental friendly energy sources, one of those efforts has hit a snag in the United Kingdom. Fluorescent lighting has become a popular tool in reducing energy, but British researchers have now shown that some fluorescents can pose health and environmental risks to students. In their study, students complained of headaches and difficulty concentrating [ READ MORE ]