Possible Toxins in Perfumes

Even high-end perfumes are made with cocktails of dangerous and untested chemicals that may produce problems from allergies to hormone disruption, a study by the Environmental Working Group and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has found.The Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973 explicitly exempts manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care products from having to disclose any of the ingredients used to give fragrance to their products, as long as "fragrance" is listed in on the label. This lack disclosure becomes particularly dangerous when combined with a large-scale lack of data on the safety of these compounds; neither the FDA nor any publicly accountable organization has ever tested the majority of fragrance compounds for safety as ingredients in personal care products.Upon request from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the Environmental Working Group sent 17 brand-name perfumes to be tested by the independent laboratory Analytical Sciences. Thirteen of the perfumes had been purchased in the United States, and four had been purchased in Canada.Researchers uncovered 40 different chemicals in the perfume samples, in addition to the 51 listed on product labels. Of the 40 ingredients found, only two were listed on the label of every product containing them; the other 38 were unlisted on at least one of the 17 labels.Each product contained roughly equal numbers of listed and unlisted chemicals, averaging 14 secret chemicals per product. Products including more than the average number included Britney Spears Curious (17), Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio (17), Chanel Coco (18) and American Eagle Seventy Seven (24). The average perfume contained 10 known allergens that can trigger reactions from asthma to headaches to contact dermatitis. Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio contained the most known allergens, at 19.Even more seriously, researchers uncovered 10 chemicals known to disrupt the hormonal (endocrine) system, with each perfume containing an average of four. The perfumes Halle by Halle Berry, Quicksilver and Jennifer Lopez J. Lo Glow all contained seven different endocrine disruptors -- six estrogen mimics and a thyroid disruptor.Among the endocrine disrupting chemicals were sun-blocking chemicals, the synthetic musks Galaxolide and Tonalide and diethyl phthalate (DEP). Galaxolide and Tonalide, which have been shown to accumulate in human and animal bodies, were found in more than eight of the products. DEP was found in 12 products in concentrations from 30 to 30,000 parts per million, the latter in Eternity for Women. It has been linked to reproductive defects in male infants, sperm damage in men and, more recently, hyperactivity in children.Other perfume ingredients are known to react with indoor air to form formaldehyde, ultrafine particles and other pollutants. These dangerous fragrance chemicals are also found in air fresheners, shampoos, lotions, bath products, and dishwashing and laundry detergents.Yet because the FDA has no authority to force fragrance manufacturers to test their products for safety, vast numbers of such chemicals remain unknown quantities. Only 19 of the 91 ingredients in the study have ever been tested for safety by the industry-funded Cosmetic Industry Review, and only 27 have ever been tested by either the International Fragrance Association or the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials. Of the unlabeled ingredients found, only 34 percent have had safety assessments published. While industry sources may claim that more ingredients than these have been tested, many have only been tested in non-cosmetic contexts, for example as food additives. And even evaluated chemicals remain untested in combination with the many other chemicals thrown in to cosmetics and other products to produce the vague legal category of "fragrance."With no requirement for either safety testing or labeling, there is simply no way for consumers to know what lies behind that term.Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030635_perfumes_toxic_chemicals.html#ixzz17M7keP00

Ventilation in Classroom Ariticle

Classroom Ventilation Affects Learning Outcomes
Lourdes Salvador
November 28, 2010
Parents are addressing air quality issues at their children´s schools with increasing frequency. Commonly addressed issues include poor ventilation, mold, fragrance, new carpeting, pesticides, and a myriad of cleaning products used on a routine basis to maintain schools. Now, researchers at the University of Tulsa, Indoor Air Program agree that increasing the ventilation rates in classrooms translates into improved academic achievement for students.The researchers studied 100 elementary schools in the US in two different districts. Ventilation rates were measured along with students´ standardized test scores.Eighty-seven of the 100 classrooms evaluated had ventilation rates below the recommended guidelines, indicating a need for the average school to improve indoor air quality.The results of the study found that for every unit of ventilation rate increase, 2.9% more students passed the standardized test for math and reading. This is a significant finding in terms of academic achievement. Increasing ventilation rates reduces the amount of contaminants in the air. Less pollution and better air allows students to think and focus better. Symptoms of attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities appear to also diminish when ventilation rates and air quality improve. Other methods of reducing indoor air pollution include the use of fragrance free, non-toxic cleaning products, avoiding the use of fragranced personal care products by students and staff, cleaning up mold and mildew, avoiding pesticide use or using an integrative pest management practice, and using low or no-voc, non-toxic materials for building and renovations. This would include no-voc paints and avoiding varnishes, floor waxes, carpets, and other materials which release gases in to the air.
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One common product that has made its way into schools that pollutes indoor air is hand sanitizer. These germicidal products contain both fragrance and ingredients which are registered pesticides. Instead of relying on hand sanitizers, schools can encourage hand washing and provide fragrance free, non-toxic soap in restrooms. Scientific evidence shows that better air means better grades and better behavior. Many schools are starting to take this seriously and creating new policies and procedures. Still others are resistant to change either due to time or perceived increased cost of initiating new procedures, and sometimes simply due to long-standing habits.Yet the change is for the benefit of students, which means cost savings long term for special education and remedial programs. Oftentimes a change to less toxic products also means less cost for on-the-job injuries.The bottom line is that the nation´s kids matter and to do their best in class, research shows they need clean air!ReferenceHaverinen-Shaughnessy U, Moschandreas DJ, Shaughnessy RJ. Association between substandard classroom ventilation rates and students' academic achievement. Indoor Air. 2010 Aug 24. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2010.00686.x. [Epub ahead of print]This article originally appeared in the MCS America News, December 2010 Issue

Article on House Plants and Indoor Air Quality

Household Plants More Than Room Decor
Antananarivo : Madagascar Nov 03, 2010
By Debbie Nicholson
1 0
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Health Benefits of Some of the Healthiest Plants We all use plants to brighten up our rooms and bring some of nature indoors. Other than looking great and adding energy to our room they actually provide health benefits to the body. Problems of headaches, stress and even heart issues seem to lessen with these plants around. One of the best parts is they can bring in clean air.Chicago cardiologist Dr. Bruno Cortis, states house plants do relax a person. Studies have proven that patients in hospitals who have a garden view from a window have a faster recovery rate than those who face a wall.In Norway, the University of Agriculture, conducted a study on indoor plants. Their study had shown that these plants can reduce fatigue, coughs, sore-throats and other types of cold associated illness by at least 30%. The main reason is the plants increase humidity while decreasing dust.
Large known corporations and even offices are starting to add plants indoors to boost employee morale and health.Benefits of houseplantsThey heighten a persons positive feelings while reducing negative ones like anger.Reduce sound and stress levels.Ability to control humidity to optimal levels of health.They absorb carbon dioxide and bring in fresh air and oxygen.Makes room appearance look clean and fresh.Improves concentration levels.Why purify the home with plantsSome of the biggest contributions to poor health our actually found in the home. There are plants which can remove and guard their harmful effects.Benzene which is found in tobacco smoke, paint and other types of material. Benzene can cause health issues such as headaches, dizziness and respiratory problems.Formaldehyde which easily is found in permanent-press clothing, pressed wood furniture, some paper products and even carpeting. Formaldehyde can irritate asthma and produce headaches. It to have been associated to certain cancers.Trichloroethylene is also a substance that can cause cancer in both humans and animals. It can come from numerous sources including tobacco.Carbon monoxide causes drowsiness and headaches. Can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.Some of the top choice plants aroundAreca Palm This plant is from Madagascar. It is also known under names such as the butterfly plant, yellow palm and golden cane.It is labeled as an exotic houseplant for indoors. It brings an air of tropics into your home. It takes all indoor toxins out of the air and purifies it. Large amounts of moisture get released into the air. It thrives wonderfully indoors.Boston FernThis fern was popular back in the Queen Victoria era of the 19th century. Then in Boston during the year 1914 it had began to appear. Now it is increasingly popular plant today in many homes.The plant takes formaldehyde out of the air. Formaldehyde coming from things such as pressed wood products, cigarette smoke. Formaldehyde occurs naturally in the environment and has been associated to increased risks of cancer.They need lots of sunlight so a window location is best.English IvyEnglish Ivy has been proven to effectively eliminate airborne mold and feces along with formaldehyde.If you own pets it is great plant to have and works well placed near litter boxes and cages.The plant needs bright light to grow but do not use direct sunlight.Peace LilyThe Peace Lily has the ability to remove benzene and xylene and toluene which is found in nail polish removers, paints and solvents.The plant will thrive in low light and any well draining potting mix. You need to wash the leaves now and then for the prevention of insect attacks.Bamboo plantThis is one extremely popular plant today. In Asia it is a symbol of good fortune and has been around for 4,000 years. They are considered non-toxic for pets expect for the Chinese Sacred or Heavenly Bamboo. It too removes benzene from the air.Aloe VeraAloe Vera plants not only maintain clean air quality and eliminate toxins it is well known for its medical benefits as well.As we all know the gel from this plant is extremely useful. Just cut off a section and the gel spills out. Just dab on wound or cut to speed up healing. It is an antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral which can also soothe any inflammation.Lady FernMuch like the Aloe Vera plant. It is also one of the oldest variety of ferns. Just grab a leaf and mash it in palm of hand. It's juices will rapidly ease the sting from nettle burns other burns and stings along with minor cuts.NASA Research and EPA Has The Final StatementNASA and the EPA had invested twenty-five years of research into hazardous volatile organic carbons. In the studies it has indicatHousehold Plants More Than Room Decor
Antananarivo : Madagascar Nov 03, 2010
By Debbie Nicholson
1 0
tweetmeme_url = 'http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/7223365-household-plants-more-than-room-decor';
tweetmeme_style = 'compact';
Views: 96


Health Benefits of Some of the Healthiest Plants We all use plants to brighten up our rooms and bring some of nature indoors. Other than looking great and adding energy to our room they actually provide health benefits to the body. Problems of headaches, stress and even heart issues seem to lessen with these plants around. One of the best parts is they can bring in clean air.Chicago cardiologist Dr. Bruno Cortis, states house plants do relax a person. Studies have proven that patients in hospitals who have a garden view from a window have a faster recovery rate than those who face a wall.In Norway, the University of Agriculture, conducted a study on indoor plants. Their study had shown that these plants can reduce fatigue, coughs, sore-throats and other types of cold associated illness by at least 30%. The main reason is the plants increase humidity while decreasing dust.
Large known corporations and even offices are starting to add plants indoors to boost employee morale and health.Benefits of houseplantsThey heighten a persons positive feelings while reducing negative ones like anger.Reduce sound and stress levels.Ability to control humidity to optimal levels of health.They absorb carbon dioxide and bring in fresh air and oxygen.Makes room appearance look clean and fresh.Improves concentration levels.Why purify the home with plantsSome of the biggest contributions to poor health our actually found in the home. There are plants which can remove and guard their harmful effects.Benzene which is found in tobacco smoke, paint and other types of material. Benzene can cause health issues such as headaches, dizziness and respiratory problems.Formaldehyde which easily is found in permanent-press clothing, pressed wood furniture, some paper products and even carpeting. Formaldehyde can irritate asthma and produce headaches. It to have been associated to certain cancers.Trichloroethylene is also a substance that can cause cancer in both humans and animals. It can come from numerous sources including tobacco.Carbon monoxide causes drowsiness and headaches. Can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.Some of the top choice plants aroundAreca Palm This plant is from Madagascar. It is also known under names such as the butterfly plant, yellow palm and golden cane.It is labeled as an exotic houseplant for indoors. It brings an air of tropics into your home. It takes all indoor toxins out of the air and purifies it. Large amounts of moisture get released into the air. It thrives wonderfully indoors.Boston FernThis fern was popular back in the Queen Victoria era of the 19th century. Then in Boston during the year 1914 it had began to appear. Now it is increasingly popular plant today in many homes.The plant takes formaldehyde out of the air. Formaldehyde coming from things such as pressed wood products, cigarette smoke. Formaldehyde occurs naturally in the environment and has been associated to increased risks of cancer.They need lots of sunlight so a window location is best.English IvyEnglish Ivy has been proven to effectively eliminate airborne mold and feces along with formaldehyde.If you own pets it is great plant to have and works well placed near litter boxes and cages.The plant needs bright light to grow but do not use direct sunlight.Peace LilyThe Peace Lily has the ability to remove benzene and xylene and toluene which is found in nail polish removers, paints and solvents.The plant will thrive in low light and any well draining potting mix. You need to wash the leaves now and then for the prevention of insect attacks.Bamboo plantThis is one extremely popular plant today. In Asia it is a symbol of good fortune and has been around for 4,000 years. They are considered non-toxic for pets expect for the Chinese Sacred or Heavenly Bamboo. It too removes benzene from the air.Aloe VeraAloe Vera plants not only maintain clean air quality and eliminate toxins it is well known for its medical benefits as well.As we all know the gel from this plant is extremely useful. Just cut off a section and the gel spills out. Just dab on wound or cut to speed up healing. It is an antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral which can also soothe any inflammation.Lady FernMuch like the Aloe Vera plant. It is also one of the oldest variety of ferns. Just grab a leaf and mash it in palm of hand. It's juices will rapidly ease the sting from nettle burns other burns and stings along with minor cuts.NASA Research and EPA Has The Final StatementNASA and the EPA had invested twenty-five years of research into hazardous volatile organic carbons. In the studies it has indicated that greater than 107 of various VOCs are associated to cancer. They also can cause damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system.Findings have indicated that indoor plants can eliminate dangerous of these toxins. Many studies have proved that indoor plants contain a huge capacity for the absorbtion of chemicals while purifying the air.The EPA states that VOCs are put into the air daily from simple household items such as paint, furniture and carpeting. These are higher indoors by up to two to five times more than if they were present outdoors.Additional studies by NASA also have shown that indoor plants effectively eliminate several main pollutants which are present indoors.Indoor plants not convert carbon dioxide into oxygen but also eliminate benzene, tricholorethylene and formaldehyde.There we have evidence from two top agencies that indoor plants do provide health benefits and are just more than a way to brighten up a room.ed that greater than 107 of various VOCs are associated to cancer. They also can cause damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system.Findings have indicated that indoor plants can eliminate dangerous of these toxins. Many studies have proved that indoor plants contain a huge capacity for the absorbtion of chemicals while purifying the air.The EPA states that VOCs are put into the air daily from simple household items such as paint, furniture and carpeting. These are higher indoors by up to two to five times more than if they were present outdoors.Additional studies by NASA also have shown that indoor plants effectively eliminate several main pollutants which are present indoors.Indoor plants not convert carbon dioxide into oxygen but also eliminate benzene, tricholorethylene and formaldehyde.There we have evidence from two top agencies that indoor plants do provide health benefits and are just more than a way to brighten up a room.

BPA Article from Scientific American

Everyday BPA Exposure Decreases Human Semen Quality
The more bisphenol A men were exposed to--at work or through the environment--the worse off their sperm were, according a new study that finds the link in humans
By Katherine Harmon October 28, 2010 10

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MAN DOWN: Levels of BPA way below those currently tolerated by government agencies seem to have negative effects on the viability of sperm. Image: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/GILBERTO SANTA ROSA
The common industrial chemical bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to many ills, including reproductive abnormalities, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Much of the evidence for these associations, however, has been drawn from animal or in vitro research and has been somewhat controversial as to its precise implications for human health.Now, a human study has found strong links between BPA levels and semen quality—and the findings are not looking good, especially for men frequently exposed to the compound on the job.Researchers studied the urine (where BPA can be measured) and semen of 218 male factory workers in China, some of whom make BPA or put it into other products (such as plastics and epoxy resins that line cans), and the remainder, whose work did not put them in direct contact with the chemical.Compared with the control group, the men who worked in the BPA-based factories had more than four times the chance of having lowered sperm counts and more than double the risk of having lower sperm motility (swimming ability). The results of the analysis, which controlled for potentially confounding factors (including age, heavy metal and other chemical exposures, chronic disease, smoking, alcohol use, sexual history, etcetera), were published online October 28 in Fertility and Sterility in a study led by De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif.The men in the study group who had not been exposed to BPA in the workplace nonetheless had been subject to everyday environmental contact, such as with BPA-containing food or beverage containers. But even these men, whose levels were slightly lower than those found in a typical U.S. man, showed decreased semen quality that correlated with their relative BPA levels.The precise mechanisms by which BPA might be affecting sexual function and semen quality are not yet well understood. The chemical is thought to be seen by the body as an estrogen and anti-androgen and likely disrupts hormones and hormone receptors, thus, possibly affecting hormone-dependent semen production and survival.Previous studies by Li and his colleagues had linked environmental BPA exposure in U.S. men to sexual dysfunction. The new analysis, however, presents more objective data and implies "that BPA may have even more toxicity than we thought," Li says.The new findings help corroborate results from another human study published earlier this year, which found that men who had the highest levels of BPA in their urine had about 23 percent lower sperm concentrations. This study, published online in July in Reproductive Toxicology, had recruited male subjects via a fertility clinic. John Meeker, an assistant professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, who led the July study and was not involved in the newest research, notes that the latest work from Li's group helps strengthen the case that BPA might not just be passing inertly through our bodies.Li hopes that his team's work will help add to a growing body of literature that suggests current regulatory standards for BPA concentrations are outdated. "U.S. regulation is way out of whack," Li says. The men in his team's study who worked in the BPA-processing plants had median concentrations of about 38.7 micrograms of BPA per liter of urine, which was about 40 times higher than the control group (which had about 1.4 micrograms per liter—lower than average U.S. male levels, 2.3 micrograms per liter). Current U.S. regulatory standards, however, place daily intake limits at about 70 times the amount (2,687.5 micrograms per liter) that the BPA factory workers had. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in the process of reviewing current safety data on the chemical, and as of this March the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had listed it as a "chemical of concern."Both Li and Meeker emphasize the importance of consistent findings in human studies, which "gives you some more confidence in the existence of an association," Meeker says. And, says Li, "Our findings are consistent with animal studies," which can provide clues as to the biological processes behind the changes.

Carbon Dioxide from Gas Dryers

Nassau County, NY -- Dryer vent cleaning helps eliminate several home hazards including dryer fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, mold and mildew damage and appliance failure. Dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation is especially important for those who own a gas dryer. Poorly vented gas appliances can be a carbon monoxide risk.Bob Dougherty, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, was recently interviewed. He explained how gas dryers can be a carbon monoxide threat. “Many people only associate carbon monoxide threats with their furnace,” said Dougherty. Few are aware that poorly vented gas dryers can allow dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to enter their home.”Bob went on to explain, “the number of home fires and carbon monoxide poisonings increases during the fall and winter months. Dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation helps to eliminate these hazards.”The snowstorm that hammered the east coast last winter prompted New York lawmakers to require everyone in the state to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. Amanda’s Law went into effect after a girl died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2009. Dryer vents are typically installed on the outside of a home about two feet off the ground. Drifting snow can easily block the dryer vent and block air flow.

EPA Awards $2.4 Million to Improve Air Quality

Release date: 10/20/2010
Contact Information: Stacy Kika, kika.stacy@epa.gov, 202-564-0906, 202-564-4355
WASHINGTON –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding 17 cooperative agreements to nonprofit organizations and a university, totaling approximately $2.4 million to improve indoor air quality nationwide. Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors where levels of air pollution may be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Indoor air pollutants, such as dust mites, can trigger asthma attacks and radon can cause lung cancer.
“EPA is proud to be working with our partners nationwide to improve the air we breathe at school, work and home,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “American communities face serious health and environmental challenges from air pollution. This effort gives us an opportunity to improve indoor air quality by increasing awareness of environmental health risks.”
The goal of these projects is to educate Americans on how to reduce the environmental health risks of indoor contaminants through demonstrations, education projects, trainings and outreach efforts. EPA is placing particular emphasis on reaching households with children, low income families, and minorities because they are disproportionately impacted by poor indoor air quality.
The cooperative agreements will:
· Promote positive indoor air quality management practices in schools nationwide, including holistic approaches to environmental issues.
· Create awareness to reduce asthma triggers in the home and encourage the use of an asthma management plan.
· Increase the number of homes tested for radon and built with radon-resistant features, and increase mitigation of radon in existing homes.
· Increase effective indoor air quality practices in office buildings.
· Motivate Americans to improve their home’s indoor air quality.

Formaldehyde in School Furniture

by Tanya Chilcott
From: The Courier-Mail
October 15, 2010 12:00AM
SOMETHING IN THE AIR: Furniture that elevates the level of formaldehyde above recommended levels may not be limited to Manly State School. Source: The Courier-Mail
NEW furniture blamed for emitting elevated levels of a potentially toxic chemical in bayside classrooms could have been installed in other schools.
Consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff warned the State Government in a report that large quantities of the building material E1 MDF (medium-density fibreboard) used in desks, shelves, white boards and building materials at Manly State School had "collectively contributed" to elevated levels of formaldehyde.
It recommended formaldehyde levels be brought below 120 micrograms per cubic metre in classrooms, in line with international air quality guidelines.
Levels of up to 192 micrograms per cubic metre were found at Manly but those levels have since been reduced.
"These products have collectively contributed to formaldehyde concentrations that are greater than the concentration levels recommended (by indoor air quality benchmarks).

"It is further recommended that E1 MDF not be purchased for use in new furniture, fixtures or construction materials in schools without a protocol in place to test for indoor formaldehyde air concentrations," the report said.
Manly is one of a number of bayside state Schools of Tomorrow which have been refurbished since 2008.
Education Queensland acting deputy director-general Graham Atkins said all had similar furniture installed.
He confirmed materials containing formaldehyde were commonly used in building products.
Earlier this week he revealed another school, Wynnum West, was being treated for potentially toxic gases after complaints of a bad smell.
But he said the Manly case "appears to be anomalous . . . and the department has moved to address concerns wherever they have been raised".
"Recommendations made by Parsons Brinckerhoff in the most recent report are already being implemented by the department.
"The department has been informed that the health risks are extremely low, with only a small number of areas on some rooms at Manly State School capable of causing discomfort or an adverse reaction."
Staff have raised complaints of skin rashes, headaches and a noxious smell.