Lead Poisoning
-I did not know that the ancient Romans used lead as a sweetener. They used it to counteract the astringent flavor of tannic acid in grapes. I would believe that the decrease in fertility and increase in psychosis due to lead poisoning was associated to the fall of Rome.
- Childhood lead poisoning was first described in the United States in 1914 in which it was thought to have two outcomes: death of recovery without residua. It is interesting to find out that in 1943, children were found to have significant deficits following lead poisoning such as behavioral disorders and learning difficulties. This is due to the leads impact on the central nervous system.
-Another interesting point the article addresses is the cost it took to eliminate the homes with lead-based paint. Although lead-based paint was banned in 1971, 80% of homes built before 1980 contained leaded paint. The estimated cost of abatement in those homes over a 20 year period were $33.7 billion.
An environmental Health response to a Severe Outbreak of Childhood lead Poisoning in Nigeria
This short article dramatically showed the catastrophic effects of lead poisoning. More than 400 children under the age of 5 died from lead poisoning.
The only promising aspect of this article was how international agencies and NGO's were able to come together to address this preventable health issue. With the help of these organizations, the Nigerian village was able to reduce exposure, build local, state, and national capacity to respond to health crises, and ensure environmental remedies would be sustained with safer mining practices.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
M9.3 Green Chemistry
Green chemistry seems like a promising global initiative to reduce and eliminate hazardous waste. Before learning the information in this module, I have not learned about green chemistry. I think the principles the green chemistry abide by are going to ensure that future consumer products will be safe for humans and the environment. Ensuring that these products are synthesized in safe ways that will eliminate hazards is crucial to preventing hazardous chemicals reaching the market. Also, analyzing these chemicals in real time is an essential principle to ensure no product stays on the market place if it is deemed unsafe.
The video Digging into the Great Pacific Garbage Patch gave me insight into the how detrimental "disposable" products are to the environment. It was concerning to learn that every plastic molecule ever made is still present somewhere on earth.
After a quick google search, I learned there are a number of products that follow the green chemistry principles. For instance, there are medicine making procedures that are now using green chemistry methods that eliminate the need to metal catalysts. In addition, companies are not making biodegradable plastics. After learning about the benefits of green chemistry products, I will make it a point to be more conscientious about buying green chemistry products.
M9.2 Six Chemical Classes
Highly Fluorinated Chemicals (stain and water repellants)
Fluorochemicals have unique characteristics: oil and water repellency. They are commonly used in carpeting, upholstery, apparel, waxes, food packaging materials, non-stick cookware, and dental floss. They are resistance to breakdown in the environment under harsh conditions. These chemicals do not occur in nature. They are associated with a wide range of human health problems such as cancer, thyroid disease, developmental delays, hormone imbalances, and reduced immune response in children. Fluorochemicals have higher indoor air concentrations than outdoors. They often make their way into the environment through industrial discharge, wastewater, and being sent off to landfills. It is important to note that conventional wastewater treatments do not remove fluorochemicals.
Antimicrobials (triclosan, triclocarban, quats)
The main concerns with antimicrobials is their toxic properties and widespread exposure. They are often used as disinfectants in hospitals and are increasingly being used in home products such as hand soaps. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated rapid uptake into our bloodstream. Antimicrobials have been demonstrated to be thyroid-blocking, estrogen-enhancing, and testosterone blocking. They are thought to remove "healthy" bacteria and stimulate the allergic response in children. A major environmental concern is the possible increase in resistant bacteria in the environment. One important thing to note is that there is no evidence that antimicrobials cut down on infections around the home. With that said, it is promising to note that major manufactures, such as Johnson and Johnson, have decided not to include triclosan in their products.
Flame Retardants (organohalogens and organophosphates)
These are commonly used in electronics, building insulation, polyurethane foam, and wires and cables. These were used to meet flame retardant standards but were not researched on their safety and health effects. Brominated tris flame retardants are found in clothing, specifically in baby clothing and have been demonstrated to be a possible cancer hazard. Studies have shown that flame retardants are associated with lower birth weight, impaired attention, poorer concentration, and lower IQ's. It is concerning to note that these chemicals are semi-volatile, meaning they are continuously coming out of products. After watching this lecture, I will ensure I buy furniture with a TB117-2013 label and ask for products without flame retardants.
Bisphenols & Phthalates (BPA, BPS, DPHP etc.)
These have been demonstrated to be endocrine disruptors. The endocrine system is responsible for a number of important bodily functions. It is concerning that these chemicals are all around us and have been suggested to interfere with our endocrine system and cause adverse health effects. BPA exposure occurs by leaching and inhalation. It is good to know that BPA has been banned in the US and internationally. Phthalates are also concerning because they are virtually everywhere are are detected in 97% of people. It is concerning that the US has only banned some phthalates in toys that can be placed in the mouth. Given the prevalence of these chemicals, it is almost impossible to avoid them but I will make sure to purchase BPA-free and phthalate-free products.
Organic Solvents (aliphatic, aromatic, halogenated and oxygenated hydrocarbons)
These are used to dissolve and disperse materials, cleaning and stripping, and as a mixing medium. Some common products are paints, coatings, thinners, adhesives, and printing inks. There are also oxygenated solvents which are in products like nail polishes. These are thought to have board health concerns like neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, liver and kidney toxicity, and reproductive toxicity. These chemicals are very volatile and high in inhalation exposure.
Certain Metals (lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, arsenic etc.)
Metals are found naturally on earth but some can bioaccumulate in humans which in turn interact with human biochemistry and cause health concerns. The metals above cause a variety of disorders in humans, from nervous system disorders, peripheral sensory issues, and skin and lung cancer.
Fluorochemicals have unique characteristics: oil and water repellency. They are commonly used in carpeting, upholstery, apparel, waxes, food packaging materials, non-stick cookware, and dental floss. They are resistance to breakdown in the environment under harsh conditions. These chemicals do not occur in nature. They are associated with a wide range of human health problems such as cancer, thyroid disease, developmental delays, hormone imbalances, and reduced immune response in children. Fluorochemicals have higher indoor air concentrations than outdoors. They often make their way into the environment through industrial discharge, wastewater, and being sent off to landfills. It is important to note that conventional wastewater treatments do not remove fluorochemicals.
Antimicrobials (triclosan, triclocarban, quats)
The main concerns with antimicrobials is their toxic properties and widespread exposure. They are often used as disinfectants in hospitals and are increasingly being used in home products such as hand soaps. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated rapid uptake into our bloodstream. Antimicrobials have been demonstrated to be thyroid-blocking, estrogen-enhancing, and testosterone blocking. They are thought to remove "healthy" bacteria and stimulate the allergic response in children. A major environmental concern is the possible increase in resistant bacteria in the environment. One important thing to note is that there is no evidence that antimicrobials cut down on infections around the home. With that said, it is promising to note that major manufactures, such as Johnson and Johnson, have decided not to include triclosan in their products.
Flame Retardants (organohalogens and organophosphates)
These are commonly used in electronics, building insulation, polyurethane foam, and wires and cables. These were used to meet flame retardant standards but were not researched on their safety and health effects. Brominated tris flame retardants are found in clothing, specifically in baby clothing and have been demonstrated to be a possible cancer hazard. Studies have shown that flame retardants are associated with lower birth weight, impaired attention, poorer concentration, and lower IQ's. It is concerning to note that these chemicals are semi-volatile, meaning they are continuously coming out of products. After watching this lecture, I will ensure I buy furniture with a TB117-2013 label and ask for products without flame retardants.
Bisphenols & Phthalates (BPA, BPS, DPHP etc.)
These have been demonstrated to be endocrine disruptors. The endocrine system is responsible for a number of important bodily functions. It is concerning that these chemicals are all around us and have been suggested to interfere with our endocrine system and cause adverse health effects. BPA exposure occurs by leaching and inhalation. It is good to know that BPA has been banned in the US and internationally. Phthalates are also concerning because they are virtually everywhere are are detected in 97% of people. It is concerning that the US has only banned some phthalates in toys that can be placed in the mouth. Given the prevalence of these chemicals, it is almost impossible to avoid them but I will make sure to purchase BPA-free and phthalate-free products.
Organic Solvents (aliphatic, aromatic, halogenated and oxygenated hydrocarbons)
These are used to dissolve and disperse materials, cleaning and stripping, and as a mixing medium. Some common products are paints, coatings, thinners, adhesives, and printing inks. There are also oxygenated solvents which are in products like nail polishes. These are thought to have board health concerns like neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, liver and kidney toxicity, and reproductive toxicity. These chemicals are very volatile and high in inhalation exposure.
Certain Metals (lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, arsenic etc.)
Metals are found naturally on earth but some can bioaccumulate in humans which in turn interact with human biochemistry and cause health concerns. The metals above cause a variety of disorders in humans, from nervous system disorders, peripheral sensory issues, and skin and lung cancer.
Monday, March 20, 2017
M8.5 Ideal Chemical Policy
After going through the information about pesticides and persistent organic pollutants provided in the modules, I believe there is without a doubt a need for a global chemical policy reform. It is upsetting to know that huge companies such as Novartis and Baylor are fully aware of the detrimental health effects of their pesticides, yet are blatantly selling their products in countries that lack regulations. There seems to be an endless need for these pesticides. For this reason, I believe an essential element of a chemical policy reform would need to focus on consumers. Consumers need to be more educated of the hazards that are associated with the foods and products they buy. Whether its the apple they eat or the plastic bottles they use, companies need to ensure a comprehensive assessment and report needs to be readily available to the public for consumers to be fully aware of the potential health effects of exposure. Of course substitutes of chemicals and production methods need to be implemented to prevent such chemicals from entering the market, but I believe that the consumers have a vital role in ensuring that harmful chemical products are not bought and proven healthy products stay in the marketplace. This will in turn provide companies to use best practices when developing a product or growing produce.
M8.4 Chemical Policy Reform
Given the amount of information that is known about the detrimental health effects of pesticides and persistent organic pollutants, there is a definite need for chemical policy reform. This type of action not only needs to be done in the United States, but also around the world. After watching the lax use of numerous pesticides in India, I realized that a chemical policy reform is in fact a global requirement. The farmers in India are not only harming themselves and their community, but are also indirectly causing harm to those buying and wearing their cotton.
The Louisville Charter for Safer Chemicals is a "platform for creating a safe and healthy environment through innovation." Of the listed elements that are essential to a chemical policy reform, I believe we need to require safer substitutes and solutions to the current chemicals and production methods. Also, implementing and enhancing safety data collection of all the chemicals is essential to properly determining the health effects of chemicals in the marketplace. The combination of requiring substitutes and collecting safety data of chemicals seem to be essential elements for a well accepted chemical reform policy.
M8.3 Pesticides
Last night I made chicken shawarma with rice and a salad with cucumbers. The only thing that was organic was the lettuce, everything else was conventional.
Using the what's on my food website, I searched chicken thighs, rice, and cucumbers.
Poultry Thighs
According to the website, there are 8 known pesticides found in poultry. The two most prominent pesticides found in poultry thighs were piperonyl butoxide and DDE p, p. There is about a 3% chance that these pesticides are found in poultry thighs. Both are suspected to be carcinogenic and hormone disruptors. Piperonyl butoxide is found to be a bee toxin and DDE p, p is found to be a developmental/reproductive toxin.
Rice
There are 15 pesticides found in rice, 10 of which are suspected to be hormone disruptors. The two most prominent pesticides in rice are piperonyl butoxide and MGK-264. Piperonyl butoxide has a 16% chance of being found on rice whereas MGK-264 has an 8% chance. As noted above, piperonyl dioxide is suspected to be a carcinogen, hormone disruptor, and a bee toxin. MGK-264 is suspected to be a carcinogen.
Cucumbers
There are 86 pesticides found in cucumbers, most of them suspected to be hormone disruptors. The two most prominent pesticides in cucumbers are propamocarb hydrochloride and endosulfan sulfate. Propamocarb hydrochloride is detected 55% of the time and ndosulfan sulfate is found 38% of the time. At this time, there the toxicity of these two chemicals are not listed on the website.
Making the choice to completely shop organic has grown over the course of this class. There are a number of potential health benefits as well as environmental benefits to shopping organic. In terms of public health action against the use of pesticides, I believe there needs to be an increase in federal regulation and policy against the use of such poisons. In addition, incentives should be encouraged for those that choose to shop organic. Overall, more health education of the detrimental health effects of pesticides needs to be more readily available to the general public.
Monday, March 13, 2017
M7.8 Blog Topic of Interest
What agencies at the local, state, federal, and/or international level provide information, regulatory oversight, or are otherwise implicated in addressing that topic?
The topic of interest I would like to focus on for my literature review would be the effects of antidepressants have on children during the perinatal and lactation stages. The federal agency that would provide regulatory oversight of the safety and efficacy of antidepressants would be the FDA. They oversee the clinical trial process and determine whether a medication gets to market. However, I do not think the FDA has regulatory policies to determine the effects antidepressants have on children.
The topic of interest I would like to focus on for my literature review would be the effects of antidepressants have on children during the perinatal and lactation stages. The federal agency that would provide regulatory oversight of the safety and efficacy of antidepressants would be the FDA. They oversee the clinical trial process and determine whether a medication gets to market. However, I do not think the FDA has regulatory policies to determine the effects antidepressants have on children.
M7.7 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
The ATSDR is a federal public health agency of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. The ATSDR focuses of using the best scientific evidence to provide trusted health information to prevent harmful diseases that are from toxic substances. Some main toxic substances are aluminum, ammonia, arsenic, lead, PCBs, and TCE. These are just a few of the toxic chemicals that the agency provides information on. The agency provides newly published articles of the associated health risks of chemicals and provides data for public health professionals and educators can use to create environmental health policies.
M7.4 Local Environmental Services
The Riverside Country Department of Public Health provides a number of public health services but only a few services I would categorize as environmental health services.
Lead Poisoning Prevention
This service provides community awareness of detrimental health effects of lead and where lead is commonly found. They focus on informing the public of the dangers of exposure to lead, specifically the threat is poses to children. They also focus on educating and assisting families of eliminating the sources of lead in their homes.
The Health Equity Committee
This service is broad and addresses the number of health inequities within Riverside County and the challenges that vulnerable populations face. Within this service, they also address land use, which i've learned to be an environmental health issue that faces minority and vulnerable populations.
Riverside County also has a Department of Environmental Health. Their services focus on foods, hazardous materials, vector control, solid/liquid/medical wastes, clean ups/remediations, water/well use, and land use. They also have "Other Services" that include body art, which I found very interesting. Riverside County's Department of Environmental Health has made changes to adhere to the Safe Body Art Act and has implemented the minimum standards to body art facilities to protect the art practitioner and the clients from transmitting infectious diseases.
Friday, March 10, 2017
M6.7 Obesogens
Utilizing the first article, discuss what is locally grown and what is currently in season in your area.
Typically, conventional food products that are grown in factory farms travel approximately 1500 miles to reach the supermarkets and could take up to 14 days. In order to survive these grueling ventures, conventional fruits and vegetables are typically genetically engineered to withstand harsh traveling factors. Locally grown foods travel significantly less and are typically seasonally grown food. These fruits and vegetables are harvested in season and are defined by regional growing conditions. A local farm nearby provides the community winter greens and free range chicken. Although more expensive than conventional products, these local organic products are sure to be free of antibiotics.
Discuss your thoughts on seasonal/local foods and hospital menus.
The idea to provide seasonal farm products in hospital menus would be ideal; however, it seems as though hospitals have to provide a number of specific foods to patients depending on their restrictions, in which some patients could be restricted to some seasonal products. Providing 100% seasonal foods would not be feasible, but a hospital menu that provides the majority of locally grown foods would be beneficial to the health of the patients, the local economy, and environment.
Find a Harvest Calendar for your state (or a state you are interested in) utilizing the link in the first article (found underneath the example Harvest Calendar for New York State).
According to http://www.pickyourown.org/CAharvestcalendar.htm#southerncal, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cilantro, fennel, grapefruit, kale, leeks, lemon, lettuce, mandarins, oranges, radish, spinach, and strawberries are in season.
What are your thoughts on the second article? Have you heard of obesogens before?
I have heard of the idea of obesogens but have not learned about them. Obesogens are dietary, pharmaceuticals, and industrial compounds that may alter metabolic processes and predispose some individuals to gain weight. Obesogens such as BPA and other plasticizers are concerning when exposed at critical developmental periods because early life exposures are found to be irreversible. Although other factors contribute to weight gain, the evidence of obesogens leaves individuals exposed at an early age predisposed to metabolic processes related to weight gain. I believe the health impact of obesogens are real; but more research and significant data needs to be demonstrated in order to bring widespread attention and political intervention to address these potentially dangerous compounds.
Typically, conventional food products that are grown in factory farms travel approximately 1500 miles to reach the supermarkets and could take up to 14 days. In order to survive these grueling ventures, conventional fruits and vegetables are typically genetically engineered to withstand harsh traveling factors. Locally grown foods travel significantly less and are typically seasonally grown food. These fruits and vegetables are harvested in season and are defined by regional growing conditions. A local farm nearby provides the community winter greens and free range chicken. Although more expensive than conventional products, these local organic products are sure to be free of antibiotics.
Discuss your thoughts on seasonal/local foods and hospital menus.
The idea to provide seasonal farm products in hospital menus would be ideal; however, it seems as though hospitals have to provide a number of specific foods to patients depending on their restrictions, in which some patients could be restricted to some seasonal products. Providing 100% seasonal foods would not be feasible, but a hospital menu that provides the majority of locally grown foods would be beneficial to the health of the patients, the local economy, and environment.
Find a Harvest Calendar for your state (or a state you are interested in) utilizing the link in the first article (found underneath the example Harvest Calendar for New York State).
According to http://www.pickyourown.org/CAharvestcalendar.htm#southerncal, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cilantro, fennel, grapefruit, kale, leeks, lemon, lettuce, mandarins, oranges, radish, spinach, and strawberries are in season.
What are your thoughts on the second article? Have you heard of obesogens before?
I have heard of the idea of obesogens but have not learned about them. Obesogens are dietary, pharmaceuticals, and industrial compounds that may alter metabolic processes and predispose some individuals to gain weight. Obesogens such as BPA and other plasticizers are concerning when exposed at critical developmental periods because early life exposures are found to be irreversible. Although other factors contribute to weight gain, the evidence of obesogens leaves individuals exposed at an early age predisposed to metabolic processes related to weight gain. I believe the health impact of obesogens are real; but more research and significant data needs to be demonstrated in order to bring widespread attention and political intervention to address these potentially dangerous compounds.
Monday, March 6, 2017
M6.6 Use of Antibiotics
This module informed me of the use of antibiotics and the potential detriments they have on our health and the environment. It is interesting to learn that 80% of antibiotics are used for agriculture purposes. Industry farmers discovered that giving their livestock low, non-therapeutic dose of antibiotics help animals grow faster. The issue is that over time, bacteria that survive within the livestock end up reproducing as antibiotic resistant (AR) bacteria and thus passing along AR genes. This antibiotic farming method is thought to be the origins of some AR bacteria in humans. This unnecessary increase of AR in our food supply and in humans creates an issue when antibiotics are taken therapeutically and end up combatting AR illnesses. As the article noted, the AR needs to be addressed at the source. Currently the FDA has voluntary initiative to curb the use of antibiotics in livestock. Also, buying organic can ensure, but not guarantee, AR-free meat.
Although voluntary incentives are in place by the FDA, policies are needed to ban the use of non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock. A number of EU nations have banned such use and have increased research to track the use and prevalence of AR.
The addition article shed light into the effects of other antibacterial products. The Scientific American blog emphasized that antibacterial soaps are just as effective as traditional soap, yet antibacterial soaps are everywhere. Also, there is an increase in antimicrobial material and products, specifically in hospital settings, in which the anticipated benefits are unknown. As illustrated in the article, "failure to examine life cycle benefits and risks of other chemical agents have resulted in nearly ubiquitous exposures with adverse human health and environmental effects discovered years later, after irreparable damage is done."
Although voluntary incentives are in place by the FDA, policies are needed to ban the use of non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock. A number of EU nations have banned such use and have increased research to track the use and prevalence of AR.
The addition article shed light into the effects of other antibacterial products. The Scientific American blog emphasized that antibacterial soaps are just as effective as traditional soap, yet antibacterial soaps are everywhere. Also, there is an increase in antimicrobial material and products, specifically in hospital settings, in which the anticipated benefits are unknown. As illustrated in the article, "failure to examine life cycle benefits and risks of other chemical agents have resulted in nearly ubiquitous exposures with adverse human health and environmental effects discovered years later, after irreparable damage is done."
M6.4 Industrial Farming
Your thoughts about the vanishing of bees (what else have you heard/seen about this issue?)
The documentary Vanishing of Bees gave me insight into the problem of the declining of honeybees in the United States. One quote in the documentary that stood out was that "bees are the indicator of environmental quality." This encompassed the idea that the environment, and the industrial agriculture methods we've turned to are--according to the bees--are essentially poor in quality. It is interesting to see that the issue of colony collapse disorder can be traced to the EPA and their lack of regulation on systemic pesticides.
Were you able to discover if there is a factory farm near you? Were you already aware of farms near you? What do you think about this?
According to the factoryfarmmap.org, there are a number of factory farms in Riverside County. As of 2012, there are about 42, 000 dairy animals and almost 3 million chicken layers. I am surprised with the amount of animals but can understand why these industries exist. I would like to see an increase of local farms within the Riverside County area to supply these animal products using organic animal raising methods.
Composting: Do you currently compost? Have you composted in the past? Do you know anyone who composts? Would you consider composting, after learning about its benefits from the movie?
Currently I do not compost in my condo but it was something I used to do with my roommates as an undergrad. The movie illustrated the overall benefits of composting and after reading the composting article on pbs.org, I will most likely build an indoor compost bin.
The documentary Vanishing of Bees gave me insight into the problem of the declining of honeybees in the United States. One quote in the documentary that stood out was that "bees are the indicator of environmental quality." This encompassed the idea that the environment, and the industrial agriculture methods we've turned to are--according to the bees--are essentially poor in quality. It is interesting to see that the issue of colony collapse disorder can be traced to the EPA and their lack of regulation on systemic pesticides.
Were you able to discover if there is a factory farm near you? Were you already aware of farms near you? What do you think about this?
According to the factoryfarmmap.org, there are a number of factory farms in Riverside County. As of 2012, there are about 42, 000 dairy animals and almost 3 million chicken layers. I am surprised with the amount of animals but can understand why these industries exist. I would like to see an increase of local farms within the Riverside County area to supply these animal products using organic animal raising methods.
Composting: Do you currently compost? Have you composted in the past? Do you know anyone who composts? Would you consider composting, after learning about its benefits from the movie?
Currently I do not compost in my condo but it was something I used to do with my roommates as an undergrad. The movie illustrated the overall benefits of composting and after reading the composting article on pbs.org, I will most likely build an indoor compost bin.
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