Archiv der Kategorie ‘Multiple Chemical Sensitivity‘

BPA, Found in Soup Can Lining, Associated with Adverse Health Effects in Humans

Consuming Canned Soup Linked to Greatly Elevated Levels of the Chemical BPA

A new study from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has found that a group of volunteers who consumed a serving of canned soup each day for five days had a more than 1,000% increase in urinary bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations compared with when the same individuals consumed fresh soup daily for five days. The study is one of the first to quantify BPA levels in humans after ingestion of canned foods.

The findings were published online November 22, 2011, in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and will appear in the November 23/30 print issue.

“Previous studies have linked elevated BPA levels with adverse health effects. The next step was to figure out how people are getting exposed to BPA. We’ve known for a while that drinking beverages that have been stored in certain hard plastics can increase the amount of BPA in your body. This study suggests that canned foods may be an even greater concern, especially given their wide use,” said Jenny Carwile, a doctoral student in the Department of Epidemiology at HSPH and lead author of the study.

Exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical BPA, used in the lining of metal food and beverage cans, has been shown to interfere with reproductive development in animals and has been linked with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity in humans. In addition to the lining of food and beverage cans, BPA is also found in polycarbonate bottles (identified by the recycling number 7) and dentistry composites and sealants.

The researchers, led by Carwile and Karin Michels, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology, set out to quantify whether canned-soup consumption would increase urinary BPA concentrations relative to eating fresh soup.

They recruited student and staff volunteers from HSPH. One group consumed a 12-ounce serving of vegetarian canned soup each day for five days; another group consumed 12 ounces of vegetarian fresh soup (prepared without canned ingredients) daily for five days. After a two-day “washout” period, the groups reversed their assignments.

Urine samples of the 75 volunteers taken during the testing showed that consumption of a serving of canned soup daily was associated with a 1,221% increase in BPA compared to levels in urine collected after consumption of fresh soup.

The researchers note that the elevation in urinary BPA concentrations may be temporary and that further research is needed to quantify its duration.

“The magnitude of the rise in urinary BPA we observed after just one serving of soup was unexpected and may be of concern among individuals who regularly consume foods from cans or drink several canned beverages daily. It may be advisable for manufacturers to consider eliminating BPA from can linings,” said Michels, senior author of the study.

Support for this study was provided by an Allen Foundation grant and a Training Grant in Environmental Epidemiology from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Literature:

Jenny L. Carwile, Xiaoyun Ye, Xiaoliu Zhou, Anotonia M. Calafat, Karin B. Michels, “Canned Soup Consumption and Urinary Bishphenol A: A Randomized Crossover Trial,”JAMA, online Nov. 22, 2011; in Nov. 23/30 print issue.

Video Channel:  Harvard School of Public Health

Twitter: Harvard School of Public Health

Prof. Doris Rapp – An icon of environmental medicine visits Germany

Evidence for the causes of environmental diseases have been around for a long time

The doctor and scientist Doris Rapp is one of those who not only practice environmental medicine, but has also made environmental medicine the most important thing in her life. The American spent two weeks in Germany. The reunion with Prof. Rapp was very productive and we were lucky enough to spend a beautiful day on the Moselle. Here is a small summary.

Researcher documented environmental disease

I met Prof. Rapp for the first time at a congress in Bad Emstal about 18 years ago. It was a crucial experience. In her presentation, she showed a video about a teacher who became ill from contaminated carpeting in the school. The teacher was filmed during a reaction to contaminated dust from the carpet. This video vividly conveys to the viewer what MCS is and what a reaction can look like. At that time I was at the very beginning of my own illness and had had similar reactions to certain pesticides. The teacher experienced convulsions and fell unconscious. I thought “my goodness, that’s me, that’s exactly like me, that’s what you have…“ After the lecture I spoke with Prof. Rapp and that was the beginning of an ongoing exchange of information and an interesting friendship. We met again at conferences in Germany, Holland and in the U.S., visited each other in Germany and the United States and exchanged e-mails. When I visited her in Scottsdale, she showed me one of her video archives. She had stored thousands of videos of children whom she had treated. They showed the patients during and after therapy and during testing of foods, mold, pollen, dust mites or chemicals. They displayed impressive evidence that can remove any last doubts as to the existence of environmental illnesses and allergies.

We can no longer ignore environmental illnesses

Dr. Binz and his wife invited the environmental doctor for this most recent visit to Germany. We had actually arranged to meet for a trip along the Moselle, which would start before lunch. We had a warm reunion and before we knew it we had already exchanged information and ideas and were in the midst of planning for future projects.

“I’m over 80 years old now and have no children, I don’t really need to be doing all this and I could be enjoying my peace at this age, but I see what’s going on, and I simply cannot remain silent. We have so many chemicals in our environment, in the food we eat, in the water we drink and the air that we are constantly breathing. They affect each of our body systems and we can no longer ignore this. Almost every second person in my country has cancer and that is just not acceptable”, says Doris Rapp.

“The politicians and the public must realize the impact the flood of chemicals has on us and no one should keep insisting that we do not know where all the increasing diseases that occur are coming from. The evidence is there. We have animal testing to prove it. That’s why, as a doctor, I ask: How much more has to happen before we admit to the real causes? I won’t accept hearing when one says, “Yes, but there’s nothing we can do about it.” Yes, there is, because you can educate yourself and there’s a hell of a lot you can do,” says Prof Rapp, who is enraged about the current situation.

Solutions are often very simple

Prof. Rapp is no one who can be at odds with the world and ignore the solutions. She is in the process of writing another book. “It will be a small book, only 30 pages. Every reader can easily understand how he/she can shape his environment in order to stay healthy. The tips in this book will not cost anyone a fortune, they can easily be implemented without major expense. It will help anyone who wants to change something and wants to improve his health. The doctor cites two examples:

“Many people react to foods, but are not sure towards which foods. Expensive tests are not necessary. I advise people to think about what they eat most, foods that they downright crave. Experience has shown that these are the foods that are eaten every day and most likely those which cause reactions. The solution: omit the suspected food for a week. You can test one food after another. This costs nothing! ”

“Some people live in a house that is contaminated with pollutants or contaminated by mold. My experience is that five out of seven people can improve their health by 70% if they obtain a high quality air purifier that is capable of filtering hundreds of chemicals from the air in your home. Such an air purifier may cost a bit, but I have often seen patients who got better over night. So it’s worth it if you are unable to directly move out of the apartment or house.”

The new book will be published this year, and Professor Rapp has authorized me to translate it into German. She also gave me permission to translate videos and other books into our language, contributing knowledge to allergy sufferers and chemically sensitive people in the German-speaking countries, helping them to find a way back into life.

 

A trip along the Moselle

During the drive to the historic Moselle wine village, Bernkastel, to Traben-Trabach and the drive back to Trier, Prof. Rapp was bursting with innovative ideas that we will begin to put into action in the next few months and they will benefit the environmentally ill in many ways.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, 12 September 2011

PureNature Online Shop now available in Spain

Since July 8th, 2011, we are pleased to welcome an online PureNature shop in Spain. Spanish customers will find over 2,000 products that will help them to live more comfortably with their allergies and to assist them with more environmentally conscious living.

A customer on-site service director has been operating since last year. Our representative, Mr. David Palma has replied to the Spanish customer inquiries with great expertise and is in constant contact with his German colleagues in order to satisfy all customer requests and inquiries with the greatest customer satisfaction.

The translation of the PureNature products took many months to complete and is ongoing. The effort has paid off, because with the launch of the online store, it is now much easier for the Spanish customers to shop. The goods are shipped from the PureNature, based in Idar-Oberstein, Germany to Spain. The new customers are welcomed by receiving free shipping during the month of July with their first order.

A warm welcome to Spain, and at this point, a big thank you to David Palma and his wife Eva Caballé, without whom this project would never have become a reality!

All the best,

from the entire PureNature team

 

Have a look at the new Spanish PureNature Shop: www.purenature.es

 

Guidelines to improve employee health

Employer demands: No perfume, no cookies, no soda, no French fries…

The staff at the New York Health Department must make fundamental changes. The new service manual, titled “Life in the Cubicle Village” requires drastic changes in many parts of the workplace. Employees are discouraged in using perfume and scented body care products, and are encouraged to change their eating habits in the workplace. The New York City Health Department wants to set a good example and be a role model to the other people in the city. Refraining from eating cookies and consuming fried food is now enforced under the new guidelines. Not all employees like these new changes, but these changes are useful if one looks seriously at the goal of being a role model to others, initiated by this employer.

Bureau represents personal health interests

The New York Department of Health has prevailed in the past to improve the health of its city inhabitants, which at times has caused a stir. Initially, the general smoking ban on the beaches in the region was a difficult transition, as was the prohibition of the use of hydrogenated cooking oil in fast food restaurants in the city.

With the new guidelines, the health department clarifies that these prohibitions are designed to seriously improve the health of the population. Not all employees are happy about the changes in the manual and some perceive them as intolerable harassment, and are not pleased with the threatening fine for non-compliance. Others are happy and have recognized that the health and well being of all employees will be enhanced by the reforms.

Employer demands employees to omit fragrances and perfume

“Spreading odors is just like noise spreading beyond the walls in the cubicle,” explained the York Board of Health. Their employees need the knowledge that it is important to refrain from fragrances and to refrain from dispensing of perfume because some people are very sensitive and react to the chemicals in perfume, cologne and other perfumed products. Therefore employees are being asked to maintain good personal hygiene without using products with noticeable fragrance or odor.

No detergent, disinfectant, or room scents allowed

Because many commercially available cleaning agents and disinfectants contain chemicals harmful to health, the health department requires that employees leave such products at home and not bring them to the workplace. If an employee needs a cleaning agent, he may apply to the cleaning service which has available products satisfying the required safety standards. “Air freshener” or room sprays, because of their ingredients, which can harm the health of others, are prohibited in the workplace of the Cubicle Village as well.

Healthy diet instead of sweet and greasy

French fries at meetings, events, or at the employee birthday parties? A “No Go” at the New York Department of Health. Fried food is not allowed. If a cake is brought to the party, then no cookies are allowed. Instead, whole-grain crackers are served. The preferred drink is filtered water because it is healthier and avoids high calories. If an employee or his colleague still wants to offer something different, the drink should not exceed 25 calories per pint. Filtered water must still be on the table. These provisions are designed to protect health and the environment.

Bureau will practice what they preach

The New York Health Department’s colored booklet with new operating procedures may not set so well with some employees, but on the other hand, the department actually requires no more from the employees than what they themselves will practice. They will practice what they preach in order to improve the health of people in New York. One goal is to cut obesity, reduce heart disease by cutting down on the fats and salty foods, cut down on allergies, asthma and other diseases that are common in the population which can be caused by unhealthy lifestyles. Their new guidelines will promote healthy lifestyles instead.

To simply preach to New Yorkers, to be free of salty, greasy fast food, alcohol, cigarettes, sweets and to avoid donuts is not enough. Will those in charge continue to consume these items? To ban soft drinks in schools, at festivals, and in staff offices while those making the guidelines still continue to use these? A true role model would in fact also refrain from the items they are asking their employees to refrain from. That is the commitment which those in charge have made to their employees.

After two or three years, the Department of Health will be able to prove that the new guidelines are actually not arbitrary harassment, but are measures that serve the health of the people. It is expected that the causes of absenteeism of around 3,000 employees, and leaving the profession due to illness and deaths from degenerative diseases will be reduced. Such figures could provide the health department the black and white proof needed for New Yorkers, that a healthy lifestyle, a good diet, and refraining from chemical products can have a positive impact.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, June 2011

MCS stakeholders sign petition to the World Health Organization

WHO receives delegation of representatives for the environmentally ill

On May 13, a petition from the WHO delegation of stakeholders from MCS and EMS patients, physicians, scientists, lawyers and journalists in Geneva will be received. The delegation will be welcomed by Dr. Maria Neira, Director General of Public Health and Environment, WHO confirms.

WHO confirmed hearing from MCS organizations

Dr. Neira will receive the relevant documents from the delegation, a bibliography regarding environmental diseases, a list of countries that already have a ICD-10 code for MCS and / or EMS, and some other relevant documents for the meeting. All documents being submitted support the science-based arguments, and finally create a mandatory basis for environmental health conditions worldwide, so that the medical care of patients can be assured.

MCS and EMS organizations sign the WHO petition

The petition, which seeks to ensure that the situation for people, who are chemically sensitive or electro-sensitive, was improved by the Spanish organization „Asquifyde”. The petition was signed by many organizations, researchers, and practitioners from around the world. The hope is that WHO will implement this petition, which would apply a consistent international code of disease (ICD) in all countries worldwide for those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and electromagnetic sensitivity (EMS). This ICD code is important because it will allow patients’ doctors to give an accurate diagnosis with expected benefits from the health insurance, which already exists for other disabilities and illnesses. The existence of MCS and EMS has already been demonstrated.

In all countries, binding ICD-10 code for MCS and EMS

Currently, Japan (T65.9) and Germany (T78.4) have the ICD-10 code for MCS. Other German-speaking countries like Switzerland, Luxembourg and Austria ,through their Ministry of Health, say that in their countries the ICD-10 code for MCS, T78.4, is valid and can be used as well.

WHO press conference after hearing

According to the WHO, a press conference will take place after the hearing. It will be headed by Sonia Miguel Jara and journalists. To fund this important press conference following the WHO hearing, Asquifyde and other MCS and EMS organizations, are asking anyone who is concerned about the environmental concerns of those ill from environmental factors to contribute financial support.

Help the environmentally ill

Scientists estimate that about 15-30% of the general population in industrialized countries suffer with MCS. The number of EMS stakeholders increases by the progressive expansion of mobile networks also. These people are almost without exception, without the help and support, which contradicts the international disability convention and applicable laws. Ignoring and negation of environmental diseases in recent years has led to indescribable suffering and to considerable financial losses to the economy. It is hoped that the leaders at the WHO, will respect the suffering of those patients with MCS and EMS and take seriously the international petition and act according to their stated mission which is to provide assistance to those disabled internationally.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, 2 May 2011

Politicians Support Environmental Patients who React to Chemicals

Education Campaigns for the Chemically Sensitive

The governor from the state of Washington in the U.S. has signed a proclamation this year which will support people who suffer from MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. The month of May each year highlights information regarding this environmental disease and how tiny traces of everyday chemicals can cause suffering and completely alter the lives of those with MCS.

During the month of May, the United States holds various events and campaigns which are carried out in order to give the public more information on MCS. The public acceptance of environmental disease could be significantly improved by these educational events. In recent years, more new MCS organizations have begun from different parts of the world, and perhaps this American initiation of chemical sensitivity awareness can become an international affair to improve the situation chemical sensitive worldwide.

Governor Christine O. Gregoire

The State of Washington

Proclamation

WHEREAS, people of all ages in Washington have developed a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) as a result of a single massive exposure or repeated low level exposures to toxic chemicals and other irritant in the environment; and

WHEREAS, MCS is recognized by numerous organizations which support the health and welfare of the chemically injured including the World Health Organization, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Social Security Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency; and

WHEREAS, MCS is a chronic condition for which there is no known cure; symptoms include chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pains, rashes, asthma, headaches, and other respiratory and neurological problems; and

WHEREAS, MCS can result in major financial, employment, housing, health, and social consequences for people who have this disability; and

WHEREAS, reasonable accommodations and raising awareness of MCS can provide opportunities for people with this disability to enjoy access to work, schooling, public facilities, and other settings where they can continue to contribute their professional skills, ideas, creativity, abilities, and knowledge; and

WHEREAS, people with MCS need the support and cooperation of family, friends, coworkers and society as they manage their condition and adapt to new lifestyles;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christine O. Gregoire, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim May 2011 as

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month

in Washington State, and I urge all citizens to join me in this special observance.

Signed this 24th day of January, 2011

Governor Christine O. Gregoire

Author: Silvia K. Müller, Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, 18. Feb. 2011

Literature: Governor Christine Gregoire O., Proclamation 2011 MCS Awareness Month

Scientific findings on the causes of contact allergy

Fragrances, which are used in many households and skin care products can cause contact dermatitis when oxygen is exposed to air, as this research shows as presented at the dermatologist conference in Gothenburg, at the University of Gothenburg and at the Sahlgrenska Academy.

The Swedish researchers have focused their research on identifying how these can be activated by contact with oxygen in the air and how this in turn affects the skin. A specially focused study examined whether the activated fragrance caused a contact allergy in eczema patients at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital Dermatology Clinic and at the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Department of Dermatology in Malmö. It was found that a high percentage of the 3,400 patients with eczema had an allergic reaction to the tested fragrance substances.

“In an effort to get a deeper understanding as to how contact allergies occur, we now use state-of-the-art microscopes to track what happens to an allergen when it enters the skin,” said Ann-Therese Karlberg, Professor of Dermatochemistry / skin allergies and researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy.

When determining how an allergenic substance works, it must be also taken into consideration the skin’s ability to activate a substance by metabolism.

We have developed a mixture that corresponds to the composition of real skin enzymes. We use them to find out if the chemicals can be activated in the skin and to see what the allergen is.”

The discovery from the Swedish scientist will help health service providers by developing new diagnostic tools to correctly diagnose allergic contact eczema, and long-term contribution to reducing the number of cases with allergic contact dermatitis. For the patients, a correct diagnosis that they can avoid exposure to triggering substances, and to heal their eczema gives them a chance.

“Future research will include evaluating new diagnostic methods and conducting more in-depth studies on what penetrates the skin. This will allow us to develop new drugs and to replace the only treatment, cortisone ointment, which is currently available for eczema,“ said Prof. Karl Berg, who believes that their research through their effects on producers, consumers and legislators can improve the prevention work.

Contact allergy

It is estimated that in Europe almost 20% of the population is affected by a contact allergy, which means that patients develop eczema when they come into contact with substances to which they are allergic. After nickel, fragrances are the most common cause of contact allergy. For this type of allergy, there is no cure, but cortisone cream can alleviate the symptoms, and avoiding all possible contact with the allergen is helpful as well.

Literature:

Ann-Therese Karlberg, Göteborg University, New discovery of the causes of contact allergy, 6 October 2010