Here is a review of the major articles in this months issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
Pilot Study of Urinary Biomarkers of Phytoestrogens, Phthalates, and Phenols in Girls – While this study does not link serious health issues with these ubiquitous chemicals, it does show that many young girls have measurable amounts of these hormonally active toxins. Very disturbing indeed.
Maternal Fish Consumption, Mercury Levels, and Risk of Preterm Delivery – In this landmark study, it was shown that there is a relationship between mercury and the risk of pre-term delivery. Even with low- to moderate-exposure, there was a relationship. The researchers tracked pregnant women’s fish intake from canned, sport caught and fresh purchased. The worst offender was canned fish. If you are pregnant, please do not eat canned fish or any predatory species such as shark or swordfish. If you need (and you do) Omega-3 fatty acids, take supplements.
Environmental Estrogens Induce Mast Cell Degranulation and Enhance IgE-Mediated Release of Allergic Mediators – In an interesting study, researchers suggest that environmental estrogens like DDT, PCBs, bisphenol A and others, may promote allergic reactions in humans. More evidence that these toxins need banning.
A Case-Control Analysis of Exposure to Traffic and Acute Myocardial Infarction – Pollution from automobile and truck traffic is once again linked to an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and heart attack. If you live near heavy traffic, test for solvents through US Biotek, then use the Bio-ClarityTM Report from Health Director through your health care provider to come up with a detoxification protocol. Your heart will love you for it.
Increased Rate of Hospitalization for Diabetes and Residential Proximity of Hazardous Waste Sites – These researchers found a statistically significant relationship between diabetes hospitalizations and proximity to toxic waste dumps.
Potential Risks Associated with the Proposed Widespread Use of Tamiflu – Because of the fear of a viral pandemic, the World Health Organization suggested stockpiling hundreds of millions of doses of Tamiflu, an anti-retroviral drug. These authors believe that we need to be aware that because the drug does not easily degrade, if that many doses were to be taken, humans would eventually excrete the active ingredient which will then make its way to the environment. The risk is if birds ingest the drug and begin to breed Tamiflu resistant strains of viruses. This could have horrendous ramifications for people worldwide.
Hair Manganese and Hyperactive Behaviors: Pilot Study of School-Age Children Exposed through Tap Water – My fellow researcher and author, Robert Crayhon, has been a strong opponent of supplements containing the mineral manganese. After reviewing this paper, which shows a relationship between exposure to manganese and hyperactivity, I am becoming more and more convinced of the correctness of his position. I know of a couple who have taken so much manganese over the years that have exhibited very odd, almost psychotic behavior because of it. I suggest that everyone have their water tested through Doctor’s Data for this and other heavy metals and trace minerals.