Harmful Chemicals Found in Many Pregnant Women
December 7, 2009
Organic Consumers Association
The “Earliest Exposures” study, a research project conducted by Washington Toxics Coalition in collaboration with the Commonweal Biomonitoring Resource Center and the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition found pregnant women’s bodies were polluted with chemicals found in consumer products. This first-of-its kind study investigated the living environment of nine fetuses through testing the blood and urine of the nine mothers taking part in the biomonitoring study. Tests measured the levels of five chemical groups, including phthalates, mercury, perfluorinated compounds or “Teflon chemicals,” bisphenol A (BPA), and the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A.
The women, all in their second trimester, were all found to have BPA, phthalates, mercury, and “Teflon chemicals” in their bodies. Cause for concern is that these toxic chemicals, known to disrupt development and hormonal systems cross the placenta and are absorbed by the fetus. They not only hinder fetal development, but the growing fetus has limited ability to detoxify these foreign substances.
Of the more than 80,000 chemicals found in consumer products today, only approximately 200 have been tested for safety since the inception of The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976. Until more strict regulations govern the use of ingredients in consumer products, consumers can take an active role in lowering their toxic exposure. Start by purchasing Phthalate and BPA free products, switching from flame retardant clothing and bedding to organic, and substituting conventional body care for third-party certified organic body care.
Karen Ciesar, Founder and Formulator of Trillium Organics states, “I am sadly not surprised at these findings. The pervasiveness of petrochemicals in the modern world makes avoiding exposures a task which requires research and vigilance. Luckily, there are many non-profit organizations dedicated to informing consumers, some of my favorites are; SafeCosmetics.org (searchable database of cosmetic safety), Healthystuff.org (searchable database of family product safety), HealthychildHealthyworld.org, a comprehensive and informative site about environmental exposures, OrganicConsumers.org (an activist website about all issues surrounding Organic, food, personal care and fibers). It takes some time and effort to find safe products for your family, but every green purchasing choice you make increases your child’s chance at a healthy future in a greener world.”
Trillium Organics has recently been endorsed by the Organic Consumers’ Association as a “brand to trust” in their recent BUYcott campaign. Trillium Organics has been a leader in the movement for clean, safe personal care since 1994.
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Natural Cure For Injuries
November 18, 2009
BBC News
By Nick Triggle
It is not unusual for sports starts to look for super cures for their injuries.
England footballer Wayne Rooney used an oxygen tent prior to the 2006 World Cup to help him recover from a broken foot and six years ago runner Paula Radcliffe rubbed oil from the belly of an emu to ease injuries sustained in a collision with a cyclist.
But the news that Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie is heading to Serbia to get placenta fluid applied to an ankle injury has astonished many.
The 26-year-old hurt his ankle while playing for the Dutch national side in a match against Italy.
He was left with torn ankle ligaments after a challenge 10 minutes into the contest.
Scans revealed a partial tear would keep him out of action for six weeks.
Rapid recoveries
But a Dutch journalist close to the national squad said he could be back in as little as four weeks if the treatment works.
TV and radio reporter Rob Fleur said a woman who specialises in the treatment had been recommended to Van Persie by former team-mates Dutch midfielder Orlando Engelaar and Serbian forward Danko Lazovic.
They both claim to have had rapid recoveries from similar injuries after travelling to Belgrade to see the specialist.
Van Persie, speaking before travelling out to eastern Europe on Monday, was hopeful despite being unsure what to expect.
He said: “She is vague about her methods but I know she massages you using fluid from a placenta.
“I am going to try.
“It cannot hurt and, if it helps, it helps.
“I have been in contact with Arsenal physiotherapists and they have let me do it.”
Health benefits have long been associated with placenta.
Some studies have suggested eating it can reduce the risk of post-natal depression, while Turkish researchers found injecting placenta cells into rabbits helped them recover from fractures.
Massage
It is not known how the placenta may help – and more research is now being carried out.
However, it does have a high nutritional content.
In the animal kingdom mothers routinely eat the placenta to help them recover from the exertion of birth and there are anti-ageing creams on the market that use sheep placenta cells.
It seems likely that Van Persie’s treatment will involve some form of massage using the fluid.
Such therapies are pretty standard for ligament damage.
Abbie Turner, manager of Bristol University’s Sports Medicine Clinic, said: “The worst tears normally require surgery.
“If the tear is not too bad we would normally start with some deep tissue massage, maybe some acupuncture, followed by some strengthening work and specific rehab depending on what sort of sport the person plays.
“But I have never heard of this – and I won’t be rushing out to use it on my patients.”
Instead, she believes the steps taken by Van Persie and other stars reflects the nature of top-level sport.
“You will often hear of sports stars trying out different treatments. I suppose it is a sign of the money and pressure involved. They need to get back to competing as soon as possible.”
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