This blog is a way of sharing the information and resources that have helped me to recover my son Roo from an Autism Spectrum Disorder. What I have learned is to view our symptoms as the results of underlying biological cause, which can be identified and healed. I say "our symptoms" because I also have a neuro-immune disorder called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

And, of course, I am not a doctor (although I have been known to impersonate one while doing imaginative play with my son)- this is just our story and information that has been helpful or interesting to us. I hope it is helpful and interesting to you!


Thursday, January 28, 2016

Environmental Toxicity

This is a huge topic and will be the focus of a number of posts, but for now I want to get some of these resources up for people who are asking for them.  So often people allude to "environmental toxicity" as a cause or contributor to disease, but what do they mean by that?  What exactly are these toxins, where do our exposures to them come from, and what do we know about them?  People sometimes question whether there is science behind these fears, while others become frustrated with how pervasive the problem is and throw up their hands in defeat, saying that there is simply too much for us to avoid so why even try.  For those of us who know we have been harmed by some of these toxins it can be painful to find out just how much was known, how early, and yet we were still allowed to be harmed.  Yes, there has been some "better living through chemistry" (which comes from a marketing slogan from DuPont when it was trying to save it's destroyed public image back in the 1930s), but this progress has been reckless and has ended and destroyed many, many lives, and those lives matter too.

The cost of a polluted environment: 1.7 million child deaths a year, says WHO.

For my post about environmental sources of metals, go here.  This post focuses on other toxins mostly.

GENERAL SOURCES FOR INFORMATION:

TOXNET is part of the NIH National Library of Medicine and is an incredible resource.  It contains links to many databases with various toxicology information, such as the Hazardous Substances Data Bank, which has peer-reviewed toxicology info for over 5,000 toxic chemicals, another one with over 4 million literature references regarding the toxicity and effects of drugs and toxic chemicals, another with interactive maps health data and EPA data such as superfund sites, even databases of info about the effects of drugs on lactating and pregnant women and on reproduction.

HealthyStuff this site provides information about toxic chemicals that can be found in everyday items such as toys, children's car seats, jewelry, and building materials.  It has a searchable database and reports on specific types of products.

 Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families this is a consumer watchdog and advocacy group working to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in the US.  The site contains information and news releases about toxic chemicals.

The Collaborative on Health and the Environment has a database that allows you to select a disease and see which toxic chemicals are associated with it, ranked by how strong the evidence is to support the link.

This page from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences discusses chemicals that are endocrine disrupters, including what they are and how they work.  Chemicals with endocrine disrupting abilities include BPA, some flame retardants, dioxins, many pesticides, PCBs, and many more.

This page from TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) has information about some specific toxins found in our food supply and environment.

This post from The Autism File called Green Home…Healthy Kids gives more information on a wide variety of hazardous chemicals found in and around our homes, such as personal care products, cleaning products, and electronics.

It turns out that many of these harmful chemicals are ending up in human breastmilk and being passed along to babies at a susceptible age.

GENERAL AND WIDESPREAD SOURCES OF TOXICITY
The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health
"Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted."

Human Health and Ocean Pollution
"Pollution - unwanted waste released to air, water, and land by human activity - is the largest environmental cause of disease in the world today. It is responsible for an estimated nine million premature deaths per year, enormous economic losses, erosion of human capital, and degradation of ecosystems. Ocean pollution is an important, but insufficiently recognized and inadequately controlled component of global pollution. It poses serious threats to human health and well-being. The nature and magnitude of these impacts are only beginning to be understood. "

"Methylmercury and PCBs are the ocean pollutants whose human health effects are best understood. Exposures of infants in utero to these pollutants through maternal consumption of contaminated seafood can damage developing brains, reduce IQ and increase children's risks for autism, ADHD and learning disorders. Adult exposures to methylmercury increase risks for cardiovascular disease and dementia."

"Manufactured chemicals - phthalates, bisphenol A, flame retardants, and perfluorinated chemicals, many of them released into the seas from plastic waste - can disrupt endocrine signaling, reduce male fertility, damage the nervous system, and increase risk of cancer. HABs produce potent toxins that accumulate in fish and shellfish. When ingested, these toxins can cause severe neurological impairment and rapid death. HAB toxins can also become airborne and cause respiratory disease."

PHTHALATES and PLASTICS
The website Toxic-Free Future has specific information about phthalates, where we are exposed to them, and how to reduce our exposure.  Phthalates are not chemically bound to the products they're in so they easily migrate out and contaminate the products and environment around them.The site has a section with research-based reports on a variety of topics around human health and toxic exposure that are worth checking out. 

"Because phthalates are so widely used in building materials as well as products used indoors, they are widespread indoor pollutants. Products like vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and toys release phthalates over time to the air and they build up in dust. With their greater hand-to-mouth behavior and more contact with the floor, children are likely to have greater exposure through ingesting contaminated dust."

"Studies by the CDC find that women consistently have higher exposure to certain phthalates, likely because of greater use of phthalate-containing cosmetics and personal care products. Women of color have particularly high exposures to these phthalates."

"Phthalates are well-known for their ability to disrupt the hormonal system, with extensive laboratory research concluding that exposure to phthalates reduces testosterone levels and leads to an array of male reproductive problems. Effects include malformations in organs needed for sperm development, hypospadias (abnormal urinary openings), and undescended testes. Studies in people provide evidence that exposure levels are already high enough that they may be harming male reproductive development."

Phthalates and attributable mortality: A population-based longitudinal cohort study and cost analysis
"Cardiovascular mortality was significantly increased in relation to a prominent DEHP metabolite, mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl)phthalate. Extrapolating to the population of 55–64 year old Americans, we identified 90,761–107,283 attributable deaths and $39.9–47.1 billion in lost economic productivity."

"In a nationally representative sample, phthalate exposures were associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with societal costs approximating $39 billion/year or more. While further studies are needed to corroborate observations and identify mechanisms, regulatory action is urgently needed."

Forever Toxic: The science on health threats from plastic recycling

How to avoid toxic chemicals hidden in your food, makeup, and toiletries that affect hormones and increase your risk of early death
"Ortho-phthalates, or phthalates for short, are a family of chemical compounds that can be found in hundreds, if not thousands, of the products you buy.  The synthetic chemicals are commonly used to soften plastic into bendy vinyl, and they can achieve the same plasticizing effect in nail polish and hairspray. But in humans, too much exposure to phthalates can get in the way of important hormone function."

The EPA has a voluntary program called Safer Choice that certifies personal care and household products that have met it's guidelines for safety of ingredients.  The criteria for meeting the standard are listed in this document, but are not easy to summarize.  The list of approved products can be searched here Search the EPA's Safer Choice Standard List of Products

PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS:
The Environmental Working Group's (EWG's) Skin Deep database has information about toxic chemicals in personal care products such as cosmetics, shampoo, and sunscreen.

This page from EWG has specific and updated information about safety testing sunscreens.

8 Products That Contain Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (And How To Avoid Them)

The Cost of Inaction: A Socioeconomic analysis of costs linked to effects of endocrine disrupting substances on male reproductive health

AIR AND WATER:

The EPA has a website called AirNow that gives you information about the air quality in your specific area.

Health Effects of Lead Exposure (from the CDC)
"No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a child’s intelligence, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement."

"Lead exposure occurs when a child comes in contact with lead by touching, swallowing, or breathing in lead or lead dust."

Environmental Working Group's National Drinking Water Database allows you to search by zip code to find out what is in local drinking water. 
 
 
In a first, EPA survey puts a number on lead pipes around US
"Some 9.2 million lead pipes carry water into homes across the U.S., with more in Florida than any other state, according to a new Environmental Protection Agency survey."
 
"Around the country, utilities have been leaving lead pipe in the ground even when it is easiest to remove during water main work. Worse, they have been removing sections, disturbing the pipe and leaving the rest, which can spike lead levels, causing harm that will last a lifetime, an investigation by The Associated Press has found."
 
Michigan city on edge as lead water crisis persists
This situation is happening in hundreds of cities across the US.  From the article "federal officials say no amount of lead in drinking water is considered safe for their consumption."
 
Immunotoxicity Associated with Exposure to Perfluorooctanoic Acid or Perfluorooctane Sulfonate
Extensive report of research regarding the health effects of PFAS "forever chemicals".
This page has more info about PFAS
 
The Hidden Chemicals Destroying American Farms    (episode of Vice News)
Follows story of a family losing their family farm because of soil and animal contamination with PFAS chemicals.  The source of the contamination is nearby industry who has no liability.  The contamination has caused the land to be declared permanently unfit for agricultural use.  Some contamination has also come from "free" fertilizer and animal feed that farmers were assured was safe.  It is clear that the surrounding farms are also contaminated but not being tested and shut down.  The meat from livestock is contaminated and people have been eating it.
 
"PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated substances, are a group of compounds that are widespread, dangerous and expensive to remove from water. They don’t degrade in the environment and are linked to a broad range of health issues, including low birthweight and kidney cancer."
 
Study: "Forever chemicals" detected in nearly half of U.S. tap water
"At least 45% of U.S. tap water is estimated to be contaminated with "forever chemicals," according to new U.S. Geological Survey research.
 
"Forever chemicals" linked to elevated blood pressure, study says
"Women in the highest one-third concentrations of all seven PFAS examined had a 71% increased risk of developing high blood pressure."
From Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Incident Hypertension in Multi-Racial/Ethnic Women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation

 
Gas Stove Smoke Accounts for 12% of Childhood Asthma in the US, Study Finds
"The study found that 12.7% (95% CI, 6.3%-19.3%) of current childhood asthma is attributable to gas stove use."
 
Methane and NOx Emissions from Natural Gas Stoves, Cooktops, and Ovens in Residential Homes
"In addition to methane emissions, co-emitted health-damaging air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into home air and can trigger respiratory diseases."

This Newsweek article about spraying pesticides to control West Nile Virus provides a lot of information about how spraying for pests in urban areas is done, the ways in which it is evaluated for safety, and some of the ill effects on humans.

Neurotoxicity of traffic-related air pollution
"The central nervous system is emerging as an important target for adverse health effects of air pollution, where it may contribute to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Air pollution comprises several components, including particulate matter (PM) and ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM), gases, organic compounds, and metals. An important source of ambient PM and UFPM is represented by traffic-related air pollution, primarily diesel exhaust (DE). Human epidemiological studies and controlled animal studies have shown that exposure to air pollution, and to traffic-related air pollution or DE in particular, may lead to neurotoxicity. In particular, air pollution is emerging as a possible etiological factor in neurodevelopmental (e.g. autism spectrum disorders) and neurodegenerative (e.g. Alzheimer's disease) disorders. The most prominent effects caused by air pollution in both humans and animals are oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation. Studies in mice acutely exposed to DE (250–300 μg/m3 for 6 h) have shown microglia activation, increased lipid peroxidation, and neuro-inflammation in various brain regions, particularly the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb. An impairment of adult neurogenesis was also found. In most cases, the effects of DE were more pronounced in male mice, possibly because of lower antioxidant abilities due to lower expression of paraoxonase 2."
 
Association between short-term ambient air pollution and outpatient visits of anxiety: A hospital-based study in northwestern China
"short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants, especially gaseous air pollutants (NO2 and SO2), can be related to higher risk of anxiety outpatient visits."
 
Association between air pollution and menstrual disorder outpatient visits: A time-series analysis
"This is the first evidence that short-term exposure to ambient air pollution can be associated with an increased risk of menstrual disorder attacks. The results of our study may help to establish more comprehensive understanding of the health effects of ambient air pollution on menstrual disorders and other reproductive diseases."
"The combustion of fossil fuels (coal, petroleum [oil], and natural gas) is the major source of both air pollution and the greenhouse-gas emissions driving climate change. The fetus, infant, and child are especially vulnerable to exposure to air pollution and climate change, which are already taking a major toll on the physical and mental health of children. Given the frequent co-occurrence of various fossil-fuel exposures, their interactions and cumulative environmental impacts are a growing concern. All children are at risk, but the greatest burden falls on those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Protection of children’s health requires that health professionals understand the multiple harms to children from climate change and air pollution and use available strategies to reduce these harms."

"The data are compelling that the toll on children and pregnant women from fossil-fuel–driven climate change and air pollution is large and growing, affecting immediate and long-term health. Interventions — which are, in many cases, cost-saving — exist to address the causes of climate change and air pollution and the disparities that they have created. Health professionals have the power to protect the children they care for by screening to identify those at high risk for associated health consequences; by educating them, their families, and others more broadly about these risks and effective interventions; and by advocating for strong mitigation and adaptation strategies."

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS:
The US Department of Health and Human Services Household Products Database has health and safety information for many types of household products such as cleaning chemicals, fertilizers, auto products, and arts and crafts materials.  The entries have information from the product labels and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) put out by the manufacturer, as well as contact info for the manufacturer.

Environmental Working Group's Guide to Healthy Cleaning is a database with health and safety information for more than 2500 cleaning products.

Low levels of common flame-retardant chemical damages brain cells
"The study showed that even tiny amounts of the compound damage neural mitochondria, the energy plants that power our cells. The chemical, quite literally, reduces brain power. In addition, the researchers found that the loss of PTEN protein, a condition associated with autism-like behavior in mice, combined with BDE-49 exposure, makes neurons even more susceptible to mitochondrial damage. These findings bolster the argument that genetics and environment can combine to increase the risk of autism and other neurological disorders."  

The use of household cleaning products during pregnancy and lower respiratory tract infections and wheezing during early life.
Int J Public Health. 2013 Oct;58(5):757-64.
"The period prevalence of LRTI was higher when sprays (combined odds ratio (OR) = 1.29; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.59) or air fresheners (OR = 1.29; CI 1.03-1.63) were used during pregnancy. The odds of wheezing increased with spray (OR = 1.37; CI 1.10-1.69) and solvent (OR = 1.30; CI 1.03-1.62) use. The associations between spray and air freshener use during pregnancy and both outcomes remained apparent when these products were not used after pregnancy. Nevertheless, the estimates were higher when post-natal exposure was included.  The use of cleaning sprays, air fresheners and solvents during pregnancy may increase the risk of wheezing and infections in the offspring."

HOLIDAY
 
Christmas Tree Lights and ornaments can be high in lead (these are just a few examples)  National Tree Company makes lead-free and antimony-free artificial trees, and Holiday LEDS makes lead-free lights (but they are LED).

Artificial or Real Christmas Tree? What’s better for you and the environment.
Artificial trees are often made from PVC, which is a source of both lead and phthalate exposure, and are generally treated with flame retardants that are toxic.  These toxic substances migrate out of the tree and become part of household dust, which can then be inhaled or consumed.  Children and pets are at highest risk from the toxins in dust because they are more likely to put things in their mouths directly or get dust in their mouths that was on their hands or other objects they put in their mouths.  There are precautions you can take, according to this article:

"Don’t panic! If you are an owner of an artificial Christmas tree made out of PVC, there are precautions you can take to reduce your family’s exposure to lead and phthalates.
  1. When you first get your artificial tree, let it air out outside or in the garage before bringing it inside! You want the plastic-like smell to dissipate (these are VOCs and not good for indoor air!).
  2. Try using gloves when handling the tree and wash your hands before you snack and eat.
  3. Don’t let children play with the tree. After you decorate the tree, have it remain just that, a decoration! And of course, wash your children’s hands before they eat or snack.
  4. Vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly. This will ensure that any chemicals are sucked away!"
"If you’re currently tree-less and in the market for an artificial one, consider purchasing a tree made out of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). These plastics are safer than PVC, with less chance for lead contamination and less additive like phthalates. Please check with the manufacturer, as there are many trees that are a mix of PVC and these safer plastics. Try to get a tree with as high of a percentage or polyethylene or polypropylene plastic as possible. You can also look for artificial trees from a retailer that has a good chemicals policy, like Ikea that can give you some peace of mind over the materials and sustainability of your purchase."

OTHER SOURCES:
Creativity Without Chemicals has information about choosing safer children's art and craft supplies, many products on the market contain solvents, heavy metals, formaldehyde preservatives, and phthalates.  The site has general suggestions, such as not using your kitchen items or surfaces for projects, not allowing kids to eat and drink while doing projects (or use caution and wash hands),   More specific advice includes:
"Choose water-based watercolors, tempera paints, and “non-gel” acrylics; avoid oils and enamels. Gel acrylics can contain toxic ammonia stabilizers and formaldehyde preservatives."

"Glue sticks, library paste, Elmer’s Glues, and adhesive tape are safer products to use. Rubber cement, model glues, and epoxy are solvent-based and should be avoided."

"Most crayons are made of paraffin, a petroleum product."  Crayons made of beeswax or soy are safer options.  Some brands of crayons have been found to contain asbestos, see this site for more information. 

"Choose coloring pencils instead as even water-based markers commonly contain various alcohols, which release vapors that can be inhaled. If markers are a must, then choose water-based markers and look for the AP symbol. Permanent markers typically contain toxic solvents like xylene."

"Avoid Sculpey or Fimo clays, both of which are PVC-based."  There are recipes online for making your own clay and "play doh" from scratch.

"Make your own (paper mache) using plain recycled paper and white glue. Steer clear of newspapers to avoid heavy metals and pigments from the inks. Pre-made kits use talc, which could contain asbestos impurities.

"The word “non-toxic “ and the AP or CP symbols on products are clues that these are less toxic options to very hazardous products, though still not always completely safe for kids."

"Read labels to check for certifications, ingredients, and cautionary statements, but remember that companies are not required to list all ingredients."

"Products with a Proposition 65 warning are not suitable for children."

This link has information on the potential toxic ingredients of many different kinds of art products for adults and artists.
         
Toxins found in school supplies, especially PVC and vinyl.
 
Toxic flame retardants in TVs
"In a 2017 study co-authored by Toxic-Free Future and Clean Production Action, it was found that TVs continue to contain toxic flame retardants that can escape the TV and contaminate house dust in homes. Adults and children are then exposed to the chemicals when they ingest the dust during everyday activities, like hand-to-mouth activity."  See the results here.  "Two of the TVs – one made by Element and one made by Samsung – contained the PBDE flame retardant deca-BDE, despite its being banned in five states. Those states are Washington, Maine, Oregon, Vermont, and Maryland. The TVs in the study were purchased in Washington." 

The hidden costs of forever chemicals in stain- and water-resistant products
"A new study released by Toxic-Free Future finds toxic chemicals in most products labeled stain- or water-resistant, with 72% testing positive for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Items that were found to contain “forever chemicals” include rain jackets, hiking pants, mattress pads, comforters, napkins, and tablecloths."

How Safe is the Artificial Turf Your Child Plays On?
After it was discovered that what seemed like a relatively high percent of soccer goalies are developing blood cancers, especially lymphoma, questions are being raised about how safe artificial turf actually is. Specifically, the questions are around these tiny pieces of rubber, made from old car tires, that are spread on the field to make it softer. While many athletes have contact with the rubber pellets (called "crumb rubber"), goalies seem to have a much higher exposure because they dive for the field so much. They end up ingesting it and having it get caught in scrapes and cuts. Used tires are known to be toxic- "according to the EPA, mercury, lead, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and arsenic, among several other chemicals, heavy metals, and carcinogens, have been found in tires." Crumb rubber is also used on many playgrounds.

Industry slow to end use of toxic chemical cleaner TCE for vapor degreasing, while US EPA delays action on its proposed ban
"Vapor degreasing is a process used in commercial settings to clean equipment or other items with hot vapor. TCE is heated, condenses onto parts placed in the degreasing unit, and carries contaminants away from those parts as it drips off. 

According to EPA, between 45,000 and 107,000 workers, including 454 to 1,066 pregnant women, are at risk for serious adverse health effects from exposure to TCE used in vapor degreasing processes where they work or nearby. TCE poses serious health dangers, including fetal heart defects and cancer."


 Babies may receive excessive radiation from x-rays.


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