Clean Air at Home

Speaker:Vittoria Vecchiarelli
Written by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain

Considering our ice cold winters and snowstorms, it is no wonder that Canadians spend more than 90% of their time indoors. But are we really aware of our indoor air quality and the harmful toxins that exist within our homes? Not to mention, the health risks that can occur from being exposed to these agents?

Although not always visible to the naked eye, some of the air contaminants present within our homes include mold, dust, tobacco smoke and fumes. These toxins can get into our household air when we participate in such activities as cooking, cleaning and showering or can be released into the air by the presence of certain items within the home including hairspray, paints, glue, carpets and furniture. The amount of indoor pollutants is further increased by inadequate ventilation and smoking inside, in addition to the gases released from household consumer products/appliances. These agents can cause breathing difficulties, irritate the eyes, nose and throat, worsen pre-existing conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and allergies as well as cause cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and heart failure. Children in particular are at far greater risk of acquiring health issues from exposure due to having only partially developed bodies, breathing in more air than adults as well as having their fingers in their mouths more often.

Although we may notice that symptoms improve within a few minutes or hours after leaving pollutant infested areas, there are different precautions that can be taken to reduce the amount of contaminants that exist within our homes. 5 simple, low cost steps that can be taken to ensure cleaner air at home are outlined below:

STEPPOLLUTANT INFORMATIONACTION

STEP 1:

CONTROL MOISTURE, CLEAN MOLD

- Mold grows when there

 is too much moisture in

 home

  → i.e. showering,

   cooking, flooding and

   leaks

- Mold can grow on anything

 that holds moisture:

  → i.e. fabric, drywall,

            cardboard, etc.

Keep all surfaces at home as dry and clean as possible:

- Keep relative humidity between 30-50%

 → Closer to 30% in winter months

 → Closer to 50% in summer months

- Turn on fan or open window before

  showering and a few minutes afterwards

- Turn on fan or open window when cooking

  on stove

- Wipe water droplets off bathroom tiles,

  windows and other surfaces where water can

  collect

- Clean up floods immediately and dry area

 completely. Throw away all items that cannot

 be fully dried

- Get rid of clutter in home

- Make sure air vents at the back of clothes

  dryer is connected to the outside of home or

  building

Mold in area <1m2

- Scrub with water and mild detergent as soon

 as they are seen

- Dry area quickly and completely

Mold in area >1m2

- Discuss how to fix problem with landlord if

 tenant or a professional if home owner

STEP 2:

GET RID OF DUST

- Dust can include a mix of:

 toxic chemicals, pollen, pet

 dander, allergens, dust mites

 and other pollutants

- Products (i.e. furniture,

 electronics) slowly breakdown

 into dust

  →Therefore if products are

      made with toxic material,

      the dust will be toxic as well

- Clean floors (i.e. tiles, hardwood) with a

 damp cloth and vacuum carpeted areas at

 least once a week

- Clean surfaces with a damp cloth

- Take off shoes and wipe pets’ paws at the

 door to reduce dirt and dust from entering

 home

- Get rid of clutter to reduce dust and make

 cleaning easier

NOTE:

-  Dry mop/cloth does not get rid of dust

   →It pushes dust back into the air

STEP 3:

LET BAD AIR OUT, FRESH AIR IN

- Turn on fan or open a window when frying,

 sautéing or grilling food

- Turn on fan or open a window when cleaning

 and using products like nail polish or

 hairspray and craft materials like glue and

 paint

- Make sure air vents are not blocked by

 objects such as furniture to maintain good air

 flow

- Make sure appliances (i.e. gas stoves,

 heating and cooling systems) are working

 properly

- Check ventilation systems and replace/clean

 the filters and fans often

NOTE:

- May want to open windows when traffic is

 less heavy to avoid being possible source of

 outdoor air pollution around home

- Never use barbecue or portable fuel-burning

 camping equipment inside home or garage to

 avoid carbon monoxide poisoning

- Ensure carbon monoxide detector in home

 and check that batteries are working

STEP 4:

REDUCE TOXIC CLEANING PRODUCTS

- Cleaning products that release

 toxic chemicals into the air

 and on surfaces include

 cleaning sprays, liquids and

 powders, drain cleaners and

 air fresheners

- Use non-toxic cleaning products more often.

Consider using non-toxic alternatives (i.e.

baking soda and vinegar) instead of

commercial cleaning products

 → Non-toxic fragrance air freshening options

      include:

     1) Mix water with few drops of essential

          oils in spray bottle and spray in air

     2) Simmer cinnamon & cloves in water on

          stove

- Avoid products like cleaners that come in   

aerosol spray cans

  → These can leave chemicals in the air longer

  → Instead use other types of products        (i.e. powders and hand pump creams)

- Wear gloves and turn on a fan or open a

 window when using chemical cleaning

 products

STEP 5:

KEEP TOBACCO SMOKE OUT

- Tobacco not only gets into the

air we breathe but also gets

trapped in furniture, fabric,

carpets, toys and clothes

 →Can stay on these things in

     home and get pushed

     back into the air for weeks

- Tobacco smoke can also stick

  to hands, skin and hair even if

  smoking outdoors

- Make home smoke-free. Do not allow

 anyone to smoke indoors

- Smoke outside and wash hands after

- Set up an outdoor smoking area away from

 doors and windows so others are not

 exposed

As demonstrated, taking simple precautionary measures can essentially have a large effect on the greater scheme of things when it comes to reducing pollutant exposure within our homes. Making a conscious effort to clean our indoor air can have significant effects on improving our overall health and ensuring a better quality of life.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Other than taking the precautionary measures mentioned above, are there any other methods that can be used to naturally clean indoor air?

NATURAL CLEANSERHOW IT NATURALLY CLEANS INDOOR AIR

Beeswax Candles- Unlike regular paraffin candles, pure beeswax candles

 have no scent and do not emit smoke

   → Therefore unlike traditional candles, beeswax candles

         do not release toxins into the air

- Beeswax candles release negative ions into to the air.

 These ions bind to the surrounding toxins, thereby  

 removing pollutants from the air

- Remove common allergens (i.e. dust and dander) from

  the air

    → Therefore especially beneficial in individuals with

         asthma and/or allergies

Salt LampsMade from Himalayan salt crystals and works as an air purifier

- When lit, lamp emits negative ions into the surrounding

  atmosphere, removing toxins from the air and  

  neutralizing them

- Naturally clears air of allergens (i.e. smoke, pet dander,

 pollen and other air pollutants)

- Dilutes odors within the air, allowing for easier breathing

   →Reduces and improves asthmatic symptoms

Bamboo Charcoal- When linen Moso air purifying bags are filled with

 bamboo charcoal, they absorb unpleasant odors and

 dehumidify the air

   →Also proven to reduce the amount of formaldehyde,

       ammonia, benzene and chloroform gases emitted by  

       various products (i.e. paint, carpet, furniture, air

       fresheners, chemical cleaners, rubber and plastics)

- Bamboo charcoal’s porous structure also assists with

 removing bacteria, harmful pollutants and allergens from

 the air

- Absorbs moisture and traps impurities within their pores,

 thereby preventing the build-up of mold and mildew

- Can also remove bathroom and car odors

Purifying Plants- Purifying plants absorb harmful chemicals and other

 pollutants (i.e. benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene,

 toluene, xylene and ammonia)  found in the surrounding

 air, in order to produce oxygen

- According to NASA, Peace Lilies are the most dominant of

 all the air purifying plants

• Can making your home more energy efficient and protecting your home from bad weather conditions, contribute to the indoor pollution problem?

Making your home more energy efficient by sealing up cracks and openings and reducing the natural air flow through the house can contribute to the indoor air pollution problem. A tightly sealed home will have relatively higher levels of humidity, interior mildew and molds as well as frequent condensation on windows and stale air. The Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp (CMHC) has also reported that houses tightly sealed for energy efficiency are unable to off-gas chemicals. Since the chemicals are unable to go anywhere else, they end up building up within the home.

Additionally adding storm windows, weather stripping/caulking can further increase the concentration of indoor air pollutants already present within the home.

• What are the different types of air purifiers and which pollutants do they remove from the air?

AIR FILTER TYPEAIR POLLUTANTS IT REMOVES/BENEFITS

HEPA Filters

(High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters)

- Small pet dander particles

- Dust mite residue

- Pollen

Carbon Filters- Cigarette smoke

- Fireplace fumes

- Formaldehyde

- Volatile Organic Compounds

   → (i.e. paint fumes, carpet glues, new building

         material etc.)

- Pet odors

- Kitchen odors

Pre-Filters- By trapping larger particles before they reach the

 main filters of the air purifier, pre-filters are able to

 extend the time between filter cleanings/changes

 and maintain air purifier’s functionality and

 efficiency

SOURCES

1) "Frequently Asked Questions About Air Purifiers." Sylvane. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2017. <https://www.sylvane.com/air-purifier-faq.html>.

2)    "Healthy Indoor Air | Clean and Fresh Indoor Living | Clean Air At Home." Healthy Indoor Air Clean and Fresh Indoor Living. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2017. <http://healthyindoorair.ca/healthy-air-at-home/>.

3)    Mama, Katie - Wellness. "How to Naturally Clean Indoor Air | Wellness Mama."Wellness Mama®. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2017. <https://wellnessmama.com/4629/clean-indoor-air/>.

4)    "Questions About Indoor Air Quality?" National Ag Safety Database - National Ag Safety Database. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2017.<http://nasdonline.org/1442/d001242/questions-about-indoor-air-quality.html>.

5)    "Top 4 Ways to Purify Air at Home Naturally." Lung Institute. N.p., 16 June 2016. Web. 21 Mar. 2017. <https://lunginstitute.com/blog/top-4-ways-to-purify-air-at-home-naturally/>.

Fashion is Toxic, but What's the Haulternative?

Speaker: Sarah Peel
Written by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain

As children, we were used to our parents picking out our outfits, but eventually we were given the opportunity to discover who we were within the world of clothes. Using the language of fashion, clothing allowed us to learn to speak about ourselves. When we get dressed we take on the role of an artist, painting a self-portrait, highlighting interesting and attractive things about who we are and in the process clear up any misconceptions. Clothing and style give a crucial introduction to the self. Fashion is creative, and acts as a form of self-expression. Frances Corner stated “faster than anything else, what we wear tells a story of who we are or who we want to be.” In addition to the importance of personal style and fashion, it is important to know how your wardrobe is being processed and manufactured.  Sarah Peel is the program director of Fashion Takes Action (FTA), Canada’s only fashion oriented non-profit organization. Their mission is to advance fashion sustainability through education, awareness and collaboration. FTA takes a systems thinking approach, which entails working with academics, the public, various brands, industry and consumers.

The fashion industry is the second largest global polluter for overall impacts after oil. It is the second most chemical dependent industry. 8000 chemicals turn raw materials into textile. These toxic chemicals pollute 5,640,000 Olympic sized swimming pools of water per year. The environmental problems associated with the textile industry are those associated with water pollution from the runoff of untreated waste during the processing of toxic chemicals used when producing clothing. The toxic chemical use is of environmental concern, as it decreases oxygen concentration due to the hydrosulfides, which block the passing of light through water and becomes detrimental to the water ecosystem. The chemicals used get evaporated into the air we breathe and can get absorbed through our skin, resulting in allergic reactions and can cause harm to children prior to birth. Moreover this chemical pollution can cause physiological and biochemical alterations, resulting in impairments to our respiratory and reproductive systems and eventually lead to mortality.

There are dye houses worldwide that are notorious for polluting the local water supplies by dumping waste water into local streams and rivers. A solution to this particular issue includes the use of waterless dyeing. Dyeing clothing works best in an airless environment with pressurized high heat, which allows the dye to disperse throughout the fabric. This method could be practical for polyester and natural fibers such as, cotton and wool. The down side is that the fabric can become damaged when undergoing such a process. Nonetheless as 45% of all fibers comprise of cotton, perhaps this could be a solution of improvement for producing less water waste. Other methods include AirDye, which uses less water and energy to dye their products. This allows air to disperse the dye, so that the dye can be embedded within the fibers instead of just superficially, thus allowing for long lasting colour and the ability to withstand more washings. Lastly one company uses DryDye technology. Instead of water, they use compressed and pressurized carbon dioxide to diffuse the dye within polyester fabric. The CO2, takes on a liquid-like property and is contained in stainless steel chambers. After the dyeing cycle, the CO2 becomes gasified and the dye within the cotton fibers condenses as it separates from the gas. The CO2 is then recycled and pumped back into the dyeing vessel. Thus using CO2 is safe and environmentally friendly as the gas is contained and can be used repeatedly without the risk of any gas being emitted.

The fashion industry employs more than 200 million people worldwide, which does not include cotton farmers. 80% of garment workers are women. 36 million people living in modern slavery, supply to various chains of Western brands. As a society we purchase 400% more clothing today than we did 20 years ago. A lot of that goes to waste because it is not quality clothing. Therefore this is considered a fast fashion garment that has a short product life cycle. Such that factory workers in economically disadvantaged situations work in poor conditions to create a product that is considered disposable. Since the product does not last long and is never found in vintage shops, the clothing does not get recycled, but gets dumped. Sarah stated that every household in Ontario sends approximately 48 kilograms of textiles to the landfill per year. She urges consumers to donate old clothing instead of wasting it, as textiles can be repurposed.

It is necessary to be aware that clothing manufacturers are using an array of toxic chemicals on new garments. Flame retardants are used to protect the product during shipping. Therefore that new clothes smell is actually flame retardants in which the clothing has been dipped in. Formaldehyde is also used as an anti-wrinkle and to prevent mildew while the items are being shipped. Formaldehyde is a highly toxic chemical that by the International Agency for Research on Cancer has been classified as a carcinogen. In a study conducted in New Zealand, it was found that clothing produced in China emitted levels of formaldehyde up to 900 times over the limit considered safe for human use. Such clothing is sold daily in other countries with less strict regulations. People with chemical sensitivity, who have been exposed to heavy toxin loads, may suffer from headaches, fatigue, nausea, aches/pains, and breathing difficulties. Those who do not have particular sensitivities can experience rashes, in areas where the clothing is tight.  

A report regarding 20 top fashion retailers stated that two-thirds of their clothing contained nonylphenol ethoxylates, which in high concentrations can disrupt the endocrine system of animals. The products were also found to contain high levels of toxic phthalates and cancer-causing amines from carcinogenic dyes. Since Greenpeace’s Toxic Threads/Dirty Laundry campaign, large retailer companies from the fashion industry have begun working on phasing out harmful chemicals used in the processing of their products. Additionally Greenpeace continues to urge companies to eliminate such chemicals as perfluorochemicals, which are used in water-proofing fabric, and eliminate the use of alkylphenol ethoxylate, used in detergents; and to additionally allow consumers to follow and be aware of what chemicals and type of manufacturing process is being used. Only 16/600 dyes are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as safe for human and environmental health. Therefore it is necessary to wash new clothing before initial wear and to try to find clothes with nontoxic dyes.

When purchasing your wardrobe, ask yourself is it sustainable fashion? Sustainable fashion refers to any process used to attempt to make the production of that textile more conserving and ecologically safe; by avoiding the depletion of natural resources and without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore things to go over include:

• Locally made

• No waste

• Fair trade, responsible labor

• Use of organic, sustainable or recycled fibers

• Natural, non-toxic dyes

• Slow fashion (not mass produced, quality made garments)

• Can be applied to all garments, shoes and accessories

The 7R’s of fashion crusaders

• Reduce the amount of clothing you buy

• Reuse garments

• Recycle (many textiles are recycled and used for clothing)

• Repurpose clothing

• Research

• Repair/tailoring

• Rent clothing

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1)  What other substances should I be aware of?

• Brominated Flame Retardants – used on children’s sleepwear

• Perfluorinated chemicals – used to make breathable synthetic fabrics

• P-Phenylene diamine (PPD) – used as colouring agent on black clothing, leather and hair dyes

• Phthalates – used to make plastics softer, i.e. new shoes or synthetic clothing and jackets

 2)  What can I do to avoid toxic exposure and how do I shop now?

• Wash any new clothes before wearing (Note this will NOT remove certain types of chemicals)

• Shop for natural fibers i.e. cotton, bamboo, linen or wool (refer to list in question #3)

• Avoid permanent-press or wrinkle-free clothing and try using steam to eliminate wrinkles instead

• Avoid direct skin contact with synthetic or treated fabrics, especially in hot or humid weather, as your pores open and admit more toxins

• Avoid products labelled water-resistant unless the manufacturer provides details of chemicals or processes used

• Purchase second-hand clothing

• Purchase locally made or organic clothing items, as well as natural and vegetable dyes

• Look for fabrics that are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified

3)  What are some healthier textile alternatives?

HEALTHIER TEXTILE ALTERNATIVESEXAMPLES

ALTERNATIVE PLANT FIBERS:

Considered sustainable, as they are produced in small quantities, cultivated without pesticides and come from plants that are not agriculturally produced.

-  Aloe

- Abaca

- Banana leaves

- Coir: from outer shell of coconut palm

- Flax

- Kapok: used in cushions, mattresses and life jackets

- Milkweed

- Nettle

- Pina: from leaves of pineapple

- Raffia

- Sisal: agave plant used in production of rope and twine

FIBERS FROM BY-PRODUCTS:

From industrial, agricultural or commercial production. Most fall under category of rayon.

Defined by origin and type of processing to become a textile

- By-product fibers that are rayon processed are regenerated

 as cellulosic fibers and include: Lenpur and Cupro.                                                                

- Azlon fibers are by-products of naturally occurring proteins

 industrial food production; soy milk protein fibers are most

 common These proteins are subjected to enzymatic

 treatments and a wet spinning process to create a filament,

 which is used to create the fiber.

OTHERS:- Bamboo                                                                                                

- Cashmere: animal fiber, a type of wool, biodegradable and can be recycled                 

- Cotton                                                                            

- Linen: is biodegradable                                                                      

- Lyocell: type of rayon fiber produced from cellulose of trees and is biodegradable

- Nylon                                                                                                

 - Polyester: polyethylene terephthalate, some is biodegradable                                            

- Seacell: blend of lyocell and seaweed, ideal for undergarments due to soft and anti-bacterial qualities                                                                                                      

- Silk                                                                                                                          

 - Straw: after grain harvested, can be used for bedding, feed animals, used to make hats, sandals, rope or paper.

- Wool

SOURCES:

1)      Floyd, Allison.”Toxic Threads’ No More: Fasion Industry Increasing Transparency, Reducing Impacts.” Sustainablebrands.com. Web.23 Mar. 2017. <http://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/articles/fashion-industry-increasing-transparency-reducing-impacts>.

2)   Kaye, Leon. "Clothing to Dye For: The Textile Sector Must Confront Water Risks." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 12 Aug. 2013. Web. 23 Mar. 2017.

      <https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/dyeing-textile-sector-water-risks-adidas>.

3)   Sana Khan (4), and Abdul Malik (4)(5). "Environmental and Health Effects of Textile Industry Wastewater." Springer. Springer Netherlands, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 23 Mar. 2017. <https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-94-007-7890-0_4>.

4)   The Alternative Daily. "Are You Wearing Clothes Treated with Toxic Formaldehyde?" The Alternative Daily. Web. 23 Mar. 2017. <http://www.thealternativedaily.com/clothes-treated-with-toxic-formaldehyde/>.

5)   "The Serious Business of Clothes." The Book of Life. Web. 23 Mar. 2017.  <http://www.thebookoflife.org/the-serious-business-of-clothes/?utm_source=You%20Tube&utm_medium=You%20Tube%20-%20Why%20Clothes%20Matter%20-%20Video%20Description%20-%20TBOL%20Article&utm_campaign=You%20Tube%20-%20Why%20Clothes%20Matter%20-%20Video%20Description%20-%20TBOL%20Article>.

6)      "Toxic Fashion." Toxic Fashion.Web. 23 Mar. 2017.<http://toxicfashion.org/chemical-txtsust.html>

Small Changes Make a Big Difference: The Importance of Non-Toxic Products to Our Health & the Organic Solution

Speaker: Sapna Singh
Written by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain

Sapna Singh, a member of “Nature’s Tale” outlined her process in discovering the importance of non-toxic products to our health and the small steps that she has taken, in order to make a greater impact when it comes to determining an organic solution. Below outlines the different stages that she came across during this process including: problems encountered, initial actions, next steps as well as focus points.

1) SOME PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WHEN TRYING TO TAKE STEPS IN COMING UP WITH AN ORGANIC SOLUTION:

• Cost

• Access

• Obtaining information and education

• Doubt and hesitation

• Questioning whether natural products are as good as standard products

• Understanding that change is hard especially when it comes to beliefs and behaviours  

2) INITIAL STEPS: READING DAVID SUZUKI’S DIRTY DOZEN & AUTOBIOGRAPHY WHICH LEAD TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Questioning ingredients

• Being upset and angry with what was found

• Reading ingredients

• Self-educating on alternatives and what can be done

                → Consulting www.ewg.org database to determine which products are safe/unsafe

• Emailing companies and asking questions

• Talking to vendors

3) WHAT NEXT?

LITTLE STEPS → START SWITCHING PRODUCTS →    (from conventional to organic)IF RUN OUT OF A CONVENTIONAL PRODUCT REPLACE IT WITH AN ORGANIC PRODUCT →

(Instead of buying more of the conventional one)

HEALTHIER CHOICES

4) FOCUS POINTS

Current issues/Status quo/problemsStatus quo is harmful to our health because…The proposed solutions/alternativesThe solution improves our health by…The audience can protect their health

- Changing everything at once is hard

- Belief that small action we take does not make a difference

- Neglecting our health

- Impact on people who produce the product

- Impact on planet

- Moving towards organic, fair trade, sustainable products and supporting local entrepreneurs when possible- Better overall healthier self- (i.e. through educating themselves)

Therefore, as demonstrated, although making the transition from toxic to organic does not happen overnight, we must remember that it is a journey and that small changes can essentially make a big difference in the end.

How to Detox Household Products

Speaker: Emma Rohmann
Written by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain

Toxic chemicals exist all around us, whether it is in the cleaning products we store in our bathroom cabinets, our everyday cosmetics/personal care products, the furniture we sit and relax on each evening or even in the food we enjoy consuming. Although these toxic substances are not always visible to the naked eye, they are present everywhere and can have damaging effects to our health. Many of us do not realize the mechanism in which these harmful agents enter and accumulate inside of us or the extent to which they burden our bodies. These chemicals can build up due to a variety of different methods which include some being stored within our fatty tissue, while other agents maybe slow to leave our bodies. Additionally, bioaccumulation is also a contributing factor, in which our position at the top of the food chain allows us to consume the animals, water and plants that exist within our environment, while simultaneously ingesting the harmful agents present within these sources of food in the process. Furthermore the impact that these agents have on children is far more detrimental due to their small stature and body surface area allowing smaller concentrations of chemicals to have an effect as well as their immature immune systems combating and abolishing toxins at far slower rates than that of fully developed adults.

“Toxic chemicals” is such a broad term that encompasses numerous amounts of harmful agents which include: carcinogens, hormone disruptors, neurotoxins, respiratory toxins, reproductive toxins and developmental toxins to name a few. Each of these agents exists in different products within our household and has their own unique effects. We have isolated the toxins commonly found in different household products within our homes and safer alternatives that can be used in the table below:

RoomToxic ChemicalsAlternatives

Kitchen1) Teflon Cookware

    → Formerly made with PFOA

         (carcinogen, hormone disruptor, highly

          persistent environmental toxin phased out in

          2015)

     → Teflon is especially detrimental when warmed

          because of off-gassing

     → Scratched Teflon based cookware should not be

          used because the layer in between is unsafe and

          not meant to contaminate food   

     → If unable to avoid using Teflon based cookware:

          as long as it is in good condition, unscratched

          and is used at lower temperatures it is not as

          harmful to use

2) Plastics

     →Plastics #3 & #7 may contain BPA or BPS

         (hormone disruptors) & other harmful

       chemicals

- Ceramic

    →Closest to Teflon in terms of

        Its non-stick properties

    →Free of PFOA

- Stainless Steel

- Cast Iron

     →Will have non-stick abilities

         as long as the cast iron

         based material is constantly

         being oiled and seasoned

     →Not good for use of cooking

         acidic foods (i.e. tomato

         sauce)

- Glass

- Stainless Steel

- Silicone

Bedroom1) Mattress & Pillows

     → May contain Flame Retardants

          (many are hormone disruptors)

     → Most foam based products contain flame

          retardants

     → Not all product labels are mandated to include

          flame retardants

- Organic Cotton

    → Non-organic Cotton has high

         concentrations of pesticides   

- Wool

- Natural Rubber

    → NOT Latex or Natural Latex

         because latex is synthetic

         which can cause off-gassing

         and the fibers are naturally

         flame retardants    

Living Room1) Furniture

      → Adhesives & Finishes can off-gas Volatile

            Organic Compounds (VOCs)

      → VOCs can have asthmatic, allergenic &

           carcinogenic effects

           (therefore these VOCs can have greater adverse

           effects on individuals with pre-existing asthma

           or allergies)

2) Flooring

     → Adhesives & Finishes can off-gas Volatile Organic

          Compounds (VOCs)

          VOCs can have asthmatic, allergenic &

         carcinogenic effects

     → Carpets may contain stain repellents

          Stain Repellents are persistent environmental

          toxins and hormone disruptors as well as have

          carcinogenic effects

    → Any soft surfaces will collect dust and aggravate

         asthma & allergies

- Solid Wood/Metal

- Greenguard Gold

   → 3rd party standard

        (Greenguard Certified)

   → Gold is even better

- Hardwood

- Natural Fibres

- Linoleum

- Cork

   → Not as resilient but not bad

        in certain areas at home

   → Warm under feet

In addition to using safer alternative products there are a variety of different ways to detox without going completely insane. Some of these techniques include focusing on a category of harm and prioritizing highest chances of exposure. Maintaining our overall health has also been proven to be beneficial as environmental toxins are one of many factors contributing to our health. Therefore maintaining health as a whole can positively affect the way in which our body manages toxin exposure. Taking the time to research and educate ourselves regarding ingredients in different products, the negative effects of toxic chemicals and safer/natural alternatives can also be helpful. These include referring to third party certifications, David Suzuki’s Queen of Green, Environmental Working Group and Environmental Defense. Some informative pieces of literature that can also be read to further expand our knowledge include: Adria Vasil (Ecoholic Series), Slow Death by Rubber Duck and The Soft Landing.     

            Now that we have established various ways to prevent and decrease the amount of toxins that we allow into our home, an additional concern arises. How do we detox our homes and reduce the amount of toxins that already exist within our homes? Well, for one thing we can refer to a list of NASA air purifying plants. This will indicate which plants can combat which toxic chemical, so that we can bring these houseplants into our homes to purify our contaminated air and therefore lower our toxin exposure. Furthermore, regularly dusting can also assist in removing many toxins that are residing within our homes. Many times chemicals such as flame retardants seep out of products, deposit in dust particles and accumulate within our homes. Therefore, dusting can prevent these toxins from building up and exposing us.

            The topic of toxic chemicals and reducing our exposure can be overwhelming, as they exist in materials all around us and in our everyday products. Making a conscious effort to constantly educate ourselves and start by taking small strides to replace harmful agents to safer alternatives can have outstanding effects in the long run and ultimately benefit our health.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1) What toxic chemicals have commonly been found within the dust particles inside the home?

Chemical ClassChemicalHealth HazardCommon Products Containing this Chemical

Phthalates:DEHP- Reproductive System & Developmental Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Vinyl Flooring

- Food Contact Materials

DEHA- Reproductive System & Developmental Toxicity- Vinyl Flooring

- Food Packaging

BBzP- Reproductive System & Developmental Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Vinyl FlooringDnBP- Reproductive System & Developmental Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Nail Polish

- Paints

DiBP- Reproductive System & Developmental Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Vinyl Products

- Personal Care & Beauty   

 Products

Fragrance:HHCB- UNKNOWN- Scented Products

Flame Retardant:TPHP- Reproductive & Nervous System Toxicity- Treated Furniture

- Baby Products

- Carpet Padding

- Electronics

TDCIPP- Cancer- Treated Furniture

- Baby Products

- Carpet Padding

HBCDD- Reproductive & Nervous System Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Polystyrene Building   

 Insulation

Phenol:MeP- Reproductive System Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Cosmetics

- Lotions

- Deodorants

2)   What is the mechanism in which household plants are able to remove toxic chemicals from the air?

Household plants are able to remove toxic chemicals from the air using a process similar to photosynthesis in which plants absorb carbon dioxide and light energy through pores on the surface of plant leaves and convert it into chemical energy to fuel growth. In addition to carbon dioxide, household plants are also able to absorb other gases through their roots and leaves including: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Benzene and Formaldehyde. After absorbing toxic chemicals, household plants themselves can manage toxicants in two ways:

• They can incorporate these toxic agents into plant tissue and therefore remove them from the air and sequester them.

• They can metabolize toxic chemicals and release harmless by-products.

       Additionally, the microorganisms that reside within the soil of these household plants can neutralize these  toxic agents, so that they no longer pose a threat to our health.

3)  Why is Teflon cookware so detrimental to our health when it is heated?

Although Teflon [polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)], itself is a relatively inert chemical, and can travel right through our gastrointestinal system without being absorbed, it is often considered to be harmful to our health. Studies have demonstrated that issues arise once Teflon based cookware is heated to significantly higher temperatures. When this material is heated above 3000C (5720F), PTFE is able to breakdown and release perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

These PFOA fumes can be responsible for causing “Polymer Fume Fever” a rare illness with flu-like symptoms including chest tightening, mild coughing, nausea and sweating. Additionally PFOA is under investigation by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to determine whether this chemical is carcinogenic. Further health and environmental concerns have arisen regarding the manufacturing process of PTFE and PFOA.

Although Teflon has been found to be more of a threat when heated to significantly higher temperatures, other studies have found that PTFE can release sufficient amounts of fumes at both high and normal cooking temperatures to be life-threatening to birds.

SOURCES:

1)    Claudio, Luz. "Planting Healthier Indoor Air." Environmental Health Perspectives. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Oct. 2011. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3230460/>.

2)    "Do Indoor Plants Really Clean the Air?" LiveScience. Purch, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <http://www.livescience.com/38445-indoor-plants-clean-air.html>.

3)    "Fear of Teflon Flakes Found in Frying Pan." Fear of Teflon Flakes Found in Frying Pan | Go Ask Alice! N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/fear-teflon-flakes-found-frying-pan>.

4)     "Your Household Dust Probably Contains These Chemicals." The Washington Post. WP Company, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/09/14/your-household-dust-probably-contains-these-chemicals/?utm_term>.

Proper Assessment of Toxicant Exposures and How They Relate to Your Health

Speakers: Dr. Winnie Siu & Dr. Aviad Elgez
Written by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain

Dr. Siu and Dr. Elgez are a part of EnviroMed, a clinic that specializes in Environmental Medicine. Their mission is to educate their patients and the community regarding the connection between the state of the Environment and human health. Working alongside Dr. Mansoor Mohammed, a clinical Geneticist, they focus on proper genetics and home environment assessments as well as environmentally exposed individuals suffering from the following illnesses:

• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Autoimmune Conditions

• Chronic infections/Mild-immunosuppression

  • e.g. Chronic Lyme Disease

• Neurological Conditions

• Electro Hypersensitivity Syndrome

• Non-responsive patients to standard treatments

They found that the conditions listed above as well as many other illnesses are directly related to daily environmental exposures of pollution, workplace hazards, radiation, climate change, pesticides, mold, plastics, heavy metals, solvents and electromagnetic frequencies.  Their goal is to identify exposures that are related to health concerns.

In understanding what we are being exposed to, it is important to ask the following question: “what is the difference between toxins and toxicants?”

• TOXINS come from a biological source like molds or bacteria. This means that a toxin is a poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms. (E.g. Mycotoxins, Biotoxins etc.)

• TOXICANTS are synthetic chemicals, such that the poisonous substances are created by artificial processes. (E.g. metals, pesticides, solvents, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl) & Phthalates)

The doctors at EnviroMed focus on the total environmental load and the non-specific load and try to decrease the total body burden by figuring out the source and reducing exposure as much as possible. They have created an analogy of a barrel. The barrel is a toxic barrel that represents what we carry  within us.

Within the total body load is this toxic barrel that is filled with water at the bottom and oil at the top. The barrel also consists of a faucet at the bottom where toxic materials are released from the body.

The water can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), plastics, heavy metals, arsenic and aluminum to name a few. These are not persistent therefore the body can clear them out rapidly and get rid of them completely. The oil contains PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), DDT (Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane), lead and mercury. These are persistent, as the body has minimal capacity to remove them, taking months to years to clear them. If the level of the toxic material within the barrel rises, to the extent at which toxins are entering the “barrel” faster than they are being removed, the faucet may cause a backup of the harmful substances. This is when patients start demonstrating symptoms of toxicity. Therefore it is important to remove as much toxic material as possible in order to ensure adequate functioning of the body.

There are 2 components affecting the opening of the “faucet.”  While some factors may cause the faucet opening to be wide, others may cause it to be narrower.

1.    Genetics Varying genetics between individuals can cause a 4-10x difference in the rate at which toxicants are cleared from the body. An example of this is alcohol consumption. While one individual may consume a full glass of wine and experience no symptoms, others may consume as little as half a glass of wine and become flushed. Genetics is the key element responsible for this difference. The reason being is that alcohol gets metabolized into an aldehyde, which gets processed and emitted from the body. There are specific genes that encode enzymes that are responsible for the rapid metabolism of alcohol in some individuals, while other genes can slow the rate of removal of aldehyde. Such that individuals of Asian descent lack the enzyme that breaks down aldehyde and thus get aldehyde toxicity. Therefore, even a small amount of alcohol consumption, can cause symptoms of intoxication. Thus even with similar exposure and environmental factors, individuals can experience different symptoms based on their genetics.

1.    Nutrients Specific nutrients are needed in order to remove toxins from the body. However, long term toxin exposure leads to depleted nutrients, causing the “faucet” to narrow. This causes a backup of toxins within the barrel and can become difficult to reverse. This is seen in an individual who consumes large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis, ultimately experiencing vitamin B1 deficiency.

Therefore it is essential to clear out as much as we can from the top of the barrel (55%-90%) and open the faucet to remove things from the bottom of the barrel. Once the toxicants are removed and identified, determine what genes are affected and up regulate those genes through dietary changes, such as eating kale or broccoli. Such greens will genetically upregulate what nutrients are deficient. Other options include, doing colonics for cleansing. Genetics could lower your symptoms based on chemicals you are exposed to. Therefore limit toxin exposures.

The following are substances to beware of and the negative health effects they encompass:

Toxic SubstanceNegative EffectsAdditional Information

BPA & BPS- Hormone Disruptors

- Carcinogenic

- Menstrual irregularities

- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Phthalates- Neurotoxic

- Immuno/environmental mitochondrial

 disrupters

- Females: Hormone Disruptor

- Young Males: ↓ Testosterone Levels

- Liquid plastics added to

 hard plastics in order to

 make them softer

 (i.e. saran wrap)

Heavy Metals- Mercury

   → Neurotoxin

   → Anxiety, Irritability & Fatigue

- Lead:

   → Parkinson’s Disease

   → Children: Neurological Developmental

        Issues

- Arsenic

- Mercury

  → Note there are large

       amounts of mercury in

       tuna

- Arsenic

  → Leaves body rapidly,

       therefore you do not

       need to worry too much

       about it, just get rid of

       the source.   

  → Note that Arsenic from

       seafood and shrimp is

       not toxic

  → Arsenic from rice or

     non-organic chicken is

     very toxic.

Solvents/Molds- Neuropathy

   → May have a hangover feeling in the morning

- Found in Memory Foam &

 Soil

- Have off-gassing

Organophosphate Pesticides- Neurotoxins

  → Depression

  → ADHD

  → Autism

  → Parkinson’s Disease

- NOT persistent

  → Therefore clears rapidly

       from the body

  → However, if you do not

       eat organic foods, you  

       will be re-exposed to

       these pesticides every

       day

PCBs & Dioxins- Developmental problems in developing

 fetuses

- Neurotoxicity

  → Parkinson’s Disease  

- Persistent and therefore

  remain in the body longer

- Mostly in fish

   → Therefore leads to

        bioaccumulation within

        the food chain

Molds & Mycotoxins- Neurological symptoms

  → Memory loss

  → Fatigue

  → Decrease concentration

- Immune symptoms

  → immunosuppression

- Chronic sinusitis & congestion

 (Linked to mold exposure 99% of the time)

Discussion Questions:

1) Can toxin exposures that affected your great grandparents persist in your genes and change your DNA?

A study was conducted in which pregnant lab rats were exposed to an agricultural fungicide, Vinclozolin. This endocrine disruptor was meant to interfere with the process of the fetus becoming male or female. However, sexual differentiation was unaffected. What they did find was when male offspring’s reached adulthood, they had lower sperm counts and decreased fertility. They believed the study was insignificant. It was not until, someone within the lab made an error and continued to bred more rats; such that grandchildren were bred from the rats who had been exposed, creating a fourth generation i.e. great-grandchildren of the originally exposed rats. They decided to investigate the next generations and found that the three generations after the initial pregnant mother exposed to the fungicide, also displayed low sperm counts, but was not due to a change within their inherited DNA sequence. Uncertain of this finding, they bred more rats and continued to test them, using more chemicals that lead to diseases in the prostate, kidney, ovaries and immune system. Over and over again, they discovered these diseases were being seen in the fourth and fifth generation offspring of the mothers who were originally exposed to a chemical. Biologist Michael Skinner found that as toxins were entering the rats, they altered the configuration of methyl groups that hung onto DNA in the fetus’ germ-line cells, and eventually became its egg or sperm. He used the analogy of burrs on a knit sweater to explain the methyl groups latching onto the DNA in particular arrangements.  It was these methyl molecules that were interfering with the functioning of the DNA and was being passed onto future generations, causing them to face the same diseases. Skinner conducted another study in which he exposed pregnant rats to bug spray, jet fuel and BPA. He yet again found that each exposure exhibited a distinct pattern of methyl groups attached, that persisted in the great-grandchildren of the pregnant rats that were initially exposed. Skinner concluded that your great-grandmother’s environment does affect your health and that the chemicals she was exposed to may be traceable in the future.  An example of this is seen within an unintentional human trial with DES (diethylstilbestrol) exposure. DES was a medication given to pregnant women from the 1940’s to the 1960’s, to prevent pregnancy complications. Later it was discovered that DES negatively affected those exposed in utero, females affected by vaginal cancers and males affected by testicular abnormalities. Studies of grandchildren of DES exposed mothers are now surfacing, findings display that this generation may suffer from infertility, reproductive birth defects and some cancers.

2) What is the interaction between nutrition and environmental toxin exposures?

There are 3 main ways in which nutrition and toxicants interact:

i. Food can be the source of exposure to toxins

       - Toxic chemicals can be presented to the food while it is being grown

       - The processing and storage of food may also increase hazardous chemical content of food

              → (e.g. drying or smoking food over coal-burning stoves as seen in Chinese rural communities,

                   increases food arsenic content)

              → Another example in which food acts as a source of toxicant exposure is through fish and

                   seafood, due to the methylmercury.

                       - Inorganic mercury is released into the air, settles in water and undergoes methylation

                       - 2 studies were conducted, which presented prenatal and early postnatal exposure to

                          seafood. Both studies resulted in having children with cognitive deficits, which included

                          attention, perceptual and selection language deficits.

ii. Nutritional deficiencies influence the level of exposure and toxicity

      -  Lead exposure is associated with cognitive deficits in children, especially among disadvantaged

          populations.      

          Evidence exists for interaction between lead and nutrients at the level of intestinal absorption,

          neurochemistry and cognitive function.

          Note: Iron and lead share a common intestinal transporter, such that, iron deficiency contributes

             to increased lead absorption.

             There has been some evidence that adult women and children who consume higher amounts of

             dietary calcium have lower blood lead concentrations. Also placental transfer of lead was lower

             in women who consume diets rich in iron and who have higher hemoglobin levels.

        -   Another example would be cadmium exposure, which is associated with renal tubular toxicity,

            decreased bone density, and increased bone turnover and fractures. Other than tobacco smoke,

            diets are the main source of environmental cadmium exposure. Cadmium is especially high in the

            following foods:

                 → Shellfish

  → Leafy veggies

                 → Rice

                 → Cereals

                 → Legumes

           Evidence shows that low iron stores and intake are associated with higher body cadmium

           burdens. As both cadmium and iron are absorbed into the small intestine by the divalent metal

           transporter 1, once inside enterocytes, cadmium is moved via calcium transporters and

           ferroportin, into the blood stream. The absorption of cadmium may increase at early states of

           iron deficiency, even before iron absorption is observed.

iii. Nutrient deficiencies and toxicants yield similar outcomes

• Arsenic exposure for example may occur from ground water in areas such as India and Bangladesh. It is also common in drinking water in areas such as Mexico, Argentina and Vietnam, where an estimated 100 million people are exposed to levels above 100g/L.

• Other sources of arsenic include: coal-burning stoves and contaminated food.

• Arsenic is associated with lung and bladder cancers, skin lesions, and in populations with high arsenic exposure, diabetes mellitus and hypertension are prevalent.

• In children, arsenic is associated with low IQ scores, decreased memory and attention.

• A study conducted, presented evidence for the association among nutrients, and arsenic toxicity in Bangladeshi women. With a double burden of women of reproductive age being vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies and environmental exposures, women become a source of exposure to their fetuses and infants through placental exchange and breast milk. Therefore, when toxin exposures interact with poor nutrition, it results in high costs to the health and well-being of the resource-poor individuals and communities, who are less likely able to cope with those costs.

Sources:

1)   Interlandi, Jeneen. "The Toxins That Affected Your Great-Grandparents Could Be In Your Genes." Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian Institution, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017.<http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/the-toxins-that-affected-your-great-grandparents-could-be-in-your-genes-180947644/>.

2)   Joshua. "Difference Between Toxin and Toxicant." Difference Between. N.p., 22 Dec. 2011. Web. 26 Jan. 2017.

          <http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-toxin-and-toxicant/>.

3)   Kordas, Katarzyna, Bo Lönnerdal, and Rebecca Stoltzfus. "Interactions between Nutrition and Environmental Exposures: Effects on Health Outcomes in Women and Children." The Journal of Nutrition, 01 Dec. 2007. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <http://jn.nutrition.org/content/137/12/2794.full>.

4)   "Our Mission Statement – EnviroMed Clinic." EnviroMed Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <http://enviromedclinic.com/our-mission-statement/>.

5)      Tuller, David, Dullhunk/Flickr, Tom Philpott, and Sydney Brownstone. "Can Exposure to Toxins Change Your DNA?" Mother Jones. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017.<http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2012/06/can-exposure-toxins-change-your-dna>.