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Chemicals in Teflon Linked to High Cholesterol in Teens

This is only one reason why I recommend people use only stainless steel cookware.

A class action lawsuit regarding contamination of the drinking water in mid-Ohio led to the discovery of a possible link between commonly used chemicals and high cholesterol in children and teens.

As a result of the lawsuit, the West Virginia School of Medicine enrolled more than 12,000 children and teens in a study to measure the blood levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS). When the blood levels of these chemicals were compared to those for cholesterol, researchers found that the higher the levels of  PFOA and PFOS, the higher the levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Perfluoroalkyl acids like PFOA and PFOS are synthetic compounds used in the manufacture of non-stick, heat-resistant cookware like Teflon and of upholstery and fabrics, including those used for making clothing waterproof and stain resistant. They can also be a by-product of the breakdown of chemicals used in food packaging.

We’re exposed to PFOA and PFOS through air, dust, drinking water, food packaging, microwave popcorn, and even cord blood and breast milk. In fact, just about everyone has traces of PFOA and PFOS in their blood, but this is the first study that has shown a link between these chemicals and high cholesterol.

The accumulation of cholesterol narrows the space in the arteries and blocks the flow of blood to vital organs. As a result, high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attacks, heart disease and stroke.

High cholesterol is not uncommon in older people, but because the condition is asymptomatic, they sometimes don’t find out about it until the worst happens — heart attack, stroke or another obvious indication of heart disease.

However, many adults get their cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis so there are no surprises. Kids, on the other hand, are not checked regularly — no one really expects kids to have cholesterol problems.

To help lower the risk of heart disease and its possible fatal consequences for kids, get their cholesterol level checked and take appropriate action to reduce it if needed: Proper diet, exercise, and avoidance of chemicals like PFOA and PFOS that may cause or exacerbate the problem.

SOURCE: Science Daily http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100906203040.htm

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Do You Know The Escalating Health Risks of Fluorinated Water?

More and more information is coming to light about the health hazards of fluoride, the chemical used in almost all municipal water supplies. But in spite of study after study linking fluoride to a multitude of illnesses, nothing is being done to stop the poisoning of America.

Fluoridated water is not just used for drinking water. It is used on crops and for farm animals, where it enters the food supply. The list of debilitating conditions and diseases grows longer with each new study of the ill effects of fluoride on our health.

Here are some examples:

Osteoporosis and Arthritis: The US Public Health Service says fluoride makes bones more brittle and dental enamel more porous, both symptoms of osteoporosis. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists say the mass fluoridation of America’s water is also causing the soaring number of people suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and arthritis-like pains in myriad joints.

Hip fractures: This extremely common injury, related to osteoporosis, is now considered epidemic among America’s aging population. Some studies show fluoridated water doubles the rate of hip fractures for older men and women; others indicate an 87 percent higher risk.

Cancer: The National Cancer Institute Toxicological Program has found fluoride to be an equivocal carcinogen. The New Jersey Department of Health found a nearly 7-fold increase in bone cancer in young males attributable to fluoridation. Earlier studies found a 5 percent increase in all types of cancers in fluoridated communities.

Cancer Deaths: Nearly 20 years ago, the Chief Chemist at the US National Cancer Institute, Dean Burk, testified to congress that at least 40,000 cancer deaths in 1981 were directly caused by fluoride. Burk stated that fluoride causes more cancer, and causes it faster, than any other chemical.

Thyroid Disorders: Disease of the thyroid gland is a side effect of fluoride exposure, and a deadly one. The thyroid regulates iodine levels in our bodies, which plays a crucial role in protecting us from toxins and pollutants such as heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides and radioactive pollution. The National Research Council found clear evidence that the amount of fluoride added to U.S. water supplies is a risk to the thyroid gland.

Infertility: The list of diseases directly related to fluoride by actual scientific studies also includes infertility not just in humans, but in most of the animal kingdom. FDA scientists reported a direct relationship between decreasing fertility rates in women under 49 years of age and increasing fluoride levels.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Numerous studies have linked aluminum with Alzheimer’s, while others implicate fluoride reacting to aluminum, resulting in double the amount of aluminum entering the brain.

Diabetes, neurological disorders, heart disease, hormonal imbalances — the list keeps growing. The question is, what can we do about it? We must actively campaign against water fluoridation through letters, emails and petitions to our elected representatives. Switching to filtered water with reduced or eliminated fluorides is very important. A filtering system for drinking water called ‘reverse osmosis’ reportedly does the job. If you can afford a whole-house system, you also can avoid exposure from bathing and showering.

All sorts of household essentials, from soaps and toothpaste to food and medicine, are all exposed to fluoride. Going green, going organic, and reading labels has never been more important to our health.

SOURCE: Shirley’s Wellness Cafe, http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/fluoride.htm

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