Monthly Archive for July, 2008

In a review of all the products used for cleaning by the cleaning industry, “clean-smelling” air fresheners seem to pose little risk. Unfortunately, the “fresh” scent of air fresheners may disguise not only undesirable odours, but may mask a health hazard as well. Chemicals known as phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) can be present in air fresheners are known to cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, and reproductive problems. Individuals whose line of work puts them into frequent contact with these chemicals are at a greater risk of developing long term health problems simply by the nature of their occupation, for example, janitorial and cleaning staff.

NRDC (the National Resource Defense Council) which is an international non-profit environmental organization conducted an extensive independent test on 14 commonly used air fresheners. The NRDC discovered phthalates were in 86 percent (12 of 14) of air freshener products tested, including those marketed as “all-natural” or “unscented”. It was noted that none of the products tested listed phthalates on their labels. The NRDC recommends that government regulators should follow up by doing more thorough tests on these products and enact basic measures to limit exposure to these chemicals, in the interest of public health. Meanwhile, it may be prudent to avoid prolonged and frequent exposure to air fresheners. Extreme precaution should be used when using air fresheners in places where children and pregnant women are likely to frequent

Unpleasant odours are generally undesirable in any closed environments. Odours are not the cause of toxicological concern, but odours may increase the reporting of symptoms (for example, nausea, headache, eye and throat irritation).

Unfortunately, the rise in popularity of air fresheners has fast outpaced awareness of the potential health threats from exposure to the harmful chemicals they may contain. Most phthalates are well known to interfere with production of the male hormone, testosterone, and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities. Numerous animal studies have linked prenatal exposure to certain phthalates with malformations of the genitalia, decreases in testosterone, and reduced sperm production. Studies in humans have shown that phthalates have been associated with changes in hormone levels, poor semen quality, and changes in genital development. Five phthalates-including one found in air freshener products-are listed by the State of California as chemicals “known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.” Phthalate exposure in an indoor environment has also been associated with allergic symptoms and asthma. Because there are no labeling requirements, even so called “natural” products can contain toxic chemicals. It is virtually impossible for the average person to know which products may pose a potential health risk.

While the focus here is on the presence of phthalates in air fresheners, it is worthwhile mentioning that researchers have detected other chemicals of concern to human health in these products as well. The European Consumers’ Organisation, BEUC (Bureau Europen des Consommateurs), commissioned a study in January 2005 to analyse the chemical substances present in indoor air following the use of air fresheners (including incense, natural products, scented candles, gels, aerosols, liquid and electric diffusers. The BEUC study found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in these products at high levels and concluded that VOCs significantly contributed to indoor air pollution. In particular, the European study detected cancer-causing chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde in some air fresheners. Benzene is known to cause leukemia in humans, and formaldehyde has been linked to cancers of the upper airways. The majority of products also contained allergens (such as limonene). People with allergies to these chemicals could have adverse reactions, including rashes or even asthma attacks, from exposure to air freshener products.

Air fresheners are not a smart solution simply because they cannot substitute for air ventilation. Frankly, the best solution is to open a window to bring fresh air in. You might also use fans to maintain proper air circulation. Air fresheners mask bad odours, yet they very rarely eliminate the cause of them. Clean air may be described as not scent at all.

I suggest that people avoid using air fresheners if possible. When necessary, use products with the lowest levels of phthalates to limit exposure to these toxic chemicals, or use products that are certified by organizations such as Green Seal (USA) and EcoLogo (Canada) as being an environmentally responsible product. EcoLogo It is the only North American standard approved by the Global EcoLabeling Network as meeting the international ISO 14024 Standards for environmental labels.

Please remember this. Until manufacturers are compelled to fully disclose all ingredients on product labels, each and every breath you inhale fumes released by air fresheners. The risk of developing a health problem far outweighs any perceived benefit of using these common household products.

The skin’s rapid expansion results to scars called stretch marks. This is a fact known by many. Although this true, the real culprit for causing stretch marks is the hormones called glucocorticoids. These are secreted by the adrenal glands, which lies on top of the kidneys and the production of this hormone is increased during pregnancy, adolescence, with obesity, weight lifting and Cushing’s disease.

The Real Cause – Cushing’s disease is said to be a result of a tumor in the adrenal gland which causes the gland to excessively produce cortisol, which will cause the person to gain weight and another symptom of this disease is the thinning of the skin. When you look at stretch marks under the microscope, you will see that the layer of the skin called the dermis is thinner than normal. That is why if someone is suffering from Cushing’s disease, the person will also develop stretch marks on the skin. There are actually two types of scars. The newer formed marks are red or purplish in color, while the more matured ones are commonly silver or white stretch marks.

Early Signs – In the early life of a stretch mark, it is often protruding and still reddish. If you have dark skin, you will not clearly see these marks but they are there. Then they turn purplish or bluish after a while and overtime they become flattened white stretch marks streaks because they already have aged. These unsightly marks will not occur if the dermis is strong.

Torn Tissues – The skin tissues will start to break only if collagen and elastin fibers are prevented from forming. If this happens, the dermis no longer has support and will consequently tear once it reaches its breaking limit. Stretch marks are usually seen on the different areas of the body like the buttocks, hips, breasts, abdomen, and thighs. In addition to tearing, the thinning and flattening of the dermis will also make these marks more visible on the skin.

Treatments – Most people know what stretch marks look like but many are not familiar with the variety of treatments that can cure them. There are actually different methods to cure each specific phase of the scar. Laser light treatments are effective in removing newly formed scars. This method works by applying a controlled amount of laser beam on the affected are. This beam will break down scar tissues and once these tissues are gone, healthier skin cells and collagen start to develop in the vacated area.

Topical Cream – Some topical creams can also remove stretch marks but if it is stubborn and aged marks that you want to get rid of, you will need a more potent solution for this. There is one cream available in the market that works and penetrates into the middle layer of the skin and its natural ingredients work together to heal the torn tissues and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion can also help remove stubborn and white stretch marks. This procedure uses tiny particles to sand the skin and slowly remove the scarred or discolored tissue. But the stretch marks will not be removed in just one sitting. You will need to go back for more sessions and the number of times will depend on the severity of your scars. However, the best cure for stretch marks is still prevention.

If you have high blood pressure then you should maintain a log of your blood pressure. A log will help you determine which foods and events help you keep your blood pressure down and which things cause your blood pressure to elevate.

The causes of blood pressure elevation can be different for different people. For example, something that may cause your blood pressure go up won’t have any effect on someone else’s. You might be able to eat certain foods that other people can’t, and vice versa. You need to know what foods you can and can’t eat, so that you can maintain your blood pressure at an optimal level.

When you keep a blood pressure log, you need to write down your daily activities and diet. Of course, this sounds like a lot of work. However, because it’s such a useful tool, take your log with you and write down what you’ve eaten or what you’ve done right after you complete a task or eat a meal, for example.

After a few days of keeping your log, you should be able to see a pattern in your blood pressure. Take note of what makes your blood pressure go up, and what makes it go down. Certain foods and certain activities are likely to have a positive or negative effect on your blood pressure levels, and you’ll be able to see this when you look at your log. This, in turn, can help you make changes that will be beneficial to your blood pressure levels, so he can get rid of the foods and activities that cause your blood pressure to go up (or at least modify/cut down on them), and to increase those activities and foods that are beneficial to your blood pressure levels.

You need to be proactive to maintain a healthy blood pressure. When you keep a log of your blood pressure levels, you’ll find out which foods and activities can help you stay healthy. Of course, your doctor, too, can help you establish a proper diet and lifestyle.

With a log, you’ll be able to learn what causes blood pressure increases, and you can take steps to eliminate or least reduce them in your life. Oftentimes, what you do or eat can have a significant impact on your blood pressure levels, without your knowledge.

You will find that your blood pressure can be easy to maintain by doing the right things for your body. If you are eating unhealthy and have events in your life causing your blood pressure to rise then you will need to change these.

Keeping a personal blood pressure log is an important step in a healthy lifestyle. Your blood pressure log can help you find out things you may be doing yourself that cause your blood pressure to go up. You can also change your lifestyle so that you don’t have to take medications (or least can cut down on them) to maintain a healthy blood pressure. If your blood pressure log is to be successful, though, you have to be diligent about keeping it up, and making entries into it every day.