11

Apr

California Study Finds Toxins in Nail Polish

Reports in a variety of scientific journals demonstrate that nail salon employees suffer from more frequent headaches, respiratory issues, and skin irritation than most Americans.  Furthermore, those working in nail salons are frequently exposed to dangerous chemicals at higher levels than most.

With this in mind, it is disturbing that the Department of Toxic Substances Control is releasing a report, showing that toxic chemicals were found in a number of nail products, claiming to be toxic-free.  ”Toxic-free” refers to products not using the “toxic trio:” formaldahyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate.  Exposure to these three chemicals has been linked to both cancer and birth defects.

According to Thu Quach of the Cancer Prevention Institute of California, nail products are not closely regulated, and the toxic effects of nail products can be compounded if a nail salon is not properly ventilated.  Therefore, some cities have begun to pay attention and implement stricter regulations.  While Boston has approached the issue by requiring salons to obtain health permits, the city of San Francisco has used an incentive approach by recognizing salons that use toxic-free products.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a toxic product, contact us for a complementary consultation.

For more information on toxic nail products, please see the article appearing in today’s Los Angeles Times.

403 days ago Short URL Comments

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29

Mar

Cancer Cluster in Fridley, MN? Erin Brockovich is on the Scene.

Shortly after wrapping up an investigation in upstate New York, Erin Brockovich has traveled to Fridley, Minnesota, where she and her team are now attempting to decipher what might be causing elevated cancer levels in the area.  Current estimates place the incidence of cancer in Fridley at around ten percent higher than other areas in the state.

While heightened occurrences of all types of cancer are cause for concern, epidemiologists are working to trace which types of cancers are appearing more than others.  John Soler, an epidemiologist for the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System, indicated that initial findings revealed higher concentrations of lung cancer, especially in women.  Despite this, Soler noted that final numbers have yet to be crunched.

In the meantime, Bob Bowcock, Brockovich’s associate, is reaching out to Fridley residents on the facebook page, “Fridley Cancer Cluster.”  The page was started by residents and was one of the reasons Fridley caught Brockovitch’s attention.

The page has nearly 1,900 members and is full of stories from locals whose lives have been affected by cancer.

For more on this issue, please visit any of the following sites:

416 days ago Short URL Comments

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21

Mar

More Reasons to Quit Smoking

Just when you thought you had heard every possible reason under the sun to quit smoking, another one emerges.  The latest incentive for kicking your habit comes from an article released today by Reuters.  The article pronounces, not only is smoking bad for you, for your friends and family, for those around you, but it’s a “drag on the world economy.”

The Tobacco Atlas, funded by the American Cancer Society and World Lung Foundation, launched a book, which contains a number of statistics concerning the harm caused by tobacco.  One of the most important figures indicates that smoking costs around 1 to 2 percent of the world’s gross domestic product every year.  Included in these figures are costs such as healthcare expenses for treating tobacco-related illnesses and the costs of tobacco-related absences from work.

Today, there are around 7 billion people on the planet, and approximately one out of every seven smokes.  Each year, approximately 600,000 non-smokers die as a result of second-hand smoke.

Sadly, these staggering statistics don’t seem so staggering after being in the news for so many years.  The World Health Organization is taking action to curtail global tobacco use, and so are nations around the globe.  As of today, 174 countries have signed and ratified the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

While this is certainly a step in the right direction, the Convention lacks any penalties for a State’s failure to comply with Convention provisions.  The United States has signed the treaty, but it has not been ratified.  Therefore, the signature is nothing more than a symbolic gesture; treaties are not binding until they have been ratified.

While frightening statistics about tobacco use and related injuries have become the norm, and while one more article likely won’t cause anyone to to toss their last pack of Marlboros in the trash, it remains important to be reminded every once in a while that kicking the habit can not only save lives, but apparently, it can help our ailing economy.

424 days ago Short URL Comments

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18

Mar

Is Fluoride in Water Dangerous?

Recently, the New Jersey State Legislature introduced a bill, requiring all public water systems to add fluoride to local water supplies.  This bill was proposed in light of the discovery that around two hundred New Jersey municipalities have stopped adding fluoride to water.

 

Fluoride prevents tooth decay and guards against the development of cavities.  According to WebMD, the mineral allows teeth to resist being damaged by bacteria and sugars in the mouth, and it reversed early tooth decay.  In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has hailed the addition of fluoride to local water supplies as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century.

Objections to fluoridation of water have been raised over concerns that fluoride, in addition to preventing tooth decay, also can cause bone weakness if consumed in high doses over many years.

In 1986, the E.P.A. mandated that fluoride levels in water could not exceed 4.0 milligrams per liter.  This regulation was accompanies by a suggestion that levels actually be limited to 2.0 milligrams per liter.  Twenty years later, the National Research Council released a study it was asked by the E.P.A. to conduct.  The study indicated that the 4.0 maximum level should be lowered, though it does not specify by how much.  Today, the E.P.A. is still pondering how to proceed.

It seems that other federal agencies are beginning to take notice of the issue as well. In January 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services recommended that fluoride levels be capped at 0.7 milligrams per liter.

In light of these findings and recommendations, cities throughout the country have begun to explore the issue in greater detail.  While many cities in New Jersey have elected to abandon fluoride in local water, others like Aspen, CO and Shippensburg, PA have elected to continue adding it.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a toxic substance, click here to contact our firm for a complementary consultation.  A member of our staff who specializes in toxic torts will be happy to speak with you.

To learn more about fluoride in water, please see any of the following sources:

427 days ago Short URL Comments

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