Archive for the ‘Environmental’ Category

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, including heart attacks. It is, therefore, no surprise that the CDC reported this week that hospitalizations for heart attacks in Pueblo, Colorado have sustained a 3-year decrease after the city implemented a law making public and work places smoke-free. Multiple studies have shown similar rapid and dramatic decreases within one year after the implementation of smoke-free laws. However, this was the first study to show that the benefits continue years after the initial drop.

Read more and share your opinion.

A new report from the Environmental Working Group, a public health watchdog organization, says that in the 10 brands of bottled water they tested contaminant levels in some samples exceeded industry and state standards. The group is concerned that fertilizer residue, disinfection byproducts, and even pain medication is leaching into our sources for bottled water. The group advocates drinking tap water over bottled water because tap water suppliers must provide information to consumers regarding contaminants, filtration techniques, and source water, whereas bottled water companies do not. EWG says, “Consumers should drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water. Americans pay an average of two-tenths of a cent per gallon to drink water from the tap. A carbon filter at the tap or in a pitcher costs a manageable $0.31 per gallon (12 times lower than the typical cost of bottled water), and removes many of the contaminants found in public tap water supplies.” Full story.

Read Report. Share your opinion.

A European study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that eating oily fish reduces the risk of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the major cause of blindness and poor vision in adults in Western countries. Those who consistently ate oily fish at least once a week are 50% less likely to have wet AMD. The common nutrient that are found in oily fish are the omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers emphasize that they are not endorsing omega-3 supplements since this study only investigated consumption of dietary fish. Full story.

Did you know that manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients used in laundry products and air fresheners sold in the US? A new study from the University of Washington analyzed the chemical contents of top-selling detergents and air fresheners and found staggering amounts of toxic and volatile compounds which were not listed on any of the product labels. For example, one popular plug-in air freshener contained more than 20 unlisted volatile organic compounds, seven of which are regulated as toxic or hazardous under US laws. “Fragrance chemicals are of particular interest because of the potential for involuntary exposure,” said study leader Anne Steinemann, a UW professor of civil and environmental engineering. Her previous studies have showed that 20% of the population reported adverse health effects from air fresheners, and 10% complained of adverse effects from laundry product scents vented to the outdoors. These complaints doubled among people with asthma. Professor Steinemann hopes her research will raise public awareness and reduce exposures to potentially hazardous chemicals. In the meantime she recommends the use of scent-free consumer products. Full story.

An interesting result was presented at this year’s American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions in June: children with type I diabetes are more likely to be born in the spring. The study followed more than 10,000 US children born between 1982 and 2003 and noted that in 85% of children who developed type 1 diabetes, there was a seasonal pattern in birth month that peaks in the spring and drops in the fall. Dr. Henry S. Kahn of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is not yet known why there are seasonal differences, but it could related to exposure to infectious agents, mother’s diet, or even exposure to solar radiation. Some reports from Europe and the Southern Hemisphere have found similar patterns, however, some have not. Understanding the nature of this connection could lead to preventative measures. Full story.

If global warming has its way, the incidence of kidney stones may begin to escalate, according to a new study. Kidney stone incidence is actually higher in warmer parts of the US, especially in the southeast, presumably due to higher rates of dehydration. This phenomenon can be observed in people who move from mild to hot climates, as seen in military deployments to the Middle East. Why does this occur? Kidney stones form from minerals dissolved in urine. When dehydration occurs, lower urine volume leads to greater concentrations of these minerals and increases the risk of stone formation. Full story.