http://www.oregonlive.com/living/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/living/121909290381270.xml&coll=7&thispage=1
 
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
CARRIE NUGENT
The Oregonian Staff
Dish soap. Conveyor belts. Toothpaste. Socks. Deodorant. Latex paint.

You can buy “antibacterial” versions of plenty of products, all imbued with triclosan, the chemical that provides the bacteria-killing muscle. Classified as a pesticide, triclosan kills good and bad bacteria indiscriminately. That’s just one of several concerns and controversies surrounding the man-made chemical:

It lingers in the environment.

Shoppers might not know when they’ve bought antibacterial products because it’s not always clear what is or isn’t.

What does it mean that it’s in so many household products?

Studies show that for household needs, regular soap and water fight bacteria just fine, so why use it?

Manufacturers maintain it is innocuous — unless you are bacteria. Opponents worry about its health effects and that widespread use will breed resistant bacteria.

Triclosan, initially intended for medical settings, isn’t the only antibacterial chemical — its cousin, triclocarban, also is used sometimes. Of course, not all products have these chemicals added.

To help shoppers choose more wisely, we sort out what’s known.

CLAIM: Antibacterial soaps get things cleaner

The concentrations of triclosan in soaps have not been found to be any more effective than plain soap and water.

A study comparing households with and without triclosan products found no difference in cleanliness. Killing all bacteria, as triclosan does, can harm health. It kills not only the “bad” bacteria that can make us sick — such as E. coli — but also the harmless or even helpful bacteria hanging around our body that we need.

“Washing with soap and water is probably better than putting something on you that is over the long term inhibiting bacteria growth,” says Fred Berman, director of the Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxics at Oregon Health & Science University.

“To go beyond that, in a way, is overkill. We don’t know for sure whether the use of something like triclosan is ultimately harmful.” Bottom line: Plain soap and water is all you need to keep your hands and dishes clean. Check “active ingredients” on the back label to see if soap contains triclosan.

CLAIM: It does no harm

Triclosan attacks bacteria differently than alcohol or soap and water. Some scientists are concerned that casual use of the chemical could breed triclosan-resistant bacteria, robbing people with weak immune systems of an important protection.

Laboratory cultures of E. coli bacteria can develop resistance to triclosan-treated soaps. Many strains of E. coli are harmless, but a few can cause severe food poisoning, such as the strains behind several meat and vegetable recalls this summer.

Other bacteria, studies show, aren’t as adaptable, but some scientists think that in time, triclosan-resistant strains of all kinds of bacteria will emerge. Bottom line: Limit triclosan to medical settings to prolong its effectiveness.

CLAIM: Triclosan keeps kids healthier

Many advertisements target parents, showing mothers wiping pools of chicken juice on counters or adorable toddlers sneezing on toys.

Several commercials have been downright misleading. (The Environmental Protection Agency forced Microban in 2004 to back off its marketing claims.) According to Dale Kemery of the EPA, the agency regulates triclosan as a bacteriostat — it stops bacteria from reproducing but does not kill them. Any further implication, such as that a treated plastic toy will keep your kid from catching his buddy’s strep throat, go beyond what triclosan has been proved to accomplish.

Besides, some bacteria build healthier immune systems. A widely cited study shows that in a rural community, children who grew up on farms had fewer allergies than those who did not. The hypothesis is that immune systems need a certain level of bacteria to develop. Bottom line: “I think there is something to the argument that we are trying to be too sanitary,” OHSU’s Berman says. “I’m not aware, in the literature or anywhere, of children having increased illness because they are playing with toys. And if parents are concerned — they can just wash the toys in mild soapy water occasionally.”

CLAIM: It’s rigorously tested

Two government agencies regulate triclosan — the Food and Drug Administration for products like soap and toothpaste, the EPA for products like mattresses and plastic toys.

The EPA is reviewing triclosan, along with other chemicals under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, to ensure that they meet standards. To read the preliminary assessment online: epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/triclosan_fs.htm

Like with many government reports, not everyone was pleased with the results. The assessment states, “There are no food-use tolerances for triclosan. Therefore, a formal Food Quality Protection Act analysis is not needed for this chemical.”

Some see that as a problem because triclosan is often in dishwashing soap. And unlike conventional soap, triclosan does not easily rinse away — the molecule’s slow solubility allows it to stick around — on your plates, on your silverware and on your hands. That’s why some people want the EPA to evaluate triclosan and food-use tolerance. The EPA did evaluate the risk of it entering food that touches countertops, cutting boards and the like, and said: “All results are below level of concern.”

Products marketed as dishwashing liquid are labeled “antibacterial hand soap” if they include triclosan, says Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides, based in Washington, D.C. That allows triclosan products an easier path to federal approval.

“Many people wash their fruits and vegetables with this soap, not giving it a second thought that this product contains this extra chemical, that in this case has not been evaluated to use on food,” Feldman says. Bottom line: The EPA’s final decision on triclosan is scheduled for September.

CLAIM: It disappears down the drain

Wastewater treatment removes triclosan in varying efficiencies, between 53 and 99 percent, according to the EPA. What’s left ends up in the environment, generally sticking to sediment.

It’s found at low levels in streams throughout the world as well as in our own backyard, including Fanno Creek, the Columbia Slough and the Tualatin River. It’s not clear how or whether plants and animals are affected by constant low levels. However, the EPA’s preliminary assessment concludes, “Triclosan is highly toxic to freshwater invertebrates.”

Other troubling findings: University of Minnesota researchers have shown sunlight can convert triclosan to a toxin. Scientists at Virginia Tech discovered that triclosan mixed with chlorinated tap water — like what happens when you wash dishes or shower — can form chloroform, a carcinogen.

Triclosan’s chemical structure resembles the thyroid hormone. A study at the University of Victoria in Canada showed triclosan affected tadpole development, though a later study, funded by triclosan manufacturer Ciba, indicates that low levels do not affect tadpoles.

Triclosan can be absorbed through skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found widespread exposure in the United States. One study found it in some human breast milk. Bottom line: Triclosan is in the environment and our bodies — and scientists aren’t sure of the consequences.

To kill bacteria without triclosan:

Ordinary soap and water

Diluted solution of bleach and water

Alcohol

Hydrogen peroxide

Products with triclosan

Not everything has triclosan. Check “active ingredients” on the back label of items including soaps, toothpaste and deodorant, which must list it.

Some, but not all, Microban products contain triclosan. However, unlike FDA-regulated products like dish soap, manufacturers are not required to list triclosan as an ingredient.

The list of products is from an EPA report on triclosan. Not all brands and versions of these items contain triclosan: plastic toys, floors, brooms, caulking compounds, latex paints, shower curtains, tents, mattresses, toothbrushes, toilet bowls, garbage cans, insulation, air filter materials, upholstery fabrics, rugs/carpets, conveyor belts and ice-making equipment.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/30/health 

Worship is generally not a life-threatening pursuit. But devotees across Asia could be taking their life into their hands every time they go to a temple to pray, according to a study by a Thai doctor.

Burning joss sticks lit as an offering in shrines and temples fill the air with cancer-causing toxins that are every bit as deadly as traffic fumes and cigarette smoke, says Dr Manoon Leechawengwong.

Dr Manoon, who has just completed a two-year study of temple workers tasked with clearing the smouldering sticks, found the cocktail of chemicals in the smoke put them at risk of leukaemia, lung, blood and bladder cancers.

“One joss stick creates the same amount of cancer-causing chemicals at one cigarette,” said Dr Manoon, who led the research. “I knew there would be some carcinogens, but I was surprised by the levels.”

Joss sticks are a type of incense used in worship in many Asian countries. In Buddhism they are believed to aid spiritual communication and serve as an offering.

Dr Manoon’s study was conducted among 40 workers in three temples at Ayutthaya, Chachoengsao and Samut Prakan, sites chosen deliberately far from Bangkok’s traffic pollution. The findings were compared with another 25 people living in a joss-stick free environment.

Temple workers were exposed to high levels of benzene, also known as petroleum ether, related to leukaemia; butadiene involved in blood cancer; and benzo[a]pyrene that can cause lung, bladder and skin cancers.

The level of benzene in the temple workers was four times higher than normal, butadiene was 260 times higher, and benzo[a]pyrene - the most dangerous carcinogen - 63 times greater.

Analysis of the temple workers blood and urine samples discovered damage to their DNA, with a correspondingly lower capacity of their bodies to repair that damage.

“We know from our study that there’s DNA damage,” said Dr Manoon. “But what we don’t know is if they will develop cancer. Certainly they have a greater risk. It’s like smoking. Not all smokers get cancer, it’s about 20% .”

But Dr Manoon urges worshippers to reduce the risks by extinguishing the scented joss stick immediately after use, rather than leaving it standing pots of sand as it burns down. Manufacturers could also produce sticks that burn for a minute or less.

“It’s not necessary as part of the ritual for these traditional joss sticks to burn down,” he said. “By putting them out after a minute or so the air pollution would be cut by 30 to 40 times.”

Frank Parsons, of Alternative Health Sciences, said yesterday that in a world-first he had established a link between autism and levels of toxicity in the child’s mother.

Mr Parsons said the toxicity could be unusually high levels of lead, mercury or antimony, but in six of the past eight cases he had treated the mother had a high level of bismuth in her system.

Bismuth is often found in lipsticks or face make-up, Mr Parsons said, but it was also notably found in some medications designed to relieve morning sickness.

The Newtown scientist said that with autism rates in the region of one in 200 births these days, women needed to have tests at least 12 months before becoming pregnant to allow their bodies to be rid of toxins.

“That’s an enormous frequency rate, and just imagine if you and your wife had an autistic child how much it is going to impinge on your life,’’ Mr Parsons said. “It’s now my opinion that the danger of bismuth is grossly underestimated.’’

Mr Parsons uses hair tissue analysis to determine the presence of chemicals in the body. The sample can also be taken from breast milk, ear excretions, urine and affected skin.

“I only use the conventional pathology stream to do cross referencing so that I can find out if conventional pathology is providing the answer,’’ Mr Parsons said.

“Many women will tell you they are told they have got certain symptoms that suggests a down-regulated thyroid and they will take the conventional test.

“However, if I test them I will be looking at the substances that can down-regulate the thyroid, not just the thyroid hormone, so I can predict why a person has a thyroid problem and offer them nutrition and it will correct.’’

His treatment comprises a high density diet, which contains minerals. “The appropriate nutritional supplementation allows the body to excrete the hidden deposits of toxic elements which interfere with metabolism,’’ he said.

Asked what the more traditional medicos thought of his methods, Mr Parsons said a significant number of doctors had referred patients to him.

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/01/20/10639_news.html

Scent allergy limits lives

Nebraskan women ‘overjoyed’ with campus attention to scent allergy

By Kenny Sharpe

Dodie Herrmann lives a life unlike most others, constantly worrying that the next time she ventures into a public area could be her last. She shops at a specific time, avoids elevators with strangers, and has watched her husband enjoy quality time with their children, while she sits protected in her home.

Herrmann, who lives in Nebraska, is among an estimated 15 million Americans who suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).

According to Allergy UK, an allergy charity, MCS is a condition whereby the individual suffers from mild to severe hypersensitivity to chemical compounds, often petroleum based, which are found in everything from hand soap, perfumes, and laundry detergent.

The allergy affects individuals differently and entails a wide range of reactions. For Herrmann, these reactions meant migraines, rashes, and an overall sense of ill health into her early teens, which eventually progressed into the seizures and cardiac arrest that she can experience today, if around any offensive smell for an extended period of time.

“I remember in general that my health as a child was not that good,” she said.

“I always noticed that I was more affected by the smell of car exhaust and scented products such as soaps and perfumes, something which I would later learn in life to be an allergy to petroleum-based products.”

Not fully aware at the time what was responsible for this constant sickness, Herrmann decided to live her a healthier, more active lifestyle in her 20s, hoping to rid herself of whatever was ailing her.

While her health kick showed signs of promise, Herrmann says an incident involving an exterminator escalated her condition and shadowed any advancement she had made from eating well and exercising.

“It was one time after we had our house fumigated that things really started to go downhill,” she said.

“From that time on … I noticed that I was actually reacting to fragrances. I would sit in a room with people who had used something with fragrance [and] notice that my arms would go weak, and my legs would no longer be able to carry my weight.”

Herrmann attributes her condition worsening from a minor allergy to a severe allergy to the chemicals in the pesticide used in her home, along with painting a room in her home with an oil-based paint on a separate occasion.

From this her condition progressed from minor reactions such as headache or confusion, to more life-threatening reactions such as seizures or her even her heart stopping.

“To some people it may seem like a nuisance problem, but the problem will escalate in time. I remember just having headaches, but the more people with the allergy are put in contact with [scented products], the faster it will progress, snowball even,” she said.

Herrmann added that from this time on her sensitivity to perfumes, soaps, and detergents also increased, resulting in her having to become more conscious of her surroundings, as she was experiencing an increased number of reactions, more violent than before.

“[My condition] finally got to the point where I would watch my husband take my children to the movie theatre or out to eat at a restaurant, and I would actually have to stay home. This lasted for a period of five or six years, where I was missing out on hanging out with my children,” she said.

Herrmann says it was her realization that she no longer wanted to miss her children’s youth that resulted in her return to public life.

Still susceptible and at risk, Herrmann says that she has certain things she does to limit her exposure to scented products.

“I now shop at certain times, when there is hardly anyone else shopping. I avoid closed, confined spaces with little room, and try to find myself in situations where there are high ceilings … because there is more room for the scented product to diffuse, lessening my chance of a reaction,” she said.

Herrmann contacted the Muse in response to a story regarding Memorial’s scent-free policy [“MUN says there’s no sense in wearing scents” The Muse, Vol. 58, Issue 18].

She was forwarded the story by a moderator of a Yahoo group for people with MCS. Herrmann says she was overjoyed at the fact that people living without the problem were taking the time to acknowledge those who live with it everyday.

She was equally surprised at the steps that Canadian universities and employers have taken to ensure a scent-free environment for those living with MCS within Canada, and not to expect any such progress in the near future from our neighbors down south.

“Here in the States we are so far behind when compared to Canada when it comes to [MCS]. Only within the last six months has there been the implementation of a partial smoking ban in some restaurants and public places, and there was sort of an uproar over that,” she said.

“I thought, ‘My goodness, what would they do if somebody said something about perfume?’ People are very ignorant about topics like that here,” said Herrmann. “People who still put on a fragrance or use heavily perfumed products need to realize that they are going to take away the life of someone little by little.

“The person with MCS may literally lose their life, and will at least have to limit themselves in what they do, affecting and altering normal daily activities.”