There is a new health study linking infertility, still births and birth defects in humans to common chemicals.
"Researchers have found chemicals called perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) might be linked to delays in getting pregnant. PFCs are everywhere -- in Teflon cookware, shampoos, floor wax, food wrapping, carpet treatments and other cleaning products. PFCs are also present in air and water in the form of industrial waste from chemical plants. There are two types. One kind of PFC, called PFOS, increased the odds of infertility anywhere from 70 to 134 percent. Another PFC called PFOA was linked to a 60 to 154 percent increase in the chance of infertility."
95% of all Americans have PFC's in their blood, but here is no exact figure that I was able to find on the percentage or levels of PFC's in the blood of animals and especially domesticated animals and in our pets. However there is disturbing data on the affects of PFC's on rats (see below).
"In 2007, a study at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health linked PFOA to lower birth weights among newborns. Years earlier, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that PFOA 'poses developmental and reproductive risks to humans."
Further, in animal studies PFOA has been associated with:
o "Significant increases in treatment related deaths" in rat offspring at doses that did not affect the mothers
o Serious changes in the weight of various organs, including the brain, prostate, liver, thymus, and kidneys
o The deaths of a significant number of rat pups of mothers that had been exposed to PFOA
o Damage to the pituitary at all doses in female rat offspring (The pituitary secretes hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, and many metabolic processes. Change in pituitary size is associated with toxicity).
PFOA has also been associated with at least four different types of organ tumors in animals, and has been associated with increases in prostate cancer in PFOA plant workers. The EPA has also ruled PFC's as 'likely carcinogens'.
Some of the biggest offenders and producers of PFC's are:
o Carpet and fabric protectors
o Flame retardants
o Packaging for greasy foods
o Stain-proof clothing
o Teflon and other non-stick cookware
o Microwave popcorn bags
And all of the above items affect or are used in products made for or used by our pets, except the microwave popcorn bags.
Because these chemicals are so widespread it is virtually impossible to eliminate them from your home or your pets' environment entirely, but anything you can do will be a positive for yourself, your children and your pets and animals!
In addition, pesticides, mercury, caffeine, soy and soy formula are all on the toxicity list for pregnant and nursing women and newborns. Many of the chemicals that cause fertility issues, still births and birth defects in humans also cause the same results in pets and animals. And perhaps these and additional health hazards are even increased in them as well as in toddlers and small children since the exposure of toddlers, small children, pets and animals is multiplied by the amount of time they all spend on the floor in direct contact with carpets, floor wax and other chemicals like pesticides and cleaning products, plus by their propensity for sticking objects including their own contaminated hands and paws into their mouths.
We live in a toxic world and need to be vigilant for ourselves, our children, our pets and living breathing creatures off all kinds.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น