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Monday, December 5, 2016
Radon
Radon is considered a cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon,
but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that radon
is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you
smoke and your home has high radon levels, you're at high risk for developing
lung cancer. Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children
may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration
rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to
radiation damage.
This substance is naturally occurring and some areas recommend radon testing in the home where radon from the Earth my be emitting. This substance is considered to be highly radioactive and was discovered in the 18th century.
USE: Radon has been used in some spas for presumed medical effects. In addition, radon is used to initiate and influence chemical reactions and as a surface label in the study of surface reactions. It has been obtained by pumping the gases off of a solution of a radium salt, sparking the gas mixture to combine the hydrogen and oxygen, removing the water and carbon dioxide by adsorption, and freezing out the radon.
EXPOSURE: The primary routes of potential human exposure to radon
are inhalation and ingestion. Radon in the ground, groundwater, or building
materials enters working and living spaces and disintegrates into its decay
products. Although high concentrations of radon in groundwater may contribute
to radon exposure through ingestion, the inhalation of radon released from
water is usually more important."
The Environmental Protection Agency states, "Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.
So, how does radon enter the home? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that radon can enter the home through cracks in the foundation or walls in the home, construction joints, gaps in suspended floors and around service pipes, cavities inside the walls, and the water supply. The best method of prevention in reducing the exposure of radon is to seal any cracks within the home, discouraging smoking in, around, or near the home, and circulating air flow by the opening of windows and utilizing fans/vents.
Of hazards found in the home, radon is considered to be less of a concern. To ensure safety of yourself and family, testing for radon is the first step in indicating your exposure. Radon exposure health effects do not occur overnight - instead long term exposure to the radioactive particles will create permanent damage and increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
This substance is naturally occurring and some areas recommend radon testing in the home where radon from the Earth my be emitting. This substance is considered to be highly radioactive and was discovered in the 18th century.
USE: Radon has been used in some spas for presumed medical effects. In addition, radon is used to initiate and influence chemical reactions and as a surface label in the study of surface reactions. It has been obtained by pumping the gases off of a solution of a radium salt, sparking the gas mixture to combine the hydrogen and oxygen, removing the water and carbon dioxide by adsorption, and freezing out the radon.
PRODUCTION: Radon is not produced as a commercial product. Radon
is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and comes from the natural breakdown
(radioactive decay) of uranium. It is usually found in igneous rock and soil,
but in some cases, well water may also be a source of radon.
The Environmental Protection Agency states, "Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.
So, how does radon enter the home? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that radon can enter the home through cracks in the foundation or walls in the home, construction joints, gaps in suspended floors and around service pipes, cavities inside the walls, and the water supply. The best method of prevention in reducing the exposure of radon is to seal any cracks within the home, discouraging smoking in, around, or near the home, and circulating air flow by the opening of windows and utilizing fans/vents.
Of hazards found in the home, radon is considered to be less of a concern. To ensure safety of yourself and family, testing for radon is the first step in indicating your exposure. Radon exposure health effects do not occur overnight - instead long term exposure to the radioactive particles will create permanent damage and increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
Air Pollutants
With the rise in climate change, it is important to understand
what the rise in air pollutants in the atmosphere is doing to our planet. Being
able to recognize which compounds in the air are harmful and what they do to
the environment we live in. Carbon dioxide, methane, and sulfur dioxide are a
few air pollutants that are extremely prominent and harmful in the air.
National Geographic states that carbon dioxide, a greenhouse
gas, is the main pollutant that is warming Earth. Though living things emit
carbon dioxide when they breathe, carbon dioxide is widely considered to be a
pollutant when associated with cars, planes, power plants, and other human
activities that involve the burning of fossil fuels such as gasoline and
natural gas. In the past 150 years, such activities have pumped enough carbon dioxide
into the atmosphere to raise its levels higher than they have been for hundreds
of thousands of years.
Other greenhouse gases include methane—which comes from such
sources as swamps and gas emitted by livestock—and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
which were used in refrigerants and aerosol propellants until they were banned
because of their deteriorating effect on Earth's ozone layer.
Another pollutant associated with climate change is sulfur
dioxide, a component of smog. Sulfur dioxide and closely related chemicals are
known primarily as a cause of acid rain. But they also reflect light when
released in the atmosphere, which keeps sunlight out and causes Earth to cool.
Volcanic eruptions can spew massive amounts of sulfur dioxide into the
atmosphere, sometimes causing cooling that lasts for years. In fact, volcanoes
used to be the main source of atmospheric sulfur dioxide; today people are.
Air pollutants can be defined as either indoor or outdoor air pollutants and are classified as mixture of natural and man-made substances that are within the air we breathe. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences discusses the differences between indoor and outdoor air pollution by stating, that outdoor air pollution involves exposures that take place outside
of the built environment.
Examples include:
Fine particles produced by the burning of fossil fuels (i.e. the
coal and petroleum used in traffic and energy production)
Noxious gases (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide,
chemical vapors, etc.)
Ground-level ozone (a reactive form of oxygen and a primary
component of urban smog)
Tobacco smoke
Indoor air pollution involves exposures to particulates, carbon
oxides, and other pollutants carried by indoor air or dust.
Examples include:
Gases (carbon monoxide, radon, etc.)
Household products and chemicals
Building materials (asbestos, formaldehyde, lead, etc.)
Outdoor indoor allergens (cockroach and mouse dropping, etc.)
Tobacco smoke
Mold and pollen
In some instances, outdoor air pollution can make its way indoors
by way of open windows, doors, ventilation, etc.
Health effects are identifiable from exposure to air pollutants. In places such as China, the air pollution is so bad, smog covers the atmosphere making the air quality extremely poor and dangerous to breathe in. Spare the Air indicates that high pollution problems can cause immediate health problems and long term exposure can have permanent health effects. "High air pollution levels can cause immediate health problems:
Aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory illness
Added stress to heart and lungs, which must work harder to supply
the body with oxygen
Damaged cells in the respiratory system
Long-term exposure to polluted air can have permanent health
effects:
Accelerated aging of the lungs
Loss of lung capacity
Decreased lung function
Development of diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and
possibly cancer
Shortened life span.
Biological Toxins
The University
of Florida Environmental Health & Safety Department states, "Biological toxins are
toxic substances produced by microorganisms, animals, and plants that have the
capability of causing harmful effects when inhaled, ingested, injected or
absorbed. The health effects of exposure
can vary greatly depending on the toxin, the amount, and the route of exposure,
ranging from minor (skin or eye irritation, headache, nausea) to severe
(respiratory distress, muscle weakness, seizures, death).”
Being aware of the handling,
use, and transfer of biological toxins are important in order to protect the
surrounding environment and community. University of Florida
discusses that, “Some biological toxins are classified by the Federal
Government as Select Agents due to their potential to pose a severe threat to
public health and safety. Possession,
use and transfer of these toxins is highly regulated and all select agent
toxins must be registered with the Biosafety Office. Although they must still
be registered by the Biosafety Office, in small quantities these select agent
toxins are exempt from select agent regulations, provided the amount under
control of a principal investigator, treating physician or veterinarian does
not exceed, at any time or in any form. Several
biological toxins are restricted for export by the U.S. Department of Commerce
and require an export license prior to any shipment out of the U.S. The list of toxins subject to export controls
may be found on the Bioagent Export Control List. All export-controlled toxins must be
registered even if the LD50 of the toxin is > 100 µg/kg body weight.”
At Ohio University, the use of biological toxins is used in the
laboratory setting. It is important for the departments who work with these
substances are taking precaution in protecting the environment with proper
sterilization and disposal as well as providing personal protective equipment
for anyone who comes in contact with the substances.
The University of Tennessee states in their Biological Toxins Guidance
that because they can be extremely hazardous, even in
minute quantities, biological toxins require strict safeguards against their
inhalation, absorption through skin or mucous membranes (typically due to a
splash), ingestion, or percutaneous injury. A chemical hygiene plan and MSDS
specific for the toxin must be on hand in the laboratory for inspection.
Key points of the guidelines
are:
Written safety protocols to
cover the use of the specific toxin(s) in use;
Security measures in place
to protect against unauthorized access to toxin(s);
Inventory control system in
place; all entries in a hardbound book, in ink;
Written plan for
toxin-related emergencies (spill, exposure, ) posted; and
BSL-2 or BSL-3 containment
and practices in.
The Medical University of South Carolina states in their risk management policy requirements that must be implemented for all biological toxins used. This states that:
At a minimum, biosafety level 2 containment and safety practices
should be followed.
When working with toxins, a sign stating “Toxin in Use” should be
posted at the lab entrance to provide hazard communication.
Precautions should be followed to contain spills and prevent
aerosols or needle sticks.
Proper decontamination of waste
Toxins must be inactivated before disposal (refer to the MSDS)
The following is a template safety protocol for work involving
biological toxins.
Having a detailed plan of action to reduce the risk of harmful effects from biological toxins is key.
The Liver
Principles and Practices
of Toxicology in Public Health written by Ira S. Richards states that the liver constitutes
about 6% of the body mass and is the largest internal organ in the body. The
vital functions of the liver include: the storage and metabolism of carbohydrates,
storage of vitamin A and D, biosynthesis of glycogen, albumin, globulins,
steroids, blood-clotting factors, and Antiglotesinogen, as well as
biotransformation and excretion of xenobiotics. The liver also includes
functions in fat metabolism, synthesis of bile acids/salts that aid in
digestion of fats, metabolism of hormones, the formation of urea from amino
acids, the degredation of hemoglobin (billrubin) and route of elimination for
bile pigments, and hemoglobin metabolites, transport and storage of lipids,
metals such as iron, copper, zinc, and cadmium, and finally phagocytosis of
microorganisms and other foreign bodies.
The liver is also known
as the most vulnerable target for toxicity from orally ingested chemicals. It
is the first organ exposed to ingested chemicals following absorption due to
its portal blood supply and its high content of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes
which may increase the toxicity for certain chemicals. It is the primary organ
for biotransformation reactions, the primary goal of which is the metabolic
conversion of a xenobiotic from a readily absorbed lipophillic form to an
easily excreted hydrophillic form.
The basic structure of the liver is a specialized arrangement of
cells into functional units called acini or lobules. The blood supply to the
liver is mixed and it receives abut 80% venous blood and 20% arterial blood
with a blood volume between 10% and 15% at any given time. Blood enters the
lobules through branches of the portal vein and hepatic artery and then flows
through small channels called sinusoids that are lined with primary liver cell
type, the hepatocytes. The space between the sinusoids and the hepatocytes is
called the space of Disse.
Alcohol and the Liver
The American Liver Foundation states that alcohol
can damage or destroy liver cells. The liver breaks down alcohol so it can be
removed from your body. Your liver can become injured or seriously damaged if
you drink more alcohol than it can process. Many heavy drinkers will progress
from fatty liver disease to alcoholic hepatitis to alcoholic cirrhosis over
time. However, some heavy drinkers may develop cirrhosis without first having
alcoholic hepatitis first. Others may have alcoholic hepatitis but never have
symptoms. Additionally, alcohol consumption may worsen liver injury caused by
non-alcoholic liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis C. Since an individual's
susceptibility to the toxic effects of alcohol may vary by many factors
including age, gender, genetics and coexistent medical conditions, it is responsible
for you to review alcohol use with your physician.
The National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shares that heavy drinking takes a toll on the
liver, and can lead to a variety of problems and liver inflammations including:
Steatosis, or fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
The liver plays in important role in bodily functions and excessive consumption of alcohol has the ability to permanently damage the liver which impacts the vital functions conducted that are needed in our daily lives.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Dermal Absorption
One organ that we often forget that has the ability to absorb chemicals and toxins is through
our skin. The skin in the largest organ in the body and when we
think of routes of exposure and absorption, it is through either ingestion or
inhalation. Through dermal absorption, chemicals can travel
through the different layers of skin which can cause irreversible damage. Principles
and Practices of Toxicology in Public Health written by Ira S.
Richards discusses the properties of skin, including its purpose, structure,
absorption, and toxicity.
The Purpose and Structure of the Heaviest Organ in the Body: Skin
Ira S. Richards
describes the properties of the skin, including its purpose, structure,
absorption, and toxicity. Skin is defined as a physical protection from
environmental agents and has hydroregulation ability through both passive and
active mechanisms. Thermoregulation is utilized in place to maintain core body
temperature, chemical synthesis of vitamin D, and the sensory reception of
pain, temperature, touch, and pressure are recognized with this organ. This is
not a passive structural barrier, meaning that it participates actively in a
variety of defense strategies designed to prevent widespread internal or cutaneous
damage. From a toxilogical viewpoint, the skin is a major concern because of
its route of exposure for systemic toxicants, direct exposure or toxicity,
Xenobiotic metabolizing organ, and a minor pathway for the elimination of
certain toxicants. The skin can be divided into three basic regions known as
the epidermis, dermis, and hydrodermis.
Skin Absorption of Chemicals
Absorption
through the skin occurs when the chemical moves fro the epidermis layer into
the dermis of the skin. This movement occurs by passive diffusion and is called
percutaneous absorption. The major barrier of the method of absorption is the
stratum corneum. Conditions that alter the structural integrity of the skin
such as lacerations or abrasions can enhance the absorption of xenobiotics. The
rate of penetration is largely related to the lipophilicity of the chemical;
the more lipophillic a chemical is, the greater its rate of penetration.
Factors affecting skin absorption according to Nursing 411 include the permeability of the skin, degree
of skin hydration, contact time, degree of friction, skin temperature, and
epidermal damage.
Skin Toxicity
Ira S. Richards
discusses that there are a number of effects certain chemicals can have on the
skin. Hands wrists, and forearms are the most common sites of occupational
contact dermatitis. Factors that affect the development of skin reactions to
chemical exposures include: preexisting skin conditions, allergies, age, work
experience, temperature, humidity, and the seasons. The Extension
Toxicology Network states, that during
mixing, loading and application of pesticides, the skin is the most likely body
surface to come into contact with the product. Many pesticides can be absorbed
through the skin into the blood, and can cause toxic effects. The amount of
pesticide absorbed through the skin (percutaneous absorption) may be enough to
produce severe toxic reactions including death. In addition, pesticides can
also injure the skin directly, a process known as cutaneous toxicity. Skin
irritation and skin rashes produced by irritating chemical substances are a
very noticeable type of chemical toxicity. Skin infections by fungi (ringworm,
athlete's foot, etc.), bacteria, or parasites are also very common medical
problems and often have the same symptoms as skin irritation caused by chemical
exposure.
Cancer
Cancer in recent
decades, has become such a common diagnosis. With rates of cancer in various
areas of the body on the rise for both male and females, it is important to
recognize what cancer is, how it is damaging to the body, what causes it, how
the three stages of chemical carcinogenesis work, and what you can do to
minimize the risk of developing it.
What is Cancer?
Principles and Practices
of Toxicology in Public Health written by Ira S. Richards states that cancer is a common
collection of diseases that share common aspects of cellular pathophysiology
that includes a lack of growth restraints and cell proliferation. When cells in
the body lose growth control mechanisms, chaos occurs, creating abnormal
physiology, biochemistry, behavior, and other patterns of growth associated
with changes in normal physiology. Hyperplastic growth is very common in the
occurrence of cancer. This type of growth occurs when more cells than normal
are present in tissues, pregnancy induces hormone dependent hyperplasia in the
breast, and when gestation and cessation of lactation results in breast tissue
returning to normal. Metaplasia is also a common term discussed with cancer
growth. This is when growths occur without change in mass, possesses the
ability to be result of environmental exposure, and affects the ciliated
columnar epithelia lines airways. Non-ciliated epithelia is a common result of
repeated exposure to cigarette smoke and when cessation from smoking occurs,
the regrowth of cilia often takes place. Neoplastic growth is the most
dangerous form of cancer growth, for it is persistent and progresses.
How is Cancer Damaging
to the Human Body and What are Tumors?
Medical News Today states, that cancer
harms the body when altered cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses
of tissues called tumors (except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits
normal blood function by abnormal cell division in the blood
stream. Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and
circulatory systems, and they can release hormones that alter body function.
Tumors that stay in one spot and demonstrate limited growth are generally
considered to be benign. More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when two
things occur: a cancerous cell manages to move throughout the body using the
blood or lymphatic systems, destroying healthy tissue in a process called
invasion or that cell manages to divide and grow, making new blood vessels to
feed itself in a process called angiogenesis. When a tumor successfully spreads
to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy
tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called
metastasis, and the result is a serious condition that is very difficult to
treat. According to the American Cancer Society, Cancer is the second most
common cause of death in the US and accounts for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths.
The World Health Organisation estimates that, worldwide, there were 14 million
new cancer cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths in 2012 (their most
recent data).
What are the Three Stages of Chemical Carcinogenesis and How do
They Work?
Ira S. Richards
indicates the concept of chemical induced carcinogenesis. This is the
progression of events that lead to tumors. This can occur either by a
single-hit mutation hypothesis leading to malignant neoplasm which is
considered more unlikely to occur versus a multi-hit, which is where multiple
genetic mutations develop spontaneously or as an inherited defect. There are
three stages of chemical carcinogesis which include: initiation, promotion, and
progression.
The initiation stage
consists of genotoxic event that leads to DNA mutations that increases risk for
tumor formation. The carcinogen and DNA in the phase must be in portion of the
genome that is involved with regulating cell growth and differentiation.
Interaction between carcinogenic and inactivation of tumor suppression gene or
the activation of proto-oncogenes "initiates" this process. This
requires mutagenic event escape detection and DNA repair becomes
"fixed". The "fixed" cells do not have autonomy and appear
to be normal while the genotype is different and the phenotype is identical.
Next, the promotion
stage is where the end point in neoplasm occurs. This stage moves initiated
cells further along the transformation process and the exposure of initiated
cells to chemicals that stimulate proliferation result in the production of
clone proliferation cells within the tissue.
Finally, the progression
stage is where malignant tumors begin. This stage has a high growth rate and
invasions into the surrounding tissue occur. The cells then migrate from clone
and gain entry into the blood/lymph and metastases. The progression to a state
of malignant is considered to be irreversible.
How Can You Minimize Your Risk of Developing Cancer?
While cancer may be
genetically induced, there are ways to minimize the risk of developing cancer.
Taking precautions in behavioral aspects are one way to do so. Avoiding
carcinogens, such as UV rays, cigarettes, and alcohol are just a few items that
have the ability to increase the development of diseases such as lung, liver,
and kidney cancer. Although cancer isn't avoidable completely, the Mayo Clinic states, " Regular self-exams and screenings for various
types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, cervix and breast — can
increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most
likely to be successful.”
Epigenetics
What is Epigenetics?
Live Science also states
epigenetics as the turning "on" and "on top of" genetics.
It refers to the external modifications to DNA that affect how cells
"read" genes and they alter the physical structure of DNA. One
example of a change involving epigenetics is DNA methylation, which is the
addition of a methyl group, or a "chemical cap", to the part of the
DNA molecule, which prevents genes from being expressed.
How has Epigenetics Changed Our Current Understanding of Genetics?
Science Daily reports
that, Increasingly, biologists are finding that non-genetic variation
acquired during the life of an organism can sometimes be passed on to offspring
- a phenomenon known as epigenetic inheritance. An article forthcoming in the
July issue of The Quarterly Review of Biology lists over 100
well-documented cases of epigenetic inheritance between generations of
organisms, and suggests that non-DNA inheritance happens much more often than
scientists previously thought. Biologists have suspected for years that some
kind of epigenetic inheritance occurs at the cellular level. The different
kinds of cells in our bodies provide an example. Skin cells and brain cells
have different forms and functions, despite having exactly the same DNA. There
must be mechanisms—other than DNA—that make sure skin cells stay skin cells
when they divide. Only recently, however, have researchers begun to find
molecular evidence of non-DNA inheritance between organisms as well as between
cells.
Why
Does Epigenetics Matter?
Epigenetics
is important in the understanding of how lifestyle and behavioral aspects
impact cell states in organisms. This impacts our understanding of genetics
tremendously with the noted factors that can alter DNA of the cell and tells us
what types of external impacts can impact future generations. Let's
Get Healthy states, "Previously, we thought that the
way that our DNA and genes acted was determined by what we got from our
parents. Genes are sections of DNA that perform a certain function and we get
two copies of each gene – one from mom, one from dad. Epigenetics research has
shown that some CHOICES that we make can impact how our genes behave. This
happens because some actions can produce or change the epigenetic markings on
DNA that can turn the activity of certain genes up or down.”
How Old is the Science?
John Hopkins Medicine shares that in the early 1940s, Dr.
Waddington, an embryologist, put forth a radical idea for its era. Most
embryologists did not believe genes were important in human development;
rather, they contended that genes played a minor role, controlling
inconsequential details like eye color. Dr. Waddington disagreed and introduced
the concept of genes and their regulation via an epigenetic landscape, as
controlling cell fate and how cells become specialized. The epigenetic
landscape that Dr. Waddington first referred to more than a half century ago is
just now beginning to be understood, particularly how it applies to cancer. Epigenetics is a fairly new discovery in the understanding of alteration of cell states in unicellular organisms and has had a major impact in the field of genetics.
Fluoride
More recently than not, fluoride has become such a hot topic in
the media for its use in our public water systems and the effects it has on the
human body. Understanding what fluoride is, the history of its use throughout
the world and locally, its effects on the brain and organs in the body, and its
benefits are important aspects for anyone who encounters this substance to consider.
What is Fluoride?
The Center for
Disease Control and Prevention states that fluoride is a mineral that
occurs naturally within the Earth and is release from rocks in the soil, water
and air. Most, but not all water naturally contains fluoride, but it is usually
not enough to prevent tooth decay.
Where Does Fluoride Come From?
The primary source of
fluoride intake include drinking water in areas where water fluoridation
occurs. The decision to include fluoride in water systems are made at either
the state or local level. Ingestion of fluoride through the use and swallowing
of toothpaste is common in young children. Beverages and food processed with
fluorinated water, dietary supplements and prescriptions, and professional
dental products are also ways to ingest this mineral.
Why is Fluoride Added to Water and Toothpaste?
The use of fluoride in
the mouth (in saliva and dental plaque) is an effective way to prevent tooth
decay. This is beneficial in both children and adults throughout their entire
lives. The health benefits of fluoride are fewer and less severe cavities, less
need for fillings and tooth extractions, and less pain and suffering associated
with tooth decay.
How Does Fluoride Work to Prevent Tooth Decay?
This mineral works to
prevent tooth decay by keeping the enamel strong, solid, and helps remineralize
tooth surfaces and prevents cavities from forming. When a person consumes sugar
or other refined carbohydrates, these bacteria produce acid that removes
minerals from the surface of the tooth. Fluoride is a
preventative method in minimizing health risks concerning the mouth.
History of Fluoride Use Around the World
The
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states, that almost 30 years after the conclusion of the Grand Rapids fluoridation
continues to be dental science's main weapon in the battle against tooth decay.
Today, just about every toothpaste on the market contains fluoride as its
active ingredient, water fluoridation projects currently benefit over 200
million Americans, and 13 million schoolchildren now participate in
school-based fluoride mouth rinse programs.
History of Fluoride Use in Ohio
The
Ohio Department of Health discusses that the state leaders recognized
the benefits of fluoride back in 1969 and passed a fluoridation law requiring
community water systems that serve over 5,000 persons to fluoridate, In Ohio,
92 percent of Ohioans use water systems treated with fluoride. The Center for Disease
Control and Prevention recognizes fluoridation as one of the ten
single greatest achievements in public health of the 20th century.
How Does Fluoride Affect the Brain?
The Fluoride Action Network
states, that fluoride’s ability to damage the brain is one of the most active
areas of fluoride research today. Over 300 studies have found that fluoride is
a neurotoxin (a chemical that can damage the brain). This research includes:
Over 100 animal studies
showing that prolonged exposure to varying levels of fluoride can damage the
brain, particularly when coupled with an iodine deficiency, or aluminum excess;
50 human studies linking
moderately high fluoride exposures with reduced intelligence;
45 animal studies
reporting that mice or rats ingesting fluoride have an impaired capacity to
learn and/or remember;
12 studies (7 human, 5
animal) linking fluoride with neurobehavioral deficits (e.g., impaired
visual-spatial organization);
3 human studies linking
fluoride exposure with impaired fetal brain development.
How Does Fluoride Affect the Body?
According to Mercola, studies have shown that fluoride toxicity can lead to a variety of health problems including: increased lead absorption, disruption in the synthesis of collagen, hyperactivity and/or lethargy, muscle disorders, thyroid disease, arthritis, dementia, bone fractures, lowered thyroid function, bone cancer (osteosarcoma), inactivates 62 enzymes and inhibits more than 100, inhibited formation of antibodies genetic damage and cell death, increased tumor and cancer rate, disrupted immune system, and damaged sperm and increased fertility.
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