by Orlin Sorensen

One of the most common requests we get here at Rebuild Your Vision is for information about PC use and vision. And it's no wonder-almost all of us use a computer at least once in a while, and many of us sit in front of the magic box all day! In fact, the University of Iowa's Christine Sindt, O.D., estimates that Computer Vision Syndrome- or the "complex of eye and vision problems related to near work that are experienced during or related to computer use" as the American Optometric Association defines CVS – affects 75% of the people who work on computers, most markedly those over the age of 40.

If you've experienced any of the 14 symptoms listed below, you'll want to read on for information on how to combat CVS.

The American Optometric Association's 14 Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome

1. tired eyes
2. eyestrain
3. sore eyes
4. periodic blurred near vision
5. occasional blurred distance vision
6. headaches
7. dry eyes
8. slowness in changing the focus of your eyes
9. red eyes
10. burning eyes
11. contact lens discomfort
12. changes in color perception
13. glare sensitivity
14. excessive tearing

Obviously, the easiest way to prevent CVS is to stop using the computer! But, as that is simply not an option for the millions of us (including this writer) who make a living performing computer-related tasks, here are 5 tips to help you monitor your natural monitors: your eyes.

1. Make sure your workstation, whether on the job or at home, is set up ergonomically

"Ergonomics" is just a fancy way of saying "Being kind to your body." But as we know, being good to your body every day will benefit you in the long run. Repositioning your monitor is an easy and effective way to avoid awkward head or eye movements. As Dr. Ergo (aka Dr. James Sheedy) notes on his Web site, "Because the eyes lead the body, your body will assume whatever position is required to enable your eyes to see comfortably. A poorly located computer screen causes awkward body positions." He notes that a viewing distance of 20-28 inches is most common.

He also says that the center of the computer screen should be 4-
9 inches below your eyes, because your eyes work best with a slight downward gaze. Your computer screen and other work (and your phone, if that's part of your office) should be located straight in front of you so that you don't have to look sideways or twist your body or neck to see them.

2. Eliminate glare in your work area

Glare is an all-too-common cause of eyestrain and eye fatigue. Modifying your office lighting will eliminate glare and harsh reflections. First, find the source of the glare: Is it coming from a window, task light, or the screen itself (see #3 below)?

If possible, remove the offending source of light. Adjust blinds or curtains to minimize sunlight. Turn down overhead lights so that the brightness of the screen and the surrounding room are balanced. Do not, however, work in the dark: the contrast between computer-generated light and lack of background light strains the eyes. Task lights should be positioned to provide direct light for reading and other office work, but should not shine directly on the computer or in your eyes. You may need to use a low-wattage bulb.

You may also need to move your desk so that bright overhead lights or windows are not in your field of view. The best position for your desk is directly to the side of a window/overhead light. That way you can still enjoy some natural light without glare (caused by brightness in front of your field of vision) or reflections (caused by brightness behind you).

Another option is to use a monitor glare hood, or better yet, a screen. Look for anti-reflection screens that have been approved by the American Optometric Association.

3. Adjust your screen

Dr. Ergo notes, "Optimal contrast and visibility are attained with black characters on a white background. However, other combinations can be comfortable so long as the brightness contrast between the characters and the background is high. It is best to avoid dark backgrounds."

You can also adjust your brightness/contrast controls, and use a larger text size, as display legibility is an important factor in visual performance. For most, the size of the text should be three times the size of the smallest text you can read.

An article on "Flat-Panel Monitors Versus CRTs" in the magazine PC World says that "flat panel (LCD) displays have visual advantages compared to cathode ray tube (CRT) displays. They do not flicker and the contrast is typically higher." And because CRTs deteriorate gradually over time, you may not even realize that the picture you are looking at today is not the same one you were looking at five years ago when you bought the monitor-although this deterioration may be causing your CVS symptoms. Consider an upgrade.

4. Take a break

It's easy to lose track of time at the computer. Always remember the 10-10-10 rule and at the very minimum take a break at least once an hour for about 10 minutes and blink frequently — video display use is associated with a decreased frequency of blinking. (And a computer break is a perfect excuse to perform your Vision for Life eye exercises.) Computer use can also cause an increased rate of tear evaporation.

5. Stay healthy

Although you can relieve dry, itchy eyes with artificial tears from the drugstore or supermarket, it's best not to rely on them. A better way to prevent dryness is to stay hydrated with good old-fashioned H2O. Of course, eating your beta-carotine-rich foods is always good for maintaining eye health, and a Japanese study suggests that supplementation with the amino acid taurine appears to alleviate vision fatigue. Contact lens wearers may want to switch to glasses during PC work, as contact lenses themselves can cause dry eyes.

2 large organic Apples
1 stalk organic Celery
1/3 cup unsweetened Coconut
1/4 cup organic Raisins
1/8 cup Walnuts (Preferable soaked overnight)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground Flax Seed
1 cup distilled Water

Core and cut apples, chop celery and place in a blender. Add water, then remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. ENJOY!

*Scientists warn of Harmful Ingredients In our Shampoos and Cosmetics.

By David Lowell Kern

New health concerns are being raised over some common ingredients in hair shampoos, skin creams, toothpastes, and other personal care products. According to researchers in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan, these ingredients may be linked to premature baldness, cataract formation, environmental cancers, contact dermatitis, and possible eye damage in young children.

SLS and Eye Damage in Young Children

The greatest concern of many scientists is sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent found in approximately 90% of commercial shampoos. Also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), this chemical has been shown to damage protein formation in eye tissue in young animals, raising serious concerns about the possibility of ocular tissue malformation and blindness in infants and young children. In animal studies, SLS penetration and uptake is much greater in neonatal and young animal eye tissue, compared to adult animals, and shows "penetration into the eye, as well as systemic tissues (brain, heart, liver, etc.)." SLS also showed long-term retention in tissues, up to five days after a single drop (1).Researcher Keith Green, Ph.D., ID. Sc., of the Medical College of Georgia, also reports that SLS extends the healing time of corneal tissue by a factor of five, from the normal 2 days to 10 days or more. He also expresses concerns about cataract formation from SLS. Writing for Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., Dr. Green states in part: "There is an immediate concern relating to the penetration of these chemicals into the eye and other tissues. This is especially important in infants… exposure to SLS results in accumulation in eye tissues, a process that could retard healing as well as potentially have long term effects." Dr. Green concludes that exposure to sodium lauryl sulfate causes improper eye development in children, and that since SLS is absorbed systemically through the skin, it does not have to enter the eye directly.

Our own research has revealed that SLS is present as a main ingredient in most commercial shampoos. Furthermore, SLS is a main ingredient in most baby shampoos on the store shelves.

SLS Toxicity and Cancer

Another serious health concern with SLS is its tendency to react with other ingredients to form NDELA, a nitrosamine and potent carcinogen. According to a 1978 FDA report, shampooing the hair with a product contaminated with this nitrosamine can lead to its absorption into the body at levels much higher than eating nitrate-contaminated foods. (Researchers actually estimate the nitrate absorption from one shampoo is equal to eating a pound of bacon.) The FDA has recently warned shampoo manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in products containing SLES(dioxins are also dangerous carciniogenic compounds). Whether or not a particular bottle of shampoo is contaminated with these powerful carcinogenic compounds can only be determined through laboratory testing.

Damage to Your Skin

Researchers have known for years that SLS is a skin irritant. In fact, SLS is used as a laboratory standard for irritating skin and inducing contact dermatitis (2,3,4). SLS is useful in laboratory testing "because of its ability to penetrate and impair the skin barrier" (5). SLS damages skin barrier function,(6) enhances allergic response to other toxins and allergens,(7) damages and alters skin cells,(8) causes substantial roughness in the skin and results in severe modification of skin (9) recombinant structure(10).

SLS is listed as toxic to skin in many studies(11,12,13). In patients with seborrhea and eczema, SLS increases irritant reactions and susceptibility(14) SLS is indicated in the migration of Langerhans cells to regional lymph sites in contact dermatitis, explaining the inflammation of the lymph nodes in some cases. (A systemic response is clearly indicated.) Researchers have also reported that fair skin is more susceptible to SLS irritation, as is skin with existing eczema- even where the eczema is not local to the SLS contact (15).

Toxic Toothpaste

With the volumes of scientific information regarding the toxic, carcinogenic, and other harmful effects of sodium lauryl sulfate presented (we have listed only a fraction here), it should be clear that this chemical does not belong on the skin. Unfortunately, SLS is as common as it is dangerous. A review of commercial toothpastes revealed only one major brand that does not contain this ingredient (Sensodyne). All other toothpastes we reviewed have SLS as a major ingredient.

The health risk this represents can be easily understood when several factors are taken into account: the rapid uptake and systemic penetration of SLS, the long-term tissue retention in the heart, liver, and brain, and the fact that the gums are one of the quickest ways to introduce substances into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract. The only thing that is difficult to understand is why this chemical is still used as an ingredient in any product designed for skin contact.

SLS and Premature Hair Loss

SLS is implicated in premature hair loss in men and women, and may be one reason for widespread incidence of thinning hair. Because SLS is such a caustic cleanser, it actually corrodes the hair follicle and impairs its ability to grow hair. SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulfate) causes dramatic decline in the hair growth cycle, and prolongs the hair loss phase (normally 3 months) by a factor of eight. Simply removing this ingredient, and its corrosive and irritating effects, begins to restore the natural, healthy function of the hair follicle.

SLS is also implicated in scalp irritation, eczema, dandruff, and other scalp conditions. Many shampoos designed to alleviate dandruff, itching, and other scalp disorders may actually be causing the problems they are supposed to eliminate, because of the toxicity of SLS-containing formulas to the skin and scalp. Avoiding contact with this cytotoxic (cell killing) chemical is all many people need to completely alleviate scalp disorders.

"Natural" Brands Offer No Protection

Ingredient reviews of shampoos sold in health food stores under "natural" brands and labels have turned up many formulas containing SLS. The cost, reputation, or market position of the shampoo apparently has little to do with its contents. Some of the most reputable and exclusive brands contain SLS. Don't be fooled by high prices or marketing hype-you must check the ingredients on each product if you want to avoid the harmful effects of SLS.

Propylene Glycol-More Health Concerns

Another common ingredient in many beauty creams, cleansers, makeup, and other cosmetics is propylene glycol. This chemical is used in industry as anti-freeze, airplane de-icer, and brake fluid. It is also used in thousands of cosmetic preparations as a delivery vehicle and solvent.

When you purchase a drum of propylene glycol from a supplier, that supplier is required to furnish an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). The MSDS for propylene glycol says "Avoid skin contact." We are amazed to find this same product in most skin creams on the market.

Recent findings indicate that propylene glycol has severe adverse health effects, and has been found to cause contact dermatitis, ototoxicity, kidney damage, and liver abnormalities in various clinical human and animal studies. The effects of propylene glycol are clearly more than skin deep. Propylene glycol has shown measurable toxicity to human cells in culture(16). It has been shown to inhibit skin cell growth in human tests,(17) and cell respiration in animal tests. When tested in guinea pigs and chinchillas, eardrops containing propylene glycol caused irreversible deafness, tissue and bone degradation, and morphological changes to the middle ear(18,19). Propylene glycol caused mytotoxic (skeletal muscular damage) effects in rats(20,21) and rabbits(22). PG is reported to directly alter cell membranes, to cause contact allergies and dermatitis(24), to cause skin thickening(25) and skin dehydration and chronic surface damage(26).

Propylene glyco poisoning has been reported to induce seizures in epileptics(27,28) and cardiorespiratory arrest(28,29). One study "advise(s) caution when propylene glycol is employed as a vehicle in clinical use"(30). In another study on PG ingestion in cats, researchers reported encephalopathy, depression. and ataxia. The similarities of PG absorption in cats and humans was noted, and the report stated: "These findings are significant not only for animals ingesting diets which contain propylene glycol, but for humans who receive propylene glycol-containing medications"(31)

PG and Premature Skin Aging

The science of skin biology has advanced substantially since propylene glycol was first introduced to cosmetics over 30 years ago, and yet PG is still the major ingredient in most skin creams, regardless of cost, market share, or "natural" claims. New findings suggest that using PG and other occlusive (filming) ingredients on the skin actually ages the skin prematurely. Estimates are that skin ages at least 13 years for every 10 years these types of products are used.

Fortunately, products are now being developed based on scientific breakthroughs to reverse environmental and aging damage to the skin, and to support the biology of the skin as a living organ. This approach is returning rapid results in skin healing, wrinkle diminishment, and other problems of aging skin (sagging skin, eye bags, etc.).

You won't find these products in department stores any time soon, however. Many formulas with these new and often exotic ingredients are exclusive to a single manufacturer, and the expense of these breakthroughs is prohibitive for the major manufacturer. Fortunately, there are independent manufacturers beginning to bring these advances to market.

What You Should Do:

Check your shampoos, toothpaste, liquid soaps, body gels, and other skin products for sodium lauryl sulfate. We recommend that you avoid any further skin contact with products containing this ingredient.

If you have children, make sure they are not using shampoos and toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate. Children under 6 are especially vulnerable to improper eye development. Also check sun block products. (We found one that contains SLS and aluminum, a potentially dangerous combination for brain cell deterioration).

Replace products containing SLS with safer alternatives (formulas without SLS).

Check all your cosmetic products for propylene glycol and get them off your skin. If you have infants, check your baby wipes and baby lotions and find alternative products that are safe for children (some baby wipes are available with aloe instead of propylene glycol).

References

1. Clayton et.al., Fd. Chem. Tox., 1985
2. Br J Dermatol 1992 Sep
3. Contact Dermatitis 1992 Jul
4. Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1991
5. Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh) 1992
6. The Lancet, Feb 3, 1990
7. Contact Dermatitis 1993 Sep
8. Contact Dermatitis 1993 Mar and 1993 Feb
9. Contact Dermatitis 1992 Sep
10. Journal of Toxicology, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology 1992
11. Toxicology Letters, Vol. 26, 1985
12. Toxicol Pathol 1992
13. Govt Reports Announcements & Index. 1993
14. Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1992
15. Department of Dermatology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen
16. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 1987 Jan
17. J Pharm Belg 1989 Nov-Dec
18. Am J Otolaryngol 1990 Jan-Feb
19. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1989 Jul-Aug
20. Pharm Res 1989 Sep
21. J Parenter Sci Technol 1989 Jul-Aug
22. Pharm Res 1989 Sep
23. Hum Reprod 1990 Feb
24. Dermatol Clin 1990 Jan
25. Contact Dermatitis 1987 Jul
26. Derm Beruf Umwelt 1988 Jul-Aug
27. Postgrad Med J 1988 Aug
28. Pediatrics 1987 Apr;79
29. Posgrad Med J 1988 Aug
30. Pharmacology 1989
31. Lab Invest 1990 Jan

By Christine Stapleton
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Thursday, July 14, 2005

In a benchmark study released today, researchers found an average of 200 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of newborns, including seven dangerous pesticides – some banned in the United States more than 30 years ago.

The report, Body Burden – The Pollution in Newborns, by the Washington,
D.C.-based Environmental Working Group, detected 287 chemicals in the
umbilical cord blood of 10 newborns. Of those chemicals, 76 cause cancer in humans or animals, 94 are toxic to the brain and nervous system and 79 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests.

The findings are especially important in Florida, where farmers use more pesticides per acre than any other state.

"What's most startling is that we have such a wide range of compounds in us the moment we are born," said Tim Kropp, senior toxicologist for the project. "Babies don't use any consumer products, they don't work in a factory and yet they're already starting off with a load of these
chemicals."

Among the most pervasive pesticides found: 4,4'-DDE a contaminant and
byproduct of DDT, banned in the United States in 1972 but still used in
other parts of the world to control mosquitoes; hexachlorobenzene, a
fungicide widely used on wheat until 1965 when chemical giants Bayer and Dow voluntarily discontinued production of the likely carcinogen; and Dieldrin, routinely used on corn and cotton until banned in 1974 except for treatment of termites.

Scientists blame the presence of the pesticides in the babies' blood on the fact that many of the compounds take decades to break down and some are still used in foreign countries, which export produce to the United States.

For example, Mirex was used to control fire ants and as a flame retardant in plastics, rubber, paint, paper and electrical products from 1959 to 1972. It sticks to soil for years and contaminates fish and animals living near treated sites. Aldrin and Dieldrin, probable carcinogens, have not been banned or restricted in most of Central and South America. While most countries have banned imports, Brazil and Venezuela still allow the importation and restricted use of Dieldrin.

Besides the pesticides, chemicals from two widely used household products – Teflon and Scotchgard – were found in every baby tested. PFOS, the active ingredient in the stain-repellent Scotchgard, does not break down in the environment and has a strong tendency to accumulate in humans. While PFOS has not been found conclusively to be toxic to humans, lab tests have shown it can cause birth defects and deaths in laboratory animals given high doses. 3M, the sole manufacturer of Scotchgard, voluntarily agreed to phase out PFOS products in 2000 after pressure from the EPA.

PFOA, the chemical used to make such non-stick products as Teflon, is
present in the blood of 95 percent of all Americans. Last month, an
Environmental Protection Agency advisory panel released a report finding PFOA a likely carcinogen. The chemical has also been linked to birth defects and liver damage in lab tests.
Although the amounts of some of the chemicals detected were extremely small, the results are still troubling to experts, since no one knows how much of any given chemical – much less a mixture of chemicals – could affect a human fetus. What research exists has shown that chemical exposure in the womb can be dramatically more harmful than exposure later in life.

In 2003, the EPA updated its cancer risk guidelines, finding that
carcinogens are 10 times as potent to babies and that some chemicals are up to 65 times more powerful in children.

The EPA also sets maximum exposure limits for many dangerous chemicals.
However, the research behind those tolerances came from studies of "healthy men in the middle of life" – not pregnant women and newborns, said Dr. Alan Greene, a faculty member and pediatrician at the Stanford University School of Medicine. "We've only recently begun to consider the effects on the elderly, women and kids," Greene said. "We don't know what the safe levels are for these groups. Kids have been ignored for far too long."

Greene, whose family eats only organic produce, said the study should be "alarming and reassuring" for pregnant women. "It's alarming because there were so many chemicals found, and we don't know their health effects, but at the same time the data coming in shows that decreasing your exposure to these substances does make a difference," he said.

There have been dramatic drops in the levels of DDT and its byproducts since it was banned in 1972. A 2002 study of preschoolers in Seattle showed that children who ate a conventional diet had nine times the level of pesticides in their urine as counterparts who ate organic, Greene said.

The Environmental Working Group conducted the study in collaboration with Commonweal, a California nonprofit health and environmental research institute. EWG is a nonprofit environmental watchdog/research organization that, according to its Web site, claims to "bring to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know. It shames and shakes up polluters and their lobbyists. It rattles politicians and shapes policy. It persuades bureaucracies to rethink science and strengthen regulation. It provides practical information you can use to protect your family and community." Critics, such as David Martosko, research director Center for Consumer Freedom, said "a typical EWG study is a pseudo-science ruse meant to scare the ordinary American to death about the food we eat and the air we breathe." CCF is a nonprofit coalition of restaurants, food companies and consumers "working together to promote personal responsibility and protect consumer choices."

"They never met a square on the periodic table of elements that they
couldn't turn into a sound bite," Martosko said. EWG "represents a political movement in the U.S. that wants to dump the world's finest farming system in favor of organic agriculture, a backward scheme that threatens to build a bridge back to the 19th century," Martosko wrote on the CCF Web site.

Prior studies have tested for chemicals and pesticides in umbilical cord blood. However, the Environmental Working Group study is the first to attempt to detect so many chemicals, pollutants and pesticides – a total of 413. Of these, 307 had never been targeted in cord blood tests.

The study focused on cord blood, which mirrors the mixtures of chemicals the baby was exposed to while in the mother's womb. Before the cord is cut, the equivalent of 300 gallons of blood a day will flow through it, providing the baby with nutrition and removing waste.

In the Environmental Working Group study, the cord blood from 10 randomly selected, healthy babies born in August and September 2004 in U.S. hospitals was collected by the American National Red Cross as part of the organization's volunteer cord blood collection program. The costs of the testing – $10,000 per sample – and the lack of laboratories equipped to perform the testing prevented the organization from testing more samples.

The organization hopes the findings will encourage the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta to include testing of newborns in its National ExposureReport, due out later this month.

"This is the first time anyone has looked at this wide a range of chemicals, and in a way, that's kind of sad," said Kropp. "Whether it's the Food and Drug Administration or the EPA, you would think they would want to know the basic attributes of the most sensitive population. If these children are being born with these chemicals, we need to know they're safe. We shouldn't have to wait until children are harmed to do something."

When the alarm rings she slowly gets out of bed, turns on
the shower and under the steady stream of warm water, she
gently scrubs her body with Ammonia, Formaldehyde and
Phenol.

Next, she shampoos her tinted hair with DEA and Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate.

Rinsing the shampoo, she applies a good amount of mutagenic
DEA & Propylene Glycol and lets it penetrate while she pops
the top on the shaving cream and shaves her legs with
A-Pinene.

The shower finished, she towel dries and spreads on an even
coat of Contaminant, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PHAs)
and a dusting of an Asbestos Substance over her skin. She
sprays the scented Aluminum under her arms, brushes her
teeth with FD&C Blue#1 & Resorcinol, Saccharin, and
Fluoride. Then she rinses and gargles with Ethanol and
Phenol Alcohol. She combs setting gel through her hair then
blows it dry and sprays it with polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP).

Sitting at her vanity, she carefully applies a thin film of
Phenol Carbolic Acid, Dioxin and Propylene Glycol, over her face to reduce the fine lines.

Today, she'll wear foundation and a little FD&C Red #3. And,
better add some eye-Iron Oxide for today is a special
meeting and a little Toxic and Mutagenic Ascorbyl Palmitate
to line her lids and a stroke of Bacteria &
Polyvinylpyrrolide (PVP) to her lashes.

A dab of Benzo-A-Pyrene and Benzo-B-Fluroanthene to color
her lips, a spritz of her favorite scent, Toluene and
Benzaldehyde, and a little Carcinogenic Nitrosamine, NMPABAO
on her face arms and legs to block the suns rays and she is
set for the day. She looks radiant and healthy.. but her
looks are killing her!

If you are wondering if these poisons are being absorbed
through her skin go cut open a clove of garlic and rub it on
the bottom of your foot and see how long it takes to taste
it in your mouth.. about 3 seconds!

What have these product brands exposed her to in a matter of
minutes? Read on to learn about what it is that we are
really putting on and in our bodies every day.

*Bar Soap has a pH of 9, which removes the protective acid
mantle of the skin making it more alkaline and therefore,
more vulnerable to penetration.

It also contains ammonia, formaldehyde and phenol, known
carcinogens and triclocarbans.

*Shampoo contains cocamide DEA, which is associated with
carcinogenic nitrosamines and sodium lauryl sulfate, a known
mutagen.

*Hair Tint contains quaternium-15, which releases
carcinogenic formaldehyde and the carcinogen,
phenylenediamine.

*Conditioner contains DEA & Propylene Glycol both known
mutagenic carcinogens

*Shaving Cream contains a-pinene, a chemical that damages
the immune system.

*Body Lotion contains mineral oil, which, as a cosmetic
grade petroleum product, includes the contaminant polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAs) known as xenoestrogens that can
mimic estrogen in the body.

*Dusting Powder contains talc, a substance like asbestos.
When talc was combined with a common air pollutant,
benzo(a)pyrene, it induced tumors in 80% of the animals
tested. Many scientists believe talc should be placed on the
"known carcinogens" list.

*Deodorant has aluminum, which is being tested in connection
to Alzheimers.

*Toothpaste contains saccharin and FD&C Blue#1, which are
carcinogens. It also contains resorcinol, which can cause a
blood disorder (methemoglobinemia), convulsions and death.
Fluoride is also a known carcinogen.

*Mouthwash contains 27% ethanol, which is suspected of
causing esophageal cancer. It also contains phenol, which
can cause fatal poisonings through skin absorption.

*Hair Spray contains polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP) and reports
show that it may cause harm if the particles are inhaled.
Modest intravenous doses fed to rats caused tumors.

*Skin Moisturizer contains phenol carbolic acid, which can
cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma and
death as a result of respiratory failure. It also contains
PEG-40, which contains dangerous levels of dioxin and
propylene glycol, which studies show can negatively alter
brain waves and cause liver and kidney disorders.

*Blush contains FD&C Red #3, which caused human breast cells
to grow, mimics the effect of natural estrogen at the
molecular level and damages the genetic material of human
breast cells.

*Eye shadow contains iron oxide, which is a suspected
carcinogen, teratogen or toxin.

*Eyeliner, contains ascorbyl palmitate, and studies suggest
that the palmitates are to be considered carcinogenic,
mutagenic, or toxic.

*Mascara may be contaminated with bacteria.It also contains
polyvinylpyrrolide (PVP), a carcinogen.

*Lipstick contains paraffin, which is a mixture of
hydrocarbons and is derived from petroleum. It is known to
be contaminated with the carcinogens, benzo-a-pyrene and
benzo-b-fluroanthene.

*Perfume contains toluene, a suspected potent carcinogen
that was found in every fragrance tested, and benzaldehyde,
which is a central nervous system depressant that may cause
kidney damage.

*Sunscreen contains padimate O and the preservative, BNPD,
which together create the carcinogenic nitrosamine, NMPABAO.

1. Air Fresheners interfere with your ability to smell by releasing a nerve-deadening agent. Known toxic chemicals found in an air freshener: Formaldehyde (highly toxic, known carcinogen) and phenol. When phenol touches your skin it can cause it to swell, burn, peel, and break out in hives. Even a small amount of this commonly-known cleaning agent can cause cold sweats, convulsions, circulatory collapse, coma and even death!

 2. Ammonia is a very volatile chemical. It is very damaging to your eyes, respiratory tract and skin.

 3. Bleach is a strong corrosive. It irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Vapors can cause fluid in the lungs which can cause coma or death. WARNING: Never mix bleach with ammonia or other acids, even vinegar. The mixture causes DEADLY fumes!

4. Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo. Designed to overpower the stain, they accomplish the task using highly-toxic substances. Some include: Perchloroethylene (a known carcinogen, damages liver, kidney and nervous system) and Ammonium Hydroxide (corrosive, extremely irritable to eyes, skin and respiratory passages).

 5. Most Drain Cleaners contain lye, hydrochloric acid or trichlorethane. Lye is caustic . . . it burns skin and eyes. If ingested it will damage esophagus and stomach. Hydrochloric acid is corrosive, an eye and skin irritant, damages kidneys, liver and digestive tract. Trichlorethane is an eye and skin irritant, nervous system depressant, damages liver and kidneys.

6. Furniture Polish. Petroleum Distillates are highly flammable and can cause skin and lung cancer. Phenol – see Air fresheners, Phenol. Nitrobenzene: This chemical is easily absorbed through skin, and is extremely toxic. Known reaction to skin contact can cause skin discoloration, shallow breathing, vomiting and death. Repeated exposure can cause genetic changes, birth defects, cancer, liver, kidney, heart and central nervous system damage. Remember, once this stuff is on your furniture, it will continue to give off residual fumes.

7. Mold & Mildew Cleaners. Most of these products are packaged in either a pump or aerosol spray. These are used to spread the product onto the surface with a fine mist. As you begin to work and breathe harder, these chemicals go deeply into your lungs. Some of the nasty chemicals that are contained within are as follows:

Sodium hypo chlorite: Corrosive, irritates or burns skin and eyes, causes fluid in the lungs which can lead to coma or death. Formaldehyde is a highly-toxic, known carcinogen. It irritates  eyes, nose, throat and skin. May cause nausea, headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, memory loss and shortness of breath.

 8. Oven cleaners. Next to drain cleaner, oven cleaners are some of the most toxic chemicals in your kitchen. If you read the label carefully you would probably be afraid to even pick up a can, let alone use it. Its lingering affects can sometimes be smelled days or even weeks after use. Not to mention that fine aromatic taste it leaves on your food after it comes out of your newly-cleaned oven!

Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide (Lye): Caustic, strong irritant . . . burns both skin and eyes. It inhibits reflexes, will cause severe tissue damage if swallowed. These products come in aerosol spray containers. These sprays send thousands of tiny droplets of ammonia or lye, into the air that land on your skin or in your eyes, and of course they are easily inhaled. Oh, and another thing, unless you have six-foot arms, I'm not sure how you can clean your oven with these toxic substances without putting your head in the oven, so you might as well get a gas mask, too!

9. Dishwashing Liquid and Antibacterial Cleaners. Triclosan: absorption through the skin can be tied to liver damage. Some artificial dyes (including in some dishwashing liquids) used in food products are allowed, even though they are a known cancer-causing agent. Not to mention the hazard of soaking your hands in these products many times over your lifetime.

10. Laundry Room Products. Numerous products are used in our laundry rooms to clean our clothes, but what types of toxins are we using at the same time? Sodium or Calcium hypocrite: Highly corrosive, it irritates or burns skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May cause pulmonary edema, vomiting or coma if ingested. Contact with other chemicals may cause chlorine fumes which may be fatal.

Linear alkylate sulfonate: Absorbed through the skin. It has been known to cause liver ailments in test animals at comparatively low dosages.

Sodium Tripoluphosphate: Irritates skin and mucous membranes. Causes vomiting. One of the problems with most of these chemicals is that they are absorbed through the skin. As we continue to wash our clothes with these products, residue builds up in the fibers. As we wear our clothing, these rub against our skin and these noxious chemicals are absorbed through the skin.

**Chemical Information provided by the United States Government Environmental Protection Agency.

GET RID OF THOSE KILLER CHEMICALS AND START USING MIRACLE II TODAY!

Understanding pH

The term pH stands for “potential” of “Hydrogen”. It is the amount of hydrogen ions in a particular solution. The more ions, the more acidic the solution. The fewer ions, the more alkaline (base) the solution. pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14 with seven being neutral. The lower the pH number the more acidic it is and the higher the number the more alkaline. For example, a pH of 3 is more acidic than a pH of 5 and a pH of 9 is more alkaline than a pH of 6.

As humans, a normal pH of all tissues and fluids of the body (except the stomach) is slightly alkaline. The most critical pH is in the blood. All other organs and fluids will fluctuate in their range in order to keep the blood at a strict pH between 7.35 and 7.45 (slightly alkaline). This process is called homeostasis. The body makes constant adjustments in tissue and fluid pH to maintain this very narrow pH range in the blood.

Diet is probably the most important change. Avoid the over consumption of meat, alcohol, soft drinks, caffeine, coffee, most nuts, eggs, vinegar, sauerkraut, ascorbic acid, cheese, white sugar and medical drugs. Add more ripe fruits, vegetables, bean sprouts, water, milk, onions, figs, carrots, beets, and miso to your diet.

Testing the pH Level
Testing saliva is the most effective way to gauge the body’s ph.

To test saliva: Wait 2 hours after eating. Spit into a spoon. Dip the strip. Read immediately. Use the color chart from the correct indication. An optimal reading is 7.5. This indicates a slightly alkaline body.

To test urine: Test a urine sample first thing in the morning. Fill a small cup with urine, and dip a strip into the cup. Read immediately. Results: 7.0 is neutral. A reading of 6.5 is slightly acidic. A reading below 6.5 is very acidic. Note: A reading of 8.0 or above, while common, indicates a body that is too alkaline. Urine is slightly more acidic than saliva. [according to pH strip producer: Phion, Inc.)

Alkalive pH Stix – pH Test Strips

• Super Sensitive and Accurate
• Wide Range of 4.5 – 9.0
• Easier to read than pH Paper
• Economical
• Practitioner Preferred
• Tests Urine or Saliva

Don't trust your body to just any chemical lab litmus pH paper.

Phion pH Stix™ are unlike most pH test strips on the market. Due to the narrow range in pH of these bodily fluids (generally 5.8 to 7.6) it is imperative that a pH test strip give a clear indication in small pH unit increments. Alkalive test strips give an indication in .25 pH unit increments, and test a range of 4.5 to 9.0. Plus, pH Stix use the double color indicator method, allowing for a more accurate determination of the pH value of what you are testing. Tests the pH of saliva, urine, water, beverages, cosmetics, soaps, ANY solution! Throw away the pH paper, and pick up the pH Stix. Alkalive PH Stix come complete with directions, indicator color chart, and a guide to how to interpret results.

Rubbing your hands together under running water is the most important part of washing away infectious germs. Here are some basic steps to help ensure a thorough and effective hand washing.

• Always use warm, running water and a mild liquid (non-antibacterial) soap is preferred.
• Get a paper towel and keep it on the sink to use to turn off the water faucet off when you have finished washing your hands.
• Wet your hands and apply a small amount of soap.
• Rub hands together vigorously until a soapy lather appears and continue for 10 to 15 seconds.
• Be sure to scrub between fingers, the palms, and the tops of your hands and your fingernails.
• Rinse hands under warm, running water. Use the towel to turn the water faucet off and discard.  (Why? Because you and everyone else who's been through there has used their grimy little hands to turn the water on – wow, what a collection of germs right there on the faucet handles.) I really like the restrooms that have a sensor so you don't have to touch a handle!  
• Dry hands with a clean, disposable, single-use towel.
• Turn the faucet off using the towel as a barrier between your fresh, clean hands and the faucet handle. You may also use your elbows to turn off the water in properly equipped restrooms.
• Discard towel; you may also use your towel to open the door to exit the restroom and discard the towel down the hall.
• If this dries your skin, use lotion – don't whine and don't shirk your duty.

Practice the essentials of good hand washing and teach them to your kids.  It just might save you a trip to the doctor!

By Ben Kim, D.C.

If you are not yet aware of the potential dangers of triclosan, you should know that this antibacterial agent has been strongly linked to the following effects on human health:

• Abnormalities with the endocrine system, particularly with thyroid hormone signaling
• Weakening of the immune system
• Birth defects
• Uncontrolled cell growth
• Unhealthy weight loss

Although triclosan is best known for its presence in many brands of antibacterial soap, it is also found in a wide variety of personal care and household products. According to BeyondPesticides.org, triclosan is found in the following products:

Soaps:

• Dial® Liquid Soap
• Softsoap® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
• Tea Tree Therapy™ Liquid Soap
• Provon® Soap
• Clearasil® Daily Face Wash
• Dermatologica® Skin Purifying Wipes
• Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
• DermaKleen™ Antibacterial Lotion Soap
• Naturade Aloe Vera 80® Antibacterial Soap
• CVS Antibacterial Soap
• pHisoderm Antibacterial Skin Cleanser

Dental Care:

• Colgate Total®; Breeze™ Triclosan Mouthwash
• Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush
• Janina Diamond Whitening Toothpaste

Cosmetics:

• Supre® Café Bronzer™
• TotalSkinCare Makeup Kit
• Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation
• Mavala Lip Base
• Jason Natural Cosmetics
• Blemish Cover Stick
• Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ
• Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb
• Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss
• Dazzle

Deodorant:

• Old Spice High Endurance Stick Deodorant
• Right Guard Sport Deodorant
• Queen Helene® Tea Trea Oil Deodorant and Aloe Deodorant
• Nature De France Le Stick Natural Stick Deodorant
• DeCleor Deodorant Stick
• Epoch® Deodorant with Citrisomes
• X Air Maximum Strength Deodorant

Other Personal Care Products:

• Gillette® Complete Skin Care MultiGel Aerosol Shave Gel
• Murad Acne Complex® Kit®
• Diabet-x™ Cream
• T.Taio™ sponges and wipes
• Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel

First Aid:

• SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic
• Solarcaine®
• First Aid Medicated Spray;
  Nexcare™ First Aid
• Skin Crack Care
• First Aid/Burn Cream
• HealWell® Night Splint
• 11-1X1: Universal Cervical Collar with Microban

Kitchenware:

• Farberware® Microban Steakknife Set and Cutting Boards
• Franklin Machine Products FMP Ice Cream Scoop SZ 20 Microban
• Hobart Semi-Automatic Slicer
• Chix® Food Service Wipes with Microban
• Compact Web Foot® Wet Mop Heads

Computer Equipment:

• Fellowes Cordless Microban Keyboard and Microban Mouse Pad

Clothes:

• Teva® Sandals
• Merrell Shoes
• Sabatier Chef's Apron
• Dickies Socks
• Fruit of the Loom Socks
• Biofresh® Socks

Children's Toys:

• Playskool® :
• Stack 'n Scoop Whale
• Rockin' Radio
• Hourglass
• Sounds Around Driver
• Roll 'n' Rattle Ball
• Animal Sounds Phone
• Busy Beads Pal
• Pop 'n' Spin Top
• Lights 'n' Surprise Laptop

Other:

• Bionare® Cool Mist Humidifier
• Microban® All Weather Reinforced Hose
• Thomasville® Furniture
• Deciguard AB Ear Plugs
• Bauer® 5000 Helmet
• Aquatic Whirlpools
• Miller Paint Interior Paint
• QVC® Collapsible 40-Can Cooler
• Holmes Foot Buddy™ Foot Warmer
• Blue Mountain Wall Coverings
• California Paints®
• EHC AMRail Escalator Handrails
• Dupont™ Air Filters
• Durelle™ Carpet Cushions
• Advanta One Laminate Floors
• San Luis Blankets
• J Cloth® towels
• JERMEX mops

Source: BeyondPesticides.org

Please share this information with your families and groups of friends, particularly those that include young children and pregnant women.

By Ben Kim, D.C.

 
If you are still using antibacterial soap that contains a compound called triclosan, I hope that a brilliant study published in the journal, Aquatic Toxicology will persuade you to consider switching to the plainest bar of soap that you can find.

Researchers have discovered that exposure to triclosan can cause significant disruption to the endocrine system, a finding that has countless and serious health implications.

The study found that triclosan – at concentrations found in North American streams – can disrupt thyroid hormone function in bullfrogs, which can lead to:

• Elevated activity in the brain of genes linked with uncontrolled cell growth
• Accelerated hind-limb development
• Unhealthy weight loss

What's especially disturbing about this discovery is that the hormone signaling mechanisms that triclosan disrupts is virtually identical in frogs and humans.

Could this be another reason why we have an ever increasing number of children who experience puberty far earlier than can be considered healthy?

The bottom line: antimicrobial household products that contain triclosan should be avoided by everyone, but particularly by pregnant women and growing children.

Not only do we need to ensure that these products don't have a place in our homes, we need to be proactive in having them removed from our schools, community centers, and other public facilities.

To view the original abstract of this study, click here:

Triclosan Effects Thyroid Hormone-Regulated Gene Expression