Category: Health Problems and Chemicals

Toxic Meds Need to Stop, say scientists

A team of scientists have begun alerting healthcare providers of the dangers of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) present in numerous commonly prescribed medications and medical supplies.  Most healthcare providers, the scientists confirmed, are completely unaware of the toxic chemicals (frequently added as “inactive ingredients” for color or consistency) contained in prescribed and OTC medicines.

Colon, Gut Microbiota Problems Linked with Common Food Additive

The commonly used food additive titanium dioxide–a nanoparticle (E171)–has once again been linked with serious health outcomes in yet another scientific study.   Like the studies before it, the current study found that the food additive titanium dioxide holds the potential to do some real harm to the colon and gut microbiota, and to disrupt liver functioning. 

Toxic Chemical in Drinking Water and Thyroid Problems: Bigger Threat than Previously Believed

Perchlorate, a chemical compound used in rocket fuels, fireworks, fertilizers, food packaging and many other industrial materials, seeps into  groundwater–the very source of our drinking water. Now scientists have discovered perchlorate presents far more of a threat to our thyroids than previously believed. Unfortunately, the U.S. government has just decided not to regulate the amount of this toxic chemical in our drinking water.

Dogs, You and Toxic Chemicals

Some common chemicals in our everyday personal care products, home care products, furniture, flooring and food are not only toxic to humans, but they are also toxic to dogs.  Pesticides, flame retardants, and phthalates, for instance, are not only linked to human diseases, but also present biological and clinical threats to dogs.   Now scientists have discovered that monitoring environmental exposures to toxic chemicals in dogs could be an early warning system for human health. 

Gut Microbiome Affected by Toxic Chemicals in Products, Environment, Food

The microbes that inhabit our bodies are influenced by what we eat, drink, breathe and absorb through our skin, and most of us are chronically exposed to natural and human-made environmental contaminants.  In this study, scientists reviewed the research linking dozens of chemicals present in our personal care products, home care products, general environment and our food to changes in the gut microbiome and associated health challenges.