M9.4 Heavy Metals

Lead poisoning

Many do not show signs and symptoms of lead poisoning such as abdominal pain, arthralgia, hypertension, and headaches but we are almost always exposed to chemically unregulated products such as gas, liquor, and cosmetics. Although advance technique has been used to detect and treat measurable levels of lead, according to Herbert Needleman, professor at The University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, there are still levels of lead that are undetectable and are causing harm. The professor recommends systematic program of abatement of lead in older homes. Although expensive, the benefit of abatement in older homes will outweigh the cost such as medical consequences, crimes, and poor education. I also think lead testing should be standard for occupations and schools. Low-income communities should also be granted lead testing campaign and treatment.

Lead poisoning in Nigeria

The death of more than four hundred children in remote Nigerian villages in 2010 was from severe soil lead contamination from artisanal gold ore processing. The finding brought great effort from international, national, and local stakeholders to provide lead safe environment in these areas. Interventions included removal of contaminated materials, safer mining campaign among local miners, imams, and tribal chiefs. Homes were also remediated and children received chelation. The efforts did not only significantly decrease blood lead levels but also made international partners and local leaders to champion in lead management in these Nigerian villages.

M9.3 Green Chemistry

I think that the scientists of green chemistry should be awarded a nobel prize. The invention is life-saving. Green chemistry promises consumers and the global population of harmless production, storage, and disposal of home and occupational materials for agriculture, home-life, and everyday living.

I think that the 12 principles of green chemistry can be summarized as designing products that leaves no waste, using and generating efficient substances with little or no toxicity to humans and the environment, and safer practices of chemical use. Designing products for green chemistry should be done by the scientists or chemist but consumers or the public can be educated on safe practices of chemical, lease, and non-chemical use. I haven’t heard or seen any examples of green chemistry but I truly hope to see or practice them soon.

M9.2 Six Chemical Classes

The six chemical classes are commonly found in consumer products and are highly toxic. The already banned chemicals are replaced by similar chemicals that could also be harmful and could cause similar health problems. They could be DNA disruptors, cancer agents, neurological and reproductive, and hormonal disruptors. We as consumers and in public health can participate in not having this products within homes and communities by identifying these chemicals and in what products are they in.

1.    Highly Fluorinated Chemicals

Found in water repellant and non- stick products. They are used in carpets, cleaners, clothing, cookware, cosmetics, food packaging, furnishings, outdoor apparel, paints, papers, protective coatings and sealants, and firefighting foams.

2.    Antimicrobials

Uses include cleaning and personal care products, clothing and linens, and building materials and furnishings. Beside increasing antimicrobial resistance, Triclosan, triclocarban, quats, and nanosilver components of these antimicrobials are all toxic to aquatic organisms.

3.    Fire retardants

Flame retardants are used in furniture, children’s products, electronics, building materials, wire and cable, etc. It is associated with lowered IQ and hyperactivity in children as well as cancer, hormone disruption, and decreased fertility in adults. The chemical bioaccumulate up food chains.

4.    Bisphenols and Phthalates

Bisphenols are present in water bottles, food storage containers and packaging, aluminum cans, and cash register receipts. Phthalates can be found in some vinyl flooring, shower curtains, toys, plastic wrap, and food packaging and containers, glues, caulks, paints, personal care products, and air fresheners.

When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless-steel containers and tableware, particularly for hot food or liquids, avoid microwaving plastics, and avoid plastic products.

5.    Some Solvents

Products containing solvents include oil-based paints, paint strippers, adhesives, wood finishes, shoe polish, cosmetics, markers, aerosols, nail polish remover, garment dry cleaning, sealants, and household cleaners. Opt for professional wet cleaning instead of conventional dry cleaning and use water-based, instead of oil-based, paints.

6.    Certain metals

Coal burning plants can release mercury into air and water and up the food chain. Led can be found in paints, plumbing, fixtures, and dust in and around homes built before 1978 Exposure to mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead in the womb or in early childhood can harm brain development, leading to learning and behavioral problems. In adults, each metal is associated with increased cancer risk.

M8.5 An ideal chemical policy

After watching all of the provided videos and reading materials, I think it is essential for a toxin-free agriculture, food production, and processing chemical policy. This is an essential element to protect farm workers and their families, and the consumers from toxic chemicals from now and decades to come.

This will require environmental and health agencies, and agricultural product companies and suppliers to collaborate and use studies to innovate for use of non-toxic or non-chemical products to grow crops. This may include going back to traditional methods of tilting and avoiding monoculture. The government and stakeholders must also help farmer cultivate or regenerate for healthy agricultural lands through subsidies and incentives. Regular monitoring of products used on crops must be established to assure non-chemical contents. The government could also establish health agencies and facilities solely for farmers for health assessment, evaluation and treatment of chemical or toxin exposure.

M8.4 Chemical Policy Reform

For me, the elements that need to be in the ideal chemical policies are:

1.   Removing products off the market until proven safe.

2.   Proper handling of chemicals through the agricultural process and food chain- protecting farmers, suppliers, and consumers. This may include protective clothing.

3.   Company and suppliers must be given accountability to educate, must present non-pesticide processes to grow crops, and must be taxed for health issues caused by pesticides.

  The Louisville Charter presents reforms to current chemical laws. The elements in the Louisville Charter reform and in my policies are similar. The elements include safer substitutes, phasing out toxic chemicals, and public education and involvement. In addition, health agencies, stakeholders, and pesticide companies must be held accountable to protect public health from hazardous chemicals.

M8.3 Pesticides

My last night’s meal comprised beef over broken rice with mushrooms, bell peppers, and green onions. The salad had lettuce and tomatoes. According to the web site http://www.whatsonmyfood.org/, the non-organic beef has six pesticide residues- one known carcinogen, two suspected hormone disruptors, two developmental or reproductive toxins, and two honeybee toxins. The toxin DDE is often found 6.8% in beef. The non-organic onion has four known or probable carcinogens, 13 suspected hormone disruptors, four neurotoxins, five developmental or reproductive toxins, and ten honeybee toxins. Malathion is also found 6.3% often in green onions. The non-organic lettuce has three known or probable carcinogen, 17 suspected hormone disruptors, ten neurotoxins, eight developmental or reproductive toxins, and 14 honeybee toxins.

I think I consume the amount of pesticides found in the food as much I eat them. For example, if I would eat (which I do) two times a week of this meal then I get two times of the toxins every week. Human could reach level of toxicity through the pesticide residue in food eaten repeatedly. The toxic level of pesticides can cause neurotoxicity or confusions in insects, and so does in humans.

We in the public health arena must pursue for consumer health education about the harmful chemicals in food from the pesticides used on crops. Pesticide companies must be brought liable or accountable for health harm this pesticides cause. Crop pesticides must be monitored by USDA and environmental agencies for harmful toxins at a regular basis. If found unsafe, these products must be banned or taken off market. In addition, consumers must be warned of such harms through eye catching food labels. We can start public health awareness within our families, friends, schools, and social groups.

          

M7.8 Topic of interest

For my literature review, I am considering to explore the association of influenza virus to outdoor air pollution. There are few data-driven ecologic studies in different countries available in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Environmental Health Perspectives peer reviewed literature. Studies are still needed from scientific institutions and environmental agencies to further analyze the effects of outdoor air pollution to humans’ respiratory functions and their impact to burdening respiratory illnesses.

Outdoor pollution includes particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Ecologic humidity and temperature could affect amount of these pollutants in the air. Studies have shown that temperatures, humidity, and air pollutants are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Data from meteorological agencies and local disease surveillance agencies is used in studies from different cities in the world. I will be reviewing few of these studies and hopefully be able to present impacts of air pollution in human respiratory health.

M7.7 The agency's role

Some of the major federal environmental government agencies include the Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board, Health and Human Services, Transportation, and Agriculture. Services under the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Forest Service (FS), and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The mission of the APHIS is to protect the health and value of American Agriculture and natural resources. The APHIS protects and promotes US agricultural health, regulates genetically engineered organism, administer Animal Welfare Act, and carry out wildlife damage management activities. These support the USDA to protect and promote food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. State animal health officials report confirmed reportable disease and other diseases of interest occurring in the US to the National Animal Health Reporting System (NAHRS).

M7.4 Local environmental services

The Consumer Protection Division in Santa Clara County environmental health services covers food, water, indoor air quality, noise, septic system, animal complains, tobacco and smoking, and even nail salons. The major environmental services are the Hazardous Material Compliance Division, Solid Waste Program, and Vector Control District.

I am surprised that noise pollution is in the county’s environmental agenda. To be honest I don’t know they are protecting its residence from noise pollutions. They could be very subtle such as quiet times after 10pm in apartment complexes and sound blocking walls along roads and highways. It is assuring that the Santa Clara County has Medical Waste Management. This includes incinerating infectious waste and sharp products.

M6.7: OBESOGENS

Article 1: Seasonal Foods: A New Menu for Public Health

The table below shows the seasonal fruits and vegetable in the Bay Area, Northern California. February and March vegetables such as asparagus, winter squash, and cabbage should be served in hospitals and sold in farmers markets at a cheaper price. They are healthy and locally grown. Dietitians and nutritionist of the local hospitals should be creative with seasonal fruit and vegetable and serve them to in-patients and in the cafeterias. I am sure patients will love to consume seasonal vegetables! By patronizing our local grown food, we are also supporting our local farmers.

I worked in a county hospital in Santa Clara. For many years now, I go to our cafeteria to get my dinner. They used to serve frozen and canned meals, but now, they serve cheaper meals with chicken, fish, and fresh vegetables. Seasonal fruits are nicely put in a basket at the cashier, so people in line can grab them easily.

Article 2: Obesogens: An Environmental Link to Obesity

I have not heard of obesogens before. I remember overhearing a conversation about medicine contents that cause obesity. The article is an eye opener because we, healthcare workers, always give emphasis on food and exercise for health. We have never known and discussed of chemicals in food and drugs compounds, such as obesogens, that may predispose anyone to obesity. Even the drug Avandia, which is now becomingly common for diabetes treatment, has a compound that can cause weight gain.

Monosodium Glutamate or MSG is a dietary obesogens. It is a flavor enhancer commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups, and processed meats. It makes food tasty, increases your appetite, and leaving you feeling “not full” and craving more food. It is also an excitotoxin. Excitotoxins are a class of chemicals that overstimulate neuron receptors. Neuron receptors allow brain cells to communicate with each other, but when they’re exposed to excitotoxins, they fire impulses at such rapid rate that they become exhausted. (https://experiencelife.com/article/excitotoxins/). This is probably why I get headaches every time I eat Chinese food.

M6.6 Blog: Use of Antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance in human occurs when antibiotic is used unnecessarily or inappropriately, losing the antibiotic’s effectiveness. A study found poultry workers infected with e coli resistant to gentamicin, an antibiotic commonly used in chicken. E coli infection is 32 times higher is poultry or farm industry workers. The US vastly use antibiotics on livestock, not to treat sick animals but for disease prevention and growth promotion.  The FDA and the Congress should pass the act that would prevent antibiotic resistance, which would ban non-therapeutic uses of antibiotic in livestock. This should be enforced by the USDA by providing training and technical assistance to livestock producers. I also think livestock antibiotics should be given by certified personnel to assure right amount is given as necessary. Livestock should be grouped into smaller numbers so diseases do not spread to the whole farm organization. Furthermore, antibiotic should only be given in groups of livestock infected with bacteria.

Like in a hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, the county hospital I am currently working started using “sanicloth” disinfectant for inanimate objects, and hand alcohol gels for hands. Housekeeping does terminal cleaning of rooms and furniture just unoccupied by an MRSA, c-diff, or vancomycin resistant enterococcus infected patient. Often, these patients come back with the same infection, even worst. And now we have what we call Carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Even MRSA is common in the community and, who knows, all health workers in hospital are positive for MRSA, not only through hospital transmission but also in communities with pig and calf farms. According to study done by John Hopkins postdoctoral fellow Beth Feingold, “the density of veal calves, pigs or cattle doubles in a specific area, the odds of carrying livestock-associated MRSA increases between 24 percent and 77 percent, depending on the animal.” I think that sometimes “overdoing” it in the hospital setting to kill germs and infection exposes individuals to increased risks of antibiotic resistance. Overdoing could include unnecessary antibiotics in living organism and unnecessary antimicrobials to hospital furnishing.

M6.4 Industrial Farming

Vanishing of bees

When I think about vanishing bees, I think about vanishing honey. Organic honey is vanishing from grocery shelves. Honey was basic food in the old times, and always partnered with milk (Bible). Vanishing bees also means decline in pollination, thus, reduced fruits and vegetable produce. Since the bee colony collapse disorder in the US in 2006, we have been importing fruits and vegetable from other countries. In Europe, Bayer systemic pesticide product was banned. A European beekeepers’ union protested on Bayer’s systemic pesticide use on crops when bee colony collapse occurred. Now, more and more small beekeeper communities are using native pollinators without use of systemic pesticide.

Dirt! The Movie

I am amazed by the statements made by the experts in the short movie Dirt. I learned that our soil is mostly organized and structured than in any planet’s in the universe. Soil live with us; its composition is our compositions. “dust to dust, ashes to ashes”. The only difference between human and soil is God’s breath on human. Soil is alive and has many diverse living organisms. Mono-culture, industrial farming, and pesticides are killing our soil, but small communities of environmentalists have been monitoring the destruction industrialization is causing to our soil. These small community environmentalists are bringing back soil and greeneries. I will be excited to see pavers, parking spaces, and asphalt being dismantle to rediscover our SOIL again!

Factory farm near me

The Olivera Egg Ranch and chicken farm is located off Sierra Road in San Jose’s north valley. I learned about this farm from my neighbor many years ago and visited it once. They are an organic chicken farm. I think it is good to have one like this close to where I live. I can get organic egg products from uncaged chickens!

Composting

I am having a landscaper design my backyard. The first she asked me was “do you want a garden where you can plant vegetables”? I did not have an answer for her at that time. When I watch the movie about composting, I am now thinking of having a garden and composting area. I love the color of the compost produced at homes. With time, it will be exciting to see and use our own organic waste to grow fruits and vegetables.