Many home gardeners buy compost or fertilizers to improve the quality of their soil. Unfortunately, some home fertilizers made from biosolids – nutrient-rich, organic materials derived from sewage sludge – contain alarmingly high levels of “forever chemicals,” or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Those are the findings of a recent report by scientists with Ecology Center, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group based in … Continue reading Scientists find toxic “forever chemicals” in home fertilizers made from sewage sludge
Concerning levels of “forever chemicals” found in 100% of breast milk samples
A new study that evaluated American women’s breast milk for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” has shown “cause for concern” in the levels found in all 50 samples analyzed. The study, first reported by The Guardian, showed that the chemicals were found at levels roughly 2,000 times higher than what experts consider safe. This is the … Continue reading Concerning levels of “forever chemicals” found in 100% of breast milk samples
Study: Fire retardant used in furniture and insulation linked to antisocial behavior
A study published in the journal Environmental Health shows that commonly used fire retardants may increase children’s risk of antisocial behavior. Researchers from Oregon State University and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that children with higher levels of exposure to certain types of flame retardants are more likely to exhibit antisocial behaviors like aggression, defiance, hyperactivity, inattention and … Continue reading Study: Fire retardant used in furniture and insulation linked to antisocial behavior
Pesticide “ghosts” can haunt organic farms for decades
Most commercial crops grown around the world are treated with pesticides. But some farms are now switching to organic practices to avoid the risks that pesticides pose to human and environmental health. However, new research shows that past pesticide use can still “haunt” fields that have long been converted into organic farms. Published recently in Environmental Science and … Continue reading Pesticide “ghosts” can haunt organic farms for decades
Living near pesticide-treated farms raises risk of childhood brain tumors
Pregnant women living within 2.5 miles of agricultural lands treated with pesticides have a greater risk of their children developing central nervous system (CNS) tumors, according to a recent study. Published on Wednesday, March 31, in the Environmental Research journal, the study also revealed that the pregnant women did not have to be working in agriculture or in close contact … Continue reading Living near pesticide-treated farms raises risk of childhood brain tumors
Lawsuits piling in against Syngenta over paraquat weedkiller, which causes Parkinson’s Disease
Attorneys representing numerous plaintiffs in multiple lawsuits filed against Swiss chemical giant Syngenta have asked a U.S. judicial panel to consolidate all of them, which suggests there are many more on the way. At issue is the company’s weedkiller chemical paraquat, which was determined to cause Parkinson’s Disease. Plaintiffs say the noxious concoction made them gravely ill … Continue reading Lawsuits piling in against Syngenta over paraquat weedkiller, which causes Parkinson’s Disease
Chemical poisoning is more common than you think: BPA levels in humans “dramatically underestimated,” warn scientists
The amount of toxic chemicals that scientists say we are exposed to is incredibly alarming, but it turns out those scary figures that have long been reported are actually wrong – and the real numbers are even higher. This is according to a study published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. The researchers in the … Continue reading Chemical poisoning is more common than you think: BPA levels in humans “dramatically underestimated,” warn scientists
Preservative in thousands of children’s food products found to damage immune system
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) published a paper recently that exposes a common food preservative for damaging the immune system. Tertiary butylhydroquinone, or TBHQ, is added to more than 1,250 food products, many of them marketed for children. The latest data shows that it suppresses immunity, which is especially concerning during a global “pandemic.” Published on March … Continue reading Preservative in thousands of children’s food products found to damage immune system
Cancer-causing chemical found in hand sanitizers made during the pandemic
Some hand sanitizers made to meet the surge in demand amid the coronavirus pandemic contain high levels of a cancer-causing chemical known as benzene, according to a study conducted by the online pharmacy, Valisure. Valisure analyzed 260 bottles of hand sanitizer across 168 brands in its laboratory in New Haven, Connecticut. The analysis showed that 44 … Continue reading Cancer-causing chemical found in hand sanitizers made during the pandemic
Assessing health risks posed by hazardous compounds generated through meat processing
In this study, Spanish researchers reviewed the generation of substances that could harm the health in different types of meat products during processing. Their report was published in the journal Food Science and Human Wellness. Various types of meat processing results in the generation of substances of safety concern in meats. These harmful compounds include: N-nitrosamines, … Continue reading Assessing health risks posed by hazardous compounds generated through meat processing
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 