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8/19/2008
1
Stay Smart, Stay Safe:Stay Smart, Stay Safe:
Stay away from toxics
Developed by SGEC with funding provided
by the US Environmental Protection Agency
Terry Busch RNC
tox ictox ic: 1. having to do with, or
caused by a toxin or poison: a toxic illness.
2. poisonous: Fumes from an automobile
are toxic.
Toxics in the EnvironmentToxics in the EnvironmentAre InterconnectedAre Interconnected
Toxics in AirAir
Toxics in
Consumer
Products
Toxics in Soil
Toxics in Water
Toxics in Food
Routes of ExposureRoutes of Exposure
Ingestion
Inhalation
Skin Absorption
Fetal Circulation
Where Toxics Go Inside Our BodyWhere Toxics Go Inside Our Body
�Water-solubletoxics are processedby liver or kidney and eliminated.
�Fat-soluble toxics collect in our body’s tissues and cells.
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Why Children Why Children
Are More VulnerableAre More Vulnerable
They have
increased
BIOLOGICAL
SENSITIVITY
Why Children
Are More Vulnerable
They are
DEVELOPING
ORGANISMS
They Are in a Dynamic They Are in a Dynamic State of GrowthState of Growth
• Nervous system
• Respiratory system
• Reproductive system
• Immune system
Biological RelativityBiological Relativity
• The impact of any event or experience is greatest
on the most actively changing or dynamic system.
• The power of any experience is greatest during
development.
• Experiences during the organization of a neural
system have more impact than experiences after
the system has organized.
Bruce D. Perry M.D, © 2000 www.childtrauma.org
Neurogenesis…1st trimester…in utero
Migration…1st trimester…in utero - one year
Differentiation..1-2nd trimester..3rd trim - 1 year
Arborization…3rd trimester…first year
Synaptogenesis…3rd trimester - 8 months
Synaptic Sculpting…birth…first 4 years
Myelination…birth…first 4 years
process starts most activity occursprocess starts most activity occurs
Bruce Perry ©2000 www.childtrauma.orgBruce Perry ©2000 www.childtrauma.org
Why Children
Are More Vulnerable
• They have
BEHAVIOURBEHAVIOUR
that increases
exposure to
toxics
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Why Children
Are More Vulnerable
• Their DIET exposes them to high levels of pesticide residues and additives
PesticidesPesticides
Chronic effects: Birth defects, cancer, mutations, chemical sensitivities, fatigue or muscle weakness, neurological impairment and problems with mental functioning.
Acute effects: Irritation of eyes,
skin, lungs, headaches,
nausea, dizziness, muscle
cramps, coma and death.
Environmental Environmental
Tobacco SmokeTobacco Smoke
Acute effects:
Irritation of:
• eyes,
• skin,
• bronchial passages,
• and lungs.
Chronic effects:
• Class A Carcinogen,
• chronic respiratory
diseases,
• chronic middle ear
effusions,
• asthma,
• SIDS,
• behavioral and cognitive problems.
� Organic SolventsOrganic Solvents
Acute effects:
• Skin and mucous
membrane
irritation of eyes,
• CNS depression,
and death.
Chronic effects:
• Birth defects,
• nervous disorders,
• liver and kidney
problems,
• passed through
breastmilk.
Examples of Organic Examples of Organic
SolventsSolvents
• Rug cleaners
• Dry cleaning fluid
• Nail polish remover
• Furniture Polish
• Glues
• Aerosols
• Spot remover
• Paint thinner
• Oil-based paints
Heavy MetalsHeavy Metals
Mercury
Cadmium
Lead
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LeadLead
• Naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in small amounts in the earth’s crust
• Can be found in all parts of our environment
• Most of it comes from human activities (manufacturing, burning, mining)
Lead Is Found In:Lead Is Found In:
• Batteries
• Metal Pipes
• Gasoline
• Solder
• Ammunition
• Paint
• Lead-glazed
pottery
• Lead or pewter
cooking utensils
LeadLead
�Eating food or water containing lead.
�Playing in area where paint dust or lead chips are present.
�Living or working near sites where airborne lead is high.
Exposure comes from:
MercuryMercury
• Naturally occurring metal which has
several forms.
• Metallic=shiny silver odorless liquid.
• Heated=colorless, odorless gas.
Mercury Is Found In:Mercury Is Found In:
• Batteries
• Eye makeup
• Teething powder
• Fungicides
• Fish and seafood
• Thermometers
• Fluorescent light
bulbs
• Eye drops, nasal
spray and other
products with
Thimerosol
MercuryMercury
�Eating fish or shellfish containing methylmercury.
�Breathing airborn mercury.
�Release of mercury from dental and medical treatments.
Exposure comes from:
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CadmiumCadmium
• Natural element in the earth’s crust
• Found as a mineral combined with other element such as oxygen, chlorine, sulfur
• All soil and rocks coal and mineral fertilizers contain some cadmium
Cadmium Is Found In:Cadmium Is Found In:
• Galvanizing
• Tobacco smoke
• Electroplating
• Nicad batteries
• Color pigments in
plastic and paints
CadmiumCadmium
�Drinking contaminated water
�Breathing contaminated air
�Eating foods with high levels such as shellfish, liver and kidney meats. (low
levels in all foods)
Exposure comes from:Learning
Disabilities
Poor Motor
Skills
Shortened
Attention
Span
Behavioural
Problems
Cadmium X X
Lead X X X X
Mercury X X X X
ETS X
Organic Solvents
X X
Pesticides X X
Toxics May Affect The BrainToxics May Affect The Brain
Simple Steps to Reduce Simple Steps to Reduce
Children’s Exposure to ToxicsChildren’s Exposure to Toxics
• Recognize toxics and their relationship
to nutrition
• Purchase organic foods whenever
possible
• Read labels and choose the least toxic
products
• Make your own safer alternatives
• Shop for safe art supplies
Reducing Food Exposure
• Buy organic food whenever possible
• Buy fruits and vegetables in season
• Always wash food before eating
• Vary diet; especially for children
• Use glass for food storage and reheating
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U.S.
Mexican
Chilean
Most Contaminated Fruits/VegetablesMost Contaminated Fruits/Vegetables
Spinach
U.S.
Healthy AlternativesHealthy Alternatives
Romaine
Sweet potato
U.S.
Plum
Least Contaminated Fruits/VegetablesLeast Contaminated Fruits/Vegetables
Brussel
sprouts
Avoiding The Rainbarrel Effect…
Can You Think Of Other Toxics Present In Our Environment That
Are Of Concern?
Reducing Exposure to ToxicsReducing Exposure to Toxics
• Leave shoes at the door
• Talk to your schools
• Use non-chemical pest control
• Air dry cleaning outside
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More Simple StepsMore Simple Steps
• Don’t smoke around children
• Change clothes before holding infant
• Check out facility regulations where
your children spend time.
More Simple Steps…More Simple Steps…
• Use cold water for cooking
• Serve foods high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C
• Don’t use lead or pewter cooking utensils, lead glazed pottery.
• Limit fish consumption
• Encourage children to WASH HANDS
Read Labels to Reduce ExposureRead Labels to Reduce Exposure
• What’s in this product?
• What does it do?
• Is there a safer alternative?
FHSAFHSA (1960)(1960)Regulates NON-Pesticide, NON-Cosmetic products
Signal WordSignal Word
Poison or Poison or
Danger……….Danger……….
Warning……...Warning……...
Caution……….Caution……….
LD 50LD 50
Few dropsFew drops
1 tsp 1 tsp -- > 1 ounce> 1 ounce
1 tsp 1 tsp -- > 1 ounce> 1 ounce
AMLAAMLA (1988)(1988)Regulates ARTS / CRAFTS products
Signal WordSignal Word
Poison or Poison or
Danger……….Danger……….
Warning……...Warning……...
Caution……….Caution……….
NonNon--Toxic……Toxic……
LD 50LD 50
Few dropsFew drops
1 tsp 1 tsp -- 1 ounce1 ounce
> 1 ounce> 1 ounce
Safe when swallowedSafe when swallowed
FIFRAFIFRA (1972)(1972)Regulates PESTICIDE products
EPA identification on label
Signal WordSignal Word
Poison or Poison or
Danger……….Danger……….
Warning……...Warning……...
Caution……….Caution……….
LD 50LD 50
Few dropsFew drops
1 tsp 1 tsp -- 1 ounce1 ounce
> 1 ounce> 1 ounce
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Read LabelsRead Labels
Recognize Signal Words & EPA ID #Recognize Signal Words & EPA ID #
Which of these is a Which of these is a pesticide?pesticide?
Which of these has a Which of these has a lower acute toxicity?lower acute toxicity?
Adapted from toxics Adapted from toxics
in your home in your home --you betyou bet!!
Make Your Own AlternativesMake Your Own Alternatives
• Bicarbonate of Soda/shaker
• Lemon Juice
• Pure soap (olive oil)
• Vinegar
• Castile Soap
• Flannelette Nappies
• Eucalyptus Oil
• Steamhttp://www.ata.org.au/articles/82_green_cleaning.pdfhttp://www.ata.org.au/articles/82_green_cleaning.pdfhttp://www.ata.org.au/articles/82_green_cleaning.pdfhttp://www.ata.org.au/articles/82_green_cleaning.pdfIt’s up to all of us to make a difference
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