Health Alert 185
The Pesticide Action Network (PAN) recently examined tested 2,648 people for commonly used pesticides. The average person had high levels of 13 out of the 34 pesticides tested. 1
These toxins cause cancer and a host of other serious ailments. Many are from pesticides that you use in and around your home.
The authors of this landmark study state that the data shows our government has failed to protect us against dangerous pesticides. Today, I want to tell you which pesticides are particularly toxic. You’ll also learn the health risks associated with them and where they are found. Armed with this info, you will be able to avoid these poisons.
* What’s Causing Cancer in Americans? *
The use of pesticides has become commonplace. Untested chemicals are in many products for keeping our homes pest-free. Yet, widespread use alone doesn’t make these products safe.
Popular crabgrass and dandelion killers like Weed-B-Gone, Weedone, Miracle, Demise, Lawn-Keep, and Raid Weed Killer contain Cholophenol. This dangerous carcinogen contains dioxins and PCBs.3
Cholophenol is one of the toxic substances found in high levels in the people tested. Cholophenol kills insects by disrupting their nervous systems. Yet, this chemical is also disrupting people’s immune systems and causing deadly lymphomas.2
The World Health Organization estimates that every year 3 million people suffer from severe pesticide poisoning. These poisonings result in as many as 20,000 unintentional deaths per year.4 The WHO estimate several million unreported cases that result in milder but acute conditions such as skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, and breathing problems.
The PAN study recommends that Congress take decisive action. We need corporate responsibility for pesticide contamination. We need a ban on selling or using these hazardous pesticides. Most importantly, we need to require manufacturers to demonstrate that a pesticide doesn’t harm human health before using it.
* A Safer Way to Control Pests *
You can promote good health in your life and take steps to limit pests. Instead of buying commercial insecticides that contain harmful chemicals, use the following:
For ants: sprinkle powdered red chill pepper, paprika, dried peppermint, or borax wherever you see ants. Take special care to sprinkle where they are entering.
For beetles: Most beetles are harmless. Either leave them alone or kill them manually when you see them.
For cockroaches: Mix by stirring 6 ounces borax, 4 ounces sugar, and 8 ounces flour. Spread on floor of infested area. Repeat after 4 days and again after 2 weeks.
For fleas: Feed your pet brewer’s yeast in powder mixed with his food.
For moths: Air your clothes well in the sun and store in airtight containers. Or, scatter sachets of lavender, cedar chips, or dried tobacco in with your clothing.
For rats and mice: Close off holes in exterior or interior walls and keep storage spaces orderly. Make sure garbage is tightly covered. To catch rodents, the most efficient system is the oldest: a cat. Next best are mouse and rat traps.
For gardens: Look for new brands of safer insecticides that use soap-and water solution to get rid of aphids, or pyrethrum for a number of applications. As more and more people understand the hazards of organic chemicals in the home, market pressure will encourage the introduction of safer products.
To lower pesticides in your food, buy organic produce, free-range chicken, and avoid farm-raised fish. Be sure to rinse your fruits and vegetables well before eating. It’s not easy to avoid all pesticides but by being aware, you can at least be moving in the right direction.
Al Sears MD
1. Study finds high pesticide levels in Americans http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-05-11-pesticide-study_x.htm
2. ibid
3. ibid
4. Global Stewards – Take The Toxins Out Campaign http://www.globalstewards.org/toxics.htm