Wikis tagged with Human-Health

Why Products Containing Formaldehyde Should be Avoided Pressed wood products (hardwood plywood wall paneling, particleboard, fiberboard) commonly contain formaldehyde resins. "Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and...

The Goldman Environmental Prize is the world's largest prize honoring grassroots environmentalists.  Founded in 1990 by Richard and Rhoda Goldman, the Goldman Environmental Prize annually awards US$150,000 to grass roots environmental heroes from each of the world's six inhabited continental regions.  [For more about the prize, see the Goldman Environmental Prize]     Video Clips from the Ceremony  [Forgive the less than perfect videography.]   Prize winner for Europe, Ignace Schops, won for establishing Belgium's first and only national park. (Speech in English)     Prize winner for...

The common belief that bleach is not considered 'green' because of its environmental impact and it being man made is mostly a myth or misfact. In fact hundreds, probably thousands, of organic chlorine chemicals are produced by an array of biological and natural chemical processes in our environment ( in fact chlorine is active in our own immune systems. Hypochlorite, a chlorine-containing compound, forms in white blood cells to attack germs and trigger other germ fighting agents. There is also evidence that chlorine is important to the necessary flow of electricity through the human...

The Legacy of the Digital Age   Ask yourself these questions: How many cell phones have you owned in your life? Televisions? MP3 players? Anything with a battery or an electrical plug? What happened to all of those things?    Most of you will find you have had at least one electronic toy break or get upgraded. Some of you will find that you’ve simply kept that old piece of equipment (it’s probably somewhere under a bed or at the back of a drawer or closet). Others might have donated unwanted items. And others yet will have no idea what really happened to that piece of junk. Thus...

Personal Care Products What? Why? Methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, and ethyl-paraben Most commonly created from petroleum. Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic and linked to cancer. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Methyl paraben combines benzoic acid with the methyl group of chemicals. Parabens are highly toxic. ...

These days, there's tons of stuff to avoid...seafood with mercury...produce covered in pesticides...chemicals in cosmetics.  But how do you keep it all straight?  Have no fear.  Green pocket guides (or wallet guides or cell phone accessible guides) can be your back up when you forget what's good for you and what's not.   Here's a run down of some of your (free) options for seafood, plastic, restaurants, produce, and cosmetics.       Format Guide Name & Source Description   Seafood Pocket/wallet (PDF) Pocket seafood selector from Environmental Defense Fund This pocket...

Bisphenol A, or more commonly known as BPA, is an organic compound present in certain types of plastic.   Health Concerns Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to insulin resistance and obesity, miscarriage, breast cancer, prostate cancer and much more.     Uses of Bisphenol A According to Our Stolen Future, Bisphenol A is now deeply imbedded in the products of modern consumer society, not just as the building block for polycarbonate plastic (from which it then leaches as the plastic ages) but also in the manufacture of epoxy resins and other plastics,...

According to an article in the New York Times the average person gains 7 to 10 pounds during the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s a lot of extra “holiday cheer” for a person to gain in a one month period.   With spring upon us and summer around the corner, are you looking to amp up your work out routine?  Need some eco-inspiration?  Read on to learn how to get your sweat on in a sustainable way.   How to Green Your Exercise Routine   You may not think that a few simple actions can help you lose weight and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time, but if you follow...

this is my most recent list of green freebies, coupons and other budget friendly sources. feel free to add your own!   __________________________________________________________   Green Mama on a Budget A blog about being a financially responsible, crunchy, stay at home mom on a very tight budget (less than 25k a year) With a break down our budget and tips to save $$$. While we purchase and pay off our first house and live as green as possible!   This is not targeted just at moms, it's written so most anyone can benefit., it's just titled that was because the writer is a...

GENERAL TIPS:   The best treatment for allergies is to limit exposure.  When seasonal allergies are a problem, limit time outside, especially when pollen counts are high, and during peak pollen hours- 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Keep windows closed, avoid yard work, and shower after being outdoors, since pollen will stick to your hair and clothing.  Avoid line drying your clothes outside, working with compost, raking leaves, or walking through uncut fields.   If you have year-round allergies, you are likely to suffer from dustmite allergies.  If you suspect this is the case, it is helpful to...

Problems with today's fisheries Overfishing      According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, globally, human populations derive 16% of its animal protien from marine sources.  As populations increase their wealth, their preference for meat and fish also increases.  In addition to this, more than half a billion people make their livelihoods fishing.  But the world's fisheries have frequently been used as an example as a Tragedy of the Commons - an individual fisher reaps in all the benefits of catching extra fish; however all the harm of overfishing gets spread...

Stress is frequently considered a toxin. In fact, 3 out of 4 doctors visits are stress related and the WHO has declared stress a global pandemic. Here are some ways to make your interior spaces healthier.   Consider the primary purpose of the space. Is it your living room? Dining room? What kinds of activities will be occurring there? Arrange your space to best house those activities. Balance cool and warm colors. Try to use complimentary colors in your decorating scheme. This will help your eyes and brain strain less. Some also believe that recreating the color patterns of nature can...

Why should you be concerned about air pollution? Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution, particularly particulate matter, is harmful to your health. Exposure to air pollution has been linked to increases in hospital admissions and mortality related to respiratory illness and diseases. A World Health Organisation (WHO) study suggested that particular matter air pollution reduced the life expectancy of Europeans by 8.6 months, and that reducing this air pollution would save up to $161 billion euros. Indoor Air Pollution Air pollution is usually measured outdoors and usually...

AFM SafeChoice 3 in 1 Adhesive Safecoat 3 in 1 Adhesive is a low odor, not toxic, water-based adhesive designed for hard composition wall and floor tiles and carpeting. AFM Safecoat Caulking Compound Safecoat Caulking Compound is a not-toxic, water-based, elastic emulsion type caulking compound designed to replace oil caulk and putty for windows, cracks and general maintenance work. It will not dry out or crack and does not release any solvents or obnoxious odors. Safecoat Caulking Compound provides a water resistant, flexible, easy to install, non sag sealant with excellent initial and...

  For details on the 2008 Prize ceremony, see the 2008 Goldman Prize.   About the Prize Grassroots environmental heroes too often go unrecognized. Yet their efforts to protect the world’s natural resources are increasingly critical to the well-being of the planet we all share. Thus, in 1990 San Francisco civic leaders and philanthropists Richard N. Goldman and his late wife, Rhoda H. Goldman (1924-1996) created the Goldman Environmental Prize. The Goldman Prize continues today with its original mission to annually honor grassroots environmental heroes from the six inhabited continental...