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May 2020

Key Talking Points

We live in an increasingly toxic world. There are more than 85,000 chemicals in use in the U.S. and more are added each year.

The vast majority of them have not been tested to determine the risks they pose to human health or the environment.

This makes it important to have the information we need to make healthier choices and be smart consumers.

Empowering ourselves with this information and making small changes can help us protect ourselves, our families, the community, and the environment.

Background Info

The precautionary principle states that when an activity raises threats of harm to humans or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically and that the proponent of an activity, not the public, should bear the burden of proof.

In the U.S., the precautionary principle has not been applied to the regulation of chemicals.

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You often cannot see, smell, or taste chemicals

Key Talking Points

Chemicals are all around us, yet we usually cannot see, smell, or taste them.

They may be in the food we eat, the water we drink, the products we use, and the air we breathe.

We’re in contact with them daily and they are accumulating in our bodies.

This exposure may not make us sick right away. With some chemicals, it can take time for health conditions to develop and we may not receive any early warning signs.

Or if we do, we may not realize the cause until it’s too late.

Suggested Question: Chemicals are linked to many health issues? What are a few of the health conditions that can develop from exposure to toxins?

(Cancer, thyroid disease, infertility, low birth weight, birth defects, learning disabilities, behavioral problems in children like ADHD, digestive issues, asthma/allergies, neurologic disease like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, heart disease, weight gain, diabetes)

This makes it extremely important for us to take a preventative approach and do what we can to minimize our exposure to the chemicals that we know can cause harm.

Images:

http://cdn-img.health.com/sites/default/files/styles/small_16_9/public/1501693579/what-to-eat-for-healthy-eyes-video.jpg?itok=x6fBhMmg

https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/rich_media_quiz/topic/rmq_sense_of_smell/thinkstock_rf_photo_of_woman_smelling_flower.jpg

http://www.oohsncoos.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Dollarphotoclub_52160431.jpg

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Neighborhoods and workplaces affect health

Chemicals are everywhere in the environment, including places where we spend a lot of time like our neighborhoods and workplaces.

Some neighborhoods are more polluted than others and some workplaces pose more of a risk depending on the type of job.

Why are some neighborhoods more polluted than others?

What types of jobs put workers more at risk of exposure to toxins?

(Jobs with increased risk of chemical exposure include: assembly plants, farm workers, nail salon workers/cosmetologists, housekeeping, construction, oil refinery, auto repair, battery manufacturing/recycling, welding)

Images:

https://cbsla.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/lpi1905_48.jpg?w=513

https://www.kcet.org/sites/kl/files/atoms/article_atoms/www.kcet.org/socal/departures/assets_c/2013/10/710top-thumb-600x321-61613.jpg

https://cdn.shrm.org/image/upload/c_crop,h_2884,w_5130,x_0,y_262/c_fit,f_auto,q_auto,w_767/v1/Legal%20and%20Compliance/female_janitor_jiuc9k?databtoa=eyIxNng5Ijp7IngiOjAsInkiOjI2MiwieDIiOjUxMzAsInkyIjozMTQ2LCJ3Ijo1MTMwLCJoIjoyODg0fX0%3D

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Impact of Hidden Environmental Hazards on Communities

African-American and Latino communities are especially exposed to toxins

Environmental toxins are a reproductive justice issue because lower income communities, particularly those of color, are more likely to be exposed to harmful substances compared to their higher income counterparts.

What are some examples of how communities of color are more contaminated?

Reproductive justice is the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have or not have children, and parent the children we do have in safe and sustainable communities.

Low-income communities of color tend to have more freeways, industrial facilities, diesel polluted ports, and hazardous waste.

Housing in low-income areas also tends to be less well maintained by landlords.

Images:

http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/Laugher-Mother-Baby-2322276

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2126264/images/o-MIXED-RACE-BABY-facebook.jpg

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1384422/Special-investigation-Inside-migrant-maternity-ward-NHS-struggling-cope.html

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Harmful chemicals are toxic

Everybody absorbs harmful chemicals from their environments
These chemicals may cause problems during pregnancy

While chemical exposure can harm anyone, women and children are particularly vulnerable. Women are more vulnerable due to their reproductive capacity. There are particular risks during pregnancy since the toxins in a woman’s body can be transferred to the fetus and to the baby through breastmilk.

Research has proven that breast milk is still healthier than formula.

Women can also be more at risk since they tend to be exposed more through cosmetics, personal care products, and household cleaners.

Children are particularly vulnerable to all toxic chemical exposures because their organs, nervous systems, and immune systems are still developing. This increases their susceptibility to chemical exposure.

Breast milk is the ideal food for babies since it provides optimal nutrition in a form that is more readily digested and absorbed, which results in fewer digestive conditions. Breast milk contains antibodies that reduce the risk of ear, urinary tract, and respiratory infections.

Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of SIDS, childhood cancer, type 1 and 2 diabetes, allergies, and asthma. Breastfeeding enhances bonding between woman and baby.

Benefits for women include faster postpartum recovery, faster weight loss, and decreased risk of ovarian and breast cancer.

Images: http://allamericanmom.org/family/health/

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Health Concerns

Problems for parents:

Trouble getting pregnant
Difficulties during pregnancy
Miscarriage
Asthma
Cancer

It’s important to reduce exposure to toxins because they can affect maternal and child health. Such as:

Toxins can affect fertility in women and men. Many chemicals are endocrine disruptors, which are substances that interfere with the normal function of hormones in the body.
Increase the risk of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth.
Maternal exposure to harmful chemicals can impact children’s health years after birth.
Other effects on children may not be seen until they are older, such as learning problems or even cancer.�

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the hormonal system and can have harmful effects on reproduction, development, the nervous system, and immunity.�
Endocrine disruptors can mimic naturally occurring hormones in the body, including estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.�
Endocrine disruptors include: Pesticides, lead, phthalates, cadmium, PCBs, dioxins, BPA, parabens, triclosan, and perfluorochemicals in nonstick cookware.�
Effects can include: Neurological and behavioral changes, obesity, type 2 diabetes, thyroid function, reduced fertility, low birthweight, lowered immunity, cancer (especially breast and prostate)

Images: https://assets.babycenter.com/ims/2016/05/79072280_wide.jpg?width=505

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Health Concerns

Problems for children:

Premature birth
Birth defects
Developmental delays
Asthma
Cancer

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Harmful chemicals can be found in:

Cribs, furniture, and seat belts
Pesticides
Cleaning products
Some metals and plastics

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What YOU Can Do!

How to avoid harmful chemicals at home

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Avoid Pesticides

Bug sprays

Bug bombs

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Keeping bugs away

Seal cracks

Clean up crumbs

Use bug traps

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Avoid Lead Exposure

Peeling paint
Dust
Soil
Lead-soldered pipes
Glazed plates and pottery
Plated jewelry
Old or imported toys

Lead is a heavy metal that for many years was added to paint and gasoline. While it was banned from these products in 1978, homes, buildings, and products made before then still may contain lead.�
Lead can be found in various places, such as:

Old peeling paint, Old plumbing, Some jewelry, Some glazed plates and pottery, Some candy imported from Mexico or Asia, Some herbal remedies
The biggest risk is lead in dust from peeling or chipping paint in homes built before 1978.�

Although exposure can harm anyone, young children are particularly vulnerable because they tend to put hands and objects into their mouth and their bodies and brains are still developing. In children, even low levels can cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems, such as hyperactivity.�
Lead is a neurotoxin, which means it can affect the brain and nervous system. Exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of low birth weight and birth defects.

In adults, lead can cause memory problems, high blood pressure, reproductive problems, depression, sleep issues, headaches, personality changes, fatigue, anemia, and muscle weakness. At high levels, it can cause seizures, coma, and death.�
Foods rich in calcium, vitamin C, and iron can reduce the among of lead the body absorbs.

Images: https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2017/07/170712084955_1_900x600.jpg

https://mikediamondservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/old-rusty-pipe-1-300x200.jpg

http://www.house-painting-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/artimg_peeling-paint-interior-wall-200x301.jpg

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Steer Clear of Lead

USE:

Water-based paints and glues

High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filter vacuums�
Wet mops

Avoid exposure to lead by using water-based paints and glues.�
If possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and/or clean frequently by using a wet cloth/mop.�
It’s important to have your children tested for lead at 12 and 24 months. Blood tests can check for lead levels. Older children should also be tested if they weren’t tested earlier.�
Lead testing should be done through well child exams and is free to children covered by MediCal or the CHDP program (Child Health Disability Prevention).�
Currently, the CDC considers 5 micrograms per deciliter of lead in blood a concern (it used to be 10). Chelation therapy is recommended at 45 micrograms.�
When children are tested, it’s important for parents to be given the actual numerical results rather than just being told “it’s negative” or “normal” since no amount of lead in the blood is safe.

Images: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c6/58/58/c65858fc6a74c32343130c5ea1513655.jpg

http://allkleencarpets.5uv43jfqed5igp6pvgln.maxcdn-edge.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/mopping.jpg

https://media.hoover.com/i/ttifloorcare/U6485900_FRONT_1?$large$

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Get rid of dust

Wet mops and vacuums with HEPA filters help remove dust

Dust can trigger asthma

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Avoid Strongly Scented Cleaners

PRODUCTS LIKE:

Bleach

Fabuloso and Pinesol

Ajax and Comet

It doesn’t have to smell strong to be clean!

The chemicals in these products have been linked with respiratory issues like:

Asthma and allergies
Skin irritations
Damage to eyes and nasal passageways�

They are also harmful to the environment by contaminating water�
Products that contain ammonia, bleach, or triclosan should be avoided.�
Bleach has been linked with asthma and allergies and can cause damage to skin and eyes. It can create toxic fumes if combined with other cleaning products.�
Ammonia is an irritant that can be harmful to the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, skin, and can trigger asthma symptoms.

Images:

https://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images_2016/styles/alternate_large/21753.jpg

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41VqfK1-uSL._SL500_AC_SS350_.jpg

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/b1ebba5b-6502-40c5-93e3-4831028f2c46_1.19b083e831821f6b6ccf950ba82642ee.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF

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Use Non-toxic cleaners

Vinegar
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
Hydrogen peroxide

Chemical free cleaning solution:

1 cup water + 1 cup vinegar

The home does not need to be as sterile as an operating room. It’s unnecessary to disinfect your home to the degree that advertisers and product manufacturers would have you believe.�
Non-toxic cleaners are easy to make and can save you money.�
A solution of 1 cup water + 1 cup white vinegar can clean and disinfect effectively.�
Baking soda can be used for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and toilets.�
Lemon can be added for a nice scent and it helps disinfect.�
Glass cleaner can be made with 1 cup alcohol, 1 cup water, and 1 tbsp white vinegar.�
Hydrogen peroxide, borax, or white vinegar can be added to laundry to help whiten clothing instead of bleach.

Images:

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/5f291c55-2dad-4cf5-8dba-6a1a2775ce6b_1.bad39c4c4bc3870674de3865cc7f15ca.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arm-Hammer-Pure-Baking-Soda-4-0-LB/11027507

http://www.cvs.com/bizcontent/merchandising/productimages/large/5042826254.jpg

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CLEANING & DISINFECTING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

A vinegar and water solution will NOT kill the coronavirus.
Cleaning counters, surfaces, and other items with any type of soap has been shown to kill the coronavirus.
3% hydrogen peroxide is a safe way to disinfect after cleaning surfaces.

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Eat fish with LOW mercury

Wild Salmon
Tilapia
Catfish
Shrimp
Skipjack tuna (light)

Safer fish include wild salmon, tilapia, catfish, shrimp, and skipjack or light tuna.�
Farmed salmon is high in PCBs.�
Other fish that are high in Omega-3 fats and low in mercury include: Sardines, pollock/imitation crab, king crab, mussels, rainbow trout, Atlantic mackerel, oysters, anchovies, and herring.�
Marlin, tuna steaks (sushi), and Orange Roughy are also high in mercury.

Images:

https://www.ocado.com/productImages/588/58892011_2_640x640.jpg?identifier=bd01547dbaa5b1617f262d1488e1c5aa

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41NUAOZsfkL.jpg

http://www.agrofishitalia.com/ENG/img/fishes/Filetti%20di%20Pesce%20Gatto%20Freschi.jpg

http://www.bigy.com/FoodSafety/HandlingStorage/ShellfishAllergy/assets/shellfish.png

https://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images_2016/styles/xlarge/139373.jpg

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Eat Less…

Canned foods

Food with animal fat

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Eat More Fresh or Frozen Produce

Fresh fruits and veggies
Frozen fruits and veggies
Fruits and veggies with thick skins that can be peeled

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Avoid plastic containers �3, 6, and 7

3

Canned foods
Disposable water bottles

6

Disposable cups and plates
Plastic straws

7

Some baby bottles

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Avoid refrigerating and microwaving plastics

Refrigerating and microwaving plastic can release chemicals into your food

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Use glass and Stainless Steel containers

These are safe and reusable

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Water has naturally occurring

and added chemicals, nutrients, and minerals

The quality of drinking water can vary depending on where it comes from and where you live

Public water suppliers are required to routinely test their water and reduce impurity levels

Water Quality

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Reusing disposable water bottles is harmful
If concerned about lead in your pipes, flush your tap with cold water for 1-2 minutes
Fluoride in tap water prevents tooth decay in children and adults

Drink Filtered

Tap Water

Bottled water is NOT better than tap water!

Bottled water can be contaminated from the chemicals in plastic, so it’s best to drink filtered tap water in most cases.�
Plastic from bottled water is harmful for the environment.�
Those who are unsure of the condition or age of the pipes in their home should run the cold water for 1-2 minutes before using it.�
It takes three times the water to manufacture a water bottle than the water it takes to fill it.�
17 million barrels of oil are used each year to make water bottles.�
It’s estimated that most water bottles are not recycled.�
The fragments the water bottles break into pollute the water and soil.

Information:

http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation/fluoridation-faq

Photos:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51S60aCQO7L.jpg

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/d5ea6b93-0139-47a0-b232-b8452a4a7d23_1.d026cfa9b736325025d8fb8ed9196f44.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF

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Avoid flame retardants

CAN BE FOUND IN SOME:

Foam baby items
Baby clothes
Furniture upholstery
Carpet

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Avoid flame retardants

Buy products labeled “flame retardant free”

Wash hands before eating

Dispose of damaged cushioning

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Avoid harmful beauty products

Hair straighteners

Skin lighteners

Perfumes

Hair dyes

Loose powder

Hydroquinone

Lead

Benzyl Salicylate

Fragrance

Propylparaben

Personal care products used on a daily basis often contain many chemicals which may be harmful to health.
While a single product may contain a small amount of toxins, women often use many different products, increasing the level of chemicals they are exposed to.
It’s best to limit exposure of non-essential personal care products or choose those without harmful chemicals.
Synthetic fragrances and other personal care products have phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors and are linked to abdominal obesity and insulin resistance, as well as other hormonal alterations.
Hair straighteners contain formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen. They can also cause allergy or irritation.
Hair dyes pose risk of allergy and darker, permanent dyes pose cancer risk.
Loose powders pose risk of inhalation and some contain parabens, which increase breast cancer risk.
Skin lighteners can cause irritation and some contain mercury.

Info: https://donate.ewg.org/images/Quick%20Tips%20for%20Choosing%20Safer%20Pesonal%20Care%20Products.pdf

Images: https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/12914097?wid=520&hei=520&fmt=pjpeg

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1k0l2SVXXXXcOXXXXq6xXFXXXC/Sell-Crazy-Fair-font-b-Lovely-b-font-Lightening-Vitamin-Whitening-Skin-Bleach-Bleaching-font-b.jpg

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/wp-content/uploads/Hair-Dye.jpg

https://media.allure.com/photos/5835c4be79e903d450743f46/master/pass/perfume.jpg

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1PIFePVXXXXagaFXXq6xXFXXXU/FOCALLURE-New-Brand-Makeup-Powder-3-Colors-Loose-Powder-Face-Makeup-Waterproof-Loose-Powder-Skin-Finish.jpg

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Read Labels

Minimize using products with:

Toluene

Nail polish and treatments

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

Nail polish and treatments

Formaldehyde

Nail polish and treatments
Eyelash glue

Triclosan

Soap, body wash
Toothpaste

Parabens

Makeup: foundation, lipstick, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, powder, lip gloss, etc.

Read product labels and look out for the most harmful chemicals listed here: Toulene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, triclosan, and parabens.
Toulene is linked with reproductive and respiratory harm.
DBP is a reproductive and developmental toxin and can be an ingredient in some soft plastics, like shower curtains, raincoats, food wraps, and bowls.
Formaldehyde is a carcinogen.
Triclosan is an ingredient in some liquid hand and dishwashing soaps and other personal care products like toothpaste. It is an endocrine disruptor that can affect thyroid hormones.
Parabens are linked with reproductive harm (decreased sperm, early puberty) and breast cancer.

Info:

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702500/FORMALDEHYDE/#.WeTtuDuQx9N

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701929/DIBUTYL_PHTHALATE/#.WeTuWDuQx9O

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706623/TRICLOSAN/#.WeTwFjuQx9P

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705335/PROPYLPARABEN/#.WeTx5zuQx9O

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706577/TOLUENE/#.WeT0ZzuQx9N

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No label?�Don’t buy!

Saving up for a few good products is better than many cheap and dangerous products.

Better to be safe than sorry!

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Mercury in Face Creams

Imported or unlabeled face creams used to lighten age spots or get rid of wrinkles, freckles, acne, or other blemishes can have mercury in them
Mercury is a poison. Its symptoms can be hard to see or feel.
Mercury from creams has sent children, teens, and women to the hospital
If you use these creams, see your doctor and ask for a urine test for mercury
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/MercuryinCream,call (510) 981-4354 or email AskEHIB@cdph.ca.gov

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Minimizing Exposure From Work

Workers in certain industries are more likely to routinely come into contact with toxins.

https://www.osha.gov/workers/

Images:

https://workingnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/winter-construction-crew.jpg

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1600&bih=1068&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=female+janitor&oq=female+janitor&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0l3j0i24k1.24345.26064.0.26176.14.14.0.0.0.0.124.1287.10j4.14.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..0.14.1277...0i67k1j0i8i30k1.0.enm0vCDQCCo#imgrc=d0cFNMgyZsHdgM:

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2007/10/31/nyregion/31nails.190.jpg

https://www.aamcocolorado.com/find-a-good-car-mechanic/

https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/portrait-of-highway-construction-workers-high-res-stock-photography/83455059

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/01/12/509315426/california-nail-salons-start-to-invest-in-worker-safety

https://waste-management-world.com/a/republic-opens-massive-las-vegas-recycling-facility

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Limit contact with chemicals

Frequently wash your hands

Use gloves

Use protective gear

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Workplace advocacy

Workplace wellness programs promoted by employers are a cost effective way of improving your health!

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Separate clothing worn at work from those worn at home

Change clothes before going home

Shower immediately when returning home

Wash your work clothes separately

Leave shoes at the door

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Community Advocacy

Community Organizing

Tenants’ Rights

Legal Advocacy

Workers’ Rights

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Protected by an implied warranty of habitability, which includes complying with state and local building and health codes
All residences must comply with state and local building health codes

Tenant Rights

Right to a lead-free, mold-free, safe and healthy home

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LA Housing and Community Investment Department (HCID)

1-866-557-RENT (7368)
http://hcidapp.lacity.org/ReportViolation/Pages/ReportViolation
*Responds in 24-72 hours

LA County Environmental Health Services

1-888-700-9995

Reporting Housing Hazards

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Healthy Homes

Community education
Home visits by Promotoras de Salud
Hazard assessment of indoor/outdoor environment
Prevent lead poisoning and asthma triggers from injuring families

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ewg.org

Environmental Working Group’s

Databases

EWG is a helpful resource for information on environmental toxins.

Each year they test all produce to determine the level of contamination from pesticides and develop a list of the most contamination (Dirty Dozen) and the least contaminated (Clean 15).

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews
2019 Dirty Dozen: Strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes.
2019 Clean 15: Honeydew melon, mushrooms, broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, cabbage, kiwi, asparagus, eggplant, papayas, onions, peas, pineapple, corn, avocados.

EWG also has a database where you can enter your zip code to find out if the water in your area meets federal water quality standard, what contaminants are in it, and what to look for in a water filter.

https://www.ewg.org/tapwater�

EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database is a great resource that provides ratings for a wide range of personal care products and ingredients.

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep�

EWG also has a “Healthy Living” app that allows you to scan a product to review its rating so you can choose safer food and personal care products.

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Developed by:

The Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Health Education & Research Center

1100 Glendon Ave, Suite 800

Los Angeles, CA 90024

www.womenshealth.ucla.edu

Julie Friedman, MPH, CHES

Director

jafriedman@mednet.ucla.edu

310-794-8062

Contact:

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Access this presentation at: ��http://womenshealth.ucla.edu/phhbb��or ��http://phhbb.shutterfly.com