Saturday, 30 April 2011

BPA

This chemical can have very dangerous side effects on the human body. In my opinion, the government made the right decision in removing the chemical from the products it is found in. BPA should definitelt not be allowed because it could kill people with the side effects that are present.

If the chemical BPA is consumed it increases the risk of these side effects:
breast cancer 18%, prostate cancer 85%, and impaired fertility 20%.
But there are also many other health problems where the risk is increased because of BPA
(Toxic Platic Chemical Found in Canned Foods, 2006).



Picture links: http://cdn.babble.com/strollerderby/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/bpa.jpg


http://www.greenzer.com/blog/blog_image_store/2010/06/bpa-in-most-canned-foods.jpg


http://www.healthylivingtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/nalgene_bottles.jpg


Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wXGrzDlcr8

Even with small doses of BPA, it has been proven to cause many dangerous health risks in humans. The following are just a few examples: breast cancer, prostate disease and cancer, obesity, miscarriages, sperm defects, Down's Syndrome, and Turner Syndrome (Elsevier, Reed, 2011).

BPA affects human development and the reproductive system. It also increases the risk of obesity, behavioural problems, early puberty, impaired fertility, and cancer in animals (Oshita, Cynthia, 2008).

Students at Harvard Medical School found that there is an incredible increase in embryonic death in roundworms that were exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA). Ther happened to be a 97% increase in the embryonic death rate. This means the embryo only has a 3% chance of surviving. Also ther was an imense decrease in the number of laid eggs. To be exact, there was a sixfold reduction of the average number of eggs laid (Fang, Janet, 2010).

Although BPA has been banned from Canada since 2008, it still remains in most other countries. It is commonly found in the lining of food packages and beverages, and most hard plastics such as baby bottles and reuseable water bottles (Fang, Janet, 2010).

Physical Properties of BPA:

-lightweight, high-performance plastic
-colourless
-high heat resistance
-excellent electrical resistance
-tough

Chemical Properties of BPA:

-toxic (can kill you in the long run)
-not corrosive
-non-flammable -chemical formaula= C15H1602




Citings:

Elsevier, Reed, 2011
http://www.baumhedlundlaw.com/bpa/bpa_side_effects.php

Fang, Janet, 2010
http://www.smartplanet.com/technology/blog/rethinking-healthcare/bpa-strikes-again-causing-sterility-and-killing-embryos-in-worms/1901/?gclid=CKbeo5qOn6gCFQprKgodgkY6JQ

Fang, Janet, 2010
http://www.smartplanet.com/technology/blog/rethinking-healthcare/bpa-strikes-again-causing-sterility-and-killing-embryos-in-worms/1901/?gclid=CKbep5qOn6gCFQprKgodgkY6JQ

Oshita, Cynthia, 2008
http://www.ewg.org/node/26414

Toxic Plastic Chemical Found in Canned Foods, 2006
http://www.ewg.org/node/20937



Wednesday, 27 April 2011

A few tips to enhancing your blogs :)


I have just a few reminders for everyone before they submit their final blog posts!

1. Please include only 1 post!  If you have more than one please copy the information into one post and delete the others.

2. Make sure you have named your post in the following format: Chemical Name-Last Name

3. Please make sure to include your reference list in APA format, not just a list of websites.  Remember to   use citationmachine as a reference to help with this.  http://www.citationmachine.net/

SAMPLE REFERENCE LIST:

Brady, J.T. & Brady, P. L. (2003, November). Consumers and genetically
          modified foods. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 95(4),12-18.  Retrieved
          February 25, 2005, from Proquest database

 
Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2004, April 28). What are genetically modified          foods? Retrieved February 23, 2005, from http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/
          sci/biotech/safsal/gmoogme.shtml

Freckleton, R. P., Sutherland, W.J., & Watkinson, A. R. (2003, November 7). Deciding
          the future of GM crops in Europe.  Science, 302(5647), 994-996. Retrieved February 25,
          2005, from Proquest database.

Genetic engineering. (2002). In The new encyclopaedia Britannica micropaedia (Vol. 5,
          p.178). Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Health Canada. (2002, February). The safety of genetically modified food crops.
          Retrieved March 22, 2005, from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/protection/
          biologics_genetics/gen_mod_foods/genmodebk.html

Kneen, B. (1999).  Farmageddon: Food and the culture of biotechnology. Gabriola Isand,
          B. C.: New Society.

4. Please use referencing not only at the bottom of your post, but also throughout.  For example if you have a a few sentences from one source, at the end of the sentences you will include (author, year).  Please use this throughout your blog to show where all the information comes from.  Citation machine can also assist you with what to include in the brackets.

5. Add pictures and colour!


http://supply-chain-data-mgmt.blogspot.com/2010/08/enter-waxman-epa-tsca-toxic-substances.html


6. Make sure to have links to related articles and videoclips.  I have copied instructions below for how to imbed your videoclip rather than just supplying the link.  Please feel free to do this.

  • How do I post a video to my blog from YouTube?
    • To embed a video from YouTube, just copy the code from the "Embed" box on the video's YouTube page. You can find the "Embed" box in the "About This Video" box when you're watching the video. You can also get the code from the "Embed HTML" box on the "Edit Video" page if the video belongs to your YouTube account.To embed a YouTube video within a blog post, first click "Edit HTML" from within the post editor. Next, paste the video's code into the body of your post. That's it!
Video:

http://www.ehow.co.uk/video_4784676_smoking-cause-stomach-cancer_.html
Picture:
http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Nitrosamine-2D.png/220px-Nitrosamine-2D.png&imgrefurl=http://www.righthealth.com/topic/nitrosamines&usg=__CFKO9QK5qFcSvDQBjfN4UC0IpSk=&h=205&w=220&sz=6&hl=en&start=0&sig2=GivsphyRZ5aXh0q3-xdBrA&zoom=1&tbnid=TFnIYu6M3Ry2qM:&tbnh=138&tbnw=153&ei=pay4TffHK4220QGNpNwC&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dnitrosamines%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1907%26bih%3D857%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=157&vpy=387&dur=2713&hovh=164&hovw=176&tx=75&ty=89&page=1&ndsp=50&ved=1t:429,r:20,s:0

Nitrosamines

Physical Properties Of Nitrosamines



-crystals or crystalline powder


-white to pale yellow in colour


-sometimes colourless


-miscible with water





Chemical Properties Of Nitrosamines


-can explode if combined with other elements





Remedy


Vitamin C and E additives in food will reduce the risk of nitrosamine formation





How often are nitrosamines in products?
One in every ten products contain ingredients that can combine with others to form nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are produced from nitrites and amines.





Where are nitrosamines found?
Nitrosamines are common in cosmetics, but because they are impurities, they are not listed on product labels. Nearly every kind of personal care product can contain nitrosamines as an impuritiy. Nitrosamines are or can be found in mascara, concealer, conditioner, baby shampoo, pain relief salve, sunless tanning lotion, tobacco smoke, latex products,condoms, beer, party ballons, fish and fish byproducts, and meat and chesse products with nitrite pickling salt.





Health conditions with nitrosamines?
Studies have linked nitrosamines to cancer. They are also linked to development or reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and system toxicity. Nitrosamines can cause problems in the liver, bladder, and other organs and lead to toxic health effects. Nitrosamines have been banned from use in cosmetics by Canada and the European Union.
We were first made aware of nitrosamines in 1977. Since then the industry has worked to define the problem. A 1998 study by the UK Department of Trade and Industry showed that nitrosamine levels in some products actually increase in the months after a product is opened.





How Are Nitrosamines Formed?


Nitrosamines are carcinogenic chemical compounds of the chemical structure R2N-N=O. Nitrosamines are produced from nitrites and amines. their formation can occur only under certain conditions, including strongly acidic conditions such as that of the human stomach.


the nitrite forms nitrous acid (HN02), which splits into the nitrosyl cation (N=O+) and the hydroxide (OH-) anion. The nitrosyl cation then reacts with an amine to produce nitrosamine.


The cosmetic industry was the first made aware of the presence of nitrosamines in March 1977 with a presentation of a paper on the subject at an American Chemical Society meeting. Since that reported finding of trace levels of N-nitrosodiethanolamines, (NDELA), in commercial cosmetic products, the cosmetic industry has worked to define the problem assess it's magnitude and minimize NDELA in cosmetic products.





A Link To An Article About The Dangers Of Nitrosamines


http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=293





In my own opinion the use of these products should be allowed because it is your choice of what you put on your own body,and if u want to take those risks then that is your choice. And as long as it includes nitrosamines on the ingredients package.





WEBSITES USED:


http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=293


http://askville.amazon.com.nitrosamines-form-cosmetics.AnswerViewer.do?requestId=166907


Http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/HBI/17/


http://chemicallypure.com/nitrosamines





Monday, 25 April 2011

Organophosphates - Helm

Organophosphates are made up of many compounds including phosphorus which is commonly used in pesticides. They were discovered during the 19th century, but didn't become recognized as dangerous until this poison was used during World War 2 by the German military as a neurotoxin.


Image: http://political-cleanup.org/pcu_test/images/Organophosphate_svg1.png



Common Uses for Organophosphates:
- insecticides/pesticides in agriculture



Dangers:
- There are chemicals in organophosphates that are used to stop the brain and nerve cells in insects, but these chemicals can impair the brains and nervous systems of humans as well.


Treatment:

- Although there is no definite vaccine for organophosphates, there are several things you can do to protect yourself once you have been poisoned. First thing would be to get out of the infested area, and move to a safer place. Next you should remove contaminated clothes and discard of them immediately, after this you should wash infected areas. If you have ingested this poison, you can go to the hospital and get your stomach pumped, it is also not uncommon for a person to be given activated charcoal to drink.


Since there are many chemicals involved in organophosphates, I chose to narrow my research down to just one, so the physical/chemical properties would be accurate. I chose one of the more common organophosphates, Diazinon.
Physical Properties:
-
molecule weight is 304.35
- it can be colourless, to pale yellow, to dark brown
-
opaque
- faint "ester" like smell
- boiling point is 83-84 degrees Celcius


Chemical Properties:
- non flammable
- flash point is 82.2 degrees Celcius
- non corrosive


Chemical Formula:
C9H10ClN2O5PS


I personally feel that this chemical should not be allowed to be used as a household chemical. Organophosphates are used in 38% of all pesticides in the world, mainly used in agriculture. Many farmers tend to get brain damage from this chemical, and don't even realize it due to the lack of symptoms that occur.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyn0UZR5V6I



Sources:
A Review of the Scientific Literature as it Pertains to Gulf War Illnesses, Volume 8: Pesticides, Gary Cecchine, Beatrice A. Golomb, Lee H. Hilborne, Dalia M. Spektor, C. Ross Anthony, MR-1018/8-OSD, 2000.

Frances M Dyro, MD Chief of the Neuromuscular Section, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Westchester Medical Center Frances M Dyro
















Tuesday, 19 April 2011

Nitrates - Alistair DG

Nitrates can be found in several different types of foods.  Nitrates can be found in cured meats, such as beacon, and hot dogs, and is used to preserve the colour, and make it microbial safe.  It can also be found in Bologna, cured ham, salami, carrots, beets, green beans, spinach, and collard greens.(Answers.com, 


What are some treatments for the damage caused by nitrates?
Since nitrates cause cancer, you would have to do treatment for cancer, in this case, radiation, transplants, and several other bodily implications.


Nitrates are harmful. Nitrates aren't harmful, its what they are converted to is what is harmful.  For adults, the nitrates are converted to nitrites from the saliva, now this is harmful.  If there is to many nitrates being consumed, than you can sometimes get severe headaches or migraines, that can last days at a time.  For young children, the conversion takes place in their intestines.  During pregnancy, if the mother consumes an above-average amount of nitrates, than the chance that the child will develop cancer is greatly increased.  In my opinion, the nitrate levels in foods should be a lot lower than what the standards are currently, as they are so harmful.  Since they occur naturally in several vegetables, I can't see banding it would be a good idea, but to ban hot dogs, that would be the wise choice, but i would not follow through with it.  But some precautions to follow are to watch out for the meats listed above, as not to go over board with them in your diet.

Nitrates (when converted to nitrites) can cause several types of cancer.  The main cancer that is caused by nitrites is Gastric cancer, aka Stomach cancer, which causes 800,000 deaths worldwide, every year. For Gastric cancer, the symptoms start as loss of appetite, indigestion or heart burn, and irritation.  Then after a while the symptoms turn to weakness, fatigue, and bloating of the stomach, usually after meals.  Then the worst symptoms are abdominal pain in the upper abdomen, nausea with occasional vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, bleeding in vomiting, and a stomach tumor.  The second type of cancer from nitrites, is Lung cancer, which causes 1.3 million deaths worldwide, every year.  Overall, the chances that a person would live for 5 years, once he has been diagnosed, is 14 % !!!  The symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing up blood, change in regular cough pattern, wheezing, chest pain, weight loss, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, and rarely, clubbing of the fingernails.  What the cause for all of the internal symptoms, are from (a) tumor(s).  All in all, both of these deaths is not the way to go.  And the last cancer I know of that can also be caused by nitrates is Pancreatic cancer, which can be caused from a high diet of red meats, a lack of vegetable in the diet, and smoking.  Males have a 30 percent higher chance of getting the cancer than females.  The symptoms are pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, and loss of weight.
Chemical formula: NO3


Chemical Properties of Nitrates:
Odorless 
Colorless
Tasteless

Physical Properties of Nitrates:
Varies from fine crystal powder, to fine hexagon powder
White if in powder form
Density to Sodium Nitrate: 2.257g/cm3
Density to Potassium Nitrate: 2.109g/cm3
Density to Ammonium Nitrate: 1700 kg/m3

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQmG-b6JJdgvjy-prYVkVHmEVgcREXNIW2OYh8uA7GCUlL18LWowI-Tq7E
A NITRATE MOLECULE (up) Dangerous!!!

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRYFKa1B3ixD3bSG_pqpFB6_tq8Sv0malRoPQ2fcXWWfGcRT7Wdzz-G0HXSqA
        /\---  THIS IS A BEGINNING GASTRIC CANCER THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY NITRITES.





THIS IS A PICTURE OF LUNG CANCER THAT 
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTKZ_RxSlYIh1YK59j28Z87-N9Fl9n0BJqJOS-3GsSuGUKNLMzAgfyZfX3g
COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY NITRITES. -->










http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSJxl2SJ3Bp_5RBaEzw6-aJ7Jmzac5gKmp3TAlFhf6KuHxbOGGbwzXu2qOz
                         ^
                         ^
A Pancreatic cancer symptom of Abdominal Pain.




Sources: Gastric cancer image : Imaging of various gastric lesions with 2d MPR and ct Gastrography performed with multidetector ct. (2006). North America: RadioGraphics.


Information on nitrates :  RosieC, Initials. (2009). What foods/drinks contain nitrates?!!?. United States: Yahoo.


Lung cancer image : Lung cancer tumors. United States: Ecognitive.com.

More information on nitrates : Nitrates. (2011). United States: Wikipedia.


Pancreatic Cancer image: Pancreatic cancers indicators in addition to examination. United States: My healthy lifestyle.

Stick image of a Nitrate molecule: David Burger, Initials. (2008). Nitrates. United States: Science on the farm.

Nitrosamines

Remedy:


Vitamin C and E additives in food will reduce the risk of Nitrosamine formation.





Nitrosamines. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/HBI/17/





What Are Nitrosamines?


A Nitrosamine is an organic substance that is formed by a specific reaction of two nitrogens containing substances one of which is an amine. The second nitrogen containing material that is called a nitrosating agent such as nitrates used as food preservatives.





Where is it found?. (Updated: February 8th, 2010, Febuary 8). Retrieved from http://chemicallypure.com/nitrosamines





How Can Nitrosamines Be Formed?


Nitrosamines may be formed in cosmetic and personal care products only if they contain an ingredient which acts as a Nitrosating agent and an amine, and they are together under conditions that favour Nitrosamine formation. The Nitrosation may happen during manufacture or during product storage.





Information On Nitrosamines


Many ingredients used in the formation of Cosmetic and Personal care products contain nitrogen and this there is a potential to form Nitrosamines. As previously stated the potential for nitrosamine formation is structurally related with secondary amines having the most potential to form nitrosamines.


Nitrosamines are the reaction products

Nitrosamines

What are nitrosamines?


Nitrosamines are common in cosmetics, but because they are impurities, they are not listed on the product labels. Nearly every kind of personal care product can contain nitrosamines as an impurity. Nitrosamines have been banned from use in cosmetics by Canada, and the European Union.





What effects do nitrosamines have?


Studies have linked nitrosamines to cancer. They are also linked to developmental or reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and systemic toxicity. Nitrosamines accumulates in the liver, bladder and other organs and lead to chronic health effects. It is absorbed through skin.





How often are nitrosamines contained in products?


One in every ten products contain ingredients that can combine with others to form nitrosamines. Nitrosamine levels in some products increase in the months after a product is opened. Nitrosamines are produced from nitrites and amines. They can be found in almost every personal care product, some are: mascara, concealer, conditioner, baby shampoo, pain relief salve, sunless tanning lotion, tobacco smoke, latex products, party ballons, fish and fish byproducts, and meat and chesse products preserves with nitrite pickling salt.





When were we first aware of nitrosamines?


The cosmetics industry was made aware of nitrosamines in March of 1997. Since then the cosmetics industry has worked to define the problem.

Asbestos - kerley - grunsell

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material. It can be up to 700 times smaller than human hair . It is strong enough to resist high temperatures, chemical attack, and wear. There is six kinds of Asbestos. But there most common kinds are Chrysotile and Amosite.The chemical formula for Chrysotile (White), is Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4. Chrysotile is the most common in Asbestos based products. It originates from Canada. Its fibers are curled and less sharp, so this means they pose less threat than the other kinds of Asbestos. Chrysotile is considered safer than the other kind of Asbestos, which is Amosite. Amosite is brown, it has long, jagged and needle like fibers, that if when inhaled, it can cause a major threat to your health. Its chemical formula is Fe7Si8O22(OH)2.



Videos about Asbestos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jifoNSXvTuQ



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47kMfYQY0HI &lt <----- Obviously t
his video was

made a long time ago. Asbestos is dangerous, and if not removed carefully, it can lead to deadly diseases.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfdgx7QK8ig





<----- This form of Asbestos is Chrysotile.


http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mesothelioma-cancer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/chrysotile-asbestos-300x252.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.mesothelioma-cancer.ca/asbestos/asbestos-law/global-asbestos-restriction-may-be-blocked-by-canadian-industry&usg=__Hbl2B4W8knax-Kiz5Ioj5jQnCt0=&h=252&w=300&sz=24&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=MGdugG3sBTU3PM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=205&ei=Uou0Ta2WIorcgQeTzfHGCw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dasbestos%2Bchrysotile%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D601%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=553&vpy=88&dur=0&hovh=201&hovw=240&tx=113&ty=96&page=1&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0







About Asbestos

Asbestos is a poor conductor making it good for insulation. Some other physical properties are that is it flexible, solid, crystals, very strong, and comes in silky fibers. Some chemical properties for asbestos are that it is non-flammable, insoluble in water and organic solvents, and inert.

Asbestos is Found In..



It can be found in insulation (wall, ceiling, and pipes), in ropes or cloths, shingles, tiles (floor and ceiling), brake linings, and much more. Asbestos is mostly found in older homes or buildings.

Dangers and Precautions



Asbestos can only be dangerous if it is in the air we breath because it gets into your lungs and it can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. To see how this happens watch video above. The more you are exposed to asbestos the more likely you are to get the diseases.
You should be aware of where asbestos is found. Take precautions found on the video above when renovating or repairing.




Treatments



The treatment depends on the type/stage of cancer you have. Small cell is less common. It grows and spreads fast, needs aggressive treatment. Non-small grows and spreads slower. You can get surgery radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or photodrnamic therapy.




Link about asbestos: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/04/27/japan-earthquake-tsunami-asbestos-radiation.html


Our Opinion about Asbestos


From all of the information we have learned about asbestos. We have concluded that asbestos should be banned from being used in any products. We think this because not only can it
cause asbestosis, it can also cause lung cancer, or mesothelioma. Its not right to be diagnosed with these diseases just because you breathed in asbestos particles from your home.



Where We Got Our Information From:

Asbestos still a public health tragedy; congress taking action. (2007-2011). Retrieved from http://www.ewg.org/report/asbestos-still-public-health-tragedy-congress-taking-action


Asbestos fact sheet
. (2006, April 13). Retrieved from http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/workplacesafety/asbestosfactsheet.htm


Asbestos
. (n.d.). Retrieved from Asbestos. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/inaiqu/inaiqu_001.cfm



Barbalace, R.C.B. (2004, October). Asbestos, its chemical and physical properties. Retrieved from http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/environmental/asbestosproperties2004.html


Mesothelima information and legal guide
. (2011, January 25). Retrieved from http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com/topics/whatisasbestos.html



Mesothelioma & asbestos cancer resource
. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.asbestos.net/diseases/cancer/asbestos-cancer-treatment








Sunday, 17 April 2011

Lead- Hallowell & Oostrom

Picture: http://kidshealth.org/parent//medical/brain/lead_poisoning.html



About lead poisoning
Lead poisoning is most harmful to young children and even unborn babies. It can cause serious health problems. Lead is toxic to everyone but more commonly found in younger people because their bodies are absorbing and retaining nutrients therefore lead is absorbed just as much as other nutrients. In the United States 310, 000 1-5 year olds were found to have unsafe lead levels in their blood.
What products have been found with lead?
BATTERIES
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
PAINT, a lot of houses built be for 1978 have lead-based paint, it was banned in 1978, these paints can be found inside and outside of any kind of house

SOILS, around the house, soil absorbs fumes such as gas from cars, which some contain lead
HOUSEHOLD DUST, picks up lead from old paints or from soil
DRINKING WATER, some plumbing contains lead, like old pipes
JOB, if you work with lead you may bring it home and expose your family
OLD PAINTED TOYS AND FURNITURE
FOOD AND LIQUIDS
LEAD SMELTERS
HOBBIES, making pottery, or stain glass, or refinishing furniture
Picture:http://www.faqs.org/health/images/uchr_08_img0833.jpg
Physical Properties
Colour:





light grey, grey to a slight bluish grey colour
Transparency: opaque
Luster:metallic
Density: 11.3
Malleable
Shiny but can rust then it is dull
Chemical Properties
Melting Point: 327.4degrees C


Boiling Point: 2013K degrees C
Lead is not flammable


Lead is not Corrosive











Effects of Long Term Lead Poisoning
Lead Poisoning can lead to a variety of problems such as:
-decreased muscle and bone growth
-poor muscle coordination
-damage to the kidneys
-hearing and nervous system
-speech and language problems
-developmental delay
-seizures and unconsciousness
The Chemical formula for lead is 207 2,4
Pb
82
Resources
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/lead_poisoning.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/articale/002473.htm
http://www.chemistryexplained.com/elements/L-P/Lead.html

Videos about lead-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jfvPYgWrEE
http://www.videojug.com/film/fresh-air-for-pet-owners
http://www.5min.com/Video/Testing-for-Lead-in-Your-Drinking-Water-142812847
http://www.5min.com/Video/Testing-for-Lead-Paint-in-Your-Home-142812914

Article Links-
http://www.leadpoisoningnews.com/
http://esciencenews.com/articles/2008/08/19/chronic.lead.poisoning.urban.soils
http://www.naturalnews.com/lead_poisoning.html



















Friday, 15 April 2011

Lead- Hallowell & Oostrom









Why is lead harmful- When Lead is exoposed either being enhaled, Swallowed or absorbed through the skin it can act as a poison! If you are exposed to high levels of lead threw out a short period of time something called acute toxicity happends. If you have small amounts of lead over a long period of time its called chronic toxicity. Both are not good to have. It harmful because once it enters the humans body it is distributed threwout the body . Once it get into the bloodstream it can damage red blood cells and limit the ability for them to carry oxygen to the organs and tissues it needs. Most lead ends up in your bone where it creates so many other problems cause the calcium that the bone cant get in cause of the lead.

Protecting your family ! - You wanna make sure your family is safe and to do that you can make sure your house is lead free ! First you get your local health department to have your home evaluate for lead sources and get your kids tested for lead exposuren espicially if they are 6 mounths - 3 years of age cause kids this age spend a lot of time on the ground trying to put things in their mouths. Some things to look out for is old plumbing (old plumbing might be lined with lead in home built befor 1970) Keep your homend your family clean! ( make sure hands are washed and wash toys a lot) Ensure that iron and calcium are in your diets! (if your exposed to lead a diet with a lot of calcium and iron will protect you)

Treatment's are diffrent for every level of lead poisoning. A level 10 just neads some screening and examining for 3-4 weeks. levels 15-19 needs to go to screening and examining too but longer but high levels like 45 or aboveneed to go to the emergency room asap.

Opinion - our opinion on lead is that we should use graphite in products which still contain lead (like we use in pencils now) because it is less harmfull. We should also get ride of anypaints in old houses which still may contain lead.





Pictures-baby- http://news-wurlthy.blogspot.com/2010/09/mass-landlord-fines-85k-lead-paint.html







phenylenediamine Light Bartsch



Phenylenediamine (PPD) is hair dye and the physical properties are the scent of paint, looks like different coloured liquid, tastes awful. I don't know why you would want to taste it anyways.And it sounds like nothing, and feels cold and wet. Three chemical changes is colour change, difficult to reverse, and flammable. The chemical formula is C6H8N2. This dangerous chemical is found in tattoo's, hair dye, ink print, black rubber, dark clothing, fur, and textile dyes. This chemical can cause breast cancer, bladder cancer and leukemia. There is no treatment for this. Some suggestions are to never re-use gloves, (for hair dye) and don't use black coloured gloves because they have PPD in them. Read the labels on hair dyes and try using PPD free dyes.


My opinion for this chemical called Phenylenediamine is that they should not be allowed in such things as hair dye and tattoo's because of the risks of the effects. Not all people can have the effects from this chemical. But to be safe and to prevent more cancer causing, that is why I would say not to have this chemical in such products.-




Cartwrite-Jones.,C.(2003) Henna for Hair Retrieved from http://www.hennaforhair.com/ppd/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3DLjMgr3XU

http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hennapage.com/henna/ppd/Ncar2a.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.hennapage.com/henna/ppd/index.html&usg=__821r2IdLa_H6lM5kJ6ZxG-FkTlk=&h=502&w=280&sz=36&hl=en&start=5&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=Yok-LkHtEikOYM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=73&prev=/search%3Fq%3DPhenylenediamine%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbm%3Disch&ei=3tCtTaadMNScgQfW4e3sDA

Polychlorinated Biphenyl - Newell Hotke

Physical Properties:
-Odourless
-Tasteless
-Clear to pale-yellow
-Visous
-Low waster solubility

Chemical Properties:
-Highly toxic
-High flash point
-Stable compound

Chemical Formula: C12H10-xClx

PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyl) is a highly toxic, vicous liquid or solid that is odourless, tasteless, and clear to pale yellow. PCBs are a group of oily man made products, that can resist high temperatures and pressure. (Quinn, 2009)





Where to be found/Uses: These deadly PCBs can be found in the waterways, air, wildlife, cropland and the evironment. PCBs are toxic and persistent chemicals primarily used as insulating fluids in heavy-duty electrical equipment in power plants, industries, and large buildings across the country. Also found in the wildlife around rivers and bays, but mostly in fish and by eating them they can be transford to us. ("The history of," 2001)


<-Picture to the left shows how PCBs get to the fish and to us.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPWkUc4VTrMaq7YN_8fi3lWVtDOciPMr-l2H7GC33mX3X4XDoiAQpjvEmLXKm9fRpmVcOaKILgwpIvs0Qw453rVm7-_i-k2A75cH0IWtcFotamHuobmjRMcHQPsmyBX6s0skY3uLnj4Gj/s1600/pcb-accumulation1.jpg

Dangers: If contact is made, it results in dermatitis known as cloracne. Contact can/will cause irritation of the skin. PCBs can have possible effects on the heart, blood vessels, liver and reproductive organs, as well as causing cancer. Also toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. "No antidote exists for PCB exposure; therefore, treatment is symptomatic" (Alcorn, 2000)

For more information on the dangers of PBCs, Just click! http://www.wsn.org/cwac/pcbfacts.html
And for a video for the less literate, http://www.videojug.com/interview/dioxin-and-pcbs-explained

Mclovin's opinion on PCBs is that they are of course dangerous, not only to us but the environment. And to reduce the risk of being exposed to PCBs is to eat no fish or game, anything wildlife from rivers.



Resources:

Alcorn, Philip. (2000). Pcb dangers . Retrieved from http://www.alcorn-energy.com/tech6.htm

The history of pcbs. (2001). Retrieved from http://www.foxriverwatch.com/monsanto2a_pcb_pcbs.html

Quinn, Pat. (2009, Febuary). Polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs) . Retrieved from http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/polychlorinatedbiphenyls.htm

Phenol-Bebelaar McCann

Phenol

Phenol is a manufactured and natural substance. Phenol is typically sold as a liquid. Phenol evaporates slower than water and is able to catch fire. Phenol is used primarily in the manufacturing nylon and other synthetic fibres.
Phenol is usually in the form of colourless or
white crystals. ("Phenol", 2011)




The Formula for Phenol is C 6 H 6 O.



Picture from: http://www.3dchem.com/imagesofmolecules/Phenol.jpg




Common Uses of Phenol

adhesives, paint, rubber, ink, dyes, perfumes, plastics, fertilizers




Phenol may also be found...







in rain, surface water and ground water. (Bull, 2007)


DANGERS

Breathing in phenol for a short time can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, headaches and burning eyes. Long term exposure to high concentrations can cause weakness, muscle
pain, anorexia, weight loss and also effects on the heart.
If the skin comes into contact with significant amounts of phenol people may get liver
damage, diarrhoea, dark urine, damage to the red blood cells, and in severe cases death
may occur. (Bull, 2007)Precautions


The average person will not come in enough contact with phenol to have serious health affects. Phenol has no evidence that it causes cancer, and is only ingested in small amounts.






















http://wtt-lite.nist.gov/images/108952.gif




Physical Properties

-boiling point 182 degrees celcius

-density 1.07g/cm3

-solid

-colourless or white when pure


-strong sweet odour


Chemical Properties


-will react with bromine in water, and nitric acid


-flammable (can catch on fire)


-cannot decompose



Treatments
There is no complete treatment for phenol, but there are small treatments that can help. People who have been majorly exposed are usually hospitalized. If phenol gets into your eyes, the doctor may put a special dye in your eyes and examine them with a magnifying device. If you swallow phenol, you would be given a solution made up of charcoal, which will soak up phenol in your stomach.




















g.http://101healthsteps.com/2008/12/15/danger-phenol/

In my opinion, i do not think phenol should be used so commonly in household products such as sanitizers, cleaning, medical and cosmetic products. There are more cons than pros in using the very dangerous chemical, phenol. It is a manmade chemical for the most part and so it is not a natural element and it can kill people or have a very harmful affect on their skin or lungs. When inhaled or swallowed the phenol burns the lining of the mouth, throat, and lungs. Phenol causes burns when exposed to bare skin, and can leave nasty scars. It isn't a necessity when it comes to using it in tasks such as cleaning, medicating and makeup, there are always other perhaps safer substances that can be used instead of this deadly chemical. When Phenol is released into the air or exposed on the ground, it doesn't go away easily. It soaks in and can take affect on people and things who come in contact very easily. Therefore the chemical is more dangerous than useful and should not be used so often and so easily when it can do so much damage.

http://youtu.be/Q4ULriq4leE







Sources:

http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1194947317663




http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/toxsubstance.asp?toxid=27






Bull, S. (2007). Phenol general information. 2. Retrieved from http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1194947317663 doi: CHAPDHQ HPA







Phenol. (2011, April 08). Retrieved from http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/toxsubstance.asp?toxid=27




Dangers of Phenol. (2011, May 27)
http://www.hedgehogworld.com/content.php?169-Dangers-of-Phenol


Phenol Exposure & Treatment (Unknown publishing date)
http://www.akochealth.com/tertiary/phenol.html


















































































































































Tuesday, 12 April 2011

Chromium 6-Dockstader-Ierullo

Chromium 6






What is Chromium 6?

Chromium 6 is a natural metal found in rocks, animals, plants, and soil. It can be carcinogenic (a substance that can cause cancer.) in certain amounts. It is also known as Hexavalent Chromium. Often times it ends up in town's drinking water, due to leaking through the ground.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/video/chromium-found-us-cities-tap-water-12443997


What is the Chemical Formula?

Chemical Formula: Cr(VI)


What is it used for?

Chromium 6 is used for making paints, inks, dyes, paper, steel, and plastic. It is also used in the production of alloys. Chromium 6 is also used for chrome plating, which allows for some of Chromium 6's properties to be transferred to other objects, usually for its durability properties.

What can it cause?

Chromium 6 can cause many negative effects. If it gets on skin for a period of time, it will cause irritation on the spot. It can cause nosebleeds but more seriously asthma if inhaled. If consumed it can cause kidney and liver damage, as it has no means of exiting the organs once it is consumed. If it comes into contact with teeth, it can degrade the enamel protecting your teeth. Chromium 6 is also a known cause of cancer, most often lung cancer, but can also result in stomach cancer, throat cancer, and uterine cancer if ingested.

Treatment?

While chromium 6 is dangerous, it can be treated once it is ingested. If it gets into water, adding iron sulphate to the water will change it into Chromium 3, which is safe and actually healthy for humans to ingest. Activated carbon can remove 99 percent of chromium 6 in solutions. A certain microorganism can actually decompose Chromium shavings.


Opinion

Our opinion is that Chromium 6 is very dangerous, and as such, water companies should use extra precautions to avoid it ending up in their water systems. This could be done by treating the water with iron sulphate as mentioned before, or better protecting the water system so chromium 6 never has a chance to come in contact with it. We think it should stay in other products, as those products are not usually ingested or heavily inhaled.


Video on Chromium 6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnJJtxPhZw8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn9aQ0PJQ2E



Articles about Dangers of Chromium 6

http://asheham.wordpress.com/2010/12/21/more-on-dangers-of-chromium-6/

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/WellnessNews/scientists-call-report-chromium-drinking-water-alarmist/story?id=12440751

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/dangers-of-chromium-hexavalent.html

http://deathcr6.blogspot.com/2005/10/dangers-of-chromium-6.html

PROPERTIES

Physical:



  • Lustrous



  • Brittle



  • Hard



  • Silver-grey colour



  • Odourless



  • Tasteless



  • Solid



  • Crystals



Chemical:



  • Reacts violently with acid



  • Non-Flammable



  • Polymerization will not happen




Chromium 6 found in US tap water






REFERENCES




REFERENCESLenntech, . (2009). Chromium (cr). Retrieved from http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/cr.htm




EPA, . . Basic information about chromium in drinking water. Retrieved from http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/chromium.cfm



Environmental Chemistry, . (2007, February 22). Element chromium - cr. Retrieved from http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/periodic/Cr.html