Environmental and Related Problems

• CHLORINE   is absorbed from water in swimming pools and the home (bathing, drinking).  Chlorine can combine with organic matter to form trichloromethanes when used to disinfect swimming pools (especially heated ones) and drinking water.  These are implicated in higher rates of spontaneous abortion and may cause liver and kidney tumors and atherosclerosis.  (Alt. 6/02 p.92)
• ESTROGEN and RELATED COMPOUNDS  have been discussed in many places.  It is well documented that they cause serious developmental problems in animals even at levels allowed by the EPA.  Herbicides and pesticides are well-known sources (and, hence, tap water).  Less well-known sources are unfermented soy products, plastics, sunscreen, and hair products (containing placenta, estrogen or estrodiol additives). (Alt. 6/02 p.89)
• EXCITOTOXINS  include aspartame (NutraSweet) and MSG (monosodium glutamate) that break down into chemicals thought to damage nerve receptors in the brain.
• HEAVY METALS  (lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium are the most common) are neurotoxins.  Removal by chelation is possible.  Another way to remove them: Consume at least 1/4 cup tightly-packed cilantro per day for about 2 weeks.  To reduce reabsorbtion in the colon, 1-2 tsp. calcium bentonite clay can be taken with water 3 times a day between meals. (Source of clay, called Pascalite, 307-347-3872.) (Alt. 8/03 p.16)
• OLDER COMMERICAL CHEMICALS  The U.S. passed a law (in 1978?) mandating testing of many new chemicals for carcinogenicity; however, chemicals no testing was required of chemicals already in production, but I think those known to be carcinogenic were banned..  At this time (2004/2005) there are two interesting developments that should be followed.
• The E.U. is planning to require testing of older chemicals.  This is being opposed by the administration, presumably at the behest of chemical companies.
• Chemical companies are taking intimidating action toward people associated with Deceit and Denial: The Deadly Politics of Industrial Pollution which presents evidence that chemical companies have hidden data on carcinogenicity (The Nation 2/7/05 pp.19-22).
  
• PESTICIDES   may compromise immune systems (SN 3/9/96 p.149), mimic estrogen and cause cancer.  Many are neurotoxins for insects (and ?).  Be careful using them at home --- better use less dangerous means of control.
  Pesticide residues in produce vary considerably depending on grower.  It is sometimes partially a matter of imported versus domestic.  With that caveat, see the table below.  More information is available from the Environmental Working Group.  Problems caused by some pesticides available in crops in recent years:
  • CARCINOGEN (probable):  benomyl, captan, chlorothanil, dieldrin (long banned but still in soil and taken up by cucumbers), iprodione, permethrin.  California farmworkers had higher rates of leukemia and various cancers (American J. Industrial Medicine, 2001).
  • ENDOCRINE disruption:  permethrin.
  • HORMONE related:  endosulfan (estrogen mimic), vinclozolin (androgen blocker).
  • NEUROTOXIC:  carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, methamidophos.

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Pesticide Residues

100	strawberries
80	cherries (U.S.) [imported 30]
70	cantaloupe (Mex.) [U.S. 45]	apples
60	grapes (Chile) [U.S. 20]	apricots
55	blackberries	pears	raspberries
50	watermelon	nectarines; peaches	spinach*
45	cantaloupe (U.S.)  [Mex. 70]	]grapefruit	honeydew
40	bell pepper*	pineapple
35	squash, all
30	cherries (imprt.) [U.S. 80]
25	asparagus	blueberries	green beans	celery	tomatoes
20	grapes (U.S.) [Chile 60]	bananas		kiwifruit	plums
15	broccoli	cabbage	green peas	carrots
10	brussels sprouts	sweet potatoes
5	avocados	cauliflower	onions, scallions	corn

Environmental Working Group (NAH 6/97 p.7).  Highest level (strawberries) assigned a value of 100.
Both amount and toxicity were considered.
*Another table due to the Environmental Working Group rated bell peppers and spinach with cherries (80).