Healthy World Watch August 22, 2008

Friday, August 22, 2008
Posted by Janelle Sorensen

This week’s news is accompanied by easy steps to confront the issues and protect your family’s health. Little things DO matter, so don’t think otherwise!

• Children are putting their health at risk salvaging metals from unwanted electronic equipment being dumped in west Africa.  Do your part to protect the children of the world by buying from companies that have take-back programs and that recycle responsibly.

• Federal nutrition programs are failing children and contributing to an epidemic of obesity and chronic illnesses in America, according to speakers who testified Wednesday at a U.S. Department of Agriculture listening session. From the type of food served to the excess calories ladled onto trays, kids are learning unhealthy eating habits, they said. Healthy Child is finalizing a Healthy School Lunch Guide, so watch for its release soon!

• California lawmakers Monday rejected restrictions on BPA and PFOA. But, they are still considering a more comprehensive bill to regulate chemicals of concern in consumer products. If this bill passes, chemicals would be regularly identified, products would have to be labeled if they contained them, and safer alternatives would be developed through a green chemistry program.  Go AB1879!

• The world’s bee population is dying off at an alarming rate. If we don’t act now, in 25 years our only food crops will be corn, wheat, and rice. We need bees to pollinate our produce! You can help by not using pesticides on your lawn or garden and buying organic food.

• Millions of Americans may be at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes because of arsenic in their drinking water.  Find out if your water is contaminated with arsenic by accessing your Consumer Confidence Report if you are on a public water system or by testing your water if you have your own well.

• New research shows sunburn increases the risk of nanoparticle skin penetration.  They still don’t know what could happen after the nanoparticles penetrate. Hundreds of products contain nanoparticles, but manufacturers don’t have to label them. Sign the petition to the FDA to better regulate them.