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Comparison of Wiping Away Bacteria With Disinfectant Wipes or a Tissue Moistened With Saline
ScienceDaily (Mar. 17, 2011) — If you have time to quickly swipe your pager or cell phone three times, that would be your best bet to get rid of most of the bacteria. And a simple tissue moistened with saline would do the trick. But if you only have time for a single swipe of a ‘dirty’ phone — you’d be better off reaching for a disinfectant wipe.—Those are the highlights of a recently published research study that appeared online in PubMed, with the discoveries having been made by a team of researchers in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta.–“It was the mechanical removal, not the actual act of the disinfectant that was key,” says Dr. Sarah Forgie, a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist in the Department of Pediatrics.—Medical student Andrea Berendt, who was working with Forgie at the time, liked the idea so Berendt came up with the protocol and conducted all the experiments in a lab over two months. The duo worked with Dr. Robert Rennie, a Professor in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Pediatric Epidemiologist Donald Spady and technologist LeeAnn Turnbull.–Three types of bacteria — Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococci (VRE) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa — were each prepared in a mixture and streaked onto sterile plastic Petri dishes, then allowed to dry. Numerous bacteria contaminated plates were prepared throughout the summer — all in the same manner — so each type of bacteria could be tested with five different types of wipes and then again with varying amounts of swipes — one swipe, three swipes and five swipes.–Each 10 cm diameter plate was wiped for one second and in a manner that the entire surface was swiped, using a flat baton. The plates were then allowed to dry for 10 minutes. Afterwards, bacteria samples were put onto special lab plates, incubated for at least 24 hours at 35 degrees C and then the bacteria colonies were counted.-Research results demonstrated that bacterial counts dropped significantly the more often a plate was swiped — regardless of the type of wipe used. Swiping the contaminated plates 3x decreased the bacterial load by 88% on average, compared to just swiping a plate once. Swiping a plate 5x vs. 3x didn’t result in an additionally significant decrease in bacteria. And a simple saline wipe appeared to be just as effective as disinfectant wipes when the plates were swiped 3x or more. However, if the plate was swiped just once — disinfectant wipes were better at reducing bacteria than simple saline wipes.
The research was supported in part by a grant from the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute.–Story Source–The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.–Journal Reference-Berendt AE, Turnbull L, Spady D, Rennie R, Forgie SE. Berendt AE, Turnbull L, Spady D, Rennie R, Forgie SE. Three swipes and you’re out: How many swipes are needed to decontaminate plastic with disposable wipes? Am J Infect Control., 2011 Feb 8
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Handy Vinegar Tips
– To remove calcium buildup on kettles and electric jugs, boil the kettle with half a cup of white vinegar and leave to soak for a while. Rinse with fresh water, reboil with same and your kettle should now be calcium deposit free.
– Place a small container of vinegar in your toilet and bathroom to eliminate odors.
– A half cup of vinegar added to a toilet bowl left overnight removes bowl odor. The smell of the vinegar will also dissipate overnight.
– A cotton ball soaked in vinegar and appled to bruises for an hour is said to speed up the healing process.
– Vinegar on minor burns and many sorts of stings can alleviate pain.
– For cleaning your dishwasher, vinegar frozen into ice cubes, then a couple added to the bottom of the dishwasher just prior to a cycle is an effective alternative to using heavy chemical cleaners.
– Old, stiff paintbrushes can be revived by dipping them into heated white vinegar for a couple of hours, followed by a rinse in soapy water. Beats using turpentine!
– Vinegar can be used as a nappy soak; simply add half a cup of white vinegar to the water in the nappy bucket
– Use it as a broad leaf weed killer – spray it neat onto the leaves of weeds, being careful to avoid plants you wish to keep. A mix of vinegar and salt can be used to keep weeks and grass out of driveway cement joins.
– Vinegar can be used as a benchtop disinfectant; but it’s a good idea to wipe over at night in order that the smell dissipates.
– For pet owners, white vinegar poured onto pet urine mishaps on carpets, then blotted up with paper towel will prevent staining and odor.
– Save money on washing pre-spray by spraying neat vinegar on deodorant and other stains on garments just prior to washing.
– Spray a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water onto soap scum on shower screens, leave sit then wipe or rinse off.
– Neat vinegar sprayed onto mould affected bathroom/shower tiles will kill the mould.
– Vinegar can be used as a fabric softener by adding half the amount of vinegar as you would of your usual softening agent.
– I’ve seen many suggestions that a tablespoon of vinegar can be used as a replacement for hair conditioner.
– Vinegar can also be used as a glass cleaner either mixed with water or used neat in a spray bottle.
– Use full strength vinegar to polish chrome and stainless steel
– Use a 50/50 vinegar and water mix to clean your iron. Add the mixture to your iron and allow it steam itself clean
– Pour boiling white vinegar down a clogged drain to remove the obstruction
– Used in an fine atomizer, vinegar is effective as room deodorizer
– Ants hate vinegar; so spray it around doorways and other areas they frequent to repel them
… not to mention vinegar is great for chips and salad dressings :).
Comment #1 (Posted by )
If you have ever cleaned your windows with the blue windex stuff then you might have to add a little bit of liquid soap to the vinegar/water mixture in order to get rid of the wax left behind be commercial cleaners.
Comment #2 (Posted by David)
When cleaning with vinegar, make sure that it does not come in contact with hydrogen peroxide. Mixing the two will create Peracetic Acid (C2H4O3).
The toxicity of Peracetic Acid is low. However, peracids are extremely irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It has a strong oxidizing potential, is highly corrosive, and can explode at temperatures exceeding 110ºC.
Comment #3 (Posted by Michael (Green Living Tips))
I’m a recovering Windex junkie, so thanks for that tip.
David, that’s really useful information; especially since Hydrogen Peroxide is a staple in many green cleaning cupboards – thanks!
Comment #4 (Posted by Caroline Beven)
The idea of using vinegar as a fabric softener was not the most pleasant thought at first, after all you want your clothes to smell nice, right? But then I discovered a use for that old Downey Fabric Softener Ball — I place white vinegar to the fill line and then put three drops of lavendar essential oil in, close the ball and throw it in at the beginning of the wash. The only thing I smell during my rinse cycle is the soothing smell of lavendar!
Comment #5 (Posted by Michael (Green Living Tips))
Great tip Caroline – thanks!
Comment #6 (Posted by Betty)
I have been using white vinegar for cleaning and washing for sometime. But now I found out vinegar can also be derived from Petroleum. It is recommended and I do also recommend – do not use petroleum vinegar for anything – possible toxins will be emitted. Nothing on the jug says where it was derived from. But distributed by Sam’s Club. It’s called Bakers & Chefs. Does anyone know where it is made from?
Comment #7 (Posted by Michael – Green Living Tips)
Hi Betty, I wasn’t able to locate anything about that particular vinegar brand, so you’ll probably need to contact the company. If they state the vinegar is fermented from “synthetic ethyl alcohol”, then there’s likely a fossil fuel link – the key word is “synthetic”.
Comment #8 (Posted by LovinLivinDoinNaturally)
Just a quick note. Do not, I repeat, do not use full strength vinegar on grout. I have learned the hard way as a result of the vinegar eating away at my grout. Dilute with water!!! Save yourselves. 🙂
Comment #9 (Posted by Michael – Green Living Tips)
LovLivin – thanks for your contribution. That raises a good point about tips offered on this site or any others for that matter – always spot test in an inconspicuous area first; particularly in regards to cleaning concoctions and older or worn surfaces. 🙂
Comment #10 (Posted by Walter)
In addition of many other cleaning uses vinegar, of any kind, used full strength, will do quite nicley to clean the brown creoste/tar(s) build-up off the glass of a wood stove. Customer suggested this one day after I swept his chimney, didn’t beleive him; went home, tried it, and was quite surprised at the results. Beats using oven cleaners, scraping, or even spending 6-8 dolalrs for a commercial cleaner sold in stove stores. Note: heavier build, real crusty, cresosote on glass takes several applications.
Comment #11 (Posted by Michael – Green Living Tips)
Walter, that’s a great tip; thanks! Wish I had known that one when I had my slow combustion heater!
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Show of the Week March 25 2011
BENEFITS OF RAW MILK
Recipe for a Raw Milk Consumer
IODINE BENEFITS
Summary of findings of Supplementing Iodine
Bonus Data
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BENEFITS OF RAW MILK
The British journal The Lancet reported, “Resistance to tuberculosis increased in children fed raw milk instead of pasteurized, to the point that in five years only one case of pulmonary TB had developed, whereas in the previous five years, when children had been given pasteurized milk, 14 cases of pulmonary TB had developed.” Raw milk also contains an anti-viral agent. In 1997, British studies have shown that some mysterious substance in the aqueous portion of the raw milk, below the cream layer, works against viral infections.[49] Formula and boiled milk do not contain this virus-fighting agent. The enzyme lipase aids in the digestion of fats. It is plentiful in raw milk but destroyed by pasteurization. One of the most remarkable and important discoveries in medicine, the incredible healing power of fresh raw milk, goes unnoticed by the medical profession. No one knows who first used raw milk as a therapeutic agent, probably the Egyptians. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed raw milk for tuberculosis. Dr. J.E. Crewe, from the Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, presented his findings on the therapeutic uses of raw milk before the Minnesota State Medical Society in 1923. Although Dr. Crewe’s experiments were on the feeding of raw milk for disease, the key, he injects, is not milk but rawmilk. Dr. Crewe reported, “While milk is widely used and recommended as an article of diet, it is seldom used by regular physicians exclusively as an agent in the treatment of disease. For fifteen years I have employed the so-called [raw] milk treatment in various diseases … the results obtained in various types of illnesses have been so uniformly excellent that one’s conception of disease and its alleviation is necessarily modified.” [52] His report was met with apathy and indifference, saying, “The method itself is so simple that it does not greatly interest medical men.[53] The fact that many diseases are treated and successful results [ignored], leads almost to disrespect.” Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland found that raw cows milk contains 2½ times more of the enzyme lgG than pasteurized milk. This important enzyme inhibits rotavirus organisms that cause diarrhea in infants. It has been known since the earliest days of husbandry that the newborn calf thrives on raw milk. Calves fed pasteurized milk since birth die by the third month. Francis Pottenger, M.D. proved there is deficiency disease, similar to Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) that can be cured by giving an endocrine product that contains no Vitamin C. He proved that raw milk has this endocrine nutrient and pasteurized milk does not. He proved that raw milk reversed and prevented scurvy. The Bahimas of Africa drink six pints a day. In fact, they eat little else. This is also true of the Nuers of the Upper Nile, the Todas, the Kazaks, and the Hottentots. They all live healthfully Fermented raw milk has been shown to retard tumor growth and decrease the activity of alkylating agents associated stomach cancer.[65]
Recipe for a Raw Milk Consumer
Use 2 cups of raw milk add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of red wine ( your choice) 2 drops of propolis and cinnamon extract 1/2 teaspoon blend and then proceed to drink you can add a potato to this as a meal baked or cooked in oil and water mixed with herbs….this combo can hold you fro up to eight hours, maintaining strength no desire to eat. Sugar levels maintain and maintain for a long period of time, protein a uptake is almost felt immediately and fat is decreased off the body as a result of the lipase and CLA content
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IODINE BENEFITS
“If you think you may be deficient in Iodine, consider this; most of the US population has one or more mercury amalgam fillings in their mouths. A consequence of this is that minute amounts of the heavy metal mercury are continuously being released into the mouth and absorbed into the body. This toxication stimulates a natural detox reaction by the body. Several mechanisms are utilized to remove the mercury. In order for these detoxification mechanisms to work properly, numerous essential minerals are utilized. Iodine, Zinc, Sulfur, Selenium, and Silica stimulate the excretion of heavy metals including mercury. Iodine is at the top of the list when it comes to mercury removal.
“Unfortunately, the average persons daily intake of Iodine is not high enough to keep them mercury free even when not exposed to excessive levels. Add on the exposure of mercury from vaccinations, smoking, etc., and you have the potential for serious heavy metal toxicity. This toxicity can manifest itself in many ways causing problems that would not normally be attributed to high levels of mercury.
“Iodine is essential for the health of the: Thyroid, Breast and Prostate.
“Iodine chelates:
· Mercury
· Lead
· Cadmium
· Aluminum
· Bromide
“Iodine helps to improve:
· Bowel irregularity
· Brain fog
· Renaud’s syndrome (numb finger tips)
· Low energy
· Sensitivity to cold
· Skin complexion
“In addition to mercury toxicity, you naturally have a major deficiency in the essential mineral Iodine if you are getting at or below the outdated RDA. Additionally, fluoride is an antagonistic element to Iodine, meaning it will impede the absorption of Iodine. Many of us are forced to drink fluoridated water and also brush our teeth with fluoride. Could an Iodine deficiency be related in some way to the current epidemic of hypothyroidism, breast, and prostate cancers? The protective function of Iodine in these tissues has not been described, but the fact that these tissues when healthy are replete with Iodine, and when diseased have little or no Iodine, leads one to think there is more than a casual link.”
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Summary of findings of Supplementing Iodine
Based on a review of the literature, and recent clinical research studies2-13, the concept of orthoiodosupplementation can be summarized as follows:
1. The nutrient iodine is essential for every cell of the human body requiring peripheral concentrations of inorganic iodide ranging from 10-6M to 10-5M.
2. In non-obese subjects without a defecting cellular transport system for iodine, these concentrations can be achieved with daily intake of 12.5 mg to 50 mg elemental iodine. The adult body retains approximately 1.5 gm iodine at sufficiency. At such time, the ingested iodine is quantitatively excreted in the urine as iodide.
3. The thyroid gland is the most efficient organ of the human body, capable of concentrating iodide by 2 orders of magnitude to reach 10-6M iodide required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones when peripheral levels of inorganic iodide are in the 10-8M range.
4. Goiter and cretinism are evidence of extremely severe iodine deficiency, because the smallest intake of iodine that would prevent these conditions, that is 0.05 mg per day, is 1000 times less than the optimal intake of 50 mg elemental iodine.
5. The thyroid gland has a protective mechanism, limiting the uptake of peripheral iodide to a maximum of 0.6 mg per day when 50 mg or more elemental iodine are ingested. This amount therefore would serve as a preventive measure against radioactive fallout.
6. An intake of 50 mg elemental iodine per day would achieve peripheral concentration of iodide at 10-5M, which is the concentration of iodide markedly enhancing the singlet triplet radiationless transition. Singlet oxygen causes oxidative damage to DNA and macromolecules, predisposing to the carcinogenic effects of these reactive oxygen species.5 This effect would decrease DNA damage, with an anticarcinogenic effect.
7. Preliminary data so far suggest that orthoiodosupplementation results in detoxification of the body from the toxic metals aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury.
8. Orthoiodosupplementation increases urinary excretion of fluoride and bromide, decreasing the iodine-inhibiting effects of these halides.
9. Most patients on a daily intake ranging from 12.5 mg to 50 mg elemental iodine reported higher energy levels and greater mental clarity with 50 mg (4 tablets Iodoral), daily. The amount of iodine used in patients with Fibrocystic Disease of the Breast by Ghent et al20 is 0.1 mg/Kg BW per day, 10 times below the optimal daily intake of 50 mg. In our experience, patients with this clinical condition responded faster and more completely when ingesting 50 mg iodine/iodide per day.
10. For best results, orthoiodosupplementation should be part of a complete nutritional program, emphasizing magnesium instead of calcium.
11. A beneficial effect of orthoiodosupplementation was observed in the clinical conditions listed in Table I.5,7,12,13
12. The iodine/iodide loading test and serum inorganic iodide levels are reliable means of assessing whole body sufficiency for elemental iodine for quantifying the bioavailability of the forms of iodine ingested and for assessing cellular uptake and utilization of iodine by target cells.
13. Orthoiodosupplementation may be the safest, simplest, most effective and least expensive way to solve the healthcare crisis crippling our nation.
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Bonus Data
A) Iodine has other extrathyroidal functions that require more study. It removes toxic chemicals — fluoride, bromide, lead, aluminum, mercury — and biological toxins, suppresses auto-immunity, strengthens the T-cell adaptive immune system, and protects against abnormal growth of bacteria in the stomach
B) In addition to the thyroid and mammary glands, other tissues possess an iodine pump (the sodium/iodine symporter). Stomach mucosa, the salivary glands, and lactating mammary glands can concentrate iodine almost to the same degree as the thyroid gland (40-fold greater than its concentration in blood). Other tissues that have this pump include the ovaries; thymus gland, seat of the adaptive immune system; skin; choroid plexus in the brain, which makes cerebrospinal fluid; and joints, arteries and bone
C) The vast majority of people, 98 to 99 percent, can take iodine in doses ranging from 10 to 200 mg a day without any clinically adverse affects on thyroid function
D) Everyone agrees that a lack of iodine in the diet causes a spectrum of disorders that includes, in increasing order of severity, goiter and hypothyroidism, mental retardation, and cretinism (severe mental retardation accompanied by physical deformities-Prevention of breast disease requires higher doses of iodine. Indeed, a reasonable hypothesis is that, like goiters and cretinism, fibrocystic disease of the breast and breast cancer are iodine deficiency disorders (also uterine fibroids )
E ) The new truth is that the rest of the body also needs iodine, in milligram, not microgram amounts. Tell that to a thyroidologist and her response will call to mind this admonition on new truths.
F) These are the four most common formulations of inorganic (nonradioactive) iodine, as iodide (I-), and with or without molecular iodine (I2): Potassium iodide (KI) tablets, in doses ranging from 0.23 to 130 mg; super saturated potassium iodide (SSKI), 19—50 mg of iodide per drop; Lugol’s solution, 6.3 mg of molecular iodine/iodide per drop; and Iodoral, each tablet containing 12.5 mg iodine/iodide. Both Lugol’s solution and Ioderal are one-third molecular iodine (5%) and two-thirds potassium iodide (10%). Studies done to date indicate that the best iodine supplement is one that includes molecular iodine (I2), which breast tissue prefers
G) It is effective in gram amounts for treating various dermatologic conditions, chronic lung disease, fungal infestations, tertiary syphilis, and even arteriosclerosis
H) Their pharmacological action is as obscure as their effects in certain diseased conditions are consistently brilliant. Our ignorance of their mode of action is cloaked by the term deobstruent, which implies that they possess the power of driving out impurities from the blood and tissues. Most notably is this the case with the poisonous products of syphilis. In its tertiary stage — and also earlier — this disease yields in the most rapid and unmistakable fashion to iodides, so much so that the administration of these salts is at present the best means of determining whether, for instance, a cranial tumor be syphilitic or not.”
I) They treat inflammatory dermatoses, like nodular vasculitis and pyoderma gangrenosum (shown below), with SSKI, beginning with an iodine dose of 900 mg a day, followed by weekly increases up to 6 grams a day as tolerated. Fungal eruptions, like sporotrichosis, are treated initially in gram amounts with great success. These lesions can disappear within two weeks after treatment with iodine
J) These investigators have found that iodine does indeed reverse fibrocystic disease; their diabetic patients require less insulin; hypothyroid patients, less thyroid medication; symptoms of fibromyalgia resolve, and patients with migraine headaches stop having them.
K) . Iodine removes the toxic halogens fluoride and bromide from the body. Iodism, an unpleasant brassy taste, runny nose, and acne-like skin lesions, is caused by the bromide that iodine extracts from the tissues. Symptoms subside on a lesser dose of iodine
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Show of the Week March 28 2011
ChemTrail Ingredients
Thorium
Specific Seed Saving Instructions for Common Vegetables
Testimony for Iodine
Exposure To Low Doses Of Mercury Changes The Way The Arteries Work
Mercury Contamination Of Fish Warrants Worldwide Public Warning
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ChemTrail Ingredients
LIFE IN THE TIME OF CHEMTRAILS 1997-2009: YOU ARE NOW BREATHING ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, VIRALLY MUTATED MOLDS, NANO-PARTICULATES OF ALUMINUM AND BARIUM AND CATIONIC POLYMER FIBERS WITH UNIDENTIFIED BIO-ACTIVE MATERIAL: “We the people have not been warned, advised or consulted but are certainly vulnerable to the outcomes.” Lightwatcher.com “Biologic components have been reported in airborne samples that include: modified molds, desiccated red blood cells and exotic strains of bacteria” <>Additionally, award winning investigative reporter, Will Thomas, has reported findings of over 300 types of virally mutated fungi in the chemtrail fall out. The Idaho Observer has reported findings of 26 metals including barium, aluminum and uranium, a variety of infectious pathogens and chemicals and drugs including sedatives in chemtrail fallout. Dr. R. Michael Castle reports the finding of cationic polymer fibers. Dr Hildegarde Staninger and Dr. Rahim Karjoom have reported findings of tiny parasitic nematode eggs of some type encased in the fibers. Additionally Drs. Staninger and Karjoom and researcher Jan Smith have reported findings of self-replicating nano-machines and rivers of silicon running wild through the bodies of the Morgellons infected. Researcher Clifford Carnicom has reported finding chemtrails fibers & abnormal blood cells that are an exact match with the bizarre fibers & blood cells found in those suffering from Morgellons Disease. Welcome to the brave new world of toxic skies, weather control, mind control and population control through the use of chemtrails modulated with electromagnetic frequencies generated by HAARP. Our health is under attack as evidenced by the skyrocketing rates of chemtrail induced lung cancer, asthma and pulmonary/respiratory problems as well as the emergence of a bizarre and frightening new plague, Morgellons Disease, an infection with a previously unknown agent that appears to be a synthesis of a bio lab created pathogen combined with self-replicating nano-technology. Over 60,000 families in the U.S. are now infected with Morgellons. I am one of the infected. My health and the health of my family has already been drastically affected. There is a main-stream media blackout on this subject so the only way to get the word out is by word of mouth. Realized or not people are already dying from chemtrail related illnesses. People are dying from Morgellons Disease. During this time of chemtrails a shocking drop in general life expectancy in the U.S. has occurred. This situation presents an immediate and serious threat to you, your family and loved ones. We must join together to stop this insane program of chemtrail spraying now. Some of you reading this may be in a position of influence and power to take significant action to bring chemtrails to a halt. Everyone can do something to help. Whatever your position or realm of influence please do whatever you can to bring an end to the aerosol spray program popularly known as Chemtrails. ADDED 7/13/2009 FUND RAISING FOR A CURE At this point just stopping the chemtrails will not be nearly enough. It is becoming increasingly apparent to researchers that virtually the entire population has most likely been infected by chemtrail pathogens that cause Morgellons Disease. The government to date has basically done nothing to fund research to find a cure for the Morgellons problem. Scientist, Clifford Carnicom has proven himself to be a dedicated and formidable researcher into Chemtrails/Morgellons for over a decade. Working on his own without funding he has managed to make many important discoveries about the nature of Morgellons disease and about the effects of chemtrails on the environment and the population. If you wish to donate to fund research for a cure The Carnicom Institute would be an excellent place to start. Copyright Glenn Boyle 2009
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Thorium
How can thorium affect people’s health?
The principal concern from low to moderate level exposure to ionizing radiation is increased risk of cancer. Studies have shown that inhaling thorium dust causes an increased risk of developing lung cancer, and cancer of the pancreas. Bone cancer risk is also increased because thorium may be stored in bone.
How does thorium get into the body?
If inhaled as dust, some thorium may remain in the lungs for long periods of time, depending on the chemical form. If ingested, thorium typically leaves the body through feces and urine within several days. The small amount of thorium left in the body will enter the bloodstream and be deposited in the bones where it may remain for many years. There is some evidence that the body may absorb thorium through the skin, but that would not likely be the primary means of entry
What does thorium do once it gets into the body?
If inhaled as dust, some thorium may remain in the lungs for long periods of time, depending on the chemical form. If ingested, thorium typically leaves the body through feces and urine within several days. The small amount of thorium left in the body will enter the bloodstream and be deposited in the bones where it may remain for many years. There is some evidence that the body may absorb thorium through the skin, but that would not likely be the primary means of entry.
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Thorium is a naturally-occurring, radioactive metal. Small amounts of–thorium are present in all rocks, soil, above-ground and underground water,plants, and animals. These small amounts of thorium contribute to the weak background radiation for such substances. Soil commonly contains an average of about 6 parts of thorium per million parts (ppm) of soil. Rocks in some underground mines may also contain thorium in a more concentrated form. After these rocks are mined, thorium is usually concentrated and changed into thorium dioxide or other chemical forms. Thorium-bearing rock that has had most of the thorium removed from it is called “depleted” ore or tailings.—More than 99% of natural thorium exists in the form (isotope)thorium-232. Besides this natural thorium isotope, there are more than 10 other different isotopes that can be artificially produced. In the environment, thorium-232 exists in various combinations with other minerals, such as silica. Most thorium compounds commonly found in the environment do not dissolve easily in water and do not evaporate from soil or water into the air. The thorium isotope-232 is not stable. It breaks down into two parts.This process of breaking down is called decay. The decay of thorium-232 produces a small part called “alpha” radiation and a large part called the–decay product. The decay product of thorium-232 also is not stable. Like thorium-232, it in turn breaks down to an unstable isotope and the process continues until a stable product is formed. During these decay processes, the parent thorium-232, its decay products, and their next decay products produce a series of new substances (including radium and radon), alpha and beta particles, and gamma radiation. The alpha particles can travel only very short distances through most materials and cannot go through human skin. The gamma radiation can travel farther and can easily go through human skin. The decay of thorium-232 into its decay products happens very slowly. In fact, it takes about 14 billion years for half the thorium-232 to change into new forms. Fourteen billion years is called the radioactive half-life of thorium-232.– Since thorium is found almost everywhere, you will be exposed to small amounts of it in the air you breathe and in the food and water you eat and drink. Scientists know, roughly, the average amounts of thorium in food and drinking water. Most people in the United States eat some thorium with their food every day. Normally, very little of the thorium in lakes, rivers, and oceans gets into the fish or seafood we eat. The amounts in the air are usually so small that they can be ignored.—
HOW CAN THORIUM ENTER AND LEAVE MY BODY?
Only a small amount of the thorium that you breathe or swallow in food,water, or soil enters your blood. One animal study has shown that thorium can enter the body if it is placed on the skin. After breathing thorium, you will usually sneeze, cough, or breathe out some of it within minutes. Some forms of thorium can stay in your lungs for long periods of time. However, in most cases, the small amount of thorium left in your lungs will leave your body in the feces and urine within days. After you eat or drink thorium, almost all of it leaves your body in the feces. The small amount of thorium left in your body may enter your bones from the blood and stay there for many years. The main way thorium will enter your body is by breathing dust contaminated with thorium. For further information on how thorium can enter and leave your body,–
HOW CAN THORIUM AFFECT MY HEALTH?
Studies on thorium workers have shown that breathing thorium dust may
cause an increased chance of developing lung disease and cancer of the lung or pancreas many years after being exposed. Changes in the genetic material of body cells have also been shown to occur in workers who breathed thorium dust. Liver diseases and effects on the blood have been found in people injected with thorium in order to take special x-rays. Many types of cancer have also been shown to occur in these people many years after thorium was injected into their bodies. Since thorium is radioactive and may be stored in bone for a long time, bone cancer is also a potential concern for people exposed to thorium. Animal studies have shown that breathing in thorium may result in lung damage. Other studies in animals suggest drinking massive amounts of thorium can cause death from metal poisoning. The presence of large amounts of thorium in your environment could result in exposure to more hazardous radioactive decay products of thorium, such as radium and thoron, which is an isotope of radon. Radium and radon are the subjects of separate toxicological profiles prepared by ATSDR. Thorium is not known to cause birth defects or to affect the ability to have children. For further information on the health effects of thorium–
Progressive cirrhosis of the lungs was found in a subchronic inhalation study in rats (Likhachev et al. 1973a). Rats were exposed intermittently for 6-9 months to an inert aerosol (control), to the inert aerosol enriched with 10% or 49% insoluble thorium dioxide, or to thorium dioxide (100%) alone. The severity of the lung cirrhosis was directly related to the radiation dose and the amount of thorium dioxide. Cirrhosis of the lungs became evident in 3-6 months in the 100% thorium dioxide group, in 9-12 months in the 49% thorium dioxide group, in 12-15 months in the 10% thorium dioxide group, and in 18-24 months in the inert aerosol control group. At lung exposures of up to 150 rad, reticulosarcoma was found, while at lung exposures of 100-2700 rad, glandular cancerous tumors were found (see Section 2.2.1.8). The tumors may have been caused by thorium dioxide; the exact amount of thorium administered was not clear from the report,
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Biomarkers Used to Characterize Effects Caused by Thorium
Occupational and experimental studies have shown that the lung, liver, and hematopoietic system are the target organ systems following inhalation exposure to thorium. No relationship was found, however, between the measured body burden of thorium in exposed workers and complete blood count parameters (e.g., hemoglobin, red and white blood cell) (Conibear 1983). Target organs systems have not been identified for oral or dermal exposure to thorium. For further information on the health effects of thorium—POPUIATIONS THAT ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE —Neonatal animals have been found to absorb 20-40 times more thorium through the gastrointestinal tract than adult animals (Sullivan et al. 1980a, 1980b, 1983) indicating that children may be more susceptible to both the chemical and radiological effects of thorium than adults
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Specific Seed Saving Instructions for Common Vegetables
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Testimony for Iodine
Hello Tony
In a recent conversation I related to you the success I had recently experienced with the low (1-2 drops a day) intake of Lugol’s Iodine. I had taken this low dose on and off for about 2 or 3 months when, at the end of February 2011 I noticed unexpectedly that I had no more pain in my breasts.
I had actually tried iodine because I was hoping to find something to help me with my “brain fogginess” which I have been suffering for at least 5 years, worsening with time and not improving now that I’m retired. Then I find that my breasts, which have been very sensitive since my 20’s (and I’m 59 now) are completely pain free!
I will forward you some of the information I’ve found about iodine for your information and to pass on to others who are interested.
Thanks for all your work and encouragement to those of us who want to be well. God bless!
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Exposure To Low Doses Of Mercury Changes The Way The Arteries Work
ScienceDaily (Oct. 27, 2008) — An international team of researchers has shown that mercury is another important factor in cardiovascular disease as it changes the way arteries work. One of the possible sources of exposure of humans to mercury is by eating contaminated fish.—The main effects of mercury affect the central nervous system and renal function. Over recent years the scientific community has reported an increase in cardiovascular risk following exposure to mercury, “although the mechanisms responsible for this increase are not completely known”, state the authors of the new study that has been published recently in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology explain.—Ana María Briones is a researcher at the Universidad Autónoma of Madrid (UAM) and is one of the authors of the study. Briones explains the aim of the investigation to SINC: “Because the relationship between mercury and cardiovascular risk has been explained recently, and that cardiovascular risk is known to be related to changes in vascular function, we intended to see whether a relationship existed between mercury and changes in vascular responses”.–The aim of the study was to evaluate whether really low concentrations of mercury, administered over a prolonged period of time, “could have a prejudicial effect on vascular response”, that is to say, on the way the arteries behave.
Data confirm that low doses of mercury have a harmful effect on vascular function. Mercedes Salaices, one of the other authors of the study, emphasises that the impact of mercury “could be compared to the impact produced by other more traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes or hypercholesterolaemia”.
The researchers analysed whether chronic exposure to mercury causes an endothelial dysfunction in resistance and conductance arteries. Treatment with mercury induces an increase in oxidative stress, which is responsible – at least in part – for the deterioration in vascular responses. “Arteries contract more and relax less because there is less nitric oxide”, the vasodilator factor that is attacked by oxidative stress, underlines Briones.
The risk of exposure to mercury today
Humans have been exposed to different metal pollutants such as mercury, although the possible consequences to health are not known in depth. At the present time, exposure to mercury is due, mainly, to the consumption of polluted fish, to the administration of anti-fungal agents and Thimerosal antiseptics in vaccines and to the inhalation of mercury vapour from some dental re-constructions—The European Environment Agency (EEA) recommended a reference blood mercury concentration of 5.8 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). It is considered that there are no adverse effects below this level. Data reveal that the concentration of mercury in the general population is less than 1 ng/ml, whereas in workers who suffer exposure in polluted zones, the levels are between 7 and 10. The percentage reaches up to 5.6 ng/ml amongst people who eat fish on a regular basis.—Story Source–The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by Plataforma SINC, via AlphaGalileo.
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Mercury Contamination Of Fish Warrants Worldwide Public Warning
ScienceDaily (Mar. 12, 2007) — The health risks posed by mercury contaminated fish is sufficient to warrant issuing a worldwide general warning to the public, especially children and women of childbearing age, to be careful about how much and which fish they eat. –That is one of the key findings comprising “The Madison Declaration on Mercury Pollution” published today in a special issue of the international science journal Ambio. –Developed at the Eighth International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant last August in Madison, Wis., the declaration is a synopsis of the latest scientific knowledge about the danger posed by mercury pollution. It presents 33 principal findings from five synthesis papers prepared by the world’s leading mercury scientists and published in the same issue of Ambio. The declaration and supporting papers summarize what is currently known about the sources and movement of mercury in the atmosphere, the socioeconomic and health effects of mercury pollution on human populations, and its effects on the world’s fisheries and wildlife.
Five other major findings in the declaration were:
On average, three times more mercury is falling from the sky today than before the Industrial Revolution 200 years ago as a result of the increasing use of mercury and industrial emissions.
The uncontrolled use of mercury in small-scale gold mining is contaminating thousands of sites around the world, posing long-term health risks to an estimated 50 million inhabitants of mining regions. These activities alone contribute more than 10 percent of the mercury in Earth’s atmosphere attributable to human activities today.
Little is known about the behavior of mercury in marine ecosystems and methylmercury in marine fish, the ingestion of which is the primary way most people at all levels of society worldwide are exposed to this highly toxic form of mercury.
Methylmercury exposure now constitutes a public health problem in most regions of the world.
Methylmercury levels in fish-eating birds and mammals in some parts of the world are reaching toxic levels, which may lead to population declines in these species and possibly in fish populations as well.
“The policy implications of these findings are clear,” said James Wiener, a Wisconsin Distinguished Professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse who served as technical chair for last summer’s conference. “The declaration and detailed analyses presented in the five supporting papers clearly show that effective national and international policies are needed to combat this global problem.” Published by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Ambio (http://www.ambio.kva.se) is widely recognized as an important international forum for debate on scientific, social, economic and cultural issues affecting the human environment. —-Wiener said the Madison Declaration summarizes a year-long effort by many of the world’s leading mercury scientists, assembled into four expert panels, to review and synthesize the major mercury science findings. Every member of all four scientific panels endorsed the declaration, he said. Wiener added that all 1,150 participants at the conference were invited to express their confidence in the experts’ findings, and the vast majority of those who did so agreed with the experts’ conclusions.
Other major findings in the declaration include:
Increased mercury emissions from developing countries over the last 30 years have offset decreased emissions from developed nations.
There is now solid scientific evidence of methylmercury’s toxic health effects, particularly to the human fetus.
New evidence indicates that methylmercury exposure may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in adult men.
Increasing mercury concentrations are now being found in a number of fish-eating wildlife species in remote areas of the planet.
The actual socioeconomic costs of mercury pollution are probably much greater than estimated because existing economic analyses don’t consider mercury’s impacts on ecosystems and wildlife.
The concentration of methylmercury in fish in freshwater and coastal ecosystems can be expected to decline with reduced mercury inputs; however, the rate of decline is expected to vary among water bodies, depending on the characteristics of a particular ecosystem. Story Source-The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by University of Wisconsin-Madison, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.