The LEAD Ladies...

DO NOT POISON YOUR LOVED ONES WITH LEAD THIS VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-13T20:24:00.000-08:00

Recently, chocolate has been praised for its many health benefits. Unfortunately, along with its health promoting ingredients, chocolate can also be a hiding place for lead. Lead in chocolate comes from various sources such as sloppy manufacturing practices, the leaded gasoline used in farm equipment, or from fertilizers. Whatever the source of contamination, consuming lead-tainted chocolate is harmful, especially to young children. Lead has been found in a wide range of chocolate products including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, syrup, toppings, fudge puddings, and chocolate drinks. Even the label “organic” does not mean lead-free as was evident when 40,000 pounds of one brand organic chocolate products were recalled. Of course, the amounts of lead vary from product to product. Since children absorb more lead than adults, they are the most vulnerable when it comes to lead’s harmful effects. What seems like a small amount of lead adds up and accumulates in one’s system over the years. Taking into consideration that an average person consumes 12 pounds of chocolate each year and that chocolate is eaten in large amounts by children, it is very clear – there is absolutely no excuse for chocolate to contain lead!

Joanna Cerazy
http://www.nomoreleadbabies.com/

FLUORIDE INCREASES LEAD ABSORPTION

2010-11-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

A new study published in the February issue of "Toxicology" (Sawan, et al., 2010) confirms earlier research that fluoride added to public water supplies increases the amount of lead absorbed in bones, teeth and blood. Low level lead exposure is especially dangerous to children, as it affects their developing neurological systems increasing the risk of developing learning disabilities, ADHD, behaviour problems, lowered IQ and autism.

The reasoning behind adding fluoride to water is that it prevents tooth decay. The use of fluoride in public water supplies is riddled with controversy as some believe that it causes various health problems and increased child mortality. Over ninety international organizations, including "the big players" such as the World Health Organization, the US Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada, approve the use of fluoride as an additive in public water supplies. Almost 70% of American population and 45% of Canadians drink fluoridated water daily.

How does fluoridation of your drinking water increase the lead levels? In at least two ways. Firstly, the additive used to fluoridate your water is an industrial grade chemical (hydrofluosilicic acid) that is recovered from wet scrubbers during the production of a phosphate fertilizer and it is usually contaminated with lead. Secondly, this very same chemical increases serum lead levels which in turn boosts the amount of lead stored in the brain, bones and teeth.

What can you do to protect your family from this completely preventable lead exposure? In the long run, you can petition your local legislation to stop water fluoridation with hydrofluosilicic acid. In the meantime, make sure that you use an appropriate water filtration system in your home. If you would like to find out if there is lead in your water, there are a few possibilities: there may be a free water testing program in the municipality or county where you live, your local water supplier might be able to do the testing, or you can hire a provincially- or state- certified laboratory. Alternatively, water testing can be done using a home test kit.

And remember: the safest amount of lead is no lead at all!

Joanna Cerazy

co-author Lead Babies

LEAD ALERT!

2010-11-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

WARNING: REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS MAY CONTAIN LEAD

Thorton Laboratories (USA) has recently found concentrations of LEAD in reusable shopping bags. More than half of the bags tested from approximately 25 different manufacturers had levels of lead ranging from 5 to 100 ppm.

SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?

Yes. The bags of concern have been distributed in both Canada and the US. Stop using your reusable grocery bags until you have determined they are 100% lead free. Remember, there is no safe level of lead!

HOW DO IN KNOW IF MY BAG IS SAFE?

First check where it was made. If it was made in China, the risk of it containing lead is much higher. Reusable bags with elaborate illustrations are likely to contain higher levels of lead. Yellow and green paints often contain higher levels of lead. Other bright colours should be a cause for concern and investigation as well. If in doubt, do not use your bag. Wash you hands well after handling.

CAN I CHECK FOR LEAD?

Absolutely. Use a home lead test kit and follow the instructions carefully. The LEAD-FREE STORE has the best selection of test kits available. They are inexpensive and ship in just a few days.

MY BAG CONTAINS LEAD. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Please do not throw your bag in the garbage where the lead will leach back into the earth when it reaches the landfill, or may become lead vapour if incinerated. Secure the reusable bag in an airtight plastic bag, and if possible, return it to the store where it was purchased. You are justified in a request for a refund, but the real purpose is to put the responsibility of dealing with the dangerous product back in the hands of the person who sold it you, while sending a clear message about the product safety standard you expect as a consumer.

WHERE CAN I GET A LEAD-FREE REUSABLE BAG?

Check with your retailer and ask specifically for “lead-free”. Or... here is a quick link to the LEAD-FREE STORE where you can order lead-free reusable grocery bags on-line.

For more information on lead, visit www.enoughlead.com .

Just in time for Halloween – Homemade recipe for lead-free face paint.

2010-10-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Face paint can contain a lot of nasty toxins that are harmful to children and adults. When the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 10 different brands of face paint it found out that all of them contained lead. So, this year try this simple lead-free homemade recipe:

1 teaspoon cornstarch

½ teaspoon water

½ teaspoon all-natural diaper rush cream (one without zinc oxide)

1-2 drops natural food coloring

Mix water and cornstarch. Add diaper rush cream and food coloring.

Joanna Cerazy, co-author Lead Babies

Looking for healthy snacks for your kids? Make sure they do not contain artificial food colorings.

2010-10-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

Lead is an ingredient in many artificial food colorings. An artificial food coloring is added to a food or other product in order to make it more appealing, to disguise natural color variations, or to offset color loss due to sun exposure, humidity, etc. Compared to natural colorings, artificial ones are less expensive, so they are a preferred choice of many manufacturers. Artificial food colorings add neither taste nor nutritional value to food and since they are made from coal tar and petrochemicals, our bodies are unable to digest them.

Food colorings have been linked to a number of different health conditions such as anxiety, cancer, brain tumours, allergies, migraines, blurred vision and asthma. Even though the jury is still out on the question if food colorings cause behaviour problems, by now, it has been well-researched and documented that lead plays a causal role in the development of behaviour problems, ADHD, hyperactivity, as well as learning disabilities and reduced IQ. It is true that the amount of lead contained in these artificial colorings meets the guidelines of the US Food and Drug Administration, but it is also true that not all lead gets excreted once consumed. Some of the ingested lead accumulates in the human body. So what is a minute amount at a single dose, becomes a dangerous amount as an over-the-years build up in the brain, teeth, bones and soft tissue.

Artificial food colorings are abundant in most of our foods and personal care products. They are present in drinks, (including juices, sports and re-hydration beverages). They are an added ingredient in candy, cereals, oranges and syrups. They lurk in jams, cake and soup mixes, and condiments. They are found in fruit cocktail, meal replacement bars and powders, instant noodles, bakery products and icing. They are an ingredient in popular snack foods, even the ones marketed as "healthy." Colorings are used in the preparation of cheese, sausage and salmon. They are an ingredient in pet food. Artificial colorings find their way into personal care products such as face and hand cream, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste and chapstick. These colorings also hide in medication, including children’s remedies and vitamins.

Artificial colorings, and the lead contained in them, should and can be avoided. It only requires that we start paying attention to what is listed on food labels. If an item contains artificial colors DON'T buy it. Initially, it might present itself as a little challenge, but since we, humans, are creatures of habit, and we tend to buy the same products repeatedly, with time, this task will become just someting you do.

For more information on artificial food coloring visit the US Food and Drug Administration website. It offers a wealth of official government information about the various approved colorings and their content (including lead, mercury, arsenic, etc). In order to access the detailed information on each additive, scroll down the page, and click on the number in the 21 CFR Section.

Joanna Cerazy
Co-author Lead Babies: How heavy metals cause our children’s autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, low IQ and behaviour problems.

IS YOUR CHILD'S BACKPACK HEAVY with LEAD ?

2010-08-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe, it is already time for back-to-school shopping. With all the excitement and a huge variety of products, let's not forget that some of theses school supplies might contain lead and other toxins. Here are some tips for lead free, child-friendly shopping:

Choose items that are vinyl-free.

Avoid backpacks that have shiny vinyl designs as they often contain lead.

Buy paperclips made just from metal; avoid the ones coated in vinyl as they may contain lead.

Buy lunchboxes that are lined with non-vinyl materials. Metal and cloth lunch containers are also available.

Use water bottles that are either made from glass of stainless steel.

Purchase items made from recycled cardboard, paper, wood, and metal, or ones that are covered in cloth.

Look for lead-free puzzles and other educational toys

Reuse the things you already have but make sure they do not contain lead. An easy and inexpensive way of doing it is to use a lead test kit.

More Lead-Smart tips in our newsletter. Sign up at http://bit.ly/9gJklq

Joanna Cerazy, co-author

LEAD is a CAUSAL FACTOR in the DEVELOPMENT of PARKINSON'S DISEASE

2010-08-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

The likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease is more than twice as high in individuals who experience prolonged exposure to lead. Parkinsonism is a chronic degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system and is characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity, and impaired motor skills. Presently, there is no cure for the disease and treatment aims at lessening the symptoms.

While the precise mechanism in which lead causes Parkinson’s disease has still not been agreed upon, there is no doubt – lead plays a causal role in the development of this disease.

Since lead has a similar structure to iron, our bodies are unable to tell the difference between the two and lead can easily replace iron in enzymatic reactions. While lead can mimic iron and enter enzymatic reactions, it is unable to perform the functions that iron does; it is an ineffective enzyme partner. Due to the fact that iron is an essential element in the making of L-dopa, the precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline, this inefficiency causes a drop in the amount of L-dopa. Lead also replaces calcium in the body (see previous blog) and reduces the amount of oxygen transported to the brain. Hemoglobin is required to transport oxygen. Oxygen too is an important element in the production of L-dopa.

Consequently, it is believed that lead causes Parkinson’s disease by reducing the amount of oxygen available to the brain.

Joanna Cerazy, Co-author
LEAD BABIES How heavy metals are causing our children's autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, low IQ and behavior problems.

www.nomoreleadbabies.com
www.enoughlead.com

DID YOU KNOW THAT LEAD ALSO CAUSES ANEMIA?

2010-08-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

Anemia affects over thirty percent of the world’s population, and contrary to what is usually believed, it distresses people all over the world, not just the ones in the developing countries. Anemia occurs when there is not enough hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying agent, in the red blood cells. No one really is immune to anemia and it is common knowledge that anemia can be caused by iron deficiency, poor nutrition (low levels of vitamin B12), blood loss, kidney problems, regular consumption of large amounts of painkillers such as as ibuprofen and aspirin or a genetic condition. It is less universally acknowledged that anemia is another lead effect.

Lead is absorbed by being ingested as food or drink, inhaled, and to a lesser degree, it is also taken in through the skin. Once in the body, lead ends up in blood, soft tissues such as brain, bone marrow, liver, and kidneys, as well as, in bones and teeth.

Lead is a “sneaky” metal; it mimics calcium and our bodies are unable to tell the difference between calcium and lead. Pretending it is calcium, lead binds to proteins on red blood cells. By doing this, it interferes with the production and function of oxygen carrying hemoglobine. As a result, not enough oxygen gets to various tissues which in turn causes anemia.

If you think that you or your child might have anemia, schedule a doctor's appointment immediately and ask to have a blood test that looks not only at the more known causes of anemia, but have lead levels looked at as well.

Joanna Cerazy, Co-author
LEAD BABIES How heavy metals are causing our children's autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, low IQ and behavior problems.

http://www.nomoreleadbabies.com/leadbabies.com/WORRIED_ABOUT_LEAD.html
http://www.nomoreleadbabies.com/leadbabies.com/WORRIED_ABOUT_LEAD.html

Garden hoses can be a dangerous source of lead for pets.

2010-07-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

LEAD BABIESBreaking the cycle of learning disabilities, declining IQ, ADHD, behavior problems, and autismAuthors: Joanna Cerazy M.Ed. and Sandra Cottingham Ph.Dwww.nomoreleadbabies.comPublisher: Kunati Inc (USA & Canada) 1-866-356-2442 www.kunati.comDistribution: Independent Publishers Group (IPG)ISBN: 978-1-60164-192-2

Why do kids and pets eat paint chips?

2010-07-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

Unless your house is new, check the paint to make sure someone before you did not use lead paint,
or paint over lead paint from decades past.

Visit the LEAD-FREE STORE for a full selection of test kits and order on-line.

For more information and helpful resources about lead exposure, visit www.enoughlead.com

LEAD in PURSES and other ACCESSORIES

2010-06-20T20:48:00.001-07:00

Oh, women's purses...
Our loyal companions. Wherever we go – they go. We carry them with us most of the time. We clutch to them. We touch them constantly. They contain our precious belongings and it is certainly not unusual that we store our kids’ toys, pacifiers and snacks in them. Their straps share our shoulders with our babies. And as children put almost anything in their mouths, it is certainly not unheard of that we catch our offspring chewing on our purses, wallets and belts. And let’s not forget that these colorful, cool-looking bags are also being lugged along by our teenage daughters who are most probably proud owners of at least a dozen of various purses, wallets, belts and the like.

When the Center for Environmental Health recently tested a large number of vinyl (faux leather) bags and wallets sold by retailers such as Sears, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Target, they found that the lead content in these items was up to ninety times that of what is permitted by federal standards. Recent testing carried out by the Center for Environmental Health, has shown that by simply touching a lead-containing purse an illegal lead level can be reached.

Lead affects almost every organ and system in the human body. Its harmful effects are not limited to a single age group. It hurts unborn children, new born babies, toddlers, pregnant women, and men. Exposure to lead has been shown to lower intelligence, cause behaviour problems, learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, delayed puberty, fertility problems in women and men, cancer, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, kidney problems, anemia, and cavities.

The good news is that even though we have no immediate control over what materials are being put in our shoes, belts, purses, and wallets there are a lot of things we can do to avoid exposure to lead. For example, buying products that are made from natural materials such as fabric is a good start. If you already own faux leather accessories it is easy to check if they are lead free. This can be done inexpensively, at home using a lead test kit. If the result of your testing shows that lead is present, stop using these items immediately. You might be able to take them back to where they were purchased for refund. Do not underestimate your power as a consumer - ask for products that are lead free.

Lately, a number of companies (list below) pledged that they will stop selling accessories that contain excessive amounts of lead. While this is a move in the right direction, the reasons to celebrate are limited. Instead of completely removing the lead-containing merchandise from their shelves, the involved companies agreed that starting December 01, 2010, their accessory products such as purses, belts and shoes will contain no more than 600 parts per million of lead if they are made of leather, 300 parts per million for those made of vinyl, and no more than 90 parts per million of lead in paint. Accordingly, the retailers are given over six months to get rid of their lead-laden products and instead of removing lead completely, they will merely limit its amount. Also keep in mind, that these standards have only been accepted by bigger companies and are by no means all-inclusive.

Companies that have agreed to comply with the new standards by December 1, 2010:
Acme Accessories
AIJJ (Rainbow, 5-7-9 stores)
Aldo
American Eagle
Bag Bazaar
Camuto Consulting (Vince Camuto brand)
Coldwater Creek
Diesel usa
DSW Shoe Warehouse
eBags
Express
Fantasia Accessories
Forever 21
Fossil
Guess
Haddad Accessories (says will meet the standard by September 01, 2010)
H&M (already in compliance)
JC Penney
Jones Apparel (Nine West)
Kohl's
Limited
Liz Claiborne (Juicy Couture, Kate Spade)
Macy's/Bloomingdales
Mango NY
Metropark USA
Michael Kohrs
Mondani
New York & Company (Lerner NY) (says will meet the standard by September 01, 2010)
Pacific Worldwide
Phillips-Van Heusen/Calvin Klein
Ray Enterprises (Hobo Intl)
Rosetti
Saks Inc
San Diego Hat
Sanrio (Hello Kitty)
Sears/Kmart
Steve Madden
Target
The Dress Barn
TJX Co (TJ Maxx)
Urban Brands/Ashley Stewart
Tri-Coastal Designs (says will meet the standard by September 01, 2010)
Victoria Secret/Bath & Body Works
Viewmark USA

Joanna Cerazy
"LEAD BABIES How heavy metals are causing our children's autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, low IQ and behavior problems"

LEAD FOUND in BABY FOODS and JUICES

2010-06-13T20:21:00.001-07:00

On June 9, 2010 the Environmental Law Foundation, a non-profit organization from Oakland, California filed a Notice of Violation of California Proposition 65 alleging that lead was present in a variety of children’s and baby food. More specifically, lead was reported to be contained in apple and grape juices, packaged pears and peaches (including baby food), as well as various fruit cocktails.
Environmental Law Foundation purchased a large number of samples of assorted brands of juices and fruit products around California and tested them in an EPA-sponsored lab. The results showed that many individual servings of these products, contained lead levels that are above the federal daily limit established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Lead is very a potent toxin that has to be avoided at all cost. Babies and small children are especially sensitive to lead’s harm. Lead-containing baby food and juice can provide significant exposure sources of this dangerous metal. It has been established by various scientific communities that the lead effects such as learning disabilities, ADHD, lowered IQ, mental retardation, behavior problems, criminal activity, autism, cerebral palsy, and birth defects can be caused by lead exposure and it is now common knowledge that levels below what is considered toxic contribute to behavioral and learning problems.
It is hard to say with any certainty how the lead got into these foods but since it does not dissolve over time, once released, lead stays in the environment. It can be taken up by plants from the soil or it can be deposited on plants and fruits as airborne particles. It can also end up in these products as a contaminant from the processing process.

Some brands and products reported to have exceeding amounts of lead include:
Beech Nut 100% Apple Juice
Chef's Review Fruit Cocktail
Del Monte 100% Juice Fruit Cocktail
Dole Diced Peaches, Yellow Cling in light syrup
Earth's Best Organics Apple Juice
Eating Right Fruit Cocktail packed in Sucralose
First Street 100% Apple Cider from concentrate
Full Circle Organic Bartlett Pear Slices
Gerber 100% Juice - White Grape Juice
Golden Star Mixed Fruit in Light Syrup (peach, pineapple, pears)
Great Value 100% No Sugar Added Apple Juice
Hansen's Natural Apple Juice
Kedem Concord Grape Juice 100% pure grape juice
Kroger 100% Juice Apple Juice
Langers Grape Juice (Concord)
Libby's Fruit Cocktail No Sugar Added (Sweetened with Splenda)
Libby's Yellow Cling Peach Slices No Sugar Added (Sweetened with Splenda)
Market Pantry Diced Peaches in light syrup
Maxx Value Fruit Mix in Light Syrup (peach, pear, grape)
Minute Maid Juice Apple - 100% Apple Juice
Motts 100% Apple Juice
Mrs. Brown's Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup (peaches, pears, grapes)
O Organics Organic Grape Juice from concentrate
Old Orchard 100% Apple Juice
Parade 100% Juice Apple
Polar Mixed Fruit
R.W. Knudsen Just Concord Grape Juice
S&W Natural Style Fruit Cocktail in Lightly Sweetened Juice
Safeway 100% Juice Apple Cider
Santa Cruz Organic Concord Grape Juice
Simple Value Yellow Cling Peaches in light syrup
Stater Bros. 100% Juice Apple Juice
Sunny Select Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in Pear Juice
Trader Joe's Certified Organic Apple Juice, pasteurized
Tree Top 100% Juice Apple Cider
Truitt Brothers Pacific NorthWest Bartlett Pear Halves, in pear juice
Valu Time Grape Drink from Concentrate
Walgreens Apple Juice from concentrate 100% juice
Walnut Acres Organic Concord Grape
Welch's 100% Red Grape Juice from Concentrate
A complete list of all products and other details pertaining to this case can be found at the Environmental Law Foundation’s website at http://www.envirolaw.org/
Joanna Cerazy
co-author Lead Babies

NEW RENOVATION, REPAIR and PAINTING RULE

2010-05-18T22:49:00.000-07:00

Last month, on Earth Day, April 22, the Environmental Protection Agency implemented a new regulation called the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule. This new regulation requires that contractors who work on houses that were built before 1978 register their companies and complete an eight-hour training and certification course. The course aims to teach contractors how to safely remove and contain lead during home renovations.
Lead was used in paint as pigment, to speed the drying process, increase durability, and promote erosion. Despite the fact that in 1978 the limit of lead in interior paint has been lowered to 0.06 percent, lead paint still abounds in older houses where it was originally applied. Removing lead-containing paint can cost tens of thousands of dollars per single dwelling. According to an EPA report, it would cost fifty-eight billion dollars to remove leaded paint across the United States.

It is critical to be aware of the potential presence of lead in paint. If your house was built before 1978, it should be assumed that it contains lead in at least some of its areas. Testing can be done to find out exactly where the lead is by using a lead test kit.
The Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule does not apply to homeowners doing their own painting or contractors who are painting over old paint. On the other hand, any individual or firm that provide renovation services for compensation need to follow the new regulations. This includes landlords who perform renovations themselves, contractors, window replacement contractors and home renovation companies, as well as painters, electricians, maintenance workers, and plumbers.

Joanna Cerazy

Co-author of Lead Babies

QUESTION: WHY SHOULD I ALWAYS CHOOSE CANDLES THAT ARE LEAD-FREE?

2010-04-24T08:47:00.001-07:00

Candles are an easy way to add ambience to your environment and create an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation. They have been around for a long time and are now more popular than ever. If you enjoy having candles around, just make sure that you choose ones that will add to your well-being instead of harming you by releasing lead-containing soot. Some candles may have lead in their wicks. Lead becomes absorbed by inhalation while burning candles. Of course not all candles contain lead and in general (not always), candles made in Canada and the United States do not contain lead. However, candles imported from other countries may still use lead in their wicks. The safest way to go is to always buy candles that are specifically labelled as lead free.

QUESTION: HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM LEAD IN EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD DUST?

2010-04-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

ANSWER: Household dust contains varying amounts of lead particles. Remember, it takes just a few specks of lead to permanently damage an unborn child's developing brain. Lead accumulations in children and teenagers effect their physical health and cognitive functioning throughout their life, but will also impact their eventual offspring. And dust is virtually in every person's home, on furniture and carpets. When dust from either source is disturbed and becomes airborne, it can be inhaled by family members and pets.

By damp wiping dust from surfaces, the risk of sending dust and lead particles airborne is eliminated. When vacuuming, use a closed system with a HEPA filter. Do not use vacuum cleaners which collect dust in disposable bags.

By checking paint and other household items for lead, you can minimize the lead content in the dust in your house. Quick link to LEAD TEST KITS.

QUESTION: HOW ARE PETS EXPOSED TO LEAD (Pb) AND WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

2010-04-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

ANSWER: Pets are even more likely to be lead exposed than small children. Cats and dogs spend most of their day in lead risk zones – on the floor where paint chips may be eaten, lapping up water on the floor of the shower or toilet bowl, and taking short cuts through garden and dirt areas. They lick their paws and chew things not meant to be eaten.

The list of health problems experienced by pet owners are shared by lead exposed pets. And like children, small pets are impacted earlier and more severely than adults. Here are some important things to know and do:

Test shower floors and porcelin sinks and toilet bowls to ensure they are not leeching lead.

Always give your pet the same filtered water you drink, and never tap water that has been sitting in the pipes for hours

Test pet toys, just as you would test children’s toys.

Grow a ground cover or grass over dirt areas in the yard, or fence off areas with exposed garden soil so your pet cannot access them.

For access to a complete listing of HOME TESTING KITS for lead, CLICK HERE.

Or, sign up for our free monthly newsletter. LEAD-FREE LIVING has LEAD facts, research, recalled products, and helpful tips to keep you and your family safe and informed. The upcoming May edition discusses lead exposure and your garden.... CLICK HERE to sign up.

QUESTION: HOW DOES LEAD EXPOSURE CAUSE DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR?

2010-04-15T00:09:00.000-07:00

ANSWER: During the third trimester of pregnancy, two parts of the brain are under development and extremely vulnerable to lead exposure; the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex.

The hippocampus is the part of the brain which is primarily responsible for functions related to learning, memory and emotion, allowing social and moral values to develop.

The prefrontal cortex will continue its development right into adolescence. Aggression and impulse control are shaped by this part of the brain.

It is well documented that high levels of lead in bone and brain tissue correlate closely with delinquency.

Our free, monthly newsletter has LEAD facts, research, recalled products, and helpful tips to keep you and your family safe and informed. The upcoming May edition discusses lead exposure and your garden.... CLICK HERE to sign up.

QUESTION: WHAT DOES LEAD CAUSE THAT IS SO BAD?

2010-04-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

ANSWER: The list of learning, behavior and health issues which research confirms is caused by lead is growing rapidly. Ironically though, much of this list has been known and proven for decades.

learning disabilities

ADHD

lowered IQ

mental retardation

behavior problems

criminal activity

addictions

autism

cerebral palsy

birth defects

autoimmune disease

cancer

asthma

allergies

infertility

Alzheimers

heart disease

diabetes

For the complete story, and what you can do to protect you and your family from unecessary lead exposure, read:

LEAD BABIES, H ow heavy metals are causing our children’s autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, low IQ and behavior problems

or visit www.nomoreleadbabies.com

QUESTION: WHY IS THERE SO MUCH LEAD FOUND IN GARDEN SOIL?

2010-04-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

ANSWER: LEAD found its way into the soil in and around our yards by way of a couple of routes.

The first is related to gasoline. When leaded gas was phased out, the accumulation of lead in the environment did not suddenly disappear as many wrongly assumed. Since LEAD does not dissolve or break down over time, lead particles from decades past have settled into soil and dirt.

The exterior paint on pre-1970 homes has peeled many times and deposited lead contaminated paint chips into adjacent gardens in homeowners' yards. Power-washing has contributed enormously to garden soil lead levels as old layers of paint are blasted free from wood siding, fences, etc.

Garden products such as bone meal can add lead to soil, and nearby lead sources such as shooting ranges or sandblasting of metal structures such as bridges can send dangerous amounts of lead airborne, floating many miles before settling.

The MAY 2010 edition of the LEAD-FREE LIVING NEWSLETTER will focus exclusively on safe garden practices related to lead exposure, soil testing, and making your yard lead-safe for children. Sign-up is quick and free... JUST CLICK HERE.

For more information on lead exposure, and how heavy metals are causing our children's autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, low IQ and behaviour problems, visit www.nomoreleadbabies.com

QUESTION: DOES LEAD TRANSFER FROM MOTHER TO FETUS?

2010-04-11T23:38:00.000-07:00

ANSWER: Absolutely! Lead transfers from mother to unborn child making the developing brain of the fetus very vulnerable. Expectant mothers must be extremely vigilant to avoid all potential lead sources, however a woman’s exposure to lead while she is pregnant is not the only concern. Lead accumulates in bone and tissue over a woman’s lifetime. During pregnancy, this stored lead also transfers directly to the fetus.

For our monthly newsletter on avoiding lead exposure, sign up free: http://bit.ly/k05s3

QUESTION: WHY DO KIDS AND PETS EAT CHIPS OF OLD PAINT?

2010-04-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

ANSWER: There is a very simple explanation why kids or pets would be attracted to the taste of old paint. Its the same reason why it can be added to chocolate and candy today without us noticing, and why the Romans, centuries ago, added it to their otherwise bitter tasting wine. Lead naturally has a sweet taste.

If you live in a house or apartment that is not new, a lead test kit can help you test to ensure you do not have a lead paint source in your home. Note that while lead house paint was phased out as of 1977, many homeowners and landlords continued to use paint they had on hand for years. Today, many industrial paints still contain lead. And just because lead contaminated paint has been painted over with safe paint does not resolve the danger in a house with kids or pets.

Here is a quick link to LEAD TEST KITS.

QUESTION: HOW MUCH LEAD DOES IT TAKE TO PERMANENTLY DAMAGE AN UNBORN CHILD'S BRAIN ?

2010-04-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

ANSWER: Take your sugar bowl out of the kitchen cupboard. Drop three granules of sugar into the palm of your hand. ( Its not easy to do.) THAT is the equivalent amount of LEAD that it takes to cause irreversible damage to a developing nervous system. And LEAD travels readily from mother to child during pregnancy.

For more information about lead and its effects, visit www.nomoreleadbabies.com

LEAD SMART TIP -- BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING

2009-08-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

Choose items that are vinyl-free.
Avoid backpacks that have shiny vinyl designs as they often contain lead.
Buy paperclips made just from metal; avoid the ones coated in vinyl as they may contain lead.
Buy lunchboxes that are lined with non-vinyl materials. Metal and cloth lunch containers are also available.
Purchase items made from recycled cardboard, paper, wood, and metal, or ones that are covered in cloth.
Use glass or stainless steel water bottles.
Do not just discard items that you suspect might contain lead. Reuse the things you already have but make sure they have no lead in them. Check your supplies for lead using a lead test kit.

More Lead-Smart tips in our newsletter. Sign up at http://bit.ly/k05s3

Joanna Cerazy No More Lead Babies http://www.nomorelead.com/

LEAD SMART TIP --THERE IS NO PLACE FOR LEAD IN YOUR COSMETICS

2009-06-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Lead has been used as an ingredient in cosmetics for thousands of years. As far back as six thousand years ago, Egyptian women mixed lead and copper ore to prepare a paste they applied to their faces. Greeks and Romans slathered lead-containing concoctions all over their bodies. For similar purposes, a blend of lead and rice powder was used in China. In America, lead- containing creams, ointments and powders were legally sold well into the 20th century.

Lead is a versatile ingredient. In cosmetics, it was utilized in eye makeup products, as a whitening solution, as hair plaster, as well as face and body powder. Really, lead has had an unlimited utility in the beauty industry.

As a result, people suffered from this kind of self inflicted lead exposure for millennia.

Despite the fact that the use of lead in beauty products has since been regulated, lead still finds its way into today’s cosmetics. For example, lipstick produced by top brand cosmetic companies has been reported to contain lead. So were some progressive hair dyes, henna products, and a whole array of imported eye makeup products.

Unfortunately, the argument you will often hear is that the amount of lead contained in lipstick or other cosmetics is so small that, in fact, it cannot cause any harm. This is not entirely true. First of all, there is a mounting body of evidence that no amount of lead is safe. Second, a very tiny amount of lead might not harm you immediately, but since lead accumulates in human bodies (in bones and teeth), small amounts grow over time adding up to the past and future exposures. This is especially true for products such as cosmetics, as they are being used frequently, often multiple times each day.

Repeated ingestion of minute amounts of lead adds up in your bones and brain.
Remember: There is no place for lead in your cosmetics!

Joanna Cerazy
http://www.nomoreleadbabies.com/

Co-author Lead Babies Breaking the cycle of learning disabilities, declining IQ, behavior problems, and autism

LEAD SMART TIP -- GOOD DAILY HYGIENE PREVENTS LEAD EXPOSURE

2009-06-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

While we all know that proper hygiene protects us against germs, not many of us realize that practicing good daily hygiene also minimizes the risk of lead exposure.

Follow these simple guidelines to avoid lead's harm

1. Wash hands before eating;
2. Wash hands after playing with pets;
3. Wash hands after gardening and other outdoor activities;
4. Shower to remove lead from skin and hair;
5. As dust stick to wet hands, dry your hands after washing;
6. Avoid progressive hair dyes;
7. Use lead-free personal care products;
8. Avoid using products that contain zinc oxide.

Joanna Cerazy
co-author LEAD BABIES Breaking the cycle of learning disabilities, declining IQ, behavior problem, ADHD, and autism.

For more information visit: http://www.nomoreleadbabies.com/

LEAD SMART TIP -- CHOOSE LEAD-FREE CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS

2009-06-01T20:09:00.000-07:00

Calcium supplements derived from natural sources such as bonemeal, dolomitic limestone and oyster shells may contain high amounts of lead. Just because a product is labeled "all natural" does not mean it is lead-free. Some over-the-counter calcium preparations may contain dangerous amounts of lead.
Supplementing one's diet with calcium has been shown to decrease the amount of lead the body absorbs - as more calcium is absorbed by the body the less lead gets into the bloodstream. Thus, it is often advised to increase one's calcium consumption to prevent lead poisoning. However, taking lead-contaminated calcium supplements gets the exact opposite result - even more lead in the body!
The best way to add extra calcium is by following a healthy diet that contains calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, sardines, and salmon, as well as vegetarian sources such as kale, turnip greens, spinach, broccoli, almonds, and peanuts.
If you decide to supplement your diet with store-bought calcium, look for preparations that specifically state "lead-free" on their labels.
Joanna Cerazy
co-author Lead Babies Breaking the cycle of learning disabilities, declining IQ, behavor problems, ADHD, and autism.

LEAD SMART TIP -- TIPS FOR LEAD-SMART GARDENERS

2009-05-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on planting a vegetable garden so that you can enjoy fresh organic produce from your very own backyard there are a few things you need to know about lead in soil.
Soil can be a hiding place for lead. Once lead enters the soil it can stay there indefinitely; it does not dissolve, break down, or disappear.

Compared to root vegetables (carrots, beets, radishes), fruiting vegetables such as berries and tomatoes are less likely to contain lead as it tends to accumulate more readily in roots. Leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, parsley) may contain lead that has been deposited from the the air.

Follow these lead-smart gardening tips:
* keep the pH level of your garden soil above 6.5
* add lime or organic matter to the soil
* wear gloves while gardening
* wash all fruits and vegetables before eating
* use 1% vinegar solution or a store-bought produce cleaner to remove lead-containing residue from fruits and vegetables
* wash leafy vegetables, discard outer leaves
* peel root vegetables
For more detailed information about lead in food and soil and how to prevent lead exposure from these sources read LEAD BABIES.

Co-author Joanna Cerazy LEAD BABIES Breaking the Cycle of learning disabilities, declining IQ, ADHD, bahavior problems, and autism.

Lead Babies…fascinating and informative!

2009-05-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

I thought I knew everything I needed to know about lead but truly, the information I had was out-of-date, and minimal at best. Lead Babies opened my eyes about how little it takes to do so much harm. And what a price we all pay. I now have a fuller grasp on the cycle that needs breaking, and on what I can do to break it. 

Special note - the chronology was particularly interesting; the stuff documentaries are made of!  Lead Babies is a rational and constructive approach to a very serious problem. I highly recommend it, whether you are young, old or in between. It’s a very informative and enjoyable read.

Reviewer: Al, May 2009

LEAD SMART TIP -- IT'S IN WHAT YOU EAT

2009-05-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

You can protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of lead with proper nutrition. Since lead mimics calcium, it tricks our bodies to store it as such. Some lead leaves the body via the bladder and bowels. What remains enters the blood system and ends up stored in the brain tissue and bones.

Eating right reduces the amount of lead that gets stored in the system. Some lead-smart eating guidelines include:

eating regular healthy meals (lead is more readily absorbed on an empty stomach)

eating foods rich in iron vitamin C, and calcium

avoiding fatty foods

avoiding canned foods from foreign countries

If you know of a LEAD-FREE product or retailer you think needs to be added to our LIVING A LEAD-SMART LIFE LINKS, please post it in the comments. We'll contact them and add them to the list of links and below.

Joanna Cerazy, co-author of LEAD BABIES

Kunati Inc.

LEAD BABIES RELEASED

2009-05-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

Announcing the release of : LEAD BABIES

May 2009

LEAD BABIES exposes the epidemic of learning disabilities, ADHD and low IQ that until now has been treated as an unsolved mystery or genetically caused condition – at best, a spin of the Roulette wheel. With research confirming this is not case, LEAD BABIES ties proven science to everyday life, so that readers can grasp the reality of lead’s prevalence and the danger it poses. It then provides simple steps to follow to eliminate future lead exposure and encourages women who are planning a family to reverse the accumulations of lead already in their body, before getting pregnant.

The book was written by Joanna Cerazy M.Ed. and Sandra Cottingham Ph.D., researchers and authors with a combined 35 years experience as special education teachers. They believe it is time to make people aware of the facts about lead and the damage it is causing to developing brains. “Toys and food containing lead are a concern for all of us, but an unborn or newly born baby is at far higher risk to suffer more severe brain damage from lead.” The authors set out to empower the upcoming generation of parents to break the cycle of what Cerazy and Cottingham call, “lead babies”; those whose brains were damaged by lead early in life and now struggle in school or have compromised employment potential as adults.

Exposure to lead and the permanent neurological damage it causes comes down to two things: awareness and choice. Both are responsibilities that lie with our next generation of parents.

For more information, visit www.nomoreleadbabies.com.

Publisher: Kunati Inc (USA & Canada) 1-866-356-2442 

www.kunati.com 

Distribution: Independent Publishers Group (IPG)

 ISBN: 978-1-60164-192-2

LEAD SMART TIP -- LEAD STILL LINGERING IN ART MATERIALS

2009-05-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

Although lead has been removed from most art materials that are available in stores today, there is a ready supply of lead-containing materials from decades past. "Flake white' is the one to be especially wary of. If a tube of paint is described as flake white, old or new, don't assume it is lead free. Another example of a craft product that may contain lead is ready made papier mache, since it is made from shredded newspaper which may have been printed with lead-containing inks.

This week's TIP:

BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS AND RESEARCH ART MATERIALS BEFORE USE. Never eat food or snacks while working with artists' materials, and wash hands well before handling food.

Cilantro - A Very Powerful Chelator

2009-04-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

Chelation is from the Greek word χηλή, chelè, meaning, to claw. In the case of accumulated heavy metals in the body, the goal of chelation is to create a biochemical reaction between the chelating agent and the lead, mercury, and other unwanted heavy metals for the purpose of removing them from the body.

Needless to say, chelation, both intravenous and oral, is not without its risks, or its controversy. The fact that there are pros and cons to both therapies may be the reason why so many are turning to natural methods of chelation, such as the commonly eaten herb, Cilantro.

Cilantro, or Chinese parsley as it is sometimes called is actually coriander. The leaves and stems, eaten fresh are an excellent chelating agent. In fact it is such a good chelator, it should be used with a fair amount of caution. Stirring up lead and mercury in one's system without a plan to assist with ensuring removal from the body can be harmful. Another concern is what happens after a bout of chelation related to parasites and Candida Clbicanas. It is highly advisable to rid the body of parasites and yeast first, then go after the accumulations of heavy metals. A naturopathic doctor is the best person to give advice. If you suspect you have high metal toxicity, then chelate under the supervision of a medical professional.

Pregnant women may elect to avoid cilantro to ensure safety of the unborn baby which does not have a blood brain barrier to protect it from lead and other metals made mobile by cilantro.

The best advice is to take it slow. Toxic accumulations did not happen overnight. And nor should chelation. Cilantro is a powerful herb.

If you want move info on heavy metals, what they do to us, and how to avoid them, check out "LEAD BABIES". It is a must-read for anyone thinking about starting a family, or wanting to protect the ones they care about.

Visit: www.nomoreleadbabies.com

What do you think about the CPSIA (The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act)?

2009-04-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

I was invited by a Twitter follower, to share my opinion on the CPSIA (The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act). In the midst of this struggling economy, it is problematic that costly accountability protocols are being imposed on companies alreading providing certified organic and otherwise safe products.

The Handmade Toy Alliance has a legitimate concern. Their proposed solution to direct testing at the raw material stage of manufacturing makes a lot of sense, especially with the global exchange of materials and products that is simply how business is done today. For example, my Canadian Safeway brand dill pickles are grown in India if you read the fine print.

But I would like to share another perspective...

Having spent a good deal of time and energy researching lead’s sources and lead’s damaging effects, I fear that the emphasis on toys and children’s products is putting a spotlight on one issue at the expense of another. This is the tip of iceberg, and it is the massive piece that we don’t see that needs our focus. This is the fact that the lead adults have accumulated over their lifetine impacts the health - in particular the brain, of the children they bring into this world. Bare with me on this, because I do realize that children grown up to be adults.

My interest is in breaking the cycle of learning disabilities and ADHD, behavior and lowered IQ that has impacted several generations now. It is turning schools on their heads, and changing the face of society.

The lead in toys and in painted cribs, etc. is a major and urgent concern. But is still pales by comparison to the magnitude of the need to protect and inform our next generation of childbearing adults, and the way to do that is through education. Lead is in places that the government can never regulate or take responsibility for. That fact simply will not change.

Our future as a society will be defined by our ability intervene in the creation of another generation of brain-injured children. Therefore, as I see it, it is about mechanisms for empowering individuals to take personal responsibility for what they allow themselves to be exposed to – to do the work of finding out, and following through. I don’t see Congress empowering the little guy any time soon. So I think I am on a bit of a different trajectory than those who have issue with the CPSIA.

Think about this scenario… the act changes and all US toys, products and foods are certified lead-free. There is now no need to know about lead if there is no lead in the things we buy.

So now imagine a family travels abroad and buys jewelry, a toy, candy, ceramic wear, cosmetics, etc. and brings the items back to the States or Canada. How does government regulation protect that family? And the families that recieve these items as gifts? And what do we do about the antiques in our houses, the lead pipes under driveways, the lead that we send airborne with our vacuum cleaners and our feather dusters? The lead that was dispersed via fuel and paint decades ago is all around us. It didn’t go anywhere.

There is so much we can do to protect ourselves that no legislation or acts passed by congress can accomplish. My worry is an act, such as the CPSIA will lull us back into the complacency that got us here in the first place - the complacency that I am working hard to change.

LEAD BABIES  Breaking the cycle of learning disabilities, declining IQ, ADHD, behavior problems, and autism

 Authors: Joanna Cerazy M.Ed. and Sandra Cottingham Ph.D

www.nomoreleadbabies.com 

Publisher: Kunati Inc (USA & Canada) 1-866-356 2442 

www.kunati.com 

Distribution: Independent Publishers Group (IPG)

 ISBN: 978-1-60164-192-2

SHARE NAMES OF PRODUCTS & RETAILERS WHO ARE LEAD-FREE...

2009-04-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

There are lots of excellent companies producing lead-free toys, cosmetics, household products, etc. If you come across a LEAD-FREE product or retailer you think we should know about it, please post it in the comments.

We'll contact them and add them to the list of links and below.

LEAD SMART TIP -- LEAD IN THE SOIL AND SAND

2009-04-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

When leaded gas and paint was phased out decades ago, there was an assumption that lead disappeared too. That assumption was wrong, given that lead does not evaporate, dissolve or break down, even with time. The question then, is where did the lead that was once in paint and gasoline go? Where is it now?

The soil and sand in and around our homes contains much of it. It is extremely common for garden soil to be heavily contaminated with lead from past car exhaust. If the soil is on a lot where an old house stood or stands, there would be further contamination from the exterior house paint that either chipped off naturally over time, or was power-washed or scraped in preparation for new paint.

This week's TIP:

ASSUME ALL GARDEN SOIL AND SAND IS CONTAMINATED WITH LEAD. Always wear gloves when working in the garden, and be very careful that footwear and clothing do not transport lead-carrying dirt indoors.