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

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

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

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

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.

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 ?

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

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?

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

NEW RENOVATION, REPAIR and PAINTING RULE

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?

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.

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

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

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

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 -- IT'S IN WHAT YOU EAT

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

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

Cilantro - A Very Powerful Chelator

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