Lead exposure linked to Alzheimer’s disease: ICMR study

Lead exposure can lead to Alzheimer’s - a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental function, scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research-led National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) have established through laboratory-based studies.

Lead is a common pollutant that can get into environment from a number of commonly used materials like paints, cosmetics, batteries, glass and low grade toys, and is known to affect the central nervous system after prolonged exposure.

Its role as a risk factor in development of neurodegenerative diseases is also established through various studies globally.

“Recent lab-based studies conducted at ICMR-NIN have now established the possible link between lead exposure and Alzheimer’s disease,” said ICMR in a statement.

A team led by ICMR- NIN’s senior scientist Dr Suresh Challa has shown the molecular mechanism involved in the development of lead induced Alzheimer’s disease through in vitro studies.

“In fact, Alzheimer’s Disease has a complex pathophysiology which involves initially formation of beta amyloid plaques and tangles in the brain. In addition, oxidative stress and inflammation are known to be involved in the progression of the disease, with loss of memory and neuronal cell death. In this scenario, our study investigated the basic molecular mechanism behind the involvement of lead in Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr Challa

The scientists simulated brain cells in vitro with beta amyloid peptides like in Alzheimer’s disease and the effect of lead exposure was then studied. It showed increased cell death and increased levels of pro-apoptotic marker proteins.

Also, the proteins involved in neurodevelopment and regeneration have depleted. Such effects led to decreased expression levels of synaptophysin (membrane protein), finally leading to loss of memory as in Alzheimer’s disease.

“Maternal exposure to lead during pregnancy can cause developmental reprogramming which can lead to higher risk and early onset of Alzheimer’s disease in later life of the child. Since lead exposure is an important public health concern, the current findings could be another piece in solving the puzzle towards understanding the intracellular mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease. Such findings may as well help in developing preventive and management strategies for elderly,” said Dr R Hemalatha, director, ICMR-NIN.

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Household toxins degrade fertility in both men and dogs

Environmental contaminants found in the home and affects male fertility both in humans and domestic dogs find a new study stating the decline in sperm quality in both the species over the past few years.

What makes household contaminants?
Hazardous household products consist of six broad categories: household cleaners, paints and solvents, lawn and garden care, automotive products, pool chemicals, and health and beauty aids. Many commonly used household products in these categories release toxic chemicals.

The study showed the chemicals -- at concentrations relevant to environmental exposure -- have the same damaging effect on the sperm of both man and dog.

"We know when human sperm motility is poor, DNA fragmentation is increased and that human male infertility is linked to increased levels of DNA damage in sperm," said co-author.

"We now believe this is the same in pet dogs because they live in the same domestic environment and are exposed to the same household contaminants," he said.

What did the scientists do?
For the study, the team tested the effects of two man-made chemicals -- the common plasticiser DEHP, widely used in the home (e.g. carpets, clothes, toys) and the industrial chemical polychlorinated biphenyl 153, which although banned globally, remains widely detectable in the environment, including food.

Using donated sperm from sample males and stud dogs living within a specific region in the UK, the researchers found that the chemicals had a clear damaging effect on both sperm samples.

The researchers carried out identical experiments for both species using samples of sperm from donor men and stud dogs, living in the same region.

"This new study supports our theory that the domestic dog is indeed a 'sentinel' or mirror for the human male reproductive decline. Our findings suggest man-made chemicals, widely used in home and working environment, may be responsible for the decline in sperm quality," lead author said.

Next, the team will focus on the region to see if location also impacts sperm vitality in both men and dogs.

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Surprising Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Kids and Chemicals in Your Home

Air pollution may be worse inside your home than out. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), for example, are gases released by many household products. They may cause problems like headaches, nausea, and irritated eyes and throat. Indoor air pollution may be especially harmful to kids, who breathe faster than adults, inhaling more air. It particularly can affect babies, who are near the ground where heavy contaminants hang in the air.

Carpets Can Emit Chemicals

Many people complain of headaches, rashes, and eye and throat irritation when carpet is installed. New carpeting, padding, and adhesive give off potentially harmful gases. Choose low-VOC carpet and ask that it be unrolled and aired out several days beforehand. Stay out of your house during installation and keep it well-ventilated for days afterward. For kids with allergies and asthma, consider other flooring options.

Paint and Indoor Air Pollution

Paints and paint strippers can emit harmful gases. To minimize health risks, choose low-VOC paint and keep the windows open while painting and for several days while paint dries. Try not to store paint cans because gases can leak, even from sealed containers. If you must store paint, keep it in a well-ventilated area, away from the main living areas of your home.

Health Issues With Teflon Fumes

Cooking with nonstick cookware may release toxic fumes at very high temperatures. Nonstick coatings like Teflon emit chemicals when heated above 500 degrees. Don't use it in very hot ovens or preheat it on high on stovetops, and always use an exhaust fan. Instead, consider using cast iron or stainless steel pots and pans.

Chemicals From Craft Supplies

When your kids want to get crafty, head outside for better ventilation. Depending upon the product and the length of exposure, fumes from markers, glues, and other art supplies may cause headaches and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Overcooking polymer clays can release toxic chemicals into the air. Even some "nontoxic" markers may contain solvents that are dangerous when inhaled.

Cleaning Product Health Problems

The chemicals found in some household cleaners can be toxic if inhaled or touched, causing rashes and irritating the respiratory tract. This is particularly true for people prone to skin or breathing problems. Some products may aggravate allergies. Those that contain ammonia and chlorine may be especially irritating to children with asthma. Try cleaning with hot water, baking soda, microfiber cloths, and less-toxic cleaning products.

Dry-Cleaned Clothes and Health

The next time you pick up your clothes from the cleaners, take a whiff. Dry cleaning most often uses perchloroethylene, a chemical that has been found to cause cancer in animals. When you bring freshly dry-cleaned clothes into your home, your family may be inhaling this potentially harmful chemical. Air dry-cleaned clothes in the garage for several days before wearing them or wash clothes by hand or in a washing machine.

Kids and Secondhand Smoke

Living in a home where someone smokes can make children more prone to ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, and coughs. Children with asthma may have more frequent and severe attacks. Inhaling smoke may cause asthma in kids who never had symptoms before. Thirdhand smoke -- the toxic residue that lingers in clothes, cushions, and carpet -- can be also harmful to kids, especially when they play or crawl on the floor.

Stove Problems and Air Pollution

Improperly installed or vented gas stoves can release harmful gases into your home. At low levels, carbon monoxide can cause fatigue. Higher concentrations can cause nausea, headaches, confusion, and even death. Nitrogen dioxide can cause respiratory problems -- especially in children. Make sure burners are adjusted correctly so that flame tips are always blue. Vent the stove with a fan that blows outside.

Chimney and Furnace Gases

If your central heating and air conditioning system has problems -- ranging from cracks and dirt to poor ventilation -- dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide could be collecting in your home. Make sure your furnace – including the chimney and flue -- is well-maintained, including annual inspections and regular filter changes.

Dangers of Radon

You can’t smell, see, or taste radon -- a dangerous gas formed when uranium naturally decays in soil, rocks, or water. It can enter your home through cracks or holes in the foundation, walls, or around pipes. Radon is second only to smoking as a cause of lung cancer. Children may be more sensitive to radon because they breathe faster and take in more air. You can test for radon with a kit or call a radon inspector.

Health Concerns With Air Fresheners

Air fresheners may cause breathing difficulties and headaches for some people. In a study, nearly one-third of people with asthma said they had breathing problems when exposed to air fresheners. Tests by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that some air fresheners contain phthalates, a chemical linked to child developmental and hormonal issues. Instead, use natural herbs like rosemary, basil, or mint and good ventilation to freshen air.

Formaldehyde and Furniture

The chemical formaldehyde is common in pressed-wood furniture as well as permanently pressed drapes and clothes. Children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory irritation from formaldehyde fumes. Because new products give off stronger emissions, consider purchasing floor models. Air out new furniture and wash drapes before bringing them indoors.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.








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15 Helpful Uses for Baby Oil

    15 Helpful Uses for Baby Oil

In contrast to the popular joke, baby oil is not made of babies, it is actually a byproduct of the oil refining process. Baby oil is a fantastic lubricant for massaging and nurturing the skin of the baby, but it has many other uses that can benefit the adult, some of which may surprise you. Learn about these 15 helpful uses for baby oil!

1. Stopped ears Drip a few drops of warm baby oil into the stopped ear. Lay on your side or make sure the ear is in horizontal position, and gently drip. Let it stay like this for a few minutes and then reverse your head and let it dribble out, cleaning the ear with a paper towel. 2. Cracked heels To treat dry and cracked heels, rub a little baby oil before bed time. Cover your legs with socks to keep the bed sheets and blankets from getting dirty. 3. Removing a stubborn ring To remove a ring from your finger that just won't budge, use baby oil as a lubricant. Smear a generous amount on your finger and gently start turning the ring, until it slides off. 4. Removing bandages and Band-Aids  If you have sensitive skin, reduce the discomfort by smearing a coat of baby oil on the sticky parts of the bandage. Start peeling the bandage gently, until it is removed. 5. Removing paint If you've used paint and got dirty, spill some baby oil and rub, then wash with soap and water for full removal of the stain. 6. Removing stickers from bought items If the price sticker won't come off (or leaves half it behind), smear a bit of baby oil on the sticker until you see it absorb, then wipe with a soft cloth for an immediate and easy removal of the stubborn sticker. 7. Removing make-up Baby oil can be an efficient tool for removing eye make-up, and also soften the skin around the eyes - doubly useful. 8. Massage oil Use baby oil to massage parts of the body. Baby oil is refined and add moisture to the skin. It also makes the massage feel much nicer. 9. Preventing stretch marks Baby oil helps soften the skin and prevents stretch marks during pregnancy. 10. Maintaining moisture After a hot bath or shower, keep the moisture on your skin and prevent skin dryness by smearing baby oil on your skin while it's still moist. Be sure to smear in the area of the elbows, the knees and the heels. 11. Unraveling knots If your silver or gold necklace has become a big knot, use baby oil to unravel the knots. Simply drip a bit of the oil directly on the knot, then use sewing needles to gently open the knot. It should be much easier now that the links slide instead of stick together. 12. Aromatic bath oil Instead of spending a lot of money on expensive cosmetics for the bath, add a few drops of perfume to a 1/4 cup of baby oil and mix. When you step into the bath, shake the bottle well and pour a few drops in. 13. Returning luster to leather items Return the shine to old handbags, wallets, shoes and belts. Drip a bit of baby oil on a soft cloth and wipe the leather items. After rubbing, remove the leftover oil and rub again with a clean cloth. The items will shine like new! 14. Cleaning stainless steel sinks Drip a bit of baby oil onto a soft cloth and shine the stainless steel sink. You can also use this technique to remove stains from stainless steel electrical appliance and bathroom accessories.  15. Getting rid of water and soap stains on the shower door If you have a shower door that is constantly stained by water and soap marks that won't come off, a bit of baby oil and a clean cloth should get rid of those for you!     THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR CROCHET DESIGNS HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM

HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN OIL BASED PAINTS

CONTAIN- VOCs- volatile organic compounds

Causes for concern- VOCs in oil based paints have been linked to headaches, nausea, respiratory irritation, decreased fertility & damage to the liver, kidneys & central nervous system.

Remedy- use low VOC or VOC free paint, open windows when painting.