[Summit] JUNE, 2011 TIP TALKS NEWSLETTER - SWIMMING, SWEAT, SUN & BUGS

Sat Jun 25 14:07:54 UTC 2011

I thought some of you might appreciate the info in this latest
newsletter of my organization, Toxics Information Project (TIP)
NOTE:  This is not Market - we do not sell anything.

Summer is upon us, the sun beats down on us, we sweat & bat bugs off.
This issue of TIP TALKS includes Summer Risks & Healthier Summer
Alternatives.  We offer info on swimming, sunscreens, bug spray and
deodorants.  Note: Products mentioned are not endorsed by TIP, just
provided as samples of what seem to be some likely options.  Also,
if you decide to buy any, we urge you to use the GoodSearch/GoodShop
link at the bottom of this page to find the best deals and generate
a donation to TIP in the process!  Here's to a Healthy, Happy Summer!

Blessings, Liberty G
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                          SUMMER RISKS

DON'T LET YOUR BABY SWIM  (In chlorinated pools)  A new study
suggests adds to evidence that exposure to chlorinated pools
may affect children's respiratory health -- particularly if
they have a family history of asthma or respiratory allergies
like hay fever.  When the chlorine used to disinfect pools
combines with swimmers' sweat, saliva or urine, irritating
chlorine byproducts are formed, and over time these chemicals
may damage the airways.  SOURCE: European Respiratory Journal,
online January 14, 2010.  For the full Reuters article:
http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20100127-194703.html

SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY A BAD MIX  Using sunscreen & mosquito
repellant simultaneously may create trouble. University of
Manitoba pharmaceutical researcher Dr. Xiaochen Gu says using
sunscreen and mosquito repellant together increases their
absorption rates. That could increase the risk of side effects
like skin allergy, hypertension, headaches and seizures,
especially in children.
http://preventdisease.com/news/articles/sunscreen_bug_spray_bad_mix.shtml

DEET MOSQUITO REPELLANTS LINKED TO BRAIN DAMAGE
posted by Michelle Schoffro Cook Jun 3, 2011: 
DEET, or diethyl-meta-toluamide, by any other name still stinks. 
The main ingredient in most commercial mosquito repellents has
been linked by Duke University researchers to brain cell damage,
harmful interactions with some medications, and behavioural changes. 
The lead researcher and pharmacologist on the study observed brain
cell death and behavioural changes in animals exposed to DEET after
frequent and prolonged use.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/deet-mosquito-repellants-linked-to-brain-damage.html

INSECT REPELLENTS LINKED TO GENITAL DEFECTS IN BABY BOYS
The Guardian, United Kingdom, 12-1-09:  Women who use insect
repellents during the first three months of pregnancy are more
likely to give birth to baby boys with a genital defect, according
to researchers. Insecticides used in gardening and agriculture
may also be linked to genital malformations in boys.  SOURCE: 
British Medical Journal.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/besttreatments/2009/dec/01/insect-repellents-linked-to-genital-defects-in-baby-boys
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         TIPS ON HEALTHIER SUMMER ALTERNATIVES

DEODORANT OR ANTIPERSPIRANTS?  By Annie Berthold Bond, Care2.com,
Producer, Green Living Channels. Why choose a natural deodorant
over an antiperspirant?  Home-made formulas, including:   
Baking Soda Simple Solution:  Baking soda works wonders because
it neutralizes the odor of sweat. Just sprinkle a light covering
of baking soda onto a damp washcloth. Pat on. Don’t rinse.
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/consumer_guides/114

THE 2011 ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP (EWG) 2011 SUNSCREEN GUIDE
identifies products that are both effective and safe.  EWG analyzed
more than 600 beach and sport sunscreens and found that they could
only recommend one in five sunscreens for this summer! The rest
either don't protect enough or contain hazardous ingredients that
don't belong on your skin.  You can look up your sunscreen or
find out the top-rated sunscreens at:
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen

HERE COMES THE SUNSCREEN:  Blog of the Week, June 15, 2011
http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/here_comes_the_sunscreen
New rules from FDA, potentially risky ingredients, comments
from bloggers.

                     MORE SUNSCREEN LINKS
http://www.greenspotblue.com/lifenestbabytoy/2011/6/9/our-picks-for-kids-sunscreen.html
http://newly-nested.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-are-you-really-putting-on-your.html

         SOME DEET-FREE INSECT REPELLENT OPTIONS

Bite Blocker Herbal Insect Repellent Spray
http://www.herbalhealer.com/biteblocker.html
Ingredients:  Soybean Oil, Purified Water, Coconut Oil, Glycerin,
Geranium Oil, Citric Acid, Lecithin, Sodium Bicarbonate, Vanillin

Crocodile All-Natural Insect Repellant,
http://www.dancingroots.com/spray.html
Ingredients: An oleaginous extract of Rosemary,
Peppermint,Thyme, Castor Oil & Canola Oil.

Eco-Smart Insect Repellent
http://www.ecosmart.com/shop/individual-products/insect-repellent.html

             SOME OTHER IDEAS FOR AVOIDING BUG BITES

1.  DON’T ATTRACT THE BUGS!  THEY LOVE FRAGRANCE! 

2. SHAKLEE BASIC H: There is a great deal of word-of-mouth
endorsement of the off-label use of Shaklee Basic H as a bug
repellent - many swear by it.  However, it is not registered
for that purpose (although even a few Shaklee distributors
mention it).  You can get it from a local Shaklee dealer
rather quickly, if inclined.

3. TRY STRAIGHT SOY OIL:  It's an ingredient in a bug repellent
that tested well against DEET. A friend says she uses this,
straight from the food grade soy oil bottle - & it works for
several hours.  The Sierra Club of Canada agrees - see:
http://www.sierraclubchinook.org/Pesticides/Print/PrintDEETAlternatives.html4
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Liberty Goodwin, Director
Toxics Information Project (TIP)
P.O. Box 40441, Providence, RI 02940
Tel. 401-351-9193
Website: www.toxicsinfo.org
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       EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR WORK:
BENEFIT TIP WHILE SURFING OR SHOPPING THE WEB
at:  www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=818190
BENEFIT TIP WHILE SHOPPING ON THE WEB AT:
www.igive.com/welcome/warmwelcome.cfm?c=38382&m=0
OR MOST OF ALL, JOIN US OR MAKE A DONATION:
www.toxicsinfo.org/subscribe.htm
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