Saturday, October 11, 2008

Phthalates Linked to Abnormal Genitalia in Baby Boys

Phthalates linked to abnormal genitalia in baby boys
Posted at 1:33 PM on 03 Oct 2008
Baby.
Mothers exposed to high levels of phthalates during pregnancy are more likely to bear sons with abnormal genitals, says new environmental research published in the journal Environmental Research. (See what we did there?) The study looked at only 106 mothers and sons, and the afflictions -- undescended testicles, smaller penises, and a shorter anogenital distance -- aren't serious problems in and of themselves. But the results, combined with previous studies linking phthalates to reduced sperm quality, DNA damage, hormonal changes, reduced lung function, and premature puberty, make researchers understandably wary. (The American Chemistry Council is decidedly not wary, declaring on its website, "There is no reliable evidence that any phthalate has ever caused a health problem for a human from its intended use.") Phthalates are in all kinds of things -- sex toys, baby items, and yoga mats, to name a few -- via which they make their way into drinking water, breast milk, and household dust.

source: USA Today
see also, in Grist: Congress agrees on product-safety bill banning phthalates
www.grist.org

Green Smoothie Queen's 3 Day Challenge


Monday, October 6, 2008

Journey is back and they sound GREAT

I grew up listening to great music in the 80s. I was pleasantly surprised when my kids grew up to appreciate the same music my husband and I loved and still love. I came across this video today. I hope you enjoy the music and can appreciate the story that goes along with it. This guy is amazing!!!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Follow the Oil Money




http://oilmoney.priceofoil.org is an exciting tool that tracks which companies are pumping their dirty oil money into politics, who is receiving it, and how it correlates to key climate, energy and war votes. For the first time ever, you can see exactly how members of Congress who vote in favor of Big Oil also accept over four times more oil money than those who vote in the public interest.
-Courtesy of The Organic Consumers Association
www.organicconsumers.org