Testing It Up

New research has found at least 21 new carcinogens and toxins in smokeless tobacco. According to this research this means that a single pinch of the product equals just as much harmful exposure as five cigarettes, making the effects far worse for the snuff user. Smokeless tobacco use has been rising since the 80s, primarily from the common misperception that smokeless tobacco is less harmful than cigarettes because it is not inhaled. The reality is that there are at least twenty six cancer causing substances in smokeless tobacco and a very high risk of developing oral cancers as well.  One of the new toxins found in smokeless tobacco is PAH, an environmental contaminate that comes from the wood burned in the fire curing process that makes the tobacco into a snuff.  Smokeless tobacco use is rising again due to the production and advertising of products like Snuss which offer smokers an alternative to going outdoors or looking for a smoking area when they need nicotine.

When it comes to causes of Cancer, smoking is the biggest culprit. Around 80 percent of the lung cancer caused across the world is a result of smoking. There is an untrue belief that nicotine causes cancer. However, the truth is that nicotine is the agent that leads to smoking.

Inhalation of cigarette smoke helps the nicotine present in the cigarette to enter the bloodstream. In as little as seven odd seconds it starts affecting the brain. Nicotine induces a feeling of pleasure and over time a person gets addicted to cigarettes. On the other hand, tobacco products that are taken orally also have carcinogens and therefore chewing of tobacco will lead to oral cancer. When it comes to lung cancer it’s the various chemicals present in the smoke which enter the lungs, which are the reason behind the conditions.

It’s also important to put a rider here that not all smokers suffer from cancer, however they will definitely suffer from other serious ailments.

For full version of this article, please visit “Tobacco and Nicotine – Common Agents of Cancer“.

After the controversy created by a recently released study from the advocacy group Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, manufacturer Johnson and Johnson has disputed the allegations about carcinogen content in their baby products. The company has countered that the trace amounts of the compounds identified in the report were the result of processes that are performed to ensure that the product is gentle for babies and safe from bacteria growth.

In China, the report has lead to the removal of Johnson and Johnson baby bath products from the shelves of supermarkets. The Shanghai-based supermarket chain Nonggongshang Supermarket Group took Johnson and Johnson products off the shelves of their 3,500 outlets. Other big chains in China such as Wal-Mart and Carrefour, however, have chosen to still carry the products.

This has prompted Chinese health authorities to test the products. The State Food and Drug Administration have subjected 33 Johnson and Johnson products, including the baby shampoo mentioned in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report. Their results indicate that there is no evidence of carcinogens in Johnson and Johnson products, according to a feature on Med Guru.

In support of the declaration of the Chinese health officials, Johnson and Johnson said further that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as well as other government agencies have considered the trace levels of the compounds in question as safe.

For its part, the State Food and Drug Administration have declared through their website that the agency will continue to monitor the allegations and perform tests in a timely manner.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 48 products and released the report about two weeks ago. The advocacy group tested the products for presence of two known carcinogens: formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane. Among the products tested that showed traces of the alleged carcinogens were Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo.

Most of us probably grew up using certain baby products that we have grown accustomed to. We in turn use these products on our own babies and children. Baby will always have his or her own special shampoo, soap, cologne and lotion: a gentler, milder formula that is safe for baby’s sensitive skin.

The latest report from an advocacy group called the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics may change this preconceived notion. Now, if the results of their tests are accurate and taken at face value, what we previously thought were the safest cosmetic products in the market may not be as safe as we think.

The March 2009 report, entitled “No More Toxic Tub”, is available for viewing online. The report presents results of an independent laboratory analysis that tested 48 popular bath products for the presence of two known carcinogens: formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane. The results indicated that 61% contained traces of both substances. A high majority at 82% contained formaldehyde, while 67% contained 1,4-dioxane.

While it may be true that some occurrences in baby products are not that significant, the fact that they exist in multiple products that are used in conjunction with other equally contaminated products, these small exposures may add up and become significant.

You may wonder why manufacturers are not forthcoming regarding the presence of these substances. According to the group, the presence of both substances is not due to the fact that they are ingredients, but they eventually find their way into the product as contaminants. The group adds further that there is a way for manufacturers to remove these contaminants, but since there is no government regulation regarding this, they are not really required to do so.

Popular children’s bath products from the more favored manufacturers such as Johnson and Johnson and Baby Magic are among those tested.