Our News
New discount codes for support group members: We are collaborating with Greenscents, a company that make household cleaning products that are chemical-free and make some non-fragranced products. They are offering 15% off a first order for MCS-Aware support group members. One of our support group members has launched her own organic chemical-free range of skincare products and as a MCS sufferer she really understands the issues that the illness brings. She is offering 20% off for members. We will let you know more in the MCS-Aware magazine out in May and give you the discount codes. If you are interested in joining the support group where you get a whole heap of benefits as well as discounts on a number of products and services click here.
Glossary: EI: Environmental Illness, MCS: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, EHS/ ES: Electro-Hypersensitivity
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde can occur naturally in the environment and is also produced industrially, it is mainly used commercially as a solution in water. Formaldehyde is commonly used in the manufacture of resin polymers to produce permanent adhesives, foam insulation and paper and textile finishing treatments. It is used as a disinfectant and fumigant in hospitals, ships, dwellings and animal handling facilities.
Formaldehyde is also used to fix tissues for histology and pathology e.g in hospitals, laboratories and mortuaries.
The health effects of formaldehyde exposure vary from one person to another. The most common symptoms are irritation to the mucus membranes (eye, nose and throat irritation eg runny nose/ coughing), headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Human eyes are especially sensitive to formaldehyde. It mainly affects people with MCS from photocopiers (glutaraldehyde) hospitals (pathology departments) airplanes and of course (new) clothes shops and fabrics. |
Helen's Blog
I often use a slow cooker at this time of year, not only does it save time but also slowly cooks the food so preserving the nutrients. It is also made of ceramic so doesn't leach chemicals like plastic or non-stick. There is quite a lot in the media about BPA and the detrimental effects so I also buy glass bottles of water rather than plastic. There was research done not that long ago about the plastic from bottles leaching into the water itself, which of course we then drink. This must surely be impacting our health and hormones.
Surge in chemical use a 'threat to health and environment'
UN warns of global failure to tackle hazards – with risks ranging from cancer to coral damage
Sales of synthetic chemicals will double over the next 12 years with alarming implications for health and the environment, according to a global study that highlights government failures to rein in the industry behind plastics, pesticides and cosmetics. The second Global Chemicals Outlook, which was released in Nairobi on Monday, said the world will not meet international commitments to reduce chemical hazards and halt pollution by 2020. In fact, the study by the United Nations Environment Programme found that the industry has never been more dominant nor has humanity’s dependence on chemicals ever been as great. “When you consider existing pollution, plus the projected growth of the industry, the trends are a cause for significant concern,” said Achim Halpaap, who led the 400 scientists involved in the study. He said the fastest growth was in construction materials, electronics, textiles and lead batteries. More and more additives are also being used to make plastics smoother or more durable. Depending on the chemical and degree of exposure, the risks can include cancer, chronic kidney disease and congenital anomalies. The World Health Organization estimated that the burden of disease was 1.6 million lives in 2016. Halpaap said this was likely to be an underestimate. In addition to the human health dangers, he said chemicals also affect pollinators and coral reefs. Global chemical production has almost doubled since 2000 and is now – if the pharmaceutical business is taken into account – the world’s second largest industry, the report noted. This is expected to continue for at least the next decade owing to massive increases in the expanding economies of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. By 2030, the industry is projected to almost double again from 2017 levels to hit $6.6tn (£5tn) in sales; China is forecast to account for 49.9% of the world market. National authorities have raised concern about a number of products, including formaldehyde in shampoo, microbeads in toothpaste, phthalates in food packaging, and flame retardants in many household goods. Numerous conventions have been signed and regulations put in place to minimise risks but the industry continues its relentless expansion. “Large quantities of hazardous chemicals and pollutants continue to leak into the environment, contaminating food chains and accumulating in our bodies, where they do serious damage,” wrote Joyce Msuya, the acting head of the UN Environment Programme. “Considering the expansion of the market, and the associated increase in contamination, we cannot continue to gamble with our health.” This was first published in The Guardian 12th March 2019, you can read the full article here and read the Global Chemicals Outlook report here.
Latest News
Sad story about the impact of 4G wireless.
8 things to consider when people ask you to be scent-free.
A good article on MCS.
This e-newsletter is published every 3 weeks free by email.
Sign up at www.mcs-aware.org. If you like this why not also have a look at our magazine: over 40 pages of articles, news and tips delivered straight to your door or inbox twice a year, find out more here. To receive the support group, which includes the magazines, plus an additional magazine at Christmas and helpsheets, discount code booklets and much more click here. To get the latest news follow us on Twitter and Facebook or check out our pictures on Pinterest.
www.MCS-Aware.org - The Charity for Environmental Illness. MCS-Aware is a Registered Charity No: 1152139 and Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England and Wales: 07772408. To ensure you don't miss future email updates, please add This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to your email address book or safe list. If this message is not displaying properly, please view the online version. You are welcome to reproduce this newsletter on your blog, website, forum or newsletter provided it is properly attributed to www.MCS-Aware.org.
Not interested any more? Back to top
|
