Category: Uncategorized

CHEMICAL BODY BURDEN. "Of the approximately 80,000 chemicals that are used in the United States, we do not know how many can become a part of our chemical body burden, but we do know that several hundred of these chemicals have been measured in people's bodies around the world." http://lnkd.in/dn7-sCj View in LinkedIn

SMALL AMOUNTS OF ARSENIC ARE TOXIC. Less than 50 ug/L of arsenic, which is the allowable amount in drinking water, was enough to trigger symptoms of arsenic poisoning in a large group of subjects. Over 13% drinking under 10 ug/L showed skin lesions. This clearly questions the allowable limits. http://lnkd.in/dcA2PYa View in LinkedIn

A LITTLE BIT HERE, A LITTLE BIT THERE. We are exposed to many chemicals like arsenic in chicken meat or drinking water. Regulatory agencies have estimated the risks for single point exposure, but not for cumulative exposures from many point sources. The "chemical body burden" is helpful for understanding how these can accumulate to toxic levels from small point sources. View in LinkedIn

THE 2010 GAO REPORT that describes the substances excluded from federal oversight. A scathing review by the US General Accounting Office (GAO) of the FDA oversight of food additives by industry, and how the FDA may often be unaware of the types of additives used due to a fuzzy system of registration. http://lnkd.in/d4SNSfk View in LinkedIn

HOW MANY FOOD SUBSTANCES are excluded from federal oversight in the US? Read this excellent summary of US food safety regulation history and process. There are some 2,600 registered GRAS substances used in food, but this is far from the complete picture. http://lnkd.in/dbPVnQS View in LinkedIn

UNKNOWN FOOD ADDITIVES. "In 2010, the...GAO...concluded that "a growing number of substances ... may effectively be excluded from federal oversight." This is a runaway train, and a regulatory shambles. How can continents like Europe possibly want to let these products flood the market? http://lnkd.in/dbPVnQS View in LinkedIn

"UNCERTAINTIES cannot be reduced to neat numerical probabilities such as risk assessors will have us believe. "The notion of exclusively science-based decisions under uncertainty is an oxymoron." http://lnkd.in/dvFZd9F View in LinkedIn

SOME AMERICANS WANT IT BOTH WAYS. "Twelve public opinion polls conducted over the past 10 years have shown that the public approves of the general policy of banning cancer-causing food additives. However, the public is opposed to a ban for specific substances like saccharin which have perceived benefits." (But is a known carcinogen). http://lnkd.in/dDEqKiw View in LinkedIn

RISK ASSESSMENT places the burden of proof on those who prefer alternatives, and favors those with the most powerful backing. "Precaution offers to level the playing field by inviting the focus not only on risk but also on uncertainty." http://lnkd.in/dvFZd9F View in LinkedIn

THE US DELANEY CLAUSE DEBATE. "Most experts believe that the Clause should be changed but differ significantly on how to change it. Opponents of change argue that the Clause is the most effective way to deal with food additives that may cause cancer since not enough is known about cancer to allow their use." http://lnkd.in/dDEqKiw View in LinkedIn