Live interactive map shows real time air pollution worldwide

A new study from Harvard University suggests that air pollution continues to contribute to premature death of Americans—even at levels well below the legal limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The nationwide study showed long-term exposure to two main smog pollutants—ozone and fine particulate matter—could increase chances of a shorter life.

The analysis of more than 60 million senior citizens found no sign of a “safe” level of pollution, below which the risk of dying early tapered off.

The Clean Air Act requires federal limits on the nation’s most widespread air pollutants to be updated periodically based on scientific review. The study, however, finds the current regulations to be insufficient to fully protect the public.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Air pollution exposure may hasten death, even at levels deemed ‘safe,’ study says

Add Comment

Question from MJ

Hi Debra,

I’m so glad I came across this! I’m trying to make our kitchen the healthiest I can as now I have a daughter! She’s extremely picky and I wanted to make some homemade popsicles for her to squeeze some veggies and fruit into her diet.

I can only find plastic (not buying), silicone, and stainless steel (18/8) molds.

Do you have a suggestion for me?

Also, what kind of cookware is best? Currently we have stuff I’m phasing out and also cast iron.

Debra’s Answer

For cookware, see Cookware page on Debra’s List.

First I want to say “good for you to make your own popsicles.” Even whole fruit popsicles in the natural food store often have sugar or other processed sweeteners in them.

For popsicle molds…now here is an example of a place where I would think more simply. I don’t make popsicles any more, though I love them.

The basic materials for popsicle molds to choose from are:

* plastic
* BPA-free plastic
* silicone
* aluminum
* stainless steel

The simplest way to make a popsicle is with paper cups. But here are 5 Ways to Make Popsicles Without a Mold.

Paper cups have a bit of paraffin wax on the inside, but you could line them with parchment paper, which has a silicone coating.

You know I think it would be great if someone would make wooden popsicle molds that you could line with parchment. I’m going to ask Larry to make a popsicle mold for me.

My popsicle alternative is to make whole fruit ice. Here’s a recipe I just made last night.

What’s different about this is it contains the whole fruit with the pulp, not just the juice. Which is not only better for you nutritionally, but it makes the ice creamier.

PINEAPPLE LIME WHOLE FRUIT ICE (GRANITA)

2 cups pineapple, cut into cubes
juice and zest of 2 limes
1 tablespoon raw honey
1/2 cup water

1. Put all ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. This took me about a minute.
2. Pour the puree into a shallow glass container, like a 9×9 glass baking pan.
3. Put it in the freezer and freeze for 30 minutes.
4. Take it out of the freezer and break up the ice with a fork. It will be frozen around the edges but not in the middle.
5. Let it sit for another half hour, break it up again, and it’s ready to eat.

This will taste like a popsicle and be cold like a popsicle, but no molds required. Larry and I both loved it.

You can use this same recipe with any fruit or combination of fruits or put it in a popsicle mold if you choose.

Add Comment

Question from Judy

Hi Debra,

Looking for a non metal, non plastic tea ball. Ever run across this?

Thanks. 🙂

Debra’s Answer

First thing I thought of was a tea pot with glass infuser. Type “teapot with glass infuser” into google to see. Also ‘tea cup with glass infuser.”

Readers, how do you make your tea?

I have one of these teapots, but most of the time I just throw the loose tea into the Xtrema Tea Pot I boiled the water in, and then strain it out into the cup. Usually I make iced tea, living here in Florida, so then I let the tea cool in the pot and then strain it into a glass pitcher that I keep in the refrigerator.

Add Comment

This is from an email sent from GreenMedInfo.

There has been a flurry of global reporting on new research from Stirling University hosted on the WHO’s website that confirms there is a clear pattern of and chronic symptoms ranging from breathing and vision problems, to neurological ones like headaches and dizziness in those exposed to the air blown from engines into aircraft cabins.

The Daily Mail, reporting on the new study recently stated:

‘There is a clear cause-and-effect relationship linking health effects to a design feature that allows the aircraft air supply to become contaminated by engine oils and other fluids in normal flight.

‘This is a clear occupational and public health issue with direct flight-safety consequences.’

The Telegraph’s headline is even more to the point: “New health concerns – and cancer link – over toxic cabin air breathed by 3.5 billion passengers each year”

If you or anyone you know flies, nothing is more important than to what you are being exposed to, and what you can do about it. I am convinced that consumer pressure on the industry will be the critical factor in reforming the industry, and not top-down political pressure by lawmakers, which will come only much later.

The first positive sign is that Boeing has already developed a non-toxic alternative called the 787 Dreamliner which is the only plane that takes fresh air from outside instead of directly from compressors in the jet engines to supply the cabin. Unfortunately, at this time, it is only rarely used for domestic flights. But consumer education and subsequent demand can quickly correct that problem!

Add Comment

Question from Deb

Hi Debra,

I read your Bergstrom radio transcripts and appreciated them.

I live in Canada and with the money exchange, buying US cookware is not an option for me at this time, but after cancer, I would like to avoid using my metal pans as much as possible.

I do have some Corning Ware in my cupboards; two small dishes marked “For range and microwave,” two “Symphony (1990-94) patterns, a French white baking dish, and a white Pyrex dish—with little pink flowers on the outside—that is marked “England” on the bottom. I admit I don’t comprehend real well and I’m still not clear on whether any of these dishes contains lead. I doubt I can cook in any of them except the first two marked as such.

Can you give me the short answer?

I’ve been reading a lot of your blog and am beginning to trust your food safety info above all others.

Debra’s Answer

The quick answer is to test.

The least expensive way to test is with Lead Check strips. A negative reading doesn’t guarantee there is no lead, but a positive reading would tell you there IS lead.

Add Comment

Question from Cheryl

Hi Debra,

Regarding Corded phones—are they all pretty safe?

We’re eyeing one with digital LCD display of incoming calls etc. and speaker phone here is the link.

AT&T – 2940 Corded Phone with Caller ID/Call Waiting – Black

I noticed even some corded phones mention having DECT technology which I believe is bad.

This one does not say it has DECTso I assume it doesn’t have it since most corded don’t seem to mention DECT.

Is there anything I need to watch out for when buying a corded phone w/LCD display and speakerphone?

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

I searched for a corded phone with DECT and the only models that came up were combination phones that have corded and cordless together in one phone base.

I’ve been purchasing corded phones and I usually purchase a phone similar to the one you are looking at.

Readers, any problems buying corded phones?

Add Comment

You may be aware of fresh foods that are modified with GMOs and you may know that many additives in food products are modified with GMOs, but did you know that dietary supplements also can contain ingredients that are modified with GMOs?

Here is an excellent article that outlines where GMOs might be hidden in your supplements.

TOUCHSTONE ESSENTIALS: Are Your Supplements Tainted with GMOs?

Add Comment