Repeated Exposure to Fried Stuff Increases Cancer Risk
When you are in the kitchen and heat the oil to the temperature required to cook chips or stir-fries many harmful particles are released into the air. They are chemicals named polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and a recent study conducted in Singapore found that these particles are cancer-causing. By consequence, repeated exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons could increase your risk of developing cancer.
PAH’s are compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon only (hydrocarbons) and they are the result of incomplete combustion. For instance, we can find them in coal tar (released by heating coal not having enough oxygen to burn it all) or in the exhaust of Diesel engines badly maintained. Many of them are hazardous, such as benz[a]pyrene which is a very potent carcinogen.
The study claims that PAHs produced by high heated oil when cooking deep-frying cheeps are similar to the dangerous chemicals found in tobacco smoke and exhaust fumes. All kind of cooking oils, especially vegetable oils, produce these hazardous particles. The total of harmful chemical released depends by the amount of oil used and the level of temperature maintained during the cooking process.
A comparison of the different cooking methods revealed that deep-frying done in Malaysian kitchens released more PAHs than the traditional Chinese stir-frying. The Indian cooking style cut down on the hydrocarbons because much of the food is simmered or boiled.
The study authors estimate that people regularly exposed to high levels of PAHs would have an increased chance of developing cancer.
Extraction Of Essential Oils For Aromatherapy
The very essence of Aromatherapy is its essential oils. Extracted from a number of aromatic plants, these oils are highly volatile, as well as concentrated. Being highly volatile, these essential oils evaporate fast, leaving no residue, or oily feel, behind. Parts of the aromatic plants, such as flowers, leaves, and stems, in addition to their barks, fruits, and also their roots are used to extract the essential oils. Though the oils are extracted from the aromatic plants by various methods, the most popular and common process is by distillation.
The Process Of Distillation
There are a number of distillation processes through which essential oils are extracted from aromatic plants. The Steam distillation and the Water distillation are two of the methods among many others. Of these two, the Steam process is more popular. Many are of the view that this is the only way to extract essential oils for aromatherapy.
The Steam distillation process requires close monitoring to ensure that the steam is maintained at a temperature that will not cause the plants to be damaged. For the purpose, a still is used which has a vessel for heating, and another one for cooling. After placing the aromatic plant in the heating vessel of the still, steam is introduced into it. The steam helps release the aromatic molecules and oils of the plant. These aromatic molecules, along with the steam, rise into the cooling device, which is cooled by cold water.
The aromatic vapors condense into liquid on cooling. This mixture of oil and water (oil from condensed aromatic vapors, and water from condensed steam) is collected in another vessel. As is the nature of oil and water they are automatically separated – oil at the top and water at the bottom. The oil from the top is simply siphoned off. This oil is highly concentrated, and is used in aromatherapy in this form.
For the water distillation process too, a still is used. In this instance, the aromatic plant is placed in it and sunken in water. The water is boiled, which helps release the aromatic molecules and oils of the plant – as in the case of stream distillation. The aromatic vapors are cooled and then easily separated from water. This method of extraction of the aromatic oils is appropriate for plants that cannot withstand high temperatures and pressures.
One method of distillation is the combination of steam and water. In this process, the aromatic plant is placed in a still and submerged under water. Steam is then introduced to help release the aromatic molecules and oils of the plant. On cooling, the essential oils are collected as explained above.
The aromatic oils extracted by the above methods produce essential oils in their concentrated forms. In case of topical aromatherapy, these oils are never applied to the skin in their concentrated forms. They are diluted with the help of carriers, such as alcohol, lotions, vinegar, or water.
It is essential that the essential oils be stored with care. Properly airtight dark bottles, need be used, and should be away from exposure to high heat and temperatures.
The Dangers of Chlorine Free Pool Chemicals
Several chemicals should be added to a swimming pool on a regular basis to keep the water safe and clean. Many swimming pool owners become unhappy with the common chlorine based chemical routine, and look to alternative sanitizers (such as Baquacil or SoftSwim) called “biguanide” based pool chemicals. Unfortunately these alternatives prove to be more expensive initially to purchase the chemicals, and cause problems over time which temporarily close the pool down.
If used in large quantities, or if not maintained properly, chlorine may irritate the eyes and skin of swimmers. Biguanide based swimming pool chemicals are much softer and have almost no affect on swimmers, but these chemicals are not capable of controlling organic contamination. Examples of organic contamination might be wastes left behind by swimmers or material that has blown or fallen into an outdoor pool, which promotes the growth of algae. While a chlorine swimming pool instantly neutralizes harmful organics, a biguanide swimming pool requires the addition of concentrated hydrogen peroxide on a regular basis. This liquid hydrogen peroxide solution proves to be more dangerous than chlorine to both store and handle.
Because biguanide based sanitizers cannot control organic contamination, microorganisms present in the pool water will build a resistance to the biguanide chemical over time. Like an evolving virus, these organisms become used to the biguanide sanitizer and form a type of water mold or slime. This ugly slime can only be eliminated with a strong dose of chlorine-based pool shock. The chlorine pool shock quickly removes the water mold, but also destroys all of the biguanide in the water. The immediate result of the chlorine and biguanide chemical interaction is very cloudy water which turns several unnatural colors, making the swimming pool unsafe to use for several days or weeks. Rather than risk further organic contamination and lost swimming time, most pool owners return to a chlorine pool chemical routine.
Chlorine is the right pool sanitizing chemical in every situation, except when a swimmer has developed allergies to the chemical. Pool chlorine is relatively inexpensive and easy to use, when used properly. With a basic understanding of pool water chemistry, and an easy weekly pool maintenance routine, any home owner can maintain a backyard pool with very few problems
The Guide to Cloudy Pool Water
Cloudy or dull pool water can be related to improper chemical balance, or fine debris suspended in the water. The first step to resolving a cloudy pool water problem is testing the pool water for Comined Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness. The two areas that are most likely to cause cloudy pool water are the pH and the Calcium Hardness. If the pool chemical levels are not within the suggested ranges below, adjust and run the pool filter system for 12-24 hours before re-testing. If the pool was clear before and just became cloudy immediately after adding products to adjust the pool chemical levels (such as pH increaser or decreaser), the pool water may still be adjusting to the changes you’ve made. Filter for 12-24 hours before re-testing, and the water should clear.
- Free Chlorine: 1-3 ppm
- pH: 7.2 – 7.6
- Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200 – 350 ppm
If all the pool chemical levels test in range, the cloudy pool water is caused by fine debris suspended in the pool water. You should backwash or clean your pool filter following the manufacturer’s instructions, and run the pool filter system continuously for 24 to 48 hours. If the water conditions have not significantly improved you should add a clarifier pool chemical to the pool water to help your pool filter remove the fine debris from the water. Continue filtering for 12 to 24 hours. If the water conditions have not significantly improved you should add a second dose of clarifier, or a stronger clarifier chemical. It is important that you continuously filter the pool water until the water is clear, and closely monitor your pool filter pressure. Backwash or clean the pool filter as needed, following the pool filter manufacturer’s instructions.
Chemical Peels - What You Need To Know About Chemical Peels
Chemical peels, also known as chemexfoliation or derma-peeling, are a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.
Question 1, What Conditions Do a Chemical Peel Treat?
Chemical peels are performed on the face, neck or hands. Chemical peels can
be used to:
Question 2, How Are Chemical Peels Performed?
The skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent(chemical peel) that removes excess oils while the eyes and hair are protected. One or more chemical solutions, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol), are applied to small areas on the skin. These Chemical Peel applications produce a controlled wound, enabling new, regenerated skin to appear.
Question 3, How do I prepare for a Chemical Peel?
Prior to the chemical peel, your Aesthetician may ask you to stop taking certain drugs and prepare your skin with topical preconditioning medications such as Retin-A, Renova, or glycolic acid. After the chemical peel, it’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
The more clinical definition of a chemical peel is as follows: A chemical peel is a body treatment technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the skin to blister and eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Thus the term chemical peel is derived. Some types of chemical peels can be purchased and administered without a medical license, however people are advised to seek professional help from a
dermatologist on a specific type of chemical peel before a procedure is performed.
Chemical Industry - An Overview
Chemical Industry is one of the fastest growing Industries globally. Demand in different segments of chemical Industry like pharmaceuticals, Inorganic Chemicals, Organic Chemicals, Fine and specialties, Bulk Drugs, Agrochemicals, and Paints and Dyes are also increasing rapidly. Industry players are following state of the art techniques and extensive research and development policies to fulfill this increasing demand for chemical.
Chemical Industry and India
India was importing chemicals during early 1990s, but now India has become a net exporter of chemicals because of implementation of several large scale petrochemical plants, and tremendous growth of exports in sectors like bulk drugs and pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and dyes and intermediates.
Currently India is a strong player in chemicals export. Following are some facts related to Chemical Industry in India (Analysis based on Year 2005):
- 13% of total export
- 13% of total industrial output and 7% of GDP
- 10%-12% growth rate annually
- 2% of global chemical industry
- Indian pharmaceuticals industry ranks 4th in volume and 13th in terms of value in world
- 2nd largest producer of agrochemicals in Asia
Factors Affecting Indian Chemical Industry
There are few factors resulting growth of Indian Chemical Industry. Some important factors are as following:
- Friendly Government Policies: In recent years government policies have become more and more industry friendly, following the similar global industry friendly trend. Government is eager to provide land and basic infrastructure for new industry establishments, because industries are powerful elements in contributing rapid growth of development.
- Increasing Demand: There is increase in demand of chemicals globally, be it pharmaceutical, agrochemicals, adhesives, fertilizers, or other chemicals. So industry players are trying to increase their current production to match increasing demand.
- Technology factors: The change in technology is also a factor in development of chemical industry. Newer machinery, better technology, and research are major cause behind growth rate of this industry.
- Involvement of major players: Involvement of major industry players in chemical industry, as well as acquisition of overseas companies by Indian Giants led strong worldwide reputation of Indian chemical manufacturers.
- Presence of raw materials: India is rich in minerals and other raw materials required in production of chemicals that decreases input capital required and increases overall revenues of manufacturers.
In coming years industry is going to grow with more than current growth rate. In 2005 its contribution to GDP was 7%, which increased to 13% in year 2007. Domestic demand is also increasing so we don’t need to look for exports always. Past few years witnessed tremendous growth and we can expect similar trends in future too.
Vitamins That Improve Fertility
There are no single magic supplement you can take to improve your fertility, but there are some important vitamins and trace substances that you can add to your diet to improve your chances of conceiving. There are a vast selection of supplements on the market and it can be difficult to know which ones to chose. As a rule of thumb, natural foods are better than pills. Have an orange instead of a vitamin C pill. There are many other positive side effects from healthy food so it is definitively worth is. In this article we present a short list of the most important vitamins and nutrients to improve your fertility.
Calcium
In preparation for the pregnancy it is important to build up your reserves of calcium. Calcium helps raising the pH in your body, which is good for the sperm and the fertilized egg, as well as other beneficial health effects. The best source of calcium is raw diary products, green leaf vegetables and almond. One glass of raw milk contains 900 mg calcium.
While in general it is easier for the body to take up calcium from food there are also a large number of supplements containing calcium that can also be recommended. Try a supplement made from crushed sea shells. A woman trying to improve her fertility should get at least 1000 mg calcium per day.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for fertility. It is of special importance as it
* help the formation of healthy sperm
* keeps testicles healthy
* increases the sperm count
The best source of zinc is oysters, but that doesn’t mean you have to start eating oysters every day; there are plenty of alternatives available in form of supplements. Recommended daily intake is 15 mg.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important both for the male and the female fertility. For women vitamin C has the following effect:
* improves the hormonal balance
* help ovulation
* improves immune system
* helps the body to take up iron
For men vitamin C helps to
* improve the mobility of the sperm
The daily dose of 750-1000 mg vitamin C you preferably get from fresh fruit and berries such as oranges, lemon, strawberries and vegetables such as pepper and spinach which are all rich in vitamin C.
This being said, don’t overdose vitamin C as this can lead to a lower pH in the body, something which negatively affect both egg and sperm.
Vitamin E
In women, vitamin E is important for
* the endocrine system
* absorption of essential fatty acids that in turn is needed for the formation of important hormones
In men it is responsible for
* good production of sperm and hormones
* protects sperm from mutations
The best source of vitamin E is dark leaf vegetables, liver, sunflower oil and pumpkin seed.Iron
Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in the blood and also helps balancing the ovulation. A study showed that 40% of women with ovulatory problems became fertile after extra intake of iron.
The best source of iron is food based supplements, as synthetic supplements often result in constipation.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for the body to be able to absorb proteins, minerals and other vitamins. Vitamin A is found in for example cod liver oil. The recommended daily intake is 5000-10000 IU. Pregnant women must be careful though, as too much vitamin A may hurt the growing fetus.
Folic acid
Aloe Vera Products
Aloe vera products contain extracts of the aloe plant and is used in food, drinks and also for medicinal purposes in alternative remedies.
Aloe vera is often used to treat skin conditions including sunburns, acne and dry skin, especially in areas that are sensitive such as the face. The sap derived from Aloe vera is also known to reduce inflammation which promotes wound healing and is therefore useful in treating burns, wounds and recently it has been found to have a positive effect on Athlete’s foot. There are also Aloe Vera drinks available which can help to treat ulcers of the stomach with many yogurt and drinks manufacturers adding it to their products. Many countries have used Aloe Vera products in their food for generations due to its high nutrient content.
The active ingredient in Aloe Vera products are their amono acids and mucopolysaccharide protein cores which are an important part of connective tissue such as body joints, tendons and cartilage.
The sap from the plant can be obtained by cutting open the lower part of the leaf and the gel can then be directly applied to the skin. However, care needs to be taken to avoid contaminating the aloe vera sap with aloe vera latex which is yellow in colour and irritating to the skin. The sap used should be clear, odorless and tasteless and if not then it is not suitable for application to the skin or for ingestion.
There are few side effects of taking aloe vera products internally, although overconsumption has been reported to cause intestinal cramps.