Radon, Carbon Monoxide, VOCs + Water

Radon, Carbon Monoxide, VOCs

Given that there are an estimated 21,000 excess deaths from lung cancer associated with exposure to radon in the US alone, I would develop a national radon awareness campaign by collaborating with the National Radon Safety Board, the EPA, and community healthcare providers to help alleviate and reduce exposures. The month of January is Radon Action Month, and this website provides a National Radon Action Month event planning kit for people that would like to organize an event in the community.

I would incorporate carbon monoxide exposure into my patient assessments by asking if they have any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (shortness of breath, nausea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness). Furthermore, I would like to have my patients describe how they typically use fuel-burning appliances at home and if needed, I would educate them on safer practices to prevent carbon monoxide exposures. This link has a carbon monoxide prevention guide developed by the CDC that is very helpful.

The three volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in my home are:
1) Butanal (hot pot)
2) Ethanol (laundry detergent)
3) Acetone (nail polish remover)

The three VOCs in my workplace are:
1) Sevoflurane (anesthetic)
2) Propanol (hand hygiene disinfectant)
3) Formaldehyde

I can reduce my exposure to the mentioned VOCs by avoiding allowing better ventilation in the house; buying products that do not contain VOCs and if they do, contain the product in areas of the house that limit the exposure.

Considering the risks of hair straighteners, I would coach my pregnant patients about potential harms. I cannot ultimately force my patients to do things a certain way; however, I can help them make educated decisions to reduce their exposure.

According to this article, more than 70% of hair products made for black women contained toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde. I personally think that is a huge percentage considering the population of women that use these products. What concerns me the most is that some products might contain toxic ingredients despite that they are advertised as "natural" or "organic." The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1967 were established to keep consumers safe; however, products can hit the shelves before actual approval. The article also stated to follow the "five-ingredient rule," which is to be aware of the first five ingredients in a product; 90% of the product contains those five ingredients. Below is a list from the article that I found useful:

Healthy Hair Ingredients

• Aloe vera (contains proteolytic enzymes good for healing scalp problems and stimulating hair growth)
• Avocado (dermatological benefits for scalp, with vitamins A, D, and E; effectively lubricates hair strand, preventing breakage)
• Shea butter (a hydrating emollient; protects the hair strand)
• Castor oil (antifungal; cleans the scalp, clearing follicles and promoting hair growth)
• Coconut oil (a hydrating emollient that seals moisture around the hair follicle)
• Extra virgin olive oil (a hydrating emollient and moisturizer, effective at softening hair)
• Grapeseed (lightweight conditioner and moisturizer; mildly astringent, thus effective at fighting dandruff; easily absorbs into hair and scalp and is packed with healthy fatty acids)
• Honey (humectant and antifungal)
• Jojoba (hair strengthener, rich in vitamins C, E, and B; dermatological benefits for repairing scalp dryness and inflammation)

Hazardous Ingredients to Avoid

• “Fragrance” or “parfum” (this is a widely used smoke screen in the cosmetics industry, denoting a vague mixture of unknown chemicals)
• Calcium hydroxide
• Formaldehyde or methylene glycol (formaldehyde is also released by DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, and imidazolididinyl urea)
• Lead acetate (common in hair dyes)
• Methylisothiazolinone
• Parabens (propylparaben, butylparaben, or methylparaben)
• Petroletum
• Retyinal palmitate
• Specific alcohols:
• Alcohol denat, ethanol, propanol, isopropyl, propyl, SD alcohol #4 (also known by stylists as wood alcohol)
• Sulfates

Water

To ensure that the surface and groundwater in my community are safe, I stumbled upon this list from The Groundwater Foundation:

 

Go Native

Use native plants in your landscape. They look great and don't need much water or fertilizer. Also choose grass varieties for your lawn that are adapted for your region's climate, reducing the need for extensive watering or chemical applications.

Reduce Chemical Use

Use fewer chemicals around your home and yard, and make sure to dispose of them properly - don't dump them on the ground!

Manage Waste

Properly dispose of potentially toxic substances like unused chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paint, motor oil, and other substances. Many communities hold household hazardous waste collections or sites - contact your local health department to find one near you.

Don't Let It Run

Shut off the water when you brush your teeth or shaving, and don't let it run while waiting for it to get cold. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead.

Fix the Drip

Check all the faucets, fixtures, toilets, and taps in your home for leaks and fix them right away, or install water conserving models.

Wash Smarter

Limit yourself to just a five-minute shower, and challenge your family members to do the same! Also, make sure to only run full loads in the dish and clothes washer.

Water Wisely

Water the lawn and plants during the coolest parts of the day and only when they truly need it. Make sure you, your family, and your neighbors obey any watering restrictions during dry periods.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Reduce the amount of "stuff" you use and reuse what you can. Recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, aluminum and other materials.

Natural Alternatives

Use all natural/nontoxic household cleaners whenever possible. Materials such as lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar make great cleaning products, are inexpensive, and environmentally-friendly.

Learn and Do More!

Get involved in water education! Learn more about groundwater and share your knowledge with others.

I would use the list above and incorporate it into policies to better protect the water in my community. 

The Groundwater Foundation also contains an abundance of information for the public to get involved in protecting the water in their community - there are campaign kits and educational material. 

I think the people of San Francisco relies heavily on the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission as they manage the water supply system and is "the third largest municipal utility in California. Their website contains annual reports of the water quality; how the water is treated with chloramine; plans to protect San Francisco's drinking water. 

There are also non-government organizations in my community that advocate for clean water and the list includes:

• Bay Area Audubon Council
• The Bay Area Open Space Council
• The Bay Institute
• Bay Planning Coalition

Water is an important molecule that affects everyone and everything, yet part of the world's population lacks access to safe water supplies. With that said, I would be interested in becoming a "groundwater guardian" to ensure safe water for my community.