Monthly Archive for February 2011
Energy Drinks can Cause Seizures, Especially in Children
It’s no shock that most energy drinks contain overwhelming amounts of caffeine and sugar and other unknown substances. But in a news report published on Monday (Feb 14th), Florida pediatricians described cases of seizures, delusions, heart problems and kidney or liver damage in people who had consumed energy drinks. The report calls for regulatory action and more research.
“Across the world there are signs that for some people who consume these drinks, there are side effects,” said Dr. Steven E. Lipshultz, who heads the department of pediatrics at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine.
U.S. Sales of non-alcoholic energy drinks are expected to hit $9 Billion this year, with children and young adults making up half the market. Amazing enough, the beverages are classified as nutritional supplements, which puts them under fewer restrictions by the FDA.
Is Our Drinking Water Toxic?
In December, the Environmental Working Group published the first national investigation of the suspected carcinogen chromium-6—also known as hexavalent chromium—in drinking water in 35 cities around the country. Following this information, Senators Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced Senate Bill 79, the Protecting Pregnant Women and Children From Hexavalent Chromium Act of 2011.
Exposure to chromium hexavalent, over a prolonged period of time can have many detrimental health effects. If it comes into contact with the eyes and skin, chromium hexavalent can cause irritation and even permanent damage if the exposure is long enough. If the compound comes into contact with a cut or laceration on the skin, it could cause chrome ulcers. Chrome ulcers are small crusted sores that feature a rounded border. They take a long time to heal and usually leave a noticeable scar.
If it is inhaled, chromium hexavalent can cause an irritated nose, throat and lungs. If inhaled long enough, it can result in damage to the mucous membranes, nosebleeds, cause ulcers and even perforate the septum. In Russia, exposure to chromium hexavalent is blamed for a wide number of premature senility cases. Studies have also proven that inhalation of chromium hexavalent can increase the chances of developing lung cancer.
Page 1 of 1
