Abstract This paper is an incomplete presentation of a series of monographs for carcinogens. All carcinogens chosen were chosen based on being carcinogenic components of cigarette smoking. Two Group One carcinogens - Benzene and Radon were chosen, two group two carcinogens - formaldehyde and acrylonitrile were also chosen. Each were discussed in this paper based on chemical use, derivation (natural or synthetic), safety levels, results of acute exposure and results of cumulative exposure.
From the Paper "The following monograms are all cancerous agents from Group 1, Group 2 and Group 2B carcinogens that result from tobacco smoke ("Tobacco smoke, 1999). Group 1 - Benzene, CAS# 71-43-2 Chemical uses. Benzene is used in many industries as a solvent and chemical additive, ranging from the rubber and oil industries to shoe manufacturers and chemical plants ("Benzene," 2006). Benzene is also a component of many consumer goods, primarily as a solvent, such as glues, art supplies of varying kinds, glues, paint strippers as well as various detergents and other cleaning supplies ("Benzene," 2006). How developed. Benzene is a colorless, highly flammable liquid formed from natural processes such as forest fires and volcanoes ("Benzene," 2006). For over 150 years, however, benzene has been produced commercially from coal and more recently petroleum."
Abstract This paper states that diet can affect the development of cancer: The food itself may contain cancer-causing agents or carcinogens, and the intestinal bacteria undergo mutation because of diet and in mutated form may activate or produce carcinogens from the ingested food or bile acids. This paper explains that poor nutrition adversely affects all components of the immune system, which is associated with cancer. The author believes that different studies have found different results, and the resulting plethora of information can be organized to support almost any desired diet.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Role of the Immune System
Diet and the Immune System
Diet and the Development or Prevention of Cancer
Protein
Carbohydrates
Dietary Fiber
Lipids
Free Radicals
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin E
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin K
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Thiamine or B1
Riboflavin or B2
Niacin
Pantothenic Acid
Pyridoxine or B6
Vitamin B12
Folic Acid
Biotin
Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C
Minerals
Selenium
Zinc
Calcium
How Much Is Enough?
Obesity
Where to Buy Food
From the Paper "Protein is receiving a lot of attention right now due to the quick weight loss success resulting from a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. And like most forms of "extreme dieting," dieting that maximizes the ingestion of one specific food or food group and minimizes another, this diet is not healthy. Whether research linking high animal fat to a higher incidence of certain types of cancer is accurate, an excessive amount of protein can result in affects just as adverse as those resulting from a minimal amount of protein."
Abstract This paper looks at the problems faced by New York once the huge Fresh Kills' landfill site is closed. Private contractors will take the garbage out of the state by river barge, but in the mean time transfer stations have been set up in poorer areas of the city. The paper discusses the political arguments that have occurred concerning these problems and the huge profits to be made by the companies involved. Waste Management Inc. has a $6 billion 20-year contract for New York. It goes on to discuss environmental pollution from these dumps, industrial pollution in the Hudson River and the problems of carcinogens and clean-ups.
From the paper:
?In the garbage industry, Waste Management, Inc. remains king of garbage hauling after gaining a 20-year $6 billion contract in New York City. Waste Management Inc., based in Houston, Texas, is the largest waste collection and disposal company in the United States and has annual sales in excess of $12 billion. The New York City contract calls for the waste hauler to dispose of its 13,000 tons of garbage a day. This residential, commercial, and industrial garbage will be sent out of state once the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island is closed on Jan. 1, 2002. Covering more than 2,100 acres, the Fresh Kills landfill is so large it can be seen with the naked eye from space. (McCrory) It first opened in 1947 and is now considered the largest landfill in the world. The site is unlined and leaches thousands of pounds of toxins into nearby streams. Its odors reach into neighborhoods on both sides of the Arthur Kill, which separates Staten Island from New Jersey.?
Abstract Examines the structure, chemistry and biological activity, focusing on antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties in animal systems.
From the Paper "Beta Carotene
The carotenoids as a group, and specifically the beta carotenes, are known to serve a variety of functions in living cells. Presented here is an overview of the structure, chemistry, and biological activity of beta carotene, with emphasis on its capacity as an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen in animal systems.
Beta carotene is a member of a class of pigments called carotenoids, which occur naturally in plants and are found as well in animals. A precursor of vitamin A, also called provitamin A, it is found as an orange-red pigment in terrestrial plants, algae and some marine mammals. After purification, it appears as ruby-red crystals, easily oxidized on contact with air, with MP 184 degrees, MW 536.44. It is insoluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, soluble in chloroform, carbon disulfide, ether and benzene. Its ..."
Abstract This paper presents the controversy concerning the safety and long-term health effects of irradiated foods. The paper argues in favor of irradiation by pointing out that it has been used for many years without problems and that many respectable studies have shown that it is not harmful. The author also presents arguments from studies using laboratory animals that there is evidence about carcinogens, chromosomal, genetic hazards and the loss of vitamins and nutrients.
From the Paper "Supporters of irradiated food cited the fact that this treatment has been endorsed by "such diverse entities as the World Health Organization, the United Nations, the U.S. Public Health Service and the American Medical Association". Moreover, hospitals and nursing homes have fed irradiated food to burn victims and chemotherapy patients for years due to the fact such ?immunologically comprised people are particularly prone to infections from bacteria that irradiation destroys".
Astronauts have been eating irradiated food since 1972."
This paper is a case study of the environmental disaster at Love Canal in Niagara Falls, which led to new environmental policies and the creation of the Superfund.
Abstract This paper explains that the never completed Love Canal became a dump site for chemical wastes from Hooker Chemical and Plastics Corporation, a local company and subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation. The author relates that, in 1978, twenty five years after the Hooker Chemical Company stopped dumping into the Love Canal, it was suspected that carcinogens were leaching from their containers causing birth defects, miscarriages, breathing problems and burns. The paper states that the Department of Justice, acting as a representative of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), won lawsuits against these companies. The author reports that, in 1980, Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, known as Superfund, which enforced a tax on industries with chemical and petroleum products and made it easier for the Federal Government to respond to hazardous waste exposure.
Table of Contents:
An Introduction to Love Canal
The Love Canal Chemical Incident
The United States vs. Hooker Chemical
Funding for Relief Efforts
Love Canal and the Creation of Superfund
The Road to Recovery and Normalization
Present Day Love Canal
From the Paper "Prosecutors requested that the court order an immediate remediation of all four disposal site, the construction of walls to barricade the chemicals that remained, and to install water and air monitoring systems, all to be funded by Hooker Chemical. Complete medical service for each person living in the Love Canal and Hyde Park areas of Niagara Falls was also requested by prosecutors, at the expense of Hooker. This medical program requested was to include all past and present residents and their offspring, and health coverage was proposed for the rest of their lives."
Abstract This paper first examines an article that aims to determine the exact relationship between carcinogens and GSTs, and how the risk of lung cancer may be associated with genetic variations of metabolic enzymes such as GSTs. The paper describes the procedural steps to the experiment and then discusses the results of the experiment, which imply that metabolic enzymes are not disrupted by carcinogenic materials introduced to the body through cigarette smoking. The paper then discusses an article that specifically explores the effects of environmental or second hand smoke to non smokers. Finally, the paper examines a case study involving the relation of GSTM1 Polymorphism and smoking in a French population.
From the Paper There are many tobacco carcinogens that have been proven to be activated through metabolizing enzymes. These enzymes, although universally present within our bodies do not have a set presence within our body. Genetic variation tied with S-transferases classes have been well documented and thus the purpose of this study will be to see what the exact relationship carcinogens have with the GSTs and how the risk of lung cancer may be associated with genetic variation of metabolic enzymes such as GSTs. Although many studies have been made on the link between GST polymorphism and lung cancer, few have had a comprehensive look at the demographic distribution of lung cancer. Separately published reports show that lung cancer risks are proportionally higher among Asians because they have squamous cell and small cell carcinomas.
Tags: cigarette smoking, health, medical studies, cancer
Abstract This paper presents the issues surrounding childhood vaccinations. Many parents today worry that autism and other side effects can be caused by vaccines given to their children. This paper includes research on the complications of vaccines, information on the amount of shots children should receive and an explanation on how vaccines work in the body.
From the Paper "The theory of vaccinations has never been successfully tested. Perhaps we are lab rats. In fact right now there is a growing debate over whether vaccinations are linked to the increased incidence of lung, brain and bone cancers seen in children and adults. The bottom line is that vaccines prevent diseases that are very real. We have to weigh that against the theoretical concern for which there is no proof."
This is a through book review of "Our Stolen Future, Are We Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence and Survival? A Scientific Detective Story" by Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski and John Peterson Myers.
Abstract The author of this book begins with an explanation on how this book begins with a short, seemingly unexplained phenomena among animals, which catches the reader's attention very well. He then discusses how the book progresses into talking about the plight of seagulls and other creatures that live in the Great Lakes area who developed a rare vaginal cancer. The book moves into showing how hormone-disrupting chemicals work. It also shows that some plants have hormone-disrupting chemicals as a defense. After explaining drugs that people knew that they were in taking, the book moves on to some chemicals that are much sneakier. This book also studies small animal populations that have been adversely affected in the past 30 years by chemicals. It links concepts such as hyperactivity and lower brain function to people. Chemicals were mainly thought of as cancer causing agents and nothing else. This book has shown that many chemicals are endocrine disruptors, as well as carcinogens.
From the Paper "In the past 2 decades male sperm count has dropped 45 percent. This is one of the many horrible facts that this book puts forth. We threaten our unborn children and fertility from doing small things like eating a fish caught in a local river. 8000 flipper babies born was a wakeup call to people. The Thalidomide tragedy was one of the first cases of distrust in medicine. DES a drug given to prevent miscarriages, which didn?t prevent miscarriages, caused cancer, infertility and many other serious problems for children. These are a few of the many topics addressed in "Our Stolen Future, Are We Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence and Survival" A Scientific Detective Story? By Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, John Peterson Myers."
Abstract This paper discusses the role of soybean consumption in cancer prevention. A review of the relevant literature on the anti carcinogenic activity of soybeans is presented. A proposal for a research study to determine the effects on cancer prevention of providing a soy-rich diet for cattle used for human consumption is offered.
From the Paper "Soybeans are used for human consumption as well as animal consumption. It is put through a heat process so that the nutritional value is enhanced. ?The so-called protease inhibitors have received the most attention in this regard and have been shown to exert their antinutritional effect in the short term by causing pancreatic hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the rat, the underlying cause for an inhibition of growth in these animals(Liener, 2000). The prolonged feeding of raw soy flour or an enriched trypsin inhibitor fraction from soybeans to rats results in the development of hyperplastic and neoplastic nodules of the pancreas, including carcinomas(Liener, 2000). It should be emphasized that all of these adverse effects are seen when protease inhibitors are present in relatively high concentrations in the diet and may be completely unrelated to the anticarcinogenic effects seen at low concentrations of the Bowman-Birk inhibitor(Liener, 2000).?"
Abstract The paper describes periodontal disease as an infection of the gums and tissues that stems from gingivitis and leads to the degradation of gingival tissues and alveolar bone, resulting in tooth loss and potentially carcinogenic lesions. The paper shows that many people suffer from this disease due to genetic reasons and from bad habits that catalyze this inflammation. It shows how bad habits such as malnutrition, smoking, alcoholism, and brushing habits can all attribute to the formation of this disease.
From the Paper "At this point, the bad habits discussed this far have been minute because most people are not going to consciously think about how many vitamins, carbohydrates, or proteins they are consuming; and at the same time most people have already developed their brushing habits and are reluctant to change. The one bad habit that has its negative consequences that people are aware of is smoking. Smoking is bad for overall health, but its affect on oral health has been of significant interest to researchers within the last few years."
From the Paper "FORMATION AND CONTROL OF BROMATE IN THE WATER OZONATION PROCESS
Introduction
The bromate ion, BrO3-, can be formed from a reaction of bromide, Br-, and ozone, O3, now an expected reaction during ozonation as a process of water disinfection. Recently, cities have substituted ozone for chlorine as a disinfectant. Bromide is a natural constituent of sea water, which becomes commingled with numerous freshwater estuarine rivers serving as sources of municipal water supply on the ocean coasts of the United States and in other parts of the world. Bromate has been named an expected carcinogen to humans, and it must be minimized -- EPA wishes to zero -- during water treatment and distribution.
Bromate and Other Bromine-Ion Dangers
Ozone has shown promise as a substitute for chlorine as a ..."
An examination of second-hand smoke and its carcinogenic qualities, research, tobacco industry vs. Environmental Protection Agency, effects, anti-smoking activists and legal cases.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 9 sources, 1993, $ 79.95
From the Paper "For years, many epidemiologists have thought that second-hand tobacco smoke causes lung cancer and other respiratory diseases in nonsmokers, but they have been hesitant to label environmental tobacco smoke a clear-cut carcinogen. The reason for this is that almost everyone is exposed to cigarette smoke from time to time, making it hard for epidemiologists to track any effects of secondary smoke from those of a host of other potential hazards. Recently, however, an outside panel of scientists convened by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved crucial elements of a draft review concluding that passive smoking does indeed cause lung cancer. Several months later, environmental smoke was labeled a carcinogen.
Indeed, the risks of second-hand smoke to nonsmokers has become a major issue today, both medically and legally."
Arsenic has always had an evil reputation. Its use as a homicidal and suicidal agent is widely known. In addition, more recently, its potential for causing harm in the environment is being realized. Abundant studies establish a relationship between arsenic and certain types of cancer. As a contaminant in drinking water, it poses a significant threat to human health.
The alchemists' symbol for arsenic is a coiled serpent (Levander et al., 1977, p. 1). The chemical is famous for its poisonous attributes. Less well.known, however, is the fact that arsenic has also been used as a therapeutic "tonic." For hundreds of years, patients received arsenic for conditions ranging from acute infections to epilepsy, and asthma (Bickley & Papa, 1989, p. 378). Furthermore, both inorganic and organic..."
An examination of carcinogenic qualities, research, smokeless tobacco, secondhand smoke, tobacco industry responses, advertising (Joe Camel) and global marketing.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 12 sources, 1994, $ 63.95
From the Paper "The dangers of smoking are well known to most Americans who still smoke in this decade, yet smokers still persist in the single most avoidable cancer risk. Smokers and nonsmokers alike are aware of the risks, as studies from each succeeding decade huild up a consistent body of evidence showing that smoke and second-hand smoke are detrimental to personal and public safety.
Although for the first time there are now more Americans who have quit smoking than who still smoke, and although the overall smoking rate among adults is now just below 25 percent, more than 43 million American men and women still smoke. Unfortunately, there has been no decline in smoking by teenagers, with 17 percent of high school seniors now smoking daily (Brody, 1993, p. 17).
The above statistics will be examined in view of the health..."
