Health and Safety Concerns About Plastic, Meaning of Recycling Codes

source: Jeffrey Poehlmann (http://hubpages.com/hub/Safe-Plastics-Vs-Unsafe-Plastics)

The Truth About Plastic

Ever since the word was given deeper cultural meaning in the film "The Graduate," our society has had a growing fascination with and reliance upon all things plastic. It is an unavoidable component of many parts of daily living for most people in the United States and urban centers worldwide. Our food and water is packaged and shipped and consumed from plastic containers and many studies have shown that the chemicals from these containers may leach into the food or liquids they hold, eventually entering and being absorbed by the human body. While there is some controversy about how much is absorbed and how detrimental this is to the individual, it is hard to deny that plastic may pose a health threat to the consumer, even if all the data is not yet conclusive. Here is a breakdown of the latest information on plastics as a safety concern.

First of all, the plastic bottles and containers that are used for packaging food should all be labled with a recycle code. This is a number (between 1 and 7) that is surrounded by a small graphic of three arrows pointing at one another in a triangle. These numbers tell the recycle center what kind of plastic the container is made of and they also tell the consumer whether there is a known potential health hazard. Bear in mind that simply because there is a known "potential" health hazard, it does not mean that you are going to be immediately ill if you find you have been using a product in that category. In fact, for some of the chemicals to leach out of these "dangerous" plastics, the container must have been heated with the food or liquid inside; sometimes the level of heat required is greater than the boiling point. However, we should all be aware of what we are using and what it may mean. Likewise, simply because there are no "known" health hazards does not mean that a plastic is always going to be completely safe under all conditions. The point here is not to frighten, simply to remind us that when dealing with artificial chemical products we must always be open-minded and educated.

The following plastics have no known health hazards:
Code 1: Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET / PETE
Code 2: High Density Polyethylene, or HDPE
Code 4: Low Density Polyethylene, or LDPE
Code 5: Polypropylene, or PP

The following plastics do have known potential health hazards:
Code 3: Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC / Vinyl.

This material, used often in flooring and shower curtains, as well as household water pipes (primarily for evacuation only - they should never be used to bring fresh water into the home), used to be used in cling wraps. The plastics industry is adamant that the type of PVC currently used in cling wraps does not contain the phthalates that are known endocrine disrupters. However, these phthalates may still be present in PVC bottles and toys. There was recent information that many baby teethers were also made from PVC, due to its soft flexibility. PVC or vinyl items should never be given to a baby or child who may put them in his or her mouth.
Code 6: Polystyrene, or PS / Styrofoam.

As well as being another endocrine disrupter, styrene is also believed to be a carcinogen. This plastic is used to make some types of disposable forks, spoons and knives and also the "foam" cups such as those sold under the name Styrofoam. Hot liquid can cause the styrene to leach out of these products, as can fatty oils or alcohol.

Code 7: Other "resins" and Polycarbonate, or PC.

This one has been hotly contested by the plastics industry because of the high heat required for the endocrine disruptor, Bisphenol - A (BPA), to be released. However, BPA is a primary component of PC plastics and is a verifiably dangerous compound. PC is largely used for water bottles of the type used for delivery services (multi-galon containers) that fit on the "water cooler" at home or office. Many clear baby bottles are made of PC and there is much in the news about the controversy of these bottles not being labled with any code so that consumers cannot tell what type of plastic is used. With baby bottles, this is a real concern, as many people boil the bottles with formula or milk inside them. PC is also used in food cans with a plastic lining. Whenever possible, it is recommended that these plastics not be exposed to high temperatures. The plastics industry insists that they are completely stable under most conditions but some studies suggest that leaching still occurs.

Suggested alternatives include using glass bottles when possible and avoiding plastic toys when there are other alternatives, especially with regard to teething. However, as recent recalls of toys due to lead paint content have shown, even the "safer" wood products may be dangerous if they have not been tested or come from a reliable source. Many imports, especially from large exporting countries like China, have not been as rigorously controlled as they should have been, though industry does seem to be making efforts to monitor these imports more thoroughly. The fact is that many people are becoming more educated and informed about the health issues created by an economy driven more and more by convenience and cost savings. Organic items are becoming more popular and their availability is more wide-spread.

Unfortunately, it may take generations to fully understand the implications of new technologies or chemicals that we have come quickly to rely upon. There is no need to panic, but we should be cautious and we should remain as informed as possible because it is not merely ourselves that we should be concerned for: these are issues that could affect our children and their children in an ever increasing manner.

十二生肖流年運程積分排行榜

【十二生肖流年運程積分排行榜】

Going to the Summer Olympics? Check out Beijing’s “Water Cube” [H20]3

The National Aquatics Centre, known as “The Water Cube,” will beone of the most dramatic and exciting venues to feature sportingevents during the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Built alongside theBeijing National Stadium in the Olympic Green, it will be the venuefor swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water polofinals.The design concept of the “water cube” ([H2O]³) combines thesymbolism of architecture with a unique water bubble structure. TheWater Cube, which adopts an ETFE pneumatic die cushion structure,is the world’s largest membrane structure.

It does more than look cool, however. The 100,000 square meters ofthe Teflon-like translucent plastic ETFE that make up the building’sbubble cladding allow in more solar heat than glass, making iteasier to heat the building, and resulting in a 30 percent reductionin energy costs. That’s especially important for a swimming pool,which requires an enormous amount of heating.Water is, naturally, also a focus of the building’s sustainabilityefforts. A rainwater collection system gathers 10,000 cubic metersof the wet stuff each year, while a recycling system reuses 80% ofthe building’s water. That’s crucial in drought-plagued Beijing, whichhas less water per person than Israel.Indeed, the Water Cube serves as the symbolic centerpiece of theOlympic committee’s “Green Olympics” campaign. Altogether the Olympic venues are said to have a combined 121 water-efficiencyprojects, saving a total of over 1 million tons of water per year, andfeature a plethora of energy-efficient measures like solar panelsand light piping that help the buildings exceed new national energystandards.But even if the “Green Olympics” are a green wash -- and someOlympic teams aren’t taking their chances -- the Water Cube willlikely stand out as a luminous model of green design, and one thatwon’t fade with the closing ceremonies.So, if you have a chance to visit Beijing, you may want to visit theWater Cube, a flagship Olympic venue and a significant engineeringachievement!

Health Tips: Boost your Brain Health--With FISH & DARK CHOCOLATE!!!

If you real ly want t oimprove your brain health,then eat dark chocolateand get plenty of goodquality sleep. As part of theInternational Brain AwarenessWeek on March 10-16,the Neurological Foundation has shared 14 useful tips toboost a healthy brain.

Eating dark chocolate is said to have the effect of activating brain systems to help one’s memory and improve learning skills, andgetting plenty of quality sleep is reported to help the braineffectively store new information in its long-term memory bank. The Neurological Foundation encourages people to consume fish aspart of a healthy diet and engage in some brain-busting activitiesoccasionally to improve the brain’s functionality.

Activities like visiting a museum and recalling as many details aspossible after the visit, memorizing a favorite song, or take up anew hobby such as learning to play a musical instrument are justsome suggestions. Alternatively, you can do a challenging jigsawpuzzle, use your non-dominant hand for daily activities or walk ona cobblestone path to enhance your balance.

The Neurological Foundation stresses that fitness for the brain isjust as important as other areas of the body which generally receivegreater care and attention from people who are health-conscious.

“You can really improve your brain health,” said Foundationspokeswoman Adrienne Kohler. “The recommendation seems to beeither use it or lose it. The research has demonstrated to a certainextent that, the more you use your brain, there seems to be a lowerincidence of Alzheimer’s or dementia.”

So, start today to improve your brain health. Here are some brainhealth-enhancing activities:

• Eat dark chocolate

• Visit a museum and recall what you saw

• Memorize a song

• Use peripheral vision

• Learn a musical instrument

• Do jigsaw puzzles

• Turn down the TV and listen harder

• Catch a ball or juggle

• Use your non-dominant hand

• Eat fish

• Exercise

• Walk on cobblestones to improve balance

• Get a good night’s sleep

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Building on the Foundations of the Past

There is a wonderful and haunting quote that I believe comes from Arnold Toynbee: "Those who refuse to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it." Successful people have always learned from, and built upon the foundations of those who went ahead of them.

Lee Iacococa said that he read two business books every week during his career at Ford and later when he brought Chrysler back from bankruptcy. Presidents Carter, Clinton and both Presidents Bush have commented on their study of history. John Kennedy was a voracious reader, and there is a famous photo of him walking into the White House on Inauguration Day with the book, "Presidential Power" tucked under his arm.

Leaders learn from the past!

As I coach and observe both extremely successful people in business, the arts, and highly successful parents, spouses, and "retired" elders, I note that there is a clear distinction between the behavior of the successful and the "almost successful".

Leaders read more and learn more. They ask questions, learn from their competition, respect and admire their colleagues, and form collaborative partnerships all over the world. They allow themselves to be taught by the great figures of history, as well as those still living.

In contrast, the "almost successful" have complicated reasons about why they "don't have time", or how their competitors have stolen their ideas, betrayed their trust, or treated them badly. Too often, these individuals become permanently "almost successful".

It is always unfair to stereotype and pick on any group, but I'm going to do it anyway. I notice that many entrepreneurs are particularly guilty of failing to learn from the past. They have wonderful ideas, tremendous enthusiasm and great faith. They want to MOVE! They just can't wait to build their business, achieve their goals and make their fortune.

Unfortunately, sometimes they end up spinning their wheels, making the same mistakes over and over, refusing to slow down, ponder, and learn.

Successful people access at least three distinct types of learning and use the wisdom and successes of others to guide them. Here are suggestions for areas one might explore:

1. Biographies of those who achieved what you want to achieve. Make no mistake - this is not casual reading or reading for a good story! This is an investment in your future, an investment in your success. Read and underline. Read and ponder. Read to learn how others have created the life you want to live.

2. Formal training. Leaders take classes, go to seminars, attend workshops and practice, practice, practice. The "almost successful" can't afford the time or the money. They "know that already". Or, they make up other excuses. Successful people invest in their education and they keep learning. A seminar that contains
just one new idea, or that gives you a fresh slant on an old idea could make all the difference.

3. Colleagues and experts. Highly successful people watch and learn from other people. They pick up the phone and call. They send an email and ask a question, build a friendship, and form partnerships with the best leaders and most successful people they can find. Successful people WILL try to respond and help others.

Too often we focus on the handful of things that have changed in recent years. We celebrate our telecommunications, our computers and our other new gadgets and tools. But, as the ancient wisdom says, there is really "nothing new under the sun". People still prefer to do business with people they like and trust. Hard work, persistence and a clear sense of purpose are still the keys to success.

As we remember the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedoms, let us also remember and learn from the great teachers of the past. Some, we knew personally in school, in past jobs, or in our families. Others we will never meet face to face, but they left books and businesses. They left legacies from which we can learn.

"Those who refuse to learn from the past, are doomed to repeat it." Commit yourself to learning, growing, and building on the successes of the past. You can't live long enough to learn everything by trial and error. And besides, sometimes it's just easier to let someone teach us!

"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."
-- Francis Bacon

"Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life."
-- Sandra Carey

Source:
Philip E. Humbert, PhD,
Resources for Success!(tm)

Reengineering Quick Hits

Reengineering a process in your company is a large-scale, long-term project. To make it work, however, you need some short-term "quick hits."


Reengineering begins with an in-depth review of the business processes that you are considering for redesign. During these reviews, you will uncover short-term improvement opportunities.

Don't ignore these opportunities for minor improvements. Quick hits are crucial in gaining and maintaining support through the organization for the rigorous, long-term effort of reengineering.

It's one thing to talk about the dramatic returns you expect from your reengineering project. It's another thing to be able to quickly show them concrete results -- even on a small scale.

Best Practices in Reengineering by David K. Carr and Henry J. Johansson. Published by McGraw-Hill, Inc. 235 pages