RING THE ALARM

Purses with Lead

          A groundbreaking investigation has hit the world on another product that would have you upset and worried.  Every day and every minute a designer bag is being sold- high or low price.  Most people spend top dollar, pound, euro, yen, etc. on designer bags because of the fashion or quality they feel is worth the price. Is it really worth the price even if the bag can hinder your health?  Or do you really care?

          A consumer watchdog group and the Center for Environmental Health found high levels of lead - 200 times than the limit permitted in some of those world famous names brand bags.  The Center for Environmental Health said “brightly colored purses made of plastic or vinyl were the most likely to contain lead.”  Check out full report and listing of bags (pictures) here http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2012/06/purses-with-lead-sold-at-popular-retailers-consumer-group-finds/

          Unfortunately, this health hazard has once again slipped pass the government.  Is this a deja vu like the “apple concentrate” crisis or the "baby formula" crisis?  Is anyone really monitoring what is being produced?  It makes you wonder who "really" has the consumers' back.  Now, you know you cannot fully rely on the company that makes the product, the store who sells product, and "your own" government.  

          How much can "we as consumers" tolerate on what is being put into our products.  We, as consumers, have the power in our hands.  You can either choose to buy or not to buy.  But, as a shopper you need to be aware what these companies are giving you.  Lets take a closer look on what the impact lead has on the human body. 

1. Lead is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract or lungs.  It enters the blood stream and attaches to proteins in the blood, therefore, carry it to the tissues and organ systems in the body.
2. Lead is poison.
3. Lead can be stored over 95% of the body in adults and 70% in young children.  Even if lead is removed from the bone it is still in the red blood cells.
4. The body gets rid of lead in the urine and gastrointestinal tract.  Some people are unable to get rid all the lead they take in.
5. Lead damages the brain, bones, blood, and kidneys.  The nervous system and reproductive system is highly affected.
6. Lead - long term exposures have been linked to hypertension.  Hypertension causes strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure.

Key lead induced effects

 Neurological effects

• Seizures
• Fatigue
• Impaired concentration
• Hearing loss
• Wrist/foot drop
• Encephalopathy

Gastrointestional effects

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Colic
• Gingival tissue

Reproductive effects

• Miscarriages/stillbirths
• Reduced sperm count & motility
• Abnormal sperm

Heme Synthesis

• Anemia
• Erthyrocyte protoporphyrin elevation

Renal effects

• Chronic nephropathy with proximal tubular damage
• Hypertension

          We, need to think smart, choose wisely, and don’t get caught up in the fashion frenzy.  Just remember what you put in body or your surroundings affects not just you but all that are around you (family). 

           My answer to the questions "No, it is not worth the price and Yes, I value my health."

          Think twice before you buy.