Food Safety: FAT-TOM

FOOD SAFETY

Food is a vital part of our existence and sustainability. We consume over 1 ton of food sources in a year time period. Food is intrinsic and culturally tied into many aspects of one's life. It influences are social interactions and can be a deeply-rooted part of tradition for many populations. Understanding the importance of food and food safety is crucial in maintaining the integrity of public health in society. 

Food borne illness are a significant part of the mortality rate within the United States. Food-borne illness is defined as: food poisoning and consuming contaminated food or beverages. This is a major preventable public health disease. By better understanding the methods in which foods become contaminated and how the contaminants can impact our health, we can become more aware of ways to avoid becoming sick.

Over 250 food borne illnesses have been identified. Many of these strains are caused by an infection from a bacteria, virus, parasite, or other biological means. These contaminants will be illustrated later on in this blog. First, let's discuss the different ways food and beverage sources can become contaminated. 

3 WAYS FOODS CAN BE CONTAMINATED

The three major ways food sources can be contaminated are: chemical, physical, and biological. 

• Chemical- sources from toxins, heavy metals, pesticides and potential additives in food and drinks.
• Physical- This medium is often transmitted through touch or physical transfer of bacteria and germs. Direct or indirect contact with contaminated source. Other physical hazards also include dangerous or non-edible physical hazards that can be found in food. Examples of these include glass or metal fragments.
• Biological- hazards include many of the bacteria, virus, and parasite invaders that can be found on foods or in beverages. Salmonella is the highest leading cause of biological contamination of food in the US. Additionally, it is often the culprit of many food borne illnesses and hospitalizations. 

5 BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS

• Bacteria- single-celled organisms in almost everything and found everywhere on earth. We have living bacteria, good bacteria, inside of our bodies and major organ systems. Additionally, bacteria can be micro organisms or in some cases biological toxins which can be found in plants. 
• Virus- do not need energy to exist and are not made of cells. Many are able to survive extreme heat and extreme cold environments. The only way they can reproduce is to make a copy of themselves within a living host. The FDA has identified two highly contagious viruses: Hepatitis A and Norovirus.
• Protozoa- single celled organisms that include amoebae, ciliates, and flagella. 
• Fungi/Yeast- Molds, yeasts and mushrooms belong to a kingdom of life called Fungi and can be found in air, land, water, animals, plants and in some popular foods. Some are made of one cell and some are made of many cells. Some molds produce a toxin called aflatoxins. They can cause foodborne illness.
• Parasites- are not able to live or reproduce outside of a living host. Their hosts of choice are often pigs, wild game, plants, and seafood and then transmitted to humans. 

TOP 5 CAUSES OF FOOD CONTAMINATION

• Food from unsafe sources
• poor employee hygiene 
• unsanitary/contaminated utensils or equipment
• improper/unsafe cooking temperatures of food
• improper hot/cold holding temperatures of food

FAT-TOM

• Food- food sources provide a suitable conducive environment for bacteria to live. Some examples include: eggs, poultry, meat, fish, dairy products, and shellfish. 
• Acidity- best environment is a lightly acidic or neutral state for bacteria.
• Temperature- 41F-135F is considered the danger zone as this temp range is where bacteria thrive and grow the most. 
• Time- if given the most favorable conditions: bacteria can grow to over 10 billion in 10 hours.
• Oxygen- 3 types of bacteria exist in relation to oxygen: some need O2 (aerobic) some do not (anaerobic) and others can live and grow with/without it (facultative).
• Moisture- favors growth.

COMMONLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES FROM PEOPLE TO FOOD

Diarrheal diseases are very common among transmitted diseases spread from people to foods. Salmonella and entero infections are also extremely common and cause severe GI upset and lengthy symptoms. Listeria is a less common infection in the general population, but within infants and elderly it is lethal and fairly common. 

Air Quality & Safety

AIR QUALITY

It is something that is forever around us. All humans need it to survive. All humans consume it. We share it with other living beings such as mammals. It is something that kills other living species if they consume it. It can be toxic or clean. Above all, it is something most individuals on this planet take for granted because the mechanism in which we use it is more involuntary than it is voluntary. Guessed what it is yet? (if the title of the blog didn't give it away already!). The "it" is air. 

Our external environment is not the only factor that impacts our air quality. The choices we make and how we treat the environment around us can negatively impact the quality of our air. 

Let's look at a few different constructs of how air quality is analyzed, the implications on the environment and human health. 

AIR QUALITY HEALTH CONCERNS

The Air Quality Index (AQI), is one main mechanism researchers use to analyze the levels of air quality and how to quantify potential toxicity. Additionally, these following six levels provide a recommendation as to what is "acceptable" for human health and when to be aware of negative health effects of exposure:

• Good- this level is considered healthy and poses little or no risk in relation to air pollution.
• Moderate- this level is deemed acceptable. The air quality may have some air pollutants and cause small groups health problems.
• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups- the general public is often not effected within this level. However, groups of individuals that may have a heightened sensitivity to air pollutants has a risk of experiencing adverse health effects. 
• Unhealthy- this level begins to effect everyone. Sensitive groups can experience more profound negative health responses.
• Very Unhealthy- entire population is likely to be effected and considered in a class of emergency response.
• Hazardous- this level is a serious health alert and everyone is likely to experience serious health effects.

AIR QUALITY INDEX FORECASTS

For the state of Ohio, five major cities are listed within the Air Quality Index Forecasts. We will give a brief overview of each. 

• Cleveland/Akron/Lorrain- Good-Moderate range 40's-60's
• Youngstown- Moderate-Good (50-55) not much deviation, small range
• Cincinnati- Good-Moderate (40's as the low, and 60 as the high range)
• Dayton- Good-Moderate (40-53 for ozone and pollutant)
• Columbus- Good* (all green levels. 41-50)

STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (SIP)

A state implementation plan, also known as SIP, is a collection of regulations that a state will utilize to enforce and take action on to clean polluted areas. This guides state health and other officials to promote proactiveness and support the Clean Air Act. 

NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS (NAAQS)

These standards, enabled by the EPA, under the provisions of the Clean Air Act, apply to the outdoor air (and quality) throughout the country. 

SIP STANDARDS (OZONE)

• Ozone- 2015's report= 0.070ppm (parts per million)
• Lead- 2008 revision= 0.15ug/m3
• Nitrogen Dioxide- 2010 revision= 100ppb (parts per billion)
• Sulfur Dioxide- 2010= 75ppb (parts per billion)
• PM 2.5- 2012 annual report= 12.0 ug/m3

OHIO EPA

At the state level, the Environmental Protection Agency has been working diligently to ensure the protection and safety of not only the external environment around us, but education on what we can do to change our internal environment as well. Safety regulations, health initiatives, and awareness are all important tools to better enhance our health as it pertains to air quality and safety. 

Cell Phones: Cancer-Causing Dangers and Negative Health Effects

We've all done it. We place the cell phone up to our ear and the side of our head when talking. It would seem only natural. In fact, according to a report in 2015, over 68% of americans own a smartphone. That number increases exponentially when including all cell phone types. With how dependent the world has become on digital devices and cell phones specifically, will there ever be a change in behavior as it relates to cancer and tumor development from cell phone use?

If not, maybe some of these recommendations and research will help you decide.

DISTANCE FROM HEAD

If you have ever purchased a brand new cell phone, you may have easily over looked vital health information in the owner's manual. Almost every major cell phone manufacturer includes in the instructions a health disclaimer that the cell phone should never physically be placed against the head, ear or face. In fact, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the recommended distance from the head is 0.98 inches-1 inch. This disclaimer is also supported by the cell phone manuals and manufacturing companies. However, how many people do we see that actually heed these health warnings? Cancer and malignant tumors around the face, eyes, and brain area are not the only locations that pose concern. 

CARRYING CELL PHONE ON BODY

Same dangers occur when carrying the cell phone in pockets or a women's bra. Studies are now reporting reduce fertility in men and greater risks of breast cancer and cancerous tumors near the chest in women who carry their cell phone in their bra over an extended period of time. 

Medical professionals recommend limiting the time using the cell phone and maintaining a proper distance from the cellular device. 

HEATING VS. NON-HEATING EFFECTS

Radiation, as it relates to heat, can be categorized into two main constructs: ionizing and non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation is defined as having enough energy to break or remove tight bonds from atoms creating ions. Some sources in our environment that are ionizing radiation would include: nuclear power generators, x-rays, and consumer products. Additionally, some naturally-occurring environmental sources of ionizing radiation comes from cosmic rays and geological formations. For example, Radon, is produced by the decay of uranium and radium. It's nine times denser than air.

In contrast, non-ionizing is a series of energy waves composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields traveling at the speed of light. Examples include microwaves, radio wave frequencies, and UVA, UVB radiation.

WIFI

In a modern technological age now, where everyone seems to be connected to the internet, electronics, and other devices as a way to interact with the world, we are profoundly dependent upon WiFi. WiFi technology is still a rather new concept in just the last decade. Much research is still to be completed upon the potential adverse health risks with wifi signals. 

ELF'S

With the current research and technology out today, there seems to be no short-term adverse health effects produced by Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) radiation. Examples of these mechanisms include power lines, wiring in buildings, and some electronics. ELF's travel at the speed of light and are measured in Hertz. 

Glyphosate (aka ROUNDUP): Monsanto and Environmental Danger

We live in a dichotomous society. That statement in and of itself can pack a punch, so I'll elaborate. We live in a culture where we are constantly instilled with ideologies of individualism and illustrating one's uniqueness. While, at the same time, we are profoundly socioculturally dependent beings. Just think about an average day of your life. What things are we dependent upon for our survival? Heat, shelter, food, water, just to name a few at the top of the list. Long-term, we can expand and include our health: we are dependent upon a health care system (i.e., medical professionals, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, etc.)

While we pride ourselves in being individualistic, we also are some of the most dependent species on the planet. So, why does this matter? When we think about some of the leading pharmaceutical brands on the market that have greatly impacted the quality of life for millions, what name comes to mind? Bayer. But before we get to understanding the devastation that awaits us with Bayer, let's acquire some back story with a Monsanto product and investigate the severe environmental dangers that we currently live with.

ROUND UP (GLYPHOSATE)

Glyphosate is a phosphonate chemical compound which is utilized as a broad-spectrum herbicide. In 1964, the first patented was acquired for glyphosate by Stauffer Chemical. Initially, glyphosate was used as a metal chelator: to clean commercial boilers and pipes. In 1974, glyphosate acquired it's commercial name Round Up and was first registered for use in the United States. 

HOW MUCH IS USED IN U.S. /GLOBALLY?

Since it was first registered for commercial use in 1974, more than 3.5 billion pounds has been used across the United States alone. It is stated that Round Up is the most heavily used herbicide in history. Globally, the numbers are even more astounding. Over 18.9 billion pounds of glyphosate is used around the world.

HOW IS ROUND UP USED?

In the United States... over 750 products contain glyphosate and are sold commercially at various stores. Many products are either sprays (e.g., liquid form), salts, or powders used as herbicides agricultural desiccants, or other lawn treatments. Unfortunately, in the recent years, over 9 household name brands of cereal and other breakfast foods have been found to contain trace amounts of glyphosate. Cheerios, Ritz crackers, and Khasi cookies are included in the group that contained residual amounts of this probable human carcinogen. 

Now, with the World Health Organization and the FDA involved, in the past year, more foods and consumables have been further tested and monitored to see just how far Monsanto has gone.

Globally... glyphosate is used in similar ways. It impacts agriculture, produce village's food and drinking sources. Some industrial companies still utilize this chemical as a strong metal chelator. In 2010, glyphosate was patented as a human antibiotic. Extremely shocking that this chemical could be authorized for human consumption when it is a well-known carcinogen. 

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL HARM

Glyphosate is toxic in the human body. However, this poses a question as to why this chemical is currently found in many foods, drinks, and used within our environment where it can enter into the human body? Not surprisingly, in January 2017 Bayer and Monsanto have announced a corporate merger worth over 2.5 billion dollars. Bayer is a common household name, not only in pharmaceuticals, but overall public health of the nation. Many people have utilized Bayer for cardiovascular health. 

With the devastating history Monsanto has, many public health officials are profoundly concerned about what this merger will bring. The FDA and WHO has reported the chemical Monsanto has created is a profound cancer-causing agent. Yet, what other health and environmental concerns should we be aware of with glyphosate? 

Some symptoms of (acute) exposure to glyphosate can include: 

• nausea (e.g., burns to the mouth and throat)

             • vomiting

• diarrhea 

• exposure risks to domestic pets (cats and dogs)

Common foods such as honey, soy sauce, and breakfast cereals have levels of glyphosate in them as well. From an environmental perspective, the harm is massive as well. Within our agricultural system, many farmers are utilizing Round Up on their crops. These crops then, enter into our ecosystem and the foods that we consume. We then, get this toxic chemical in our bloodstream. So, how has Round Up influenced the foods that we survive off of?

ROUND UP READY CROPS

All GMO's are round up ready crops. This means, these particular crops have been genetically modified to be resistant to Round Up exposure. This would cause the crops themselves to continue growing and living while the weeds surrounding it would be killed off. 

Overall, the harmful effects of exposure to glyphosate on the human body and the environment are astounding. The FDA and World Health Organization are continuing to regulate and enforce the exposure levels of this deadly chemical in foods and drinking water, but more action must be taken. We are accountable for our own health and environment. Take precaution and make small choices now, that can impact future generations for a life time.

Water Quality: What's in Your Drinking Water?

WATER QUALITY

Walk into the kitchen, turn on the faucet and fill up a glass of water. Go into any gas station or grocery store and in front of you may be 6-10 different brands of bottled water to choose from. Many of us can travel a few feet instead of miles to acquire water for cooking dinner or doing daily chores and personal hygiene.

These tasks in many of our daily lives are often viewed as mundane, routine, and sadly taken for granted. However, those across the world living in 2nd and 3rd world countries, the above scenarios are often scarce or even non-existent because there is no access to potable water. But before we go so quickly dismissing the notion that we in the United States or Western hemisphere are immune to poor water quality, let's take a closer look. We may very well have rational concerns right here at home. Closer than we thought.

Many factors go into measuring and analyzing the quality of our drinking water. Below are some of the key elements the Ohio Department of Health analyzes:

Turbidity- this is a measure of the cloudiness within a sample or specimen. This can range from benign particles of sediment, for example, to something more alarming as toxin-carrying bacteria or microorganisms. The standard for turbidity within public health is defined by the U.S. Environment Protection Agency. Two standards have been outlined: one for drinking water and one for public water. Drinking water is set a 1NTU (nephelolometric turbidity unit). While public water's turbidity standard must not exceed 0.3 NTU in 95% of the daily water samples taken within a month time period.

Looking further into our drinking water, some places in the world, and even in rural areas in CONUS, many individuals still acquire their drinking water from private wells. These mediums can pose other diseases and concerns from microorganisms.

Giardia- this is a diarrheal disease caused by a microscopic parasite. The parasite will reside within the intestines and the host will pass the parasite through the feces. Within the past 3 decades, Giardia has become profoundly common within the United States and can be found nationwide. The Giardia standard varies widely from state to state, as well as the federal government. The regulatory limit from the federal statute is that drinking water must achieve a 99.9% inactivation/removal of Giardia.

Cryptosporidium (Crypto)- this disease is profoundly similar to the above mentioned Giardia. Crypto is a diarrheal disease caused by a microscopic parasite. It is often transmitted through feces of an infected human or animal. Standards with Crypto are the same as Giardia (99.9% inactivation/removal) in drinking and private well water.

Radon- is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer, among other severe diseases. It is colorless, tasteless, and completely odorless. In contrast to the standards of turbidity, there is truly no safe levels of Radon. Radon, even in small amounts is a carcinogen, however there are recommendations from the federal government to help assist homeowners to reduce radon levels within their homes and communities.
The EPA has provided guidelines for radon levels, which is also known as an action level.

• 4 pCi/L= "action limit": fix your home and take action! (e.g., standard)
• 2 pCi/L= "consider taking action": consider fixing your home (e.g., standard)

One profound takeaway from the above bullets is this... Action Limit is NOT a Safety Limit! 

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COLIFORM BACTERIA 

In the environment, coliform bacteria are the collection of relatively harmless microorganisms that live in large number's in plants, soils, warm-blooded humans (intestines), and cold-blooded animals. There are 16 species found in the environment of total coliform bacteria. 

PREVENTION

• properly constructed well (underground drinking water) will have little to no contamination
• use portable or in-home water filters 
• use good hygiene and hygienic practices in public and around home to decrease risk of contamination

STANDARD

EPA mandates that no coliform bacteria be present in any public drinking water. It is recommended that low to no levels (i.e., zero is the standard) be found in private wells and underground water sources as well. Much like radon in relationship to there are no safe levels of coliform contamination in water. 

                             Glaciers and global icebergs are a large source of the earth's water.

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM (HAB) CYANOTOXINS

HAB's are caused by cyanobacteria which are naturally found in Ohio lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. Most species of cyanobacteria are not harmful however some species can harmful algal blooms. Each state has various tests and processes for testing and prevention for standards. However, similar to radon and coliform, there is no safe level of HAB's in drinking water. Therefore, the optimal standard for HAB is zero. 

Lead Poisoning: In our Children and our World

Colorless. Odorless. Tasteless. Could be found in sources that are used for human survival... (e.g., soil, water, food, air, dust). One may initially think of carbon monoxide poisoning (which also falls into some of the above mentioned categories), however, this blog will be investigating a specific heavy metal that continues to cause fatalities, yet has almost been long forgotten by many in society: lead poisoning. 

Children are the most susceptible to lead poisoning as well as the elderly. However, there is no known "safe" level of lead exposure in the human body. Lead is a toxic heavy metal and does profound damage to one's nervous system.

OHIO CASES 2014

In 2014, 153,010 children were tested for potential lead poisoning in the state of Ohio. Out of the total number of children tested, many fell within a prevalence rate between 5-10 micrograms per deciliters. 4,596 children were reported having blood lead levels greater than 5ug/dL. 1,298 children were reported having blood lead levels greater than 10 ug/dL. 

One major accomplishment from the Ohio Department of Health was through the network with the Center of Disease Control. The ODH received funds to help assess and provide surveillance for children's lead poisoning cases. Almost $400,000 was received for both 2015 and 2016. 

OHIO POPULATION TESTED

3% of Ohio's population has been tested over 2014. While that number, initially may seem low, consider the number of lead poisonings that remain under reported or not reported at all! Recall that this type of exposure is asymptomatic for a majority of people, while others can have a chronic exposure for decades without knowing what is happening within one's body. 

LEAD POISONING STATISTICS PER COUNTY

I was born and raised in northwestern Ohio within Allen County. My hometown is Lima and I lived in Allen County until I left for college and the Army. After researching the blood lead levels for Allen County, I was shocked to see that some of the highest levels were found in the very city I grew up in. After reflecting on this a while, I then realized that this is not as surprising as initially thought. Lima, OH is home of the 3rd largest oil refinery in the United States. Additionally, it is an industrial city and has many sources of lead that could be found in not only the external environment, but inside old homes as well. 

The statistics below are for Allen County and lead poisoning cases for children within the population:

• blood lead levels found in children greater than 5 micrograms per deciliter= 18.3%-27.3%
• for the following years the predicted percentage of children with blood lead levels greater than 5 micrograms per deciliter= 26.09%

Sources of Lead in the Environment

• occupational sources
• environmental (lead is naturally occurring in the earth's crust)
• water
• soil
• routes of exposure include: inhalation, ingestion

PREVENTIONS FOR LEAD POISONING EXPOSURES

One of the benefits of lead poisoning is the prevention factor of this exposure. Preventing lead poisoning is extremely simple compared to other heavy metal exposures! Different levels of prevention can be illustrated:

• Preventative medicine can be an intervention for those who are already diagnosed
• avoiding exposure to lead in the environment to avoid being poisoned (acute and chronic)
• prevention and advocacy (e.g., educational programs, outreach, macro-level) from a global level to enhance public health's effectiveness within a certain population

If you suspect you or your child may have been exposed to lead, contact your physician immediately and seek treatment.

Zika Virus: Are you safe?

The term "Zika Virus" is probably not completely foreign to you, as most have by now at least heard of this epidemic through various forms of media, news reports, or social media outlets. But past the flashy glamour of news reports and occasional google searches, what do you really know about the Zika Virus? Does it even matter or concern you? Let's take a deeper dive into what the virus is, and how, if at all, it may be of more concern than you might think.

WHAT IS ZIKA VIRUS

As defined by the Mayo Clinic's headquarters campus in Rochester Minnesota, the zika virus is: a mosquito-borne viral infection, with conflicting cases of symptomologies. Meaning, some reported cases there will be some notable symptoms, while others infected, may not even know they have the virus. 

WHERE IS ZIKA FOUND

Depending on where you reside in the world, you are more likely at risk than others. However the zika virus can be found worldwide. The greatest prevalence of the virus is located in regions such as: South and Central Americas (e.g., Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador), Pacific Islands, Mexico, Africa and the United States.

HOW DO WE GET IT

Individuals become infected with the Zika Virus by two main ways: 1) being in contact and through the bite of a mosquito-carrier of the virus (i.e. usually the Aedes species). 2) the other way is through sexual transmission with a Zika virus infected individual. A simple blood or urine test can confirm diagnosis. Now, as above mentioned, if some individuals show symptoms but others do not, how would one know if they have been infected with the virus?

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The Zika Virus impacts individuals in a different way than most major viruses within a host body. The challenge medical professionals face with Zika virus infections is that the most severe signs and symptoms do not develop within the host, as much as a fetus. 

PREGNANCY IMPLICATIONS

For example, the mother may not display any symptoms. However, if she becomes pregnant and delivers a baby while being infected, her baby can result in severe deformities and health concerns from her transmission of the Zika virus in utero. One major example, is the link of microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Future concerns of neurological damage is currently being addressed in the medical field. 

PREVENTIONS FOR ZIKA VIRUS

Several forms of prevention can be used to address the transmission of Zika and how to avoid it. 

• Avoid traveling to countries where Zika is actively circulating
• Apply sunscreen before applying insect repellant 
• Use condoms and dental dams if actively engaging in sexual activity
• Treat clothing with permethrin

IS THERE A CURE OR CURRENT TREATMENTS

Mild symptoms and low-grade Zika transmission often requires no treatment. Individuals infected and/or diagnosed with Zika Virus are recommended to do the following: 

• rest
• drink plenty of fluids
• treat pain and fever with common over-the-counter medication

However, if symptoms continue after attempting the above methods, seek medical treatment with a doctor. For severe cases, currently there is no vaccine for the Zika virus.

CONCLUSION

While the media or local new reports may not be as frequently reporting the Zika Virus as much as it was in late 2015, but that does not mean the risk is not existent. Zika is concerning and still very real. Utilizing preventative measures will greatly reduce your risk of getting the disease. Additionally, this will reduce the rate of transmission as well.