| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | PRODUCT SAFETY, Uncategorized

Mouthwashes with Alcohol Could Increase Risk of Cancer

A University of MelbourneStudy found that use of mouthwash containing alcohol could increase the risk of oral cancer. Professor Michael McCullough and co-author Dr. Camile Farah concluded that there is now sufficient evidence to prove that ethanol in mouthwash allows cancer-causing substances to permeate the lining of the mouth.

The Study involved 3,210 people, which found that daily mouthwash use was a significant risk factor for head and neck cancer-whether or not they used alcohol or tobacco. The effects of mouthwash were worst in smokers, who saw a 900% increased risk of oral cancer. Those who consumed alcohol saw a 500% increase.

On cue, a spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson Ltd. UK, the manufacturer of the popular “Listerine” brand stated: “There is no scientific evidence to support an association between the use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes, such as Listerine, and an increased risk of oral cancer.” As always, our position is to avoid panic, but err on the side of caution and seek out an alcohol free mouthwash at a health food store.

Although there is no way to definitively confirm the results of this new study, one thing is certain. Historically, the larger multi-national corporations that operate throughout the globe have a history of denial and cover-up when the safety of their products has been questioned. Their enormous wealth allows them to finance opposing scientific studies, some of which the corporations author themselves. They will then pay for the signature of a so-called expert, who decides to compromise their principles to chase the almighty dollar, or at least, the currency of their liking.

Erring on the side of caution can never be opposed, even by the most skeptical of critics.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | PHARMACEUTICAL NELIGENCE, Uncategorized

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can Shrink the Brain

The Journal of Neurology has reported that common forms of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can shrink the brains of post-menopausal women. Researchers performed brain scans on 1,400 women aged 71 to 89 who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative, A major American Study.

The Study found that women who were being administered HRT had smaller brain volumes in two key areas than those given a placebo. Brain volume was lower in the frontal lobe and in the hippocampus. Both of these areas of the brain contribute to thinking and memory skills. Shrinkage of the hippocampus is a known risk factor for dementia.

This Study was ironically renowned for finding a link between long term HRT use and increased stroke risk. The question that must be examined is whether the Pharmaceutical Industry is going to continue to be allowed to obtain approval of their products without greater scrutiny.

The conventional wisdom is that the American F.D.A., which regulates the Pharmaceutical Industry, has the most stringent and arduous approval process on the planet. However, conventional wisdom appears to be nothing more than American Corporate propaganda as the overwhelming number of drugs that have been recalled or that have caused significant health problems has been staggering over the past ten years.

Too, often, we learn of the politicizing of the F.D.A., which is given its marching orders to treat the pharmaceutical industry with kid gloves. Former industry personnel end up working for the agency that is supposed to regulate the very same industry they just left, and are going to return to after this government stint.

We are supposed to have a government for the people, not for the corporations. Hopefully, the pendulum will be shifting back.