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Is Toilet Paper a Source of Cancer-PFAS in Wastewater?

Is Toilet Paper a Source of Cancer-PFAS in Wastewater?

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According to researchers, PFAS—also known as potentially dangerous substances—may be released into wastewater systems by using toilet paper. In addition to cosmetics and cleansers, PFAS are also present in paper products.

According to them, a variety of health problems, including cancer, infertility, and liver disease, are thought to be exacerbated by the chemicals. The presence of potentially dangerous compounds known as PFAS in groundwater has been linked to the use of toilet paper.

Cosmetics, cleansers, and firefighting foams are only a few examples of the numerous consumer goods that include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS are suspected of contributing to a number of illnesses, including cancer, lowered immunity, and issues with reproduction and development. However the study is not conclusive in this regard.

What researchers found?

The most frequently found PFAS in sewage sludge samples, while at low levels, was one specific molecule, termed 6:2 diPAP. According to University of Florida researchers who were examining the occurrence of PFAS in wastewater.

Also, samples of toilet paper sold in North America, South America, Africa, and western Europe were found to contain the highest concentration of this PFAS. In the online journal of the American Chemical Society, they today published the results of their research.

In their investigation, the researchers calculated that toilet paper supplied roughly 4% of the 6:2 diPAP in sewage in the United States and Canada. As well as 35% in Sweden and as much as 89% in France.

Jake Thompson, a senior research author and doctoral student at the University of Florida, said that while it isn’t the entire issue, it is undoubtedly a component of it. Data indicate that there are geographical disparities in contamination, he said, adding that.

What are PFAS?

The word “PFAS” describes a family of more than 9,000 different kinds of synthetic compounds. PFAS, which were first discovered in the late 1930s, can still be found in a wide range of items, such as:

  • Carpets and clothing with stain resistance
  • cleaning supplies
  • goods for personal care and cosmetics
  • burning foam
  • a nonstick pan
  • garment that repels water
  • goods that are resistant to water, oil, or grease.

American blood PFAS levels have been tested by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for more than 20 years. According to the survey, the majority of Americans had PFAS in their bloodstreams.

Past studies have connected PFAS exposure to a number of potential health problems, such as:

Where PFAS come from?

According to the study, when turning wood into pulp, certain paper makers inject PFAS. Moreover, fibres from products containing PFAS may be used to make recycled toilet paper.

Timothy Townsend, PhD, a professor of the University of Florida’s Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences and a principal author of the study told, “We believe it comes from the pulping process and is put on instruments to keep paper from adhering.

“PFAS discovered in toilet paper at parts per billion levels are most likely pollutants that emerge from the packaging and/or production process,” concurred Pelch.

According to research, the majority of 6:2 diPAP contamination comes from other consumer products. Due to the comparatively low concentration of 6:2 diPAP in wastewater collected in the United States and the fact that Americans use more toilet paper per capita than individuals in other countries.

It is somewhat misinterpreted, according to Townsend, to think that the landfill or the wastewater treatment facility are the issue.

The health threats from PFAS

According to Craig Butt, PhD, manager of applied markets in the division of Strategic Global Technical Marketing at the biomedical and environmental company SCIEX, a growing body of research studies have demonstrated that PFAS represent serious health and environmental dangers.

According to Butt, PFAS have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including cancer and fertility issues. Also, high cholesterol and liver damage are associated in it. In recent years, regulatory authorities in Europe and the US have started establishing legislative limitations for the presence of PFAS in drinking water and consumer products. There are also no acceptable levels of PFAS exposure for humans, according to recent epidemiological and toxicological studies, meaning that even minute amounts of contamination can have a big impact.

There are 5,000 PFAS compounds, according to Butt, “many of which are not well described or understood.”

Toilet paper and PFAS

Prof. Townsend and his team decided to investigate the possible effects that toilet paper might have on the concentrations of PFAS in wastewater for this study.

While not all studies look for this, he said to MNT, “we recently released a study on PFAS in biosolids, which points to 6:2 diPAP as one of the primary PFAS in wastewater residuals.

“We looked into frequent uses for this chemical, and paper was one of them. That’s why we’re looking at toilet paper,” he said.

Rolls of toilet paper that are sold in North, South, and Central America, Western Europe, and Africa were gathered by researchers. Also, they obtained sewage samples from American wastewater treatment facilities. Scientists discovered that the PFAS type that was most prevalent in both the sewage and paper samples was 6:2 diPAP.

The research group then merged their findings with those from other studies that assessed the concentrations of PFAS in sewage and the usage of toilet paper in various nations.

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Can Weed/Marijuana results in Erectile dysfunction?

Can Weed/Marijuana results in Erectile dysfunction?

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Marijuana is presently legal in 37 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia as a result of numerous marijuana initiatives, with 19 states permitting recreational use.

In 2018, more than 11 million Americans consumed marijuana, according to data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). In conclusion, marijuana usage, whether for therapeutic or recreational purposes, is very widespread.

Pain management is a common use of medical marijuana in the US. Although marijuana doesn’t have the potency to significantly lessen really severe pain, it does work quite well to alleviate the chronic pain that afflict millions of Americans each year, according to reputable sources like Harvard Medical School.

Similar to the majority of recreational substances, marijuana can have both advantages and disadvantages. The immediate effects of marijuana include pain alleviation, changed perceptions, emotional changes, and some degree of mental and functioning impairment.

The majority of these are brought on by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of marijuana. Additionally, marijuana has certain negative impacts on the sex life, such as a higher chance of erectile problems (ED). The scientific evidence for this connection is, however, contradictory, with some studies pointing to a reduction in sexual performance caused by marijuana and others pointing to an increase.

Marijuana and ED

Although a few small studies have suggested that using marijuana for recreational purposes may cause ED, the authors of a 2018 meta-analysis came to the conclusion that there is not enough data to prove a connection. However, it is easy to pinpoint which THC side effects might be to blame for the malfunction. A person may have a larger danger if they combine marijuana and tobacco.

Smoking cigarettes increases the chance of having ED because it inhibits blood flow to the veins and arteries. Similar risks may be associated with marijuana use, particularly when combined with tobacco. The smooth muscle of the penis has cannabinoid receptors. Because of this, it is theoretically feasible that THC will affect penile function, which may result in ED. There isn’t enough evidence, though.

Cannabis use can result in feelings of exhilaration, followed by tiredness and a reduced reaction time, according to NIDA. Less sex cravings may result from these results.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), marijuana use may also have an impact on the circulatory system, raising blood pressure and heart rate. Both of these consequences increase a person’s risk for ED and are more likely to be felt by marijuana smokers.

There is some evidence that regular cannabis usage may make it more difficult for males to experience orgasms or to have them when they want them. There was, however, no discernible difference in the risk for ED between a group that used cannabis and a control group according to at least one study.

Effects of Cannabis

THC enters the circulation through the lungs when marijuana is smoked. It travels through the bloodstream to the brain and other bodily organs.

The reward and pleasure centres of the brain are impacted by THC. Dopamine influences mood and experience by signalling the body to release more than usual. This is the reason why using the medication results in a “high.”

Other immediate impacts of marijuana use could be:

  • sensory perception altered
  • followed by euphoria, sleepiness, and relaxation
  • alterations in coordination and balance
  • higher heart rate
  • issues with memory and learning
  • anxiety

Long-term impacts that could occur include:

  • mental illness issues
  • respiratory infections that recur frequently and a persistent cough
  • loss of memory

Does weed cause infertility?

Current scientific research is contradictory and inconclusive. Cannabis doesn’t seem to have an impact on live births or actual pregnancies, despite the fact that we have shown harmful impacts of the drug in lab trials.

THC in particular, according to laboratory research, may have an impact on sperm quantity, activity, and quality. In a similar vein, laboratory and animal research indicate that cannabis may alter testosterone levels. Again, no human subjects have been used to replicate these results, thus more study is required.

Some specialists believe that cannabis’ impact on hormones and sperm may make matters worse for persons who are already dealing with fertility problems. They advise abstaining from cannabis when trying to conceive.

Marijuana and Medication

The use of marijuana and its components for medical purposes has recently drawn a lot of interest. Cannabidiol (CBD) was approved by the FDA in June 2018 for treating epilepsy that is brought on by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two severe and uncommon diseases.

Marijuana contains certain substances that have therapeutic potential for a number of other ailments. Before these treatments can be approved, however, there is still a lot more research to be done. Many Americans consume marijuana or its derivatives in the expectation that it would improve their health, even in states where it is still illegal to do so. Most dangers associated with doing so are unclear.

Like other drugs, marijuana may interfere with various prescription medications and complementary therapies, such as:

  • Blood thinners: Warfarin, various herbs, and supplements, as well as marijuana, may all have stronger blood-thinning effects.
  • Alcohol: The psychoactive and depressive effects of marijuana may be enhanced.
  • Theophylline: Marijuana may mitigate this medication’s side effects when used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. Marijuana may intensify the central nervous system depressing effects of benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
  • Psychiatric medications: Medical marijuana may alter the effects of psychiatric drugs.
  • Antiretroviral therapy: Marijuana may reduce the effectiveness of several antiretroviral medications.

Further study is required since there might be other medication interactions. Anyone worried about the effects of using cannabis or its derivatives for medical or recreational purposes should consult a healthcare provider. A doctor can provide you more specific information regarding potential side effects and drug interactions.

Conclusion:

To link marijuana consumption with ED, more data is needed. However, certain of the medication’s negative effects, like cardiovascular issues, may raise your risk of developing ED.

One review’s authors found no conclusive evidence of a connection between cannabis consumption and ED. They did find that drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes raised the risk of ED, but exercise appeared to lower it.

Anyone worried about ED might benefit from increasing their exercise routine and abstaining from alcohol and smoke. Marijuana should only be used in compliance with local regulations and when under a doctor’s supervision.

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Know how smoking can cause you Erectile dysfunction.

Know how smoking can cause you Erectile dysfunction.

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Introduction

There is a lot of effort put into making smoking appear sexy by the tobacco industry. It has long been a strategy for tobacco companies to increase their appeal to the general public by using sexual themes in their advertising.

However, tobacco companies face an uphill battle with reality. In addition to being far from sexy, smoking can have a significant negative impact on a person’s sexual life. Decrease in libido, infertility, and erectile dysfunction, are the impacts caused by smoking.

How Smoking Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction

As a result of smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco regularly, your blood vessels can become damaged, resulting in a reduction of arterial blood flow throughout your body. Nicotine is the main culprit, since it is known to be a vasoconstrictor (a chemical that reduces blood flow throughout the body).

In response to sexual aroused feelings, your brain sends a signal to nerves in the penis. A lack of blood flow through the arteries of the penis can seriously harm your sexual performance, as erections depend on a combination of signals from your brain.

When you feel sexually aroused, your brain sends a signal to nerves in the penis. It causes the arteries to open, which increases blood flow to the corpus cavernous(the spongy tissue in the penis that hardens and fills with blood to form an erection).

As a result of smoking, blood circulation is damaged in many ways, resulting in a host of health problems such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, etc. You can also add erectile dysfunction to the list.

It is only possible to have an erection when the blood vessels in the penis enlarge and fill with blood. Due to the disruption of blood vessels in that part of the body, the action can’t always happen. It has been found that men as young as 20 can suffer from erectile dysfunction as a result of smoking.

Smoking and your blood vessels

The health risks associated with smoking are numerous. There are a number of parts of your body that can be damaged by smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that damage the lining of your blood vessels and affect their function. Other body tissues, such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, can also be damaged by these chemicals.

As a result of cigarette chemicals’ effects on the blood vessels in the penis, smoking can harm your erectile health. After receiving signals from nerves within the penis, the arteries in the penis expand and fill with blood, resulting in an erection. As a result of sexual arousal signals sent from the brain, the nerves respond. Physically, an erection might not be possible even if the nervous system is functioning properly if the blood vessels are unhealthy due to smoking.

What does the research show?

Men are more likely to develop ED as they get older, but it can occur at any age. Men who smoke are more likely to develop ED than those who never smoked, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2005. Cigarette smoking, however, is very likely to be the cause of ED in younger men.

Research your smoking habits if you are a heavy smoker, there is a much higher risk of developing ED. The symptoms of ED can, however, be improved by quitting smoking. A number of factors may affect your ability to return to healthy erectile function, including your age, the severity of your ED before you quit smoking, and other major health problems.

How to get help?

Your chances of finding a solution to ED increase the sooner you address it.

In the absence of a primary care physician, schedule an appointment with a urologist or men’s health specialist. ED is a very common health problem. Quitting smoking may be recommended to you as one of the things you should do.

You shouldn’t assume that quitting smoking is impossible if you’ve tried to quit before. Take a completely different approach this time.

  • Make a list of your reasons for wanting to quit and the reasons why you have not been successful in quitting before.
  • Keep an eye on what triggers your smoking behavior, such as drinking alcohol or coffee.
  • Family and friends can be a great source of support. When it comes to overcoming a powerful addiction, such as smoking, it’s OK to admit that you need help.
  • Over the counter medicines that are made to quit smoking must be discussed and prescribed with the doctor.
  • Get new hobbies such as exercise and physical activities that involves hand and mind. This will cause distraction from smoking habit.
  • Always be ready for craving and setbacks. You could get back on tract and also be successful even if you slip up and have a cigarette.

Overview

In addition to physical and psychological factors, erectile dysfunction (ED) is also known as impotence. Cigarette smoking is one of them. ED is often caused by a lack of arterial blood supply to the penis, which makes sense since smoking can damage your blood vessels. Fortunately, quitting smoking improves your vascular and sexual health, as well as your performance in these areas.

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