Laser Hazards and Foods That Are Good Health Bets

LASER HAZARDS

 

In a recent column, the subject of radiation exposure was raised in connection with government oversight of protection of consumers against overexposure and its effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued cautions about using laser pointers.

 

Laser Pointers. If you are an instructor, you may use a laser pointer to emphasize points contained in your visual aids. Laser devices emit radiation and, consequently, are regulated by the FDA. Their misuse can be potentially dangerous, and the FDA is concerned that the misuse of these devices could grow because of the increased availability of these devices on the Internet.

 

According to the FDA, laser pointers should not be directed at people or treated as toys. The light energy from a laser pointer aimed into the human eye can be more damaging than staring directly into the sun. Also, if the laser is directed at a driver in a car, a pilot in a plane, or oven someone holding a hot cup of liquid, the startling effect of the bright beam of light can cause serious accidents.

 

If you have children or grandchildren, be aware that laser pointers are hazardous as toys. You might even explain the danger of lasers as toys in your community/school safety education programs. “Laser pointers have become consumer novelty products and [are] promoted as toys,” says Jerome Dennis, a consumer safety officer for the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). “They’re hazardous as toys and shouldn’t be used frivolously.” (See below for other community population segments that could be included in a program on the safe use of laser devices.)

 

Some of the laser products sold through the Internet may be illegal as well as unsafe. Some laser products, the FDA says, are intended for use only by professionals or other trained operators. “The agency is particularly concerned about green laser pointers, which may have been altered to emit more radiation than the manufacturer’s original product,” according to Lt. Cmdr. Sean Boyd, M.P.H., head of the electronic products branch in CDRH, “and they are not compliant with our standard.” Manufacturers must conform to FDA safety standards before laser products, including pointers, can be legally sold in the U.S. market.

 

Flash blindness, a temporary loss of vision that occurs when the eye is suddenly exposed to intense light–even from an unintentional sweep of laser light across a person’s eyes–is especially a concern. The blindness can last from several seconds to several minutes. The FDA has received recent reports of flash blindness in pilots in aircraft at which laser lights were beamed. The FDA is working to identify manufacturers of overpowered green laser pointers and other illegal laser products so it can act to prevent unsafe products from being sold in the United States.

 

Other Laser Devices. The FDA has the authority to regulate all kinds of lasers. Under the Medical Device Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the agency regulates lasers used in medicine. It regulated medical and nonmedical lasers under the Electronic Product Radiation Control Provisions of the Act. These lasers are used to solder circuits in factories, to scan groceries in supermarkets, or to entertain a crowd with a light show in the night sky (community safety education about laser use could be directed at these populations as well).

 

Labeling. The FDA requires that labeling on most laser products contain a warning about radiation and other hazards and a statement certifying that the laser complies with FDA safety regulations. The label must also state the power output and the hazard class of the product.

 

Major Hazard Classes. The FDA recognizes four major hazard classes (I to IV), including two subclasses (IIIa and IIIb). The higher the class, the more powerful the laser. Class I laser products, for example, include laser printers and CD players; these products are not considered hazardous because the laser radiation is contained within the product. Class IIIb and class IV laser products are very powerful; they permit ready access to the laser radiation, which can cause eye or skin injury. Research and industrial lasers and laser light show projectors fall into these classes. Class IIIb and class IV laser light show projectors may be sold only by or to individuals or firms that have obtained approval from the FDA.

 

Photos by www.photos8.com 

 

HEALTH ENHANCERS

 

Following are some foods (beverages) research and “tradition” say are enhancers of health and well-being. Check with your medical provider before making major changes in your diet if you have a medical condition that may be affected.

 

Berries: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries. They contain antioxidants, which help reduce free radicals, which interfere with cell functions and predispose our bodies to disease. Antioxidants may help to lower the risk of certain cancers such as breast, bladder, esophagus, lung, and skin. 

 

Citrus: oranges, grapefruit, clementines, tangerines. You can receive more than the recommended allowance of vitamin C needed daily by consuming a medium-size orange.
This vitamin helps the body to fight cancer and maintain healthy skin, gums, and connective tissue and to heal wounds and strengthens the immune system. Consult your medical provider if you are taking medications before eating grapefruit, as it can interact with certain medicines prescribed for heart-related conditions.

 

Fish: herring, salmon, mackerel, rainbow trout, catfish, tuna. They are good sources of calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. Herring has even more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon. These acids may lower triglycerides and reduce the risk of heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people who have cardiovascular disease and may also help slow the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Flaxseed, flax cereals, flours. It contains theomega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and may lower blood pressure, inflammation, and blood triglyceride levels and help to prevent the forming of clots in arteries. It also has fiber. I sprinkle some on cereals, in mashed potatoes, on pasta (unless I am serving the multi-grain, higher protein pasta that is becoming more available). Use you imagination.  

 

Garlic, onions, leeks, scallions and chives. They contain cancer-fighting compounds that may lower the risk of cancer of the stomach, colon, and rectum. If you are taking a blood thinner, such as Plavix^®, be aware that garlic also can act as a blood thinner. Check with your medical provider, especially if you are scheduling surgery.

Greens: kale, collards, spinach, Swiss chard, broccoli, dandelion greens. These vegetables contain antioxidants; calcium; fiber; folate; iron; potassium; and vitamins A, C, and K. They help to promote healthy eyes.

 

Legumes: lentils, dried beans, dried peas. They are rich in antioxidants, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and zinc. The fiber helps to lower blood cholesterol, especially LDL, and to maintain intestinal regularity, prevent blood sugar spikes, and reduce the risk of diverticulosis and several kinds of  gastrointestinal cancers.

 

Oils: virgin olive, canola, soybean, flaxseed, peanut, sunflower, sesame oils. Good sources of vitamin E, monounsaturated fat, alpha-linolenic acid. The monounsaturated fat in olive oil helps lower LDL cholesterol and may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

Peppers, especially red, yellow, and orange bell peppers. When selecting fruits and vegetables, a good rule of them is the more color, the more nutrients. This is the case with peppers. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers have more beta carotene than green bell peppers. These peppers also are good sources of vitamins A and C and antioxidants. They may lower the risk of some types of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

 

Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, cumin, oregano, parsley, and turmeric. They contain antioxidants. Less than one-half teaspoon of ground cinnamon a day reportedly helps lower blood sugar in some people with type 2 diabetes. These spices may also reduce blood levels of total cholesterol, including triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) (negative) cholesterol.

 

Spinach, escarole, arugula, collards, bok choy. These vegetables contain vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, calcium, fiber, potassium, and folate. Spinach and other dark leafy green vegetables also the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help maintain good vision. Carotenoids also appear to protect against mouth and throat cancers. The folate in spinach helps maintain heart health and protects against certain birth defects in a developing fetus.

Tomatoes. They contain vitamins A and C and lycopene, an antioxidant that seems to  lower the risk of prostate cancer. Tomatoes also help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Lycopene is more easily absorbed from processed/cooked tomatoes such as in tomato sauce and tomato paste. (Lycopene is available in a supplement sold over the counter.)

 

Wine, grapes, and grape juice. They provide resveratrol, which may raise the beneficial high-density lipoproteins (HDL), help to keep blood vessels soft and pliable, reduce inflammation, and prevent strokes.

 

Yams/sweet potatoes , carrots, spinach, cantaloupe, apricots. They contain fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Vitamin A aids in maintaining healthy eyes, skin, bones, cell growth, and reproduction. It also helps to protect against infection.

 

Did you know …   

For those times when we fall short of our “nutritional good intentions,” we can help offset some of the damage the “forbidden” food may cause to our bodies by eating it with another “good” food? One case in point is a hot dog. It contains nitrates, which have been linked to cancer. However, Nancy Kalish, food writer (healthystylemag.com), says eating sauerkraut with the hot dog may help prevent the nitrates in the hot dog from converting into carcinogens.

 

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