McDonald's recall clouded by lack of standards

McDonald's decision to recall 12 million "Shrek" beverage glasses that contain cadmium in their colored designs bears the hallmarks of a classic product-safety scare.

Cadmium is a known carcinogen, and the Illinois-based fast-food giant was selling the glassware in a large-scale promotion tied to the popular children's film franchise.

But as more information emerged Friday, events surrounding the recall became less clear. Federal regulators indicated the "Shrek" glasses do not pose a hazard. Yet that statement is difficult to quantify because there is a dearth of federal standards regarding acceptable levels of cadmium, an element found in everything from leafy green vegetables to cigarettes.

Children and Third Hand Smoking

We all know that smoking cigarettes is very dangerous for our health. Well, a recently published report now points to the health dangers of third hand smoke, especially to young children.

Small children are very affected if they live near a person that smokes al the time. In the future they could have breathing problems. Adults have to take care of them al the time.

This new information on third hand smoke was published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. According to Hugo Destaillants, one of the co-authors of the study, “When residual nicotine reacts with ambient acid it forms carcinogenic tobacco specific nitrosamines or TSNAs. TSNAs are among the most broadly acting and potent carcinogens present in unburned tobacco and tobacco smoke.”

Nicotine is released as a vapor which collects and condenses on walls, carpets, drapes and furniture. That vapor can linger for months (as any non smoker can attest). Contact with TSNAs through inhaling dust or contact on skin through carpet or clothes can be very dangerous to young children, who play and crawl on the floor.

Scientists have been aware for years that smoke kind of sticks to surfaces that reacts with other chemicals. This means that opening a window or using a fan when smoking does not eliminate the danger as the residue clings to and follows the smoker inside.

The best way to assure that young children (and the rest of us!) are not harmed by third hand smoke is to keep their environment entirely smoke free.

Important benefits from giving up smoking that come immediatelly

When a smoker gives up smoking means that he is getting his powers and energy back. His life is becoming better and the risk of having different diseases caused by smoking cigarettes is very low.

Reduced blood pressure-After 20 minutes, your blood pressure drops to a level close to that of when you had your last cigarette.

Reduced carbon monoxide levels-Within hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood decreases. After 8 hours this level will be back to normal.

Increased oxygen levels-Within hours, the oxygen level in your blood increases. After just 8 hours, it will be back to a normal level. So that is why is very recommended that you at least try to give up smoking and see how great this is.

Improved smell and taste-After just 48 hours, your ability to smell and taste will be greatly enhanced. All of these are happening because when a person is smoking cigarettes all the time he is used with the smell of tobacco and tobacco doesnt allow you to feel the other smells so good.

Breathe easy-Within days, breathing and exercise becomes easier.

Reduced chance of heart attack-After 24 hours, your chance of heart attack decreases.

Increased energy levels-After 3 days, your bronchial tubes begin to relax and your energy levels will be increasing.

So follow my good advice and make the right choice.