Dr. Dawn covers several topics related to environmental chemicals and endocrine disruptors, with a focus on their health impacts and ways to mitigate exposure.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 7-18-2024

• Surgeon General's report on gun violence:
  • Gun deaths in the US are at a three-decade high
  • Guns are now the leading cause of death among children and teenagers aged 1-19
  • Dr. Dawn calls for bipartisan action on gun control
• New male contraceptive:
  • A topical gel combining Nestorone and testosterone
  • Works by suppressing sperm production while maintaining male characteristics
• Persistent organic pollutants and endocrine disruptors:
  • Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) found in drinking water and rainwater
  • Sources include breakdown products of refrigerants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals
  • Linked to cancer, infertility, and developmental issues
• Prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors:
  • Associated with higher risk of metabolic syndrome in children
  • Chemicals affect obesity, blood pressure, and insulin resistance
• Petrochemical industry and plastic production:
  • Alternative energy production is increasing production of single-use plastics by petrochemical giants as a revenue source
  • Contributes to widespread exposure to endocrine disruptors
• Health effects of endocrine disruptors:
  • Interfere with many different hormone receptors, hormone synthesis and hormone bio-elimination
  • Impacts are greatest on fetal development, neurodevelopment, and cancer risk
  • Disproportionate effects on marginalized communities
• Advice to mitigate exposure and detoxify:
  • Use reverse osmosis water filtration
  • Choose organic foods and reduce meat consumption
  • Avoid plastic food containers and utensils
  • Read labels on personal care products
  • Leave shoes outside and use natural cleaning products
  • Increase fruit and vegetable intake
  • Use air filters in homes near busy roads
• Detoxification methods:
  • Sweating through exercise, saunas, or Epsom salt baths
  • Dietary changes and supplements (e.g., milk thistle, alpha-lipoic acid, green tea)
  • Avoiding constipation to help eliminate toxins
• Other topics:
  • Effects of magnesium on sleep
  • Microplastics from synthetic fabrics