Beauty Products and Cancer: Know the Facts

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 13, 2012- Have you dyed or relaxed your hair? Do you put on lipstick before you head out to work? Do you paint your nails? Many Hispanic women have a beauty routine or beauty products that they regularly use. Have you ever worried that yours might increase your risk for cancer? Before you panic and cancel your appointment at the salon, read on—it's time to break down some beauty-related cancer fact and fiction.

Hair Dye: It is estimated that more than one-third of women over age 18 and about 10 percent of men over age 40 use some type of hair dye.  Hair dyes are full of chemicals—5,000, to be precise—and that hasn't escaped the notice of cancer researchers. Decades ago, researchers began studying chemicals used in hair dye. They found that early dye formulations contained chemicals that could cause cancer in animals. Not surprisingly, manufacturers changed the formulas and eliminated some of these chemicals in the United States around 1980. Because so many people use hair dyes, researchers continue to monitor whether chemicals in hair coloring products can increase risk for cancer in humans.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the evidence for increased risks for cancer from modern hair dyes use is limited and inconsistent. Some studies have indicated that people who used hair dyes had an increased risk for bladder and breast cancer, as well as cancers of the blood and bone marrow (such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia), while other studies have not. Based on its review of the evidence, the Working Group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that personal use of hair dyes is "not classifiable" as cancer-causing to humans. So it is still unclear if personal use of hair dyes can increase your risk for cancer. If you would like to learn more about hair dye and health risks, the Outreach and Information Center of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has information about hair dyes and how they are regulated. Visit http://www.fda.gov/Food/default.htm (search term: hair dye).

Hair Straightening: If you or your stylist uses hair smoothing or straightening products keep in mind that some of these products contain formaldehyde. Although formaldehyde is naturally occurring and is also used widely in many consumer products, this chemical is a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) and can also cause skin irritation and sensitization.  People can be exposed to formaldehyde in the workplace and in their home environment, but the highest levels are found in work settings where formaldehyde is produced or used. In a salon, formaldehyde levels are elevated when formaldehyde-containing products are being applied, but they quickly return to a lower level. Remember that although your cancer risk from these hair products may be low, both hair dyes and straightening products contain chemicals that can hurt your skin, hair, and eyes especially if you are not careful or do not use them as intended. To learn more about the short-term and long-term risks of formaldehyde, visit www.cancer.gov (search term: formaldehyde).

Nail Products: When you head in for a manicure and you see the manicurist wearing a dust mask, you may have wondered about your own safety too. Nail salon workers wear dust masks to minimize breathing in dust particles when filing or shaping artificial nail enhancements.  Dust masks are intended to prevent inhalation of dust, but they do not protect against inhalation of chemicals. Professional nail care products are typically formulated to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals that may cause adverse health effects.  However, overexposure may occur and could result in skin irritation, allergic reaction, or serious eye injury. If you work at a nail salon, own a salon, or just want to learn more, check out the publication Protecting the Health of Nail Salon Workers by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The publication helps workers understand product ingredients and how to prevent overexposure to those that present potential health risks. As with any cosmetic product that may be hazardous if misused, you should read labels of nail products carefully and heed any warnings. But as far as cancer is concerned, there is no known risk associated with using nail products. To read more about safety information for nail products, visit www.fda.gov (search term: nail products).

Lipstick: Some of the natural colors used in lipstick contain trace amounts of lead.  The National Toxicology Program (NTP) of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health says that lead and lead products are "reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens." However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assessed the potential for harm to consumers from use of lipstick containing lead and determined that there is no safety concern because lipstick is intended for topical use and is only ingested incidentally and in small quantities. Always use your lipstick only as directed and keep the products away from children. Visit www.fda.gov (search term: lipstick) for more.

With all the news coverage out there claiming this product or that product may cause cancer, it sometimes may be hard to figure out what's safe, what's hazardous, and what's plain, old sensationalized. One way to minimize the damage and fear caused by misinformation is to identify respected sources—such as the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) or Food and Drug Administration—and use them as primary resources for your health information.   Knowing the facts is one way to keep your beauty routine good-looking inside and out.

NCI leads the National Cancer Program and the NIH effort to dramatically reduce the burden of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families, through research into prevention and cancer biology, the development of new interventions, and the training and mentoring of new researchers. For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI web site at www.cancer.gov/espanol or call NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

10 Most Romantic Destinations in India

Indians Vote Goa and Paris Most Romantic Destinations
 
LONDON, February 13, 2012 - Travel comparison site Skyscanner has revealed that Goa is the place that most Indians would like to visit for a romantic break within the sub-continent, where Paris was the most desired destination for romance abroad.


Over 800 people voted in the survey, which asked Indians where they would most like to take their loved one for Valentine's Day. Goa topped the charts with 28% of the vote, followed by the Andaman Islands (14%), Agra (9%), Kerala (8%) and Shimla (8%).


When it came to romance overseas, it was Paris that most Indians wanted to whisk their lovers away to. The French capital is generally thought of as being the world's most romantic city, and 24% of the respondents wanted to go there.


Venice, the city of canals, took second place with 15% of the vote; like Paris [http://www.skyscanner.co.in/flights-to/pari/cheap-flights-to-paris.html ], Venice has long been hailed as a city of romance. In third place was Las Vegas in the USA, which took 8% of the vote. The 'City of Sin' is famed for its glitzy casinos, spectacular shows and shotgun weddings.


Kavitha Gnanamurthy, Skyscanner Marketing Manager for India, commented:

"Goa is India's smallest state but with its beautiful beaches and historic churches and temples, it's one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. It offers the twin pleasures of privacy and excitement which together make it ideal for a truly memorable and romantic break, so it's little surprise that it topped the charts in the Skyscanner survey. Further afield, it seems the allure of Paris as a 'city of love' is very strong for Indians."


10 Most Romantic Destinations in India

    
    1) Goa - 28%
    2) Andaman Islands - 14%
    3) Agra - 9%
    4) Kerala - 8%
    5) Shimla - 8%
    6) Manali - 7%
    7) Darjeeling - 7%
    8) Ooty - 7%
    9) Gulmarg - 4%
      10) Coorg - 3%

10 Most Romantic Destinations outside of India

    
    1) Paris, France - 24%
    2) Venice, Italy - 15%
    3) Las Vegas, USA - 8%
    4) Los Angeles, USA - 8%
    5) Rome, Italy - 7%
    6) Hawaii, USA - 7%
    7) New York, USA - 6%
    8) Male, Maldives - 4%
    9) Phuket, Thailand - 4%
      10) Bali, Indonesia - 3%

About Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a leading travel search site providing instant online comparisons for millions of flights on over a thousand airlines, as well as car hire and hotels.


Founded in 2003 by three IT professionals, Gareth Williams, Barry Smith and Bonamy Grimes, Skyscanner is based in Edinburgh with a second office in Singapore. The site is available in 29 languages and is offered as a mobile site as well an app for Android, iPhone and iPad, which have received over 6 million downloads to date. Having seen an average annual growth of 94% over the last three years, Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.co.in )was ranked in the top 20 in Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 (2011).

Wal Mart Women File Discrimination Charges

Most filed in five states with early federal deadline protecting right to pursue claims WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2012 - In a move to protect their right to pursue individual and class action pay and promotion claims against Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., more than 500 former and current Wal-Mart women employees who had been part of a national class action lawsuit have filed a charge of discrimination against the retailer with the U.S. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as of Friday, Jan. 27. That was the deadline for women in five states – Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina – to pursue their claims, according to plaintiffs' attorneys Joseph Sellers, Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, and Brad Seligman, the Impact Fund, who represent the women. The vast majority of the EEOC charges – some 430 – were filed in those states since the June 2011 U.S. Supreme Court decision reversing a lower court ruling certifying class action against Wal-Mart. Women in all other states who previously filed class action claims against Wal-Mart, and its subsidiary Sam's Club, have until May 25, 2012, to file a claim with the EEOC. "The Supreme Court did not give Wal-Mart a free pass to discriminate. Filing an EEOC claim is one more way current and former women employees of Wal-Mart can assert their rights," Sellers and Seligman said in a statement. More than 12,000 women have contacted plaintiffs' counsel directly or through the informational website, www.walmartclass.com, to discuss pursuing claims of gender-based pay and promotion discrimination. Even in the five states with the Jan. 27, 2012, filing deadline, women with pay and promotion discrimination charges against Wal-Mart from July 2011-on can file EEOC claims against the company. "These EEOC charges are just the down-payment—we expect to file thousands of additional charges by the May 25, 2012 deadline. We urge women throughout the country who feel they have been discriminated against by Wal-Mart in pay and promotions to log onto the www.walmartclass.com site and register," said Seligman. Regional class action lawsuits on behalf of women plaintiffs who worked in California and Texas region Wal-Mart stores were filed in federal courts in those states in October 2011. An expanded class action was filed in Texas federal court in January 2012.

Buying Cheaper Used or New Cars is Best Bet

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 9, 2012 - In a turbulent economy, Auto Liquidator dot com thinks that buying cheaper used or new cars under $20k could be a lifesaver. When making big financial decisions you need the peace of mind and confidence that you made the right choice, and buying cars under $20,000 could provide just that. When you buy used or new cars under $20,000 you are selecting from a class of vehicles with high value and low cost, which is exactly what people need these days. It is an unforgiving economy that leaves very little room for error, and real people deal with the financial decisions they make each and every day. Shopping for used or new car deals is one of the most important purchases most people make. Buying cars under 20,000 dollars is just a common sense decision, and it is something anyone looking for used or new car deals needs to consider. Setting a realistic budget is crucial, regardless if you are shopping new or used cars. The main draw of cars under $20k is that either way you can get a high value vehicle. There is no need to sign for an expensive vehicle when you can find everything that you need in this lower price range, from used hybrids to new Ford 4x4 trucks. Car manufacturers understand the kind of situation car buyers are in, and offer viable car options for real people. They are bringing lineups of affordable cars to meet the demand. New cars are also getting increasingly better fuel economy and technology, not to mention come with years of warranty and worry free driving. On the other hand, searching for used cars under $20,000 also has its benefits. You can find a plethora of choices with a reasonable amount of mileage on them. You also do not deal with the immediate loss of value that comes with buying a new car. You have more options available with used cars, but do not expect your used Ford 4x4 trucks to last as long as one fresh of the assembly line. There is a way to get what you need on a budget and not compromise on quality. It is becoming the norm in these tough times, and there is no reason for car buyers to think that they have to settle for less.

Oglala Sioux Tribe Filed Lawsuit Against Brewers

Lawsuit Includes Anheuser-Busch InBev, Molson Coors, Pabst, Miller, Whiteclay Alcohol Retailers and Nebraska Distributors LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 9, 2012- The Oglala Sioux Tribe has filed a lawsuit against brewers, retailers and distributors of alcohol sold in Whiteclay, Nebraska. The lawsuit was announced today at a news conference hosted by Nebraskans for Peace. Attorney Tom White, legal counsel for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, said the defendants are engaged in a common enterprise focused on assisting and participating in the illegal importation of alcohol sold at Whiteclay onto the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The sale, possession and consumption of alcohol is illegal on the Pine Ridge, where tribal members suffer from crippling poverty and alcoholism rates. Whiteclay lies less than 250 feet from the reservation border. "The Oglala Sioux Tribe seeks compensation for all of the damages the Lakota people have suffered as a result of illegal alcohol sales," said White, who is with White and Jorgensen Law Offices in Omaha. "The defendants have failed to make reasonable efforts to ensure their products are distributed and sold in obedience to the laws of the State of Nebraska and the Oglala Sioux Tribe." "We can now begin to address the terrible harm to the Lakota people caused by Whiteclay alcohol sales," said OST vice president Tom Poor Bear. Since two of Poor Bear's brothers were found murdered outside Whiteclay in 1999, he has fought to bring their killers to justice and close the Whiteclay beer stores. In Nebraska, Poor Bear has been assisted by Winnebago Tribe activist Frank LaMere and Nebraskans for Peace, a statewide peace and justice organization. "Whiteclay has fewer than a dozen residents, yet in 2010 its four licensed retail stores sold the equivalent of 4.9 million 12-ounce servings of beer—or over 13,000 cans a day—to a population that has no legal place to drink them," according to Mark Vasina, president of Nebraskans for Peace. "Much of the beer is bootlegged onto the Pine Ridge for resale." Vasina chronicled the struggle by Native American activists to address this situation in his award-winning 2008 documentary "The Battle for Whiteclay." "All those involved in the sale of alcohol in Whiteclay are knowingly contributing to this notorious, illegal behavior and preying upon the Lakota people," said Frank LaMere, who has directed attention in Nebraska to Whiteclay since 1997. Defendants named in the complaint include: Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc. SAB Miller d/b/a Miller Brewing Company Molson Coors Brewing Company Miller Coors, LLC Pabst Brewing Company Pivo, Inc. d/b/a High Plains Budweiser Dietrich Distributing Co., Inc. Arrowhead Distributing, Inc. Coors Distributing of West Nebraska d/b/a Coors of West Nebraska Jason Schwarting d/b/a Arrowhead Inn, Inc. Sanford Holdings, LLC d/b/a D&S Pioneer Service Stuart Kozal d/b/a/ Jumping Eagle Inn Clay Brehmer and Daniel Brehmer d/b/a State Line Liquor

Nokia to axe 4,000 jobs at smartphone plants

New Delhi/Helsinki, Feb 8 - In a major headcount reduction exercise, Nokia today announced 4,000 job cuts in Europe and Mexico, as the Finland-based global mobile phone would be moving its device assembly units to Asia. The job cuts in Finland, Hungary and Mexico are said to be driven by the world's largest mobile phone maker's plans to move its device assembly units closer to the component suppliers in Asia. In a statement issued from Helsinki, Nokia said that the job cuts would be at its factories in Komarom (Hungary), Reynosa (Mexico) and Salo (Finland). ÒThe changes are anticipated to impact approximately 4,000 employees in total...Personnel reductions are planned to be phased through the end of 2012,Ó the company said. The measures follow a review of smartphone manufacturing operations that the company announced last September and are aimed at increasing Nokia's competitiveness in the diverse global mobile device market. The three factories affected by the job cuts are planned to focus on smartphone product customisation, serving customers mainly in Europe and the Americas. The company said that device assembly is expected to be transferred to Nokia factories in Asia, where the majority of component suppliers are based. The company did not disclose the specific identity of the Asian locations where these factories are based. ÒShifting device assembly to Asia is targeted at improving our time to market. By working more closely with our suppliers, we believe that we will be able to introduce innovations into the market more quickly and ultimately be more competitive,Ó Nokia Executive Vice President (Markets) Niklas Savander said. In September last year, Nokia announced it would cut another 3,500 jobs worldwide as part of drastic restructuring efforts that includes shuttering manufacturing facility in Romania. Battling tough business conditions, Nokia's latest move would be in addition to restructuring plans unveiled in April, that would affect as many as 7,000 jobs globally.

EU green tax: Global airlines warn of 'retaliatory action'

New Delhi, Feb 8 - With European Union facing global flak over imposition of a green tax on all aircraft flying in its skies, world airlines' body IATA has warned European airlines of Òretaliatory actionÓ by non-EU nations if a global solution was not arrived at soon. Time is not on our side. Airlines from Europe may face some retaliatory action. And some non-European airlines may have to choose whether to obey the law of their land or that of Europe - two more unintended consequences which should convince all states that the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) is the way forward, IATA chief Tony Tyler said. He called for a global solution through the ICAO, a UN-body, to break the impasse on Europe's plans to ÓunilaterallyÓ include global aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EUETS). India, Russia, the US, China and several other countries would meet in Moscow later this month to decide on whether to take retaliatory measures against the EU on its ÒunilateralÓ decision to impose carbon tax on air travel. The EU imposed the tax from January, but about 30 countries, including India, Russia, China and the US, opposed the move, saying it was Òinconsistent with the international legal regimesÓ. In a speech to the European Aviation Club in Brussels yesterday, Tyler said the consequences of the Òunilateral and extra-territorial approach go beyond market distortions to states seeing this as an attack on their sovereignty.Ó ÒI am sensing a growing recognition that a global scheme developed through the ICAO would provide a superior solution both for managing aviation's emissions and to resolving the political problems caused by extending the scheme beyond Europe's borders,Ó the IATA Director General and CEO said, adding, ÒWe will do all that we can to promote a pragmatic solution.