Add tetrachloroethylene, better known as PERC, to the list of chemical anagrams that can harm your health. Just like PFOA's harmful attachment to non-stick cookware and microwave popcorn bags, PERC is another toxic chemical hiding in plain sight that's commonly used as a solvent by dry cleaners, a metal degreaser and a component of other chemicals in America.

An upcoming report from an expert panel appointed by the National Academy of Sciences confirmed PERC as a likely human carcinogen, verifying a two-year-old assessment by the EPA. Using the word likely in research-speak means even though there may not be enough concrete evidence to support the notion that exposure to PERC causes cancer in humans, strong evidence (a number of cancers in animals) points to that connection.

And, that may not be the only concern related to PERC and another degreasing chemical, trichloroethylene (TCE). Based on a study of 99 sets of twins, patients exposed to PERC were eight times more likely to battle Parkinson's disease. The Parkinson's risk declined only slightly to more than five times when patients were exposed to TCE.

One more vital reason you need to do your homework to protect your family from the toxic world in which we live.

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Medical News Today February 10, 2010

WebMD February 9, 2010

Los Angeles Times February 7, 2010

A good deal of science news we've discussed lately in this space has dealt with simple things we too often take for granted -- for one, having a good sense of humor -- that can have a valuable effect on our health.

Much has made about variations of the Mozart Effect, specifically, how exposure to classical music may benefit the health of babies and even adults. To be sure, there's been plenty of debate on both sides about the positive effects humans, especially babies, may or may not experience when surrounded by music, and no clear consensus.

Just to muddy the picture on the plus side, however, a number of reports have surfaced lately about just how music triggers these benefits and they appear to be connected to one's emotions. One study, conducted at the Cleveland Clinic, showed how music lessened activity of individual neurons in the brain and calmed Parkinson's patients during their surgeries.

Another paper suggested a link between a favorite song and one's emotions may actually protect the heart by releasing endorphins from the brain that, in turn, release nitric oxide, a chemical produced by the inner lining of blood vessels called the endothelium that reduces inflammation and allows blood vessels to dilate.

In fact, one expert believes so much in the power of music that he suggests listening to your favorites tunes for up to 20 minutes a day may be as healthy for your body as eating the right foods and exercising.

It certainly can't hurt...

PLOS One October 16, 2009 Free Full Study

Medical Hypotheses, Vol. 73, No. 5, pp. 636-639, November 2009

healthfinder.gov January 28, 2010

Time October 13, 2009