A new electromagnetic exposure metric: High frequency voltage transients associated with increased cancer incidence in teachers in a california school

A new electromagnetic exposure metric: High frequency voltage transients associated with increased cancer incidence in teachers in a california school http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119553477/abstract

Samuel Milham, MD, MPH *, L. Lloyd Morgan, BS

Washington State Department of Health, Tumwater, Washington

email: Samuel Milham (smilham2@comcast.net)

^*Correspondence to Samuel Milham, 2318 Gravelly Beach Loop NW, Olympia, WA 98502.

Retired.
Retired Electronic Engineer.

Keywords

high frequency voltage transients • electricity • dirty power • cancer • school teachers • carcinogen

Abstract

Background

In 2003 the teachers at La Quinta, California middle school complained that they had more cancers than would be expected. A consultant for the school district denied that there was a problem.

Objectives

To investigate the cancer incidence in the teachers, and its cause.

Method

We conducted a retrospective study of cancer incidence in the teachers' cohort in relationship to the school's electrical environment.

Results

Sixteen school teachers in a cohort of 137 teachers hired in 1988 through 2005 were diagnosed with 18 cancers. The observed to expected (O/E) risk ratio for all cancers was 2.78 (P = 0.000098), while the O/E risk ratio for malignant melanoma was 9.8 (P = 0.0008). Thyroid cancer had a risk ratio of 13.3 (P = 0.0098), and uterine cancer had a risk ratio of 9.2 (P = 0.019). Sixty Hertz magnetic fields showed no association with cancer incidence. A new exposure metric, high frequency voltage transients, did show a positive correlation to cancer incidence. A cohort cancer incidence analysis of the teacher population showed a positive trend (P = 7.1 × 10-10) of increasing cancer risk with increasing cumulative exposure to high frequency voltage transients on the classroom's electrical wiring measured with a Graham/Stetzer (G/S) meter. The attributable risk of cancer associated with this exposure was 64%. A single year of employment at this school increased a teacher's cancer risk by 21%.

Conclusion

The cancer incidence in the teachers at this school is unusually high and is strongly associated with high frequency voltage transients, which may be a universal carcinogen, similar to ionizing radiation. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

---

Accepted: 29 April 2008

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

NEWS, Science, & Links Summary for the W/E 5/30/2008

Pennsylvania Department of Health Lists May as MCS Awareness Month
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/ical/eventDetail_page.asp?date_ID=CBCACCCE83CDCFCA

May 30, 2008

Plan to ban perfume in schools rejected
http://www.independentfreepress.com/news/article/49838

Most Caregivers of Young Children Lack Basic Knowledge of Potentially Toxic
Household Products
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/press/pressitem.asp?ref=1757

May 29, 2008

Toxicity Study Reveals Clues into Buckyball Mechanics
http://pharmtech.findpharma.com/pharmtech/Drug+Delivery/Toxicity-Study-Reveals-Clues-into-Buckyball-Mechan/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/519402?contextCategoryId=35097

Arizona Group claims dangerous WiFI allergy
http://web20.telecomtv.com/pages/?newsid=43237&id=e9381817-0593-417a-8639-c4c53e2a2a10&view=news

Even Low Levels of Air Pollution May Pose Stroke Risk
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/press/pressitem.asp?ref=1760

U.S. food company says BPA-free cans possible
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080529/BPA_follow_080529/20080529?hub=Health

EPA Requires Safety Measures for Rodent-Control Products to Protect Children
and Wildlife
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/rodenticides/finalriskdecision.htm

List toxic chemicals on labels, NDP urges in bill
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/05/29/toxic-products.html

Urban Air Pollution Profile Causes An Increased Airway Inflammatory Response
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/108869.php

Autism theory gains support: Conceding a rare vaccine tie
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_top_stories/20080529_Autism_theory_gains_support.html

Legislators Tells Congress to Protect Kids from Toxic Toys
http://ncel.net/newsmanager/news_article.cgi?news_id=188

A push on nationwide ban on toxic phthalates made
http://www.norwalkplus.com/nwk/information/nwsnwk/publish/News_1/A_push_on_nationwide_ban_on_toxic_phthalates_made1454.shtml

Mobile Phone Health Debate - Impaired by Unreliable Scientific Research
http://www.cellular-news.com/story/31437.php

The hidden chemical in cans
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080528.wcans29/BNStory/Front/home

May 28, 2008

Santa Fe Group Says Wi-Fi Allergy Nothing To Sneeze At
http://www.crn.com/networking/208400676

Chemicals Polluting Kids
http://www.ewg.org/node/26621

Plastics industry objects to bag ban (Canada)
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/432061

Common herbicide disrupts human hormone activity
http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/esthag-w/2008/may/science/nl_atrazine.html

The hidden chemical in cans
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080528.wcans29/BNStory/Front/home

Experts Report Energy-Saving Light Bulbs May Trigger Migraines In Some
http://www.clickondetroit.com/health/16417646/detail.html

"Toxic Trespass" examines pollution danger to children
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/28/c5183.html

Argos to be sued after toxic sofas blamed for causing skin burns and
allergies
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2042460/Argos-to-be-sued-after-toxic-sofas-blamed-for-causing-skin-burns-and-allergies.html

Legal action over 'toxic' sofas
http://www.itv.com/News/Articles/Legal-action-over-toxic-sofas-877983481.html

Synthetic fields of play spur turf war
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/green/chi-artificial-turf_swansonmay28,0,2658698.story

Ottawa knew implants harmful, case alleges
http://healthzone.ca/health/article/432074

Lead exposure in children linked to violent crime
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-lead28-2008may28,0,6600780.story

May 27, 2008

Santa Fe Group Wants Wi-Fi Banned in Public Places
http://www.informify.com/top-stories/48-health/167-santa-fe-group-wants-wi-fi-banned-in-public-places

Nanotechnology Risks: How Buckyballs Hurt Cells
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527091910.htm

Jenny McCarthy & Jim Carrey Host the Historic Green Our Vaccines March and
Rally in Washington DC on June 4, 2008
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/jenny-mccarthy--jim-carrey-host-historic-green-vaccines-march-rally-washington/#

Children in Katrina trailers may face lifelong ailments
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080527/ap_on_he_me/formaldehyde_in_trailers

The Working Wounded
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/27/opinion/27uhlmann.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

Toxic Fire Retardant Exposure in Children: PBDEs
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/05/toxic-fire-retardant-exposure-in-children-pbdes.html

Muscle syndrome may go undetected
http://newsok.com/muscle-syndrome-may-go-undetected/article/3248915/?tm=1211866062

Japanese government wants kids to cut cellphone use
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080527/cellphone_use_080527/20080527?hub=SciTech

May 26, 2008

Chemical Sensitivities - Smell, Immunity, and the Brain
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm?id=8889

Letter: Florida should worry about mercury
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/may/26/letter-florida-should-worry-about-mercury/

Chemical Sensitivities - Smell, Immunity, and the Brain
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/8889

MMR: The debate that won't go away
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?xml=/health/2008/05/26/hautism126.xml&page=1

Risks From Occupational Lead Exposure Last A Lifetime, Pitt Study Finds -
Combination Of Age And Early Exposure To Lead Significantly Increase Risk
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/108738.php

Cosmetics firms heed calls for organics
http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2008/05/26/cosmetics_firms_heed_calls_for_organics?mode=PFPrevalence

Prevalence of autism merits immediate call to action
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/opinions/columnists/x1867431654/GUEST-COLUMN-Prevalence-of-autism-merits-immediate-call-to-action

May 25, 2008

Safety Lapses Raised Risks In Trailers for Katrina Victims
Formaldehyde Found in High Levels; 17,000 Say Homes Caused Illnesses
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/24/AR2008052401973.html

Coca-cola to phase out controversial chemical linked to hyperactivity and
gene damage
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1021809/Coca-cola-phase-controversial-chemical-linked-hyperactivity-gene-damage.html

How My Son Spread the Measles
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1809403,00.html

Maine's message to toymakers is clear: Get the lead out
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story_pf.php?id=189846&ac=PHnws

A puzzle over fewer boy births
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-fewerboys_bd25may25,0,5059386,print.story

New Report Shows Toxic Formaldehyde In Children's Furniture
http://tinyurl.com/54nq7n

Changing face of Ukraine
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/429717

Male Painters And Decorators Exposed To Fertility Damaging Chemicals, Study
Shows
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080523163034.htm

May 24, 2008

Chemical fertilizers can harm over time
http://www.galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=67aa3b0c6ffc65ef&-session=TheDailyNews:42F946A70ccb8007D9VNG43A704D

Shedding light on a very painful disease
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=196122&src=

Vinyl acetate toxic? Just chew on the facts
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/books/story.html?id=c44590c2-3ab9-470e-92ec-81f6c1d2151a

School building health concerns voiced by parent
http://www.reviewonline.com/page/content.detail/id/502373.html?nav=5008

May 23, 2008

Ask the Reporters: Exposé on Bill Moyers Journal
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/05232008/transcript2.html

Family discovers high levels of lead in home
http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=8373352

Paints harm male fertility, say scientists
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2017148/Paints-harm-male-fertility%2C-say-scientists.html

May 21, 2008

Studies Finally Reveal The Negative Effects Of Nanotubes
http://www.enews20.com/news_Studies_Finally_Reveal_The_Negative_Effects_Of_Nanotubes_08066.html

May 19, 2008

Community Opposition To Telecom 3G Masts Grows
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0805/S00271.htm

May 12, 2008

Waves of concern over SRJC plan for free Wi-Fi
http://www.theoakleafonline.com/uncategorized/2008/05/14/waves-of-concern-over-srjc-plan-for-free-wi-fi/

April 16, 2008

CELL PHONE COVER-UP, IS YOUR BRAIN AT RISK?
http://www.newswithviews.com/Richards/byron55.htm

Links

Chemically Safer Travel Driectory
http://www.safertraveldirectory.com/

Rea: The Environmental Aspects of Chemical Sensitivity
http://www.aehf.com/articles/env_aspects_of_cs.html

Accommodating and preventing environmental sensitivities
http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/research_program_recherche/esensitivities_hypersensibilitee/page8-en.asp

Brochures

7 Simple Steps to Help Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Chemicals from
Household Cleaning Products
http://www.womenandenvironment.org/greenclean/campaignsandprograms/SafeCleaning/Hazards_WhatYouCanDo_FactSheet.pdf

Reproductive Harm: What You Should Know About Your Household Cleaning
Products
http://www.womenandenvironment.org/greenclean/campaignsandprograms/SafeCleaning/Hazards_ReproHarm_FactSheet.pdf

Asthma and Respiratory Disorders: What You Should Know About Your Household
Cleaning Products
http://www.womenandenvironment.org/greenclean/campaignsandprograms/SafeCleaning/Hazards_Asthma_FactSheet.pdf

Scientific Studies

Neurotoxicological mechanism of methylmercury induced by low-dose and
long-term exposure in mice: oxidative stress and down-regulated
Na+/K(+)-ATPase involved.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18191348?dopt=AbstractPlus

Pesticide residues and reproductive dysfunction in different vertebrates
from north India.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18499323?dopt=AbstractPlus

Lourdes Salvador
www.mcs-america.org

Disclaimer:
Articles and links are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America, Lourdes
Salvador, and/or the volunteers who assemble this information. We will be
not responsible for misuse of this information. Posting does not constitute
endorsement. We have no financial interest in anything posted . This post is
provided free of charge via volunteer effort.

LINKS: Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Chemicals from Household Cleaning Products

Here's a few helpful brochures about cleaning products from Women and Environment.  These might help with gaining the understanding of others when requesting the use of safer products.  Sal

 

7 Simple Steps to Help Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Chemicals from Household Cleaning Products 
http://www.womenandenvironment.org/greenclean/campaignsandprograms/SafeCleaning/Hazards_WhatYouCanDo_FactSheet.pdf  

 

Reproductive Harm:  What You Should Know About Your Household Cleaning Products

http://www.womenandenvironment.org/greenclean/campaignsandprograms/SafeCleaning/Hazards_ReproHarm_FactSheet.pdf

 

Asthma and Respiratory Disorders:  What You Should Know About Your Household Cleaning Products

http://www.womenandenvironment.org/greenclean/campaignsandprograms/SafeCleaning/Hazards_Asthma_FactSheet.pdf

Highlights of the Kid Safe Chemicals Act of 2008

Comment:  This is an adendum to the previous post "Lautenberg, Solis, Waxman Introduce Legislation To Protect Americans From Hazardous Chemicals In Consumer Products". 

Highlights of the Kid Safe Chemicals Act of 2008

Require Basic Data on Industrial Chemicals
Chemical companies must demonstrate the safety of their products, backed up with credible evidence. Chemicals that lack minimum data could not be legally manufactured in or imported into the United States. [Section 505]

Place the Burden on Industry to Demonstrate Safety
EPA must systematically review whether industry has met this burden of proof for all industrial chemicals within 15 years of adoption. [Section 503]

Restrict the Use of Dangerous Chemicals Found in Newborn Babies
Hazardous chemicals detected in human cord blood would be immediately targeted for restrictions on their use. [Section 504]

Use New Scientific Evidence to Protect Health
EPA must consider and is authorized to require additional testing as new science and new testing methods emerge, including for health effects at low doses or during fetal or infant development and for nanomaterials. [Section 503]

Establish National Program to Assess Human Exposure
The federal government's Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to expand existing analysis of pollutants in people to help identify chemicals that threaten the health of children, workers, or other vulnerable populations. [Section 505]

Expand the Public Right to Know on Toxic Chemicals
New, Internet-accessible public database on chemical hazards and uses will inform companies, communities, and consumers. EPA is to rein in excessive industry claims of confidentiality. [Sections 511 and 512]

Invest in Long-Term Solutions
New funding and incentives are provided for development of safer alternatives and technical assistance in "green chemistry." [Section 508]

NEWS: Bill To Protect Americans From Hazardous Chemicals In Consumer Products

Press Release of Senator Lautenberg

Lautenberg, Solis, Waxman Introduce Legislation To Protect Americans From Hazardous Chemicals In Consumer Products

'Kid Safe Chemical Act' Would Ensure All Chemicals Used In Every Day Products, Including Those Used in Baby Bottles and Children's Toys, Are Proven Safe

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/108253.php

Contact: Lautenberg Press Office  (202) 224-4858

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

 

Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Representatives Hilda L. Solis (D- CA) and Henry Waxman (D-CA) have introduced major legislation to protect Americans, especially children, from toxic chemicals in everyday consumer products. The bill would ensure for the first time that all the chemicals used in baby bottles, children's toys and other products are proven to be safe before they are put on the market.

"Every day, consumers rely on household products that contain hundreds of chemicals. The American public expects the federal government to keep families safe by testing chemicals-but the government is letting them down," Lautenberg said. "We already have strong regulations for pesticides and pharmaceuticals-it's common sense that we do the same for chemicals that end up in household items such as bottles and toys."

"Recent news regarding bisphenol A in baby bottles underscores the need for significant reform to ensure children are not unnecessarily exposed to chemicals which threaten their health and environment," Solis said. "The Kids-Safe Chemicals Act is needed to repair the fundamentally flawed chemical regulatory structure. Our nation's children deserve adequate protection and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure their health is protected."

"It is critical that we modernize our nation's chemical safety laws, said Rep. Waxman. "The Kid Safe Chemical Act will deliver what its name implies - a non-toxic environment for our children."

Out of the 80,000 chemicals used to produce the products in our homes, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has only required testing of 200. That lack of testing and regulation is putting people in danger, especially our children. For example, new scientific studies by the EPA have demonstrated a link between "Bisphenol A," a chemical used to make baby bottles and water bottles, and a host of medical problems, including cancer and reproductive issues.

The legislation, called the Kids Safe Chemical Act, would therefore establish a safety standard for each chemical on the market. It would also shift the burden for proving chemicals are safe from EPA to the chemical manufacturers. Under the bill, the manufacturers would have to provide the EPA the data necessary to determine if a chemical is safe. The bill would give new authority to EPA to restrict the use of chemicals which fail to meet the EPA's safety standard.

In a 2006 report, the GAO cited the weakness of the current law, known as the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as one of the reasons for the lack of safety and consumer protection. Only five chemicals that existed 29 years ago when Congress passed TSCA have ever been restricted by EPA, according to the GAO. The new bill would have the EPA evaluate every chemical product created for commerce, to make sure that it is safe before it is allowed onto the market.

NEWS/TIPS: 3 Ways to Build Green

3 Ways to Build Green
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/yourhome/articles/hazards_at_home_-.html

Principles behind green construction include:
Materials: <snip>
Better air circulation: <snip>
Maximizing natural light: <snip>

4 Natural Air Fresheners
<snip>

5 Natural Pest Repellents
<snip>

NEWS, Science, & Links Summary for the W/E 5/23/2008

May 23, 2008

Hospital unit making us sick, workers say: Union wants transitional care
unit at Victoria General shut down
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2008/05/23/vgh-sick.html

Are mobile towers safe?
http://technology.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=134508

Upstate Scientists Link PCBs, Diabetes
http://www.syracuse.com/business/index.ssf?/base/business-12/121153305530260.xml&coll=1

Gardener touts wormy weapons against grass destruction
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/05/23/ot-grub-080523.html

Cancer society urges Alberta to ban pesticides
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/05/23/pesticides.html

Vaccine, autism link explored: Fears that shots may cause condition push
parents to action
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080523/LIFESTYLE03/805230376

May 22, 2008

Major 'missed' biochemical pathway emerges as important in virtually all
cells
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-05/dumc-mb052108.php

Germany Suspends Pesticide Approvals After Mass Death Of Bees
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7011025746

LEDs Designed to Replace Fluorescent Tubes
http://www.sunherald.com/447/story/580266.html

Avoid toxins by thinking like a scientist
http://www.straight.com/article-146395/you-can-avoid-toxins-thinking-a-scientist

May 21, 2008

Critical Pesticide Program Cut
http://www.thedailygreen.com/print-this/environmental-news/pesticide-data-program-cut-44052108

USDA axes the sole national survey to chart pesticide use
http://www.contracostatimes.com/bayandstate/ci_9336987?nclick_check=1

Pesticide legislation suggests industry lobby is still alive and well
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Page/document/v5/content/subscribe?user_URL=http://www.theglobeandmail.com%2Fservlet%2Fstory%2FLAC.20080521.BARBER21%2FTPStory%2FNational%2FHYOntario&ord=82745148&brand=theglobeandmail&force_login=true

Radiation expert is barred from Highland power station inquiry
http://www.timesonline.co.uk:80/tol/news/article3981496.ece

Strict guidelines urged for nanomaterials
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080521.wnano21/BNStory/National/

Secrets in the Soil: Reunion
http://cbs4.com/iteam/soil.secrets.iteam.2.728616.html

LETTER: New bulbs too dangerous to be used
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080521/WDH06/805210768/1636

Landlord Responds to Mold House Complaint
http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=fdaca6cd-6f16-4766-b04c-c3480642854b

Rental units studied for possible toxic danger
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/954994.html

Dangers in Fluorescent Light Bulbs
http://www.fox28.com/News/index.php?ID=37725

May 20, 2008

Toxic Chemical Ban
http://www.wabi.tv/index.php?cat_id=4006&url_news4006=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wabi.tv%2Fmodules%2FNews%2FdisplayNews.php%3Fid%3D3064&formFocus=news4006

Study Finds Toxic Chemicals In Baby Products
http://cbs5.com/consumer/toxi.baby.products.2.728692.html

Maple sap tasty option to petroleum
http://www.thestar.com/News/GlobalVoices/article/427294

Probe Called For In Clifton Toxic High School Fiasco
http://blog.nj.com/njv_bill_wolfe/2008/05/probe_called_for_in_new.html

Physician Lisa Lavine Nagy takes up the cause of environmental medicine
http://www.cleveland.com/living/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/living-0/121127235696540.xml&coll=2&thispage=2

Voices for Accessibility
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1394292/voices_for_accessibility/

Do chemicals in the environment affect fertility?
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/public-affairs/press-releases/index.phtml?menu=pressreleases&code=DOC-106/08&create_date=20-may-2008

Peer Review under the Spotlight
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/peerReviewUnderTheSpotlight.php

'Asbestos warning' on nanotubes
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7408705.stm

Rubber duckie falls victim to plastic scare
http://parentcentral.ca/parent/article/427447

Parents Meet In Wash Park To Discuss Toxic Toys
http://cbs4denver.com/consumer/phthalates.toxic.toys.2.728804.html

The anti-plastic backlash: Concerns about toxins are bringing glass jars
back into style
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080520.wlplastic20/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome
http://www.rocklintoday.com/news/templates/disabilities.asp?articleid=6219&zoneid=64

May 19, 2008

Oxidative stress may predict later lung trouble in young adults
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-05/ats-osm051208.php

New Program to Help Rare Disease Patients, Science
http://www.macroworldinvestor.com/m/m.w?lp=GetStory&id=307143101

Fate Of Personal Care Products Linked To Environmental Pollution And Human
Health Concerns
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080516100942.htm

Grow green: Try an environmentally-friendly approach to a lush lawn
http://www.enterprisenews.com/archive/x489859442/Grow-green-Try-an-environmentally-friendly-approach-to-a-lush-lawn

Moving to healthy living
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1056801.html

Are BPA plastic's claims shatterproof?
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-closer19-2008may19,0,5827044.story

May 18, 2008

Back to basics
http://www.7days.ae/en/2008/05/18/back-to-basics-2.html

May 17, 2008

Living green in the living room
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/ecoconsumer/2004419961_ecoconsumer17.html

Hazardous chemical discovered in detergents
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national%20news/2008/05/17/156797/Hazardous-chemical.htm

May 16, 2008

A stinky rental-car problem
http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2008/05/a_stinky_rentalcar_problem.html

Protect yourself from your home's most toxic places
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24667022/

Green By Design
http://www.greenwichcitizen.com/localnews/ci_9280539

Something in the air: Baby's death, ailments spur investigation of
formaldehyde levels in Henness Flats apartments
http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/SS/20080516/NEWS/602528983/-1/REGION

New study links fate of personal care products to environmental pollution
and human health concerns
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080516100942.htm

Obstructions for quality care experienced by patients with chronic fatigue
syndrome (CFS)-A case study.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

Thimerosal exposure in infants and neurodevelopmental disorders: An
assessment of computerized medical records in the Vaccine Safety Datalink
http://tiny.cc/w5EFr

Despite studies, parents believe in vaccination/autism link
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=3325240

Electric Shocks Can Cause Neurologic And Neuropsychological Symptoms
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515113311.htm

May 15, 2008

Common Chemicals May Have Autism Link: Study Finds Connections Between
Pesticides and Autism
http://www.abcnews.go.com/print?id=4857380

May 14, 2008

Philly First In The Nation To Require Mercury Disclosures
http://www.thebulle tin.us:80/ site/index. cfm?newsid=
19686944&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=576361&rfi=8

NAFDAC bans 30 agrochemical products
http://www.vanguardngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8197&Itemid=42

May 13, 2008

When work makes you sick.
http://www.twincities.com/ci_9244788

May 12, 2008

Waves of concern over SRJC plan for free Wi-Fi
http://www.theoakleafonline.com/uncategorized/2008/05/14/waves-of-concern-over-srjc-plan-for-free-wi-fi/

Novel treatment for autism uses 'clean room'
http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/33093

May 5, 2008

The Hazardous Chemistry of Everyday Things: An Interview
http://bulletin.aarp.org/opinions/othervoices/articles/the_body_toxic_-_aarp.html

May 2008

Study Finds that Recalled Aqua Dots Did Contain Poisonous Chemical
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/press/pressitem.asp?ref=1741

Cumulative Radiation Exposure Shows Increased Cancer Risk for Emergency
Department Patients
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/press/pressitem.asp?ref=1740

3 Ways to Build Green
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/yourhome/articles/hazards_at_home_-.html

Hazards at Home
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/yourhome/articles/hazards_at_home_-.html

Links

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Scientific Findings Resource Bank (IAQ-SFRB)
http://eetd.lbl.gov/ied/sfrb/

Selected Abstracts on the Health Effects of Perfume. Perfume and Headache.
http://www.herc.org/news/perfume/abstracts.htm

Health Risks from Dryer Exhaust and Treated Fabrics
http://www.herc.org/news/perfume/fabric.htm

Scientific Studies

Mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in interior and exterior New Orleans house paint
films.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18485443?dopt=AbstractPlus

Health Effects of Construction Materials and Construction Projects
http://www.ohici.nl/pdf/health_effects_of_construction_materials.pdf
VonThieman, G, Spec, T. Tijdschrift voor toegepaste Arbowetenschap.
2008;nr:1.

On the relation between capsaicin sensitivity and responsiveness to CO(2):
detection sensitivity and event-related brain potentials.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18478250?dopt=AbstractPlus

Neurological symptoms among dental assistants: a cross-sectional study
http://www.occup-med.com/content/3/1/10/abstract

Use of wireless telephones and self-reported health symptoms: a
population-based study among Swedish adolescents aged 15-19 years
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/7/1/18

Neuropsychological and positron emission tomography correlates in idiopathic
environmental intolerances.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18327513?dopt=AbstractPlus

Psychological and physiological evaluation of emotional effects of a perfume
in menopausal women.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18489374?dopt=AbstractPlus

The challenge of reproductive and developmental toxicology under REACH.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18490093?dopt=AbstractPlus

CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 Polymorphisms, Smoking, and Lung Cancer Risk in a
Pooled Analysis among Asian Populations
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/17/5/1120

Lourdes Salvador
www.mcs-america.org

Disclaimer:
Articles and links are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America, Lourdes
Salvador, and/or the volunteers who assemble this information. We will be
not responsible for misuse of this information. Posting does not constitute
endorsement. We have no financial interest in anything posted . This post is
provided free of charge via volunteer effort.

The challenge of reproductive and developmental toxicology under REACH.

Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2008 May 17. [Epub ahead of print] Links

The challenge of reproductive and developmental toxicology under REACH.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18490093?dopt=AbstractPlus

Scialli AR.

Sciences International, Inc., 1800 Diagonal Road Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314-2808, USA.

The European Union's REACH regulation has explicit requirements for reproductive and developmental toxicity data on all substances manufactured in or imported into the European Union at 10metric tons/year. Meeting the data requirements with whole-animal testing could result in the use of almost 22 million vertebrate animals for the registration of existing chemicals and cost up to several hundred thousand dollars per registered substance. The requirement for financial and animal resources can be reduced by the use of in vitro testing, quantitative structure-activity relationship models, and grouping of related substances. Although REACH strongly encourages these methods of avoiding vertebrate animal testing, it does not appear that in vitro testing or quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis will be able to replace whole-animal reproductive and developmental toxicity testing. Grouping of related compounds offers the possibility, perhaps in conjunction with in vitro testing and structure-activity analysis, of reducing vertebrate animal testing provided there is sufficient information on the related compounds and sufficient reason to believe that the related compounds will have similar toxicological properties. The designation of a substance as a reproductive or developmental toxicant follows criteria that do not consider the dose level of the substance at which reproductive or developmental effects occur, as long as excessive generalized toxicity does not occur. This method of labeling substances without consideration of effective dose level does not provide information on the actual risk of the chemical. Designation of a substance as a reproductive or developmental toxicant may have important implications under REACH and can be expected to result in the need to obtain authorization for marketing of the substance in the European Union.

PMID: 18490093 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in interior and exterior New Orleans house paint films.

Chemosphere. 2008 May 14. [Epub ahead of print]

Mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in interior and exterior New Orleans house paint films.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18485443?dopt=AbstractPlus

Mielke HW, Gonzales C.

Department of Chemistry, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA; The Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane and Xavier Universities, 1430 Tulane Ave. SL-3, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.

Pre-1992, latex paint was formulated with mercury (Hg) as phenylmercuric acetate (PMA). Hg vaporizes reducing its content, and lead (Pb) is stable and remains unchanged. The objective of this study is to describe the content of Hg and Pb in existing paint coatings. Forty paint chip samples were collected from both interior and exterior surfaces of homes in metropolitan New Orleans and analyzed for Hg and Pb. The median Hg in exterior paints is 26.9mgkg(-1) (0.8-214.0) compared with 7.1mgkg(-1) (0.03-39.2) for interior paints. The median Pb content is 76603mgkg(-1) (464-317151) and 416mgkg(-1) (24-63313) respectively, for exterior and interior paints. The Spearman correlation coefficients for Hg and Pb are -0.312 (P=0.13) and -0.471 (P=0.07) respectively, in exterior and interior samples. Hg and Pb vary independently with each other in paint films. Median Hg in exterior paints is four times larger than for interior paints. Median Pb in exterior paints is 184 times larger than interior paints. The Pb and Hg content in exterior and interior paint chips are significantly different (Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test, P0.001 and P=0.006, respectively). Only 1 of the 25 exterior paints contained less than the current 5000mgkg(-1) US standard for Pb, the criteria for exemption from the power-sanding restrictions of the New Orleans Lead Ordinance. Prior to banning PMA in paint, Hg poisonings presented as acrodynia were reported for children living in homes freshly painted with latex paint. Because of the affinity of Hg and Pb for sulfur-containing amino acid proteins, their presence in paint coatings poses an increased hazard when released as dust.

PMID: 18485443 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Obstructions for quality care experienced by patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)-A case study.

Patient Educ Couns. 2008 May 15. [Epub ahead of print]

Obstructions for quality care experienced by patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)-A case study.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

Gilje AM, Söderlund A, Malterud K.

Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore obstructions for quality care from experiences by patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS: Qualitative case study with data drawn from a group meeting, written answers to a questionnaire and a follow-up meeting. Purposeful sample of 10 women and 2 men of various ages, recruited from a local patient organization, assumed to have a special awareness for quality care. RESULTS: CFS patients said that lack of acknowledgement could be even worse than the symptoms. They wanted their doctors to ask questions, listen to them and take them seriously, instead of behaving degrading. Many participants felt that the doctors psychologized too much, or trivialized the symptoms. Participants described how doctors' lack of knowledge about the condition would lead to long-term uncertainty or maltreatment. Even with doctors who were supportive, it would usually take months and sometimes years until a medical conclusion would be reached, or other disorders were ruled out. Increased physical activity had been recommend, but most of the informants experienced that this made them worse. CONCLUSION: Current medical scepticism and ignorance regarding CFS shapes the context of medical care and the illness experiences of CFS patients, who may feel they neither get a proper assessment nor management. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: CFS patients' reports about patronizing attitudes and ignorance among doctors call for development of evidence based strategies and empowerment of patients, acknowledging the patients' understanding of symptoms and the complex nature of the disease. The NICE guidelines emphasize the need of patient participation and shared decision-making.

PMID: 18486415 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Neurological symptoms among dental assistants: a cross-sectional study

Neurological symptoms among dental assistants: a cross-sectional study

http://www.occup-med.com/content/3/1/10/abstract 

 

B E Moen , B E Hollund and T Riise

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2008, 3:10doi:10.1186/1745-6673-3-10

Published:	18 May 2008

 

Abstract (provisional)

Background

Dental assistants help the dentist in preparing material for filling teeth. Amalgam was the filling material mostly commonly used in Norway before 1980, and declined to about 5% of all fillings in 2005. Amalgam is usually an alloy of silver, copper, tin and mercury. Copper amalgam, giving particularly high exposure to mercury was used in Norway until 1994. Metallic mercury is neurotoxic. Few studies of the health of dental assistants exist, despite their exposure to mercury. There are questions about the existence of possible chronic neurological symptoms today within this working group, due to this exposure. The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of neurological symptoms among dental assistants likely to be exposed to mercury from work with dental filling material, compared to similar health personell with no such exposure.

Methods

All dental assistants still at work and born before 1970 registered in the archives of a trade union in Hordaland county of Norway were invited to participate (response rate 68%, n=41), as well as a similar number of randomly selected assistant nurses (response rate 87%, n=64) in the same age group. The participants completed a self-administered, mailed questionnaire, with questions about demographic variables, life-style factors and neurological and psychosomatic symptoms (Euroquest).

Results

The dental assistants reported significant higher occurrence of neurological symptoms; psychosomatic symptoms, problems with memory, concentration, fatigue and sleep disturbance, but not for mood. This was found by analyses of variance, adjusting for age, education, alcohol consumption, smoking and personality traits. For each specific neurological symptom, adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed, showing that these symptoms were mainly from arms, hands, legs and balance organs.

Conclusions

There is a possibility that the higher occurrence of neurological symptoms among the dental assistants may be related to their previous work exposure to mercury amalgam fillings. This should be studied further to assess the clinical importance of the reported symptoms.
 
 

The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.

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On the relation between capsaicin sensitivity and responsiveness to CO(2): detection sensitivity and event-related brain potentials.

Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2008 May 14. [Epub ahead of print] Links

On the relation between capsaicin sensitivity and responsiveness to CO(2): detection sensitivity and event-related brain potentials.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18478250?dopt=AbstractPlus

Andersson L, Nordin S, Millqvist E, Bende M.

Department of Psychology, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.

        OBJECTIVE: Sensory hyperreactivity (SHR) with predominantly airway symptoms is a subgroup of chemical intolerance to various environmental substances with pungent/odorous properties. The hallmark of SHR is sensitivity to capsaicin inhalation, resulting in extensive coughing likely to be mediated by a C-fiber hyperreactivity of the airway sensory neurons. However, it is not clear whether capsaicin sensitivity implies a greater sensitivity to chemosomatosensory substances in general. Therefore, the present study tested the hypothesis of an association between capsaicin cough sensitivity and sensitivity to CO(2) with respect to detection sensitivity and electrophysiological brain response.

METHODS: A correlational study was employed to investigate the relation between capsaicin cough sensitivity and detection thresholds and chemosomatosensory event-related potentials (ERPs) for CO(2) presented in the nasal cavity in 35 persons varying in capsaicin cough sensitivity.

RESULTS: Number of coughs were found to correlate negatively with CO(2) threshold and tended to correlate negatively also with N1 and P2 latencies of the chemosomatosensory ERP for CO(2). No tendencies of correlations were found between number of coughs and latencies for olfactory and auditory ERPs, recorded for comparison, but, unexpectedly, were found between number of coughs and auditory N1 amplitude.

CONCLUSIONS: The results imply that capsaicin cough sensitivity, such as in SHR, is related to higher detection sensitivity, and tends to be related to faster cortical processing of other chemosomatosensory substances, at least of CO(2).

PMID: 18478250 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

NEWS, Science, & Links Summary for the W/E 5/16/2008

Proclamations

Connecticut - Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
http://mcs-america.org/Connecticut2008MCS.pdf

May 16, 2008

Strong smells push action for nail care workers
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/1210908317325480.xml&coll=7

Officials Play Down Threat From Arsenic at Park in D.C.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/15/AR2008051503777_pf.html

Clean-Air Rules Protecting Parks Set to Be Eased
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/15/AR2008051502880.html

May 15, 2008

Green cleaners required in Illinois schools
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-greenschools,0,4841774.story

Governor's disputed pesticide panelist resigns
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/363324_pesticide16.html

Goodbye, girls: Researcher ponders why U.S. kids reach puberty at an
ever-younger age
http://www.portlandtribune.com/sustainable/story.php?story_id=121078392475499700

Bisphenol A linked to obesity in mice, study says
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080515/BPA_obesity_080515/20080515?hub=Health

Alarm at weed-kill chemical in water
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23700909-30417,00.html

Vaccines and Autism Revisited < The Hannah Poling Case
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/358/20/2089?query=TOC

Chemicals Ottawa's watching: The feds take a closer look at 17 substances
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/05/15/f-health-chemicals-batch2.html

Insecticides in pet shampoo may trigger autism
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13905-insecticides-in-pet-shampoo-may-trigger-autism.html?DCMP=ILC-hmts&nsref=news1_head_dn13905

May 14, 2008

Baby-bottle chemicals 'could make children obese for life', say scientists
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=566349&in_page_id=1770

Cosmetics Safety "Virtually Unregulated" by Federal Law
http://www.ewg.org/node/26544

Wal-Mart Raises Bar on Toy-Safety Standards
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121072388800090155.html

May 13, 2008

Forget chemicals, Rockport likes its dandelions
http://knox.villagesoup.com/Government/story.cfm?storyID=116055

Exercise for Detoxification
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/exercise-for-detoxification.html

States remove local barriers to eco-friendly homes
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2008-05-12-green_N.htm

Day-to-day struggle
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080513/HEALTH/805130339/1242/health

Chemical in plastic bottles raises red flags
http://blog.cleveland.com/lifestyles/2008/05/chemical_in_plastic_bottles_ra.html

May 12, 2008

Get laundry clean while staying green
Avoid toxic chemicals on laundry day with eco-friendly products
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24582939/

Legislators pause to focus attention on the chronic pain of fibromyalgia
http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/05/12/1822/legislators_pause_to_focus_attention_on_the_chronic_pain_of_fibromyalgia

'The invisible disease'
http://dalnews.dal.ca/2008/05/12/fibromyalgia.html

Living with Fibromyalgia
http://www.komu.com/satellite/SatelliteRender/KOMU.com/ba8a4513-c0a8-2f11-0063-9bd94c70b769/dfd55133-80ce-0971-00dd-2358acfb1593

Study: Healing Clays 'Exterminate' Superbugs
http://www.naturalnews.com/z023217.html

Special Report: Concern grows over chemical in some food containers
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/18874154.html

Why did the EPA fire a respected toxicologist?
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-05/plos-wdt050708.php

The Pentagon's Toxic Legacy
http://www.counterpunch.org/stclair05122008.html

What Is the Chemical Industry's Influence at the EPA?
http://www.naturalnews.com/023221.html

Ottawa could move to label chewing gum ingredient as toxic substance
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/health/080512/x051219A.html

U.S. families will make case for vaccine link to autism in children
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/05/12/vaccine-autism.html

Court to Hear Families on Vaccine-Autism Link
http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=4836331

Study links air pollution to blood clots in legs
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080512/pollution_study_080512/20080512?hub=Health

Mold costs one builder $3 million
http://zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080512/UPDATES01/80512009

May 11, 2008

Harmful chemical wafts off your TV
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2004406134_dust11.html

Nanoparticles scrutinized for health effects
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/11/BU4P10BB88.DTL

Are you listening? Do you care?
Quandary for those who suffer fibromyalgia is to get someone to believe it
is real
http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/221162

Lead's legacy: Banned three decades ago, lead paint continues to poison
Ohio's children
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/05/11/LEADED.ART_ART_05-11-08_A1_STA5K8A.html

Should paint makers pay?
http://dispatch.com/live/content/insight/stories/2008/05/11/LEADED_cities.ART_ART_05-11-08_G1_KIA59CL.html?sid=101

Incubators may be linked to higher risk of cot death
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/incubators-may-be-linked-to-higher-risk-of-cot-death-825917.html

May 10, 2008

Toxic home?
http://www.tulsaworld.com/lifestyle/article.aspx?articleID=20080510_4_D1_hLead82032

Common Weedkiller May Cause Hormonal Problems
http://newsletters.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/12217/19101/15497/0/?u=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ucHIub3JnL3RlbXBsYXRlcy9zdG9yeS9zdG9yeS5waHA%2fc3RvcnlJZD05MDI4OTcxMQ%3d%3d&x=9901031a

Fight the Fear: the Scoop on Plastic
http://green.sympatico.msn.ca/article.aspx?cp-documentid=478795

Contamination is linked to dust from TV sets
http://www.star-telegram.com/national_news/story/634833.html

Couple hopeful after Hamilton nuisance payout
http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=280c3f55-28b8-40ba-ad64-b46165be5b82

May 9, 2008

When the environment can kill you
http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=7982

'Reasonable' accommodations?
http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=7981

Inspecting your kids' school
http://www.wrdw.com/schools/headlines/18811659.html

Respiratory issues rise after Katrina
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Science/2008/05/09/respiratory_issues_rise_after_katrina/2232/

A crash course in true political science
http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/features/science/20080509_ap_acrashcourseintruepoliticalscience.html?page=1

May 8, 2008

Large Reductions In Agricultural Chemical Use Can Still Result In High Crop
Yields And Profits
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508091947.htm

May 6, 2008

Remodelers to face 'white-glove' test on lead
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/05/AR2008050502444.html

May/June 2008

Environmental Amnesia
While questioning what we buy, we've forgotten where we live
http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/2981/

April 22,. 2008

Car Dealers Set 'Green' Blueprints
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121081146214993695.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Links

No Latex Sign by Janie Sagmoe
http://mcs-america.org/nolatex.JPG

What you should know before visiting a person who has NRLA and/or MCS by
Janie Sagmoe
http://mcs-america.org/VisitingNRLA-MCS.pdf

Request for Accommodations Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
http://www.mcs-america.org/RequestforAccomodation.doc

Scientific Studies

Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD; Ida Martinelli, MD; Antonella Zanobetti, PhD;
Paolo Grillo, MD; Li-Fang Hou, PhD; Pier A. Bertazzi, MD; Pier Mannuccio
Mannucci, MD; Joel Schwartz, PhD. Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution and
Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(9):920-927.
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/168/9/920

Togo F, Natelson BH, Cherniack NS, Fitzgibbons J, Garcon C, Rapoport DM.
Sleep structure and sleepiness in chronic fatigue syndrome with or without
co-existing fibromyalgia. Arthritis Res Ther. 2008 May 12;10(3):R56
http://arthritis-research.com/content/pdf/ar2425.pdf

Psychosocial factors that aggravate the symptoms of sick house syndrome in
Japan.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18466382?dopt=AbstractPlus

A two-week monitoring of self-reported arousal, worry and attribution among
persons with annoyance attributed to electrical equipment and smells.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18466187?dopt=AbstractPlus

Clinical observation of 12 farmers who believe themselves to have suffered
from chronic pesticide intoxication.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18363272?dopt=AbstractPlus

Non-thermal effects in the microwave induced unfolding of proteins observed
by chaperone binding.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18240290

Glucocorticoid sensitivity in fibromyalgia patients: Decreased expression of
corticosteroid receptors and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/18468809

Treatment of Motor Neuron Disease, including certain neurological disorders,
motor neuropathies and chronic inflammatory diseases.
http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?IA=WO2008021970&%20wo=2008021970&%20DISPLAY=DESC\

Lourdes Salvador
www.mcs-america.org

Disclaimer:
Articles and links are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America, Lourdes
Salvador, and/or the volunteers who assemble this information. We will be
not responsible for misuse of this information. Posting does not constitute
endorsement. We have no financial interest in anything posted . This post is
provided free of charge via volunteer effort.

Glucocorticoid sensitivity in fibromyalgia patients: Decreased expression of corticosteroid receptors and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper.

Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2008 May 9. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Glucocorticoid sensitivity in fibromyalgia patients: Decreased expression of corticosteroid receptors and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/18468809

Macedo JA, Hesse J, Turner JD, Meyer J, Hellhammer DH, Muller CP.

Institute of Immunology, Laboratoire National de Santé, 20A rue Auguste Lumière, L-1011, Luxembourg; Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Psychobiology, University of Trier, 54290 Trier, Germany.

In fibromyalgia (FM) patients, differences in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) affinity and disturbances associated with loss of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis resiliency have been observed. Based on these studies, we investigated whether FM would be associated with abnormalities in glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity. Salivary and blood samples were collected from 27 FM patients and 29 healthy controls. Total plasma cortisol and salivary free cortisol were quantified by ELISA and time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay, respectively. GR sensitivity to dexamethasone was evaluated through IL-6 inhibition in stimulated whole blood. The corticosteroid receptors, GR alpha and mineralocorticoid receptor, as well as the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) and the FK506 binding protein 5 mRNA expression were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, the corticosteroid receptors were analysed for polymorphism. We observed lower basal plasma cortisol levels (borderline statistical significance) and a lower expression of corticosteroid receptors and GILZ in FM patients when compared to healthy controls. The MR rs5522 (I180V) minor allele was found more often in FM patients than in controls and this variant was recently associated with a mild loss of receptor function. The lower GR and MR expression and possibly the reduced MR function may be associated with an impaired function of the HPA axis in these patients which, compounded by lower anti-inflammatory mediators, may sustain some of symptoms that contribute to the clinical picture of the syndrome.

PMID: 18468809 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Report on General Causation:

Report on General Causation:  Thimerosal Exposure, Neuroinflammation, and the Symptons of Regressive Autism

http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/Kinsbourne_Final_Report_April_2008.pdf

Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution and Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution and Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis

http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/168/9/920

Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD; Ida Martinelli, MD; Antonella Zanobetti, PhD; Paolo Grillo, MD; Li-Fang Hou, PhD; Pier A. Bertazzi, MD; Pier Mannuccio Mannucci, MD; Joel Schwartz, PhD

Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(9):920-927.

ABSTRACT

Background  Particulate air pollution has been linked to heart disease and stroke, possibly resulting from enhanced coagulation and arterial thrombosis. Whether particulate air pollution exposure is related to venous thrombosis is unknown.

Methods  We examined the association of exposure to particulate matter of less than 10 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM₁₀) with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk in 870 patients and 1210 controls from the Lombardy region in Italy, who were examined between 1995 and 2005. We estimated exposure to PM₁₀ in the year before DVT diagnosis (cases) or examination (controls) through area-specific mean levels obtained from ambient monitors.

Results  Higher mean PM₁₀ level in the year before the examination was associated with shortened prothrombin time (PT) in DVT cases (standardized regression coefficient [β] = –0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], –0.23 to 0.00) (P = .04) and controls (β = –0.06; 95% CI, –0.11 to 0.00) (P = .04). Each increase of 10 µg/m³ in PM₁₀ was associated with a 70% increase in DVT risk (odds ratio [OR], 1.70; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.23) (P < .001) in models adjusting for clinical and environmental covariates. The exposure-response relationship was approximately linear over the observed PM₁₀ range. The association between PM₁₀ level and DVT risk was weaker in women (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.92) (P = .02 for the interaction between PM₁₀ and sex), particularly in those using oral contraceptives or hormone therapy (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.61) (P = .048 for the interaction between PM₁₀ level and hormone use).

Conclusions  Long-term exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with altered coagulation function and DVT risk. Other risk factors for DVT may modulate the effect of particulate air pollution.

Free Full Text at http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/168/9/920

FDA Warning letter to MERCK

9 page letter from the FDA to Merck concerning their failings of their plant in West Point Pa. http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning_letters/s6756c.pdf

Psychosocial factors that aggravate the symptoms of sick house syndrome in Japan.

"Public awareness of sick house syndrome and the dangers of toxicity from construction materials is vital to eliminate these aggravating factors and to prevent illness."

 

Nurs Health Sci. 2008 Jun;10(2):101-9.

Psychosocial factors that aggravate the symptoms of sick house syndrome in Japan.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18466382?dopt=AbstractPlus

Imai N, Imai Y, Kido Y.

School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan. nami-i@nurse.medic.mie-u.ac.jp

Over the last 30 years in Japan, there has been a 10% increase in the number of people suffering from sick house syndrome due to toxic chemicals released from construction materials and wallpaper. This syndrome can develop into the more complex and disabling, chemical sensitivity syndrome, so preventing early exposure to toxins at home is critical in reducing the likelihood of health problems in the community. A qualitative study was undertaken using ethnographic methods to identify the psychosocial aggravating factors of sick house syndrome. As a result, the participants identified three aggravating factors that extended the period of exposure of the participant to toxic chemicals: a lack of knowledge about the disorder; the difficulty in establishing a diagnosis; and the difficulty of taking radical measures to improve the home environment. Public awareness of sick house syndrome and the dangers of toxicity from construction materials is vital to eliminate these aggravating factors and to prevent illness.

PMID: 18466382 [PubMed - in process]

Clinical observation of 12 farmers who believe themselves to have suffered from chronic pesticide intoxication.

Korean J Intern Med. 2008 Mar;23(1):1-4. Links

Clinical observation of 12 farmers who believe themselves to have suffered from chronic pesticide intoxication.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18363272?dopt=AbstractPlus

Hong ZR, Hong SY, Han MJ, Lee HS, Gil HO, Yang JO, Lee EY, Hong SY.

Departments of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Chunan Hospital, Chunan, Korea.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We assessed twelve cases of suspected chronic pesticide intoxication, with medically unexplained physical symptoms. METHODS: Complete blood cell count (CBC), blood chemistry, routine urinalysis, chest X-ray, ECG, gastrofiberscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, neuroselective sensory nerve conduction threshold, and psychological assessment were performed on 12 farmers who believe themselves to have suffered from chronic pesticide intoxication. RESULTS: No specific abnormalities were observed on CBC, routine urinalysis, chest X-ray, ECG, gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, or peripheral nerve conduction velocity test. They persistently manifested helplessness, depression, and anxiety. The results of both psychological assessment and general physical examination revealed the following clinical features: depression (8 cases), multiple chemical hypersensitivity syndrome (2 cases), alcoholism (1 case), and religious preoccupation (1 case). CONCLUSION: In those living in the western rural area of South Korea, depression is a prominent ongoing presentation in pesticide-exposed farmers, in addition to unexplainable physical symptoms.

PMID: 18363272 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]