Monday, June 30, 2008

Fetal effects of environmental exposure of pregnant women to organophosphorus compounds in a rural farming community in Sri Lanka.

Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2008 Jul;46(6):489-95.Click here to read Links

Fetal effects of environmental exposure of pregnant women to organophosphorus compounds in a rural farming community in Sri Lanka.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18584359?dopt=AbstractPlus

Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND: The possible deleterious effects of low-grade, chronic environmental and occupational exposure to organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) are not well documented. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible effects of low-level, chronic exposure of pregnant mothers to OPCs on the fetus by measuring OPC levels, and using markers of OPC exposure, oxidative stress and oxidative tissue damage. METHODS: Toxicity was assessed by measuring (i) OPC levels in breast milk and plasma from maternal and cord blood using gas chromatography, (ii) maternal and fetal butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity using inhibition assays, (iii) antioxidant status of the fetus using superoxide dismutase activity assays, (iv) oxidative stress in the fetus by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, and (v) examining for fetal DNA fragmentation using electrophoresis. Samples were obtained from consenting mothers living in a farming community in southern Sri Lanka at the end of the pesticide spray season (study group) and just before the commencement of the spray season (in-between spray season; control group). RESULTS: Organophosphate residues were detected in only two subjects (chlorpyrifos in maternal and cord blood of one during the spray season and dimethoate in breast milk of another during the in between spray season), but the test employed was capable of only detecting concentrations above 0.05 mg/l. However, cord blood obtained during the spray season showed significant inhibition of BChE activity, increased oxidative stress and more DNA fragmentation when compared with cord blood obtained during the in-between spray season. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of cord blood BChE activity indicates fetal exposure to organophosphorus compounds during times when there is a high probability of environmental drift. This provides a plausible explanation for the increased oxidative stress and high DNA fragmentation in the fetus. Long-term outcomes of such exposures are unknown.

PMID: 18584359 [PubMed - in process]

Sunday, June 29, 2008

NEWSLETTER: MCS America News - July 2007

MCSA NEWS
July 2008, Volume 3, Issue 7

 

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/july2008.pdf  (View, Download, and Print)
NEW!  Entire Online Edition:
http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjuly2008.htm   (View as a Webpage)

 

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

 
Patients Declare Grounds for Medical Skepticism:  Complementary & Alternative Medicine Gaining Popularity
PDF Version:   http://mcs-america.org/July2008pg12345.pdf
 
Graded Exercise Recommended for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
PDF Version:   
http://mcs-america.org/July2008pg6.pdf
 
Reconstructive Screws Cause Unexplained Allergy

Health Issues & Environment

The 7 Challenges of MCS

Environmental Causes of Disease Often Missed by Doctors

Mercury Migrates from Dental Amalgams to the Human Body

Kid Safe Chemical Act
PDF Version:   
http://mcs-america.org/July2008pg1617.pdf
 
Head-In-The-Sand Disorder  A Critical Review of Psychology in Relation to Electrosensitivity
PDF Version:   
http://mcs-america.org/July2008pg18192021.pdf
 
Air Filters Get Clean Bill of Health
PDF Version:   
http://mcs-america.org/July2008pg22.pdf
 
Sal's Place – Encouragement:  Shifting Paradigms
PDF Version:   
http://mcs-america.org/July2008pg2324.pdf
Online Version: 
http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjuly2008.htm#_Sal's_Place_
 
Inside MCS America:  Activist's Corner
PDF Version:   
http://mcs-america.org/July2008pg25.pdf
 
MCS Community News
PDF Version:   
http://mcs-america.org/July2008pg26.pdf
 
 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities America
http://www.mcs-america.org  

admin@mcs-america.org

 

 

Copyrighted © 2008  MCS America

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Applying bioethical principles to human biomonitoring.

Environ Health. 2008 Jun 5;7 Suppl 1:S8.Click here to read Links

Applying bioethical principles to human biomonitoring.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18541074?dopt=AbstractPlus

Exxon Mobil Corporation, Irving, Texas, USA. myron.c.harrison@exxonmobil.com

Bioethical principles are widely used as a normative framework in areas of human research and medical care. In recent years there has been increasing formalization of their use in public health decisions. The "traditional bioethical principles" are applied in this discussion to the important issue human biomonitoring for environmental exposures. They are: (1) Autonomy--Also known as the "respect for humans" principle, people understand their own best interests; (2) Beneficence--"do good" for people; (3) Nonmaleficence--"do no harm"; (4) Justice--fair distribution of benefits and costs (including risks to health) across stakeholders.Some of the points made are: (1) There is not a single generic bioethical analysis applicable to the use of human biomonitoring data, each specific use requires a separate deliberation; (2) Using unidentified, population-based biomonitoring information for risk assessment or population surveillance raises fewer bioethical concerns than personally identified biomonitoring information such as employed in health screening; (3) Companies should proactively apply normative bioethical principles when considering the disposition of products and by-products in the environment and humans; (4) There is a need for more engagement by scholars on the bioethical issues raised by the use of biomarkers of exposure; (5) Though our scientific knowledge of biology will continue to increase, there will always be a role for methods or frameworks to resolve substantive disagreements in the meaning of this data that are matters of belief rather than knowledge.

PMID: 18541074 [PubMed - in process]

Scientific integrity: critical issues in environmental health research.

Environ Health. 2008 Jun 5;7 Suppl 1:S9.Click here to read Links

Scientific integrity: critical issues in environmental health research.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18541075?dopt=AbstractPlus

Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy. franco.merlo@istge.it

Environmental health research is a relatively new scientific area with much interdisciplinary collaboration. Regardless of which human population is included in field studies (e.g., general population, working population, children, elderly, vulnerable sub-groups, etc.) their conduct must guarantee well acknowledged ethical principles. These principles, along with codes of conduct, are aimed at protecting study participants from research-related undesired effects and guarantee research integrity. A central role is attributed to the need for informing potential participants (i.e., recruited subjects who may be enrolled in a study), obtaining their written informed consent to participate, and making them aware of their right to refuse to participate at any time and for any reason. Data protection is also required and communication of study findings must respect participant's willingness to know or not know. This is specifically relevant for studies including biological markers and/or storing biological samples that might be analysed years later to tackle research objectives that were specified and communicated to participants at the time of recruitment or that may be formulated after consent was obtained.Integrity is central to environmental health research searching for causal relations. It requires open communication and trust and any violation (i.e., research misconduct, including fabrication or falsification of data, plagiarism, conflicting interests, etc.) may endanger the societal trust in the research community as well as jeopardize participation rates in field projects.

PMID: 18541075 [PubMed - in process]

An IgM-mediated immune response directed against nitro-bovine serum albumin (nitro-BSA) in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and major depression

Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2008 Jun 25;29(3). [Epub ahead of print] Links

An IgM-mediated immune response directed against nitro-bovine serum albumin (nitro-BSA) in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and major depression

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/18580855

MCare4U Outpatient Clinics, Belgium. crc.mh@telenet.be.

It has been shown that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and major depression (MDD) are accompanied by signs of oxidative stress and by a decreased antioxidant status. The aim of the present study was to examine whether CFS and MDD are accompanied by an IgM-mediated immune response directed against nitro-serum bovine albumin (BSA), which is a neoepitope of BSA formed by damage caused by nitrosative stress. Toward this end, we examined serum IgM antibodies to nitro-BSA in 13 patients with CFS, 14 subjects with partial CFS, 16 patients with MDD and 11 normal controls. We found that the prevalence and mean values for the serum IgM levels directed against nitro-BSA were significantly greater in patients with partial CFS, CFS and MDD than in normal controls, and significantly greater in CFS than in those with partial CFS and MDD. We found significant and positive correlations between serum IgM levels directed against nitro-BSA and symptoms of the FibroFatigue scale, i.e. aches and pain and muscular tension. There was also a strong positive correlation between serum IgM titers directed against nitro-BSA and an index of increased gut permeability ("leaky gut"), i.e. serum IgM and IgA directed against LPS of different gram-negative enterobacteria. The abovementioned results indicate that both CFS and MDD are accompanied by a) an increased gut permeability which has allowed an exaggerated passage of BSA through a compromised epithelial barrier; b) increased nitrosative stress which has induced damage to BSA; and c) an IgM-mediated immune response which is directed against the nitro-BSA neoepitopes. Nitrosative stress is one of the factors underpinning the comorbidity and clinical overlap between CFS and MDD.

PMID: 18580855 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Friday, June 27, 2008

NEWS, Science, & Links Summary for the W/E 6/27/2008

June 26, 2008

Cosmetics trade organization criticizes FDA Globalization Act
http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/news/ng.asp?n=86180-indie-beauty-network-legislation

City urged to postpone toxic chemical bylaw
http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/article/449475

City tests schools near hydro corridor
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/449502

Activists: No schools on toxic sites
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-10/1214455068124660.xml&coll=1

Competition watchdog tests green marketing claims
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/06/25/competitionbureau-green.html

Pesticide ban moves forward
http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/Local/article/74976

June 25, 2008

EU pesticide threat
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2008/June/25060801.asp

Mold allergy drives away school leader
http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2008/06/25/news/doc4862817319ab8526585055.txt

Health officials warn about mold dangers
http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8555640&nav=menu1362_2

Calgary phasing out weed killers
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=e7cfaa8c-b80b-4250-b937-4207cd8f603b

City Questions 9/11 Workers' Claims of Illness
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/nyregion/25health.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

Low childhood I.Q. linked to dementia later in life
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080625/IQ_dementia_080625/20080625?hub=Health

Be gone, skeeters!
http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfmid=80352&section=homepage&freebie_check&CFID=50205123&CFTOKEN=15201847&jsessionid=8830d8223b551953670b

The Toxic Truth: What you can do to avoid chemicals
http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080625/BC_Toxic_Truth_What_You_Can_Do_080625/20080625/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

June 24, 2008

Fibromyalgia Stumps Doctors
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/112619.php

Group warns of excessive Lead in Artificial Turf
http://www.themoneytimes.com/articles/20080624/group_warns_of_excessive_lead_in_artificial_turf-id-1027061.html

Contaminated baby food taken off shelves
http://wingham.yourguide.com.au/news/national/national/general/contaminated-baby-food-taken-off-shelves/795285.aspx

Artist (with MCS) uses art to fight illiteracy
http://www.parkrecord.com/scene/ci_9686125

Toxic Assessment Delays Block New Standards
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/4279/

Congress, FDA Explore BPA Dangers
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/4280/

June 23, 2008

Half of glass jar foods 'contaminated'
http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/half-of-glass-jar-foods-contaminated-20080623-2v91.html

Health, Environment Are Focus of Latest NanoBio Seed Grants
http://www.jhu.edu/~gazette/2008/23jun08/23nanobio.html

'The World According to Monsanto'
http://www.commondreams.org/news2008/0623-06.htm

Artificial turf makers sued over lead levels
http://www.contracostatimes.com/bayandstate/ci_9677638?nclick_check=1

Fuming at the Office? Then know your allergic rights.
http://allergicliving.com/features.asp?copy_id=128

June 22, 2008

SUICIDES 'LINKED TO PHONE MASTS'
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/49330

Avoid the marketing misuse of "green"
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/green/sns-green-greenwashing0622jun22,0,4787846.story

Workers complain of mold, mystery toxins
http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008806220383

June 21, 2008

Witnesses link chemical to ill US soldiers
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2008/06/21/witnesses_link_chemical_to_ill_us_soldiers/

How your gadgets harm you
http://infotech.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3148312,flstry-1.cms

Experts warn about mold
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080621/NEWS/806210333/-1/NEWS04

This baby was burned red raw by a sofa giving off toxic fumes. As our
investigation reveals, there are hundreds of other victims
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1028097/This-baby-burned-red-raw-sofa-giving-toxic-fumes-As-investigation-reveals-hundreds-victims.html

Standards on chemicals weak
http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/story.html?id=97ced362-530a-4a88-8879-f2be166cc6b3&p=1

June 20, 3008

Lawmakers Approve Detailed Map of State's Cancer Cases
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/nyregion/20cancer.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Kennebunk teachers evaluated for exposure to mold at middle school
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080620/NEWS/80620042

Mold from floods can trigger allergies
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2008/06/20/Mold_from_floods_can_trigger_allergies/UPI-99931214020096/

We're in chemical overload... Toxic chemicals: Consumers are the lab rats
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/story.html?id=e4c6d71f-2a6f-4952-98c7-24866f28aa67

June 19, 2008

Autoimmune Disease Treatment May Not Dampen Immune System
http://health.yahoo.com/news/healthday/autoimmunediseasetreatmentmaynotdampenimmunesystem.html

June 16, 2008

PROGRESSIVE LIBRARIANS GUILD STATEMENT ON WIFI IN LIBRARIES
http://www.precaution.org/lib/08/ht080625.htm

June 11, 2008

Trouble Beneath the Bubbles
http://www.smh.com.au/news/health/trouble-beneath-the-bubbles/2008/06/11/1212863695359.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2

Links

Collaborative for Health and Environment - Washington Research and
Information Working Group
Economic Costs of Diseases and Disabilities Attributable to Environmental
Contaminants in Washington State
Prepared by: Kate Davies MA DPhil Environment & Community, Center for
Creative Change Antioch University Seattle
http://washington.chenw.org/pdfs/EnvironmentalCosts.pdf

2005 - Davies - How Much to Environmental Diseases Cost
http://www.nwpublichealth.org/docs/nph/f2005/web_ex_davies_f2005.pdf

Scientific Studies

Assessment of environmental worry in health-related settings: Re-evaluation
and modification of an environmental worry scale.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17296329?dopt=AbstractPlus

Neurodevelopmental disorders, maternal Rh-negativity, and Rho(D) immune
globulins: a multi-center assessment.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18404135?dopt=AbstractPlus

Fibromyalgia: harmonizing science with clinical practice considerations.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18363616?dopt=AbstractPlus

Fibromyalgia: nosography and therapeutic perspectives.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18373513?dopt=AbstractPlus

Identifying the clinical domains of fibromyalgia: Contributions from
clinician and patient delphi exercises.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18576290?dopt=AbstractPlus

Sleep disturbances in fibromyalgia syndrome: Relationship to pain and
depression.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18576297?dopt=AbstractPlus

The internet-based arthritis self-management program: A one-year randomized
trial for patients with arthritis or fibromyalgia.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18576310?dopt=AbstractPlus

Gastrointestinal uptake of trace elements are changed during the course of a
common human viral (Coxsackievirus B3) infection in mice.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18565424?dopt=AbstractPlus

IFN-gamma mediated pathways in patients with fatigue and chronic active
Epstein Barr virus-infection.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/17945348

Sequence variations in subjects with self-reported multiple chemical
sensitivity (sMCS): a case-control study.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18569577&itool=iconabstr&itool=pubmed_DocSum

Double-blind placebo-controlled provocation study in patients with
subjective Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and matched control subjects.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1868800?dopt=AbstractPlus

Human methyl parathion poisoning
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a781743387~db=all~order=page

Detection of low-level environmental chemical allergy by a long-term
sensitization method.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18571882?dopt=AbstractPlus

The Energy Envelope Theory and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue
syndrome.

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.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Assessment of environmental worry in health-related settings: Re-evaluation and modification of an environmental worry scale.

nt J Hyg Environ Health. 2008 Mar;211(1-2):105-13. Epub 2007 Feb 12. Links

Assessment of environmental worry in health-related settings: Re-evaluation and modification of an environmental worry scale.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17296329?dopt=AbstractPlus

Outpatient Department for Environmental Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University of Giessen, Germany. tobias.rethage@med.uni-giessen.de

The aim of this article was to re-evaluate and possibly modify the standardized Environmental Worry Scale (EWS) by Hodapp et al. [1996. Evaluation eines Fragebogens zur Erfassung von Umweltbesorgnis. Z. Gesundheitspsychologie IV(1), 22-36] with regard to its content and structure. In order to do this, 161 participants were chosen as a reference group to take part in a survey. The data were analyzed and a factor analysis yielded two instead of one component of worry, namely "personal" and "general" environmental worry, leading to a new evaluation method. This revised evaluation method was then applied to patients (n=227) with or without self-reported multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and thus used in the context of reported health complaints. The outlined results indicate that the assessment of worry as proposed by Hodapp et al. [1996. Evaluation eines Fragebogens zur Erfassung von Umweltbesorgnis. Z. Gesundheitspsychologie IV(1), 22-36] should be elaborated by the newly developed evaluation method with which a ratio determined by "personal" and "general" worry can be calculated. In addition to analyzing the absolute quantity of worry, the calculated ratio allows to draw conclusions on the structure of worry. It will be discussed to what extent the results present new insights into the role of worry among patients suffering from environmental diseases.

PMID: 17296329 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Psychological predictors of short- and medium term outcome in individuals with idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) and individuals with somatoform disorders.

J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2008;71(11-12):766-75.Click here to read

Psychological predictors of short- and medium term outcome in individuals with idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) and individuals with somatoform disorders.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18569575?dopt=AbstractPlus

Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany. josef.bailer@zi-mannheim.de

Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI), also known as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), is defined as a chronic polysymptomatic condition that cannot be explained by an organic disease. Previous studies suggest that IEI may be a variant of somatoform disorders (SFD), because both disorders overlap with respect to symptoms and psychological features of somatization. However, little is known about the short- and medium-term outcome of IEI and psychological outcome predictors. Two clinical groups (IEI and SFD) and a comparison group (CG) were followed through 32 mo to assess both the outcome, and the extent to which trait anxiety and somatic symptom attribution (assessed at first examination) predict outcome presented 12 and 32 mo later. Outcome measures were the number of self-reported IEI symptoms, IEI triggers, IEI-associated functional impairments, and the number of somatoform symptoms. In addition, the course of the 2 syndromes over the 32-mo follow-up period was investigated with standardized screening scales. The 3 diagnostic groups consisted of 46 subjects with IEI, 38 subjects with SFD but without IEI, and 46 subjects (CG) with neither IEI nor SFD. Syndrome stability was high over the 32-mo follow-up period, and at both follow-ups IEI and non-IEI subjects differed on all IEI outcome measures (symptoms, triggers, functional impairments). Both trait anxiety and somatic attribution (the tendency to attribute common somatic complaints to an illness) predicted outcome. In addition, somatic attribution was found to partially mediate the effect of trait anxiety on outcome in the IEI group. In conclusion, these results suggest that IEI is a chronic and disabling condition and that trait anxiety contributes to the maintenance of the disorder via somatic attributions.

PMID: 18569575 [PubMed - in process]

Sequence variations in subjects with self-reported multiple chemical sensitivity (sMCS): a case-control study.

J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2008;71(11-12):786-94.Click here to read

Sequence variations in subjects with self-reported multiple chemical sensitivity (sMCS): a case-control study.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18569577&itool=iconabstr&itool=pubmed_DocSum

Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. GA.Wiesmueller@uni-muenster.de

Polymorphisms in several genes contribute to interindividual differences in the metabolism of xenobiotics, and may lead to toxicity and disease. The balance between activation and/or detoxification processes may influence an individual's susceptibility to disease. One postulated mechanism underlying multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is based on increased metabolism of xenobiotics. The aim of the present study was to determine such polymorphisms in cases with self-reported MCS (sMCS) and controls. sMCS cases (14 men, 45 women, mean age: 48 yr) and controls (14 men, 26 women, mean age: 44 yr) of the same anthroposphere were characterized using the MCS-questionnaire from Huppe and coworkers (2000) and a standardized questionnaire for living conditions and living factors. Allelic frequencies of genomic variations for 5HTT, NAT1, NAT2, PON1, PON2, and SOD2 were determined. The MCS questionnaire from Huppe et al. (2000) differentiated between cases and controls with 87.5% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Compared to controls the sMCS cases had lower exposures, especially to odorous factors, and worse social conditions. No significant differences of the allelic distribution of genetic polymorphisms in the genes for 5HTT, NAT1, NAT2, PON1, PON2, and SOD2 were found between cases and controls. The results are in contrast to the study of McKeown-Eyssen and coworkers (2004) but in accordance with the German MCS multicenter study. Although the MCS questionnaire from Huppe et al. (2000) allowed us to differentiate sMCS cases and controls, it was not strong enough for a discrimination based on sequence variations in genes for enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism. Therefore, further research needs to focus on a unique phenomenological characterization of MCS.

PMID: 18569577 [PubMed - in process]

Evidence for a specific link between the personality trait of absorption and idiopathic environmental intolerance.

Comment:  They forgot that IEI itself causes damage that may render subjects more susecpetible to any stimuli around them.  One track minds... always forger to examine which came first, the chicken or the egg. 
 
J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2008;71(11-12):795-802.Click here to read

Evidence for a specific link between the personality trait of absorption and idiopathic environmental intolerance.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18569578?dopt=AbstractPlus

Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany. witthoef@uni-mainz.de

Absorption as a personality trait refers to the predisposition to get deeply immersed in sensory (e.g., smells, sounds, pictures) or mystical experiences, that is, to experience altered states of consciousness. Absorption is markedly related to constructs openness to experiences, hypnotic suggestibility, imagination, and dissociation. Although absorption was hypothesized to be a risk factor for medically unexplained symptoms (MUS), the construct has yet not been investigated in individually suffering from idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI), formerly better known as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). IEI is a complex condition marked by MUS, which patients attribute to various chemical substances that are typically detectable by their odor (e.g., exhaust emissions, cigarette smoke). The current study investigated whether IEI was related to the personality trait of absorption. In a longitudinal study, 54 subjects with IEI were compared to 44 subjects with a somatoform disorder (SFD), but without IEI, and 54 subjects with neither SFD nor IEI (control group, CG). Self-report measures of somatic symptoms, severity of IEI, and level of absorption were collected both at a first examination and 32 mo later. On both assessments, subjects with IEI and individuals with SFD reported similar highly elevated levels of MUS, compared to CG. In contrast to SFD, IEI was specifically related to elevated absorption scores. IEI was specifically associated with a tendency to experience self-altering states of consciousness. Since absorption is related to both openness to unusual experiences and elevated imaginative involvement, absorption might contribute to IEI via two routes by (1) enhancing the susceptibility for IEI-specific convictions and (2) fostering classical conditioning processes of MUS via enhanced cognitive-imaginative representations of assumed IEI triggers.

PMID: 18569578 [PubMed - in process]

Detection of low-level environmental chemical allergy by a long-term sensitization method.

Toxicol Lett. 2008 May 16. [Epub ahead of print]Click here to read

Detection of low-level environmental chemical allergy by a long-term sensitization method.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18571882?dopt=AbstractPlus

Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Ibaraki 303-0043, Japan.

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterized by various signs, including neurological disorders and allergy. Exposure may occur through a major event, such as a chemical spill, or from long-term contact with chemicals at low levels. We are interested in the allergenicity of MCS and the detection of low-level chemical-related hypersensitivity. We used long-term sensitization followed by low-dose challenge to evaluate sensitization by well-known Th2 type sensitizers (trimellitic anhydride (TMA) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI)) and a Th1 type sensitizer (2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)). After topically sensitizing BALB/c mice (9 times in 3 weeks) and challenging them with TMA, TDI or DNCB, we assayed their auricular lymph nodes (LNs) for number of lymphocytes, surface antigen expression of B cells, and local cytokine production, and measured antigen-specific serum IgE levels. TMA and TDI induced marked increases in levels of antigen-specific serum IgE and of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13) produced by ex vivo restimulated lymph node cells. DNCB induced a marked increase in Th1 cytokine (IL-2, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha) levels, but antigen-specific serum IgE levels were not elevated. All chemicals induced significant increases in number of lymphocytes and surface antigen expression of B cells. Our mouse model enabled the identification and characterization of chemical-related allergic reactions at low levels. This long-term sensitization method would be useful for detecting environmental chemical-related hypersensitivity.

PMID: 18571882 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

VIDEO: 'The World According to Monsanto'


'The World According to Monsanto'
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2008
11:00 AM
 
June 23 - Monsanto is a world leader in industrial agriculture, providing the seeds for 90 percent of the world's genetically modified crops. In an interview with The Real News Network, filmmaker Marie-Monique discussed her recent film 'The World According to Monsant'o in which she exposes many of Monsanto's controversial practices, from concealing knowledge of toxicity of PCBs to producing genetically modified seeds and related herbicides.

Monsanto has long history of manufacturing dangerous products. In 1949, an explosion in Nitro, a Monsanto factory in the US, caused 228 workers to develop an extremely disfiguring illness caused by dioxin, a highly toxic by-product of 2,4,5-T, a powerful herbicide manufactured in the factory.

Monsanto product Roundup, an herbicide which Monsanto advertised as biodegradable, is still sprayed on crops by unprotected farmers in Paraguay even though Monsanto has already been convicted twice of false advertising for the product.

Robin also denounces Monsanto for not only denying that it ever heard of Agent Orange, a herbicide sprayed by the US Army on crops during the Vietnam war and which Monsanto had in fact manufactured, but also for manipulating scientific studies to hide links between Agent Orange and cancer.

According to Robin, Monsanto has bought fifty seed companies in the last year ten years. In a clip from Robin's film, physicist and ecologist Dr. Vandana warns: "Once [Monsanto has] established the norm that seed can be owned as their property (…) we will depend on them. If they control seed they control food (…). It's more powerful than bombs. This is the best way to control the populations of the world."

In a Monsanto declassified file "we can't afford to lose one dollar" even as toxicity of PCBs was discussed. This, Robin says, sums Monsanto's philosophy rather well.

Watch the full interview here: "The World According to Monsanto"
 

CONTACT: The Real News Network
Alain Latour, 416-916-5202
smcommunications@therealnews.com

NEWS: Toxic Assessment Delays Block New Standards

Toxic Assessment Delays Block New Standards
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/4279/

A House panel recently examined efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study human exposure to, and toxic effects of, common industrial chemicals. EPA is not assessing enough chemicals and is taking too long to complete the assessments it does undertake, lawmakers said. Witnesses complained that without rigorous scientific studies as a foundation, federal and state agencies cannot set air and water quality standards that protect public health.

<snip>

"The only reason to hide a discussion about science is if the discussion is actually not about science, but about other things that are being used to trump the science," Miller wrote.

Enviroinmental Sensitivites Research Institute (ESRI)

I came accross this site for the Enviroinmental Sensitivites Research Institute (ESRI) http://www.esri.org/, which on the surface appears to be intersted in researching into the cause of EI.  I checked the registrant information for the website and found that the registrant has a contact emial address from cspa.org... this site http://cspa.org/ which is clearly designed to support industry interests.  It would appear that ESRI is a front for industry, thought it appears to not be active since 2005.  MCSA has the ESRI link on our website and I will be recommending removing it as a result of this new information.
 
The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of the consumer specialty products industry – a dynamic industry that provides households, institutions, and industrial customers with products that help provide a cleaner and healthier environment. Our products include disinfectants that kill germs in homes, hospitals and restaurants … candles and fragrances that eliminate odors … pest management products for home and garden … cleaning products for use throughout the home and for automobiles … and a host of other products used everyday.
 
Founded in 1914, CSPA has fostered the growth and reputation of the specialty products industry by providing a full range of legislative, regulatory, scientific and educational support services. Today, CSPA serves approximately 250 member companies, and thousands of industry professionals volunteer their expertise on committees and participate in meetings each year.

Through product stewardship, scientific and business-to-business endeavors, CSPA strives to be a credible voice for the industry. CSPA's efforts provide mechanisms for the industry to address issues regarding the health, safety and environmental impacts of its products. 

Affiliates
Alliance for Consumer Education
Automotive Specialty Products Alliance
Compliance Assistance Group
Consumer Specialties Insurance Company
Consumer Aerosol Products Council 
Creative Services 
Product Ingredient Review Program
 
Membership

CSPA offers services to its members on a variety of different levels.

CSPA is organized into several divisions (Aerosol, Air Care, Antimicrobial Products, Cleaning Products, Industrial & Automotive Products, Pest Management Products, Polishes & Floor Maintenance), each representing a specific industry segment. They consist of companies that market consumer specialty products as well as companies that supply the materials used to produce them.

In addition, CSPA offers support to its members through its Government Affairs activities, as an information resource, for business-to-business communications, and through CSPA sponsored conferences and training seminars.

Recently, CSPA launched Product Care, a product stewardship program for members. Participation in Product Care makes a company eligible for a 10% premium credit from CSI Plus+, the CSPA sponsored insurance program available only to CSPA members. CSI Plus+ offers liability coverage for businesses in the consumer specialty products industry, including distributors. For this year, CSPA members who become CSI insureds will be offered a free meeting registration to both the 2002 Mid-Year and Annual Meetings.
 
Here's an article by the president of CSPA denouncing the damage pesticides cause and coming down on the EPA for increasing regulations.
Lourdes Salvador
www.mcs-america.org
 

Enviroinmental Sensitivites Research Institute (ESRI)

I came accross this site for the Enviroinmental Sensitivites Research Institute (ESRI) http://www.esri.org/, which on the surface appears to be intersted in researching into the cause of EI.  I checked the registrant information for the website and found that the registrant has a contact emial address from cspa.org... this site http://cspa.org/ which is clearly designed to support industry interests.  It would appear that ESRI is a front for industry, thought it appears to not be active since 2005.  MCSA has the ESRI link on our website and I will be recommending removing it as a result of this new information.
 
The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of the consumer specialty products industry – a dynamic industry that provides households, institutions, and industrial customers with products that help provide a cleaner and healthier environment. Our products include disinfectants that kill germs in homes, hospitals and restaurants … candles and fragrances that eliminate odors … pest management products for home and garden … cleaning products for use throughout the home and for automobiles … and a host of other products used everyday.
 
Founded in 1914, CSPA has fostered the growth and reputation of the specialty products industry by providing a full range of legislative, regulatory, scientific and educational support services. Today, CSPA serves approximately 250 member companies, and thousands of industry professionals volunteer their expertise on committees and participate in meetings each year.

Through product stewardship, scientific and business-to-business endeavors, CSPA strives to be a credible voice for the industry. CSPA's efforts provide mechanisms for the industry to address issues regarding the health, safety and environmental impacts of its products. 

Affiliates
Alliance for Consumer Education
Automotive Specialty Products Alliance
Compliance Assistance Group
Consumer Specialties Insurance Company
Consumer Aerosol Products Council 
Creative Services 
Product Ingredient Review Program
 
Membership

CSPA offers services to its members on a variety of different levels.

CSPA is organized into several divisions (Aerosol, Air Care, Antimicrobial Products, Cleaning Products, Industrial & Automotive Products, Pest Management Products, Polishes & Floor Maintenance), each representing a specific industry segment. They consist of companies that market consumer specialty products as well as companies that supply the materials used to produce them.

In addition, CSPA offers support to its members through its Government Affairs activities, as an information resource, for business-to-business communications, and through CSPA sponsored conferences and training seminars.

Recently, CSPA launched Product Care, a product stewardship program for members. Participation in Product Care makes a company eligible for a 10% premium credit from CSI Plus+, the CSPA sponsored insurance program available only to CSPA members. CSI Plus+ offers liability coverage for businesses in the consumer specialty products industry, including distributors. For this year, CSPA members who become CSI insureds will be offered a free meeting registration to both the 2002 Mid-Year and Annual Meetings.
 
Here's an article by the president of CSPA denouncing the damage pesticides cause and coming down on the EPA for increasing regulations.
Lourdes Salvador
www.mcs-america.org
 

IFN-gamma mediated pathways in patients with fatigue and chronic active Epstein Barr virus-infection

J Affect Disord. 2008 May;108(1-2):171-6. Epub 2007 Oct 22.Click here to read Links

IFN-gamma mediated pathways in patients with fatigue and chronic active Epstein Barr virus-infection.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/17945348

Department of General Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.

BACKGROUND: Chronic active Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-infection is characterized by mononucleosis like symptoms including fatigue, lymphadenopathy and/or hepatosplenomegaly and serologic evidence for ongoing EBV replication. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) triggers several antiviral mechanisms in target cells including the induction of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which degrades the essential amino acid tryptophan to kynurenine. Because tryptophan is a precursor of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), tryptophan depletion by IDO can cause mood disturbances in patients with chronic immune activation. METHODS: This study investigated the tryptophan metabolism in 20 patients with chronic active EBV-infection, who were followed up for 4 to 8 months and in 10 healthy age-matched controls. The clinical suspicion of chronic active EBV infection was verified by the presence of circulating antibodies against EBV early antigen (EA) and virus capsid antigen (VCA). RESULTS: Patients with detectable EBV-DNA had higher serum neopterin (p<0.01) and lower tryptophan concentrations (p=0.01) than EBV-DNA negative patients. Serum concentrations of neopterin, indicating Th-1 mediated immune activation via IFN-gamma, were positively correlated to enhanced tryptophan degradation (rs=0.650, p<0.001) in patients, but not in healthy individuals. Patients suffering from more severe symptoms (as assessed by questionnaires) tended to have aggravated tryptophan degradation. CONCLUSION: Our data show that EBV viremia is associated with cell-mediated immune activation and increased tryptophan degradation, which may partly account for the symptoms found in this disorder.

PMID: 17945348 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Friday, June 20, 2008

NEWS, Science, & Links Summary for the W/E 6/20/2008

June 20, 2008

No mandatory safety norms for toys cause for worry
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/India_Business/No_mandatory_safety_norms_for_toys_cause_for_worry_/articleshow/3146736.cms

The great pesticide debate: City committee to vote on the phasing out of
cosmetic pesticides on Wednesday
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/reallife/greenguide/story.html?id=3281fbcb-75af-4c0c-889a-2d1b12ed6d6f

Mold-Infested Home Will Get $150,000 Makeover
http://www.cbs8.com/features/special_assignment/story.php?id=131875

State, federal officials halt spraying for apple moth
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/19/BAC211C73N.DTL&tsp=1

The CDC issues a public health alert on lead in artificial turf
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2008/06/lead-in-turf.html

Chemical Fallout: A Journal Sentinel Watchdog Report
http://www.jsonline.com/index/index.aspx?id=305

June 19, 2008

KBR accused of chemical exposure
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/5847385.html

After the Flood: Preventing and Removing Mold
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/20574819.html

Competition Bureau sees red over false green claims
http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/story.html?id=04b6eaa7-6b04-4a27-ba01-3f6ae3911717

Landscaper advises you to reconsider your killer lawn
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/lifestyles/homegarden/x1470888668/Landscaper-advises-you-to-reconsider-your-killer-lawn

State files $6.5M lawsuit over school's mold contamination
http://www.nj.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-10/1213850282223400.xml&coll=1

Mold A Growing Concern
http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/20554714.html

Toxic Toy Legislation
http://www.mauiweekly.com/Malama%20Aina/story7029.aspx

June 18, 2008

Lab disinfectant harms mouse fertility
http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080618/full/453964a.

Parents sue over baby bottles
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=763763

Nurses say Ontario's pesticide ban doesn't go far enough to protect the
public's health
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2008/18/c5544.html

Worldwide allergy, asthma rates rising, report says
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080618/allergy_report_080618/20080618?hub=Health

June 17, 2008

India to ban mobile phone ads showing children, pregnant women
http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?id=21423&t=1&c=33&cg=4&mset=

Some Hormones With Your Perfumed Air?
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/air-fresheners-47061704

Beware of 'natural' cosmetics claims
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=7f72583f-3968-4255-b47b-5b52c82f5edc

Poisoned playground
http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=163548

Possible health hazards from mobile phone radiation
http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/17/stories/2008061760481100.htm

FDA to Classify Mercury Fillings by Summer 2009
http://fdanews.com/newsletter/article?issueId=11684&articleId=107723

June 16, 2008

Greenpeace publishes pesticides industry ranking
http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/press-releases2/greenpeace-publishes-pesticide

Assessing EMF Risks
http://www.eponline.com/articles/64432

FDA approves Cymbalta for fibromyalgia
http://www.prescribingreference.com/news/showNews/which/FDAApprovesCymbaltaForFibromyalgia6163/

Doctors Urge American Medical Association To Reject 'Secret Shoppers'
http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2008/6/16/Doctors-Urge-American-Medical-Association-To-Reject-Secret-Shoppers.aspx?topicID=39

MDs: Secret shoppers aren't cure
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-ama_biz_16jun16,0,7871452,print.story

Styrofoam ban makes impact
http://www.examiner.com/a-1443288~Styrofoam_ban_makes_impact.html

June 15, 2008

Health spotlight: Environmental concerns force asthmatics to pay more for
life-saving inhalers
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/6432/

Tests reveal lead in lipsticks; Health Canada says levels safe
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=590133

Tests reveal lead in lipsticks; Health Canada says levels safe
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=590133

EcoMom Alliance: For the children
http://www.startribune.com/local/west/19962324.html?page=1&c=y

Is lead linked to mental decline?
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-leadbrain08jun15,0,3574316.story

Unhealthy buzz just the beginning of turbulence over transmission line
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=a6567f12-a801-469c-8caa-5e9471c3712b

June 14, 2008

An amphibious assault
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080614.wfrogs14/BNStory/Science/home/?pageRequested=all

Letter: Don't look to the government for protection
http://campverdebugleonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&subsectionID=73&articleID=20316

Trying to make the blacktop greener
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/06/14/trying_to_make_the_blacktop_greener/?page=full

Allergies are nothing to sneeze at
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/html/20080613T210000-0500_136702_OBS_ALLERGIES_ARE_NOTHING_TO_SNEEZE_AT.asp

June 13, 2008

FDA Would Regulate BPA If Found Harmful, Official Says
http://ombwatch.org/article/blogs/entry/5113/26

Woman writes about her experience with black mold
http://www.ktbs.com/news/Woman-writes-about-her-experience-with-black-mold-13084/

Shower Curtains Can Be Toxic Says Environment Group
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/111255.php

Confirmed: New shower curtain smell is gross
http://www.enviroblog.org/2008/06/confirmed-new-shower-curtain-s.htm

FDA vs. Dentists, Dispute over the Negative Effects of Dental Filling
http://www.enews20.com/news_FDA_vs_Dentists_Dispute_over_the_Negative_Effects_of_Dental_Fillings_08644.html

Road Pollution Blamed For Higher Allergy Risk In Kids
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080613101114.htm

June 12, 2008

Gardener killed by fungus in his compost
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2116523/Gardener-killed-by-fungus-in-his-compost.html

Pesticide poisonings likely under-reported
http://healthzone.ca/health/article/444469

Chemical Law Has Global Impact
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/11/AR2008061103569.html?

Pesticides cause rainbow trout to lose sense of smell
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080613/rainbow_trout_080613/20080613?hub=SciTech

Madison Chamber fires its director; she blames mold
http://www.al.com/huntsvilletimes/stories/index.ssf?/base/business/1213262161157410.xml&coll=1

June 10, 2008

California Sues 'Natural' Companies Over Carcinogen in Soaps
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2008/2008-06-10-093.asp

June 8, 2008

Researchers Fail to Reveal Full Drug Pay
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/08/us/08conflict.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&fta=y&adxnnlx=1214028474-giNUClFps0Sxf5KS/UcN5g&pagewanted=print

June 3, 2008

FDA urged to ban 8 food dyes
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/06/03/dyes.adhd.ap/

Links

Vaccine Excipient Listing by Vaccine
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf

Truly Organic Apparel (NFI)
http://www.truly-organic.com/

Scientific Studies

Chemical respiratory allergy and occupational asthma: what are the key areas
of uncertainty?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18300327?dopt=AbstractPlus

Efficacy of Raloxifen in treatment of fibromyalgia in menopausal women.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18549938?dopt=AbstractPlus

Air pollution, cognitive deficits and brain abnormalities: A pilot study
with children and dogs.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18550243?dopt=AbstractPlus

Gender differences in the effects of organochlorines, mercury, and lead on
thyroid hormone levels in lakeside communities of Quebec (Canada).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18313043?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

[A methodology for the evaluation of the health related and environmental
characteristics of building products]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18449078?dopt=AbstractPlus

Association of Brominated Flame Retardants with Diabetes and Metabolic
syndrome in the United States Population: 2003-2004
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18559655?dopt=AbstractPlus

Lourdes Salvador
www.mcs-america.org

Disclaimer:
Articles and links are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America, Lourdes
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