Self-Assessed Physical Function Levels Of Women With Fibromyalgia A National Survey.

Womens Health Issues. 2008 Aug 22. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Self-Assessed Physical Function Levels Of Women With Fibromyalgia A National Survey.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18723374?dopt=AbstractPlus

Jones J, Rutledge DN, Jones KD, Matallana L, Rooks DS.

Health Sciences, California State University, Fullerton, California.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the self-reported physical function level of women with fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis using data from an Internet-based survey posted on the National Fibromyalgia Association website. Data used for this study included women (n = 1,735) aged 31-78 years who reported being diagnosed with FM. RESULTS: More than 25% of women reported having difficulty taking care of personal needs and bathing, and >60% reported difficulty doing light household tasks, going up/down 1 flight of stairs, walking (1/2) mile, and lifting or carrying 10 lbs. More than 90% of women reported having difficulty doing heavy household tasks, lifting or carrying 25 lbs, and doing strenuous activities. Women with lower functional ability reported higher levels of fatigue, pain, spasticity, depression, restless legs, balance problems, dizziness, fear of falling, and bladder problems. CONCLUSIONS: The average woman in this sample reported having less functional ability related to activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living than the average community-dwelling woman in her 80s. Several symptoms/conditions were found to be associated with functional limitation in women with FM. Targeting these-singly or in clusters-may potentially be important in terms of future interventions.

PMID: 18723374 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The in-home environment and household health: a cross-sectional study of informal urban settlements in northern México.

nt J Environ Res Public Health. 2005 Dec;2(3-4):394-402.
Links

The in-home environment and household health: a cross-sectional study of informal urban settlements in northern México.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16819094?dopt=AbstractPlus

Graham JP, Corella Barud V, Avitia Diaz R, Gurian P.

Division of Environmental Health Engineering, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Room E6642, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. jgraham@jhsph.edu

People living in poverty make up nearly half of the global population and a large proportion of these individuals inhabit cities, living in informal settlements. However, only limited research on in-home environmental exposures and the associated health effects in these communities is available. This research investigates the home environment in unplanned settlements of a rapidly growing city on the U.S.-México border and its impact on the health of households with children under 12 years of age. A cross-sectional design was used to assess household exposures and health outcomes at the household level. A total of 202 households were selected from two informal settlements in the peri-urban region of Ciudad Juárez, México. The following variables were significantly associated with the report of at least one household member experiencing a health outcome in a two week period. Allergies were positively associated with insecticide use inside the home (adjusted Relative Odds (RO), 2.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2-6.3). Respiratory problems were associated with households using a wood burning stove vs. a gas stove (adjusted RO, 5.64; 95% CI, 1.1-27.9). Diarrhea was negatively associated with presence of a flush toilet in the home (adjusted RO, 0.22; 95% CI,0.1-0.6). Finally, eye irritations were positively associated with indoor tobacco smoke (adjusted RO, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.1-4.5). This research highlights exposures associated with poor living conditions in informal settlements and their associations with detrimental effects on health. More efforts should be made to understand the dynamics of poor urban environments including the health effects of exposures linked with poor housing conditions.

PMID: 16819094 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Chronic fatigue syndrome with autoantibodies - The result of an augmented adjuvant effect of hepatitis-B vaccine and silicone implant.

Autoimmun Rev. 2008 Aug 22. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Chronic fatigue syndrome with autoantibodies - The result of an augmented adjuvant effect of hepatitis-B vaccine and silicone implant.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18725327?dopt=AbstractPlus

Nancy AL, Yehuda S.

Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Department of Medicine 'B', Sheba Medical Center, Israel.

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) that defines by prolonged fatigue and other manifestations, was recently integrated into a spectrum of central sensitivity syndromes including several diseases as fibromylagia. CFS etiology is multi-factorial commonly triggered by infectious agents. Vaccines, induce an immune response similarly to infections, and may trigger just like infections autoimmune diseases, CFS and fibromyalgia. Furthermore vaccines contain an adjuvant which enhances their immune stimulation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old woman was diagnosed with CFS accompanied by fibromyalgia, demyelination and autoantibodies. Her illness begun following the 2nd dose of hepatitis-B vaccine, and was aggravated by the 3rd vaccination. She underwent silicone breast implantation 6 years before vaccination with no adverse events. However, between the 2nd and 3rd vaccination she suffered a breast injury with local inflammation. Upon explanation of her breast implants silicone leak was observed. DISCUSSION: Vaccines have been reported to precede CFS mainly following exposure to multiple vaccinations (e.g. the Gulf war syndrome), or as an adverse response to the vaccine adjuvant (e.g. the macrophagic myofasciitis syndrome). Silicone is considered an adjuvant to the immune system, and may induce "the adjuvant disease". Silicone implant, especially silicone leak relationship with autoimmunity and CFS has been the focus of considerable debates. CONCLUSION: Our patient illness started following hepatitis-B vaccine, suggesting that it was caused or accelerated by vaccination. In parallel to vaccination our patient suffered from breast injury, which might represent the time of silicone leak. The exposure to the adjuvant, silicone, might have augmented her immune response to the vaccine. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of combined adverse effect to vaccine and silicone. Vaccine safety in individuals with silicone implants requires further studies.

PMID: 18725327 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Extra digestive manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome: intolerance to drugs?

Dig Dis Sci. 2008 Aug;53(8):2168-76. Epub 2007 Dec 20. Links

Extra digestive manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome: intolerance to drugs?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18095162?dopt=AbstractPlus

Poitras P, Gougeon A, Binn M, Bouin M.

Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal-Hôpital Saint-Luc, Montréal, Québec, Canada. pierre.poitras@sympatico.ca

Patients with IBS frequently complain of medication side effects. The goals of this study were to assess the prevalence of drug intolerance as an extra GI manifestation in patients with IBS and to verify the association between drug intolerance and psychological comorbidity. Female patients followed in a tertiary care center completed questionnaires assessing the presence of drug intolerance as well as somatic and psychological extra GI conditions. IBS patients (Rome II criteria; n = 71) were compared to inflammatory bowel disease patients (IBD; n = 96) or to healthy controls (HC; n = 67). The relationship to psychological comorbidity was verified in two different paradigms: (1) by looking at the statistical correlation between drug intolerance and the psychological extra GI symptoms in our IBS patients, and (2) by comparing in a meta-analysis the side effects to placebo (the nocebo effect is presumably increased due to hypervigilance or amplification in psychological disorders) in IBS patients or in patients with comparable medical conditions included in various drug trials approved by Health Canada. Our results show that prevalence of drug intolerance was significantly more elevated in IBS (41% patients) than in HC (7%) or in IBD (27%); somatic and psychological extra GI symptoms were also markedly increased in IBS. In addition, drug intolerance in our IBS patients was significantly associated with somatic comorbidities such as fatigue or multiple symptoms (P < 0.001), but not with psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, mood instability, or sleep disorder. A meta-analysis revealed that the nocebo effect was not different in patients with IBS than in control patients. In conclusion, drug intolerance is a frequent extra GI manifestation of IBS that is not associated with psychological comorbidity; thus, a somatic origin must be explored.

PMID: 18095162 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The Influence of the Call with a Mobile Phone on Heart Rate Variability Parameters in Healthy Volunteers

The Influence of the Call with a Mobile Phone on Heart Rate Variability Parameters in Healthy Volunteers
http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/indhealth/46/4/46_409/_article

Rszard ANDRZEJAK1), Rafal POREBA1), Malgorzata POREBA2), Arkadiusz DERKACZ1), Robert SKALIK3), Pawel GAC1), Boguslaw BECK1), Aleksandra STEINMETZ-BECK1) and Witold PILECKI2)

1) Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Disease and Hypertension, Wroclaw Medical University
2) Department of Pathophysiology, Wroclaw Medical University
3) Department of Physiology, Wroclaw Medical University

(Received May 11, 2007)
(Accepted April 8, 2008)

Abstract: It is possible that electromagnetic field (EMF) generated by mobile phones (MP) may have an influence on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and modulates the function of circulatory system. The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of the call with a mobile phone on heart rate variability (HRV) in young healthy people.

The time and frequency domain HRV analyses were performed to assess the changes in sympathovagal balance in a group of 32 healthy students with normal electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram at rest.

The frequency domain variables were computed: ultra low frequency (ULF) power, very low frequency (VLF) power, low frequency (LF) power, high frequency (HF) power and LF/HF ratio was determined. ECG Holter monitoring was recorded in standardized conditions: from 08:00 to 09:00 in the morning in a sitting position, within 20 min periods: before the telephone call (period I), during the call with use of mobile phone (period II), and after the telephone call (period III).

During 20 min call with a mobile phone time domain parameters such as standard deviation of all normal sinus RR intervals (SDNN [ms] - period I: 73.94±25.02, period II: 91.63±35.99, period III: 75.06±27.62; I-II: p<0.05, II-III: p<0.05) and standard deviation of the averaged normal sinus RR intervals for all 5-mm segments (SDANN [ms] - period I: 47.78±22.69, period II: 60.72±27.55, period III: 47.12±23.21; I-II: p<0.05, II-III: p<0.05) were significantly increased.

As well as very low frequency (VLF [ms2] - period I: 456.62±214.13, period II: 566.84±216.99, period III: 477.43±203.94; I-II: p<0.05), low frequency (LF [ms2] - period I: 607.97±201.33, period II: 758.28±307.90, period III: 627.09±220.33; I-II: p<0.01, II-III: p<0.05) and high frequency (HF [ms2] - period I: 538.44±290.63, period II: 730.31±445.78, period III: 590.94±301.64; I-II: p<0.05) components were the highest and the LF/HF ratio (period I: 1.48±0.38, period II: 1.16±0.35, period III: 1.46±0.40; I-II: p<0.05, II-III: p<0.05) was the lowest during a call with a mobile phone.

The tone of the parasympathetic system measured indirectly by analysis of heart rate variability was increased while sympathetic tone was lowered during the call with use of a mobile phone.

It was shown that the call with a mobile phone may change the autonomic balance in healthy subjects. Changes in heart rate variability during the call with a mobile phone could be affected by electromagnetic field but the influence of speaking cannot be excluded.

Full Text at: http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/indhealth/46/4/409/_pdf

Ky words: Mobile phone, Heart rate variability (HRV), Electromagnetic field (EMF), Holter monitoring, Autonomic function

Fragranced consumer products and undisclosed ingredients.

Researcher Anne Stienemann found hundreds of unlabeled toxic and carcinogenic chemicals in 6 common laundry products and air fresheners. These products emit some substances listed on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) list for chemicals with no safe exposure. As such they may lead to multiple chemical sensitivity, environmental illness, asthma, and other illnesses.

The full study may be read at the link below:

Steinemann AC. Fragranced consumer products and undisclosed ingredients. Environ Impact Asses Rev (2008), doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2008.05.002.

http://www.ce.washington.edu/people/faculty/bios/documents/Steinemann2008.pdf

MCS as a biological Illness

Letter to Doctors and Medical Boards Supporting Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) as a biological Illness (fully cited and scientifically supported)

Website: http://mcs-america.org/MCSPositionStatement.htm

PDF: http://mcs-america.org/MCSPositionStatement.pdf

*This work is copyrighted. Permission granted for personal use in activism provided that original copyright and authorship are maintained. For permission to reprint, mail mailto:admin@mcs-america.org?subject=Position%20Statement.

National and State MCS Support Forums

There are many online list serves and forums for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), Environmental Illness and Detoxification. Each forum has a unique flavor and list purpose. Some focus on specific issues, while others are open to varied aspects of chronic illness. A listing of forums may be found here.

http://mcs-america.org/index_files/Forums.htm

Holistic Dentist Referral List by State

Dental care is often challenging for individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Dental materials may cause reactions and should be tested for biocompatibility prior to use. A holistic dentist Is generally more familiar with the needs of individuals with MCS. Some of the dentists on this list are specifically familiar with MCS, others are not. It is recommended that patients and dentists consult with one another prior to beginning any treatment to ensure understanding of the patient's needs and compatibility of patient and dentist.

http://mcs-america.org/dentistlist.pdf

MCS Physician Referral List by State

Physician Referral List by State

Proper medical care is most crucial to recovery for individuals with MCS. Some of the physicians on this list specialize in MCS, others in FM and CFS. It is recommended that patients and doctors consult with one another prior to beginning any treatment to ensure understanding of the patient's needs and compatibility of patient and dentist.

http://mcs-america.org/doctorlist.pdf

MCS Housing Resource List

MCS Housing Resource List

Environmentally Safer Housing
Safer Building & Regulations
Builders and Building Material Suppliers
Other Resources

Free Resource List at: http://mcs-america.org/ReferencesandResources.htm

Disclaimer:
This site is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace the examination, diagnosis and treatment of a licensed physician and no such claims are inferred. MCS America will not be responsible for misuse of this information or the misuse of any information provided by it's member organizations. Articles, citations, links and information are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America and printing does not constitute MCS America's endorsement.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), Environmental Sensitivities (ES), Electrical Hyper-Sensitivities (EHS) and Housing

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), Environmental Sensitivities (ES), Electrical Hyper-Sensitivities (EHS) and Housing
http://mcs-america.org/index_files/MCShousing.htm

Section One:
Background

Section Two:
Recommended transitional housing supports for people living with MCS/ES/EHS

Section Three:
Recommendations for safe new developments or retrofits

Section Four:
Individual Unit recommendations

Section Five:
Recommendations for creating the ideal inclusive community environment

References and Resources

Compiled by Linda Sepp
Urbanfengshui @ hotmail.com

Special thanks to AEHA/EHAO, AEHA's Toronto members, Stephen Collette, Jan Bangle,
Lourdes Salvador, and the entire MCS/ES community

Full Text: http://mcs-america.org/index_files/MCShousing.htm

Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

Nerve function and dysfunction in acute intermittent porphyria

Brain Advance Access originally published online on July 17, 2008 Brain 2008 131(9):2510-2519; doi:10.1093/brain/awn152

Nerve function and dysfunction in acute intermittent porphyria
http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/131/9/2510

Cindy S.-Y. Lin1,2,3, Arun V. Krishnan1,2, Ming-Jen Lee4, Alessandro S. Zagami1, Hui-Ling You4, Chih-Chao Yang4, Hugh Bostock5 and Matthew C. Kiernan1,2

1Prince of Wales Clinical School, 2Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, 3School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 4Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan and 5Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, UK

Correspondence to: Matthew C. Kiernan, Associate Professor, Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia E-mail: m.kiernan@unsw.edu.au

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare metabolic disorder characterized by mutations of the porphobilinogen deaminase gene. Clinical manifestations of AIP are caused by the neurotoxic effects of increased porphyrin precursors, although the underlying pathophysiology of porphyric neuropathy remains unclear. To further investigate the neurotoxic effect of porphyrins, excitability measurements (stimulus-response, threshold electrotonus, current–threshold relationship and recovery cycle) of peripheral motor axons were undertaken in 20 AIP subjects combined with the results of genetic screening, biochemical and conventional nerve conduction studies. Compared with controls, excitability measurements from five latent AIP patients were normal, while 13 patients who experienced acute porphyric episodes without clinical neuropathy (AIPWN) showed clear differences in their responses to hyperpolarizing currents (e.g. reduced hyperpolarizing I/V slope, P <>

Key Words: porphyria; haem; nerve excitability; inward rectification (IH); ischaemia

Abbreviations: AIPWN, acute intermittent porphyria without neuropathy; AIPN, acute intermittent prophyric neuropathy; ALA, -aminolevulanic acid; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; APB, abductor pollicis brevis; CMAP, compound muscle action potential; Cr, creatinine; GBS, Guillain Barré syndrome; GH, inward rectifying conductance; HMBS, hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene; IH, hyperpolarizing activated conductance/inward rectification; PBGD, porphobilinogen deaminase; PN, porphyric neuropathy; TA, tibialis anterior; TE, threshold electrotonus

Received November 26, 2007. Revised May 8, 2008. Accepted June 20, 2008.

NEWSLETTER: MCS America News - September 2008

MCSA NEWS
September 2008, Volume 3, Issue 9

Exclusive Housing Edition!

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/september2008.pdf (View, Download, and Print)
NEW! Entire Online Edition: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsseptember2008.htm (View as a Webpage)

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

Chemical Free Housing, A "Lifeline" to Many
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg1234.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_Chemical_Free_Housing

Healthy Housing Resources for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg567.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_Healthy_Housing_Resources


A Proposal to the City of Toronto
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Environmental Sensitivities, Electrical Hyper-Sensitivities, and Housing
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg891011121314151617.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_A_Proposal_to


MCS Homebuyer's Questionnaire
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg18192021222324.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_MCS_Homebuyer

MCS Housing Resources
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg2526.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_MCS_Housing_Resources

MCS, Health, and Air Quality
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg2728.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_MCS,_Health,_and

Is Your Home Cleanser Toxic?
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg29.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_Is_Your_Home

The Effects of Heating and Cooking in the Home
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg3031.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_Scientific_Study_The

Scientists Say Household Mold Harms Respiratory Health
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg32.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_Scientists_Say_Household

Funding Approval for Safe Housing Ottawa Inc
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg3334.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_Funding_Approved_for

Patient Support and Resources
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg3536373839.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_Patient_Support_and_

MCS Community News
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg40.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_MCS_Community_News_

Featured Research Studies
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/September2008pg414243.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsSeptember2008.htm#_Featured_MCS_Research

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

admin@mcs-america.org

Copyrighted © 2008 MCS America

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) - Refuting the Skeptics

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) - Refuting the Skeptics
http://www.sylvane.com/blog/multiple-chemical-sensitivity-skeptics/

Even though millions of people are sensitive to certain chemicals, some members of the medical establishment have long viewed multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) with skepticism.

At a physicians’ conference last year, one immunologist told me that MCS is “all in their heads.”

At the same conference, another physician told me that he has suffered from MCS ever since medical school, when he was exposed to high levels of formaldehyde during dissections.

I know that MCS exists because I have suffered from it.

Entire Article at http://www.sylvane.com/blog/multiple-chemical-sensitivity-skeptics/

Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

Ascorbic acid combats arsenic-induced oxidative stress in mice liver.

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2008 Aug 18. [Epub ahead of print]

Ascorbic acid combats arsenic-induced oxidative stress in mice liver.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18715643?dopt=AbstractPlus
Banerjee P, Bhattacharyya SS, Bhattacharjee N, Pathak S, Boujedaini N, Belon P, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741235, West Bengal, India.
Repeated injections of arsenic trioxide induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in mice as revealed from elevated levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases, glutamate pyruvate transaminases, acid and alkaline phosphatases, lipid peroxidation along with reduction of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione content, glutathione reductase and succinate dehydrogenase activities. The present investigation was undertaken to test whether simultaneous feeding of Vitamin-C can combat hepatotoxicity in arsenic intoxicated mice. Hepatoprotective potential of Vitamin-C was indicated by its ability to restore GSH, SOD, CAT, AcP, AlkP and GRD levels towards near normal. Electron microscopic studies further supported the biochemical findings confirming the hepatoprotective potential of ascorbic acid. Besides, cytogenetical endpoints (chromosome aberrations, micronuclei, mitotic index and sperm head anomaly) were also analyzed. Administration of Vitamin-C alone did not show any sign of toxicity of its own. Based on the present findings, ascorbic acid appears to have protective effects against arsenic toxicity and oxidative stress.

PMID: 18715643 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2008 Jul;81(7):881-7. Epub 2007 Dec 6.

Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2008 Jul;81(7):881-7. Epub 2007 Dec 6.

Prevalence of self-reported symptoms and consequences related to inhalation of airborne chemicals in a Danish general population.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18058120?dopt=AbstractPlus
Berg ND, Linneberg A, Dirksen A, Elberling J.

The Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Ledreborg Allé 40, 2.th, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark. nidrbe01@geh.regionh.dk
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and consequences of self-reported symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals in a Danish general population. METHODS: A random sample of 18-69-year-old individuals (n = 6,000) was drawn from the Danish Civil Registration System. A questionnaire on self-reported symptoms related to inhalation of 11 categories of airborne chemicals was mailed to the population. Respondents who reported symptoms received an additional questionnaire to verify the reported symptoms and to characterise factors related to the initial onset of symptoms. RESULTS: The response rate to the primary questionnaire was 71%. A total of 1,134 individuals (27%, 95% CI 25-28) reported symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals, 141 individuals (3.3%, 95% CI 2.8-3.9) reported adjustments of social life or occupational conditions due to symptoms, whereas 20 individuals (0.5%, 95% CI 0.3-0.7) had made adjustments of both social life and occupational conditions. Women reported more exposures as annoying than men and had more symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals (P < 0.001). However, sex had no effect on the reporting of adjustments of social life or occupational conditions (P = 0.54). CONCLUSION: Symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals were common in this general population, and a minority reported that these symptoms affected social life or occupational conditions. Women as compared to men reported more symptoms but not adjustments of social life or occupational conditions.
PMID: 18058120 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]__._,_.___

Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

Is Dietary Mercury of Neurotoxicological Concern to Wild Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus)?

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2008 Aug 21:1. [Epub ahead of print]

Is Dietary Mercury of Neurotoxicological Concern to Wild Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus)?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18717617?dopt=AbstractPlus

Basu N, Scheuhammer AM, Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Born EW, Dietz R.

Polar bears are exposed to high concentrations of mercury because they are apex predators in the Arctic ecosystem. While mercury is a potent neurotoxic heavy metal, it is not known whether current exposures are of neurotoxicological concern to polar bears. We tested the hypotheses that: 1) polar bears accumulate levels of mercury in their brains that exceed the estimated lowest observable adverse effect level (20 microg/g dry weight, d.w.) for mammalian wildlife; and 2) such exposures are associated with subtle neurological damage, as determined by measuring neurochemical biomarkers previously shown to be disrupted by mercury in other high-trophic wildlife. Brain stem (medulla oblongata) tissues from 82 polar bears subsistence hunted in East Greenland were studied. Despite surprisingly low levels of mercury in the brain stem region (total mercury = 0.36 +/- 0.12 microg/g d.w.), a significant negative correlation was measured between N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor levels and both total mercury (r = -0.34, p < 0.01) and methylmercury (r = -0.89, p < 0.05). There were no relationships among mercury, selenium, and several other neurochemical biomarkers (dopamine-2, GABA-A, muscarinic cholinergic, nicotinic cholinergic receptors; cholinesterase, monoamine oxidase enzymes). These data show that East Greenland polar bears do not accumulate high levels of mercury in their brain stems. However, decreased levels of NMDA receptors may be one of the most sensitive indicators of mercury's sub-clinical and early effects.

PMID: 18717617 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Structural equation analysis of the causal relationship between health and perceived indoor environment.

Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2008 May;81(6):769-76. Epub 2007 Oct 5. Links

Structural equation analysis of the causal relationship between health and perceived indoor environment.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17917740?dopt=AbstractPlus

Brauer C, Budtz-Jørgensen E, Mikkelsen S.

Department of Occupational Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark. chabra01@glo.regionh.dk

OBJECTIVES: To explore the temporal relationship and reversed effects between health and perception of the indoor environment using structural equation models. METHODS: The study was a two-phase prospective questionnaire study with a cross-lagged design. Altogether 1,740 adults participated on both occasions. RESULTS: The perceived indoor environment had only weak effects on health at follow-up. However, the results strongly indicated a reversed effect that health problems may lead to increased complaints about the indoor environment. CONCLUSIONS: Structural equation models are powerful analytical tools for disentangling the effects of a specific variable on another in high dimensional data with complex patterns of associations. The analyses confirmed the results of our previous logistic regression analysis about the strong reversed effect. Hence, it is probable that a reversed effect between health and complaints about the indoor environment exists.

PMID: 17917740 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Atopy, symptoms and indoor environmental perceptions, tear film stability, nasal patency and lavage biomarkers in university staff.

Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2008 Jul;81(7):861-72. Epub 2007 Dec 8. Links

Atopy, symptoms and indoor environmental perceptions, tear film stability, nasal patency and lavage biomarkers in university staff.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18066577?dopt=AbstractPlus

Bakke JV, Wieslander G, Norbäck D, Moen BE.

Section for Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, 5018 Bergen, Norway. jan.bakke@atil.no

OBJECTIVE: Study associations between airway symptoms, complaints on environmental perceptions, atopy definitions and biomarkers including tear film stability (BUT), nasal patency and nasal lavage (NAL). Personal predictors (gender, age, smoking, infections) for the biomarkers as well as associations between the biomarkers were also assessed. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 173 employees in four university buildings, response rate 86%. Tear film break up time (BUT) was measured by a non-invasive method (NIBUT) and self-reported (SBUT). NAL-analysis included eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme and albumin. Total serum IgE, and specific IgE using Phadiatop was measured. Data on subjective symptoms, environmental perceptions and background data were collected by use of a questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: Mean age was 43 years, 21% had weekly ocular, 21% nasal, and 17% laryngeal symptoms. Women had more complaints on environmental perceptions, shorter BUT and less nasal patency. Neither atopy (Phadiatop) nor Total IgE or allergy in the family, but asthma and hay fever was associated with mucosal symptoms or perceptions. Subjects with positive Phadiatop had higher levels of all NAL-biomarkers. Those with ocular symptoms had shorter BUT. Nasal symptoms were related to respiratory infections and laryngeal symptoms to NAL-lysozyme. Perceiving dry air was associated with lower BUT and reduced nasal volume difference before and after decongestion. Older subjects had greater nasal patency, and less atopy. All NAL-biomarkers were positively correlated. Higher lysozyme level was associated with less nasal patency and greater nasal decongestion. CONCLUSIONS: BUT and NAL-lysozyme was associated with ocular, nasal, laryngeal symptoms and indoor environmental perceptions. Ever having had asthma and ever having had hay fever were predictors for symptoms and perceived air quality, respectively. Phadiatop, Total IgE, familiar allergy and ever eczema were not associated to symptoms or perceived environments. Age, gender and Phadiatop were main predictors for ocular and nasal biomarkers.

PMID: 18066577 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Neurodevelopmental toxicity of methylmercury: Laboratory animal data and their contribution to human risk assessment.

Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2008 Jul;51(2):215-29. Epub 2008 Mar 25. Links

Neurodevelopmental toxicity of methylmercury: Laboratory animal data and their contribution to human risk assessment.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18482784?dopt=AbstractPlus

Castoldi AF, Onishchenko N, Johansson C, Coccini T, Roda E, Vahter M, Ceccatelli S, Manzo L.

Toxicology Division, University of Pavia, Via Palestro 26, 27100 Pavia, Italy. anna.castoldi@fsm.it

Methylmercury (MeHg) is one of the most significant public health hazards. The clinical findings in the victims of the Japanese and Iraqi outbreaks have disclosed the pronounced susceptibility of the developing brain to MeHg poisoning. This notion has triggered worldwide scientific attention toward the long-term consequences of prenatal exposure on child development in communities with chronic low level dietary exposure. MeHg neurodevelopmental effects have been extensively investigated in laboratory animals under well-controlled exposure conditions. This article provides an updated overview of the main neuromorphological and neurobehavioral changes reported in non-human primates and rodents following developmental exposure to MeHg. Different aspects of MeHg's effects on the immature organism are reported, with particular reference to the delayed onset of symptoms and the persistency of central nervous system (CNS) injury/dysfunction. Particular attention is paid to the comparative toxicity assessment across species, and to the degree of concordance/discordance between human and animal data. The contribution of animal studies to define the role of potential effect modifiers and variables on MeHg dose-response relationships is also addressed. The ultimate goal is to discuss the relevance of laboratory animal results, as a complementary tool to human data, with regard to the human risk assessment process.

PMID: 18482784 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Etiology of fibromyalgia: The possible role of infection and vaccination.

Autoimmun Rev. 2008 Aug 12. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Etiology of fibromyalgia: The possible role of infection and vaccination.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18706528?dopt=AbstractPlus

Buskila D, Atzeni F, Sarzi-Puttini P.

Department of Internal Medicine H, Soroka Medical Center, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a condition characterized by widespread pain and diffuse tenderness, is considered a multifactorial disorder. FMS is now recognized as one of the "central" pain syndromes. Environmental and genetic factors play a role in the pathogenesis of FMS. Various triggers including trauma and stress as well as infections, may precipitate the development of FMS. Certain infections including hepatitis C virus, HIV and Lyme disease have been temporally associated with the development of FMS. There is some evidence for the possible role of vaccinations in triggering the development of FMS and related syndromes, however this association remains to be established.

PMID: 18706528 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The crucial protective role of glutathione against tienilic acid hepatotoxicity in rats.

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2008 Jul 22. [Epub ahead of print] Links

The crucial protective role of glutathione against tienilic acid hepatotoxicity in rats.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18708081?dopt=AbstractPlus

Nishiya T, Mori K, Hattori C, Kai K, Kataoka H, Masubuchi N, Jindo T, Manabe S.

Medicinal Safety Research Laboratories, DAIICHI SANKYO CO., LTD., 16-13, Kita-Kasai 1-Chome, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 134-8630, Japan.

To investigate the hepatotoxic potential of tienilic acid in vivo, we administered a single oral dose of tienilic acid to Sprague-Dawley rats and performed general clinicopathological examinations and hepatic gene expression analysis using Affymetrix microarrays. No change in the serum transaminases was noted at up to 1000 mg/kg, although slight elevation of the serum bile acid and bilirubin, and very mild hepatotoxic changes in morphology were observed. In contrast to the marginal clinicopathological changes, marked upregulation of the genes involved in glutathione biosynthesis [glutathione synthetase and glutamate-cysteine ligase (Gcl)], oxidative stress response [heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1] and phase II drug metabolism (glutathione S-transferase and UDP glycosyltransferase 1A6) were noted after 3 or 6 h post-dosing. The hepatic reduced glutathione level decreased at 3-6 h, and then increased at 24 or 48 h, indicating that the upregulation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-regulated gene and the late increase in hepatic glutathione are protective responses against the oxidative and/or electrophilic stresses caused by tienilic acid. In a subsequent experiment, tienilic acid in combination with l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of Gcl caused marked elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with extensive centrilobular hepatocyte necrosis, whereas BSO alone showed no hepatotoxicity. The elevation of ALT by this combination was observed at the same dose levels of tienilic acid as the upregulation of the Nrf2-regulated genes by tienilic acid alone. In conclusion, these results suggest that the impairment of glutathione biosynthesis may play a critical role in the development of tienilic acid hepatotoxicity through extensive oxidative and/or electrophilic stresses.

PMID: 18708081 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

NEWS: Court Rules for Clean Air, Reverses Bush Administration Rollback

Court Rules for Clean Air, Reverses Bush Administration Rollback

http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=67401.0

In Sierra Club vs. Environmental Protection Agency, the DC Circuit Court today struck down a Bush administration rule limiting states' ability to enforce the Clean Air Act. The rule blocked states from issuing their own air monitoring requirements for soot, smog, mercury and other types of air pollution from power plants, factories and other stationary sources. As a result states were forced to abide by the lax federal standards, which required virtually no monitoring of dangerous air pollution.

<snip>

Housing and health: intersection of poverty and environmental exposures.

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008;1136:276-88. Links

Housing and health: intersection of poverty and environmental exposures.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18579887?dopt=AbstractPlus

Rauh VA, Landrigan PJ, Claudio L.

Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Ave., B-2, New York, NY 10032, USA. var1@columbia.edu

The importance of adequate housing for the maintenance of health and well-being has long been a topic of scientific and public health policy discussion, but the links remain elusive. Here we explore the role of the residential environment in the etiology of illness (specifically asthma) and the persistence of socioeconomic health disparities. Housing conditions, shaped by social forces, affect exposure to physical and chemical "toxicants," thereby translating social adversities into individual illness and population health disparities. We discuss the mediating role of housing in determining health outcomes at multiple levels (social-structural, neighborhood, and individual family). To date, little attention has been paid by most environmental health scientists to the social-structural conditions underlying gross inequities in the distribution of toxic exposures, with even less attention to the processes whereby these social conditions may directly affect susceptibility to the toxic exposures themselves. This chapter goes beyond traditional medical and environmental science models to incorporate a range of social and physical determinants of environmental pollutions, illustrating how these conditions result in health and illness. We focus here on childhood asthma as an example of a serious public health problem that has been associated with low income, minority status, and characteristics of the home environment. We end the chapter with a discussion of the environmental justice movement and the role of housing as a potential agent of change and focus of interventions aimed to reduce the harmful effects of environmental pollutants.

PMID: 18579887 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

ACTION: Public Comment Needed by Monday, August 18, 2008: MCS Eliminated from the ADA

Public Comment Needed by Monday, August 18, 2008: Chemical Sensitivity Omitted from Americans with Disabilities Act Proposed Regs

http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/?p=417

(Beyond Pesticides, August 15, 2008)


With a public comment period that ends Monday, August 18, 2008, the U.S. Department of Justice, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division proposes rulemaking that fails to recognize chemical sensitivity (CS) and environmental illnesses as disabilities that may require specific access standards. In a public comment to be submitted next week, Beyond Pesticides urges the Justice Department to specifically include access requirements for those with CS and environmental illnesses in its rulemaking. The organization is urging the public to send comments as well, and invites sign-ons to the Beyond Pesticides' comment.


The comment says, "The proposed rule errs in omitting environmental illness and chemical sensitivity with a justification that people with the illness may have a "sensitivity [that does] not rise to the level needed to constitute a disability." This statement is false and out of step with environmental medicine which diagnoses CS as a chemical-induced illness from which patients suffer with debilitating effects. Similar to other disabilities, a diagnosis reflects a finding that patients cannot function as a result of exposure to neurotoxic chemicals. Eliminating the chemical exposure substantially increases their ability to function and lead normal lives."

The comment continues, "As an organization whose primary focus is pesticides, Beyond Pesticides is in contact with people who are chemically sensitive and are exposed to pesticides, thus substantially limiting their life activities on a regular basis. These are people whose disability is not well understood or accepted by the general public, which is uninformed about the illness. In conveying their concerns to neighbors, employers or landlords they often receive ridicule instead of respect and accommodation. Without mentioning in the text of the accessibility standards of the ADA that those with chemical sensitivities are indeed protected when life activities are substantially limited and that they have specific access requirements, people with CS often cannot get their needs addressed without individual lawsuits to prove their disability. This becomes a burden and barrier to protection."

The comment points to a 1992 memorandum issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that recognizes CS and environmental illness as a "handicap," with all the protections afforded those disabled by this illness. The comment reads, "In a 1992 memorandum entitled "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder and Environmental Illness as Handicaps," the Office of General Counsel in the Department of Housing and Urban Development clearly defines MCS and environmental illness as "handicaps" within the meaning of subsection 802(h) of the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 3602(h), and the Department's implementing regulations, 24 C.F.R. Section 100.201 (1991)." Rather than equivocate on this debilitating condition, protection should be ensured under the proposed rulemaking beyond one's place of residence."

Beyond Pesticides' comment includes the story and recommendation of a former physical education teacher and coach in Kansas who writes:

With proper accommodation, I would still be teaching and coaching today! Officially recognizing not only the life-changing severity of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, but also the value of "avoidance" in treating it would help building administrators understand how to keep employees with this disability on the job. I have many friends who are also disabled by MCS. Not one of them wanted to quit their job! But lack of accommodation caused their illness to progress to the point where they could no longer work. MCS takes a huge toll on individual lives and results in unnecessary loss of productivity. I urge you to officially recognize Multiple Chemical Sensitivity/Environmental Illness as a disability requiring accommodation for accessibility. The chemical barriers that prevent those with MCS from entering buildings are every bit as limiting as lack of a ramp would be to someone in a wheelchair. Those with MCS deserve the same rights as other citizens. Recognizing MCS as a "qualified disability" would go a long way toward achieving equal access for everyone!

Beyond Pesticides suggests that the rulemaking include the following language: "Integrated pest management (IPM) practices to protect those disabled with chemical sensitivity (CS) or environmental illnesses and ensure access are required in public facilities or properties to include the following practices: identification of pests and conditions that attract pests; prevention techniques, such as sanitation, vacuuming, structural repair and sealing; monitoring; education and training; approved least toxic chemicals whose use does not, by virtue of its neurotoxic or other properties, impair the abilities of those with CS; and pre-notification and posting of chemical use."

The full text of Beyond Pesticides' comment can be seen here. Thanks to Mary Lamielle of the National Center for Environmental Health Strategies for alerting us to the comment period. Read her comments here.

TAKE ACTION: Access the Federal Register and submit comments electronically here. Click on the yellow dialogue bubble that says "add comments." If you would like to sign on to Beyond Pesticides' comment, please contact Natalie Lounsbury, nlounsbury@beyondpesticides.org, 202-543-5450, by 3:00pm (EDT) on Monday, August 18, 2008.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 15th, 2008 at 12:43 am and is filed under Announcements, MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity). You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

NEWS, Science, & Links Summary for the W/E 8/15/2008

Augutst 15, 2008

Psychologists determine what it means to think 'green'
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/environment/2008-08-13-green-psychology_N.htm

Sex Hormone Sprays Halted over Cities But.
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/SHSHOCB.php

August 14, 2008

Product Safety Law Signed Today Bans Toxic Toys
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2008/2008-08-14-093.asp

"Going Green" When Cleaning Clothes
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/14/cleangreen/main4350297.shtml

ESL - the newest, greenest light bulb around
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/08/esl_the_newest.php

Are Energy-saving Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Causing
Headaches?
http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Family_Health_210/Are_Energy-saving_Compact_Fluorescent_Light_Bulbs_Causing_Headaches.shtml

The Going Gets Tough for Organic
http://www.ewg.org/node/27018

Thomas D. Williams: The Depleted Uranium Threat
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0808/S00179.htm

Bush signs bill banning lead from children's toys
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080814/lead_ban_080814/20080814?hub=Health

'Toxic Tour' takes in Los Angeles' dirty little secrets
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gurOYnMTdnTxJjCaT0rNbM5cI5NA

Agent Orange linked to high cancer risk
http://www.azcentral.com/community/westvalley/articles/2008/08/13/20080813gl-nwvchamber0813.html

August 13, 2008

Sick Building Syndrome: Healing Health Facilities
http://www.businessweek.com/print/innovate/content/aug2008/id20080813_845797.htm

How to Reduce BPA Exposure
http://www.ewg.org/node/27009

CMA report: 21,000 will die from pollution in 2008
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080813/smog_report_080813/20080813/?hub=TorontoNewHome

There's no junk science in pesticide regulation
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2008/08/13/there-s-no-junk-science-in-pesticide-regulation.aspx

Australian artist in New York offers remedies on environment
http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=15232862

Sierra Club to test hair for mercury during art fair
http://www.kentucky.com/211/story/489260.html

Pesticides: What you need to know
http://www.easttexasreview.com/story.htm?StoryID=5679

Parents to conduct own EMF readings
http://www.canada.com/deltaoptimist/news/story.html?id=7378967c-bb75-4f54-9d0f-01dbe1919928

Malibu dentist aims to ban mercury amalgam fillings
http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2008/08/13/news/news2.txt

Population Bomb Author's Fix For Next Extinction: Educate Women
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=sixth-extinction

August 12, 2008

Is your home damaging your health?
http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=612449

Berkeley Scientists: World In 'Mass Extinction Spasm'
http://www.nbc11.com/news/17171725/detail.html

Away With Weeds: Synthetic vs. Non-Toxic Weed Control
http://www.telluridewatch.com/pages/full_story?article-Away-With-Weeds-Synthetic-vs-Non-Toxic-Weed-Control%20=&page_label=news&id=178030-Away-With-Weeds-Synthetic-vs-Non-Toxic-Weed-Control&widget=push&instance=secondary_stories_left_column&open=&

Eco-labels on food can cook up confusion
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080812/LIVING/808120303/1032

Micro loans help pay for controversial autism treatments
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/tuncan-autism-treatment-2121310-treatments-pay

Bernie Mac's death puts sarcoidosis in spotlight
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/health/chi-sarcoidosisaug12,0,5966562.story

August 11, 2008

Prescriptions for Health, the Environmental Kind
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/12/health/12clin.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=science&adxnnlx=1218564993-1fEQf4nvySM6bfvFJ4OcFg

Dialing up cancer?
http://www.cadillacnews.com/story_news/?story_id=374940&year=2008

What's in a fragrance? Labels aren't required to say
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/chrongreen/detail?&entry_id=28990

Children's sunscreens may not be effective
http://healthzone.ca/health/article/475813

Dow's Dioxins: Saga of pollution, politics, and struggle over cleanup has
nationwide implications
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/coverstory/86/8632cover.html

August 10, 2008

Calif. lawmakers weigh ban on chemical found in baby bottles, although
danger is in dispute
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ats-ap-bisphenol-banaug10,0,4397098.story

Mold forces family out of Bradley Beach home
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080810/NEWS01/808100410/1004

August 9, 2008

Eleven fall ill after bug spray incident at Pearson
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080809/bug_spray_incident_080908/20080809/?hub=TorontoNewHome

Local fibromyalgia support groups are hard to find
http://www.independentmail.com/news/2008/aug/09/local-fibromyalgia-support-groups-are-hard-find/

Our chemical paranoia
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=26e9ec42-2d45-4f43-a67d-ba4a2452870a

Lawyer threatens suit over 'very sick' Broward County Courthouse
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flbcourt0809sbaug09,0,4563742.story

Inhalational Diesel Exhaust Exposure in Submariners: Observational Study
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1516570/inhalational_diesel_exhaust_exposure_in_submariners_observational_study/

No matter what flame retardant is used, it shows up in the environment
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080809.ZOE09/TPStory/Environment

Energy-saving light bulbs carry risk
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/93203.php

August 8, 2008

Chemicals are placing our food supplies at great risk
http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_10130946

Family: Prison Worker's Death was Caused by Toxic Dust
http://www.abcnews.go.com/print?id=5540890

An invisible illness: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://www.thesuburbanite.com/communities/x907752099/An-invisible-illness-Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome

New clinic, doctor for Anniston PCB child victims
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20080808/APN/808080927

Scented consumer products contain undisclosed toxic compounds: study
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/08/08/fragrance-study.html

And another thing ... Getting on a soapbox
http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19900115&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=635533&rfi=6

Levels of scents in breast milk related to women's product use
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/35041/title/Perfumed_mother's_milk

July 31, 2008

In Retreat: Don't give government's "susceptible subset" strategy a chance.
http://spectrumpublications.com/index.php/component/option,com_mojo/Itemid,/p,24

Links

AAEM Statement: Molds and Mycotoxins (Toxic Molds) in Human Health
http://www.aaemonline.org/images/MoldStatement.pdf

Liberty School Mold
http://www.libertyschoolmold.com/

American Academy of Environmental Medicine
Molds and Mycotoxins (Toxic Molds) in Human Health
http://www.aaemonline.org/images/MoldStatement.pdf

Scientific Studies

From the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative. Policy
Implications Based on the Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental
Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
July 31, 2008
http://www.iceh.org/pdfs/LDDI/LDDIPolicyStatement.pdf

Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative. Scientific Consensus
Statement on Environmental Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental
Disorders Developed by the Collaborative on Health and the Environment's
February 20, 2008 (revised July 1, 2008)
http://www.iceh.org/pdfs/LDDI/LDDIStatement.pdf

Fibromyalgia syndrome: a relevant recent construction of an ancient
condition?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18685409?dopt=AbstractPlus

Treating Chronic Fatigue states as a disease of the regulation of energy
metabolism.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18684570?dopt=AbstractPlus

Studying the effects of mobile phone use on the auditory system and the
central nervous system: a review of the literature and future directions.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18504596?ordinalpos=23&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Volatile pollutants emitted from selected liquid household products.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18688669?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Hawai'i air quality monitoring assessment: some effects of Hawai'i's
smoke-free work and public places law.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18678206?ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Professional judgment and the interpretation of viable mold air sampling
data.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18668405?ordinalpos=5&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Results of a residential indoor PM sampling program before and after a
woodstove changeout.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18665872?ordinalpos=7&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Awareness of health effects of cooking smoke among women in the Gondar
Region of Ethiopia: a pilot survey.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18644103?ordinalpos=12&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Exposure to indoor mould and children's respiratory health in the PATY
study.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18621956?ordinalpos=20&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

[Health effects of nanoparticles and nanomaterials (II) methods for
measurement of nanoparticles and their presence in the air]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18567372?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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