Wednesday, June 30, 2010

EPA Releases First Round of Toxicity Testing Data for Eight Oil Dispersants

EPA Releases First Round of Toxicity Testing Data for Eight Oil Dispersants
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/2b73ee902b54e4f585257752006591fd?OpenDocument

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released peer reviewed results from the first round of its own independent toxicity testing on eight oil dispersants. EPA conducted testing to ensure that decisions about ongoing dispersant use in the Gulf of Mexico continue to be grounded in the best available science."

Warning To Gulf Volunteers: Almost Every Cleanup Worker From The 1989 Exxon Valdez Disaster Is Now Dead

Warning To Gulf Volunteers: Almost Every Cleanup Worker From The 1989 Exxon Valdez Disaster Is Now Dead
http://www.businessinsider.com/warning-to-gulf-cleanup-workers-almost-every-crew-member-from-the-1989-exxon-valdez-disaster-is-now-dead-2010-6
 
"Are you sure that you want to help clean up the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico?  In a previous article we documented a number of the health dangers from this oil spill that many scientists are warning us of, and now it has been reported on CNN that the vast majority of those who worked to clean up the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska are now dead.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Almost all of them are dead."

Almost Every Cleanup Worker From The 1989 Exxon Valdez Disaster Is Now Dead Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/warning-to-gulf-cleanup-workers




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

Uncharted waters: The spill and human health

[Comment:  Within a few months, they will probably come up with "Gulf Oil Syndrome" to explain the long-term symptoms of this toxic exposure without taking responsibility.]

Uncharted waters: The spill and human health
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/environment/unchartered-waters-the-spill-and-human-health/1604/

"Fisherman George Jackson fell ill in May while working to clean up the oil spill for BP. Now he's waiting for approval from his doctor to get back to work."

Phosphate ban in dishwasher detergents coming to Peninsula

[Comment:  Congratulations on doing something good for the health of people in Washington!  There are many natural products that are just as effective.  They don't have to be eco-friendly to be good for health.  In fact, watch out for some eco-friendly products which are good for the environment, but contain ingredients toxic to human health.  The best route to go is always the most natural.  Look for full disclosure of all ingredients and don't buy anything with ingredients you are not familiar with or cannot pronounce.]
 
Phosphate ban in dishwasher detergents coming to Peninsula
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903299997&template=printart

"The quest for squeaky-clean dishes has turned some law-abiding people in Spokane into dishwater-detergent smugglers.

They are bringing Cascade or Electrasol in from out of state because the eco-friendly varieties required under Washington state law don't work as well.

Spokane County became the launch pad last July for the nation's strictest ban on dishwasher detergent made with phosphates, a measure aimed at reducing water pollution."

Could breathing car exhaust trigger a stroke?

[Comment:  Exhaust emissions have also been linked to asthma.]
 
Could breathing car exhaust trigger a stroke?
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_100433.html

"A Danish study hints that air pollution from car exhaust might trigger strokes, although much more study is needed to confirm this, the study team notes."

Group Calls for Ban on Artificial Food Dyes

[Comment:   Food dyes have been linked to hyperactivity, allergy, asthma, cancer, nasal problems and more.  Dye is totally unnecessary in foods.  There is no need to have red apple filling when the natural color of apples is off-white.  Nor is there need for orange flavored juice to be orange when oranges are naturally yellow in color.  These odd colors ought to produce a reaction of less palatability, not more.]
 
Group Calls for Ban on Artificial Food Dyes
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20100629/group-calls-ban-artificial-food-dyes

"Consumer Group Says Dyes Offer No Benefits to Outweigh Their Risks"

U.S. experts weigh how to reduce radiation from scans

U.S. experts weigh how to reduce radiation from scans
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_100332.html
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration should step in to protect patients from radiation from CT scanners, according to one expert in the ongoing debate over the safe use of medical imaging."

SYMPOSIUM: Children First: Promoting Ecological Health for the Whole Child

Children First: Promoting Ecological Health for the Whole Child
http://www.healthandenvironment.org/news/conference

Friday October 1, 2010
University of California, San Francisco

"Pediatric Integrative Medicine embraces a holistic, whole-child approach, specifically examining the context – the ecology – in which optimal health and wellness is promoted. This groundbreaking one-day symposium will highlight a range of interacting factors that influence child health and development, including nutrition, education, socio-economic status, exposures to toxic chemicals, and access to preventive health care. Leaders in these fields of expertise will also describe model programs and concrete steps toward creating optimal and sustainable environments in which children can thrive and reach their full potential.

This symposium is open to health professionals, research scientists, parents, school administrators, teachers, policymakers, city planners, nutritionists and all others concerned with ensuring children have the best possible environments in which to grow and develop. Note that the meeting will be held the day before the start of the annual meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics in San Francisco."

*Limited scholarships are available for those with low incomes. If you would like to request partial or full coverage of the registration fee, please contact erika@healthandenvironment.org prior to registering at the link above."
 

Mold May Trigger Severe Asthma in Some Folks

Mold May Trigger Severe Asthma in Some Folks
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_100354.html

"Certain gene variants appear to increase risk of serious exacerbations, study finds."

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Albany violated its own code on pesticides

Albany violated its own code on pesticides

"'Significant and longstanding' breach of ban on herbicides found"

Exposure to benzene at work and the risk of leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Exposure to benzene at work and the risk of leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/9/1/31/abstract

Abdul Khalade , Maritta S Jaakkola , Eero Pukkala  and Jouni JK Jaakkola
Environmental Health 2010, 9:31doi:10.1186/1476-069X-9-31

Published:28 June 2010

Abstract (provisional)
Background
A substantial number of epidemiologic studies have provided estimates of the relation between exposure to benzene at work and the risk of leukemia, but the results have been heterogeneous. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we synthesized the existing epidemiologic evidence on the relation between occupational exposure to benzene and the risk of leukemia, including all types combined and the four main subgroups acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
'
Methods
A systematic literature review was carried out using two databases 'Medline' and 'Embase' from 1950 through to July 2009. We selected articles which provided information that can be used to estimate the relation between benzene exposure and cancer risk (effect size).

Results
In total 15 studies were identified in the search, providing 16 effect estimates for the main analysis. The summary effect size for any leukemia from the fixed-effects model was 1.40 (95% CI, 1.23-1.57), but the study-specific estimates were strongly heterogeneous (I2 = 56.5%, Q stat = 34.47, p =0.003). The random-effects model yielded a summary- effect size estimate of 1.72 (95% CI, 1.37-2.17). Effect estimates from 9 studies were based on cumulative exposures. In these studies the risk of leukemia increased with a dose-response pattern with a summary-effect estimate of 1.64 (95% CI, 1.13-2.39) for low (<40 ppm-years), 1.90 (95% CI, 1.26-2.89) for medium (>40-99.9 ppm-years), and 2.62 (95% CI, 1.57-4.39) for high exposure category (>100 ppm-years). In a meta-regression, the trend was statistically significant (P = 0.015). Use of cumulative exposure eliminated heterogeneity. The risk of AML also increased from low (1.94, 95% CI, 0.95-3.95), medium (2.32, 95% CI, 0.91-5.94) to high exposure category (3.20, 95% CI, 1.09-9.45), but the trend was not statistically significant.

Conclusions
Our study provides consistent evidence that exposure to benzene at work increases the risk of leukemia with a dose-response pattern. There was some evidence of an increased risk of AML and CLL. The meta-analysis indicated a lack of association between benzene exposure and the risk of CML.

Monday, June 28, 2010

MCSA NEWS July 2010, Volume 5, Issue 7

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/july2010.pdf (View, Download, and Print)

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

Mosquito Control Policy May Spark Lawsuit
http://mcs-america.org/july2010pg234.pdf

A Fundamental Right Not To Be Sprayed
http://mcs-america.org/july2010pg56.pdf

Quackery: Who's The Real Quack
http://mcs-america.org/july2010pg78910.pdf

MCSA Blog Gets a Facelift
http://mcs-america.org/july2010pg11.pdf

Common Scents: Adventures in Autism and Chemical Sensitivity
http://mcs-america.org/july2010pg12.pdf

Gulf Oil Syndrome
http://mcs-america.org/july2010pg1314.pdf

Free Book by Ashford and Miller
http://mcs-america.org/july2010pg15.pdf

Ambient Scenting and Scent Branding as Forced Drugging
http://mcs-america.org/july2010pg1617181920.pdf

Patient Support & Resources
http://mcs-america.org/july2010pg2122232425262728.pdf

Community News

http://mcs-america.org/july2010pg29.pdf

Featured Research Studies
http://mcs-america.org/july2010pg303132.pdf

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

Copyrighted © 2010 MCS America

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Free Book by Ashford & Miller

Chemical Exposures: Low Levels and High Stakes, Second Edition by Nicholas A. Ashford and Claudia S. Miller is now available as a free PDF download.

The book was published in 1998 and has a retail value of $105.00. Because most people with multiple chemical sensitivity have difficulty with finances as they move from the workforce into disability, this is a great opportunity!

Dr. Claudia Miller’s webpage, where the book may be downloaded, is
http://drclaudiamiller.com/publications-presentations/

Quoted from the back cover:

“Chemical Exposures: Low Levels and High Stakes” explains how day-to-day variations in chemical exposure may cause unusual and seemingly unpredictable symptoms, including many that have been termed psychosomatic in the past. It describes how everyday, low-level chemical exposures may cause fatigue, memory impairment, headaches, mood changes, breathing difficulties, digestive problems, and a host of chronic unexplained illnesses including chronic fatigue syndrome, Gulf War syndrome, and sick building syndrome. The authors are the first writers to clearly describe and document the process of adaptation, a concept that provides a rational and scientific basis for understanding these symptoms. In the Second Edition of this professionally acclaimed work, the authors offer evidence for an emerging new theory of disease—toxicant-induced loss of tolerance—which may have far-reaching implications for medicine, public health, and environmental policy. Based on a report commissioned by the New Jersey Department of Health that won the World Health Organizations Macedo Award, Chemical Exposures is the most comprehensive book ever written on sensitivity to low level chemical exposure and the many health effects associated with it. This work clarifies the nature of chemical sensitivity, shows how it differs from traditional allergies and toxicity, and suggests how federal and state governments can help those who are affected. The book identifies four major groups of people with hypersensitivity to low levels of chemicals: occupants of tight buildings, industrial workers who handle chemicals, residents of communities exposed to toxic chemicals, and individuals with random and unique exposures to various chemicals. The fact that similar symptoms are being reported by members of these demographically diverse groups not only points to a serious problem, it may also contribute to a better understanding of chemical sensitivity. Included are a number of features that will be invaluable to health professionals:
  • Clear, concise explanations of technical material
  • The most extensive bibliography to date on the subject
  • Tables contrasting different medical approaches
  • Descriptions of recent research and proposed mechanisms
  • An annotated bibliographical appendix highlighting illnesses that have been linked to environmental exposures
  • Policy recommendations for federal and state governments"

Download your copy from http://drclaudiamiller.com/publications-presentations/

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

The Coalition Against Chemical Trespass May Sue Leon County Board of Commissioners

by Guest Writer Christiane Tourtet, B.A.

In a letter dated May 26th 2010 to Leon County Board Commissioners Rackleff, Daily and Sauls, in Tallahassee, FL. Dr. Tom Termotto, National Coordinator for the Coalition Against Chemical Trespass, expressed his indignation in view of the 5 to 2 decision of the Leon County Board of Commissioners to revert to the previous Mosquito Control policy and implementation.

Commissioners Bob Rackleff, John Daily, and Jane Sauls voted to get rid of a fairly recent new policy that created a No-Spray zone of a quarter of a mile around the homes of the Leon County residents who had requested to not have any spraying near their homes and who were on the "No-Spray" list.

The previous Mosquito Control Policy allowed residents who did not want the spray near their homes to call the county and request a No-Spray zone. But instead of having a quarter-mile buffer of no-spray which was in the new policy, the driver of the mosquito truck was instructed to turn off the spray for a distance of approximately 150-200 feet, which would be the equivalent of about two houses on either side of the address on the No-Spray list.

This may seem trivial to many. But, it is not in view of the fact that seriously ill residents who had requested to have a No-Spray zone and had diligently alerted the county about their life-threatening illnesses/disabilities such as, but not limited to, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), have been unfortunately disregarded by Leon County Board Commissioners Rackleff, Daily, Sauls, and commissioners Deslodge and Proctor who voted to return to the previous spray policy.

Commissioners Cliff Thaell and Akin Akinyemi are the only ones who were concerned about extremely ill residents with life-threatening medical conditions and they voted against the return of the old policy.

The chemicals used for mosquito control spraying, contrary to public belief, are far from being safe. They are actually highly toxic, especially for children, people with pre-existing conditions, the sick, and the elderly.

People suffering from the environmental illness and disability known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) are particularly at risk of extremely severe reactions that could be fatal. For accurate information on MCS, please visit the award-winning site MCS Homepage
http://www.nettally.com/prusty/mcs.htm
and the outstanding site MCS America
http://www.mcs-america.org/

As a result of the decision of Commissioners, Bob Rackleff , John Daily, Jane Sauls, Bill Proctor, and Bryan Deslodge, to return to county´s previous spray policy, even though they knew that exposure to the toxic mosquito spray could greatly aggravate the medical and health condition of residents. Dr Termotto, in his letter of May 26th 2010, addressed to Commissioners Rackleff, Dailey, and Sauls wrote the following:

"For the record, we are putting the Leon County Commission and Administration on official notice: The County Commissioners and Staff who willfully and knowingly endanger the lives of those whose medical and health conditions put them at great medical risk, to include anaphylactic shock which can cause death in the absence of expeditious and competent medical intervention, will be held personally accountable for their actions, as well as inaction.

The government, be it city, county, state or federal, does not possess the legal right, statutory power or legitimate authority to poison citizens or property against their wishes. When it exercises such power, it is only because it has illegally arrogated it unto itself. And to do so, constitutes a criminal act, be it chemical assault or chemical trespass. Where death does occur, as a direct result of government policy and implementation in this regard, it is properly known as murder by the State, especially, when the appropriate government officials have been duly notified in advance of this potential consequence.

For the record, we will be adding to the following list of names those Leon County and State of Florida government authorities and employees who engage in conduct, either directly or indirectly, that contributes to the disease or death of any individual residing in this County due to the cavalier and unlawful administration of this program. For your information, we will hold the following Leon County Commissioners and State employee directly responsible for reckless endangerment, criminal negligence, malfeasance, chemical assault/trespass among other serious breaches of the law, should this program be re-instituted, as per last night´s vote.

1. Commissioner Bob Rackleff, Chairman
2. Commissioner John Daily, District 2
3. Commissioner Jane Sauls, Distric 3
4. Mike Page, Bureau Chief, FL Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control “

Termotto further added that on the civil side each successful plaintiff would be compensated for personal injury and damages up to a statutory limit of $100.000, and that a class action suit was also being considered as the Coalition Against Chemical Trespassing was meeting with more than 350 individuals currently on the "No Spray" list.

This letter was distributed to government officials, notably:
  • The Honorable Bill Nelson,
  • The Honorable Georges LeMieux,
  • Governor Charlie Crist,
  • Senator Jeff Atwater,
  • Representative Larry Cretul,
  • Jeff Kottkamp, Lieutenant Governor,
  • Robert Wheeler, General Counsel,
  • Kathy Mears, Deputy Chief of Staff,
  • Melinda Miguel, Chief Inspector General,
  • Pat Gleason, Special Counsel for Open Government,
  • Warren Davis, Director of Citizens Services,
  • Michael W. Sole, Secretary , Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
  • Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner, Florida Department of Agriculture,
  • Ana M.Viamonte Ross, State Surgeon General, Florida Department of Health.

Dr. Termotto also contacted numerous newspaper editors and environmental organizations. Thank you Dr. Termotto for standing up for the rights of residents!

© 2010 Christiane Tourtet .

Editors Note:
For more background and information on these regulations, see:
Consideration of the Current "Mosquito Control No-Spray Program", Meeting of Tuesday, November 10, 2009
http://www.leoncountyfl.gov/agendas/attach/091110/A1608.pdf

This article originally appeared in the MCS America News, July 2010 Issue http://mcs-america.org/july2010.pdf. For more articles on this topic, see: MCSA News.

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

A Fundamental Right Not to Be Sprayed

The following press release was issued by Dr. Tom Termotto, National Coordinator of the Coalition Against Chemical Trespass.

The Leon County Commission had recently done an outstanding job at bringing our county into a more progressive, sustainable and environmentally safe program of mosquito control. However, the county has more recently overturned this program due to political expediency. County decisions were made, based on purely personal and political motivations, to terminate a pilot program which barely got started. This is completely unacceptable.

The following comments, however, are directed at both Leon County and the State of Florida, since it is the State that has empowered the counties to conduct mosquito control programs that have a very profound flaw. It looks like this:

We all possess a fundamental right to not be chemically assaulted by anyone, or any entity under the sun. Likewise, we all have the right not to have our home and property chemically trespassed by anyone, or any entity under the sun.

Therefore, we all have a fundamental right not to be sprayed by the county mosquito control programs currently in operation throughout the State. Does anyone have the right to walk onto your property and indiscriminately spray toxic chemicals wherever they wish? We think not. Should they do so, repeatedly, they might end up in an institution for the criminally insane!

Is there any business, organization or governmental entity that possesses the inherent power to conduct itself in this same manner? We don’t think so, lest they be responsible for chemical assault or trespass. Furthermore, we would challenge anyone in Leon County, or the State of Florida, to cite a single instance where anyone, or any entity, possesses the legitimate (does not transgress inviolable rights), statutory power to engage in such intrusive and outright harmful behavior.

We say ‘harmful’ because there are, in fact, many among us in 2010 who do not, and who cannot, tolerate these chemical intrusions into their lives. Many are now hyper-reactive and chemically sensitive and acutely allergic to these toxic, noxious and poisonous insecticides. In some extreme cases, even a single exposure to these insecticides can cause life-threatening anaphylactic shock, and therefore death, if competent medical intervention does not arrive expeditiously.

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, mosquito control, mosquito, mosquito spray, vector control

Quacks and Quakery in Medicine: Truth in Healthcare

"The medical profession is disenfranchising experts who may be vital characters in the quest for understanding about environmental illnesses," according to Tarryn Phillips of the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Western Australia.

In a recent issue of Medical Anthropology Quarterly, Phillips discusses plaintiff experts and an environmental illness known as multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS).

The Environmental Protection Agency defines MCS as "a diagnostic label for people who suffer multi-system illnesses as a result of contact with, or proximity to, a variety of airborne agents and other substances."

MCS is often precipitated by an acute or chronic exposure to toxic chemicals. Therefore, it may lead some to file lawsuits if they were wrongly injured. However, many in Australia are surprised to fi
"When medical practitioners act as expert witnesses for the plaintiff in contested illness lawsuits, they can be stigmatized by their professional community," says Phillips. In fact, some have been called "quacks".

Quacks and Quackery

The term ´quack´ is used in reference to a person who practices medicine and dispenses advice based on observation and experience in the absence of scientific findings. In its most negative connotation, ´quackery´ refers to treatments without value based on untrue claims.

The terms date back to Paracelsus, a physician who created a salve with mercury to treat syphilitic rash. Paracelsus was called a ´quacksalver´ by physicians who believed that the rash did not go away, but rather retreated more deeply into the body.

Later, of course, ind a great deal of difficulty locating expert witnesses and treating physicians for the condition as a result of peer pressure.
t became recognized that mercury did indeed act as an antiseptic and antifungal agent and it became widely accepted for use in vaccinations as a preservative. In essence, Paracelsus was before his time and the label of ´quack´ was applied by his narrow-minded peers

The ´quack´ label is often given to actual physicians who are on the forefront of medicine, have done research, attempted to publish that research, and altruistically study emerging illness and effective ways to treat them.

Dr. Alexander Fleming, for example, was credited with the discovery of penicillin in 1928. Prior to being credited, he was called a quack for suggesting penicillin be used as a medicine. Fleming wrote, "Penicillin sat on my shelf for 12 years while I was called a quack. I can only think of the thousands who died needlessly because my peers would not use my discovery."

Phillips offers an explanation for why those who are most able to help people with environmental illnesses continue to push forward with new research and risk being called a quack.

"They rationalize their continued advocacy within a moral discourse, which includes a professional aspiration toward altruism, an ethical commitment to "truth," and the explicit emphasis that financial gain is not a motivation," says Phillips, "For their deviance the experts have been confronted with professional disillusionment and emotional drain."

The Real Quackery

There always have been and always will be legitimate quacks who promote overstated cures that are useless time and money wasters. Nevertheless, just because a physician is called a quack does not mean s/he is a quack.

The quack label is often thrown around inappropriately to protect financial interests and circumvent liability in various industries. Oftentimes job loss is cited as a concern, though jobs in toxic industries could easily be replaced with work in safer, alternative industries that are both financially viable and protect worker health.

Though science is accepted as evidence based, replicated, and reliable, it cannot be relied upon and is often behind the times. This can be seen in the large amount of drug recalls due to lack of thorough testing for side effects and safety before marketing and prescribing.

Replication of science takes years while people remain ill or pass away. Select doctors have been paid handsome sums to issue industry supported statements, conduct studies to industry specifications, and issue opinions on MCS that lead others, including doctors, lawmakers, and community members, to believe that biased findings are truthful. At its core, it´s a well-funded pharmaceutical and chemical industry campaign of disinformation designed to cast doubt over the existence of environmental illnesses.

In many cases, these special interest groups have monopolized ownership of scientific journals and publish only studies which call "alternative" medicine into question. Like Fleming, researchers who discover beneficial treatments and healing modalities report that their work, which could benefit mankind, is denied publication in medical journals on the basis of principal. This is the real quackery that is harming the health of millions.

The American Medical Association

The American Medical Association (AMA) was founded in 1847 by a group of elite physician´s to protect their interests and organize against ´quacks´ (homeopaths, midwives, and herbalists) in order to increase their own business. Since then, there has been a concerted effort against "alternative" medicine and healing by the AMA, with claims that it is "unscientific". In reality, the science has been proven and is simply denied publication in journals which the AMA and pharmaceutical companies monopolize for financial reasons.

MCS is one condition that these journals continue to deny simply because it is not profitable to prescribe chemical avoidance. Avoidance is berated as non-scientific and emphasis is instead placed on finding a way to treat people with MCS so that they could be exposed to the poisons which make them ill. Logic says that exposing oneself to poison is not advisable. Yet, it would be highly profitable for drug makers and physicians to have patients on lifelong medications and going through their revolving door with continued declining health.

Drugs and surgery are profitable, but neither work for MCS. Altruistic physicians who have uncovered the biochemical pathways and tests pointing to an MCS diagnosis routinely hit the wall when they try to publish their research findings. It is much more profitable to falsely claim MCS is a psychological problem and prescribe lifelong psychiatric medication to manage it. The fact that a statistically significant proportion of subjects experience worsening health on these medications gets slipped under rug in the hopes that psychiatric medication will make the ill patients apathetic enough to stop seeking help and keep popping profitable pills.

The history of the American Medical Association and supposedly ´scientific´ treatments is hardly as noble and scientific as it seems. It includes dangerous treatments such as blood letting and mercury poisoning. The AMA lays claim to science and the safety and efficacy of expensive pharmaceutical and surgical treatments. But instead of promoting a return to health and vibrancy, the AMA promotes long-term pharmaceutical "management" of disease for profit.

Over 100,000 people are killed each year by prescription medications and another 2.1 million are injured. More people die each year at the hands of prescription medications than suicide, firearms, homicide, illicit drugs, or alternative medicine. Conventional medicine has no right to point the finger and call anyone else a quack!

Altruism

Those who treat MCS do so to find the truth and help end patient suffering. This is in contrast to the typical medical scrutiny given to emerging illnesses, such as MCS, and staunch attempts to falsify new theories and treatments.

"By specializing in treating an emergent and immeasurable condition as though it is organic, experts who deviate from the accepted framework of their field can find themselves marginal and stigmatized by their professional community," says Phillips, "The informants to this research rationalized their decision to breach the professional norm by conceptualizing themselves as part of a minority moral community that prioritizes an ethical commitment to "truth" and helping those who suffer."

Those who disengage from work with emerging illnesses do so because of the social, financial, emotional, and professional constraints they are faced with as a result of their interest in helping others.

Phillips asserts that "by disenfranchising these experts, the medical profession may be inhibiting advancements in emergent illness medicine."

References

Phillips, T. "I Never Wanted to Be a Quack!" The Professional Deviance of Plaintiff Experts in Contested Illness Lawsuits: The Case of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. Medical Anthropology Quarterly. 24(2),182–198.

This article is an op-ed that originally appeared in the MCS America News, July 2010 Issue http://mcs-america.org/july2010.pdf. For more articles on this topic, see: MCSA News.

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, quack, quackery,healthcare, universal health care, medicine

Gulf Oil Spill Syndrome is on the Horizon

On April 20, 2010, The Deepwater Horizon, a 9-year-old semi-submersible Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) leased to BP, exploded while drilling an exploratory well 5,000 feet below the surface. An internal BP document released in June revealed that as much as 100,000 barrels (4,200,000 US gallons) per day have been flowing into the ocean.

The health effects of the spill have yet to be ascertained. Cleanup workers are of most concern while they use chemical dispersants, burn the oil at sea, and skim it from vessels.

But the oil is also inescapable to the people of the Gulf Coast. Residents report smelling it and tar balls have begun washing up on beaches in Florida in what has been labeled as the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.
Health Effects of the Gulf Oil Spill

Within days of beginning the clean-up, workers were reporting flu-like symptoms which BP quickly cast off as "food poisoning" since the workers were all eating the same food. However, food poisoning only lasts a day or so and the reports of ill health continue to come in not only from workers, but also from residents on the shoreline.

The Louisiana Department of Health identified 108 workers who have reported ailments believed to be the direct result of oil and/or dispersant chemicals.

Now, some of the health effects have been cast off as the effects of working in the heat in hazardous materials (hazmat) suits. But again, residents on the shoreline who are not involved in the cleanup or suffering from heat exhaustion have reported similar symptoms as the oil and chemical dispersants reach shore.

Thus far, the health problems have involved respiratory disorders, irritated throats, nausea, dizziness, chest pains, and headaches. Approximately a dozen workers have been hospitalized. The long-term effects have yet to be seen.

Chemicals of Concern

"Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) is a term used to describe a broad family of several hundred chemical compounds that originally come from crude oil," according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. "Some of the TPH compounds, particularly the smaller compounds such as benzene, toluene, and xylene (which are present in gasoline), can affect the human central nervous system. If exposures are high enough, death can occur. Breathing toluene at concentrations greater than 100 parts per million (100 ppm) for more than several hours can cause fatigue, headache, nausea, and drowsiness. When exposure is stopped, the symptoms will go away. However, if someone is exposed for a long time, permanent damage to the central nervous system can occur."

Repeating History

Throughout history we´ve seen a pattern of denying the health effects and permanent damage to the central nervous system from toxic chemical injury. Instead, the effects are often blamed on unproven mental illness.

Gulf War syndrome (GWS), a multi-system illness which affected Gulf War Veterans after their exosure to toxic vaccines, burning oil wells, and Sarin nerve gas / antidotes, was initially claimed to be post traumatic stress disorder by authorities.

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), a multi-system illness which affects civilians as a result of chronic or acute chemical and vaccine exposure was initially spun by industry interests as a "fear" or "conditioned response".

Ground zero workers who suffered multi-system illnesses as a result of exposure to the toxic dust after the 9/11 attacks have also been accused of post traumatic stress.

The Future

The Gulf oil spill will likely lead to a new condition known as Gulf Oil Syndrome (GOS), a syndrome of toxicity related to 911, GWS, and MCS, which will initially be denied and labeled as psychiatric to protect the financial interests of responsible parties.

The future of America is in our collective hands. It is crucial that industrial financial gain must not be permitted to compromise the health and well being of workers and citizens.

We must stop clinging to the antiquated view that science does not a grasp of these toxic chemical injuries. Sufficient clear and present evidence is currently available to show that toxic chemical injuries are real and disabling. We must justify, even demand, immediate action.

We must not dismiss our hard working Gulf oil spill workers, deny them appropriate health care, or fail to compensate them for their injuries. We have our lives and health to thank them for as they work tirelessly to clean up the BP spill.

This op-ed article originally appeared in the MCS America News, July 2010 Issue http://mcs-america.org/july2010.pdf. For more articles on this topic, see: MCSA News.
Copyrighted 2010 Lourdes Salvador & MCS America

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

Ambient Scenting and Scent Branding as Forced Drugging

Ambient scenting is a method of scent branding in the form of adding scent directly to Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning systems (HVAC) so that it disperses throughout airspace. The most common form of ambient scenting that has been touted for odor elimination and is familiar to most people is the use of air freshener.

Now, the fragrance industry has marketed scent branding for use in businesses and apartment buildings, claiming certain scents improve mood and productivity at home and work, and even increase business in retail establishments by changing consumer behavior. The intent is usually to make consumers vulnerable to marketing communications.[1]

Hotels have been encouraged by the industry to brand scents to trigger positive memories which they are told will make guests return and stay longer. Casino managers have been led believes that certain scents induce relaxation and drinking, both of which increase the likelihood that gamblers will stay longer and spend more.

Recent examples of the use the ambient scenting for mood altering purposes have made the news. New York magazine declared Scent Company Plans to Perfume Entire South Bronx Low-Income Building to Make It Happy.[2] Bloomberg Businessweek announced Scent Branding Sweeps the Fragrance Industry.[3] The New York Daily News has even spun an article attempting to market scent branding as ‘green’ in, Green Guru Majora Carter Plans To Pump New Perfume Into Hunts Point Apartment Building.[4]

Scents which are powerful enough to influence mood and customer purchases, however, affect brain function in the same way as an inhaled mind-altering psychoactive drug.

Scents as Mind Altering Drugs

A drug is defined as a chemical substance that affects the processes of the mind or body.[5] A mind-altering drug is one that produces an altered state of consciousness.5 A psychoactive drug is a chemical that “alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness, or behavior.”[6]

Such drugs are often used in medicine for treating neurological and psychological illnesses. Many are toxic, addictive, and/or brain and body destroying substances which produce unpleasant and sometimes life threatening side effects. These effects, including psychosis, stroke, heart attack, and suicidal ideations, are evidenced by the Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS), a computerized information database by the Food and Drug Administration used for surveillance of approved drugs.[7]-[8]

The synthetic chemicals which scents are made up of are claimed by the fragrance industry to alter mood and worker/consumer behaviors. Chemicals powerful enough to alter brain function and cause changes in perception, mood, consciousness, or behavior act in the same way as a psychoactive drug. Hence, these scents may have adverse effects and should require a medical exam and prescription from a licensed medical doctor prior to dispensing.

Fragrance Ingredients

Fragrances are made up of any number of over 5,000 different chemicals.[9] Common ingredients found in fragrances include acetone (a central nervous system depressant registered as hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency), ethanol (known to cause drowsiness and damage to the central nervous system, registered as hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency), linalool (a narcotic linked to central nervous system disorders), and a-terpineol (excitotoxic and central nervous system depressant).

Fragrance ingredients are protected by trade secret law and, therefore, undisclosed on the label. A recent study found that, “the average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label. Among them are chemicals associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions, and many substances that have not been assessed for safety in personal care products… Also in the ranks of undisclosed ingredients are chemicals with troubling hazardous properties or with a propensity to accumulate in human tissues. These include diethyl phthalate, a chemical found in 97 percent of Americans and linked to sperm damage in human epidemiological studies, and musk ketone, a synthetic fragrance ingredient that concentrates in human fat tissue and breast milk.”[10]

Upon realizing that scents are inhaled mind and body altering drugs, it's not difficult to understand why ambient scenting is so effective or why some people have negative health reactions to scents.

Forced Drugging & Citizen Rights

The government consistently wages wars against the use of illicit psychoactive drugs by citizens. However, fragrance is a double standard that has slipped through without regulation. The fundamental difference between illicit drugs and fragrance is that illicit drugs are taken by users for the purpose of recreation with full will and knowledge. While fragrances are being imposed upon others in public places, often against will and even without knowledge in the case of subtle scent branding.

Exposing people to the psychoactive substances in fragrances for the purpose of changing mood and behavior against will, without knowledge, and without informed consent is the equivalent of forced drugging. Forced drugging of the public for the purpose of altering mood, thoughts, and behaviors is a violation of an individual’s fundamental right to freedom of thought.

Health Concerns

A great danger exists by chemically inducing changes in mood and behavior in a group of unsuspecting people. Factors which must be considered include the state of an individual's brain, mental and physical health, and other medications. The effects of ambient scenting may not be those desired, but rather adverse. Besides the potential to induce erratic behavior, there are many health effects.

Over 30% of the population experience ambient scent as an irritant.[11] Fragrances are well known to adversely impact those with asthma, allergies, and chemical sensitivities.[12],[13]

A new report reviewed 37 scientific studies and discovered many health concerns regarding fragrances.[14]

"Fragranced consumer products have been associated with a range of health effects that include headaches, chest tightness and wheezing, infant diarrhea and vomiting, mucosal irritation, reduced pulmonary function, asthma and asthmatic exacerbations, rhinitis and airway irritation, sense organ irritation, and epidermal effects such as contact dermatitis," say Stanley M. Caress, PhD and Anne C. Steinemann, PhD, "While the emphasis of prior work has been on epidermal exposure effects, consistent with intentional use of products, other exposure routes such as inhalation can be of concern for unintentional and public exposures to fragranced products."

Unintentional is one thing ambient scenting is not. Ambient scents are quite purposely and selectively chosen for their properties and impact on mood and thinking. In order to have this impact, scents must affect neurotransmitter balance and essentially alter normal central nervous system and brain function.

Conclusion

Ambient scenting is a method of drugging people without their consent in public places and apartment buildings. This practice is intended to alter mood and decision making capacity without a license to practice medicine. It is a clear Orwellian human rights violation.

There is nothing more sacred to an individual than the necessity of a clear mind and body. No one should be forced to wear a respirator in order to protect this most prized possession while engaging in ordinary acts of living. Work places, schools, homes, and businesses should be free of the mind altering drugs, including ambient scent!

The brain is our central command and encompasses who we are, our personality, and our ability to function in a way that is essential for each of us.

Unregulated substances that affect this central command can produce regretful consequences by interfering with the ability to function by our own will as nature intended. No one has a right to impair another’s brain function!

Citations

[1] Kevin D. Bradford and Debra M. Desrochers. The Use of Scents to Influence Consumers: The Sense of Using Scents to Make Cents, Journal Business Ethics. November 2009;90:2;141-153.

[2] Scent company plans to perfume entire south Bronx low-income building to make it happy. (2010, June 17). New York Magazine, Retrieved from http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/06/scent_company_plans_to_perfume.html

[3] Scent branding sweeps the fragrance industry. (2010, June 16). Bloomberg Businessweek , Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/print/magazine/content/10_26/b4184085987358.htm

[4] Green guru majora carter plans to pump new perfume into hunts point apartment building. (2010, April 26). The New York Daily News, Retrieved from http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/bronx/2010/04/26/2010-04-26_ooh_la_la_bx_bldgs_new_scent.html

[5] Farlex, Inc. (2010). Psychoactive drug. The Free dictionary by farlex. Retrieved (2010, June 20) from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/psychoactive+drug

[6] Psychoactive drug - definition. (2010). Worldiq. Retrieved (2010, June 20) from http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Psychoactive_drug

[7] Psychiatric Drug Side Effects Reported to the U.S. FDA. (2010). Citizens commission on human rights. Retrieved (2010, June 20) from http://www.cchrint.org/psychdrugdangers/medwatch_psych_drug_adverse_reactions.php

[8] Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS). (2010). Food and drug administration. Retrieved (2010, June 20) from http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Surveillance/AdverseDrugEffects/default.htm

[9] Fragrances. (2010). Fks, inc.. Retrieved (2010, June 20) from http://www.fks.com/

[10] Sarantis, H, Naidenko, OV, Gray, S, Houlihan, J, and Malkan, S. Not So Sexy, The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance. Environmental Working Group and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Retrieved (2010, June 20) from: http://www.ewg.org/files/SafeCosmetics_FragranceRpt.pdf

[11] Caress SM, Steinemann AC. Prevalence of fragrance sensitivity in the American population. J Environ Health. 2009 Mar;71(7):46-50.

[12] Elberling J, Linneberg A, Mosbech H, Dirksen A, Frølund L, Madsen F, Nielsen NH, Johansen JD. A link between skin and airways regarding sensitivity to fragrance products? Br J Dermatol. 2004 Dec;151(6):1197-203.

[13] Elberling J, Linneberg A, Mosbech H, Dirksen A, Menné T, Nielsen NH, Madsen F, Frølund L, Johansen JD. Airborne chemicals cause respiratory symptoms in individuals with contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis. 2005 Feb;52(2):65-72.

[14] What's That Smell? How the pine forest in your cleanings products may be hazardous to your health. (2010). Women's voices for the earth. Retrieved (2010, June 20) from http://www.womenandenvironment.org/campaignsandprograms/SafeCleaning/Whats_That_Smell.pdf

This op-ed article originally appeared in the MCS America News, July 2010 Issue http://mcs-america.org/july2010.pdf. For more articles on this topic, see: MCSA News.

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, fragrance, scent, ambient scenting, scent branding, perfume, cologne, drugs, drug abuse

Phthalates impair female reproduction, too, finds fish study.

Phthalates impair female reproduction, too, finds fish study.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/phthalates-affect-female-fish-reproduction/

"Phthalate exposure may impair female reproduction at many levels, from growth and maturation of eggs to their release, a fish study shows."

Could your home be making you sick

Could your home be making you sick
http://www.helium.com/items/1873745-could-your-home-be-making-you-sick

"It is possible your home might be making you sick. Do you start your day waking up with a stuffy or runny nose? Perhaps you wake up wheezing or begin to cough. Soon after you leave for work or school do you notice the symptoms begin to fade as the day grows older? Many allergists are blaming our sedentary lifestyle, increased air pollution, and more time spent in the house. Dust mites, mold spores, insect droppings, and animal dander might be some of the culprits along with other allergens. An allergist can do testing to find out if you are allergic to any of these allergens."

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) / Idiopathic Environmental Intolerances (IEI) Patients; Processes for Adults in Hospital

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) / Idiopathic Environmental Intolerances (IEI) Patients; Processes for Adults in Hospital:  Guildelines for South Australian Hospitals
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
http://sacfs.asn.au/download/Multiple%20Chemical%20Sensitivity%20HopGuidelines%20April%2008.pdf

Common Scents: Adventures with Autism and Chemical Sensitivity

Twenty-six year old Kate Goldfield has just published her first book, a memoir on her life with chemical sensitivities and autism: Common Scents: Adventures with Autism and Chemical Sensitivity. Kate has suffered with MCS for four years. About two years ago, she engaged on a cross-country journey to find a chemically safe place to live. A nomadic lifestyle is nothing new to those of us who have chemical sensitivities, but rarely do we get to read such detailed accounts of these journeys, and the thoughts, feelings and every day struggles of what it is like to survive even one day when you are dealing with something as serious and difficult as MCS.

Kate travels to cities in New York, Oregon, Vermont and Montana in an effort to find her place in the world, and eventually after an arduous journey ends up back in her home state of Maine. At the same time as she is dealing with MCS, Kate is also dealing with challenges associated with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. These make interacting with others effectively an often puzzling challenge for her, creating tense moments and dilemmas that she must work her way through. In the course of her journey, though, Kate learns a lot about herself, how much she is really capable of, and who she is. Her experiences shape her and give her the wisdom and knowledge to be able to better interact with the world and people around her.

She approaches it all with a good sense of humor and an affinity for good food wherever she can find it. Chemical sensitivities can be a death sentence for many, but Kate was determined that her problems with MCS not be the end of her if she had anything to do about it. Her grit and perseverance, moving from place to place until she finally found something that worked, won out in the end. Kate now lives with environmentally aware roommates near the town that she grew up in, and is enjoying a new found sense of stability that she has never had before. She shudders to think of what would happen if the stories portrayed in "Common Scents" had never happened.

It's a story of hope, a story of courage, and unfortunately, the story of so many of our lives, plus or minus a few details. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of "Common Scents: Adventures with Autism and Chemical Sensitivity," please go to Kate's website at:
http://kategoldfield.webs.com

Electronic (PDF) versions are available as well as paperback copies.

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

A timeline of health horrors caused by the BP oil well blow out

[Comment:  An assemblage of news coverage on the health effects of the Gulf oil spill on workers.]
 
A timeline of health horrors caused by the BP oil well blow out
http://www.thecanaryreport.org/2010/06/28/a-timeline/

"Clean up workers are already visiting their doctors with symptoms of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity."

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Efficacy of photocatalytic HEPA filter on microorganism removal.

Efficacy of photocatalytic HEPA filter on microorganism removal.
Chuaybamroong P, Chotigawin R, Supothina S, Sribenjalux P, Larpkiattaworn S, Wu CY.
Indoor Air. 2010 Jun;20(3):246-54.
Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Thailand.
Abstract
This study assessed the application of photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) to the high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter for disinfection of airborne microorganisms. Experiments were conducted at two TiO(2) loadings (1870 +/- 169 and 3140 +/- 67 mg/m(2)) on the HEPA filter irradiated with UV-A at the intensity of 0.85 +/- 0.18 or 4.85 +/- 0.09 mW/cm(2) under two relative humidity conditions (45 +/- 5% and 75 +/- 5%). Inactivation and penetration of four microorganisms were tested, including Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis. It was found that microorganisms retained on a photocatalytic filter were inactivated around 60-80% and even 100% for S. epidermidis when the PCO reactions occurred. Lower penetration was also found from the photocatalytic filter for all airborne microorganisms. High humidity decreased photocatalysis efficacy. Increasing TiO(2) loading or irradiance intensity did not substantially affect its disinfection capability.
 
Practical Implications
The high efficiency particulate air filter is used widely to remove particulates and microorganisms from the air stream. However, the filter may become a source of microbes if those retained microorganisms proliferate and re-entrain back into the filtered air. This study demonstrates that such a problem can be handled effectively by using photocatalytic reactions to inactivate those confined microorganisms. A 60-100% microbe reduction can be achieved for a wide variety of microorganisms to provide better indoor air quality for hospitals, offices, and domestic applications.

PMID: 20573124 [PubMed - in process]

School policies and practices that improve indoor air quality.

School policies and practices that improve indoor air quality.

Everett Jones S, Smith AM, Wheeler LS, McManus T. J Sch Health. 2010 Jun;80(6):280-6.
Health Scientist, (sce2@cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30041.

Abstract
BACKGROUND: To determine whether schools with a formal indoor air quality management program were more likely than schools without a formal program to have policies and practices that promote superior indoor air quality.
 
METHODS: This study analyzed school-level data from the 2006 School Health Policies and Programs Study, a national study of school health programs and policies at the state, district, and school levels. Using chi-square analyses, the rates of policies and practices that promote indoor air quality were compared between schools with and schools without a formal indoor air quality program.
 
RESULTS: The findings of this study show that 51.4% of schools had a formal indoor air quality management program, and that those schools were significantly more likely than were schools without a program to have policies and use strategies to promote superior indoor air quality.
 
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that schools with a formal indoor air quality program are more likely support policies and engage in practices that promote superior indoor air quality.

PMID: 20573140 [PubMed - in process]

Residential exposure to motor vehicle emissions and the risk of wheezing among 7-8 year-old schoolchildren: a city-wide cross-sectional study in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Residential exposure to motor vehicle emissions and the risk of wheezing among 7-8 year-old schoolchildren: a city-wide cross-sectional study in Nicosia, Cyprus.
 
Middleton N, Yiallouros P, Nicolaou N, Kleanthous S, Pipis S, Zeniou M, Demokritou P, Koutrakis P.
Environ Health. 2010 Jun 18;9(1):28. [Epub ahead of print]
 
Abstract
ABSTRACT:
 
BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported associations between respiratory outcomes in children and a range of self-reported, administrative or geographical indicators of traffic pollution. First-time investigation into the frequency of asthmatic symptoms among 7-8 year-old Cypriot children in 1999-2000 showed increased prevalence in the capital Nicosia compared to other areas. Geographical differences on an island the size of Cyprus may reflect environmental and/or lifestyle factors. This study investigates the relationship between self-reported symptoms and residential exposure to motor vehicle emissions among Nicosia schoolchildren.
 
METHODS: The addresses of children in the metropolitan area of Nicosia who participated in the original survey (N=1,735) were geo-coded and the level of exposure of each child was assessed using distance- and emission-based indicators (i.e. estimated levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides emissions due to motor vehicles on main roads around the residence). Odds ratios of wheezing and asthma diagnosis in relation to levels of exposure were estimated in logistic regression models adjusting for person-based factors, co-morbidity and intra-school clustering.
 
RESULTS: We found an increased risk of wheezing at distances less than 50m from a main road and/or only among those experiencing the highest levels of exposure. The strongest effect estimates were observed when exposure was defined in terms of the cumulative burden at all roads around the residence. Adjusted odds ratios for current wheezing were 2.33 (95% CI 1.27, 4.30) amongst the quartile of participants exposed to the highest levels of PM at all roads 50m of their residence and 2.14 (95% CI 1.05, 4.35) for NOx, with no effect at intermediate levels of exposure. While the direction of effect was apparent at longer distances, differences were generally not statistically significant.
 
CONCLUSIONS: Children experiencing the highest burden of emissions in Nicosia seem to be at a higher risk of reporting asthmatic symptoms. Due to the small number of children residing at close proximity to main roads and lack of evidence of risk at intermediate levels of exposure or longer distances, the observed pattern alone does not explain the generally higher prevalence observed in urban Nicosia compared to other areas.

Free Article
PMID: 20565827 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Envi ronmental signals and transgenerational epigenetics.

Envi ronmental signals and transgenerational epigenetics.

Skinner MK, Guerrero-Bosagna C. Epigenomics. 2009 Oct;1(1):111-117.

Abstract

The ability of an environmental factor or toxicant to promote a phenotype or disease state not only in the individual exposed, but also in subsequent progeny for multiple generations, is termed transgenerational inheritance. The majority of environmental agents do not promote genetic mutations or alterations in DNA sequence, but do have the capacity to alter the epigenome. Although most environmental exposures will influence somatic cells and not allow the transgenerational transmission of a phenotype, the ability of an environmental factor to reprogram the germline epigenome can promote a transgenerational inheritance of phenotypes and disease states. A limited number of critical developmental periods exist when environmental signals can produce a significant epigenetic reprogramming of the germline. In this review, the ability of environmental factors or toxicants to promote epigenetic transgenerational phenotypes is reviewed.

PMCID: PMC2886501 [Available on 2010/8/1]
PMID: 20563319 [PubMed]

Influence of maternal toxicity on the outcome of developmental toxicity studies.

Influence of maternal toxicity on the outcome of developmental toxicity studies.
 
Paumgartten FJ.  J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2010 Jan;73(13-14):944-51.
Laboratorio de Toxicologia Ambiental, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Escola Nacional de Saude Publica, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. paum@ensp.fiocruz.br
Abstract
The relevance of fetal abnormalities noted at maternally toxic doses is a long-standing issue regarding the interpretation of findings of segment II studies. A number of diseases and conditions during pregnancy are known to adversely affect embryo/fetal development, and along this line many scientists believe that any marked disturbance of maternal homeostasis produced by chemical exposure may eventually produce a teratogenic effect.
 
Although there is little doubt that developmental toxicity may be maternally mediated, the notion that, in principle, any maternal toxicity leads to birth defects is disputed. When embryotoxicity is noted only within the maternally toxic dose range, it is not possible to ascertain whether it is in fact maternally mediated or not (i.e., embryo development may have been impaired by a direct action of the chemical at doses that also adversely affect the mother; in these circumstances it would still be a selective developmental toxicant). However, currently, a chemical is not regarded as a "developmental toxicant" (or "teratogenic agent") if embryotoxicity is apparent only at doses that are also toxic to the mother. In the European Union, developmental hazard identification exerts a strong influence on the classification and labeling of chemicals.
 
In Brazil, registration of any pesticide that proved to be teratogenic in animal studies is strictly forbidden by law (Pesticide Law, Federal Law 7.802, 1989). Therefore, interpretation of findings from developmental toxicity studies in light of maternal toxicity is particularly relevant to regulatory agencies, and becomes even more important when labeling or cutoff decision-making criteria are adopted regarding teratogenicity.

PMID: 20563928 [PubMed - in process]

CFS finally recognized As 'Medical Impairment' under guidelines

[Comment:  Here is anothe press release by the same firm which gives some good information about the disability process for people with CFS.]
 
"One of the battles often fought by persons with CFS trying to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI benefitswas resolved with the adoption of Social Security Ruling 99-2p. In this binding Ruling the Social Security Administration set out guidelines for adjudicators and judges to follow for claims based upon Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This Ruling removes at least one of the barriers faced by Claimants."

Social Security Disability and Fibromyalgia

[Comment: There are many parts of this press release which could apply to MCS as well, since both MCS and FM fall into similar categories.  There is quite a bit of good information in the article about how the disability process works.]
 
 
"Social Security disability benefits are often the ultimate safety net for persons suffering from medical impairments that make it impossible for them to work. For many people, however, struggling through the Social Security Administration's bureaucracy is frustrating, confusing and slow. For people suffering from conditions such as Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the requirements of the Social Security Act can become overwhelming. This article will explain and simplify in general terms the requirements of the Social Security disability program and describe the application and appeals process."

Mercury promotes blood clots, which increases heart disease risk.


"A research team describes the likely way mercury affects red blood cells and increases the risk of heart disease."

Friday, June 25, 2010

Report: Toxins Found in Whales Bode Ill for Humans

Report: Toxins Found in Whales Bode Ill for Humans
http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=11003954

"Sperm whales feeding even in the most remote reaches of Earth's oceans have built up stunningly high levels of toxic and heavy metals, according to American scientists who say the findings spell danger not only for marine life but for the millions of humans who depend on seafood.

A report released Thursday noted high levels of cadmium, aluminum, chromium, lead, silver, mercury and titanium in tissue samples taken by dart gun from nearly 1,000 whales over five years. From polar areas to equatorial waters, the whales ingested pollutants that may have been produced by humans thousands of miles away, the researchers said."

You could (almost) eat this furniture

You could (almost) eat this furniture
http://www.enviroblog.org/2010/06/you-could-eat-this-furniture.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Enviroblog+%28Enviroblog%29

"When I shop for furniture, I usually think of what NOT to get - no sprayed-on stain protection, no flame retardants, no unsustainable wood, and the list goes on.

So it's a relief to find out that there is at least one furniture maker who frees you from having to ask all those questions or fret over all those worries, because they're thinking about your health and the environment for you."

IKEA Phasing out Toxic Flame Retardants in Furniture

IKEA Phasing out Toxic Flame Retardants in Furniture
http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/06/ikea-phasing-out-toxic-flame-retardants-in-furniture/

"Critics have targeted IKEA for years on issues ranging from its amorphous profit and non-profit corporate (and tax) structure, its questionable sourcing of wood for its product line, and even the background of its founder, Ingvar Kamprad.  A debate over IKEA's business practices and environmental impact raises passions on both sides.  In fairness, the company has made some solid environmental choices: they've eliminated plastic bags from its check-out aisles, eliminated polyvinylchloride (PVC) from almost all of its products, and reduced packaging overall.  Now the've announced another solid move: the company is phasing out a toxic flame retardant from its furniture."

 

Beware frequent fliers: Aircraft cabin air can be toxic

Beware frequent fliers: Aircraft cabin air can be toxic
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Pharmaceuticals/articleshow/6090456.cms

"BANGALORE: Headache, breathing trouble and other unexplained illnesses in frequent fliers just might be the result of breathing toxic fumes circulating in commercial airline cabins, according to a report.

"Aerotoxic Syndrome", the unofficial name now being used to identify symptoms, is caused by breathing air contaminated with oil fumes leaking into aircraft cabins, it says. "

EPA Forced to Review Pesticide Testing on Humans

EPA Forced to Review Pesticide Testing on Humans
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2010/2010-06-24-092.html
 
"Federal rules governing pesticide experiments using people as test subjects must be rewritten and issued for public comment under a new agreement reached between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and public health groups, farm worker advocates and environmental organizations.

The proposed changes will address the three principal areas identified by the groups - the scope of the rule, its consistency with recommendations issued by the National Academy of Sciences in 2004, and its consistency with the Nuremberg Code."

Chemicals with unknown toxicity form when polypropylene plastic is heated.

[Comment:  Polypropylene is used for dishwasher safe food containers and plastic carpeting, among other things.]

Chemicals with unknown toxicity form when polypropylene plastic is heated.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/polypropylene-plastic-additives-break-down-with-heat

"New chemicals – with unknown toxic properties – are present after heating commercial polypropylene plastics during manufacturing."

Thursday, June 24, 2010

City cancels weed killing plan after complaints

City cancels weed killing plan after complaints
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=12700311

"Weed spray worries have prompted the city to cancel its plans to spray herbicide on the town square lawn to get rid of dandelions."

Chemicals have replaced infection as top threat to health, expert says...

Chemicals have replaced infection as top threat to health, expert says...
http://www.consumerhealthreviews.com/articles/GeneralHealth/ChemicalsReplaceInfection.htm

"Chemicals have replaced bacteria and viruses as the main threat to human health in western industrial nations, says toxicologist Rick Irvin."

Clean air advocates tell EPA at public hearings to cut toxic emissions

Clean air advocates tell EPA at public hearings to cut toxic emissions
http://unearthed.earthjustice.org/blog/2010-june/our-air-our-health

"Clean air advocates, many sporting "Don't Trash Our Lungs" t-shirts, spoke out yesterday at public hearings in Los Angeles and Houston for much-needed reductions in toxic air pollution. Held by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the hearings focused on recent EPA proposals to cut emissions of hazardous air pollutants like mercury and other toxic metals at nearly 100,000 facilities nationwide."

Why is Chemical Brain Injury Ignored? Pondering Causes and Risks

Why is Chemical Brain Injury Ignored?
Pondering Causes and Risks

http://www.mindfully.org/Health/2003/Chemical-Brain-Injury1mar03.htm

"I presume that the numerous factors that currently slow both individuals' and society's acceptance of chemicals as major causes of diseases are the same as those that created opposition so many years ago to the demonstration that fecal contamination of water caused cholera. I think it imperative to identify 13 such factors."

California unveils proposed regulations to rid consumer products of riskiest chemicals

California unveils proposed regulations to rid consumer products of riskiest chemicals
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/california-unveils-proposed-regulations-to-rid-consumer-products-of-the-riskiest-toxic-chemicals

"California regulators proposed regulations Wednesday that would force manufacturers and importers to reduce the use of toxic chemicals in everyday consumer products. California's proposal would be the most ambitious program in the nation to regulate toxic substances and encourage greener alternatives."

Fake organic foods proliferate from China

Fake organic foods proliferate from China
http://www.pri.org/science/environment/fake-organic-foods-proliferate-from-china2055.html

"Think those "organic" strawberries from China are better for environment? Think again."

Moldy Homes a Serious Risk for Severe Asthma Attacks in Some

Moldy Homes a Serious Risk for Severe Asthma Attacks in Some
http://www.newswise.com/articles/moldy-homes-a-serious-risk-for-severe-asthma-attacks-in-some

"Exposure to high levels of fungus may increase the risk of severe asthma attacks among people with certain chitinase gene variants, according to a study from Harvard Medical School, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital."

ACTION: Tell Congress to Label Genetically Modified Foods Now!

[Comment:  Please consider taking action on this.  It's as easy as entering your zip code and sending a pre-designed letter to your congresspersons via the link below.]
 
Tell Congress to Label Genetically Modified Foods Now!

Gen-M, "Generation Monsanto," the first generation of humans force-fed genetically modified foods, hasn't reached reproductive age yet (they were born in the late 1990s). But, if a critical mass of animal feeding studies are any indication, the millennial generation, reared on Food Inc.'s unlabeled "Frankenfoods" can look forward to a long-term epidemic of cancer, food allergies, sterility, learning disabilities, and birth defects.

TAKE ACTION: Write your Congresspersons and 2010 candidates for the House and Senate. Tell them to support mandatory labeling of all genetically modified foods.

Click on this URL to take action now
http://capwiz.com/grassrootsnetroots/utr/2/?a=15154336&i=99566116&c=&u=www.capwiz.com%2Fgrassrootsnetroots%2Fissues%2Falert%2F%3Falertid%3D15154336%26type%3DML

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Organic doesn't always mean more environmentally sustainable, according to a University of Guelph study.

[Comment:  I love how they spin it to seem that organic is bad for our health too.  Such trickery!  Reminds me of how the food industry funds those studies that repeat over and over how organic food is not more nutritious, so we should eat conventional.  It seems convincing until we stop to realize that none of us eat organic because we think it has more nutrition.  We eat organic because we don't want toxic pesticide on our food!  The sin of irrelevance strikes again!  This study also fails to consider that organic farmers don't just spray for the sake of spraying like conventional farmers do.  That's not how organic farming works.  Spraying only occurs when all other methods of controlling something, like cross planting, have failed and a fungus or bug has set in.]

Organic doesn't always mean more environmentally sustainable, according to a University of Guelph study.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/organic-pesticides-can-be-worse-than-synthetic-study/article1613773/

EPA to Seek Employee Participation in Chemical Safety Inspections

EPA to Seek Employee Participation in Chemical Safety Inspections
http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/rmp/index.htm

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released interim guidance that would provide greater transparency in the agency's chemical safety inspections process.  Under the interim guidance, EPA inspectors will offer employees and employee representatives the opportunity to participate in chemical safety inspections.  In addition, EPA will request that state and local agencies adopt similar procedures under the Risk Management Program.  EPA believes that close involvement of employees and employee representatives in inspections is effective and better protects workers and the adjacent communities."
 

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