Article underestimates challenges of marrying chemical design and toxicology.

Article underestimates challenges of marrying chemical design and toxicology.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/blog/chemical-design-perspective-lost-to-readers

"Readers of a recent Science News article may not fully understand how chemists could use current knowledge to design more benign chemicals and why they don't do it already."

Article underestimates challenges of marrying chemical design and toxicology.

Article underestimates challenges of marrying chemical design and toxicology.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/blog/chemical-design-perspective-lost-to-readers

Posted by Audrey Moores at Mar 31, 2011 06:00 AM | Permalink

Readers of a recent Science News article may not fully understand how chemists could use current knowledge to design more benign chemicals and why they don't do it already.

 

An article entitled "Better by Design" and published in Science News on March 26th describes the recent progress made by chemists towards the design of safer chemicals. The article features a computer-based study by a group of Yale chemists who demonstrated that toxicity of a molecule is strongly correlated with a small number of chemical and physical properties. This research study suggests that we soon will be able to quickly assess the potential toxic risk associated with a molecule – all from its chemical formula. The hope is to build a predictive tool to design inherently safer chemicals from the moment chemists first start to think about them.

The Science News article does a good job of describing the importance of designing chemicals for everyday use that will not present environmental health problems. It also explains in an approachable fashion, some of the ways molecules can interfere with the body. However, two important aspects of the challenge chemical design represents for chemists may be lost.

First, understanding the potency of a molecule at the design level is achievable, as some of the works highlighted in the article suggest. However it is still difficult and not yet entirely possible for all molecules, especially brand new ones. The chemistry community still regards it as an immense challenge to design molecules possessing biological activity - for drug discovery for instance. It is equally complex to predict a desired absence of biological potency. It goes far beyond simply looking at a molecule's drawing. It requires specialized computer software and databases, as well as lab and animal tests.

Why? Because a compound may be harmful for many combined reasons. The article accurately lists some of them. A compound may interact with the body, for instance, through binding with a specific protein. When it does so, it may trigger undesired body responses, such as an earlier puberty in the case of BPA. This interaction is like a key-lock interaction, where the global shape of the key and the position of each indentation count. So that when chemists design a new molecule for making a plastic wrap, for instance, they should verify that it is not also a key that unlocks an unwanted protein reaction. This task is gigantic, despite what the article suggests. Only a computer program could achieve it reliably.

Second, chemists have by training a limited knowledge of molecular toxicity. There is a tendency for scientists to specialize, and chemists have followed that path. For example, biology is hardly taught in any chemistry curriculum – which mainly concentrates on chemical reactions with a target product in mind. Students are not taught where starting materials are coming from and where molecules go after use. A true paradigm shift is needed to ensure the next generation of chemists can embrace the complexity of the problem of molecule design. The article completely skipped this issue.

In general, the article would be more powerful, and maybe more approachable, if it had provided a vision of how in the future chemists could use tools to design molecules. When chemists first think about a molecule and draw its structure they could consult the program to get an estimation of how potent it can be. With this information, chemists could refrain from even making a molecule that could prove harmful in the long run.

 While the article covers an important development in chemistry, it would be better if the reporter had put this work into perspective. Using computers to predict biological activity is a good step, but is just one of many methods developed.

Framingham State weighs fragrance ban on campus

Framingham State weighs fragrance ban on campus
http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/framingham-state-weighs-fragrance-ban-on-campus-20110330

"Human resources director Rita Colucci tells Fox25 she considered the ban after hearing complaints from several faculty members. They told her that chemicals found in fragrances, cleaners and disinfectants can cause health problems, particularly with people who have asthma."

Watch Sara Underwood's vido report at the link above for more.

Cellphone Radiation May Alter Your Brain. Let's Talk.

Cellphone Radiation May Alter Your Brain. Let's Talk.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/technology/personaltech/31basics.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print

"In a culture where people cradle their cellphones next to their heads with the same constancy and affection that toddlers hold their security blankets, it was unsettling last month when a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that doing so could alter brain activity."

Take Action NOW! FCC proposes to eliminate landlines. Comments due April 18.

Please Distribute This Widely.  It is essential that as many people as possible file comments in support of requiring continued maintenance of landline telephones.  Many of us rely on landlines, our voice must be heard loudly.

Catherine

To all interested parties:

 

The FCC is proposing to take the first specific steps toward the elimination of landline telephones.Comments from the public are due on or before April 18, 2011.

 

Below is a summary of what is being proposed. If you wish to send comments, the easiest way is to send them electronically by going to www.regulations.gov. Click on "submit a comment." Then enter "FCC-2011-0078-0001" into the "Enter Keyword or ID" field and click on "Search." When the next screen appears, click on "Submit a Comment" next to the result. The result will be titled "Developing a Unified Intercarrier Compensation."

 

You can type a simple comment of up to 2000 words, or you can attach any documents you wish. Attached word documents should be double spaced.

 

Summary

 

The complete FCC proposal can be found at http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0209/FCC-11-13A1.pdf.

 

Briefly, the FCC believes that the switched telephone network (i.e. telephone lines and switching centers) is obsolete and should be dismantled. Therefore FCC's policy is to phase out telephone lines during the coming years and replace them with broadband service. In other words, the FCC wants ordinary telephones to be entirely replaced with cell phones and computers (voice over Internet). The first step is to take money that is now being used to subsidize rural telephone service and subsidize broadband (i.e. Internet) services instead.

 

The Universal Service Fund is a federal fund paid for by a surcharge on everyone's long distance telephone bill. Until now, the fund has been used to subsidize telephone service in rural areas, as well as telephone service to people with low incomes, to make sure all Americans have access to a telephone.

 

This proposal by the FCC would eliminate some subsidies for ordinary telephone services within two years and reallocate Universal Service Fund money to pay for fixed and wireless broadband instead. This is the first step in eliminating the Universal Service Fund itself and creating a "Connect America Fund," which could only be used to subsidize fixed and wireless broadband.

 

In addition, the FCC is proposing to reduce the allowable per-minute rate for long distance phone calls, which will make it less profitable for companies to operate landlines.

 

The most important thing the FCC needs to hear from you is that the switched telephone network must be maintained. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board ("the Access Board"), is the federal agency that administers the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the Access Board, an estimated 3% of the population, or almost 10 million Americans, have electromagnetic sensitivities (http://www.access-board.gov/research/ieq/intro.cfm). They cannot use wireless technology and have difficulty using computers. They depend on the switched telephone network for voice communication. "Universal Service" is not universal if it excludes 10 million people. Eliminating landlines will leave millions of Americans without even basic telephone service.

 

If you are a person who depends on landlines for your communication needs, please send in your comments and tell that to the FCC.

 

Arthur Firstenberg, President

Cellular Phone Task Force

PO Box 6216

Santa Fe, NM 87502

(505) 471-0129

Officer's Death Shows Struggle to Define Link Between 9/11 Dust and Disease

Officer's Death Shows Struggle to Define Link Between 9/11 Dust and Disease
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/nyregion/31cop.html?_r=1

"When George Wong, a retired police officer, died last week after a battle with gastric cancer, his family assumed, as Mr. Wong had, that the cause of his disease was the many hours he had put in directing traffic around ground zero in 2001.

And when a doctor wrote on Mr. Wong's death certificate that toxic 9/11 particles had contributed to his death, the family believed that was the end of the matter.

But they were stunned at the phone call they received during his wake: it was the New York City medical examiner's office, saying it needed his body, right away. The office wanted to look into the assertion that Mr. Wong, 48, had died from exposures to toxic substances around ground zero."

Air pollution is another potentially deadly threat for U.S. soldiers in Iraq

Air pollution is another potentially deadly threat for U.S. soldiers in Iraq
http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-iraq-air-pollution-health-20110331,0,5107215.story

"As if U.S. troops serving in Iraq didn't face enough risk to life and limb already, these servicemen and women are putting their long-term health at risk because the air in Iraq is so polluted."

New Director at EPA Plans Shakeup of Laggard Chemical-Risk System

New Director at EPA Plans Shakeup of Laggard Chemical-Risk System
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/03/30/30greenwire-new-director-at-epa-plans-shakeup-of-laggard-c-94659.html

"One of the most important U.S. EPA officials is somebody you probably don't know.

Vincent Cogliano is the new acting director of the Integrated Risk Information System, or IRIS, which assesses health risks posed by -- you name it -- automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, chemicals in drinking water. EPA uses the assessments to guide its regulation writing, the focus of intense scrutiny these days on Capitol Hill."

NEWSLETTER: MCS America News - April 2011

MCSA NEWS
April 2011, Volume 6, Issue 4

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/April2011.pdf (View, Download, and Print)

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

Colorado Governor Proclaims May for Electromagnetic Sensitivity Awareness

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg2.pdf

Awareness Month 2011

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg3.pdf

How to Promote Awareness

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg4.pdf

Governor Proclamations

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg56.pdf

MCS Awareness in Schools

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg78.pdf

Healthcare Providers

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg9.pdf

Real Life Examples

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg1011.pdf

MCS Awareness at the Library

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg12.pdf

MCS at the State Capitol

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg13.pdf

Patient Support & Resources

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg1415161718192021.pdf

Community News

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg22.pdf

Featured Research Studies

http://mcs-america.org/April2011pg232425.pdf

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities America

http://www.mcs-america.org

admin@mcs-america.org

Copyrighted © 2011 MCS America

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Tell President Obama: Protect us from Cancer-Causing Chemicals!

Tell President Obama: Protect us from Cancer-Causing Chemicals!
http://www.psr.org/take-action/environment-and-health/tell-president-obama-protect-us-from-cancer-causing-chemicals.html

 

"Last May, the Pr"esident's Cancer Panel reported to President Obama that "the true burden of environmentally induced cancers has been grossly underestimated." As the one-year anniversary of that report approaches, it's time for President Obama to get serious about reducing people's widespread exposure to carcinogens. Sign the Petition!

Sensitivity to wireless frequencies a real pain

Sensitivity to wireless frequencies a real pain
http://www.canada.com/Sensitivity+wireless+frequencies+real+pain/4525150/story.html

"Several years ago I got wireless internet for my home. Eight months later my ankles and feet were so painful I could not walk more than a block. X-rays showed nothing wrong, so surgery was scheduled to fuse the bones in my feet.   All my life I had been lucky to have been a sound sleeper, but now I had insomnia for the first time in my life."

Organic farmers sue, seek protection from Monsanto

Organic farmers sue, seek protection from Monsanto
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/29/us-monsanto-lawsuit-idUSTRE72S6M920110329

 

"A consortium of U.S. organic farmers and seed dealers filed suit against global seed giant Monsanto Co. on Tuesday, in a move to protect themselves from what they see as a growing threat in the company's arsenal of genetically modified crops."

Lawyers say plant leaked toxic chemical for years

Lawyers say plant leaked toxic chemical for years
http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Chromium_Contamination_564182C.shtml

"Cancer-causing chemicals leaked from a Central California manufacturing plant owned by a former subsidiary of drugmaker Merck & Co. and contaminated the surrounding groundwater, air and soil for decades, lawyers for nearby residents told jurors Tuesday in closing arguments of their lawsuit against several companies."

KY Moms Test Manes for Mercury

KY Moms Test Manes for Mercury
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/19205-1

"It was no ordinary haircut for mother Alissa Rossi, who visited a downtown Lexington salon - not for a new look to her locks but to see if her mane shows mercury concentrations in her body.

The Sierra Club is sponsoring similar events across the nation to draw attention to the health impacts of mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants."

High Levels of PFCs Might Bring Early Menopause

High Levels of PFCs Might Bring Early Menopause
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_110235.html

"Study found exposure to chemicals may disrupt a woman's endocrine system"

Plug pulled on smart meter plan

Plug pulled on smart meter plan
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/plug-pulled-on-smart-meter-plan-20100322-qrdc.html

"THE state government has temporarily pulled the plug on Victoria's $2 billion smart energy meter program."

At U.S. Nuclear Sites, Preparing for the Unlikely

At U.S. Nuclear Sites, Preparing for the Unlikely
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/science/29threat.html?_r=1

"American nuclear safety regulators, using a complex mathematical technique, determined that the simultaneous failure of both emergency shutdown systems that are designed to prevent a core meltdown was so unlikely that it would happen once every 17,000 years."

Court OKs air-pollution restrictions for ships

Court OKs air-pollution restrictions for ships
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/28/BAD91IL0RQ.DTL

"A federal appeals court rejected a shipping industry challenge Monday to California's offshore air pollution rules requiring vessels to use low-sulfur fuel within 24 miles of the coast, standards that the court said would save about 3,500 lives over six years while modestly increasing shipping costs."

Certificate of discovery filed in $1M toxicity report suit

Certificate of discovery filed in $1M toxicity report suit
http://www.setexasrecord.com/news/234391-certificate-of-discovery-filed-in-1m-toxicity-report-suit
 
"A certificate of discovery was filed Friday in litigation alleging a pair of chemical testing companies falsified levels of toxic contaminants."

Report identifies Wellington as MS disease cluster area

Report identifies Wellington as MS disease cluster area
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2011/03/29/report-identifies-wellington-as-ms-disease-cluster-area/

"Wellington has been designated as a disease cluster area for multiple sclerosis, according to a report released yesterday by the National Resources Defense Council."

Spring clean without chemicals

Spring clean without chemicals
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20110327/LIFE08/103270308/Spring-clean-without-chemicals?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|LIFE

"The days when spring cleaning rid households of dirt and soot from a winter of oil lamp and fireplace use may be gone, but the desire for a clean house remains."

Methyl Bromide Gas Seeps Through Picton's Ferry Terminal

Methyl Bromide Gas Seeps Through Picton's Ferry Terminal
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC1103/S00087/methyl-bromide-gas-seeps-through-pictons-ferry-terminal.htm

"Methyl Bromide Gas Seeps Through Picton's Ferry Terminal.  Detectable levels of the invisible and odourless, carcinogenic and neurotoxic methyl bromide gas have been found at Picton's wharves during log fumigation activities."

Family's mold nightmare inspiring legislation

Family's mold nightmare inspiring legislation
http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/house-52070-mold-farrises.html

"Holly and Sean Farris' nightmare at 111 S. Kingdom St. started more than a year ago when they bought their first house, which turned out to be infested with what they say is toxic mold."

Food Packaging Harbors Harmful Chemicals

Food Packaging Harbors Harmful Chemicals
http://news.discovery.com/human/food-packaging-chemicals-toxins-110329.html

Eating fresh food, as opposed to packaged ones, can reduce your level of exposure to these toxins.

 

"Plastic wrappers, food cans and storage tubs deposit at least two potentially harmful chemicals into our food, confirmed a new study. By cutting out containers, people can dramatically reduce their exposures to these toxins.
The chemicals -- bisphenol A, or BPA, and a phthalate called DEHP -- are known to disrupt hormonal systems in the bodies of both animals and people, leading to developmental and reproductive problems, as well as cancers, heart disease and brain disorders. And both appear in a wide variety of food packaging materials."

Health Risk Assessment of Electromagnetic Fields: A Conflict between the Precautionary Principle and Environmental Medicine Methodology

Health Risk Assessment of Electromagnetic Fields: A Conflict between the Precautionary Principle and Environmental Medicine Methodology

Mats Dämvik1 and Olle Johansson.  REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. VOLUME 25, No. 4, 2010

1Unité Law Firm, Kungsbacka, Sweden and 2The Experimental Dermatology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute and School of Architecture and the Built Environment The Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract: The purpose of the precautionary principle is that legal requirements are to be made to safeguard against the possible health risks that have not yet been scientifically established. That a risk is not established cannot, therefore, be used as an excuse for not applying the principle. Yet, that rationale is exactly what is happening in the case of the possible health risks from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). The scientists, representing both the World Health Organization and the European Commission, do not have at all the precautionary principle in mind when they report on health risks. Their starting point is instead to determine whether new research findings have been scientifically established and thus cannot be the basis for an amendment to the existing exposure limits. Uncertain indications of risk are ignored or played down. This approach is in conflict with European Union (EU) law, which requires that the degree of scientific uncertainty should be presented correctly. A thorough examination of the state of research shows many serious indications of possible health risks from exposure very far below existing limits for EMF. Case law, for other types of exposure, also shows that the precautionary principle can be applied on the basis of weaker evidence than that. Our investigation shows that the precautionary principle is not being used for its intended purpose in relation to exposure to EMF. The reason for this position is that decision-makers are being misled by inaccurate risk assessments.

10 Worst Cities for Allergy Sufferers

10 Worst Cities for Allergy Sufferers
http://www.toponlinecolleges.com/blog/2011/10-worst-cities-for-allergy-sufferers/

"According to the Asthma and Allergies Foundation of America (AAFA) there are approximately 60 million people suffering from asthma and allergies in the United States alone. This statistic marks allergies and asthma as one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the country. Each year the AAFA releases a report of the 100 allergy capitals in the United States."

Shocking Toll of Poisoned Air Crew

Shocking Toll of Poisoned Air Crew

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/237002/SHOCKING-TOLL-OF-POISONED-AIR-CREW

 
"AIRLINE pilots are secretly donning oxygen masks and ­issuing emergency warnings because of poisonous fumes seeping into passenger jets."

Rise in urban gardens sparks soil worries

Rise in urban gardens sparks soil worries
http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20110327/NEWS01/103270307

"With remnants of once-legal lead paint, leaded gasoline and other pollutants from the nation's industrial past tainting land in U.S. cities, soil researchers warn that the growing number of urban farmers and community gardeners need to test their dirt and take steps to make sure it's safe."

Atmosphere of concern

Atmosphere of concern
http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/localnews/stories/DRC_dish_0327.2237e19e0.html

"Residents of Dish feel change in air.  A mother directs her four children about the living room, helping each to comb through an assortment of papers, books, blankets and clothing. One child closes a cardboard box and carries it upstairs to a spare bedroom, already stacked high with boxes and plastic bins filled with shoes, craft supplies and keepsakes. The door to the adjacent room — the library — remains shut, the books since removed from shelves and poured into boxes that fill the room. More boxes spill out into the upstairs hallway."

Personal care product use and urinary levels of phthalate metabolites in Mexican women.

Personal care product use and urinary levels of phthalate metabolites in Mexican women.

Romero-Franco M, Hernández-Ramírez RU, Calafat AM, Cebrián ME, Needham LL, Teitelbaum S, Wolff MS, López-Carrillo L. Environ Int. 2011 Mar 21. [Epub ahead of print]

Center of Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico, Avenida Universidad No. 655, Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cerrada los Pinos y Caminera, CP 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.

Abstract

Sources of phthalates other than Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) related products are scarcely documented in Mexico. The objective of our study was to explore the association between urinary levels of nine phthalate metabolites and the use of personal care products. Subjects included 108 women who participated as controls in an ongoing population-based case-control study of environmental factors and genetic susceptibility to breast cancer in northern Mexico. Direct interviews were performed to inquire about sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive history, use of personal care products, and diet. Phthalate metabolites measured in urine by high performance liquid chromatography-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry were monoethyl phthalate (MEP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-3-carboxypropyl phthalate (MCPP) as well as mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate (MEOHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate (MEHHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate (MECPP) that are metabolites of di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Detectable urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites varied from 75% (MEHP) to 100% (MEP, MBP, MEOHP, MEHHP and MECPP). Medians of urinary concentrations of some phthalate metabolites were significantly higher among users of the following personal care products compared to nonusers: body lotion (MEHHP, MECPP and sum of DEHP metabolites (ΣDEHP)), deodorant (MEHP and ΣDEHP), perfume (MiBP), anti-aging facial cream (MEP, MBP and MCPP) and bottled water (MCPP, MEHHP and MEOHP). Urinary concentrations of MEP showed a positive relationship with the number of personal care products used. Our results suggest that the use of some personal care products contributes to phthalate body burden that deserves attention due to its potential health impact.

PMID: 21429583 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Gaps in US radiation monitoring system revealed

Gaps in US radiation monitoring system revealed
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/03/25/state/n174118D69.DTL&type=science

"Parts of America's radiation alert network have been out of order during Japan's nuclear crisis, raising concerns among some lawmakers about whether the system could safeguard the country in a future disaster."

Do You Live in a Nuclear Danger Zone?

Do You Live in a Nuclear Danger Zone?
http://motherjones.com/blue-marble/2011/03/does-us-nuclear-emergeny-planning-need-overhaul

 

[Comment:  There are cities and states listed who are near nuclear plants.]

Food Dyes May Exacerbate Hyperactivity in Sensitive Children

Food Dyes May Exacerbate Hyperactivity in Sensitive Children
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/food-dyes-hyperactivity/story?id=13221478

"FDA Reviews Possible Link in Response to CSPI Prodding

Youngsters with ADHD may have a "unique intolerance" to artificial food colorings, according to a government report released this week suggesting there may be some truth in the common wisdom that synthetic food dyes make children more hyper."

Food dyes' favor fades as possible links to hyperactivity emerge

Food dyes' favor fades as possible links to hyperactivity emerge
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/food_dyes_favor_fades_as_possible_links_to_hyperactivity_emerge/2011/03/24/AFmAhoYB_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage

"Push a cart down a supermarket aisle, and you'll pass a kaleidoscope of color. The use of artificial dyes by foodmakers is up by half since 1990, and it's not limited to candy. The list of foods made pretty by chemicals now includes pickles, bagels and port wine cheese balls.

"Americans are really turned on by a bright-red strawberry juice, and they think it's natural," said Kantha Shelke, co-president of the food research firm Corvus Blue. "Or cheese — cheese is naturally a pale color, but most young kids will not eat cheese unless it's a bright, almost fluorescent orange.""

Radioactive Iodine Releases from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Reactors May Exceed Those of the Three Mile Island by Over 100,000 Times

Radioactive Iodine Releases from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Reactors May Exceed Those of the Three Mile Island by Over 100,000 Times
http://www.ieer.org/comments/Fukushima_IEER_press_release_2011-03-25.pdf

"Institute Calls for More Intensive Contingency Planning by Japanese Authorities; U.S. Should Move as Much Spent Fuel as Possible to Dry Storage to Reduce Most Severe Risks and Suspend Licensing and Relicensing during Review"

Health Care Myth Busters: Is There a High Degree of Scientific Certainty in Modern Medicine?

Health Care Myth Busters: Is There a High Degree of Scientific Certainty in Modern Medicine?
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=demand-better-health-care-book

"Two doctors take on the health care system in a new book that aims to arm people with information"

Organic Bytes: Rallies for the Right to Know

 

Subscribe | Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage | Rallies for the Right to Know #269, March 24, 2011 In this issue: Video of the Week: Take Action Against Monsanto Excerpt of the Week: 53% of U.S. Gardeners Growing Vegetables Alert of the Week: Stop Genetically Engineered Apples! Millions Against Monsanto Rallies Across the Country Remember to Take Action... Little Bytes A NOTE TO ORGANIC BYTES SUBSCRIBERS! Over the next few weeks we will be transitioning to a new service to send Organic Bytes, so please add the address RONNIECUMMINS [AT] ORGANICCONSUMERS.ORG to your spam filter white lists! Thanks! Video of the Week Millions Against Monsanto This is the first OCA Millions Against Monsanto Campaign video that we've created in-house. Look for more videos from OCA in the future! Visit our YouTube channel, too. Watch Excerpt of the Week Fifty-Three Percent of U.S. Backyard Gardeners Growing Vegetables A nationwide survey indicates that spending for vegetables and fruits grown in household gardens now surpasses spending for lawns, trees, shrubs - and even flowers. The same survey unearthed the following trends among gardeners: 53% grow vegetables in their gardens 90% plan to eat the produce fresh 66% will share with friends 36% will can or preserve produce 4% will donate food to others Another survey, this one by the National Gardening Association, looked at the main reasons people grow food in their gardens: 58% desire better tasting food 54% want to save money on food bills 51% want better quality food 48% want to grow food they know is safe --"Calling All Gardeners," by Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., March 23, 2011, MayoClinic.com Learn More PLEASE DONATE Millions Against Monsanto Fundraising Appeal A quarter of a million people have already signed up as participants and supporters in our Millions Against Monsanto Truth-in-Labeling Campaign. But we need money to print leaflets, to buy hundreds of copies of the video "The World According to Monsanto," to print up T-shirts and bumper stickers, and to pay our campaign staff. As you know, GMOs, Factory Farms, and deceptively labeled consumer products pose a mortal threat to public health, climate stability, and all living things. As we speak, organic crops are being contaminated with Monsanto's GMOs. We need your financial contributions to educate and mobilize consumers, to protect and maintain strict organic standards, and to pressure the entire food industry, including natural food stores and co-ops, to adopt Truth-in-Labeling practices. Please Donate Alert OF THE WEEK Stop Genetically Engineered Apples! Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc., Summerland, B.C., is seeking USDA and FDA approval for its Arctic Golden Delicious and Granny Smith apples in which genes causing browning have been switched off. The U.S. apple industry is asking USDA not to allow these genetically engineered, non-browning apples from Canada to be produced in the United States. The U.S. Apple Association voted unanimously at a March 12 board meeting to oppose the Okanagan Specialty Fruits application. The Northwest Horticulture Council is also trying to stop GM apples. Chris Schlect, president of the Northwest Horticulture Council sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Feb. 28 expressing the council's opposition to the Okanagan application. Schlect explained in the letter that the Northwest Horticulture Council "anticipate[s] severe adverse marketing issues to confront both organic and traditional apple growers should [GM apples] be allowed into the general marketplace." The council explained its stance in the March edition of its newsletter: "This policy decision was made by our trustees after a careful balance, taking into account potential customer concerns, of benefits and risks to the existing commercial apple industry of the Pacific Northwest," the newsletter states. "In the end, the projected benefits of the non-browning apples did not outweigh the marketing harm likely to occur to apple growers and marketers, whether traditional or organic." Speaking with the Capital Ag Press, Schlect said the industry is concerned that negative public perception of genetically engineered products could hurt apple sales. "It's purely an economic thing. The negatives outweigh the positives," he said. In this case, he said, there are issues of product labeling, possible cross-contamination, potential export market barriers and general consumer concern. The U.S. apple industry isn't opposed to genetic engineering, but they will oppose GMO apples as long as they believe that consumers will reject them. We must use this opportunity to send a strong message to President Obama, Sec. Vilsack and APHIS Aministrator Cindy Smith that consumers are against GMO apples. Take Action Truth-In-Labeling This Saturday, March 26, 2011: Millions Against Monsanto Rally for the Right to Know About GMOs in Our Food! Thanks to a trio of hard-working, all-volunteer Millions Against Monsanto organizers, Trish Wright, Erica Gray and April Reeves (along with local organizers), Rallies for the Right to Know are happening in more than 20 locations across the country this Saturday, March 26, 2011. Learn More Queen Creek, AZ - 9:00am – 3:00pm, Canyon State Academy 20061 E Rittenhouse Rd. RSVP Chico, CA - 11:00am - 3:00pm, Downtown "Park" between Broadway and Main Streets (where the fountains are)(3 blocks from FOOD CO-OP) RSVP Los Angeles, CA - 11:00am - 2:00pm, Los Angeles (Westwood) Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd. RSVP Red Bluff, CA - 11:00am - 3:00pm, the corner of Antelope and Main St. RSVP Colorado Springs, CO - 11:00am - 1:30pm, Acacia Park RSVP Washington, DC - 11:00am - 3:00pm, The White House Sidewalk, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue RSVP Hollywood Beach, FL - 11:00am - 2:00pm, Johnson Street Theatre, Johnson Street/N. Ocean Drive/A1A RSVP Tampa Bay, FL - 11:00am - 3:00pm, Honda Grand Prix and area farmers market RSVP Atlanta, GA - 11:00am - 4:00pm, Around Centennial Olympic Park across from the CNN Bldg RSVP Maui, HI - 8:00am - 11:00am, in front of Long's street-side on Ka'ahumanu Ave in Kahului, Maui RSVP Indianapolis, IN - 12:00pm - 3:00pm, 200 W. Washington Street #220 RSVP Ann Arbor, MI - 12:00pm - 3:00pm, Southeast corner of Catherine Street and N. 4th Avenue - just south of the A2 Farmers Market and Kerrytown Shops RSVP St. Paul, MN - 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Minnesota State Capitol Building - South Mall, 75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 55155 RSVP Kansas City, MO - 11:00am - 3:00pm, The Plaza RSVP New York, NY - 12:00pm - 1:00pm, City Hall steps New York City, Between Broadway and Park Row RSVP Albuquerque, NM - 12:00pm - 3:00pm, UNM RSVP Salem, OR - 12:00pm - 3:00pm, 900 Court St. NE RSVP Nashville, TN - 10:00am - 1:00pm, Nashville Farmers Market, 900 Rosa Parks Boulevard (8th Avenue North) RSVP Austin, TX - 12:00pm - 3:00pm, The Capitol Building RSVP Montpelier, VT - 11:00am - 3:00pm, Outside City Hall RSVP Seattle, WA - 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Victor Steinbrueck Park, 2001 Western Avenue (by Pike Place Market) RSVP Milwaukee, WI - 11:00am - 2:00pm, Water and Wisconsin RSVP Don't see a Rally for the Right to Know in your area? Organize your own picket line or rally on Saturday, or pick a date that's good for you, even if it's just taking a clipboard and petition, a homemade sign and some fliers to your local grocery store. Here's what you need: 1. The Millions Against Monsanto petition (PDF) 2. GMO Consumer Warning Leaflet 3. Post your event to the Rally for the Right to Know Facebook page and/or send the info about your event to our Truth-In-Labeling Campaign organizers so we can post it to the Millions Against Monsanto page. 4. Tell the media. Find media contacts here. And here are Press Releases to use as an example. 5. After the event, share your photos & video. Post photos to the Millions Against Monsanto Activist Photo Album. Check out the Activist Photo Album. Click here, find your local Facebook Chapter, and upload your pics and videos! Contact OrganicConsumer on YouTube and we'll put your video in our "Favorites." OrganicConsumer on YouTube   Remember to Take Action... Ban Triclosan! Take action by April 8, 2011 New York: Label Milk From Cows Given rBGH (Genetically Engineered Bovine Growth Hormone)! California: Label GM Salmon! Hawaii: Demand Truth-in-Labeling!  Alaska: Stop GMO Salmon! Little Bytes Is the Environment Poisoning Our Children? By Sandra Steingraber READ MORE Author Michael Pollan Explains the War on Food Movement READ MORE Think Tainted Chinese Pork is Scary? Check Out the Nearest Supermarket Meat Case READ MORE Farmers and Consumer Groups File Lawsuit Challenging Genetically Engineered Alfalfa Approval READ MORE New Ways of Living and Organizing Our Economy are Flourishing READ MORE LOCAL [[State]] NEWS OF THE WEEK [[State]] - Get Involved Locally Learn more about OCA related action alerts and other news in [[State]] here. Message From Ouur Sponsors Eden Foods Offers OCA Customers 15% Discount Eden Foods is one of the few national organic food producers who goes beyond the USDA Organic Standards. Although Eden Foods is USDA certified, their products do not bear the USDA seal, because they say the USDA standard really represents a "minimum standard" that Eden Foods goes far beyond. As a subscriber to Organic Bytes, you can enjoy a 15% discount rate on any Eden Foods products by going here. Learn More Become an OCA Sponsor! Every issue of Organic Bytes now goes to 265,000 organic consumers with a thousand new subscribers each week. Please help us and your business by letting our subscribers know who you are and that you support the work of the OCA. Please contact us if you want more information! Please forward this publication to family and friends, place it on web sites, print it, duplicate it and post it freely. Knowledge is power! Organic Bytes is a publication of Organic Consumers Association 6771 South Silver Hill Drive - Finland, MN 55603 - Phone: 218-226-4164 - Fax: 218-353-7652 Read past issues and print- friendly PDF versions of Organic Bytes Subscribe | Connect with us:

Multiple Sclerosis & Dirty Electricity

VIDEO: Multiple Sclerosis & Dirty Electricity
http://thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com/2011/03/multiple-sclerosis-dirty-electricity.html

"Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) resemble those of electrohypersensitivity (EHS), which may result in, an initially, flawed diagnosis. Some individuals with MS may also have EHS and, in this case, improving electromagnetic hygiene in the home and work place may reduce severity of the neurological symptoms, as shown in this video."

EPA Airs Plan to Unveil Secret Chemicals

EPA Airs Plan to Unveil Secret Chemicals
http://www.ewg.org/release/epa-airs-plan-unveil-secret-chemicals

"Spurred by an Environmental Working Group investigation about government and corporate secrecy that cloaks the very identity of many industrial chemicals, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to allow unjustified secrecy claims to sunset."

A gut reaction: Conference to explore intestinal health and its effect on autism

A gut reaction: Conference to explore intestinal health and its effect on autism
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110324/LIFE/110329953/-1/NEWSMAP

"Chances are, you've heard the statistics: 1 in 110 children have an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The estimated lifetime cost of caring for someone with autism is $3.2 million.

But on April 1 in Dartmouth, a group of nationally recognized experts will assemble for the Gottschall Autism Center's conference to address a potential intervention method you're probably not as familiar with. The conference, titled "When the Belly is the Beast: How Intestinal Health Impacts Brain and Behavior," will explore nutritional and biomedical approaches to treating autism."