Saturday, July 30, 2011

Chronic fatigue scientists get 'death threats' & Rebuttal

"Scientists researching new treatments for ME claim they have received death threats from sufferers angered by suggestions the syndrome may have a mental explanation"
 

 

"British researchers looking at the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome have received death threats from protesters angry at their focus on possible mental triggers, a report said Friday."


The real victims of ME are those with the disease
http://www.publicservice.co.uk/blog_story.asp?id=308
 
"This story is not a new one. Psychiatrist Simon Wessely, well-known for his theories that myalgic encephalomyelitis is a type of neurosis, was telling the New Scientist in 2009 about the threats he faced. Now he tells the BBC's Tom Fielden: "People seem to prefer to be diagnosed with like a retro-virus, a potentially incurable, maybe even fatal illness, rather than an illness for which we do have some reasonable but not perfect treatment.

"That really attests to the strength of feeling here – I would rather have an incurable virus than a potentially curable disorder if the cure was treatment involving any acknowledgement of the social or psychological."

No, Dr Wessely, I suspect that that is not what ME sufferers feel – not even those who have descended to desperate extremist levels.... They feel dismayed by the fact that most government funding into ME concentrates on research into the psychology and not the virology of the illness. They feel dismayed by NICE guidelines and doctors who persist with programmes of treatment that not only do not work but make them feel worse. They feel dismayed by a stigma that still surrounds the illness, stemming from early medical ignorance."

PETITION: The published paper of the PACE trial study into ME is a "Travesty of Science and a Tragedy for people with ME"

The published paper of the PACE trial study into ME is a "Travesty of Science and a Tragedy for people with ME"
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/withdrawthepacetrialpaper/

In light of the knowledge that the study has now been exposed as seriously flawed- in that it did not actually study people with ME -we the undersigned demand that the authors withdraw the paper with immediate effect.

In an unprecedented move the PACE trial was part funded by the Department of Work and Pensions. With final costs now reported to be between £4 and £5 million and a time scale of 8 years to complete it cannot be said to be a "value for money" exercise. The survey outcome has influenced the guidelines for ME produced by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence), the ME services determined by BACME (British Association for CFS ME) and benefit support by the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions).

This petition will be presented to the Editor of the Lancet, the DWP, the MRC, the APPG for ME and as many MPs that we can identify who have an interest in ME.
 
[COMMENT:  The petition may be signed at the link above.]

Friday, July 29, 2011

ELECTROMAGNETIC HYPERSENSITIVITY: EVIDENCE FOR A NOVEL NEUROLOGICAL SYNDROME.

ELECTROMAGNETIC HYPERSENSITIVITY: EVIDENCE FOR A NOVEL NEUROLOGICAL SYNDROME.
McCarty DE, Carrubba S, Chesson AL, Frilot C, Gonzalez-Toledo E, Marino AA.
Int J Neurosci. 2011 Jul 28. [Epub ahead of print]
Source
aDepartment of Neurology, LSU Health Sciences Center , Shreveport, LA , USA.
ABSTRACT
 
Objective: We sought direct evidence that acute exposure to environmental-strength electromagnetic fields could induce somatic reactions (EMF hypersensitivity).
 
Methods: The subject, a female physician self-diagnosed with EMF hypersensitivity, was exposed to an average (over the head) 60-Hz electric field of 300 V/m (comparable to typical environmental-strength EMFs) during controlled provocation and behavioral studies.
 
Results: In a double-blinded EMF provocation procedure specifically designed to minimize unintentional sensory cues, the subject developed temporal pain, headache, muscle-twitching, and skipped heartbeats within 100 s after initiation of EMF exposure (P < 0.05). The symptoms were caused primarily by field transitions (off-on, on-off) rather than the presence of the field, as assessed by comparing the frequency and severity of the effects of pulsed and continuous fields in relation to sham exposure. The subject had no conscious perception of the field as judged by her inability to report its presence more often than in the sham control.
 
Discussion: The subject demonstrated statistically reliable somatic reactions in response to exposure to subliminal EMFs under conditions that reasonably excluded a causative role for psychological processes. Conclusion: EMF hypersensitivity can occur as a bona fide environmentally-inducible neurological syndrome.

PMID: 21793784 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Rescuers rage over cancer exclusion in 9/11 fund

Rescuers rage over cancer exclusion in 9/11 fund
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/07/27/national/main20084548.shtml

"NEW YORK — First responders and others who say they became ill after working at ground zero voiced anger and disappointment at a town hall meeting in New York about a $2.8 billion federal fund for them."

A World of Chronic Disease

"When the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was created in 2001, the world responded enthusiastically. In the ensuing decade, wealthy countries and donors have poured more than $11 billion into fighting these three diseases. But an increasing chorus of global health experts believes the world has been ignoring another health crisis of equal or even greater magnitude: the spiraling epidemic of noncommunicable diseases. Long the scourge of Western nations, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases like asthma now kill more people worldwide than all other causes combined. And the trend will only accelerate as the global population ages and sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy food become more common around the world."

No Cell Phone-Children's Cancer Risk? The Media Might Be Wrong

No Cell Phone-Children's Cancer Risk? The Media Might Be Wrong
http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/07/no-cell-phone-childrens-cancer-risk-the-media-might-be-wrong/242723/

"A study says radiation doesn't cause cancer in kids—but watchdog groups say reporters have misunderstood the results"

Attorneys prove lead poisoning from plant's smelter damaged childrens' development

Attorneys prove lead poisoning from plant's smelter damaged childrens' development
http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/269134/3/Attorneys-prove-lead-poisoning-from-plants-smelter-damaged-childrens-development

"St. Louis, MO (KSDK) - A St. Louis City jury awarded $38.5 million to 16 people from Herculaneum who grew up near the town's lead production plant.

The plaintiffs claimed they were exposed to dangerous lead levels from the smelter between 1986 and 1994. That $38.5 million verdict was for compensatory damages only. At 8 a.m. Friday morning, there will be a hearing about what the amount of the punitive damages should be."

BP Disaster a Year Later, Healthcare Crisis Worsens

BP Disaster a Year Later, Healthcare Crisis Worsens
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=56675

"WASHINGTON, Jul 28, 2011 (IPS) - When news of the disastrous BP oil well explosion reached the residents of Jean Lafitte, Louisiana last April, Mayor Tim Kerner did the only thing he could think of to stop the oil from destroying his community. He encouraged everyone in his town to join him on the water, working day and night throughout the disaster to clean-up the spill."

Legislative riders target environmental protections

"For environmentalists, it was something to shout about. In a rare show of defiance, 37 House Republicans broke party ranks two days ago and voted with Democrats to strike an amendment from an appropriations bill that forbade the Fish and Wildlife Service from listing any new plant or animal as endangered."

What the USDA Doesn't Want You to Know About Antibiotics and Factory Farms

What the USDA Doesn't Want You to Know About Antibiotics and Factory Farms
http://motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2011/07/what-usda-doesnt-want-you-know-about-antibiotics-and-factory-farms

ere is a document the USDA doesn't want you to see. It's what the agency calls a "technical review"—nothing more than a USDA-contracted researcher's simple, blunt summary of recent academic findings on the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant infections and their link with factory animal farms. The topic is a serious one. A single antibiotic-resistant pathogen, MRSA—just one of many now circulating among Americans—now claims more lives each year than AIDS."

3 Extreme Healing Homes: Nontoxic Building Could Cure What Ails You

3 Extreme Healing Homes: Nontoxic Building Could Cure What Ails You
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/3-extreme-healing-homes-nontoxic-building-could-cure-what-ails-you.html

"I'm proud that Natural Home was one of the first magazines to recognize the importance of healthy homes. I've been in many houses built from natural materials over the years, and I've felt the difference that keeping out chemicals and fumes makes. Homeowners who move in with health problems see their symptoms clear after living without ubiquitous toxins such as flame-retardants and formaldehyde."

EPA Proposes Air Pollution Standards for Oil and Gas Production

EPA Proposes Air Pollution Standards for Oil and Gas Production
http://epa.gov/airquality/oilandgas/

"Cost-effective, flexible standards rely on operators' ability to capture and sell natural gas that currently escapes, threatens air quality."

CALABRESE v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Submitted July 12, 2011.

[COMMENT:  God bless her for trying! One day soon, things are going to change! They have to!]

CALABRESE v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Submitted July 12, 2011.
http://www.leagle.com/xmlResult.aspx?xmldoc=In%20FCO%2020110727182.xml&docbase=CSLWAR3-2007-CURR

Mortality by neoplasia and cellular telephone base stations in the Belo Horizonte municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil.

Mortality by neoplasia and cellular telephone base stations in the Belo Horizonte municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil.
Dode AC, Leão MM, Tejo FD, Gomes AC, Dode DC, Dode MC, Moreira CW, Condessa VA, Albinatti C, Caiaffa WT.
Sci Total Environ. 2011 Jul 7. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
Minas Methodist University Center Izabela Hendrix, Belo Horizonte City, Minas Gerais State, Brazil; Municipal Government of Belo Horizonte, Municipal Health Department, Belo Horizonte City, Minas Gerais State, Brazil; MRE Engenharia (Electromagnetic Radiations Measurement-Engineering), Belo Horizonte City, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

Abstract

Pollution caused by the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of radio frequencies (RF) generated by the telecommunication system is one of the greatest environmental problems of the twentieth century. The purpose of this research was to verify the existence of a spatial correlation between base station (BS) clusters and cases of deaths by neoplasia in the Belo Horizonte municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, from 1996 to 2006 and to measure the human exposure levels to EMF where there is a major concentration of cellular telephone transmitter antennas. A descriptive spatial analysis of the BSs and the cases of death by neoplasia identified in the municipality was performed through an ecological-epidemiological approach, using georeferencing. The database employed in the survey was composed of three data banks: 1. death by neoplasia documented by the Health Municipal Department; 2. BSs documented in ANATEL ("Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações": 'Telecommunications National Agency'); and 3. census and demographic city population data obtained from official archives provided by IBGE ("Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística": 'Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics'). The results show that approximately 856 BSs were installed through December 2006. Most (39.60%) of the BSs were located in the "Centro-Sul" ('Central-Southern') region of the municipality. Between 1996 and 2006, 7191 deaths by neoplasia occurred and within an area of 500m from the BS, the mortality rate was 34.76 per 10,000 inhabitants. Outside of this area, a decrease in the number of deaths by neoplasia occurred. The greatest accumulated incidence was 5.83 per 1000 in the Central-Southern region and the lowest incidence was 2.05 per 1000 in the Barreiro region. During the environmental monitoring, the largest accumulated electric field measured was 12.4V/m and the smallest was 0.4V/m. The largest density power was 40.78μW/cm(2), and the smallest was 0.04μW/cm(2).

PMID:  21741680  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Organic Bytes: Monsanto Nation - Taking Down Goliath

 

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Monsanto Nation - Taking Down Goliath

#287, July 28, 2011

In this issue:

 
 
 

Essay of the Week

Monsanto Nation - Taking Down Goliath by Ronnie Cummins

"Living in Monsanto Nation there can be no such thing as 'coexistence.' It is impossible to coexist with a reckless industry that endangers public health, bribes public officials, corrupts scientists, manipulates the media, destroys biodiversity, kills the soil, pollutes the environment, tortures and poisons animals, destabilizes the climate, and economically enslaves the world's 1.5 billion seed-saving small farmers. It's time to take down the Biotech Behemoth, before the living web of biodiversity is terminated."

Read more and join the campaign

 
 
 

Action Alert

No Free Pass for New Genetically Engineered Crops

For the first time ever, the USDA announced that it was waiving its regulatory authority over a new genetically engineered lawn grass made by Scotts Miracle-Gro, letting the company start selling the Franken-grass without any review of how it might effect human health, the environment, or organic farmers whose pastures will be contaminated. Essentially, the USDA has created a new class of genetically engineered plants, animals and animal drugs that get a free pass through any government regulation or review.

Because Scott's new, gene-altered lawn grass is "RoundUp Ready", we will all be exposed to more of Monsanto's toxic pesticide, which is linked to birth defects and cancer. Plus, the reasoning used to give the RoundUp Ready grass a free pass will be used by companies like Monsanto to get future genetically engineered crops into the food supply without any public input or government review.

Monsanto spokespersons and biotech industry reps are claiming they won't try this with food, arguing that genetically engineered food crops would not be accepted by the market without government approval. Don't be so sure. Genetically engineered foods don't have to be labeled, so there's nothing stopping new Frankenfoods from being secretly injected into the food supply.

The President, USDA & Congress to need to hear our anger, loud and clear. We must fight back against this latest crime attack on sensible regulation and consumers' right to know!

Learn more and take action!

 
 
 

Support the OCA

Help David Bring Down Goliath: The Organic Revolution Moves Forward

Our heartfelt thanks to the 2700 Organic Bytes readers who sent in donations over the past two weeks, enabling OCA to overcome our financial crunch and meet our summer fundraising goal of $75,000. Now we are soliciting matching funds from our major donors in the hope that we can double the funds that you have just sent us, and thereby secure adequate funds to finance our Fall Offensive against Monsanto and Food Inc. For 13 years, OCA has been "growing the revolution" - preserving strict organic standards, expanding the organic market, and spreading the good news that organic agriculture can sustainably feed the world while reversing global warming. The time is right to ramp up our efforts and achieve some real victories in the fight against Monsanto, with labels on genetically engineered foods, but we need to raise a substantial amount of money over the summer to do so.

Please donate

 
 
 

Action Alert

Shut Down Big Ag's Food Safety Rule Before It Shuts Down Small Farms

Take Action Today! July 28, 2011

From the National Organic Coalition:

The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, an agency with no food safety expertise or authority, is proposing to establish a set of food safety regulations for leafy greens (spinach, lettuce and cabbage). This "National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement" is being pushed by the most powerful "Big Ag" players in the industry. It adds a second, conflicting layer of food safety standards and audits on top of FDA food safety rules.

The NLGMA, as proposed, would give the large conventional produce industry the ability to use its own worldview to dictate farming practices. Small scale and organic farmers would have a very small voice in the standard-setting process.

The NLGMA is modeled on state food safety agreements in California and Arizona. In those examples, the conventional produce industry has pushed through food safety regulations that are biased against organic and small-scale farmers, have led to the destruction of wildlife habitat and discouraged good conservation practices on farms.

Diversified farming operations with complex rotations have been shown to be beneficial to the environment. Yet crop-by-crop food safety regulations, such as the NLGMA, are an economic disaster for diversified farming operations, and are biased toward large mono-cultural operations. For a farmer with 40 crops on 100 acres to comply with 40 different food safety regulations is prohibitively burdensome. Crop specific food safety regulations, such as NLGMA, will drive farmers out of environmentally sensitive diversified crop production, and toward chemical-intensive mono-cultural operations. This is counter to the goals of food safety and more environmentally sound agriculture.

Take action

 
 
 

Action Alert

Stop Monsanto's Failed "Drought Tolerant" Corn

Comments Due August 11, 2011

Monsanto has long made false marketing claims that its genetically engineered crops are less polluting, and that they increase yields and make crops more resilient. In truth, Monsanto's business is focused on selling farm chemicals and patented seeds. All of its seeds are designed to either tolerate its herbicide RoundUp (so they can sell more pesticides) or produce an insecticide (so they can sell more high-priced patented seeds). Monsanto's genetically engineered crops have been shown to increase pesticide use, while being more susceptible to disease and less tolerant to drought and flood than organic crops.

Now, Monsanto is seeking regulatory approval for the first genetically engineered crop that, according to them, could benefit farmers, a so-called "drought-tolerant" corn variety. The corn contains a gene discovered in soil bacteria strains exposed to harsh, cold conditions. The only trouble is, according to a USDA review of Monsanto's data, it doesn't work. Monsanto's genetically engineered, so-called "drought-tolerant" corn doesn't perform any better than varieties produced through conventional breeding techniques. And as researchers around the world have pointed out, the real varieties of "drought-resistant" corn under cultivation are those that are cultivated organically, with yields 50-70% higher than chemical and GMO varieties under drought conditions.

So, why is the USDA planning on approving Monsanto's bogus drought-resistant corn? Because proving or disproving Monsanto's false claims about the benefits of genetic engineering isn't their job. They believe their charge is to determine whether the bacteria gene Monsanto used might pose a plant-pest problem. And, as to that, they used data submitted by Monsanto to conclude there's no problem, but didn't conduct the Environmental Impact Statement required under the law by courts that have acknowledged that the right of farmers and consumers to choose organic and non-genetically engineered is threatened by the contamination risk of genetically engineered crops.

We can't allow the USDA to approve failed "drought-resistant" genetically engineered crops, when it's inevitable that they will contaminate and ruin the proven ability of resilient organic crops to adapt to climate change.

Take action

 
 
 

Millions Against Monsanto Events

October 1-16, 2011: Right2Know March from NYC to DC for GMO Labeling

We feel that everyone has the Right to Know whether their food is genetically modified. We demand GMO labeling on all food and drink products in this country, and we support local and global efforts to keep GMOs out of our food supply.

Join us as we March from New York City to the White House in Washington DC from October 1 - October 16, 2011 to demand labeling of Genetically Modified Foods. Its time we put people over profits and mandate justice for our food.

We'll be hiking across cities and townships, bringing our message to rallies, festivals, and farmers' markets for over 300 miles and a little over two weeks. We'll have speakers, exhibits, press opportunities, cookouts, and teach-ins, and we're sure to generate a buzz around the issue. Bring a group from your community, volunteer to spread the word, fundraise, and together we will win the fight against Frankenfoods!

Join us in solidarity for this historic march and get involved today!

 
 
 

Millions Against Monsanto Events

October 16, 2011: World Food Day Rallies Against Genetically Engineered Foods

World Food Day, October 16, is traditionally an international day of action against agribusiness and Monsanto. Last year, La Via Campesina called for actions around the world to denounce the role of agribusinesses such as Monsanto and their destruction and corporatization of biodiversity and life.

This year, we want to see US consumers step up and join the international cause by holding local rallies across the nation.

In March, there were Rallies for the Right to Know about genetically engineered foods in more than 30 cities. Since then, organic activists have been building our networks and gathering supporters in the hopes of making the Millions Against Monsanto campaign 1,000,000 strong and having an even bigger national day of action in October.

There are already World Food Day actions being planned in 36 cities. Join in.

We are now almost up to 600,000 supporters! Please ask your friends to join the following networks and spread the word:

 
 
 

Book of the Week

Son of a Farmer, Child of the Earth

"Wow. A mixture of holy water evangelist and tree hugging shaman, Eric Herm takes on American materialistic decadence and landscape rape with aggressively insightful causes and solutions. Mischievously clever wordsmithing illustrates both wit and depth of understanding that only come from eclectic knowledge and spending many hours alone, in the fields, deeply thinking. Although Herm's vituperative condemnation of modern America could be termed negative, his discussions all lilt into an Earth stewardship love song that is refreshingly positive. Herm has done our culture a great service in this altar call to get our hearts rights and then heal our world. A truly wonderful read."

- Joel Salatin, Polyface Farms, author of several books on sustainable agriculture

Read More

 
 
 

Sponsored Message

Dr. Bronner's is Celebrating Our 60th Anniversary!

Marking the 60th Anniversary of the company, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps is pleased to announce that all classic liquid & bar soaps are now not only certified under the USDA National Organic Program, but also certified Fair Trade! In addition, we are pleased to introduce a revolutionary new range of high-quality organic products, from hair rinses to shaving gels – all certified under the same USDA program that certifies organic foods.

Please visit us on the web at DrBronner.com

 
 
 

Become an OCA Sponsor!

Every issue of Organic Bytes now goes to 286,000 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!

 
 
 

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Program won't cover 9/11 responders for cancer

Program won't cover 9/11 responders for cancer
http://articles.cnn.com/2011-07-26/us/new.york.trade.center.cancer_1_cancer-treatment-survivors-james-zadroga?_s=PM:US

"Workers who were involved in the response to the World Trade Center attack will not have their cancer treatments compensated under a program set up after September 11, according to a controversial decision released Tuesday by the World Trade Center Health Program."

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

EPA Opens Public Comment on Secondary Air Standards for Nitrogen and Sulfur Oxides/ Agency announces pilot field study on environmental impacts

EPA Opens Public Comment on Secondary Air Standards for Nitrogen and Sulfur Oxides/ Agency announces pilot field study on environmental impacts
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/9E3FC848999850BB852578CC0059F5EF

"After a careful review of the best available science, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing secondary air quality standards to protect the environment from nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx). Today's proposal builds on EPA efforts already underway to reduce NOx and SOx emissions."

The Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Exposure Elimination Act of 2011

The Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Exposure Elimination Act of 2011
http://www.endocrinedisruption.org/endocrine.edlaw11.php

"Please contact your US Senators and Members of the House of Representatives and ask them to cosponsor the bill. A cosponsor adds his/her name directly to the bill, which can greatly increase the likelihood of the bill being passed.  Click here (on the website linked above) to find your Members of Congress. From there you can link to their website and go to the 'contact' page. Many members prefer you to use an email form they have created."

 

Evolution right under our noses

Evolution right under our noses
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110726_Evolution_right_under_our_noses.html

"Evolution is one of life's constants. New species emerge; old ones become extinct. Environmental changes have often steered evolution in new directions. And modern cities like New York have brought particularly swift changes to the environment. European settlers cut down most of New York's original forest; towns grew and then merged into a sprawling metropolitan region. The chemical environment changed as well, as factories dumped chemical pollution into the water and soil."

Life Imprints: Living in a Contaminated World

Life Imprints: Living in a Contaminated World
http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1103451
 
Citation: Crews D, Gore AC 2011. Life Imprints: Living in a Contaminated World. Environ Health Perspect :-. doi:10.1289/ehp.1103451

Background: The links between nature and nurture need to be redefined to accommodate anthropogenic chemical contamination. Although some local remediation of contamination has occurred, at the global level this is simply not possible. Contaminants are spread by population migration, introduction via the food chain, and through air and water currents, even to regions that were never exposed to these environmental insults. In recognizing and accepting this worldwide change, we must move on and consider the types of adaptations that could occur as a consequence.
Objectives: To recognize that contamination is widespread and cannot be remedied at the global level. Therefore we propose a paradigm shift in the field that integrates various disciplines involved in the study of environmental contamination.
Discussion: Greater effort must be placed on integrative and interdisciplinary studies that explicitly illuminate how the causal mechanisms and functional outcomes of related processes operate at each level of biological organization while, at the same time, revealing the relations among the levels.
Conclusions: To anticipate and understand the future, we must devote more study to what is likely to happen, and less to what has happened. Only when this is done will we begin to understand how ancestral environmental exposures act both at the level of the individual and their descendants to influence all aspects of life history.

New website to address cumulative harm on communities and the environment

New website to address cumulative harm on communities and the environment
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/greenblog/2011/07/new_website_to_address_cumulat.html

"New Bedford residents, like those in many cities, are at risk for high rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and high blood pressure, according to state and federal studies.

Now, researchers from Boston University School of Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Northstar Learning Centers are studying the reasons why, trying to unravel what they believe is a myriad of combining factors – from PCBs and prenatal tobacco exposure for ADHD, to diet and fine particulate matter exposure for high blood pressure -- that may be increasing the illness risk for residents."

Wafting poison makes fertile ground for suit in Stearns County

Wafting poison makes fertile ground for suit in Stearns County
http://www.startribune.com/local/126151483.html

"Court rules pesticide drifting onto organic farm constitutes trespass.

Oluf Johnson's 1,500-acre farm in Stearns County is an organic island in a sea of chemically treated corn and soybeans.  Improperly applied pesticides repeatedly drift over from neighboring farms, often with dire consequences for Johnson. But now, thanks to a new court ruling, he and other farmers can sue to recover their losses.

Letting damaging chemicals cross property lines is trespassing, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled on Monday. Moreover, since those pesticides made his crop unsalable in the organic market, Johnson is entitled to damages from the company that applied it, the Paynesville Farmers Union Cooperative Oil Co., the court said."

Quantum Coherent Water, Non-thermal EMF Effects, and Homeopathy

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Water Disinfectant Turns Medical Compounds Toxic

Water Disinfectant Turns Medical Compounds Toxic
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/news/89/i31/8931scene.html

"Disinfection By-Products: Medical imaging chemicals transform into toxic compounds in drinking water treated with chlorine"

Chernobyl: A field trip to no man's land

Chernobyl: A field trip to no man's land
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/14250489

"I had nightmares when I first came here," says Andrea. "You feel this sort of constant invisible threat.

"But you do get used to it. Now, I actually quite enjoy these field trips."

Andrea Bonisoli-Alquati, a willowy Italian biologist, is sitting with a team of his colleagues in one of the very few restaurants in Chernobyl.

In this half-empty dingy canteen, while the speakers blare out euro-pop, Andrea is eating dinner on the first evening of a six day scientific excursion to the 30km exclusion zone that surrounds the infamous Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

He is one of an international team of a dozen researchers who are here to study the ecosystem that was left behind after the 1986 accident."

<snip>

Wafting poison makes fertile ground for suit in Stearns County

Wafting poison makes fertile ground for suit in Stearns County
http://www.startribune.com/local/126151483.html

"Court rules pesticide drifting onto organic farm constitutes trespass."

Furniture Linked To PBDE Levels In Pregnant Women

Furniture Linked To PBDE Levels In Pregnant Women
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/news/89/i31/8931scene1.html

"Toxic Substances: Women with more stuffed furniture had higher blood levels of the flame retardants
alifornia has some of the strictest standards for furniture flammability in the world. Stuffed furniture like couches and chairs must resist igniting when exposed to an open flame for 12 seconds. Furniture manufacturers often meet these standards by applying flame retardants called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Now a study of pregnant immigrants living in California suggests that living with PBDE-containing furniture may lead to high blood levels of the chemicals (Environ. Sci. Technol., DOI: 10.1021/es104295m)."

Fungal exposure in homes of patients with sarcoidosis - an environmental exposure study

Fungal exposure in homes of patients with sarcoidosis - an environmental exposure study
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/10/1/8

Marjeta Terčelj1*, Barbara Salobir1, Matevz Harlander1 and Ragnar Rylander2
Environmental Health 2011, 10:8 doi:10.1186/1476-069X-10-8

Background
There is increasing evidence that exposure to moulds (fungi) may influence the development of sarcoidosis. To assess the influence of the environmental exposure, a study was undertaken to determine the exposure to fungi in homes of subjects with sarcoidosis.
Methods
Subjects were patients with clinically established sarcoidosis recruited during the period September 2007 till June 2010. Of these 55 were newly diagnosed and currently under treatment for less than one year, 25 had been treated and had no recurrence and 27 had been treated but had recurrence of the disease. Controls were healthy subjects without any respiratory symptoms (n = 30). Samples of air (about 2.5 m3) were taken in the bedroom of the subjects using a portable pump and cellulose ester filters. The filters were analysed for the content of the enzyme N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) as a marker of fungal cell biomass, using a specific substrate and a fluorescent technique and expressed as NAHA units (U)/m3.
Results
Compared to controls, subjects undergoing treatment of the disease (newly diagnosed or with recurrence) had significantly higher activities of NAHA in their homes than controls (33.6 and 39.9 vs 10.0 U/m3, p < 0.001 and <0.001). Among controls only 5 out of 30 subjects had levels of NAHA above the second quartile value (14 U/m3). In homes of subjects with newly diagnosed disease with treatment less than one year, values above 14 NAHA U/m3 were found among 35 out of 55 and among those with recurrent disease among 18 out of 27.
Conclusions
The higher activities of NAHA enzyme found in homes of subjects with active and recurrent sarcoidosis suggest that exposure to fungi is related to the risk of sarcoidosis. Further environmental studies to assess the importance of this exposure for subjects with sarcoidosis are warranted. The results suggest that remedial actions in homes with high levels of fungi may be justified.

Monday, July 25, 2011

State Senator Calls for Toxicity Tests at Airport

 
"California State Senator Ted Lieu, a Democrat from Torrance, chair of the Senate Select Committee on Air Quality, has sent a letter to Debbie Raphael, California's Environmental Protection Agency director, asking that the State's Department of Toxic Substance Control "conduct a formal investigation of a dangerous toxic situation for California residents who live adjacent to Santa Monica Airport."

$1M toxicity report case goes to trial


"A civil case alleging a pair of chemical testing companies falsified levels of toxic contaminants has gone to trial."

US vets testify about toxic chemicals

US vets testify about toxic chemicals
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/07/116_91617.html

"Two former U.S. officers testified during a National Assembly hearing Monday about their involvement in the U.S. Forces Korea's (USFK) alleged burial of a toxic defoliant in Korea."

Toxic chemicals freed in the Canadian Arctic: Study


"Just weeks before Prime Minister Stephen Harper's annual trip to the Arctic, researchers have released a study stating climate change in Canada's North has unleashed toxic chemicals once frozen in the ice."

Despite fears, more genetically modified crops are on the way

Despite fears, more genetically modified crops are on the way
http://www.twincities.com/business/ci_18533083?nclick_check=1
"In a way, the old science-fiction movies were right. Genetically engineered crops have taken over the world - but not because mutant plants went on a rampage.
Fifteen years after the biotech revolution first hit rural America, farmers overwhelmingly choose to grow genetically modified (GM) varieties of corn and soybeans. In Minnesota this year, a record 95 percent of the soybeans are GM varieties. For corn, it's 93 percent. A similar trend is unfolding around the world.
"Everybody thinks it's just a U.S. thing, and that's far from the case now," said David Morgan, president of Syngenta Seeds, which has its U.S. headquarters in Minnetonka. "With the exception of Europe, it's pretty well adopted around the world.""

ME/CFS Page Updated with New Case Criteria

MCSA's ME/CFS web page has been updated to reflect the new case criteria.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Environmental group bares toxic ingredients in children's products

Environmental group bares toxic ingredients in children's products
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/227255/nation/environmental-group-bares-toxic-ingredients-in-childrens-products

"Several imported and locally made children's products bought from shops in Metro Manila tested positive for potentially dangerous levels of at least one toxic metal, an ecological group said."

Pagaling: Stop spraying toxic herbicides in our watershed

Pagaling: Stop spraying toxic herbicides in our watershed
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jul/23/pagaling-stop-spraying-toxic-herbicides-in-our/

"The Arundo is growing back. The chemical treadmill continues. Herbicide retreatment in the Ventura River and Matilija Canyon watershed will begin again Monday and continue to Oct. 28. (Three retreatments back to back will take place during that time.)"

EPA program on children's toxic exposure "flawed"

EPA program on children's toxic exposure "flawed"
http://www.theinvestigativefund.org/blog//1536/

"According to a new report released yesterday, efforts to protect children's health have been fatally blocked by American industry's refusal to submit information on the commercial use of chemicals.

In a scathing critique of a voluntary reporting strategy launched with great fanfare under the Clinton administration — and quietly killed in recent years — the EPA's Inspector General wrote that the Voluntary Children's Chemical Evaluation Program was a bust."
 

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Something in the air may cause lung damage in troops

Something in the air may cause lung damage in troops
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/332603/title/Something_in_the_air_may_cause_lung_damage_in_troops

"Breathing problems in soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan are traced to deposits in tiny air passages of the lungs

Some soldiers serving in the Middle East who develop difficulty breathing — but whose chest X-rays show nothing out of the ordinary — have constrictive bronchiolitis, a kind of lung damage virtually unknown in young adults, a study shows."

Tiny nanoparticles could be a big problem

 
"Ian Illuminato of Friends of the Earth says consumers deserve a say in nanotech regulation.
Nanotechnology was supposed to revolutionize the world, making us healthier and producing cleaner energy. But it's starting to look more like a nightmare."

EU tightens rules on unsafe children's toys

EU tightens rules on unsafe children's toys
http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/07/20/us-eu-toys-idINTRE76J4U620110720

"The European Union introduced tighter safety measures for children's toys on Wednesday, a measure that could hurt Chinese imports which make up 80 percent of all EU toy imports."

Weedkiller has surprise toll on trees


"Imprelis, a new herbicide, was touted as eco-safe. But trees in the Twin Cities and around the country are dying."

'Poison,' 'Toxic' Nixed By Judges

'Poison,' 'Toxic' Nixed By Judges
http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/557320/-Poison----Toxic--Nixed-By-Judges.html?nav=515

Slurry victims' lawyers limited in Massey suit
"Three judges who will hear a coal slurry pollution lawsuit against Massey Energy have declared any reference to a deadly 2010 mine explosion off limits for the August trial and ordered the plaintiffs' lawyers to avoid inflammatory phrases including "poison" or "toxic soup" in opening statements."

The Coal Ash Series, In Full

The Coal Ash Series, In Full
http://www.wfpl.org/2011/07/22/the-coal-ash-series-in-full/

"You can't see the smokestacks of the Cane Run Power Station from Stephanie Hogan's home, even though she lives a block away. And while the power plant isn't visible, it's still a looming presence in Hogan's life.

"Oh, he breathes so bad, he sounds like Darth Vader." Hogan shakes her head, and her two-year-old son Cody wheezes. "You ain't even been running."

The family bought their trailer near the Louisville Gas and Electric-operated power plant about 15 months ago, and since then, Cody has developed serious respiratory problems. Eventually, his mom took him to a specialist, who pinpointed the potential cause of Cody's sickness."

Deodorants are the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis to fragrance ingredients.

Deodorants are the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis to fragrance ingredients.
Heisterberg MV, Menné T, Andersen KE, Avnstorp C, Kristensen B, Kristensen O, Kaaber K, Laurberg G, Henrik Nielsen N, Sommerlund M, Thormann J, Veien NK, Vissing S, Johansen JD.
Contact Dermatitis. 2011 May;64(5):258-64. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01889.x.

Source
Department of Dermato-allergology, National Allergy Research Centre, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark. mavohe01@geh.regionh.dk
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Fragrances frequently cause contact allergy, and cosmetic products are the main causes of fragrance contact allergy. As the various products have distinctive forms of application and composition of ingredients, some product groups are potentially more likely to play a part in allergic reactions than others.
AIM:
To determine which cosmetic product groups cause fragrance allergy among Danish eczema patients.
METHOD:
This was a retrospective study based on data collected by members of the Danish Contact Dermatitis Group. Participants (N = 17,716) were consecutively patch tested with fragrance markers from the European baseline series (2005-2009).
RESULTS:
Of the participants, 10.1% had fragrance allergy, of which 42.1% was caused by a cosmetic product: deodorants accounted for 25%, and scented lotions 24.4%. A sex difference was apparent, as deodorants were significantly more likely to be listed as the cause of fragrance allergy in men (odds ratio 2.2) than in women. Correlation was observed between deodorants listed as the cause of allergy and allergy detected with fragrance mix II (FM II) and hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde.
CONCLUSION:
Deodorants were the leading causes of fragrance allergy, especially among men. Seemingly, deodorants have an 'unhealthy' composition of the fragrance chemicals present in FM II.
PMID: 21480912 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

['ASIA' - Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants: even and odd].

['ASIA' - Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants: even and odd].
[Article in Italian]

Perricone C, Alessandri C, Valesini G.  Reumatismo. 2011;63(2):63-6.

Source
Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italia. carlo.perricone@gmail.com.

Abstract
Recently, Shoenfeld and Agmon-Levin described a potential new syndrome, namely ASIA - autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants, that comprises four medical conditions: siliconosis, the Gulf war syndrome, the macrophagic myofasciitis syndrome and post-vaccination phenomena, characterized by hyperactive immune responses accompanied by a similar complex of signs and symptoms. Most relevantly, these conditions share a linkage represented by adjuvants. This common soil may possibly induce autoimmune or auto-inflammatory diseases in humans as it was demonstrated in different animal models. Reconsidering under a unified umbrella this apparently detached condition is not only intriguing, but also provocative, and may help in unraveling novel pathogenetic mechanisms, preventive measures, and therapeutic targets.

PMID: 21776441 [PubMed - in process]
Free full text

The 20 States with the Most Toxic Air

The 20 States with the Most Toxic Air
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/states-worst-air-pollution-0722

"A new analysis ranks states by the levels of air pollution produced by power plants."

ACTION: Fumigation season is here. We need action on methyl iodide.

ACTION: Fumigation season is here. We need action on methyl iodide.
http://www.change.org/petitions/fumigation-season-is-here-we-need-action-on-methyl-iodide-3

"Summer's here, and it's been 6 months since cancer-causing methyl iodide was approved for use in California agriculture. It's only been in the past few weeks, however, that two farms in Fresno County actually used methyl iodide in their fields.

Call Governor Jerry Brown. It's time to reverse the methyl iodide decision, before any more of this extraordinarily dangerous chemical is used. We're asking Californians to call the governor's office."

BREAKING NEWS - Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria - Source: Journal of International Medicine, July 20, 2011

BREAKING NEWS - Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria – Source: Journal of International Medicine, July 20, 2011
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=16404

3 Tips to Protect Your Child from Lead Poisoning in Defective Toys

3 Tips to Protect Your Child from Lead Poisoning in Defective Toys
http://chicago.dbusinessnews.com/shownews.php?articletitle=3%20Tips%20to%20Protect%20Your%20Child%20from%20Lead%20Poisoning%20in%20Defective%20Toys&newsid=239355&type_news=latest&s=sbcn

"Chicago - Toy recalls due to dangers such as lead poisoning are a serious threat to children everywhere. Recent children product recalls may have you worried, which is why you may want to speak with a Chicago defective product attorney if you have any questions regarding the subject of whether your child has been a victim of a defective product. A lawyer can talk to you about a defective product claim in Illinois and outline the process for you. If you do decide to take action after an accident a lawyer can help ease some of the stress that may be affecting you and your loved ones."

Strange Addiction: Eating Dryer Sheets

Strange Addiction: Eating Dryer Sheets

http://thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com/2011/07/strange-addiction-eating-dryer-sheets.html

35-year-old Charmissa tells of unusual habit on TLC's "My Strange Addiction."



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

Campaign for revised WHO EMF safety guidelines

[COMMENT:  Reposted by request with permission.]
 
----- Original Message -----
Re: Campaign for revised WHO EMF safety guidelines  

With the rapidly increasing exposures to wireless technologies and other sources of EMF, many more people will be affected.  I believe a precautionary approach to EMF exposures is both warranted and long overdue, and wanted to suggest a way which may help unite our global voices on this issue. 

 

You may be familiar with the rapidly-growing global non-profit organization Avaaz (http://avaaz.org/en/); their campaigns typically address environmental issues, corruption and human rights.  I've been trying to co-ordinate international efforts asking Avaaz to launch a campaign along the lines:

 

"Please lobby the WHO to promote a precautionary approach to public health and safety, to reject the current ICNIRP EMF guidelines, and to develop new safety standards that take into account biological effects and cumulative exposures."

 

I received some informal information a couple of days ago that this is now on Avaaz's radar - but in order for this campaign to move up the priority list, the international community will need to keep up the pressure.
                                                                                                      
My request to you is a simple one:  Please join us by submiting a campaign suggestion to Avaaz (Email: 
info@avaaz.org; Subject:  EMF Campaign Suggestion Attn: Dominick).  I have attached a letter outlining some of the key concerns  – you can select which bullet points to include, and you might like to expand on point 6, Electrosensitivity.

 

To date, there are scientists and activists in the New Zealand, UK, US, Canada, Israel, Sweden, Germany and Brazil contacting Avaaz and spreading this request by email, in newsletters, through forums and blogs etc. It would be fantastic to have your support.

 

Kind regards,

Emma
New Zealand
 


Email:  info@avaaz.org

Subject: EMF Campaign Suggestion Attn: Dominick

 

 

Dear Dominick,

 

 

Re: Campaign to Revise the WHO's EMF safety standards

 

Congratulations for the great results on some excellent campaigns.  At last, the people have a voice to challenge and redress the balance between corporate interests and public/planetary health.  Heartfelt thanks to you to all the Avaaz team.

 

I am writing with regard to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) current guidelines for radiofrequency exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF).  The number of people exposed to these EMF fields is unprecedented, and the scientific debate about safety is highly charged and very polemic.  Avaaz is in a unique position of being able to harness the 'power of the people' and lobby the WHO to i) overhaul the EMF standard-setting process, and ii) develop new safety standards, under the guidance of a more representative panel of experts. 

 

Here are some of the concerns which underpin my request for your help:

 

1.        Public Safety Sidelined.  The WHO's EMF safety standards are based on the recommendations of the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and are adopted by most of the world's governments.  From its inception, there is evidence that the telecommunication sector may have sidelined public health and safety[i] [ii] [iii] [iv]. 

 

2.        Industry Funding and Conflicts of Interest.  So long as the general public remain largely unaware of the impact that industry funding is having on scientific debate[v] [vi] [vii] [viii], tight industry controls can and will continue to predetermine the outcome of the ICNRIP's risk assessments and recommended safety standards.[ix] [x] [xi] 

 

3.        Pressures and Sanctions.  Many well respected, professionally credentialed scientists and doctors are trying to raise the alarm[xii] , but between the apparent bias in the media coverage[xiii], and pressures and sanctions for those who do speak out [xiv] [xv] [xvi]   progress has been slow.

 

4.        Biased Stakeholder Representation.  There is no representation in the ICNIRP from any scientist whose work validates the existence of any biological effects from very low EMF exposures.  The ICNIRP self nominates and elects its own members; in addition to the chairman and vice chairman, there are only 12 other members, many of whom have worked associated industries before and after their time with ICNIRP. There is no process for ordinary members to join and no process for non-members to participate in the nomination or election of the ICNIRP executives. The manipulation of telecommunications exposure standards for political, military and industry vested interests at the expense of public health has been well documented. [xvii] [xviii] [xix] [xx] [xxi]

 

5.       A Precautionary Approach is needed.  The global community is experienced unprecedented exposures to EMF from wireless technologies such as mobile and digital cordless (DECT) phones, WiFi (in schools, day care centres, high streets, public buildings, nursing homes, public transport and residential homes), baby monitors, entertainment systems and games, medical treatments and soon-to-be-rolled-out WiMax and 4G technologies, 24/7 health monitoring devices, smart appliances and the already controversial smart meters.  Planning regulations at national and local levels must take into account public exposures to EMFs from all sources.  New wireless technologies are being developed then deployed without adequate research or consultation, despite public outcry.  There is widespread concern that the EMF exposures from Smart Meters carry health risks which will be forced upon people.  With industry implementation plans already in place in many countries, and the scale of public risk, there is an urgent need for an international voice of reason and a precautionary approach to all EMF sources. [xxii] [xxiii] [xxiv]

 

6.        Electrosensitive people have basic rights, and without appropriate exposure guidelines to protect them, there are growing concerns that increasing numbers of people will be denied basic rights. [xxv][xxvi]

Please include your own points here

 

7.       Children are not adults. There is no research at all establishing safe exposure levels for children.  The current standards are based entirely on adult exposures, and these are inappropriate for the immature bodies of children; separate exposure guidelines are needed to protect children and other 'at risk' groups.[xxvii] [xxviii] [xxix].   Given that mobile phones and Wi-Fi technologies emit a class 2B carcinogen, and have a known negative effect on learning and cognition, these technologies should be prohibited in all preschools, schools, educational institutes and libraries[xxx].   

 

8.        SAR calculations are inadequate.  The change in the allowable exposure calculation over a 6 minutes time average from 1g tissue to 10g is likely to mask the impact of 'hot spots' – which is of particular concern for brain tissue.[xxxi]

 

9.        Foetal Exposure.  Separate guidelines are also needed for pregnant women.  Depending on the foetal position, the mother's use of a mobile phone could expose the foetus to SAR levels which exceed the current safety guidelines.  During the first trimester, when the foetus is so small, the current method of calculating absorption significantly underestimates the risks to a tiny foetus [xxxii]

 

10.     Chronic exposures are different. There is no evidence at all that the current safety standards will provide adequate protection for chronic exposures[xxxiii].  The safety standards were initially developed to protect military personnel in active duty against short-term microwave exposures. [xxxiv] Environmental exposures tend to have long latency periods before the full health risks can be assessed (radioactivity, benzene, smoking, asbestos, lead [xxxv]), so developing safety standards based on short-term effects is fundamentally flawed and a correction of this historical bias is long overdue.

 

11.     Non-thermal effects are harmful, too.  The current RF electromagnetic field guidelines restrict exposure to limit the temperature rise in the body. In other words, they only protect against adverse thermal effects.   The ICNRIP have conducted a number of reviews to ascertain whether biological effects are real.  It is difficult to accept the ICNRIP's claim that there is insufficient evidence of non-thermal effects to warrant a change in the guidelines.   

 

A review of 2,300 research papers in 1971 by the Naval Medical Research Institute[xxxvi] identified a wide range of bioeffects, including physiological changes, as well as central and autonomic nervous system effects.  The 2007 Bioinitiative report[xxxvii]  reviewed the evidence for non-thermal effects, and over 610 pages summarizes the research linking non-thermal exposures to childhood leukemia and adult cancers, changes in the nervous system and brain function, effects on DNA,  stress proteins and the immune system.  In 2009, the journal of Pathophysiology published a special edition[xxxviii] devoted to EMF  which referenced hundreds of studies reporting significant results.  A review of the research published in 2009 provides even more evidence biological effects from EMF exposures at thresholds below the current safety limits. [xxxix] Older reviews present evidence going back to the 19060s and 70s[xl].

 

While it is true that some studies find no evidence for non-thermal effects, the sheer volume of non-thermal effects reported over the years is difficult to reconcile with the ICNIRP's claim that they don't exist and safety guidelines don't need to take them into account.

 

12.   The type of exposure matters.  The current safety standards set by the ICNIRP do not take a number of important characteristics into account in their risk assessments[xli].  There are numerous reports of biological effects that show intensity "windows", that is, regions of intensity that cause changes surrounded by higher and lower intensities that show no effects from exposure.  Other ccharacteristics reported to influence biological processes include modulation, frequency, pulse width, intensity, rise and fall time, and the frequency, if any, within the pulse ON time i.e. intermittent effect [xlii] [xliii]

 

13.     Issues with Replication Studies.   There are concerns that industry-funded replication studies which report negative findings are being used to invalidate the original work[xliv].  In order to qualify as a replication study, there should be no differences in experimental design or methodology. 

·         Given that many effects are non-linear[xlv] [xlvi] [xlvii],   higher exposures may sometimes have smaller or no effects.  It is possible to manipulate the results by altering exposures in a counter-intuitive way.

·         The results of in vitro studies are likely to be influenced by the specific choice of cell line. For example, some cell lines have a synchronised cell cycle, so exposure during a synchronised resting phase would be likely to yield different results from exposures to non-synchronised cells, where cells will be distributed throughout the different phases.

·         The results of in vivo studies are likely to be affected by the design of the exposure chamber (including orientation and plane of the EMF source relative to the animal, the thickness of the Plexiglas cage or container,  the presence and depth of water and  sawdust between the source and the animals;

·         The inclusion of control animals in the exposure environment could result in 'second-hand' exposures.  

·         The results of In vivo studies looking at DNA damage is influenced by the assay techniwue:  "Different versions of the assay have been developed. These versions have different detection sensitivities and can be used to measure different aspects of DNA strand breaks. A comparison of data from experiments using different versions of the assay could be misleading"[xlviii]

If the risk assessment from studies reporting significant results can be negated by replication studies finding no significance results, we must be confident that reviewers and risk assessors validate the integrity of the replication adhering to strict codes of practice.  

 

14.    The non-linear or 'window effects' have important implications for setting safety standards.  When the dose and size of effect have a linear relationship, it is reasonable to define a safe threshold.  However, if the relationship is non-linear, it cannot be assumed that because no effects are observed at a particular threshold, lower thresholds will be safe.  

 

15.     Not Just Cancer.   Much of the industry-sourced research funding and media reporting has been directed towards the controversy between a possible link between mobile phone use and cancer. While these risks relating to cancer are very important, and should not be underestimated, the public should be equally aware of the full spectrum of other risks. The studies showing statistically significant biological effects from EMF exposures below the current safety limit, include:

  • Genotoxic effects (DNA damage, chromatid breaks, fragmentation and condensation,  micronucleation,  Mitrochondrial DNA damage), gene expression (transcription and translation), inhibition of DNA repair foci, free radical promotion and oxidative stress, microtubule production, retinal differentiation), damage to cell membranes, pathological leakage of the blood–brain barrier, altered immune function, neurogenesis, increased animal mortality rates, decreased fertility, increased rates of miscarriage, reduced number of ovarian follicles, impaired spermatozoa motility and viability, modified fructose levels, , some cardiovascular effects, insomnia, fatigue, apoptosis (cell death) and cell proliferation, circadian rhythms, facial nerve dysfunction , leukemia, alzheimer's, autism,  breast cancer, tertiary structure of Haemoglobin A (HbA).  
  • There are also a range of effects on learning and memory (which have serious implications for the use of wireless technologies in education).  The effects include effects on cognition, short-term memory, behaviour, reaction time, attention and concentration, altered brain function and morphology (altered EEG, altered oxygen consumption, decreased number of brain cells, altered glutathione reductase in the brain, neuronal c-Fos expression , cortical excitability, changes to synaptic vesicles). (See Appendix for references).

  

In order to loosen the ICNIRP's grip on EMF safety standards, disparate voices around the world need to unite – and who better to co-ordinate this than Avaaz?   Please run a campaign to lobby the WHO to abandon their reliance on the ICNIRP as their EMF exposure standard-setting authority, and "convene a panel of experts, selected from candidates recommended by civil society groups (not only those preferred by the affected industries) to discuss precautionary technology, laws and advice in order to develop policies that reconcile public health concerns with further development of wireless communications technology" as proposed in the Porto Alegre Resolution. [xlix]

 

Please help.

 

Yours truly,

 

 

[Na



[iv] Carlo G.L. &  M.  Schram. (2002). Cell Phones: Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age

[v] Huss et al (2007).  Source of Funding and Results of Studies of Health Effects of Mobile Phone Use. Environmental Health Perspectives Vol 115, No 1.

[vi] Cellphones and Brain Tumors 15 Reasons for Concern ; Science, Spin and the Truth Behind Interphone

[vii] Neil Cherry (2002). Motorola Funded Counter Research on Microwave DNA Damage

[viii] Psaty, B. M. (2009).  Conflict of Interest, Disclosure, and Trial Reports. JAMA.301(14):1477-1479.

[xii]Links to appeals and resolutions from 1998-2011, signed by doctors and scientists.

[xxii] Links to appeals and resolutions from 1998-2011, signed by doctors and scientists.

[xxiii] EEA Issue report no 22.  Late lessons from early warnings:  the precautionary principle 1896–2000

[xxiv] Sage, C and D. Carpenter (2009) Public health implications of wireless technologies.  Pathophysiology 16: 33–246:

[xxv] Electrosensitive support groups include:

http://www.norad4u.com/

http://www.electrosensitivesociety.com/rewire-me-emagazine/

http://www.es-uk.info/

http://www.electrosensitivity.org/experts.htm

http://emfsensitivity.com/index.html

[xxviii] Blackman, C. (2009).Cell phone radiation: Evidence from ELF and RF studies supporting more inclusive risk identification and assessment.  Pathophysiology.16. 205-216.

[xxxi] Blackman, C. (2009).ibid.

[xxxii] Dimbylow, Peter J.; Nagaoka, Tomoaki; Xu, X. George A (2009) Comparison of foetal SAR in three sets of pregnant female models. Physics in Medicine and Biology (54);9 2755-2767.

[xxxiii] Blackman, C. (2009).ibid..

[xxxv] Gee, D. (2009). Late lessons from early warnings the precautionary principle 1896–2000: Pathophysiology 16 (2009) 217–231

[xxxvi] Glaser, Z.R. (1971). Bibliography Of Reported Biological Phenomena ('Effects') And Clinical Manifestations Attributed To Microwave And Radio-Frequency Radiation. Project MF12.524.015-00043, Report No. 2.

Physiological changes: Striated Muscle Contraction; Alteration of Diameter of Blood Vessels (increased vascular elasticity), Dilation; Changes in the Oxidative Processes in Tissues and Organs; Liver Enlargement; Altered Sensitivity to Drug Stimuli; Decreased Spermatogenesis (decreased fertility, to sterility.); Altered Sex Patio of Births (more girls); Altered menstrual activity; Altered Fetal Development;  Decreased Lactation in nursing mothers; Reduction in sodium excretion (in urine); Altered Renal function (decreased filtration in tubules); Changes in Conditioned Reflexes; Increased Electrical Resistance of Skin; Changes in the Structure of Skin; Altered Blood Flow Rate; Alterations In the Biocurrents (EEG) of the Cerebral Cortex (in animals); Changes In the Rate of Clearance of Tagged Ions from Tissue; Reversible Structural Changes In the Cerebral Cortex and the Diencephalon; Electrocardiographic (EEG) Changes; Alterations In Sensitivity to Light, Sound, and Olfactory Stimuli; Functional and Pathological Changes in the Eyes; Myocardial Necrosis. Central Nervous System Effects: Headaches; Insomnia; Restlessness (Awake and During Sleep); Electroencephalographic (EEG) Changes; Cranial Nerve Disorders; Pyramidal Tract Lesions; Conditioned Reflex Disorders; Vagominetic Action of the Heart; Seizures, Convulsions. Autonomic Nervous System Effects: Neuro-vegetative Disorders (e.g., alteration of heart rhythm); Fatigue; Structural Alterations Lu the Synapses of the Vague Nerve; Stimulation of Parasympathetic Nervous System (Bradycardia) and lnhbition of the Sympathetic Nervous System; Peripheral Nervous System Effects; Effects on Locomotor Nerves.

[xxxviii] Pathophysiology Special Edition 2009

[xxxix] 2009 Publications (See Appendix).reported significant bio-effects including::

Genotoxic effects (DNA damage, chromatid breaks, fragmentation and condensation,  micronucleation,  Mitrochondrial DNA damage), gene expression (transcription and translation), inhibition of DNA repair foci, free radical promotion and oxidative stress, microtubule production, retinal differentiation), damage to cell membranes, pathological leakage of the blood–brain barrier, altered immune function, neurogenesis, increased animal mortality rates, decreased fertility, increased rates of miscarriage, reduced number of ovarian follicles, impaired spermatozoa motility and viability, modified fructose levels, , some cardiovascular effects, insomnia, fatigue, short-term effects on cognition, memory and learning, behavior, reaction time, attention and concentration, altered brain function and morphology (altered EEG, altered oxygen consumption, decreased number of brain cells, altered glutathione reductase (GR) in the brain, neuronal c-Fos expression , cortical excitability, changes to synaptic vesicles), apoptosis (cell death) and cell proliferation, circadian rhythms, facial nerve dysfunction , leukemia, alzheimer's, autism,  breast cancer, tertiary structure of Haemoglobin A (HbA).

[xlii] Blackman, C. (2009).ibid.

[xliv] Neil Cherry (2002). Motorola Funded Counter Research on Microwave DNA Damage

[xlv] C.F. Blackman, S.G. Benane, L.S. Kinney, W.T. Joines, D.E. House, Effects of elf fields on calcium-ion efflux from brain tissue in vitro,Radiation Research 92 (3) (1982) 510–520.

[xlvi] S.K. Dutta, K. Das, B. Ghosh, C.F. Blackman, Dose dependence of acetylcholinesterase activity in neuroblastoma cells exposed to modulated radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation, Bioelectromagnetics 13 (4) (1992) 317–322.

 

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