Monday, October 31, 2011

Chronic Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Diabetes Incidence: A Systematic Review

Chronic Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Diabetes Incidence: A Systematic Review
https://etd.library.emory.edu/view/record/pid/emory:919dz

Likita Aminu, MPH

Aim:The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the published studies assessing the association of diabetes with persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Methods: A systematic review of existing literature was conducted. Original publications were retrieved from Medline data base using search engines such as Pubmed, Google scholar or Web of Science. The author retrieved 123 articles on diabetes and POPs. Out of these 54 publications were considered complete and were reviewed. Relevant information including age, sex, measures of association, population studied, and year/place of publication, statistical methods as well as exposure characteristics were extracted from the articles. These information were entered into Excel spreadsheet. Because there was significant heterogeneity in the data quantitative analysis was considered inappropriate and a qualitative analysis was conducted.

Results: The result showed adult women bear the brunt of the burden of diabetes associated with POPs. PCBs topped the list of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) associated with diabetes. PCBs was closely followed by p, p'-DDE and OC pesticides. There was significant association between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and diabetes. obacco smoking, race/ethnicity, income, alcohol consumption, serum cholesterol, waist circumference and triglycerides. These potential confounders should be considered in future studies of the association between diabetes and POPs.

Conclusion: This review used systematic review methodology to provide an evidence-based evaluation of the relationship between persistent organic pollutants and diabetes. The result of this review shows the possibility of significant association between persistent organic pollutants and diabetes. Although methodologically sound methods of studies are needed to evaluate causality between persistent organic pollutants and diabetes, much has been gained from previous studies to establish the link between persistent organic pollutants and diabetes.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals and disease susceptibility.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals and disease susceptibility.

Schug TT, Janesick A, Blumberg B, Heindel JJ.
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2011 Aug 27. [Epub ahead of print]
Source
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training, Cellular, Organ and Systems Pathobiology Branch, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
Abstract
Environmental chemicals have significant impacts on biological systems. Chemical exposures during early stages of development can disrupt normal patterns of development and thus dramatically alter disease susceptibility later in life. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with the body's endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic and immune effects in humans. A wide range of substances, both natural and man-made, are thought to cause endocrine disruption, including pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT and other pesticides, and components of plastics such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. EDCs are found in many everyday products - including plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food additives, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. EDCs interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, activity, or elimination of natural hormones. This interference can block or mimic hormone action, causing a wide range of effects. This review focuses on the mechanisms and modes of action by which EDCs alter hormone signaling. It also includes brief overviews of select disease endpoints associated with endocrine disruption.
Published by Elsevier Ltd.
PMID: 21899826 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Do Interactions Between Gut Ecology and Environmental Chemicals Contribute to Obesity and Diabetes?

Do Interactions Between Gut Ecology and Environmental Chemicals Contribute to Obesity and Diabetes?
http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/info:doi/10.1289/ehp.1104204

Citation: Snedeker SM, Hay AG 2011. Do Interactions Between Gut Ecology and Environmental Chemicals Contribute to Obesity and Diabetes? Environ Health Perspect :-. http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1104204

BACKGROUND: Gut microbiota are important factors in obesity and diabetes, yet little is known about their role in the toxicodynamics of environmental chemicals including those recently found to be obesogenic and diabetogenic.
 
OBJECTIVES: We integrate evidence that independently links gut ecology and environmental chemicals to obesity/diabetes, providing a framework for suggesting how these environmental factors may interact with these diseases, and identify future research needs.
METHODS: We examined studies with germ-free or antibiotic treated laboratory animals, and human studies that evaluated how dietary influences and microbial changes affected obesity/diabetes. Strengths and weaknesses of studies evaluating how environmental chemical exposures may affect obesity and diabetes were summarized, and research gaps on how gut ecology may affect the disposition of environmental chemicals were identified.
RESULTS: There is mounting evidence that gut microbiota composition affects obesity and diabetes, as does exposure to environmental chemicals. The toxicology and pharmacology literature also suggests that interindividual variations in gut microbiota may affect chemical metabolism via direct activation of chemicals, depletion of metabolites needed for biotransformation, alteration of host biotransformation enzyme activities, changes in enterohepatic circulation, altered bioavailability of environmental chemicals and/or antioxidants from food, or alterations in gut motility and barrier function.
CONCLUSIONS: Variations in gut microbiota are likely to affect human toxicodynamics and increase individual exposure to obesogenic and diabetogenic chemicals. Combating the global obesity/diabetes epidemics requires a multifaceted approach that should include greater emphasis on understanding and controlling the impact of interindividual gut microbe variability on the disposition of environmental chemicals in humans.

Healthy Schools on Dry Erase Markers

Healthy Schools on Dry Erase Markers

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Old chemicals are back in battle against weeds

Old chemicals are back in battle against weeds
As industry standard Roundup falters, concerns emerge about herbicides from decades past.
http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/article_0d67a8bb-57b0-585b-9acb-9d924165255e.html
 
"As farmers wage war on a worsening weed problem, they are being forced to enlist the aid of chemicals they once virtually abandoned.

Since 1996, Monsanto's Roundup weed-killing system has become the dominant approach in agriculture, changing the way American farmers grow commodity crops. In the past several years, though, American farmers have increasingly reported that glyphosate, the key ingredient in Roundup, isn't killing weeds. So once-popular chemicals such as "2, 4-D" and "dicamba" again have been called to duty."

Residents, ex-Raymark workers worry about lingering health risks

Residents, ex-Raymark workers worry about lingering health risks
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Residents-ex-Raymark-workers-worry-about-2242271.php

"As a kid in the 1950s, Hugh J. Catalano played king-of-the-hill atop piles of toxic sludge dumped on Wooster Field and Short Beach Park. Bits of automotive brake linings and clutch facings in the dirt were buried treasures he and his boyhood friends hurled like boomerangs.

As an adult, Catalano worked for nine years at the Raymark Industries factory, where those asbestos-made car parts and polluted dirt mounds were produced."

NEWSLETTER: MCS America News - November 2011

MCSA NEWS
November 2011, Volume 6, Issue 11

 

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/November2011.pdf (View, Download, and Print)

 

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

 

Physicians' Perceptions and Practices on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

http://mcs-america.org/November2011pg234567.pdf   

 

Symptoms Worsen from Exercise in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

http://mcs-america.org/November2011pg8.pdf  

 

Cleaner Indoor Air Helps Disney Make Change for People with Environmental Illness

http://mcs-america.org/November2011pg910.pdf   

 

Thimerosal Linked with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

http://mcs-america.org/November2011pg11.pdf  

 

Patient Support & Resources

http://mcs-america.org/November2011pg1213141516171819.pdf   

 

Community News

http://mcs-america.org/November2011pg20.pdf   

 

Featured Research Studies

http://mcs-america.org/November2011pg212223.pdf

 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities America

http://www.mcs-america.org

admin@mcs-america.org

 

Copyrighted © 2011 MCS America

 

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Saturday, October 29, 2011

'Ring of death' leads to convictions for pesticide misuse

'Ring of death' leads to convictions for pesticide misuse
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2011/oct/28/no-headline---ev_pesticide/

"Carcasses of wildlife discovered in a "ring of death" in 2008 around a Dubois County corn field led to the convictions of four men for illegal use of a pesticide which federal officials describe as acutely toxic."

A particulate threat to diabetics

A particulate threat to diabetics
Near-nanoscale air pollution boosts blood pressure
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/335584/title/A_particulate_threat_to_diabetics

"In a new study of people with diabetes, blood pressure rose in rough lockstep with short-term increases in soot and other microscopic air pollutant particles. Such transient increases in blood pressure can place the health of the heart, arteries, brain and kidneys at risk, particularly in people with chronic disease."

Myalgic encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria

Myalgic encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2796.2011.02428.x/pdf

Banners flying over Michigan Stadium part of campaign to raise awareness of neighborhood pesticides

Banners flying over Michigan Stadium part of campaign to raise awareness of neighborhood pesticides
http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-resident-begins-campaign-to-bar-pesticide-use/

"Football fans who look in the sky Saturday before the Wolverine's showdown with Purdue may catch a glimpse of a banner that's a little different from the birthday wishes and car dealership ads typically flown over the home game crowd.

Scio Township resident Linda Weiss, 72, has commissioned an airplane banner to get across the message: Kids deserve fresh air, too.

Weiss paid $400 for the plane-towed ad to kick off a campaign she hopes to raise awareness about pesticides commonly applied in neighborhoods. She says the pesticides contain toxins that can hurt people, and she specifically wants to raise awareness to protect children."

Symptom Fluctuations and Daily Physical Activity in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Symptom Fluctuations and Daily Physical Activity in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Meeus M, van Eupen I, van Baarle E, De Boeck V, Luyckx A, Kos D, Nijs J.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.  Volume 92, Issue 11 , Pages 1820-1826, November 2011.
Abstract
Objectives
To compare the activity pattern of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with healthy sedentary subjects and examine the relationship between the different parameters of performed activity (registered by an accelerometer device) and symptom severity and fluctuation (registered by questionnaires) in patients with CFS.
Design
Case-control study. Participants were asked to wear an accelerometer device on the nondominant hand for 6 consecutive days. Every morning, afternoon, and evening patients scored the intensity of their pain, fatigue, and concentration difficulties on a visual analog scale.
Setting
Patients were recruited from a specialized chronic fatigue clinic in the university hospital, where all subjects were invited for 2 appointments (for questionnaire and accelerometer adjustments). In between, activity data were collected in the subject's normal home environment.
Participants
Female patients (n=67) with CFS and female age-matched healthy sedentary controls.
Interventions
Not applicable.
Main Outcome Measures
Accelerometry (average activity counts, peak activity counts, ratio peak/average, minutes spent per activity category) and symptom severity (intensity of pain, fatigue, and concentration difficulties).
Results
Patients with CFS were less active, spent more time sedentary, and less time lightly active (P<.05). The course of the activity level during the registration period (P interaction>.05), peak activity, and the staggering of activities (ratio peak/average) on 1 day were not different between groups (P>.05). Negative correlations (–.242 varying to –.307) were observed for sedentary activity and the ratio with symptom severity and variation on the same and the next day. Light, moderate, and vigorous, as well as the average activity and the peak activity, were positively correlated (.242 varying to .421) with symptom severity and variation.
Conclusions
The more patients with CFS are sedentary and the better activity is dispersed, the fewer symptoms and variations they experience on the same and next day. Inversely, more symptoms and variability is experienced when patients were more active that day or the previous day. The direction of these relations cannot be determined in a cross-sectional study and requires further study.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Students Poisoned by Pesticides Sprayed on Playing Field Outside of Classroom

Students Poisoned by Pesticides Sprayed on Playing Field Outside of Classroom
http://www.enewspf.com/latest-news/science-a-environmental/28242-students-poisoned-by-pesticides-sprayed-on-playing-field-outside-of-classroom.html

"Forty-seven students from Edgewood Middle School in St. Clair Township, Ohio, reportedly fell ill after the school's hired pest control company sprayed the herbicide Momentum, which contains the toxic ingredients 2,4-D, triclopyr and clopyralid, on nearby playing fields to treat for clover and other weeds. The incident and others like it demonstrate the need for a comprehensive national policy to protect children from harmful and unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals. Six students were taken to nearby hospitals and twenty-one students total were treated for symptoms, including headaches, breathing difficulties, nausea and dizziness."

Administration of Thimerosal to Infant Rats Increases Overflow of Glutamate and Aspartate in the Prefrontal Cortex: Protective Role of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate.

Administration of Thimerosal to Infant Rats Increases Overflow of Glutamate and Aspartate in the Prefrontal Cortex: Protective Role of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate.

Duszczyk-Budhathoki M, Olczak M, Lehner M, Majewska MD.
Neurochem Res. 2011 Oct 21. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
Marie Curie Chairs Program at the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology of the Nervous System, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract
Thimerosal, a mercury-containing vaccine preservative, is a suspected factor in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. We previously showed that its administration to infant rats causes behavioral, neurochemical and neuropathological abnormalities similar to those present in autism. Here we examined, using microdialysis, the effect of thimerosal on extracellular levels of neuroactive amino acids in the rat prefrontal cortex (PFC). Thimerosal administration (4 injections, i.m., 240 μg Hg/kg on postnatal days 7, 9, 11, 15) induced lasting changes in amino acid overflow: an increase of glutamate and aspartate accompanied by a decrease of glycine and alanine; measured 10-14 weeks after the injections. Four injections of thimerosal at a dose of 12.5 μg Hg/kg did not alter glutamate and aspartate concentrations at microdialysis time (but based on thimerosal pharmacokinetics, could have been effective soon after its injection). Application of thimerosal to the PFC in perfusion fluid evoked a rapid increase of glutamate overflow. Coadministration of the neurosteroid, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS; 80 mg/kg; i.p.) prevented the thimerosal effect on glutamate and aspartate; the steroid alone had no influence on these amino acids. Coapplication of DHEAS with thimerosal in perfusion fluid also blocked the acute action of thimerosal on glutamate. In contrast, DHEAS alone reduced overflow of glycine and alanine, somewhat potentiating the thimerosal effect on these amino acids. Since excessive accumulation of extracellular glutamate is linked with excitotoxicity, our data imply that neonatal exposure to thimerosal-containing vaccines might induce excitotoxic brain injuries, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. DHEAS may partially protect against mercurials-induced neurotoxicity.
PMID: 22015977 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Report: Industry Decides US Food Ingredient Safety

Report: Industry Decides US Food Ingredient Safety
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=141738011
"Thousands of ingredients that go into food have been classified as safe by private industry alone, without any U.S. government oversight, according to a new report published Wednesday."

Poisoned Parks: Wooden Play Places May Be Hurting Children

Poisoned Parks: Wooden Play Places May Be Hurting Children
http://www.wlns.com/story/15895179/poisoned-parks-could-wooden-play-places-be-hurting-children

"Could the wooden play structure in your neighborhood park be toxic? Many parks use a chemical preservative to protect the wood from insects and rotting. It's called Chromated Copper Arsenate, or CCA, which contains arsenic."

The value of ecologic studies: mercury concentration in ambient air and the risk of autism.

The value of ecologic studies: mercury concentration in ambient air and the risk of autism.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21905454

Blanchard KS, Palmer RF, Stein Z.
Rev Environ Health. 2011;26(2):111-8.

Source
Department of Sociology, Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 SW 24th Street, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA. blank@lake.ollusa.edu
Abstract
Ecologic studies of the spatial relationship between disease and sources of environmental contamination can help to ascertain the degree of risk to populations from contamination and to inform legislation to ameliorate the risk. Population risks associated with persistent low-level mercury exposure have recently begun to be of concern and current reports implicate environmental mercury as a potential contributor in the etiology of various developmental and neurodegenerative diseases including autism and Alzheimer's disease. In this demonstration of preliminary findings, we demonstrate for Bexar County Texas and Santa Clara County California, the hypothesis that the spatial structure of the occurrence of autism has a positive co-variation with the spatial structure of the distribution of mercury in ambient air. The relative risk of autism is greater in the geographic areas of higher levels of ambient mercury. We find that the higher levels of ambient mercury are geographically associated with point sources of mercury emission, such as coal-fired power plants and cement plants with coal-fired kilns. Although this does not indicate a cause, these results should not be dismissed, but rather seen as a preliminary step for generating a hypothesis for further investigation.
PMID: 21905454 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Proximity to point sources of environmental mercury release as a predictor of autism prevalence.

Proximity to point sources of environmental mercury release as a predictor of autism prevalence.

Palmer RF, Blanchard S, Wood R.
Health Place. 2009 Mar;15(1):18-24. Epub 2008 Feb 12.

Source

University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio Department of Family and Community Medicine, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio Texas, Mail Code 7794, TX 78229-3900, USA. palmerr@uthscsa.edu

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if proximity to sources of mercury pollution in 1998 were related to autism prevalence in 2002. Autism count data from the Texas Educational Agency and environmental mercury release data from the Environmental Protection Agency were used. We found that for every 1000 pounds of industrial release, there was a corresponding 2.6% increase in autism rates (p<.05) and a 3.7% increase associated with power plant emissions(P<.05). Distances to these sources were independent predictors after adjustment for relevant covariates. For every 10 miles from industrial or power plant sources, there was an associated decreased autism Incident Risk of 2.0% and 1.4%, respectively (p<.05). While design limitations preclude interpretation of individual risk, further investigations of environmental risks to child development issues are warranted.

PMID: 18353703  [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Environmental mercury release, special education rates, and autism disorder: an ecological study of Texas.

Environmental mercury release, special education rates, and autism disorder: an ecological study of Texas.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16338635

Palmer RF, Blanchard S, Stein Z, Mandell D, Miller C.
Health Place. 2006 Jun;12(2):203-9.

Source
University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio Department of Family and Community Medicine, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA. palmer@uthscsa.edu

Abstract
The association between environmentally released mercury, special education and autism rates in Texas was investigated using data from the Texas Education Department and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. A Poisson regression analysis adjusted for school district population size, economic and demographic factors was used. There was a significant increase in the rates of special education students and autism rates associated with increases in environmentally released mercury. On average, for each 1,000 lb of environmentally released mercury, there was a 43% increase in the rate of special education services and a 61% increase in the rate of autism. The association between environmentally released mercury and special education rates were fully mediated by increased autism rates. This ecological study suggests the need for further research regarding the association between environmentally released mercury and developmental disorders such as autism. These results have implications for policy planning and cost analysis.
Comment in
Health Place. 2006 Dec;12(4):749-50; discussion 751-2.
 
PMID: 16338635 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Hair Reveals Source Of People's Exposure To Mercury

Hair Reveals Source Of People's Exposure To Mercury
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/news/89/i44/8944-20111026lnj1.html 

"Toxic Exposure: Mercury isotopes in human hair illuminate dietary and industrial sources"

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Organic Bytes: Occupy Monsanto, Frankenfish, and Fake Natural Foods

 

SUBSCRIBE & Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage

Monsanto, Frankenfish, and Fake Natural Foods

#300, October 27, 2011

In this issue:

 
 
 

Quote of the Week

Monsanto Exec Admits that Nature Is Smarter Than Biotech

"You don't need [biotech] for something that nature has already figured out."

- Consuelo Madre, vice president of Monsanto's global vegetable group, explaining why the company was using conventional breeding rather than genetic engineering to produce its vegetable seeds, in "Sprouting a New Line of Produce Seeds," by P.J. Huffstutter, Los Angeles Times, October 20, 2011.

Huffstutter also points out that using traditional techniques allows Monsanto to "avoid the financial and consumer hurdles that would inevitably come with rolling out genetically engineered produce for a grocery store."

 
 
 

Label GMOs

Call to Action from OCA Director Ronnie Cummins for the 2012 CA "Right2Know" Ballot Initiative

Signature gathering will begin the last week of December but we are already mobilizing volunteers in CA, planning activist training meetings, and building grassroots support. 

Click here to volunteer!

Visit the OCF Ballot Initiative Website for more information

 
 
 

Label GMOs

Label GMOs 2012: All Eyes on the California "Right2Know" Ballot Initiative

Our best chance to win GMO labels in 2012 is to pass a California "Right2Know" ballot initiative. We're still at the very beginning of the process. The coalition has just filed initiative language this week, we need thousands of volunteers to gather signatures, and we're going to have to raise several million dollars to make the campaign successful. But, we're on the right track. This is the first step to taking down Monsanto.

Learn more

Volunteer (CA only)

Donate

Meet Jeffrey Smith & learn how you can help end the genetic engineering of our food supply (events in Los Angeles, Pomona, San Diego & San Francisco).

 
 
 

Support the OCA

Stop Monsanto and Move the Organic Revolution Forward

Since the first battle over organic standards in 1998, OCA has been "growing the revolution" - fighting against genetically engineered foods, 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 step up our efforts and move the Organic Revolution forward, but OCA needs your financial support to do so.

Please donate

 
 
 

Urgent Alerts

Occupy Wall Street: For An Organic, Sustainable Revolution

When corporate money grinds the gears of democracy to a halt, when war is perpetual and economic crises are unending, individual demonstrations just aren't going to do it, it's time to dig in and make the protest permanent.

What better way to do that than with permaculture! Mobile Design Lab, Time's Up and the NYC Trash Network are on the scene at Occupy Wall Street with:

- a grey water system to recycle water used to wash dishes at the occupation's Food Not Bombs kitchen
- urban guerrilla gardening "seed bomb" workshops
- a peddle powered battery recharging station
- furniture, hand built from found materials

More information, including photos and an inspiring video

 
 
 

Urgent Alerts

Stop Frankenfish & Farmed Salmon Drug Factories!

If you've read our article "The 10 Freakiest Things About Frankenfish," you're probably saying, "OK, you got me at 'Frankenfish.' I'm not eating GMO salmon!" But, if you need one more reason to tell the Obama Administration not to give AquaBounty's eelpout-salmon combo the green light, consider this:

AquaBounty salmon grow deformed and diseased because their DNA is scrambled and they mature at an unnaturally fast rate. Then, these mutant aquatic lifeforms have to be raised in in-land tanks to reduce the chance that they'll escape and decimate wild salmon populations. The fish farms they'll be raised in will be virtual drug factories; loads of antibiotics will be used just to keep the fish alive until harvest.

Learn more

Take action

 
 
 

Urgent Alerts

Stop Illegal Frankensugar!

What's worse than the USDA approving a new GMO? Doing it illegally!

In September 2009, the Center for Food Safety won a significant victory in its legal strategy to stop dangerous new genetically modified organisms when a federal judge ordered the immediate destruction of hundreds of acres of Monsanto's sugar beet seedlings and declared the seedlings had been planted in violation of federal law. The court also ordered the USDA to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement on the effects of GM sugar beets on non-GM varieties.

The court outlined the many ways in which GM sugar beets could harm the environment and consumers, noting that containment efforts were insufficient and past contamination incidents were "too numerous" to allow the illegal crop to remain in the ground. In his court order, Judge White noted, "farmers and consumers would likely suffer harm from cross-contamination" between GM sugar beets and normal crops. He continued, "the legality of Defendants' conduct does not even appear to be a close question," noting that the government and Monsanto tried to circumvent his prior ruling, which made GM sugar beets illegal.

But during this case's appeal, the USDA defied the court order and illegally approved 2011-2012 planting of GM sugar beets without having prepared the Environmental Impact Statement. The Center for Food Safety is still fighting the USDA for this decision in separate litigation that is ongoing in the District of Columbia.

Now, after Monsanto has saturated the market with USDA-approved illegal sugar beet seeds that will inevitably contaminate organic varieties of related crops, the USDA has finally published the Environmental Impact Statement ordered in 2009. The only good news is that this opened up another 60 day public comment period.

We have until December 13 to tell the USDA that we don't want any more GMO crops contaminating organic varieties!

Stop Frankensugar!

Take action

 
 
 

WORLD FOOD DAY

World Food Day 2011

Check out our World Food Day wrap-up page, with the best photos, videos, and stories from Millions Against Monsanto activists around the country.

Reports continue to stream in, but we still haven't heard from some of the 85 cities where Millions Against Monsanto World Food Day events were held.

If you haven't already, please send alexis[a]organiccconsumers.org your videos so they can be added to the World Food Day 2011 playlist on the Organic Consumers' YouTube Channel.

Post your photos to the Right2Know About GMOs Flickr group and they will be automatically added to the slideshow on our Millions Against Monsanto page.

 
 
 

Video of the Week

So-Called "Natural" Cereals with GMOs?

Federal law requires that organic food products be produced promoting ecological sustainability, without the toxic inputs and genetically engineered ingredients common in the conventional food system.

Increasingly, organic products are forced to compete with products that claim to be "natural".

There are no guidelines or restrictions for foods labeled "natural". The term often indicates nothing more than meaningless marketing hype promoted by corporate interests seeking to cash in on the consumer desire for food produced in a genuinely sustainable manner.

A new video from the Cornucopia Institute explores the vast differences between organic cereal and granola products and so-called natural products, which contain ingredients grown on conventional farms where the use of toxic pesticides and genetically engineered organisms is widespread.

Watch

 
 
 

Little Bytes

Court Loss Won't Stop Environmentalists' Battle Against Modified Eucalyptus Trees
Read

Occupy the Food System!
Read

Food System Pays Dearly as Wall Street Occupies Washington
Read

25 People Who Are Changing the World - Maine Farmer Who's Standing Up to Monsanto Is One of Them
Read

MEXICO: Transgenic Cotton Harbours Hidden Dangers
Read

 
 
 

Sponsored Message

New Organic Flour & Grains Source that Helps OCA!

We have partnered with a great source for organic flour and organic and gluten-free flour and grains! Buffalo Valley Grains has a selection of over 70 organic items and their selection is continuously growing!

Their goal is to make organic products such as these more affordable to the general public, and their prices reflect just that! Choose items like Organic Buckwheat, Oat & Quinoa Flours; as well as Organic Amaranth, Millet, & Durum Berries; Organic Crystallized Cane Juice, Rolled & Steel Cut Oats, & Corn Grits - to name a few! They have added legumes and gluten-free mixes as well!

What makes this a special find is that you can order custom-packed product from Buffalo Valley Grains; meaning a minimum of two pounds is required - after that you can order as many pound increments as you wish! This way you can try a product without having to purchase a lot of it! They even have volume pricing for twenty-five pounds and over!

Organic Gluten-Free flours and grains are tough to find, but Buffalo Valley Grains has a great selection of 16 gluten-free products and plans on adding more!

All products are Certified Organic, Certified Gluten-Free, Certified Organic Gluten-Free and Certified Kosher!

Plus! OCA will receive a percentage of every purchase!

So, take a look at their website and help support OCA by purchasing your flour & grain needs from Buffalo Valley Grains!

 
 
 

Connect With OCA!

Facebook Pages:

Twitter Feeds:

More:

 
 
 

 

 

 

Study: BPA may affect child behavior

Study: BPA may affect child behavior
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2011/10/27/Study-BPA-may-affect-child-behavior/UPI-94721319693098/

"Baby mice exposed to Bisphenol A develop changes in their spontaneous behavior and become less able to adapt to new environments, researchers in Sweden say."

Testing reveals low levels of drugs in drinking water source

Testing reveals low levels of drugs in drinking water source
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/testing-reveals-low-levels-of-drugs-in-drinking-water-source-1275275.html

"Agencies discourage 
flushing of prescriptions

Low levels of prescription drugs and personal care products have been detected in area rivers, streams and in the Great Miami Buried Aquifer, the drinking water source for 1.6 million residents of this region."

NEW SOLUTIONS: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy

NEW SOLUTIONS: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy
http://www.chemicalspolicy.org/Publications.Reports.NewSolutions.php

Special Issue: Designing a Chemically Safer Future
Issue: Volume 21, Number 3 / 2011
http://www.chemicalspolicy.org/downloads/NS21-3binder_000.pdf
Download Entire Issue (Note this file is 12MB)

Introduction: A Vision for Safer Chemicals: Policy, Markets, Coalitions, and Science
Jessica N. Schifano

Redesigning Chemicals Policy: A Very Different Approach
Ken Geiser

Precautionary Policies in Local Government: Green Chemistry and Safer Alternatives
Debbie O. Raphael and Chris A. Geiger

The Drive for a Safer Chemicals Policy in the United States
Michael E. Belliveau

Businesses and Advocacy Groups Create a Road Map for Safer Chemicals: The BizNGO Principles for Chemicals Policy
Mark S. Rossi, Beverley Thorpe, Cheri Peele

The Business Case for Transitioning to Safer Chemicals
Roger D. McFadden

Secrecy is Toxic—Building Community Right-to-Know in Canada's Largest Municipality
Andrew King

Civil Society Actions for a Toxics-Free Future
Joe DiGangi

Chemicals Policy in the 2008-2009 President's Cancer Panel Report
Richard Clapp

Higher Hazard Substances Under the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act: Lessons From the First Four Years
Rachel I. Massey, Heather Tenney, Elizabeth Harriman

Substitution for Hazardous Chemicals on an International Level—The Approach of the European Project "SUBSPORT"
Lothar Lissner and Dolores Romano

The Science of Green Chemistry and its Role in Chemicals Policy and Educational Reform
Amy S. Cannon and John C. Warner

VA launches Gulf War illness pilot program

VA launches Gulf War illness pilot program
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/10/gannett-va-launches-gulf-war-illness-pilot-program-102611/

"Twenty years after the end of the Persian Gulf War, the Department of Veterans Affairs plans to standardize and improve treatment for the one of four veterans who suffer from a multi-symptom illness that could have been caused by environmental exposures."

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Warning: Halloween makeup kits may be hazardous

Warning: Halloween makeup kits may be hazardous
http://www.freep.com/article/20111026/NEWS06/110260376/Warning-Halloween-makeup-kits-may-hazardous?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

"It's as Halloween as candy and plastic pumpkins, but the makeup that transforms your little one into a vampire or kitty cat could be hazardous to your child's health, according to an environmental group in Ann Arbor."

Forum shows gains in public awareness about health risks posed by woodsmoke

Forum shows gains in public awareness about health risks posed by woodsmoke
in Fairbanks
http://newsminer.com/bookmark/16175019-Forum-shows-gains-in-public-awareness-about-health-risks-posed-by-woodsmoke-in-Fairbanks

"An air quality and health forum hosted by public health experts Tuesday night  showed some gains in public awareness of the health risks posed by woodsmoke."

Persistent organochlorine pollutants and menstrual cycle characteristics.

Persistent organochlorine pollutants and menstrual cycle characteristics.

Buck Louis GM, Rios LI, McLain A, Cooney MA, Kostyniak PJ, Sundaram R.
Chemosphere. 2011 Oct 19. [Epub ahead of print]
Source
Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6100 Executive Blvd., Room 7B03, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
Abstract
An evolving body of evidence suggests an adverse relation between persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) and menstruation, though prospective longitudinal measurement of menses is limited and served as the impetus for study. We prospectively assessed the relation between a mixture of persistent organochlorine compounds and menstrual cycle length and duration of bleeding in a cohort of women attempting to become pregnant. Eighty-three (83%) women contributing 447 cycles for analysis provided a blood specimen for the quantification of 76 polychlorinated biphenyls and seven organochlorine pesticides, and completed daily diaries on menstruation until a human chorionic gonadotropin confirmed pregnancy or 12 menstrual cycles without conception. Gas chromatography with electron capture detection was used to quantify concentrations (ngg(-1)serum); enzymatic methods were used to quantify serum lipids (mgdL(-1)). A linear regression model with a mixture distribution was used to identify chemicals grouped by purported biologic activity that significantly affected menstrual cycle length and duration of bleeding adjusting for age at menarche and enrollment, body mass index, and cigarette smoking. A significant 3-d increase in cycle length was observed for women in the highest tertile of estrogenic PCB congeners relative to the lowest tertile (β=3.20; 95% CI 0.36, 6.04). A significant reduction in bleeding (<1d) was observed among women in the highest versus lowest tertile of aromatic fungicide exposure (γ=-0.15; 95% CI -0.29, -0.00). Select POPs were associated with changes in menstruation underscoring the importance of assessing chemical mixtures for female fecundity.
PMID: 22018858 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Doctors didn't disclose spine product cancer risk in journal

Doctors didn't disclose spine product cancer risk in journal
Spine-product paper omitted key data
http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/doctors-didnt-disclose-spine-product-cancer-risk-in-journal-132391068.html

"Doctors paid millions of dollars by Medtronic failed to identify a significant cancer risk with the company's spine surgery product in a 2009 paper about results of a large clinical trial.

The surgeons left out important data and claimed there was no significant link between the product and cancer."

EPA sued for release of toxic rankings

 
"A environmental group has sued the federal Environmental Protection Agency for the release of detailed scoring and ranking information used to determine if contaminated sites in New Jersey should be added to the Superfund cleanup list."

Chevy Chase Club halts plans to use neurotoxin on golf course

Chevy Chase Club halts plans to use neurotoxin on golf course
http://www.gazette.net/article/20111024/NEWS/710249935/1022/chevy-chase-club-halts-plans-to-use-neurotoxin-on-golf-course&template=gazette

"Country club agrees not to use fumigant on greens after backlash"

Apologize for not Responding Appropriately to the ME/CFS Epidemic

PETITION TO US GOVERNMENT
Apologize for not Responding Appropriately to the ME/CFS Epidemic
https://www.change.org/petitions/apologize-for-not-responding-appropriately-to-the-mecfs-epidemic

Monday, October 24, 2011

Magda Havas - The Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Pollution - October 20, 2011

Magda Havas – The Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Pollution – October 20, 2011
http://www.oneradionetwork.com/environment/magda-havas-the-biological-effects-of-electromagnetic-pollution-october-20-2011/

THE MORNING SHOW with Patrick Timpone

Dr. Magda Havas Ph.D.
The Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Pollution

Magda Havas is Associate Professor of Environmental & Resource Studies at Trent University where she teaches and does research on the biological effects of environmental contaminants. Dr. Havas joined us to discuss:
The hazards of Wi Fi networks in schools and home
Cell phone towers
How to use a cell phone safely
How to ground yourself safely to protect from EMF
How EMF's affect the immune system
How toxicity relates to EMF sickness
How EMF exposure perforates the blood brain barrier
The research and studies that have been done for forty years

Exposure to the common food additive carrageenan leads to glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and inhibition of insulin signalling in HepG2 cells and C57BL/6J mice.

Exposure to the common food additive carrageenan leads to glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and inhibition of insulin signalling in HepG2 cells and C57BL/6J mice.

Bhattacharyya S, O-Sullivan I, Katyal S, Unterman T, Tobacman JK.
Diabetologia. 2011 Oct 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 South Wood Street, CSN 440, M/C 718, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.

Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS:
The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the common food additive carrageenan (E407) on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and insulin signalling in a mouse model and human hepatic cells, since carrageenan is known to cause inflammation through interaction with toll-like receptor (TLR)4, which is associated with inflammation in diabetes.
METHODS:
Male C57BL/6J mice were given carrageenan (10 mg/l) in their drinking water, and underwent a glucose tolerance test (GTT), an insulin tolerance test (ITT) and an ante-mortem intraperitoneal insulin injection. HepG2 cells were exposed to carrageenan (1 mg/l × 24 h) and insulin. Levels of phospho(Ser473)-protein kinase B (Akt), phospho(Ser307)-IRS1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity and phospho(Ser32)-inhibitor of κB (IκBα) were determined by western blotting and ELISA.
RESULTS:
Glucose tolerance was significantly impaired in carrageenan-treated 12-week-old mice compared with untreated controls at all time points (n = 12; p < 0.0001). Baseline insulin and insulin levels at 30 min after taking glucose during the GTT were significantly higher following carrageenan treatment. During the ITT, glucose levels declined by more than 80% in controls, but not in carrageenan-treated mice. Carrageenan exposure completely inhibited insulin-induced increases in phospho-(Ser473)-Akt and PI3K activity in vivo in mouse liver and in human HepG2 cells. Carrageenan increased phospho(Ser307)-IRS1 levels, and this was blocked when carrageenan-induced inflammation was inhibited.
CONCLUSION:
This is the first report of the impact of carrageenan on glucose tolerance and indicates that carrageenan impairs glucose tolerance, increases insulin resistance and inhibits insulin signalling in vivo in mouse liver and human HepG2 cells. These effects may result from carrageenan-induced inflammation. The results demonstrate extra-colonic manifestations of ingested carrageenan and suggest that carrageenan in the human diet may contribute to the development of diabetes.
PMID: 22011715 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Research links water disinfection byproducts to adverse health effects

Research links water disinfection byproducts to adverse health effects
www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-10/uoic-rlw102411.php

"University of Illinois scientists report the first identification of a cellular mechanism linked to the toxicity of a major class of drinking water disinfection byproducts. This study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, suggests a possible connection to adverse health effects, including neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's."

Perinatal Antidepressant Stunts Brain Development in Rats

Perinatal Antidepressant Stunts Brain Development in Rats

"Miswired brain circuitry traced to early exposure - NIH-funded study

Rats exposed to an antidepressant just before and after birth showed substantial brain abnormalities and behaviors, in a study funded by the National Institutes of Health."

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Study Supports Autoimmune Disease Theory

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Study Supports Autoimmune Disease Theory
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-study-supports-autoimmune-disease-theory/story?id=14801908

"A new study supports the theory that chronic fatigue syndrome is an autoimmune disease, offering patients with the controversial condition new hope for a cure."

Environmental isocyanate-induced asthma: morphologic and pathogenetic aspects of an increasing occupational disease.

Environmental isocyanate-induced asthma: morphologic and pathogenetic aspects of an increasing occupational disease.
 
Fisseler-Eckhoff A, Bartsch H, Zinsky R, Schirren J.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2011 Sep;8(9):3672-87. Epub 2011 Sep 9.

Source
Institute for Pathology and Cytology/Dr. Horst Schmidt Kliniken GmbH, Academic Hospital of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Ludwig-Erhard-Str. 100, Wiesbaden 65199, Germany; E-Mails: Bartsch@pathologie-wiesbaden.de (H.B.); Zinsky@pathologie-wiesbaden.de (R.Z.).
Abstract
Occupational diseases affect more and more people every year. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), in 2000 an estimated amount of at least 160 million people became ill as a result of occupational-related hazards or injuries. Globally, occupational deaths, diseases and injuries account for an estimated loss of 4% of the Gross Domestic Product. Important substances that are related to occupational diseases are isocyanates and their products. These substances, which are used in a lot of different industrial processes, are not only toxic and irritant, but also allergenic. Although the exposure to higher concentrations could be monitored and restricted by technical means, very low concentrations are difficult to monitor and may, over time, lead to allergic reactions in some workers, ending in an occupational disease. In order to prevent the people from sickening, the mechanisms underlying the disease, by patho-physiological and genetical means, have to be known and understood so that high risk groups and early signs in the development of an allergic reaction could be detected before the exposure to isocyanates leads to an occupational disease. Therefore, this paper reviews the so far known facts concerning the patho-physiologic appearance and mechanisms of isocyanate-associated toxic reactions and possible genetic involvement that might trigger the allergic reactions.
PMID: 22016709 [PubMed - in process]

Girls Exposed in Womb to BPA Have Risk of Behavior Problems

Girls Exposed in Womb to BPA Have Risk of Behavior Problems
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-24/girls-exposed-in-womb-to-bpa-have-risk-of-behavior-problems.html

"Exposure in the womb to bisphenol-A, a chemical used to make some plastic containers, may cause behavior and emotional problems in young girls, a study found."

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Improving Air Quality in Schools to Celebrate Children's Health Month 2011


"With an emphasis on healthy schools, this year's Children's Health Month brings back memories of life as a student. When we were children, not many people focused on indoor air quality in schools. Until fairly recently, few made removing asthma triggers a priority. Industrial strength pesticides and cleaners were used liberally, and teachers smoked in their own separate lounge. Times have changed. Now we understand how important a healthy environment is to the learning process.

Children are uniquely affected by environmental hazards due to their body size and their immune and respiratory systems not being fully developed. A well located, thoughtfully designed, soundly built and efficiently operated school can help ensure a safer, healthier learning environment for children, allowing them to thrive and succeed."

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Tell the FDA: Label My Food

93% of Americans want GMOs labeled, will you join us in asking the FDA to require labeling?

Please click the link below and sign this petition to label gmos!

http://action.responsibletechnology.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=8367

And help spread the word!

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