Why perfume could be making you depressed

Why perfume could be making you depressed
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/08/30/why-perfume-could-be-making-depressed/

"Your coworker's cologne, an overly air-freshened car, that waft of smoke clinging to a stranger's coat—for most of us, those are just temporary annoyances.

 

But for others, everyday odors can be debilitating, and according to a new study in the Annals of Family Medicine, the number of people who suffer from chemical intolerance is higher than most doctors suspect."

Doctors fight "gag orders" over fracking chemicals

Doctors fight "gag orders" over fracking chemicals
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/08/27/gvl10827.htm

"When several unrelated patients visited McMurray, Pa.-based plastic surgeon Amy Paré, MD, she initially was unsure what to make of the bleeding, oozing legions covering their faces.

The wounds were not cancerous, but the inflammation was severe and becoming worse. Dr. Paré's suspicions grew when she learned that the patients lived near the same natural gas drilling site. Tests later found that the patients had phenol and hippuric acid in their urine, two contact irritants rarely found in humans. The patients improved after they stopped drinking water from their underground wells.

"Knowing what chemicals they had been exposed to would have sped up the process" of treating the patients, said Dr. Paré, who specializes in treating skin conditions.

How tough are state chemical disclosure rules?

But at the time, no official route existed for doctors to learn what chemicals patients may have been exposed to near drilling sites, information that remains protected as trade secrets unless lawmakers dictate otherwise. Under a new Pennsylvania law, natural gas companies must tell physicians the substances patients might have come into contact with. But doctors must sign confidentiality agreements promising they will use the information only for those patients' treatment.

More than a dozen states require firms to disclose chemicals used in fracking because of health concerns.

Some doctors say the agreements amount to gag orders that interfere with their ability to treat patients and to share information freely with colleagues and medical researchers. The conflict has led to a legal challenge by Pennsylvania nephrologist Alfonso Rodriguez, MD, against the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection. He claims that the law's doctor-contract provision is vague and violates physicians' First Amendment rights."

Heavy Metal Toxicity Raises Your Risk of Electromagnetic Sensitivity

Heavy Metal Toxicity Raises Your Risk of Electromagnetic Sensitivity
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/08/25/heavy-metal-electromagnetic-fields.aspx?e_cid=20120825_DNL_artNew_2

"Electomagnetic fields (EMFs) are all around us, no matter where you live these days. They emanate from power lines, televisions, household electrical wiring, appliances and microwaves.

They come from cell phones, cell phone towers and wireless Internet connections.

It is estimated that 3-8 percent of populations in developed countries experience serious electrohypersensitivity symptoms, while 35 percent experience mild symptoms, according to Dr. Thomas Rau, medical director of the world-renowned Paracelsus Clinic in Switzerland.1

There are a number of factors that influence the degree to which you may be affected by EMFs.

For example, your body weight, body-mass index, bone density, and water and electrolyte levels can alter the conductivity and biological reactivity to EMFs. Heavy metals in your brain also act as micro-antennas, concentrating and increasing reception of EMF radiation."

Association of Active Human Herpesvirus-6, -7 and Parvovirus B19 Infection with Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Association of Active Human Herpesvirus-6, -7 and Parvovirus B19 Infection with Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22927850

Chapenko S, Krumina A, Logina I, Rasa S, Chistjakovs M, Sultanova A, Viksna L, Murovska M.

Adv Virol. 2012;2012:205085. Epub 2012 Aug 13.

Source
August Kirchenstein Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradins University, Ratsupites Street 5, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia.

Abstract
Frequency of active human herpesvirus-6, -7 (HHV-6, HHV-7) and parvovirus B19 (B19) infection/coinfection and its association with clinical course of ME/CFS was evaluated. 108 ME/CFS patients and 90 practically healthy persons were enrolled in the study. Viral genomic sequences were detected by PCR, virus-specific antibodies and cytokine levels-by ELISA, HHV-6 variants-by restriction analysis. Active viral infection including concurrent infection was found in 64.8% (70/108) of patients and in 13.3% (12/90) of practically healthy persons. Increase in peripheral blood leukocyte DNA HHV-6 load as well as in proinflammatory cytokines' levels was detected in patients during active viral infection. Definite relationship was observed between active betaherpesvirus infection and subfebrility, lymphadenopathy and malaise after exertion, and between active B19 infection and multijoint pain. Neuropsychological disturbances were detected in all patients. The manifestation of symptoms was of more frequent occurrence in patients with concurrent infection. The high rate of active HHV-6, HHV-7 and B19 infection/coinfection with the simultaneous increase in plasma proinflammatory cytokines' level as well as the association between active viral infection and distinctive types of clinical symptoms shows necessity of simultaneous study of these viral infections for identification of possible subsets of ME/CFS.
 

PMID: 22927850 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Is chronic fatigue syndrome the same illness as fibromyalgia: evaluating the 'single syndrome' hypothesis.

Is chronic fatigue syndrome the same illness as fibromyalgia: evaluating the 'single syndrome' hypothesis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22927538

Abbi B, Natelson BH.  QJM. 2012 Aug 26. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
From the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, DVA Medical Center, East Orange, NJ and Pain and Fatigue Study Center, Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, USA.

Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are medically unexplained syndromes that can and often do co-occur. For this reason, some have posited that the two are part of the same somatic syndrome-examples of symptom amplification. This hypothesis would suggest that few differences exist between the two syndromes. To evaluate this interpretation, we have searched the literature for articles comparing CFS to FM, reviewing only those articles which report differences between the two. This review presents data showing differences across a number of parameters-implying that the underlying pathophysiology in CFS may differ from that of FM. We hope that our review encourages other groups to look for additional differences between CFS and FM. By continuing to preserve the unique illness definitions of the two syndromes, clinicians will be able to better identify, understand and provide treatment for these individuals.

PMID: 22927538 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

New Report: Hidden Toxic Chemicals Found in Children's "Back-to-School" Supplies

New Report: Hidden Toxic Chemicals Found in Children's "Back-to-School" Supplies
http://chej.org/2012/08/backtoschool2012/

"Did you know toxic phthalates may be in your children's back-to-school supplies?  Our brand new report, Hidden Hazards: Toxic Chemicals Inside Children's Vinyl Back-to-School Supplies found toxic chemicals linked to asthma and birth defects widespread in children's vinyl back-to-school supplies.

Seventy-five percent of children's "back-to-school" supplies tested in a laboratory had elevated levels of toxic phthalates, including popular Disney, Spiderman, and Dora branded school supplies, such as vinyl lunchboxes, backpacks, 3-ring binders, raincoats, and rainboots.

The levels of phthalates found in children's school supplies would be illegal if these products were toys. Just like toys, school supplies are used by young children that are uniquely vulnerable to chemical exposure."

Exposure to PCE-tainted water before birth to age 5 affects color vision decades later.

Exposure to PCE-tainted water before birth to age 5 affects color vision decades later.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/2012/07/2012-0823-perchloroethylene-in-water-color-blind/

Getz, KD, PA Janulewicz, S Rowe, JM Weinberg, MR Winter, BR Martin, VM Vieira, RF White and A Aschengrau. 2012. Prenatal and early childhood exposure to tetrachloroethylene and adult vision. Environmental Health Perspectives http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1103996.

"Adults exposed to higher levels of the commercial solvent PCE from before birth to age 5 were less able to see contrast and distinguish colors years after the exposures were reduced. While not life-threatening, the ability to tell light from dark and yellow from green affects visual perception and quality of life. The findings are part of a larger, ongoing study assessing the long-term health effects of exposure during early development to PCE-contaminated drinking water in communities near Cape Cod, Mass. Exposure to PCE at work has been linked to impaired color vision. This is the first study to show similar kinds of vision deficits decades after the original exposures."

Family wants more research on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Family wants more research on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://www.mynews4.com/news/local/story/Family-wants-more-research-on-Chronic-Fatigue/FGH9Q_lVT06HkM5cVaS8_A.cspx

"Family wants more research for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a debilitating disease that does not have a universally accepted definition of the disorder, a diagnosis, or treatment and yet roughly 17 million people around the world are believed to have it."

Big Chem, Big Harm?

Big Chem, Big Harm?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/opinion/sunday/kristof-big-chem-big-harm.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print

"NEW research is demonstrating that some common chemicals all around us may be even more harmful than previously thought. It seems that they may damage us in ways that are transmitted generation after generation, imperiling not only us but also our descendants."

Is human saliva an indicator of the adverse health effects of using mobile phones?

Is human saliva an indicator of the adverse health effects of using mobile phones?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22894683?dopt=Abstract

Hamzany Y, Feinmesser R, Shpitzer T, Mizrachi A, Hilly O, Hod R, Bahar G, Otradnov I, Gavish M, Nagler RM. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2012 Aug 15. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tiqva and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; hamzany@tx.tau.ac.il.

Abstract
Increasing use of mobile phones creates growing concern regarding harmful effects of radiofrequency non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (NIER) on human tissues located close to the ear where phones are commonly held for long periods of time. We studied 20 subjects in the 'mobile phone group' who had a mean duration of mobile phone use of 12.5 years (range 8-15) and a mean time use of 29.6 hours per month (range 8-100). Deaf individuals served as controls. We compared salivary outcomes (secretion, oxidative damage indices, flow rate and composition) between mobile phone users and non-users. We report significant increase in all salivary oxidative stress indices studied in mobile phone users. Salivary flow, total protein, albumin and amylase activity were decreased in mobile phone users. These observations lead to the hypothesis that the use of mobile phones may cause oxidative stress and modify salivary function.

PMID:  22894683  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The United Kingdom's Rulings Relating to the Lightning Process

The United Kingdom's Rulings Relating to the Lightning Process
http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2012/8/Phil-Parker-Group-Ltd/SHP_ADJ_158035.aspx

Low Level Lead Exposure Linked to Poor School Performance

Low Level Lead Exposure Linked to Poor School Performance
http://www.nchh.org/tabid/139/default.aspx?ContentID=155

"Columbia, MD (August 20, 2012) –Today, NCHH released new findings on the impact of low-level lead exposure on school performance. The issue brief, "Childhood Lead Exposure and Educational Outcomes," summarizes new research connecting small amounts of lead in a child's blood to problems in school later in life."

Obama Takes an Interest in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome » White House Chronicle

Obama Takes an Interest in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome » White House Chronicle
http://www.whchronicle.com/2012/08/obama-takes-an-interest-in-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/

"On April 21, 2011, at a town hall meeting in Reno, NV, local resident Courtney Miller asked President Obama for help. Specifically, she asked the president what the administration was doing to fund research into the debilitating lifelong illness Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Miller's husband, Robert, is a sufferer.

Now the president has responded fulsomely.

Obama has designated his deputy chief of staff for policy, Nancy-Ann DeParle, as his point person for dealing with the disease and  to work with the National Institutes of Health. She has been in contact with Miller by email and phone."

Chemical widely used in antibacterial hand soaps may impair muscle function

Chemical widely used in antibacterial hand soaps may impair muscle function
http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=10301

"Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical widely used in hand soaps and other personal-care products, hinders muscle contractions at a cellular level, slows swimming in fish and reduces muscular strength in mice, according to researchers at the University of California, Davis, and the University of Colorado. The findings appear online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America."

Non-occupational exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy and risk of congenital anomalies: a cohort study

Non-occupational exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy and risk of congenital anomalies: a cohort study
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/11/1/54/abstract

Dorrit Hjortebjerg, Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen, Ester Garne, Ole Raaschou-Nielsen and Mette Sørensen

Environmental Health 2012, 11:54 doi:10.1186/1476-069X-11-54

Abstract (provisional)

Background
Occupational exposure to organic solvents during the 1st trimester of pregnancy has been associated with congenital anomalies. Organic solvents are also used in the home environments in paint products, but no study has investigated the effect of such exposure in a general population.

Methods
We studied associations between residential exposure to paint fumes during the 1st trimester of pregnancy and predefined subgroups of congenital anomalies, using data from the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC). During 2001 and 2003, a total of 20 103 pregnant women, enrolled in the DNBC, were interviewed in the 30th week of gestation about the use of paint in their residence during pregnancy. By the end of first trimester, information about smoking habits, alcohol consumption and occupation were collected. Information on congenital anomalies was obtained from national registers. Associations were examined by estimating odds ratios (OR) using logistic regression.

Results
In total 1404 women (7 %) had been exposed to paint fumes during the 1st trimester of pregnancy and 1086 children were diagnosed with congenital anomalies; 73 children with congenital anomalies had been exposed to paint fumes in utero. Exposure to paint fumes seemed positively associated with congenital anomalies of the nervous system (OR 2.19, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.76 to 6.32), ear, face and neck (OR 2.15, 95 % CI 0.84 to 5.55) and the renal system (OR 2.16, 95 % CI 1.02 to 4.58) after adjustment for maternal age, smoking, alcohol consumption and occupational solvent exposure. Congenital anomalies in the remaining subgroups were not associated with the exposure.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that in the general population, exposure to paint fumes during the 1st trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of some types of congenital anomalies, but the findings need to be confirmed.

Can Electrons Act as Antioxidants? A Review and Commentary

Can Electrons Act as Antioxidants? A Review and Commentary
http://www.healingnh.com/Portals/64/Docs/Laser-ElectronsAsAntioxidants.pdf

James L. Oschman, Ph.D.  The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.  Volume 13, Number 9, 2007, pp. 955–967

ABSTRACT

A previous study demonstrated that connecting the human body to the earth during sleep (earthing) normalizes the daily cortisol rhythm and improves sleep. A variety of other benefits were reported, including reductions in pain and inflammation. Subsequent studies have confirmed these earlier findings and documented virtually immediate physiologic and clinical effects of grounding or earthing the body. It is well established, though not widely known, that the surface of the earth possesses a limitless and continuously renewed supply of free or mobile electrons as a consequence of a global atmospheric electron circuit. Wearing shoes with insulating soles and/or sleeping in beds that are isolated from the electrical ground plane of the earth have disconnected most people from the earth*s electrical rhythms and free electrons. The most reasonable hypothesis to explain the beneficial effects of earthing is that a direct earth connection enables both diurnal electrical rhythms and free electrons to flow from the earth to the body. It is proposed that the earth*s diurnal electrical rhythms set the biological clocks for hormones that regulate sleep and activity. It is also suggested that free electrons from the earth neutralize the positively charged free radicals that are the hallmark of chronic inflammation. A relationship between cortisol and inflammation was established in the pioneering work of H. Selye published in the 1950s. Current biomedical research has led to an inflammation hypothesis that is establishing chronic inflammation as the culprit behind almost every modern chronic illness. The research summarized here and in subsequent reports provides a basis for a number of earthing technologies that restore and maintain natural electrical contact between the human body and the earth throughout the day and night in situations where going barefoot on the earth is impractical. It is proposed that free or mobile electrons from the earth can resolve chronic inflammation by serving as natural antioxidants.

DOI: 10.1089/acm.2007.7048

Mold Exposure in Infancy May Raise Asthma Risk

Mold Exposure in Infancy May Raise Asthma Risk
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_128150.html

"Infants exposed to certain types of mold are at greater risk for childhood asthma, according to a new study.

"This is strong evidence that indoor mold contributed to asthma development, and this stresses the urgent need for remediating water damage in homes, particularly in low-income urban areas where this is a common issue," the study's lead author, Tiina Reponen, a professor in the environmental health department at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, said in a university news release."

Dr. Anne Steinemann Interview About Fragranced Chemicals

Dr. Anne Steinemann Interview About Fragranced Chemicals

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

Guideline of the Austrian Medical Association for the diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses (EMFsyndrome)

Guideline of the Austrian Medical Association for the diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses (EMFsyndrome)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/87308119/Guideline-of-the-Austrian-Medical-Association-for-the-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-EMF-related-health-problems-and-illnesses-EMF-syndrome

The food becomes unhealthy near the computer

The food becomes unhealthy near the computer
http://www.causaabierta.com.uy/la-comida-se-vuelve-veneno-cerca-de-la-computadora/

"A study by the University of Human Ecology in Ukraine has revealed that the electromagnetic field of the computer destroys the molecular structure of water and food making them harmful to health. Ukrainian scientists conducted an experiment food left next to the computer for some time, after having applied a molecular analysis. Returning turned out to analyze the molecular structure of water contained in food changed negatively. "Water becomes 'aggressive' changes its structure and ends up being harmful to the human body," says Mikhail Kurik, one of the authors of the research. Same with the 80% of water in the human body. According to doctors, the negative impact accumulates in the body can develop long-term disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Experts recommend spending less time at the computer and not eat near the device to not cause additional damage to the body."

Clearing the air: That air you're breathing may be slowly killing you | Deseret News

Clearing the air: That air you're breathing may be slowly killing you | Deseret News
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865560535/Clearing-the-air-That-air-youre-breathing-may-be-slowly-killing-you.html

"SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has one of the worst air pollution problems in the country and the impacts are startling: The pollution is killing people.

It is sending families and individuals to hospital emergency rooms.  It is contributing to strokes and heart attacks. Both young and old suffer asthma at greater rates in dirty air areas, and those with respiratory diseases are left wheezing and coughing, fighting a tightening in their lungs."

Economic evaluation of health consequences of prenatal methylmercury exposure in France

Economic evaluation of health consequences of prenatal methylmercury exposure in France

http://www.ehjournal.net/content/11/1/53/abstract

Céline Pichery, Martine Bellanger, Denis Zmirou-Navier, Nadine Fréry, Sylvaine Cordier, Anne Roue-Legall, Philippe Hartemann and Philippe Grandjean
Environmental Health 2012, 11:53 doi:10.1186/1476-069X-11-53

Published: 10 August 2012

Abstract (provisional)

Background
Evidence of a dose-response relationship between prenatal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) and neurodevelopmental consequences in terms of IQ reduction, makes it possible to evaluate the economic consequences of MeHg exposures.

Objective
To perform an economic evaluation of annual national benefits of reduction of the prenatal MeHg exposure in France.

Methods
We used data on hair-Hg concentrations in French women of childbearing age (18-45 years) from a national sample of 126 women and from two studies conducted in coastal regions (n = 161and n = 503). A linear dose response function with a slope of 0.465 IQ point reduction per mug/g increase in hair-Hg concentration was used, along with a log transformation of the exposure scale, where a doubling of exposure was associated with a loss of 1.5 IQ points. The costs calculations utilized an updated estimate of E2008 17,363 per IQ point decrement, with three hypothetical exposure cut-off points (hair-Hg of 0.58, 1.0, and 2.5 mug/g).

Results
Because of higher exposure levels of women in coastal communities, the annual economic impacts based on these data were greater than those using the national data, i.e. E 1.62 billion (national), and E 3.02 billion and E 2.51 billion (regional), respectively, with the linear model, and E 5.46 billion (national), and E 9.13 billion and E 8.17 billion (regional), with the log model, for exposures above 0.58 mug/g.

Conclusions
These results emphasize that efforts to reduce MeHg exposures would have high social benefits by preventing the serious and lifelong consequences of neurodevelopmental deficits in children.

Effect of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on airway inflammatory response in mice.

Effect of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on airway inflammatory response in mice.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22863854

Wang F, Li C, Liu W, Jin Y.

J Toxicol Sci. 2012;37(4):739-48.

Source
School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, China.

Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the main substances causing multiple chemical sensitivity reactions in human. The effects of single VOCs exposure on airway inflammatory responses in mice lung have been reported. Previous studies have demonstrated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung inflammation induced by single VOCs inhalation. However, effects of VOCs exposure on NO signaling and neurological signaling pathways in airway remain less clear. We exposed male Kunming mice to filtered air (0) and four types of VOCs mixture (formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene) treated air. Group 1 is 1.0, 1.1, 2.0 and 2.0 mg/m³, group 2 is 3.0, 3.3, 6.0 and 6.0 mg/m³, group 3 is 5.0, 5.5, 10.0 and 10.0 mg/m³, group 4 is 10.0, 11.0, 20.0 and 20.0 mg/m³, which respectively corresponded to 10, 30, 50 and 100 times of indoor air quality standard in China 2 hr per day, 5 days per week, for 2 weeks in the whole body exposure chamber. One day following VOCs exposure, we collected lung, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from each mouse and examined oxidative stress markers, cellular infiltration and production of cytokines, neurotrophin and substance P. We found that VOCs exposure influenced significantly NOS activity, GSH, or IL-6 concentration. The number of total cells, macrophages and eosinophils increased significantly in group 4. In addition, the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and substance P were significantly decreased. In contrast, neurotrophin-3 production in BALF was significantly increased in group 3 and 4. Our findings suggest that NO signaling pathways may induce airway inflammatory in short term VOCs exposure mice and the airway inflammatory response may be modulated by neurological signaling.

PMID: 22863854 [PubMed - in process]

MCS Is a Reaction to Chemicals, Not Odors

MCS Is a Reaction to Chemicals, Not Odors
Martin L. Pall (PhD)

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

"It should be clear from the above, that chemicals acting in MCS are not acting on the classic olfactory receptors (15,16), but rather are acting as toxicants. This is opposite many published but undocumented claims that MCS is a response to odors. There is additional evidence arguing against the view that MCS is a reaction to odors. MCS sufferers who are acosmic, having no sense of smell, people who have intense nasal congestion and people whose nasal epithelia have been blocked off with nose clips can all be highly chemically sensitive (1,4). This does not necessarily mean that MCS never impacts the olfactory system. It simply means that MCS is not primarily an olfactory response. A recent study, confirmed this view, showing that the olfactory center in the brain in people with MCS was less sensitive to activation by chemical exposure than in normal controls, rather than being more sensitive (17)."

Chronic Exposure to Staph Bacteria May Be Risk Factor for Lupus

Chronic Exposure to Staph Bacteria May Be Risk Factor for Lupus
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120808142001.htm

"Chronic exposure to even small amounts of staph bacteria could be a risk factor for the chronic inflammatory disease lupus, Mayo Clinic research shows. Staph, short for Staphylococcus aureus, is a germ commonly found on the skin or in the nose, sometimes causing infections. In the Mayo study, mice were exposed to low doses of a protein found in staph and developed a lupus-like disease, with kidney disease and autoantibodies like those found in the blood of lupus patients."

Nuclear waste issues freeze permits for U.S. power plants

Nuclear waste issues freeze permits for U.S. power plants
http://money.cnn.com/2012/08/09/news/economy/nuclear-plants-waste/index.htm

"NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The U.S. government said it will stop issuing permits for new nuclear power plants and license extensions for existing facilities until it resolves issues around storing radioactive waste.

The government's main watchdog, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, believes that current storage plans are safe and achievable. But a federal court said that the NRC didn't detail what the environmental consequences would be if the agency is wrong.

"We are now considering all available options for resolving the waste issue," the five-member NRC said in a ruling earlier this week. "But, in recognition of our duties under the law, we will not issue [reactor] licenses until the court's remand is appropriately addressed.""

How Our Buildings Are Making Us Sick

How Our Buildings Are Making Us Sick
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amywestervelt/2012/08/08/how-our-buildings-are-making-us-sick/print/
 
"As a culture, Americans spend 90 percent of our time indoors, and in the majority of cases the air quality inside is far worse than it is outside. The largely terrible indoor air quality is attributed to the offgassing of chemicals from various building materials–paint, carpet, countertops, dry wall, you name it and chances are it's got some sort of toxic ingredient. The thing is, in many cases those chemicals are mandated by either building codes or performance codes. Curtains need to be covered in flame retardant to prevent fire spread, for example, and certain other materials have chemicals added to them in order to make them more flexible, more rigid, or more rugged."

UC Davis News & Information :: $17 million grant to fund seizure, neurotoxin research (VIDEO)

UC Davis News & Information :: $17 million grant to fund seizure, neurotoxin research (VIDEO)
http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=10273

"A new $17 million research center dedicated to identifying medical countermeasures for neurotoxic chemicals that cause seizures in humans has been established by the U.S. National Institutes of Health at the University of California, Davis. The research also is expected to yield findings that could improve medical treatment for people with seizure disorders.

The new UC Davis CounterACT Center of Excellence is part of the NIH Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats Research Network. Professor Pamela Lein, a developmental neurobiologist and neurotoxicologist in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, will direct the new center."

Light Bulb Warning: MedlinePlus Health News Video

Light Bulb Warning: MedlinePlus Health News Video
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/light_bulb_080312.html

"If you've gone green, it's highly likely you have CFL bulbs in your home. These compact fluorescent light bulbs are the ones that look like curly cues, and are sold as "energy efficient" alternatives to traditional incandescent lighting.

Now, researchers at Stony Brook University have found that CFL bulbs may leak UV rays that can harm your skin. The Stony Brook team purchased a variety of CFL bulbs from different manufacturers at several locations. When tested in their lab, all of them had cracks or bald spots in their phosphor coating, which appeared to allow both UVA and UVC rays to be emitted. Two types of healthy human skin tissue were then exposed to the same bulbs.

The results according to the lead researcher: the response of healthy skin cells to UV emitted from CFL bulbs is consistent with damage from ultraviolet radiation. Traditional incandescent lights bulbs tested the same way had no effect on skin.

The takeaway: researchers stress that consumers should avoid using compact fluorescent light bulbs at close distances.

I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with the news doctors are reading, health news that matters to you."

August 2012: Counseling Parents About Exposure to BPA and Other Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

August 2012: Counseling Parents About Exposure to BPA and Other Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
http://www.seattlechildrens.org/healthcare-professionals/resources/quarterly-consult/

"Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, an environmental health researcher at Seattle Children's and pediatrician at the Children and Teens Clinic at Harborview, addresses questions about exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates."

Solvent exposures and parkinson disease risk in twins.

Solvent exposures and parkinson disease risk in twins.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22083847

Goldman SM, Quinlan PJ, Ross GW, Marras C, Meng C, Bhudhikanok GS, Comyns K, Korell M, Chade AR, Kasten M, Priestley B, Chou KL, Fernandez HH, Cambi F, Langston JW, Tanner CM.

Ann Neurol. 2012 Jun;71(6):776-84. doi: 10.1002/ana.22629. Epub 2011 Nov 14.

Source
The Parkinson's Institute, Sunnyvale, CA. sgoldman@thepi.org.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
Several case reports have linked solvent exposure to Parkinson disease (PD), but few studies have assessed associations with specific agents using an analytic epidemiologic design. We tested the hypothesis that exposure to specific solvents is associated with PD risk using a discordant twin pair design.

METHODS:
Ninety-nine twin pairs discordant for PD ascertained from the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council World War II Veteran Twins Cohort were interviewed regarding lifetime occupations and hobbies using detailed job task-specific questionnaires. Exposures to 6 specific solvents selected a priori were estimated by expert raters unaware of case status.

RESULTS:
Ever exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) was associated with significantly increased risk of PD (odds ratio [OR], 6.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-33; p = 0.034), and exposure to perchloroethylene (PERC) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ) tended toward significance (respectively: OR, 10.5; 95% CI, 0.97-113; p = 0.053; OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 0.9-6.1; p = 0.088). Results were similar for estimates of exposure duration and cumulative lifetime exposure.

INTERPRETATION:
Exposure to specific solvents may increase risk of PD. TCE is the most common organic contaminant in groundwater, and PERC and CCl(4) are also ubiquitous in the environment. Our findings require replication in other populations with well-characterized exposures, but the potential public health implications are substantial. ANN NEUROL 2011.

PMID: 22083847 [PubMed - in process]

Cellphone exposure limits should be reassessed, GAO recommends

Cellphone exposure limits should be reassessed, GAO recommends
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-tech/post/cellphone-exposure-limits-should-be-reassessed-gao-recommends/2012/08/07/a2eb0b96-e09d-11e1-8fc5-a7dcf1fc161d_blog.html

"Mobile phone exposure limits and testing requirements should be reassessed, according to a Government Accountability Office study released Tuesday.

The study, the culmination of a year-long review done at the urging of lawmakers, comes at a time of heightened concern about the possible impact of cellphone radiation on human health. Its findings may prompt the Federal Communications Commission to update its standards to more accurately reflect how people use their cellphones."

Solving the Smelly Problem of Fragrance-Induced Disabilities

Solving the Smelly Problem of Fragrance-Induced Disabilities
http://www.washingtonworkplacelaw.com/private-employers/solving-the-smelly-problem-of-fragrance-induced-disabilities/

"Employee sensitivity to synthetic fragrance and other chemicals is an increasing complaint in today's workplace. Employees may report a wide-range of symptoms triggered by exposure to common items, such as perfumes and scented products, cleaning agents, fresh paint, adhesives, air fresheners and deodorizers, and emissions from office equipment."

Seletun Online Petition

----- Original Message -----

From: | Alex | International EMF Alliance

Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2012 12:58 AM

Subject: Seletun Online Petition

Dear , salvadorlourdes@mcs-america.org Seletun Petition *** Your Voice Counts *** Please sign this very important Biologically based EMF petition by adding your name and broadly distributing the link to all of your contacts and friends. Petition: "We, the undersigned, find that current national government as well as international authority limits do not protect the general public from adverse health effects from electromagnetic fields (EMF) emanating from devices such as power lines, cell phones and all wireless Internet devices and their associated antenna sites. Most of the existing limits on this form of radiation are at a minimum 1 to 10 thousand times too lenient to prudently protect humans from adverse health effects ranging from Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, reproduction problems, sleep quality reduction, learning and memory interference, slowed ability of the body to repair damage, immune function decrease, cancer and electrohypersensitivity. Based upon the scientific evidence set forth in The Seletun Statement and the BioInitiative Report." The Seletun Scientific Panel acknowledges that numeric limits derived here for new biologically-based public exposure standards are still a billion times higher than natural EMF levels at which all life evolved. It is a serious mistake to believe that we have always lived in man-made electromagnetic fields, such as from electrical power, radio, TV, computers, and wireless telecommunication, and therefore should not worry. It was not long ago when people thought that X-rays, radioactivity, strong ultraviolet light and radar were completely without harm. Nowadays we know much better! Please sign this petition Thank you in advance, International EMF Alliance Alex Swinkels, Netherlands Board Member Mail: info@iemfa.org Web: www.iemfa.org

Epidemic of skin lesions reported in reef fish

Epidemic of skin lesions reported in reef fish
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/342727/title/Science_%2B_the_Public__Epidemic_of_skin_lesions_reported_in_reef_fish_

"The lesions are unusual, however, prompting outside experts to question the diagnosis of cancer
A British-Australian research team has just found coral trout living on the south side of the Great Barrier Reef sporting dark skin lesions. Fifteen percent of the affected populations at two sites bore brown-black growths, some of them raised and almost scablike. The authors conclude that they've stumbled onto an epidemic of melanoma — a type of skin cancer — in iconic and commercially important fish."

Autopsy Confirms Black Mold Killed Mayor Bob Thompson

Autopsy Confirms Black Mold Killed Mayor Bob Thompson
http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Autopsy-Confirms-Black-Mold-Killed-Mayor-Bob-Thompson-164869226.html

"The wife of the late Callaway Mayor Bob Thompson says she now knows what killed her husband. And she says the autopsy report confirms her claims that he died of something called Black Mold."

Infants Exposed to Specific Molds Have Higher Asthma Risk

Infants Exposed to Specific Molds Have Higher Asthma Risk
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120802111502.htm?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

"ScienceDaily (Aug. 2, 2012) — In the United States, one in 10 children suffers from asthma but the potential environmental factors contributing to the disease are not well known. Cincinnati-based researchers now report new evidence that exposure to three types of mold during infancy may have a direct link to asthma development during childhood.

These forms of mold -- Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus unguis and Penicillium variabile -- are typically found growing in water-damaged homes, putting a spotlight on the importance of mold remediation for public health."

Short-term exposure to an endocrine disruptor affects behavioural consistency in male threespine stickleback.

Short-term exposure to an endocrine disruptor affects behavioural consistency in male threespine stickleback.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21975189

 

Dzieweczynski TL.

Aquat Toxicol. 2011 Oct;105(3-4):681-7. Epub 2011 Sep 17.

Source
Department of Psychology, University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Rd, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA. tdzieweczynski@une.edu

Abstract
It has been established that exposure to xenooestrogens can have profound effects on reproductive and aggressive behaviours in aquatic organisms. Studies on the effects of 17α-ethinyloestradiol (EE2) on behaviour, however, rarely examine these effects over multiple trials, across time, or across contexts. In addition, it is possible that individuals vary in their sensitivity to EE2 and individuals may differ in the degree to which their behaviour is affected. The study of consistent individual differences in behaviour has grown in popularity in recent years perhaps because of the evolutionary questions this behavioural variation raises. Adult male threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from an anadromous population repeatedly received the simultaneous presentation of a dummy male and dummy female conspecific both before and after exposure to a short-term, nominal (15 ng L(-1)) concentration of 17α-ethinyloestradiol (EE2). These before and after measures were then compared against one another as well as against responses of males in a control group that was not exposed to EE2. Courtship, aggression, and nesting behaviours were all affected by EE2 exposure. In addition, behavioural consistency over trials was markedly reduced after EE2 exposure, as shown by lower repeatability values in the after exposure measures and in weaker correlations between the before and after exposure measures in the EE2 group compared to the control group. This suggests that male threespine stickleback vary in their sensitivity to EE2. This study is one of the first to examine the effects of short-term EE2 exposure on behaviour across trials and has important implications for population-level fitness consequences of xenooestrogens.

PMID:  21975189  [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Hepatitis B vaccine induces apoptotic death in Hepa1-6 cells.

Hepatitis B vaccine induces apoptotic death in Hepa1-6 cells.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22249285

Hamza H, Cao J, Li X, Li C, Zhu M, Zhao S.
Apoptosis. 2012 May;17(5):516-27. doi: 10.1007/s10495-011-0690-1.

Source
Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China. Heyam68_hamza@yahoo.com

Abstract
Vaccines can have adverse side-effects, and these are predominantly associated with the inclusion of chemical additives such as aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. The objective of this study was to establish an in vitro model system amenable to mechanistic investigations of cytotoxicity induced by hepatitis B vaccine, and to investigate the mechanisms of vaccine-induced cell death. The mouse liver hepatoma cell line Hepa1-6 was treated with two doses of adjuvanted (aluminium hydroxide) hepatitis B vaccine (0.5 and 1 μg protein per ml) and cell integrity was measured after 24, 48 and 72 h. Hepatitis B vaccine exposure increased cell apoptosis as detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. Vaccine exposure was accompanied by significant increases in the levels of activated caspase 3, a key effector caspase in the apoptosis cascade. Early transcriptional events were detected by qRT-PCR. We report that hepatitis B vaccine exposure resulted in significant upregulation of the key genes encoding caspase 7, caspase 9, Inhibitor caspase-activated DNase (ICAD), Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK-1), and Apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (Apaf-1). Upregulation of cleaved caspase 3,7 were detected by western blot in addition to Apaf-1 and caspase 9 expressions argues that cell death takes place via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in which release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria triggers the assembly of a caspase activation complex. We conclude that exposure of Hepa1-6 cells to a low dose of adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccine leads to loss of mitochondrial integrity, apoptosis induction, and cell death, apoptosis effect was observed also in C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line after treated with low dose of vaccine (0.3, 0.1, 0.05 μg/ml). In addition In vivo apoptotic effect of hepatitis B vaccine was observed in mouse liver.

PMID: 22249285

More Treatment, More Mistakes

More Treatment, More Mistakes
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/01/opinion/more-treatment-more-mistakes.html

"DOCTORS make mistakes. They may be mistakes of technique, judgment, ignorance or even, sometimes, recklessness. Regardless of the cause, each time a mistake happens, a patient may suffer. We fail to uphold our profession's basic oath: "First, do no harm."

According to a 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine, as many as 98,000 Americans were dying every year because of medical mistakes. Today, exact figures are hard to come by because states don't abide by the same reporting guidelines, and few cases gain as much attention as that of Rory Staunton, the 12-year-old boy who died of septic shock this spring after being sent home from a New York hospital. But a reasonable estimate is that medical mistakes now kill around 200,000 Americans every year. That would make them one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Why have these mistakes been so hard to prevent?"

Are Chemicals Making You Sick? The Hidden Health Problem of Chemical Sensitivity

Are Chemicals Making You Sick? The Hidden Health Problem of Chemical Sensitivity
Leo Galland, M.D.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leo-galland-md/chemical-intolerance_b_1713906.html

"People who are intolerant of chemicals in everyday products or the environment often find their problems ignored or brushed aside by other people, even their doctors.

Over the past 30 years I've routinely asked patients about intolerance to chemicals, foods and drugs and found a normal bell-shaped curve of distribution: Most people in my medical practice have some degree of chemical intolerance, a small percentage are sensitive to just about anything that's synthetic and a small percentage report no sensitivity at all."

Background exposure to toxic metals in women adversely influences pregnancy during in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Background exposure to toxic metals in women adversely influences pregnancy during in vitro fertilization (IVF)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890623812002286

Michael S. Blooma, et al

 

Abstract
Low-level environmental exposure to Hg, Pb and Cd may interfere with pregnancy during in vitro fertilization (IVF). The aim of this study was to generate hypotheses concerning associations between background exposures and pregnancy. In modified Poisson regression models including 24 women and adjusted for urine Cd and creatinine, blood Pb, age, race and smoking, 1 μg/L increases in blood Hg are associated with decreases of 35% (P = 0.03) and 33% (P = 0.01) in clinical and biochemical pregnancies, respectively. In alternate Poisson models including 26 women and adjusted for blood Pb, blood Hg, age, race and smoking, 1 μg/L increases in blood Cd are associated with decreases of 94% (P = 0.01) and 82% (P = 0.04) in clinical and biochemical pregnancies, respectively. No effects are detected in 15 men, although inverse associations are suggested for urine cadmium and pregnancy. These data suggest that low-level, background exposures to Hg and Cd may interfere with pregnancy following IVF.

Highlights
► We prospectively followed 58 women and 36 men undergoing in vitro fertilization. ► Blood Hg levels were high, but levels of Pb and Cd were similar to U.S. levels. ► Higher adjusted blood Hg in women reduced clinical and biochemical pregnancies. ► Higher adjusted blood Cd in women reduced clinical and biochemical pregnancies. ► No effect was detected for men, but higher adjusted urine Cd may reduce pregnancy.

Supreme Court: Pesticide drift isn't trespassing

Supreme Court: Pesticide drift isn't trespassing

http://www.ktvu.com/news/ap/environment/supreme-court-pesticide-drift-isnt-trespassing/nP8f6/

 

"MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that chemicals drifting from one farm to another do not constitute trespassing under state law, a decision that could make it harder for organic farmers to seek relief if crops are damaged by pesticide drift."

 

[COMMENT:  clearly this needs to be appealed as toxic materials landing unwanted on someone's land is clearly not appropriate.]

Epidemic of skin lesions reported in reef fish

Epidemic of skin lesions reported in reef fish
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/342727/title/Science_%2B_the_Public__Epidemic_of_skin_lesions_reported_in_reef_fish_

"The lesions are unusual, however, prompting outside experts to question the diagnosis of cancer
A British-Australian research team has just found coral trout living on the south side of the Great Barrier Reef sporting dark skin lesions. Fifteen percent of the affected populations at two sites bore brown-black growths, some of them raised and almost scablike. The authors conclude that they've stumbled onto an epidemic of melanoma — a type of skin cancer — in iconic and commercially important fish."

SCCS' Final Opinion on Fragrance Allergens in Cosmetics

SCCS' Final Opinion on Fragrance Allergens in Cosmetics
http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_102.pdf

Kids compete in toxic-free games to raise awareness

Kids compete in toxic-free games to raise awareness
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120729/ARTICLES/120729630

"While America's athletes compete for gold in London, a handful of area children gathered near a picnic shelter at Halyburton Park Sunday to participate in a different sort of Olympics: the toxic-free kind.

"We're trying to raise awareness about how many products we have in our homes with toxic chemicals in them," said Felicia Willems, the North Carolina toxics reform campaign assistant with MomsRising, a non-profit organization with about 28,000 members across the Tar Heel State. "There's a ton of chemicals in everything we buy – furniture, toys, even the bottles our kids drink from."

To call attention to the issue, MomsRising is holding a series of events across the state. At Sunday's event – the second of four – kids competed in activities, including throwing rubber bath toys into a large blue bucket filled with water (the "Toxic Tub Toy Toss") to using hula hoops as jump ropes while racing from one line to another (the "Jumping Through Hoops Race")."

EPA Identifies Substitutes for Toxic Flame Retardant Chemical

EPA Identifies Substitutes for Toxic Flame Retardant Chemical

http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/79c090e81f0578738525781f0043619b/b0a157a1681d8da485257a4b0068a181!OpenDocument

 

"In its quest to identify possible substitutes for a toxic flame retardant chemical known as decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a draft report on alternatives. This comprehensive assessment, developed with public participation under EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) program, profiles the environmental and human health hazards on 30 alternatives to decaBDE, which will be phased out of production by December 2013.

DecaBDE is a common flame retardant used in electronics, vehicles, and building materials. It can cause adverse developmental effects, can persist in the environment and can bioaccumulate in people and animals. This technical assessment can help manufacturers identify alternatives to decaBDE. In addition, EPA will continue to work with manufacturers to investigate both chemical and non-chemical alternatives for flame retardants."

Richmond, California Unanimously Approves Pesticide Restrictions

Richmond, California Unanimously Approves Pesticide Restrictions
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/?p=7772

"(Beyond Pesticides, July 31, 2012) Last week, Richmond, California's City Council unanimously approved a pesticide reform ordinance targeting the use of toxic chemical pesticides within city boundaries. Barring a public health emergency or immediate threat to city property, the regulation bans city departments from using any pesticide considered a known carcinogen (Toxicity Category I and II) by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. It also prohibits city workers and contractors from applying pesticide products which contain highly toxic organophosphate and carbamate class chemicals. Moreover, with the implementation of the new ordinance, picnic areas, playgrounds, and riparian areas will be considered "no-spray" zones. In other public areas, the legislation puts a strong emphasis on non-chemical methods of pest prevention and control. It would allow the use of least-toxic pesticides only as a last resort, with the intention to significantly reduce or eliminate the use of and exposure to pesticides. The legislation also requires all city departments involved in pest management to submit an implementation plan and undergo training and education programs on least-toxic pest control."

An Open Letter to the Organic Community

 

SUBSCRIBE & Read Past Issues| View ONLINE | OCA Homepage | An Open Letter to the Organic Community from Ronnie Cummins After 45 years of hard work and grassroots struggle, the organic community has built up a $30 billion organic food and farming industry and community. But 10% annual growth isn't enough to avert the public health, environmental and climate crisis ahead - a crisis caused in large part by industrial agriculture. The first step toward an Organic Alternative is to pass truth-in-labeling laws. It's time to support the Nov. 6th California Ballot Initiative (Proposition 37) to require labels on genetically engineered foods and to ban the routine industry practice of marketing GMO-tainted foods as "natural" or "all natural." The outcome of this ballot initiative will determine whether GMO foods are labeled - not only in California, but across the entire United States and Canada as well. Today I'm asking the organic community - in California and nationwide - to approach the managers of the retail stores, CSAs, restaurants, or farmers markets where you regularly buy your organic food and ask them to endorse Prop 37, educate their consumers and financially support Prop 37. We have thousands of volunteers, but we need more. Please be a part of this historic initiative! Sign up to volunteer here Read Ronnie's open letter here Essay of the Week Why a Major Food Organization Is Teaming Up With Monsanto and Friends to Block Your Right to Know What's in Your Food The powerful Washington D.C.-based Grocery Manufacturer's Association (GMA), a multi-billion dollar trade association representing America's $1.2 trillion "Big Food" industry, has contributed $375,000 so far to defeat Prop 37, the California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act. Its members are pitching in, too, led by food conglomerates like ConAgra Foods, J.M. Smucker, Hormel Foods, Kellogg Co., Coca-Cola North America, PepsiCo. and others. How many more thousands – or millions - of dollars will the GMA spend in its desperate attempt to keep Californians from knowing what's in their food? And the bigger question: Why? Read the article here Farm Bill 2012 Update Late Tuesday, House Republicans pulled the one-year extension of the 2008 Farm Bill they had proposed after refusing to take up a five-year bill like the Senate passed. The House Agriculture Appropriations Bill has passed out of committee, but neither it nor the House Farm Bill has reached the House floor for a vote by all members. The dangerous Monsanto Riders in both bills are still intact, but there is still time to take action! Take Action: Stop Monsanto's Sneak Attack! Read More Support the OCA and OCF It's Time to Bring Down Old Man Santo! This video says it all! Please watch it and share with everyone you know. Every donation, large or small, will go directly toward winning the right to know what's in our food. Donate to the Organic Consumers Association (tax-deductible, helps support our work on behalf of organic standards, fair trade and public education) Donate to the Organic Consumers Fund (non-tax-deductible, but necessary for our legislative efforts in California and other states) Host a Bitter Seeds Film Screening During the Occupy Monsanto Sept. 17 Week of Action! As part of Occupy Monsanto's Sept. 17th week of action, the Organic Consumers Association has teamed up with Working Films to bring you the film Bitter Seeds. As part of the Occupy action, you can host a screening of Bitter Seeds in your community to learn more about the impact of GMOs. Director Micha X. Peled introduces us to citizens of a small Indian town who are dealing with the impacts of GMO seeds in their community. Bitter Seeds is a dire warning about the potentially devastating impacts of GMO seeds on agriculture. His film offers an intimate portrayal of the financial, family and social tolls these seeds have had on the farmers. We meet farmers, family members and a young girl aspiring to be a journalist who seeks to unearth the cause of so many farmer suicides in her town. Her determination to expose the connection between farmer suicides and Monsanto's seeds is inspiring, heart-wrenching and a David vs. Goliath story of the 21st century. As part of your commitment to fighting Monsanto and GMOs in the US, you are invited to host a screening of Bitter Seeds in your community. In addition to the film, you will be given a free discussion guide and access to a range of digital resources to connect you to anti-GMO actions in the US. Seeing the film is a critical first step towards educating people about the need to stop GMOs in our country and an important way to connect people to important anti-GMO actions happening in the US right now. Get involved today to see Bitter Seeds and spread the film's important message! Watch the trailer and learn more about the film Click here to request a DVD and host a screening For more information about Occupy Monsanto's Sept. 17th Week of Action click here – and stay tuned to Organic Bytes in the coming weeks Fair World Project Update The Global Economic System is rife with abuse and injustice. Most of the people that grow, process and produce our food and apparel suffer poverty wages, unsafe working conditions and other human rights violations. The Fair World Project supports diverse mechanisms and pathways to justice in the marketplace. While not a panacea, these mechanisms provide concrete opportunities for consumers to support products that reflect their values, educate others, and provide a lifeline to farmers, workers and artisans, while we simultaneously work in conjunction to improve the global system that impacts us all. Four movements - Fair Trade, SweatFree, Family Farm, and Labor Justice - support broader movements for systemic change in our food and apparel systems, which aim to transform an unjust economic system. Together, they drive a larger movement for justice and sustainability. Learn more and explore the interactive map Yes On 37 Twitter Party! Join us on August 10th at 7pm PST as we educate the public on genetically engineered foods and ingredients. The discussion will include issues surrounding GMOs, Prop 37 awareness and how you can take action online. Expert panelists including Dave Murphy from Food Democracy Now, Unhealthy Truth author Robyn O'Brien, plus prizes from Natures Path, Hawaiian Ola, Beanitos, Unreal and many more. Be there to take part and share this invite with your friends. Go here for more information on this event Little Bytes Top Stories of the Week Monsanto's Quiet Coup: Will Congress Limit Scope and Time for GMO Reviews? Monsanto's Deep Roots in Washington Global Warming's Terrifying New Math General Mills Sued Over 'Natural' Labeling Drought, Blistering Temperatures and Raging Fires: Are We Screwed? 5 Facts You Should Know Message From Our Sponsors Free Trial of OCA Sponsored National Buying Club for Organic and Non-GMO Foods: The Green Polka Dot Box The OCA-endorsed Green Polka Dot Box (GPDB) home delivery service for organic and non-GMO foods is up and running. Since October, OCA is happy to report that our staff, as well as hundreds of our members and subscribers, have been ordering and receiving regular home deliveries of organic and non-GMO foods, at 30-50% below the cost of retail, with free shipping on orders of $99 or more. As a result organic consumers who live in "organic food deserts," far from the nearest organic food store, have been able to start buying more organic food, while those of us on a limited budget have been able to buy organic products at a reduced price. If you haven't tried this wonderful service, yet, please do so today, there is a free 30 day trial membership being offered for a limited time to Organic Bytes subscribers. Click here to place your order today! Connect With OCA! Facebook Pages: organicconsumers millionsagainst comingclean Twitter Feeds: @organicconsumer @againstmonsanto @OCA_comingclean More: rss feed youtube channel Please forward this publication to family and friends, place it on web sites, print it, duplicate it and post it freely. Knowledge is power! Organic Bytes is a publication of Organic Consumers Association 6771 South Silver Hill Drive - Finland, MN 55603 - Phone: 218-226-4164 - Fax: 218-353-7652 Subscribe & Read past issues and print- friendly PDF versions of Organic Bytes