Scent-Free: DIY Beauty

Scent-Free: DIY Beauty
http://pinterest.com/scentfree/scent-free-diy-beauty/

Environment: Newly found health effects of air pollution call for stronger EU air policies

Environment: Newly found health effects of air pollution call for stronger EU air policies
http://www.investineu.com/content/environment-newly-found-health-effects-air-pollution-call-stronger-eu-air-policies-12c3

"Long-term exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) can trigger atherosclerosis, adverse birth outcomes and childhood respiratory diseases, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) review released today. REVIHAAP – the "Review of evidence on health aspects of air pollution" – also suggests a possible link with neurodevelopment, cognitive function and diabetes, and strengthens the causal link between PM2.5 and cardiovascular and respiratory deaths. The research was carried out at the request of the European Commission in the framework of the 2013 review of the European Union's air policy."

Ad-man highlights chronic fatigue with fundraiser

Ad-man highlights chronic fatigue with fundraiser
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/8236588/Ad-man-highlights-chronic-fatigue-with-fundraiser

"RJ Singh never thought his life would be confined to the four walls of his bedroom.   About 10 years ago the once active, successful and happy life the advertising worker led was taken from him and is now a distant memory.   Singh, 35, suffers from myalgic encephalomyelitis, more commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and is organising an ''epic event'' to raise awareness for the disease he and many other New Zealanders live with."

Dan Morain: Rolling back regs on fire retardants

Dan Morain: Rolling back regs on fire retardants
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/01/27/5141866/rolling-back-regs-on-fire-retardants.html 

"Gov. Jerry Brown is about to repent for a sin he didn't know he committed in 1975.  Ten months after Brown took office the first time, his administration produced a little-noticed regulation requiring that furniture sold in California comply with the strictest fire safety standard in the nation.  Befitting its turgid language, the regulation came to be known as Technical Bulletin 117. Although it was supposed to save lives, another story has emerged in the intervening decades. Technical Bulletin 117 has resulted in the addition of countless tons of toxic chemicals to couch cushions, carpet pads and, alas, our bodies.  In June, Brown started undoing Technical Bulletin 117, telling the obscure arm of the state that is its keeper – the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation – to dramatically alter it."

Dead BA pilots 'victims of toxic cabin fumes'

Dead BA pilots 'victims of toxic cabin fumes'
http://www.sundayexpress.co.uk/posts/view/373594/Dead-BA-pilots-victims-of-toxic-cabin-fumes-

"TWO of British Airways' most talented pilots have died after complaining of years of exposure to toxic oil fumes on board passenger planes.  Karen Lysakowska, 43, was buried last Tuesday, while Richard Westgate, also 43, was laid to rest four days before.  Both believed they had been poisoned by the toxic oil fumes that can contaminate cabin air and which regularly forces pilots to don oxygen masks in order to breathe."

The tiniest particles that may be a threat as bad as asbestos

The tiniest particles that may be a threat as bad as asbestos
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-tiniest-particles-that-may-be-a-threat-as-bad-as-asbestos-8468367.html

"Nanomaterials are everywhere, but their use is totally unregulated. Emily Dugan reports"

Diesel fumes more damaging to health than petrol engines

Diesel fumes more damaging to health than petrol engines
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/27/diesel-engine-fumes-worse-petrol

"Ministry report says 'green' cars contribute significantly to air pollution and lung diseases"

Chemical defects 'last generations'

Chemical defects 'last generations'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21202026

"Scientists believe they have shown exposure to certain chemicals in the womb can cause changes that are passed through generations."

Hazardous Virus Gene Discovered in GM Crops after 20 Years

Hazardous Virus Gene Discovered in GM Crops after 20 Years
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/Hazardous_Virus_Gene_Discovered_in_GM_Crops.php

Bisphenol S may be as harmful as BPA

Bisphenol S may be as harmful as BPA
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Bisphenol-S-may-be-as-harmful-as-BPA-4226326.php

"Just like the controversial compound it's designed to replace, a chemical used in cash register receipts and other consumer products interferes with hormones, according to research published this month. The study by University of Texas scientists is the first to link low concentrations of bisphenol S, also known as BPS, to disruption of estrogen, spurring concern that it might harm human health. The compound was designed to be a replacement for bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA."

Report: New vets showing Gulf War illness symptoms

Report: New vets showing Gulf War illness symptoms
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/23/gulf-war-illness-symptoms/1856625/

"This may be the first time symptoms are linked to current Iraq and Afghanistan veterans."

Common pesticides 'can kill frogs within an hour'

Common pesticides 'can kill frogs within an hour'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/jan/24/pesticides-kill-frogs-within-hour

"New research suggests the chemicals are playing a significant and previously unknown role in the global decline of amphibians"

Case Dismissed! Texas Ends 15-Year Fight Against Cancer Doctor Burzynski

Case Dismissed! Texas Ends 15-Year Fight Against Cancer Doctor Burzynski
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/01/19/cancer-doctor-burzynski.aspx?e_cid=20130124_WNL_art_4&utm_source=wklynl&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20130124

America's Children and the Environment, Third Edition (ACE3)

America's Children and the Environment, Third Edition (ACE3)
http://www.epa.gov/ace/

America's Children and the Environment is an EPA report that presents key information on environmental stressors that can affect children's health. In January 2013, EPA released an updated third edition of this report (ACE3) that shows the status and trends of:

1. Environments and Contaminants (contaminants in air, water, food, and soil and other environmental conditions),
2. Biomonitoring (chemicals measured in the bodies of mothers and children), and
3. Health (childhood diseases and health outcomes).

End-stage renal disease and low level exposure to lead, cadmium and mercury; a population-based, prospective nested case-referent study in Sweden.

End-stage renal disease and low level exposure to lead, cadmium and mercury; a population-based, prospective nested case-referent study in Sweden.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23343055

Sommar JN, Svensson MK, Björ BM, Elmståhl SI, Hallmans G, Lundh T, Schön SM, Skerfving S, Bergdahl IA.

Environ Health. 2013 Jan 23;12(1):9. [Epub ahead of print]

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) cause toxicological renal effects, but the clinical relevance at low-level exposures in general populations is unclear. The objective of this study is to assess the risk of developing end-stage renal disease in relation to Cd, Pb, and Hg exposure.

METHODS: A total of 118 cases who later in life developed end-stage renal disease, and 378 matched (sex, age, area, and time of blood sampling) referents were identified among participants in two population-based prospective cohorts (130,000 individuals). Cd, Pb, and Hg concentrations were determined in prospectively collected samples.

RESULTS: Erythrocyte lead was associated with an increased risk of developing end-stage renal disease (mean in cases 76 mug/L; odds ratio (OR) 1.54 for an interquartile range increase, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-2.00), while erythrocyte mercury was negatively associated (2.4 mug/L; OR 0.75 for an interquartile range increase, CI 0.56-0.99). For erythrocyte cadmium, the OR of developing end-stage renal disease was 1.15 for an interquartile range increase (CI 0.99-1.34; mean Ery-Cd among cases: 1.3 mug/L). The associations for erythrocyte lead and erythrocyte mercury, but not for erythrocyte cadmium, remained after adjusting for the other two metals, smoking, BMI, diabetes, and hypertension. Gender-specific analyses showed that men carried almost all of the erythrocyte lead and erythrocyte cadmium associated risks.

CONCLUSIONS: Erythrocyte lead is associated with end-stage renal disease but further studies are needed to evaluate causality. Gender-specific analyses suggest potential differences in susceptibility or in exposure biomarker reliability.

PMID: 23343055 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Effect of Pollution History on Immunological Responses and Organ Histology in the Marine Mussel Mytilus edulis Exposed to Cadmium.

Effect of Pollution History on Immunological Responses and Organ Histology in the Marine Mussel Mytilus edulis Exposed to Cadmium.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23344845
 
Sheir SK, Handy RD, Henry TB.

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2013 Jan 24. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
Department of Zoology, Menofia University, Shebeen El-Koom, Egypt, sherin.sheir@yahoo.com.

Abstract
The effect of previous toxicant exposure (i.e., exposure history) on an organism's response to re-exposure to the toxicant is of considerable interest. The marine mussel Mytilus edulis was collected from reference and polluted sites in southwest England, and groups of mussels from each site were exposed to 20 μg/L CdCl(2) for 0, 1, 4, and 8 days and compared with unexposed controls. End points evaluated were tissue metal and electrolyte concentrations, haemolymph chemistry, haemocyte characteristics [counts, neutral red uptake (NRU), and phagocytosis], histology, and expression of metallothionein gene (mt10) expression in digestive glands. Field-collected animals differed by collection site for some end points at time zero, at which time tissue Fe and Pb concentrations were greater and NRU and condition index lower in mussels from the polluted site. Subsequent exposure to cadmium (Cd) in the laboratory caused Cd accumulation mainly in digestive gland, but there were no site-specific effects on tissue trace-metal concentrations. NRU, phagocytosis, and haemolymph Na(+) and K(+) concentrations differed among sites and Cd treatment, but there were no clear trends. Exposure to Cd resulted in lower Ca(2+) concentrations in gill, digestive gland, and haemolymph in animals from the polluted site compared with controls (Kruskal-Wallis, p ≤ 0.05). Lesions, including necrosis, inflammation, and neoplasia, were observed in animals from the polluted site, but the frequency of these lesions appeared to decrease unexpectedly after Cd exposure. Expression of mt10 increased 3-fold in Cd-exposed animals from the polluted site compared with all other groups (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.01). We conclude that Cd exposure affected some immune responses in M. edulis, but pre-exposure history influenced toxicological outcomes of Cd exposure in the laboratory.

PMID: 23344845 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Insight: Evidence grows for narcolepsy link to GSK swine flu shot

Insight: Evidence grows for narcolepsy link to GSK swine flu shot
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-narcolepsy-vaccine-pandemrix-idUSBRE90L07H20130122

"Emelie Olsson is plagued by hallucinations and nightmares. When she wakes up, she's often paralyzed, unable to breathe properly or call for help. During the day she can barely stay awake, and often misses school or having fun with friends. She is only 14, but at times she has wondered if her life is worth living.  Emelie is one of around 800 children in Sweden and elsewhere in Europe who developed narcolepsy, an incurable sleep disorder, after being immunized with the Pandemrix H1N1 swine flu vaccine made by British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline in 2009."

Late lessons from early warnings: science, precaution, innovation

Late lessons from early warnings: science, precaution, innovation
http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/late-lessons-2

"The 2013 Late lessons from early warnings report is the second of its type produced by the European Environment Agency (EEA) in collaboration with a broad range of external authors and peer reviewers. The case studies across both volumes of Late lessons from early warnings cover a diverse range of chemical and technological innovations, and highlight a number of systemic problems. The 'Late Lessons Project' illustrates how damaging and costly the misuse or neglect of the precautionary principle can be, using case studies and a synthesis of the lessons to be learned and applied to maximising innovations whilst minimising harms."

Soap and cosmetic antibiotics going toxic in Minnesota waters

Soap and cosmetic antibiotics going toxic in Minnesota waters
http://www.minnpost.com/glean/2013/01/soap-and-cosmetic-antibiotics-going-toxic-minnesota-waters

"And where did we think it was going? Josephine Marcotty of the Strib says: "An antibiotic widely used in soaps and cosmetics that mostly goes down the drain is slowly converting to toxins at the bottom of many of Minnesota's lakes and rivers. A new analysis of sediment in eight lakes and rivers used by municipal wastewater treatment plants found that amounts of the antibiotic triclosan and the toxins it forms have been steadily increasing since it was first used in Dial soap in the 1960s. The research by scientists at the University of Minnesota and the Science Museum of Minnesota is the first to show how pervasive the contaminant has become in tiny lakes and giant rivers, and that the same is likely true across the country.""

Professor Martin Pall's Response to Wessely et al, J Roy Soc Med paper

Permission to repost.

In December, the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine" published an article titled "Taking refuge from modernity: 21st century hermits" authored by I Boyd, G J Rubin and S Wessely (see abstract below)

In response, Professor Martin Pall submitted the following letter to the editor but it was rejected.

Here is Professor Pall's letter:

Taking refuge from modernity: 21st century travesty?

Wessely and colleagues argue that multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and electromagnetic field (EMF) hypersensitivity (EHS) are simply contemporary ways that allow people to isolate themselves from society, arguing that these are not true sensitivities to chemicals or EMFs1.

I was honored to be chosen to write an authoritative review on MCS, by three eminent toxicologists (the editors2). It was clear that they thought that MCS was a disease of toxic exposure. Why else ask for such a paper? Among the papers that convincingly show that are studies of Schnakenberg3,4, showing that four polymorphic genes involved in the metabolism of chemicals implicated in MCS had highly significant roles in determining MCS susceptibility (p<10-15 for all four occurring by chance!). These followed studies by McKeown-Eyssen, implicating three such chemical metabolism genes and by Haley implicating one such gene. In all, seven such genes were implicated, all having roles in chemical metabolism. How can all this be true if chemicals have nothing to do with MCS? Wessely has no answers1.

The seven classes of MCS-implicated chemicals act to produce elevated NMDA activity2. Six other types of evidence suggest NMDA elevation has roles in MCS2,5 ; one of these involves two genetic polymorphism studies, both showing that alleles of the CCK-B receptor gene that produce an elevated NMDA response are associated with increased MCS susceptibility.

There are many other studies showing real physiology in MCS, including 25 studies on objectively measurable changes in response to chemical exposure, where MCS patients differ from normals. 24 of these are completely incompatible with psychological interpretations2. Many human studies and 38 animal model studies show physiological changes with apparent causal roles2. Shouldn't Wessely inform readers of the vast evidence that argues against his hypothesis?

Reference 2 is 50 pages, containing 427 citations. Letters limited to 300 words, 5 citations.

Martin L. Pall, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Basic Medical Sciences, Washington State University, 638 NE 41st Ave., Portland, OR 97232-3312 USA; Email: martin_pall@wsu.edu

Competing interests: none declared.

References

1. Boyd I, Rubin GJ, Wessely S. Taking refuge from modernity: 21st century hermits. J R Soc Med 2012:105:523-529.
2. Pall ML. Multiple chemical sensitivity: toxicological questions and mechanisms. In: Bryan Ballantyne, Timothy C. Marrs, Tore Syversen, editors. General and Applied Toxicology, 3rd Edition. London: John Wiley and Sons, Ltd., 2009 p. 2303-2352.
3. Schnakenberg E, Fabig KR, Stanula M, et al. A cross-sectional study of self-reported chemical-related sensitivity is associated with gene variants of drug metabolizing enzymes. Environ Health 2007;6:6 .
4. Müller KE, Schnakenberg E. Die Bedeutung de Glukuronidierung bei unweltmedizinischen Erkrankungen am Beirspeil der UDP-Glukuronosyltransferase 1A1. Umwelt-Medizin-Gesellschaft 2008;21:295-300.
5. Pall ML. NMDA sensitization and stimulation by peroxynitrite, nitric oxide and organic solvents as the mechanism of chemical sensitivity in multiple chemical sensitivity. FASEB J 2002;16:1407-1417.

Cleaning Jobs Linked to Asthma Risk

Cleaning Jobs Linked to Asthma Risk
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130121192015.htm

"A new study has found strong evidence for a link between cleaning jobs and risk of developing asthma.  Researchers at Imperial College London tracked the occurrence of asthma in a group of 9,488 people born in Britain in 1958. Not including those who had asthma as children, nine per cent developed asthma by age 42. Risks in the workplace were responsible for one in six cases of adult onset asthma – even more than the one in nine cases attributed to smoking, according to the analysis."

Want to Learn How to Build a Low Impact Den?

Want to Learn How to Build a Low Impact Den?
http://www.permaculture.co.uk/news/2101132765/want-learn-how-build-low-impact-den

 

"Low Impact builders are building a den for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity sufferer, Gillian McCarthy. Learn low impact building skills totally for free and help save a life"

Jobs identified that are linked to greater risk of asthma in adults

Jobs identified that are linked to greater risk of asthma in adults
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9815320/Jobs-identified-that-are-linked-to-greater-risk-of-asthma-in-adults.html

"Cleaning, farming and hairdressing jobs are linked to the development of asthma in middle-age, researchers have found in a study hailed as 'remarkable'."

New illness, transmitted by same tick that carries Lyme, is discovered in Northeast

New illness, transmitted by same tick that carries Lyme, is discovered in Northeast
http://www.boston.com/dailydose/2013/01/16/new-illness-transmitted-same-tick-that-carries-lyme-discovered-northeast/1wS5CVZhbE56m1Ski76AMO/story.html

"Researchers have discovered a new human disease in the Northeast transmitted by the same common deer tick that can infect people with Lyme disease.  The bacterial illness causes flu-like symptoms, the researchers from Tufts, Yale, and other institutions reported Wednesday, but they also described the case of an 80-year-old woman who became confused and withdrawn, lost weight, and developed hearing difficulty and a wobbly gait. The woman, from New Jersey, recovered after receiving antibiotics. "

Brainiac parrots threatened by widespread lead poisoning

Brainiac parrots threatened by widespread lead poisoning
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2013/01/21/braniac-parrots-threatened-by-widespread-lead-poisoning/

"New Zealand's kea* are among the most devastatingly intelligent birds on the planet. For instance, animal cognition researchers say kea are as smart as crows at solving mechanical puzzles. So it comes as a shock to learn that much of what we know about the kea's unusual behavior in the wild comes from studies of birds stultified by lead poisoning.  Lead is toxic at such low doses that public health authorities have yet to identify a "safe" level of exposure. Chronic exposure of children to relatively low doses of lead can affect their IQ, and some even argue that lead in gasoline can explain the major crime trends of the twentieth century."

Activist pushes for scent-free buildings

Activist pushes for scent-free buildings
http://www.tricitynews.com/news/187351101.html

"An Anmore environmental activist with a chemical sensitivity to fragrances wants the city of Coquitlam to post signs at municipal buildings asking employees and patrons to go scent free.
This week, Elaine Willis told council-in-committee she was speaking on behalf of the city's universal access-ability advisory committee, of which she is a member."

Prop. 65 hazard signs arouse controversy

Prop. 65 hazard signs arouse controversy
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Prop-65-hazard-signs-arouse-controversy-4196557.php

"For American children with a sweet tooth, chile-flavored candies imported from Mexico can be just the thing to satisfy a craving.
But several years ago, many of the treats were found to contain high and undisclosed doses of lead, which can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, seizures and even death in young people.
In 2004, the Center for Environmental Health, an Oakland watchdog group, and other groups used a unique California law to sue major manufacturers for producing the toxic candies. The companies, which included subsidiaries of Mars and Hershey's, later agreed to make the sweets safer and pay almost $1 million in penalties and fees.
The basis for the suit was Proposition 65, a 1986 voter-approved law that sets disclosure requirements for products that contain significant levels of chemicals known by the state to cause cancer or reproductive harm."

Low blood lead levels linked to lower IQ in Italian kids.

Low blood lead levels linked to lower IQ in Italian kids.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/2012/11/2012-1221-low-blood-lead-levels-reduced-iq-italy-teens/

"Kids exposed to low levels of lead score lower on IQ tests, according to a study of junior high students in Northern Italy. The low levels found in the youths are typical of many European and North American countries, and are below the exposures that U.S. health officials established to identify kids at risk. Growing evidence suggests even low amounts of lead can harm developing brains."

High BPA Levels in Kids Linked to Risk for Heart, Kidney Damage: Study

High BPA Levels in Kids Linked to Risk for Heart, Kidney Damage: Study
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_132918.html

"When concentrations of the plastics chemical were high, a signal for kidney woes rose too."

Do fast foods cause asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema? Global findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase Three

Do fast foods cause asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema? Global findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase Three

http://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2013/01/03/thoraxjnl-2012-202285
 
Philippa Ellwood1, et al.

 

Published Online First 14 January 2013

Abstract

Background Certain foods may increase or decrease the risk of developing asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema. We explored the impact of the intake of types of food on these diseases in Phase Three of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood.

Methods Written questionnaires on the symptom prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema and types and frequency of food intake over the past 12 months were completed by 13–14-year-old adolescents and by the parents/guardians of 6–7-year-old children. Prevalence ORs were estimated using logistic regression, adjusting for confounders, and using a random (mixed) effects model.

Results For adolescents and children, a potential protective effect on severe asthma was associated with consumption of fruit ≥3 times per week (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97; OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.97, respectively). An increased risk of severe asthma in adolescents and children was associated with the consumption of fast food ≥3 times per week (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.49; OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.42, respectively), as well as an increased risk of severe rhinoconjunctivitis and severe eczema. Similar patterns for both ages were observed for regional analyses, and were consistent with gender and affluence categories and with current symptoms of all three conditions.

Conclusions If the association between fast foods and the symptom prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema is causal, then the findings have major public health significance owing to the rising consumption of fast foods globally.

We're in contact with uncontrolled chemicals

We're in contact with uncontrolled chemicals
http://articles.philly.com/2013-01-14/news/36334028_1_safe-chemicals-act-flame-retardants-sarah-janssen

"In testimony before a Senate subcommittee, Ken Cook spoke passionately about 10 Americans who were found to have more than 200 synthetic chemicals in their blood.
The list included flame retardants, lead, stain removers, and pesticides the federal government had banned three decades ago.
"Their chemical exposures did not come from the air they breathed, the water they drank, or the food they ate," said Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, a national advocacy group.
How did he know?"

First EPA Draft Assessments Identify Three Chemicals Posing Potential Risks

First EPA Draft Assessments Identify Three Chemicals Posing Potential Risks
http://www.bna.com/first-epa-draft-n17179871712/

"The first batch of draft risk assessments released by the Environmental Protection Agency Jan. 4 as part of a broad plan to review existing chemicals found some uses of three chemicals pose potential health concerns.  The five chemicals were among 83 EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) said it would analyze as part of a "work plan" announced in March 2012 (36 CRR 269, 3/5/12)."

Drums which stored chemicals used to make woks

Drums which stored chemicals used to make woks
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/nsp/National/2013/01/14/Drums%2Bwhich%2Bstored%2Bchemicals%2Bused%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bwoks/

"THOUSANDS of woks, the most common cooking tool in China, are made from illegally recycled iron drums that once held toxic chemicals, in small workshops in Jiangxi Province, China Central Television reported."

Makeup can cause lead poisoning

Makeup can cause lead poisoning
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130114/A_NEWS/301140312

"The 1-year-old girl was playing "makeup" with her mother.  Every day, mom brushed a fine black powder, known as surma, around the little girl's eyes - a practice common in Pakistani and Indian cultures, to both enhance a child's beauty and to ward off the "evil eye."  But public health nurse Gail Heinrich knew it wasn't the evil eye this girl had to worry about."

We're in contact with uncontrolled chemicals

We're in contact with uncontrolled chemicals
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/20130113_In_testimony_before_a_Senate_subcommittee__Ken_Cook_spoke.html

"In testimony before a Senate subcommittee, Ken Cook spoke passionately about 10 Americans who were found to have more than 200 synthetic chemicals in their blood. The list included flame retardants, lead, stain removers, and pesticides the federal government had banned three decades ago. "Their chemical exposures did not come from the air they breathed, the water they drank, or the food they ate," said Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, a national advocacy group. How did he know? The 10 Americans were newborns. "Babies are coming into this world pre-polluted with toxic chemicals," he said."

VIDEO: WiFi in Schools: The facts

VIDEO

WiFi in Schools: The facts 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmcAXZ-o1K4&amp;list=FLI_8xq3QcBTrnb4665kpsNA

On Scale of 0 to 500, Beijing's Air Quality Tops 'Crazy Bad' at 755

On Scale of 0 to 500, Beijing's Air Quality Tops 'Crazy Bad' at 755
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/science/earth/beijing-air-pollution-off-the-charts.html?_r=0

"One Friday more than two years ago, an air-quality monitoring device atop the United States Embassy in Beijing recorded data so horrifying that someone in the embassy called the level of pollution "Crazy Bad" in an infamous Twitter post. That day the Air Quality Index, which uses standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, had crept above 500, which was supposed to be the top of the scale."

Kids' alternative medicine not discussed enough by docs, parents: study

Kids' alternative medicine not discussed enough by docs, parents: study
http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/kids-alternative-medicine-not-discussed-enough-by-docs-parents-study/pediatric-health/

 

"Children who regularly see specialists for chronic medical conditions are also using complementary medicine at a high rate, demonstrates recently published research from the University of Alberta and the University of Ottawa.

About 71 per cent of pediatric patients attending various specialty clinics at the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton used alternative medicine, while the rate of use at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa was 42 per cent. Nearly 20 per cent of the families who took part in the study said they never told their physician or pharmacist about concurrently using prescription and alternative medicine."

Settlement reached in Boston lawsuit claiming mom's pregnancy drug caused 4 daughters' cancer

Settlement reached in Boston lawsuit claiming mom's pregnancy drug caused 4 daughters' cancer
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/186207391.html

"Eli Lilly and Co. has settled a lawsuit brought by four sisters who contended their breast cancer was caused by a drug their mother took during pregnancy in the 1950s, a move some believe could trigger financial settlements in scores of other claims brought by women around the country."

Intake of Farmed Atlantic Salmon Fed Soybean Oil Increases Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Mice

Intake of Farmed Atlantic Salmon Fed Soybean Oil Increases Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Mice
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0053094

Abstract

Background
To ensure sustainable aquaculture, fish derived raw materials are replaced by vegetable ingredients. Fatty acid composition and contaminant status of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) are affected by the use of plant ingredients and a spillover effect on consumers is thus expected. Here we aimed to compare the effects of intake of Atlantic salmon fed fish oil (FO) with intake of Atlantic salmon fed a high proportion of vegetable oils (VOs) on development of insulin resistance and obesity in mice.

Methodology/principal findings
Atlantic salmon were fed diets where FO was partly (80%) replaced with three different VOs; rapeseed oil (RO), olive oil (OO) or soy bean oil (SO). Fillets from Atlantic salmon were subsequently used to prepare Western diets (WD) for a mouse feeding trial. Partial replacement of FO with VOs reduced the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and dichloro-diphenyl-tricloroethanes (DDT) with more than 50% in salmon fillets, in WDs containing the fillets, and in white adipose tissue from mice consuming the WDs. Replacement with VOs, SO in particular, lowered the n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content and increased n−6 PUFA levels in the salmon fillets, in the prepared WDs, and in red blood cells collected from mice consuming the WDs. Replacing FO with VO did not influence obesity development in the mice, but replacement of FO with RO improved glucose tolerance. Compared with WD-FO fed mice, feeding mice WD-SO containing lower PCB and DDT levels but high levels of linoleic acid (LA), exaggerated insulin resistance and increased accumulation of fat in the liver.

Conclusion/Significance
Replacement of FO with VOs in aqua feed for farmed salmon had markedly different spillover effects on metabolism in mice. Our results suggest that the content of LA in VOs may be a matter of concern that warrants further investigation.

Citation: Midtbø LK, Ibrahim MM, Myrmel LS, Aune UL, Alvheim AR, et al. (2013) Intake of Farmed Atlantic Salmon Fed Soybean Oil Increases Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Mice. PLoS ONE 8(1): e53094. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053094

BPA in Plastics and Aluminum Cans Linked to Heart and Kidney Disease

BPA in Plastics and Aluminum Cans Linked to Heart and Kidney Disease
http://www.enn.com/health/article/45447

"New scientific data has been released linking a chemical commonly found in plastic bottles and inside aluminum cans to a biomarker for higher risk of heart and kidney disease in children and adolescents. The chemical, known as bisphenol A (BPA) is used to provide an anti-septic function to the liquids and food products it contains. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned the chemical, but it is still widely used in aluminum cans. Previous studies have found that BPA can disrupt various mechanisms in human metabolism. The new study from the NYU School of Medicine shows that it can also increase the chance of developing coronary heart disease and kidney dysfunction."

Organic solvents as risk factor for autoimmune diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Organic solvents as risk factor for autoimmune diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23284705

Barragán-Martínez C, Speck-Hernández CA, Montoya-Ortiz G, Mantilla RD, Anaya JM, Rojas-Villarraga A.
PLoS One. 2012;7(12):e51506. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051506. Epub 2012 Dec 19.

Source
Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Genetic and epigenetic factors interacting with the environment over time are the main causes of complex diseases such as autoimmune diseases (ADs). Among the environmental factors are organic solvents (OSs), which are chemical compounds used routinely in commercial industries. Since controversy exists over whether ADs are caused by OSs, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the association between OSs and ADs.

METHODS AND FINDINGS:
The systematic search was done in the PubMed, SCOPUS, SciELO and LILACS databases up to February 2012. Any type of study that used accepted classification criteria for ADs and had information about exposure to OSs was selected. Out of a total of 103 articles retrieved, 33 were finally included in the meta-analysis. The final odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by the random effect model. A sensitivity analysis confirmed results were not sensitive to restrictions on the data included. Publication bias was trivial. Exposure to OSs was associated to systemic sclerosis, primary systemic vasculitis and multiple sclerosis individually and also to all the ADs evaluated and taken together as a single trait (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.25-1.92; p-value<0.001).

CONCLUSION:
Exposure to OSs is a risk factor for developing ADs. As a corollary, individuals with non-modifiable risk factors (i.e., familial autoimmunity or carrying genetic factors) should avoid any exposure to OSs in order to avoid increasing their risk of ADs.

PMID: 23284705

Taking refuge from modernity: 21st century hermits.

[COMMENT:  This has to be one of the most poorly researched articles ever.  This study isolated a tiny segment of the MCS population and completely ignores the vast research on the majority of people with MCS who still function in the modern world as they are able and fight for their rights to be a part of society, work, attend school, and social activities.  This study ought to be retracted!]

Taking refuge from modernity: 21st century hermits.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23288087

Boyd I, Rubin G, Wessely S.  J R Soc Med. 2012 Dec;105(12):523-9. doi: 10.1258/jrsm.2012.120060.

Source
King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Weston Education Centre, London SE5 9RJ, UK.

Abstract
Idiopathic environmental intolerances, such as 'multiple chemical sensitivity' and 'electrosensitivity,' can drastically affect the quality of life of those affected. A proportion of severely affected patients remove themselves from modern society, to live in isolation away from the purported causal agent of their ill health. This is not a new phenomenon; reports of hermits extend back to the 3(rd) century AD. We conducted a literature review of case reports relating to ancient hermits and modern day reclusion resulting from idiopathic environmental intolerance, in order to explore whether there are similarities between these two groups and whether the symptoms of these 'illnesses of modernity' are simply a present-day way of reaching the end-point of reclusion. Whilst there were some differences between the cases, recurring themes in ancient and modern cases included: dissatisfaction with society, a compulsion to flee, reports of a constant struggle and a feeling of fighting against the establishment. The similarities which exist between the modern-day cases and the historical hermits may provide some insight into the extreme behaviours exhibited by this population. The desire to retreat from society in order to escape from harm has existed for many centuries, but in different guises.

PMID:  23288087  [PubMed - in process]

Denied Disability: Social Security Recognizes Fibromyalgia

Denied Disability: Social Security Recognizes Fibromyalgia
http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/denied_disability/interview-wrongly-denied-disability-claims-insurance-18356.html?utm_expid=3607522-0#.UOp726yPzTM

"Cathy, who suffers from fibromyalgia, was denied disability from her health insurance provider because her doctor did not provide enough information on her condition. Cathy then applied for benefits from Social Security, which recently ruled that fibromyalgia is a medically determinable impairment."

Unique immunologic patterns in fibromyalgia

Unique immunologic patterns in fibromyalgia

http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6890-12-25.pdf

Frederick G Behm1, Igor M Gavin2, Oleksiy Karpenko2, Valerie Lindgren1, Sujata Gaitonde1, Peter A Gashkoff1
and Bruce S Gillis1*  BMC Clinical Pathology 2012, 12:25

Abstract

 

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a clinical syndrome characterized by chronic pain and allodynia. The diagnosis of FM has been one of exclusion as a test to confirm the diagnosis is lacking. Recent data highlight the role of the immune system in FM. Aberrant expressions of immune mediators, such as cytokines, have been linked to the pathogenesis and traits of FM. We therefore determined whether cytokine production by immune cells is altered in FM patients by comparing the cellular responses to mitogenic activators of stimulated blood mononuclear cells of a large number of patients with FM to those of healthy matched individuals.
 

Methods: Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 110 patients with the clinical diagnosis of FM and 91 healthy donors. Parallel samples of PBMC were cultured overnight in medium alone or in the presence of mitogenic activators; PHA or PMA in combination with ionomycin. The cytokine concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MIP-1β , MCP-1, and MIP1-α in plasma as well as in cultured supernatants were determined using a multiplex immunoassay using bead array technology.
 

Results: Cytokine levels of stimulated PBMC cultures of healthy control subjects were significantly increased as compared to matched non-stimulated PBMC cultures. In contrast, the concentrations of most cytokines were lower in stimulated samples from patients with FM compared to controls. The decreases of cytokine concentrations in patients samples ranged from 1.5-fold for MIP-1β to 10.2-fold for IL-6 in PHA challenges. In PMA challenges, we observed 1.8 to 4-fold decreases in the concentrations of cytokines in patient samples.
 

Conclusion: The cytokine responses to mitogenic activators of PBMC isolated from patients with FM were significantly lower than those of healthy individuals, implying that cell-mediated immunity is impaired in FM patients. This novel cytokine assay reveals unique and valuable immunologic traits, which, when combined with clinical patterns, can offer a diagnostic methodology in FM.

Refractory Lyme Arthritis May Be Autoimmune

Refractory Lyme Arthritis May Be Autoimmune
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Rheumatology/Arthritis/36694

"Activated T- and B-cell responses to an autoantigen in synovial tissue may explain the development of resistant arthritis among a small number of patients with Lyme disease, researchers suggested."

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and pediatric asthma in children: a case--control study

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and pediatric asthma in children: a case--control study
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/12/1/1/abstract

Nasser M Al-Daghri, Majed S Alokail, Sherif H Abd-Alrahman, Hossam M Draz, Sobhy M Yakout and Mario Clerici
Environmental Health 2013, 12:1 doi:10.1186/1476-069X-12-1.  Published: 3 January 2013

Abstract (provisional)

Background
Bronchial asthma is one of the most prevalent diseases in Arab children. Environmental pollution has been suggested to be considered causative of asthma, nasal symptoms and bronchitis in both children and adult. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association between serum polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels, asthma and allergic outcomes among Saudi children aged up to 15 yrs. We hypothesized that increased serum PAHs are associated with allergy, asthma, or respiratory symptoms.

Methods
A total of 195 Saudi children (98 asthma pediatric patients and 97 healthy controls) were randomly selected from the Riyadh Cohort Study for inclusion. The diagnosis of Asthma was based on established pediatric diagnosis and medications taken.

Results
Asthma related markers showed highly significant differences between children with and without asthma. Thus IgE, resistin and IL-4 were significantly increased (p 0.004, 0.001 and 0.003, respectively) in children with asthma compared with non-asthma control subjects. GMCSF, IFN-gamma, IL-5, IL-8 and IL-10, on the other hand, were significantly decreased in children with asthma (p 0.003, 0.03, 0.001, 0.004 and 0.03, respectively). Strong associations between serum PAHs levels and biomarkers of childhood asthma were detected in Arabic children. Data confirmed the role of naphthalene, 4H-cyclobenta[def]phenanthrene, 1,2-benzanthracene, chrysene and benzo(e)acephenanthrylene in childhood asthma; levels of these PAHs were correlated with asthma related biomarkers including IgE, resistin, GMCSF and IFN-gamma as well as IL-4, IL-5, IL-8 and IL-10 cytokines.

Conclusions
This data highlight the pivotal role of specific PAHs in childhood asthma.

Triclosan fears lead to alternative soaps

Triclosan fears lead to alternative soaps
http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Triclosan-fears-lead-to-alternative-soaps-4160267.php

"CleanWell's hand soaps promise to slay germs, and foam and ooze - just as soap should.

But unlike many antibacterial soaps, the ones from this young San Francisco company and a growing number of other manufacturers lack a potentially harmful chemical: triclosan.

Triclosan was created more than 40 years ago as a surgical scrub for hospitals. Now it appears in soaps, detergents, skin cleansers, deodorants, toothpastes and dishwashing liquids. It is so widespread that it has been detected in three-fourths of Americans over age 5, according to a survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."