Pensioner killed himself with shotgun after suffering from debilitating disease for 30 years which left him feeling as if he was 'drowning in his own bodily fluids'. Michael Durrant, from Wales, suffered from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Pensioner killed himself with shotgun after suffering from debilitating disease for 30 years which left him feeling as if he was 'drowning in his own bodily fluids'.  Michael Durrant, from Wales, suffered from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2669020/Pensioner-killed-shotgun-suffering-debilitating-disease-30-years-left-feeling-drowning-bodily-fluids.html

Massachusetts Govern Declared May 11th - 17th, 2014 as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Week

Massachusetts Govern Declared May 11^th – 17^th, 2014 as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Week

http://www.mass.gov/governor/constituentservices/recognition/issuedproclamations/20140511-multiple-chemical-sensitivity-awareness-week.html

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2010 Nov 1;248(3):285-92. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2010.04.017. Epub 2010 Apr 27.

Biological definition of multiple chemical sensitivity from redox state and cytokine profiling and not from polymorphisms of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20430047

De Luca C¹, Scordo MG, Cesareo E, Pastore S, Mariani S, Maiani G, Stancato A, Loreti B, Valacchi G, Lubrano C, Raskovic D, De Padova L, Genovesi G, Korkina LG.

Author information

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a poorly clinically and biologically defined environment-associated syndrome. Although dysfunctions of phase I/phase II metabolizing enzymes and redox imbalance have been hypothesized, corresponding genetic and metabolic parameters in MCS have not been systematically examined.

OBJECTIVES:

We sought for genetic, immunological, and metabolic markers in MCS.

METHODS:

We genotyped patients with diagnosis of MCS, suspected MCS and Italian healthy controls for allelic variants of cytochrome P450 isoforms (CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A5), UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT1A1), and glutathione S-transferases (GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTT1). Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids, antioxidant (catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and glutathione metabolizing (GST, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx)) enzymes, whole blood chemiluminescence, total antioxidant capacity, levels of nitrites/nitrates, glutathione, HNE-protein adducts, and a wide spectrum of cytokines in the plasma were determined.

RESULTS:

Allele and genotype frequencies of CYPs, UGT, GSTM, GSTT, and GSTP were similar in the Italian MCS patients and in the control populations. The activities of erythrocyte catalase and GST were lower, whereas Gpx was higher than normal. Both reduced and oxidised glutathione were decreased, whereas nitrites/nitrates were increased in the MCS groups. The MCS fatty acid profile was shifted to saturated compartment and IFNgamma, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1, PDGFbb, and VEGF were increased.

CONCLUSIONS:

Altered redox and cytokine patterns suggest inhibition of expression/activity of metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes in MCS. Metabolic parameters indicating accelerated lipid oxidation, increased nitric oxide production and glutathione depletion in combination with increased plasma inflammatory cytokines should be considered in biological definition and diagnosis of MCS.

Letter to the Editor: Go fragrance-free

Letter to the Editor:  Go fragrance-free

http://www.coastreporter.net/opinion/letters/go-fragrance-free-1.1062712

 

 

Your Smart Phone Is Making Birds Stupid

Your Smart Phone Is Making Birds Stupid
http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampentland/2014/05/09/exposure-to-extremely-low-levels-electrosmog-disrupts-key-biological-processes-for-migratory-birds-study-says/

"A new study by scientists in Germany has shown exposure to so-called "electrosmog" adversely affects migratory birds' biological navigation systems.  Despite speculation to the contrary, electrosmog, or electromagnetic radiation created by the use of electronic devices, has not been shown to affect biological processes at levels lower than those considered to be safe by the World Health Organization (WHO).  For the first time, biologists at the University of Oldenburg have shown that robins lose their magnetic compass when exposed to AM radio waveband electromagnetic interference at levels as low far below the threshold defined by the WHO."

Nothing to smell here: Utilities Commission hopes to go fragrance-free

Nothing to smell here: Utilities Commission hopes to go fragrance-free
http://www.reviewjournal.com/politics/government/nothing-smell-here-utilities-commission-hopes-go-fragrance-free

"The Nevada Public Utilities Commission is asking the public to go fragrance-free to accommodate people with chemical sensitivities."

How doctors are failing to spot the brain injury that could be behind 30,000 cases of 'chronic fatigue'

How doctors are failing to spot the brain injury that could be behind 30,000 cases of 'chronic fatigue'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2631263/How-doctors-failing-spot-brain-injury-30-000-cases-chronic-fatigue.html

"Patients misdiagnosed with CFS when they have brain damage
Post-traumatic hypopituitarism (PTHP) is often cause by head injury
Symptoms include depression, obesity, fatigue and chronic pain"

Brain imaging reveals clues about chronic fatigue syndrome

Brain imaging reveals clues about chronic fatigue syndrome
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-05-brain-imaging-reveals-clues-chronic.html

"A brain imaging study shows that patients with chronic fatigue syndrome may have reduced responses, compared with healthy controls, in a region of the brain connected with fatigue. The findings suggest that chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with changes in the brain involving brain circuits that regulate motor activity and motivation."

Allsup Spotlights Research during Fibromyalgia Awareness Month in May

Allsup Spotlights Research during Fibromyalgia Awareness Month in May
http://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/2014/05/19/allsup-spotlights-research-during-fibromyalgia-awareness-month-in-may-a-506630.html#.U5TFRXZwXhk

"More than five million Americans experience chronic pain, headaches, tingling in their hands and feet, problems with thinking and memory and trouble sleeping due to fibromyalgia, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Many individuals with fibromyalgia are unable to continue working and are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, according to Allsup, a nationwide SSDI representation company."

Women for a Healthy Environment Urges Companies, Co-Workers, "Don't Spray for a Day"

Women for a Healthy Environment Urges Companies, Co-Workers, "Don't Spray for a Day"
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1928277

"Don't spray for a day," is the call to companies across Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Delaware today as Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) conducts its annual Fragrance Free Day during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.  "We all want to work in a pleasant environment, but some of the products we use as employers or employees can unwittingly put others at risk and potentially cost businesses millions of dollars," said Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, executive director, Women for a Healthy Environment.

Sensitive skin in Brazil and Russia: An epidemiological and comparative approach.

Sensitive skin in Brazil and Russia: An epidemiological and comparative approach.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24899520

"Conclusion:  Respondents with rather sensitive or very sensitive skin are 2 or 3 times more reactive to climatic, environmental factors, cosmetics and food intake."

Long-Term Exposure To Microwave Radiation Provokes Cancer Growth: Evidences From Radars And Mobile Communication Systems

Long-Term Exposure To Microwave Radiation Provokes  Cancer Growth: Evidences From Radars And Mobile Communication Systems
http://exp-oncology.com.ua/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/110.pdf

Wireless Radiation Produces Health Effects by Activation of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels Presentation by Dr. Martin Pall, PhD

Wireless Radiation Produces Health Effects by Activation of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf3ayl6c4Yw

Presentation by Dr. Martin Pall, PhD., Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Basic Medical Sciences, Washington State University, presents to Oregon State Legislature House Committee on Health Care. Feb 24, 2014.

City of Lake Wales Issues Proclamation for Fibromyalgia (FM), Mialgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) And Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness Day

City of Lake Wales Issues Proclamation for Fibromyalgia (FM), Mialgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) And Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness Day. 

http://www.cityoflakewales.com/city/agenda_cc/140415reg/140415_05_A.pdf

ME sufferer prays for a cure while trapped in own home for 20 years

ME sufferer prays for a cure while trapped in own home for 20 years
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/me-sufferer-prays-for-a-cure-while-trapped-in-own-home-for-20-years/story-fni0fit3-1226944817943

"FOR two decades Jenny Meagher has been trapped in her own home, unable to even concentrate on television, hoping research will give her the breakthrough she needs to return to life.   While she rejects the term, Ms Meagher has been held captive by what most people call chronic fatigue syndrome, but which she prefers to label as myalgic encephalomyelitis.  Whatever it is called, the 50-year-old Malvern mother's life has been largely placed on hold since she first suffered a virus 20 years ago which opened the door for the condition to take hold.  "It means I am basically housebound except for doctors' appointments," Ms Meagher said."

My illness 'stole my life'

My illness 'stole my life'
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/assignments/living-with-an-invisible-illness/10104212/My-illness-stole-my-life

"I live in constant fear. This sounds over dramatic but the reality of living for years and years with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was horrible, just the worst thing I had ever experienced.

I had severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)) for more than five years. Most symptoms have eased now, but I am constantly worried it will return. I am terrified it will come back and steal my life again.

I am very careful about over-extending myself, I can't stay up late or skip meals because over time that leads to the symptoms coming back, which is completely disabling.

I also can't over do exercise as any type of exhaustion sets me up to head back down that path. So even now my life is limited by the after effects and how I try to prevent this illness from taking hold again."

Letters: Go green if you can'

Letters: Go green if you can'
http://www.sookenewsmirror.com/opinion/letters/261701891.html

"It's great to see new businesses in Sooke like the car wash/laundry, but my first reaction actually was -- how many chemicals are going to go down their drains?

My husband and I moved to this area from Victoria, because I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, severe reactions similar to asthma and allergies to all chemicals, petroleum derivatives, additives, colourings, etc., in foods, cleaning products, shampoo, laundry detergents, and so on.

We are fortunate to have our own washer and dryer, so we won't be using Sooke Laundry, yet I can't help but feel bad about the business, because the facilities are so nice, clearly a great deal of care, thought, and planning went into making it, yet the scented detergents, fabric softeners, and air "fresheners" customers use will create a toxic indoor environment, and the dryers will vent a toxic soup outside, so we will be avoiding food-related businesses near them.

It's a shame they didn't choose to be "Green," and require customers to use only unscented, biodegradable, phosphate and chemical-free laundry products, and for the car wash to provide soap which is "Green" as well.

The machines will now be permeated with these chemicals. The dryers may not be able to be cleared of the scents/chemicals (or it will take a long while), but the washing machines can over time be cleaned if white vinegar and baking soda are used, and no detergents are ever used again.

The chemicals in the car wash soap will leave a residue, and when it rains, will wash off the cars and go into the ground and drains.

On a positive note, people are realizing that the laundry smell they associate with cleanliness/freshness is actually toxic/fake, as more kids are sadly diagnosed with asthma and other allergies, and parents are switching to simpler products which are safe for the environment, humans, animals, plants -- life in general.

We live in such a beautiful place, there are so many ways we pollute it, and it's so easy to do the right thing. There's a lot of information about green products on Dr. David Suzuki's and The Green Party's websites. There are more and more locally-made products which are safe to use, and they can be found at farmers' markets and health food stores. Read the labels. If the ingredient list is very long, and you can't pronounce/recognize most of them, they're likely chemicals you don't want in/on your body.

Helene Harrison
Shirley

Testing finds trace amounts of pesticides in island's water

Testing finds trace amounts of pesticides in island's water
http://westhawaiitoday.com/news/local-news/testing-finds-trace-amounts-pesticides-island-s-water

"A new pesticide study detected trace levels of altrazine in four streams sampled along the Hamakua Coast.  The chemical, considered a restricted-use pesticide, was more commonly used during the sugar plantation days.  The samples were taken at the Kapehu, Alia, Makea and Honolii streams as part of the statewide pesticide sampling project, conducted by state departments of health and agriculture.  Samples also were taken from coastal areas near the Hualalai and Waikoloa resort areas in West Hawaii. Trace amounts of pesticides were detected in water samples at those locations."

Glyphosate found in breast milk

Glyphosate found in breast milk
http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2374941/glyphosate_found_in_breast_milk.html

"A pilot study of American mothers' milk has found levels of the herbicide glyphosate around 1,000 times higher than allowed in European drinking water. Campaigners are demanding a ban on the use of glyphosate on food crops."