Video
Is Your Smart Meter Causing Involuntary Spasms
Friday, August 9, 2013
ITU Workshop on Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)
ITU Workshop on Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)
http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/Workshops-and-Seminars/emf/201307/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/Workshops-and-Seminars/emf/201307/Pages/default.aspx
Is Your Smart Meter Causing Brain Damage?
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
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Link between chronic fatigue and sinusitis
Link between chronic fatigue and sinusitis
http://www.tele-management.ca/2013/08/link-between-chronic-fatigue-and-sinusitis/
http://www.tele-management.ca/2013/08/link-between-chronic-fatigue-and-sinusitis/
"According to the study, sinus symptoms were nine times more common among patients with fatigue and six times more common among those with chronic pain."
Jindal: Chemicals leaking from Lawtell train derailment
Jindal: Chemicals leaking from Lawtell train derailment
http://www.katc.com/news/jindal-chemicals-leaking-from-lawtell-train-derailment/#_
"The train that derailed in Lawtell is leaking chemicals and at least one of two cars carrying a hazardous chemical, vinyl chrloride, is damaged. That's according to Gov. Bobby Jindal who flew into St. Landry Parish to speak about the situation a little after 9:30 p.m. tonight. "Although it's not leaking at this moment, it does have signs of damage," Jindal said. The damage has to be assessed before residents can return home, he said of the vinyl chloride. US 190 near the accident site will be closed for at least two days as the situation is assessed. As of now, 101 homes have been evacuated and 30 families have checked into the evacuation check point, and four are looking for shelter."
http://www.katc.com/news/jindal-chemicals-leaking-from-lawtell-train-derailment/#_
"The train that derailed in Lawtell is leaking chemicals and at least one of two cars carrying a hazardous chemical, vinyl chrloride, is damaged. That's according to Gov. Bobby Jindal who flew into St. Landry Parish to speak about the situation a little after 9:30 p.m. tonight. "Although it's not leaking at this moment, it does have signs of damage," Jindal said. The damage has to be assessed before residents can return home, he said of the vinyl chloride. US 190 near the accident site will be closed for at least two days as the situation is assessed. As of now, 101 homes have been evacuated and 30 families have checked into the evacuation check point, and four are looking for shelter."
Nerve damage and fibromyalgia
Nerve damage and fibromyalgia
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2013/07/nerve-damage-and-fibromyalgia/
"Small study could lead to identification of treatable diseases for some with chronic pain syndrome"
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2013/07/nerve-damage-and-fibromyalgia/
"Small study could lead to identification of treatable diseases for some with chronic pain syndrome"
Half of Fibromyalgia Patients Suffer from Nerve Damage
Half of Fibromyalgia Patients Suffer from Nerve Damage
http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/8503/20130730/half-fibromyalgia-patients-suffer-nerve-damage.htm
"Fibromyalgia, a disorder that's characterized by a widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues, damages the nerve fibers in the skin of many patients, and for some, shows evidence of a disease called small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN). Unlike fibromyalgia, which has few treatments and a relatively unknown cause, SFPN has a clear pathology and is known to be caused by certain medical symptoms which do respond to treatment in some instances. And fortunately, in some instances, some can even be cured."
http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/8503/20130730/half-fibromyalgia-patients-suffer-nerve-damage.htm
"Fibromyalgia, a disorder that's characterized by a widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues, damages the nerve fibers in the skin of many patients, and for some, shows evidence of a disease called small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN). Unlike fibromyalgia, which has few treatments and a relatively unknown cause, SFPN has a clear pathology and is known to be caused by certain medical symptoms which do respond to treatment in some instances. And fortunately, in some instances, some can even be cured."
Sunday, August 4, 2013
High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals alterations of intestinal microbiota in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals alterations of intestinal microbiota in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23791918
Frémont M, Coomans D, Massart S, De Meirleir K.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23791918
Frémont M, Coomans D, Massart S, De Meirleir K.
Anaerobe. 2013 Aug;22:50-6. doi: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2013.06.002. Epub 2013 Jun 19.
Source
R.E.D Laboratories NV, Z-1 Researchpark 100, 1731 Zellik, Belgium. Electronic address: mfremont@redlabs.be.
Source
R.E.D Laboratories NV, Z-1 Researchpark 100, 1731 Zellik, Belgium. Electronic address: mfremont@redlabs.be.
Abstract
Human intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the maintenance of host health by providing energy, nutrients, and immunological protection. Intestinal dysfunction is a frequent complaint in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients, and previous reports suggest that dysbiosis, i.e. the overgrowth of abnormal populations of bacteria in the gut, is linked to the pathogenesis of the disease. We used high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the presence of specific alterations in the gut microbiota of ME/CFS patients from Belgium and Norway. 43 ME/CFS patients and 36 healthy controls were included in the study. Bacterial DNA was extracted from stool samples, PCR amplification was performed on 16S rRNA gene regions, and PCR amplicons were sequenced using Roche FLX 454 sequencer. The composition of the gut microbiota was found to differ between Belgian controls and Norwegian controls: Norwegians showed higher percentages of specific Firmicutes populations (Roseburia, Holdemania) and lower proportions of most Bacteroidetes genera. A highly significant separation could be achieved between Norwegian controls and Norwegian patients: patients presented increased proportions of Lactonifactor and Alistipes, as well as a decrease in several Firmicutes populations. In Belgian subjects the patient/control separation was less pronounced, however some abnormalities observed in Norwegian patients were also found in Belgian patients. These results show that intestinal microbiota is altered in ME/CFS. High-throughput sequencing is a useful tool to diagnose dysbiosis in patients and could help designing treatments based on gut microbiota modulation (antibiotics, pre and probiotics supplementation).
PMID: 23791918 [PubMed - in process]
Human intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the maintenance of host health by providing energy, nutrients, and immunological protection. Intestinal dysfunction is a frequent complaint in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients, and previous reports suggest that dysbiosis, i.e. the overgrowth of abnormal populations of bacteria in the gut, is linked to the pathogenesis of the disease. We used high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the presence of specific alterations in the gut microbiota of ME/CFS patients from Belgium and Norway. 43 ME/CFS patients and 36 healthy controls were included in the study. Bacterial DNA was extracted from stool samples, PCR amplification was performed on 16S rRNA gene regions, and PCR amplicons were sequenced using Roche FLX 454 sequencer. The composition of the gut microbiota was found to differ between Belgian controls and Norwegian controls: Norwegians showed higher percentages of specific Firmicutes populations (Roseburia, Holdemania) and lower proportions of most Bacteroidetes genera. A highly significant separation could be achieved between Norwegian controls and Norwegian patients: patients presented increased proportions of Lactonifactor and Alistipes, as well as a decrease in several Firmicutes populations. In Belgian subjects the patient/control separation was less pronounced, however some abnormalities observed in Norwegian patients were also found in Belgian patients. These results show that intestinal microbiota is altered in ME/CFS. High-throughput sequencing is a useful tool to diagnose dysbiosis in patients and could help designing treatments based on gut microbiota modulation (antibiotics, pre and probiotics supplementation).
PMID: 23791918 [PubMed - in process]
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Migraine in gulf war illness and chronic fatigue syndrome: prevalence, potential mechanisms, and evaluation.
Migraine in gulf war illness and chronic fatigue syndrome: prevalence, potential mechanisms, and evaluation.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23898301
Rayhan RU, Ravindran MK, Baraniuk JN.
Front Physiol. 2013 Jul 24;4:181. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00181. Print 2013.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23898301
Rayhan RU, Ravindran MK, Baraniuk JN.
Front Physiol. 2013 Jul 24;4:181. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00181. Print 2013.
Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Washington, DC, USA.
Abstract
Objective: To assess the prevalence of headache subtypes in Gulf War Illness (GWI) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) compared to controls.
Background: Approximately, 25% of the military personnel who served in the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War have developed GWI. Symptoms of GWI and CFS have considerable overlap, including headache complaints. Migraines are reported in CFS. The type and prevalence of headaches in GWI have not been adequately assessed.
Methods: 50 GWI, 39 CFS and 45 controls had structured headache evaluations based on the 2004 International Headache Society criteria. All subjects had history and physical examinations, fatigue and symptom related questionnaires, measurements of systemic hyperalgesia (dolorimetry), and assessments for exclusionary conditions.
Results: Migraines were detected in 64% of GWI (odds ratio = 11.6 [4.1-32.5]) (mean [±95% CI]) and 82% of CFS subjects (odds ratio = 22.5 [7.8-64.8]) compared to only 13% of controls. There was a predominance of females in the CFS compared to GWI and controls. However, migraine status was independent of gender in GWI and CFS groups (x (2) = 2.7; P = 0.101). Measures of fatigue, pain, and other ancillary criteria were comparable between GWI and CFS subjects with and without headache.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of migraine in CFS was confirmed and extended to GWI subjects. GWI and CFS may share dysfunctional central pathophysiological pathways that contribute to migraine and subjective symptoms. The high migraine prevalence warrants the inclusion of a structured headache evaluation in GWI and CFS subjects, and treatment when present.
KEYWORDS:
central sensitization, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, fatigue, fibromyalgia, gulf war illness, migraine, neurolimbic pathway
central sensitization, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, fatigue, fibromyalgia, gulf war illness, migraine, neurolimbic pathway
PMID: 23898301
Oral Argument: Sublingual Findings Challenge Key Assumptions about BPA Exposure
Oral Argument: Sublingual Findings Challenge Key Assumptions about BPA Exposure
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/121-a257/
"Key assumptions about bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and bioavailability may be off base, according to a new report in EHP that questions the traditional interpretation of biomonitoring data underlying current risk assessments of the chemical.1 Laboratory research suggests that BPA, a widely used chemical for polycarbonate plastics and other products, is an endocrine disruptor with potential adverse health effects involving reproduction, metabolism, and cancer.2,3"
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/121-a257/
"Key assumptions about bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and bioavailability may be off base, according to a new report in EHP that questions the traditional interpretation of biomonitoring data underlying current risk assessments of the chemical.1 Laboratory research suggests that BPA, a widely used chemical for polycarbonate plastics and other products, is an endocrine disruptor with potential adverse health effects involving reproduction, metabolism, and cancer.2,3"
Necrostatin-1 Counteracts Aluminum's Neurotoxic Effects
Necrostatin-1 Counteracts Aluminum's Neurotoxic Effects
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130802094852.htm
"Investigators have linked aluminum accumulation in the brain as a possible contributing factor to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience sheds light on the mechanism underlying aluminum-induced neuronal cell death and identifies necrostatin-1 as a substance which counteracts several of aluminum's neurotoxic effects."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130802094852.htm
"Investigators have linked aluminum accumulation in the brain as a possible contributing factor to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience sheds light on the mechanism underlying aluminum-induced neuronal cell death and identifies necrostatin-1 as a substance which counteracts several of aluminum's neurotoxic effects."
Pesticide exposure and self-reported incident depression among wives in the Agricultural Health Study
Pesticide exposure and self-reported incident depression among wives in the Agricultural Health Study
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935113001096
Abstract
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935113001096
Abstract
Background
Depression in women is a public health problem. Studies have reported positive associations between pesticides and depression, but few studies were prospective or presented results for women separately.
Depression in women is a public health problem. Studies have reported positive associations between pesticides and depression, but few studies were prospective or presented results for women separately.
Objectives
We evaluated associations between pesticide exposure and incident depression among farmers' wives in the Agricultural Health Study, a prospective cohort study in Iowa and North Carolina.
We evaluated associations between pesticide exposure and incident depression among farmers' wives in the Agricultural Health Study, a prospective cohort study in Iowa and North Carolina.
Methods
We used data on 16,893 wives who did not report physician-diagnosed depression at enrollment (1993–1997) and who completed a follow-up telephone interview (2005–2010). Among these wives, 1054 reported physician diagnoses of depression at follow-up. We collected information on potential confounders and on ever use of any pesticide, 11 functional and chemical classes of pesticides, and 50 specific pesticides by wives and their husbands via self-administered questionnaires at enrollment. We used inverse probability weighting to adjust for potential confounders and to account for possible selection bias induced by the death or loss of 10,639 wives during follow-up. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
We used data on 16,893 wives who did not report physician-diagnosed depression at enrollment (1993–1997) and who completed a follow-up telephone interview (2005–2010). Among these wives, 1054 reported physician diagnoses of depression at follow-up. We collected information on potential confounders and on ever use of any pesticide, 11 functional and chemical classes of pesticides, and 50 specific pesticides by wives and their husbands via self-administered questionnaires at enrollment. We used inverse probability weighting to adjust for potential confounders and to account for possible selection bias induced by the death or loss of 10,639 wives during follow-up. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
Results
After weighting for age at enrollment, state of residence, education level, diabetes diagnosis, and drop out, wives' incident depression was positively associated with diagnosed pesticide poisoning, but was not associated with ever using any pesticide. Use of individual pesticides or functional or chemical classes of pesticides was generally not associated with wives' depression. Among wives who never used pesticides, husbands' ever use of individual pesticides or functional or chemical classes of pesticides was generally not associated with wives' incident depression.
After weighting for age at enrollment, state of residence, education level, diabetes diagnosis, and drop out, wives' incident depression was positively associated with diagnosed pesticide poisoning, but was not associated with ever using any pesticide. Use of individual pesticides or functional or chemical classes of pesticides was generally not associated with wives' depression. Among wives who never used pesticides, husbands' ever use of individual pesticides or functional or chemical classes of pesticides was generally not associated with wives' incident depression.
Conclusions
Our study adds further evidence that high level pesticide exposure, such as pesticide poisoning, is associated with increased risk of depression and sets a lower bound on the level of exposure related to depression, thereby providing reassurance that the moderate levels of pesticide exposure experienced by farmers' wives likely do not increase risk.
Our study adds further evidence that high level pesticide exposure, such as pesticide poisoning, is associated with increased risk of depression and sets a lower bound on the level of exposure related to depression, thereby providing reassurance that the moderate levels of pesticide exposure experienced by farmers' wives likely do not increase risk.
Abbreviations
2,4-D, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid;
2,4,5-T, (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid;
2,4,5-TP, (RS)2-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)propanonic acid;
CI, Confidence interval;
DDT, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane;
EPTC, S-ethyl dipropyl(thiocarbamate);
IQR, Interquartile range;
NIEHS, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences;
RR, Risk ratio
2,4-D, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid;
2,4,5-T, (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid;
2,4,5-TP, (RS)2-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)propanonic acid;
CI, Confidence interval;
DDT, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane;
EPTC, S-ethyl dipropyl(thiocarbamate);
IQR, Interquartile range;
NIEHS, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences;
RR, Risk ratio
Chemical board's unfinished investigations hinder agency mission, IG finds
Chemical board's unfinished investigations hinder agency mission, IG finds
http://www.publicintegrity.org/2013/08/02/13113/chemical-boards-unfinished-investigations-hinder-agency-mission-ig-finds
"The federal agency charged with investigating chemical accidents is weighed down by a backlog of unfinished investigations, hindering its ability to provide information and advice that could prevent future disasters, a report released this week by the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Inspector General concluded."
http://www.publicintegrity.org/2013/08/02/13113/chemical-boards-unfinished-investigations-hinder-agency-mission-ig-finds
"The federal agency charged with investigating chemical accidents is weighed down by a backlog of unfinished investigations, hindering its ability to provide information and advice that could prevent future disasters, a report released this week by the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Inspector General concluded."
Workers' Silica Exposure at Fracking Sites Far Exceeds OSHA Limit, NIOSH Study Finds
Workers' Silica Exposure at Fracking Sites Far Exceeds OSHA Limit, NIOSH Study Finds
http://www.bna.com/workers-silica-exposure-n17179875594/
"The concentration of silica in the air workers breathe exceeded occupational health criteria at all 11 hydraulic fracturing sites tested by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the American Industrial Hygiene Association announced July 31."
http://www.bna.com/workers-silica-exposure-n17179875594/
"The concentration of silica in the air workers breathe exceeded occupational health criteria at all 11 hydraulic fracturing sites tested by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the American Industrial Hygiene Association announced July 31."
Women, kids urged to avoid mercury-tainted fish from California lakes
Women, kids urged to avoid mercury-tainted fish from California lakes
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-mercury-fish-warning-california-lake-reservoir-20130801,0,2446669.story
"Children and women of childbearing age should not eat bass, carp and larger brown trout caught in California lakes and reservoirs because they contain unhealthy levels of mercury, according to a state health advisory issued Thursday.
Instead, they should opt for wild-caught rainbow trout and smaller brown trout, which have less mercury and higher amounts of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment says. The agency also suggests women over 45 and men limit themselves to one serving per week of bass, carp or brown trout more than 16 inches long."
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-mercury-fish-warning-california-lake-reservoir-20130801,0,2446669.story
"Children and women of childbearing age should not eat bass, carp and larger brown trout caught in California lakes and reservoirs because they contain unhealthy levels of mercury, according to a state health advisory issued Thursday.
Instead, they should opt for wild-caught rainbow trout and smaller brown trout, which have less mercury and higher amounts of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment says. The agency also suggests women over 45 and men limit themselves to one serving per week of bass, carp or brown trout more than 16 inches long."
Court says state must limit water toxin by Aug. 31
Court says state must limit water toxin by Aug. 31
http://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/Court-says-state-must-limit-water-toxin-by-Aug-31-4701835.php
"A court ruling has put California closer to limiting the amount of a carcinogen in the state's drinking water, a safety measure that was supposed to be adopted nearly a decade ago."
http://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/Court-says-state-must-limit-water-toxin-by-Aug-31-4701835.php
"A court ruling has put California closer to limiting the amount of a carcinogen in the state's drinking water, a safety measure that was supposed to be adopted nearly a decade ago."
School Poisoning Provides Window into India's Pesticide Problem
School Poisoning Provides Window into India's Pesticide Problem
http://www.theworld.org/2013/08/school-poisoning-provides-window-into-indias-pesticide-problem-2/
"The recent deaths of 23 Indian schoolchildren from pesticide-poisoned lunches was just the latest chapter in the country's long and troubled relationship with chemical pesticides. Host Carol Hills speaks about the problem–and some of the emerging grassroots solutions–with journalist Meera Subramanian. She says India is using 67 pesticides that are banned in other parts of the world. "
http://www.theworld.org/2013/08/school-poisoning-provides-window-into-indias-pesticide-problem-2/
"The recent deaths of 23 Indian schoolchildren from pesticide-poisoned lunches was just the latest chapter in the country's long and troubled relationship with chemical pesticides. Host Carol Hills speaks about the problem–and some of the emerging grassroots solutions–with journalist Meera Subramanian. She says India is using 67 pesticides that are banned in other parts of the world. "
BPA and Altered Airway Cells: Association Seen in Rhesus Macaques after Third-Trimester Exposure
BPA and Altered Airway Cells: Association Seen in Rhesus Macaques after Third-Trimester Exposure
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/121-a254/
"Parental bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has been shown to alter the development of reproductive organs in animal models,1 although the impacts on development of other organ systems remain largely unknown. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, now report in EHP that BPA exposure late in gestation alters airway cell development in rhesus macaques.2
Previous studies have associated BPA exposure with an experimental model of asthma in mice.3 Epidemiological studies have found evidence of an association between prenatal BPA exposure and wheeze in young children,4 and between postnatal exposure and childhood asthma.5 "This study sheds light on the possible mechanisms by which BPA may affect lung health," says Kathleen Donohue, an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University. Donohue was not involved in the current study."
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/121-a254/
"Parental bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has been shown to alter the development of reproductive organs in animal models,1 although the impacts on development of other organ systems remain largely unknown. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, now report in EHP that BPA exposure late in gestation alters airway cell development in rhesus macaques.2
Previous studies have associated BPA exposure with an experimental model of asthma in mice.3 Epidemiological studies have found evidence of an association between prenatal BPA exposure and wheeze in young children,4 and between postnatal exposure and childhood asthma.5 "This study sheds light on the possible mechanisms by which BPA may affect lung health," says Kathleen Donohue, an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University. Donohue was not involved in the current study."
House panel hits EPA with subpoena over pollution studies
House panel hits EPA with subpoena over pollution studies
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/56681889-90/data-epa-studies-agency.html.csp
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/56681889-90/data-epa-studies-agency.html.csp
"Washington • House Republicans say they are tired of asking the Environmental Protection Agency to provide the underlying data used in studies tying pollution to serious health problems.
So, they issued a subpoena late Thursday, the first from the Science Committee in 21 years."
So, they issued a subpoena late Thursday, the first from the Science Committee in 21 years."
Birds exposed to 'hidden pollutants' in south Wales valleys
Birds exposed to 'hidden pollutants' in south Wales valleys
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-23532423
"Birds which have returned to the former industrial valleys of south Wales are being exposed to extremely high levels of hidden pollutants, experts warn.
Tests on eggs of dipper birds found chemicals used as flame retardants in furniture and motor vehicles.
The birds have fed on local rivers in growing numbers since heavy industries such as coal mining declined."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-23532423
"Birds which have returned to the former industrial valleys of south Wales are being exposed to extremely high levels of hidden pollutants, experts warn.
Tests on eggs of dipper birds found chemicals used as flame retardants in furniture and motor vehicles.
The birds have fed on local rivers in growing numbers since heavy industries such as coal mining declined."
Nigeria: Doctors treat children of world's worst case of lead poisoning after 2-year delay
Nigeria: Doctors treat children of world's worst case of lead poisoning after 2-year delay
http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/ad0b1e7c7db34d799e01bd0db468dae3/AF--Nigeria-Lead-Poison
"LAGOS, Nigeria — The Nigerian village that suffered one of the world's worst recorded incidents of lead poisoning is now habitable and doctors can start treating more than 1,000 contaminated children, a doctor and a scientist from two international agencies said Friday.
For some, it already is too late to reverse serious neurological damage, said Dr. Michelle Chouinard, Nigeria country director for Doctors Without Borders, told The Associated Press on Friday.
Some children are blind, others paralyzed and many will struggle at school with learning disabilities, she said."
http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/ad0b1e7c7db34d799e01bd0db468dae3/AF--Nigeria-Lead-Poison
"LAGOS, Nigeria — The Nigerian village that suffered one of the world's worst recorded incidents of lead poisoning is now habitable and doctors can start treating more than 1,000 contaminated children, a doctor and a scientist from two international agencies said Friday.
For some, it already is too late to reverse serious neurological damage, said Dr. Michelle Chouinard, Nigeria country director for Doctors Without Borders, told The Associated Press on Friday.
Some children are blind, others paralyzed and many will struggle at school with learning disabilities, she said."
How the chemicals in your blood can betray your wealth
How the chemicals in your blood can betray your wealth
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10219251/How-the-chemicals-in-your-blood-can-betray-your-wealth.html
"Doctors may soon be able to tell how wealthy their patients are purely by looking at the chemicals in their blood."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10219251/How-the-chemicals-in-your-blood-can-betray-your-wealth.html
"Doctors may soon be able to tell how wealthy their patients are purely by looking at the chemicals in their blood."
Friday, July 5, 2013
Commission backs EFSA's definition of endocrine-disrupting chemicals
Commission backs EFSA's definition of endocrine-disrupting chemicals
http://www.euractiv.com/health/commission-backs-efsas-definitio-news-529090
"In a letter to the anti-pesticides activist group PAN Europe, EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg backs the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) definition of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, saying it is in accordance with the international scientific consensus.
Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals occur naturally, while synthetic varieties can be found in pesticides, electronics, personal care products and cosmetics. Some can also be found as additives or as unintended contaminants in food.
The Pesticides Action Network campaign group had accused EFSA of creating loopholes for the pesticides industry to escape banning of chemical substances they use."
http://www.euractiv.com/health/commission-backs-efsas-definitio-news-529090
"In a letter to the anti-pesticides activist group PAN Europe, EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg backs the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) definition of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, saying it is in accordance with the international scientific consensus.
Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals occur naturally, while synthetic varieties can be found in pesticides, electronics, personal care products and cosmetics. Some can also be found as additives or as unintended contaminants in food.
The Pesticides Action Network campaign group had accused EFSA of creating loopholes for the pesticides industry to escape banning of chemical substances they use."
Historical Perspective on Effects and Treatment of Sulfur Mustard Injuries.
Historical Perspective on Effects and Treatment of Sulfur Mustard Injuries.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23816402
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23816402
Graham JS, Schoneboom BA. Chem Biol Interact. 2013 Jun 28. pii: S0009-2797(13)00153-1. doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2013.06.013. [Epub ahead of print]
Source
Office of the Commander, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, 3100 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA 21010-5400. Electronic address: john.s.graham1.civ@mail.mil.
Source
Office of the Commander, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, 3100 Ricketts Point Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA 21010-5400. Electronic address: john.s.graham1.civ@mail.mil.
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide; SM) is a potent vesicating chemical warfare agent that poses a continuing threat to both military and civilian populations. Significant SM injuries can take several months to heal, necessitate lengthy hospitalizations, and result in long-term complications affecting the skin, eyes, and lungs. This report summarizes initial and ongoing (chronic) clinical findings from SM casualties from the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), with an emphasis on cutaneous injury. In addition, we describe the cutaneous manifestations and treatment of several men recently and accidentally exposed to SM in the United States. Common, chronic cutaneous problems being reported in the Iranian casualties include pruritis (the primary complaint), burning, pain, redness, desquamation, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, erythematous papular rash, xerosis, multiple cherry angiomas, atrophy, dermal scarring, hypertrophy, and sensitivity to mechanical injury with recurrent blistering and ulceration. Chronic ocular problems include keratitis, photophobia, persistent tearing, sensation of foreign body, corneal thinning and ulceration, vasculitis of the cornea and conjunctiva, and limbal stem cell deficiency. Chronic pulmonary problems include decreases in lung function, bronchitis with hyper-reactive airways, bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis, stenosis of the trachea and other large airways, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, decreased total lung capacity, and increased incidences of lung cancer, pulmonary infections, and tuberculosis. There are currently no standardized or optimized methods of casualty management; current treatment strategy consists of symptomatic management and is designed to relieve symptoms, prevent infections, and promote healing. New strategies are needed to provide for optimal and rapid healing, with the goals of (a) returning damaged tissue to optimal appearance and normal function in the shortest period of time, and (b) ameliorating chronic effects. Further experimental research and clinical trials will be needed to prevent or mitigate the acute clinical effects of SM exposure and to reduce or eliminate the long-term manifestations.
PMID: 23816402 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Sulfur mustard (2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide; SM) is a potent vesicating chemical warfare agent that poses a continuing threat to both military and civilian populations. Significant SM injuries can take several months to heal, necessitate lengthy hospitalizations, and result in long-term complications affecting the skin, eyes, and lungs. This report summarizes initial and ongoing (chronic) clinical findings from SM casualties from the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), with an emphasis on cutaneous injury. In addition, we describe the cutaneous manifestations and treatment of several men recently and accidentally exposed to SM in the United States. Common, chronic cutaneous problems being reported in the Iranian casualties include pruritis (the primary complaint), burning, pain, redness, desquamation, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, erythematous papular rash, xerosis, multiple cherry angiomas, atrophy, dermal scarring, hypertrophy, and sensitivity to mechanical injury with recurrent blistering and ulceration. Chronic ocular problems include keratitis, photophobia, persistent tearing, sensation of foreign body, corneal thinning and ulceration, vasculitis of the cornea and conjunctiva, and limbal stem cell deficiency. Chronic pulmonary problems include decreases in lung function, bronchitis with hyper-reactive airways, bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis, stenosis of the trachea and other large airways, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, decreased total lung capacity, and increased incidences of lung cancer, pulmonary infections, and tuberculosis. There are currently no standardized or optimized methods of casualty management; current treatment strategy consists of symptomatic management and is designed to relieve symptoms, prevent infections, and promote healing. New strategies are needed to provide for optimal and rapid healing, with the goals of (a) returning damaged tissue to optimal appearance and normal function in the shortest period of time, and (b) ameliorating chronic effects. Further experimental research and clinical trials will be needed to prevent or mitigate the acute clinical effects of SM exposure and to reduce or eliminate the long-term manifestations.
PMID: 23816402 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Many veterans suffering from diseases linked to Agent Orange still can't get disability compensation
Many veterans suffering from diseases linked to Agent Orange still can't get disability compensation
http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2013/07/many_veterans_suffering_from_d.html
"Forty years after the last U.S. troops left Vietnam, military veterans continue to tussle with the Department of Veterans Affairs over whether they should be compensated for their exposure to the herbicide and defoliant Agent Orange.
Under Secretary Eric Shinseki, himself a Vietnam veteran, the agency has taken enormous strides to acknowledge that exposure to the toxic defoliant caused a variety of health problems, from birth defects to Type II diabetes to lung cancer. Shinseki has been applauded for adding more diseases, including Parkinson's and heart disease, to the list of maladies presumed to have been caused by Agent Orange. The expansion could make as many as 200,000 Vietnam War veterans eligible for compensation."
http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2013/07/many_veterans_suffering_from_d.html
"Forty years after the last U.S. troops left Vietnam, military veterans continue to tussle with the Department of Veterans Affairs over whether they should be compensated for their exposure to the herbicide and defoliant Agent Orange.
Under Secretary Eric Shinseki, himself a Vietnam veteran, the agency has taken enormous strides to acknowledge that exposure to the toxic defoliant caused a variety of health problems, from birth defects to Type II diabetes to lung cancer. Shinseki has been applauded for adding more diseases, including Parkinson's and heart disease, to the list of maladies presumed to have been caused by Agent Orange. The expansion could make as many as 200,000 Vietnam War veterans eligible for compensation."
New chemicals, drugs added to EU water pollution watch list http://www.euractiv.com/health/new-chemicals-pharmaceuticals-ad-news-529073
New chemicals, drugs added to EU water pollution watch list
"The European Parliament, in agreement with EU member states, has added 12 new substances to the EU priority list of pollutants known to pose a risk to surface water. For the first time, three pharmaceuticals will also be included on a "watch list" of emerging pollutants that could one day be added to the priority list."
Backyard Grilling Increases Air Pollution, But Can Texans Live Without It?
Backyard Grilling Increases Air Pollution, But Can Texans Live Without It?
http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2013/07/03/how-backyard-grilling-can-increase-air-pollution/
"As you can tell, the appeal of grilling isn't all about the food for Gebhard. It's about the smoke. For him, recent research from The University of California, Davis is about as unwelcome as rain on the Fourth of July. The study highlights the danger of smoke from outdoor grilling to public health."
http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2013/07/03/how-backyard-grilling-can-increase-air-pollution/
"As you can tell, the appeal of grilling isn't all about the food for Gebhard. It's about the smoke. For him, recent research from The University of California, Davis is about as unwelcome as rain on the Fourth of July. The study highlights the danger of smoke from outdoor grilling to public health."
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Low-dose food contaminants trigger sex-specific, hepatic metabolic changes in the progeny of obese mice
Low-dose food contaminants trigger sex-specific, hepatic metabolic changes in the progeny of obese mice
http://www.fasebj.org/content/early/2013/06/11/fj.13-231670.abstract
http://www.fasebj.org/content/early/2013/06/11/fj.13-231670.abstract
FASEB Journal. Published online before print June 11, 2013, doi: 10.1096/fj.13-231670
Danielle Navilleet all
Abstract
Environmental contaminants are suspected to be involved in the epidemic incidence of metabolic disorders, food ingestion being a primarily route of exposure. We hypothesized that life-long consumption of a high-fat diet that contains low doses of pollutants will aggravate metabolic disorders induced by obesity itself. Mice were challenged from preconception throughout life with a high-fat diet containing pollutants commonly present in food (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyl 153, diethylhexyl phthalate, and bisphenol A), added at low doses in the tolerable daily intake range. We measured several blood parameters, glucose and insulin tolerance, hepatic lipid accumulation, and gene expression in adult mice. Pollutant-exposed mice exhibited significant sex-dependent metabolic disorders in the absence of toxicity and weight gain. In males, pollutants increased the expression of hepatic genes (from 36 to 88%) encoding proteins related to cholesterol biosynthesis and decreased (40%) hepatic total cholesterol levels. In females, there was a marked deterioration of glucose tolerance, which may be related to the 2-fold induction of estrogen sulfotransferase and reduced expression of estrogen receptor α (25%) and estrogen target genes (>34%). Because of the very low doses of pollutants used in the mixture, these findings may have strong implications in terms of understanding the potential role of environmental contaminants in food in the development of metabolic diseases.—Naville, D., Pinteur, C., Vega, N., Menade, Y., Vigier, M., Le Bourdais, A., Labaronne, E., Debard, C., Luquain-Costaz, C., Bégeot, M., Vidal, H., Le Magueresse-Battistoni, B. Low-dose food contaminants trigger sex-specific, hepatic metabolic changes in the progeny of obese mice.
Environmental contaminants are suspected to be involved in the epidemic incidence of metabolic disorders, food ingestion being a primarily route of exposure. We hypothesized that life-long consumption of a high-fat diet that contains low doses of pollutants will aggravate metabolic disorders induced by obesity itself. Mice were challenged from preconception throughout life with a high-fat diet containing pollutants commonly present in food (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyl 153, diethylhexyl phthalate, and bisphenol A), added at low doses in the tolerable daily intake range. We measured several blood parameters, glucose and insulin tolerance, hepatic lipid accumulation, and gene expression in adult mice. Pollutant-exposed mice exhibited significant sex-dependent metabolic disorders in the absence of toxicity and weight gain. In males, pollutants increased the expression of hepatic genes (from 36 to 88%) encoding proteins related to cholesterol biosynthesis and decreased (40%) hepatic total cholesterol levels. In females, there was a marked deterioration of glucose tolerance, which may be related to the 2-fold induction of estrogen sulfotransferase and reduced expression of estrogen receptor α (25%) and estrogen target genes (>34%). Because of the very low doses of pollutants used in the mixture, these findings may have strong implications in terms of understanding the potential role of environmental contaminants in food in the development of metabolic diseases.—Naville, D., Pinteur, C., Vega, N., Menade, Y., Vigier, M., Le Bourdais, A., Labaronne, E., Debard, C., Luquain-Costaz, C., Bégeot, M., Vidal, H., Le Magueresse-Battistoni, B. Low-dose food contaminants trigger sex-specific, hepatic metabolic changes in the progeny of obese mice.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Toxic chemicals found in newborns: report
Toxic chemicals found in newborns: report
"Detectable levels of a large number of environmental chemicals have been found in the cord blood of some newborns, raising concerns that Canadian children already carry toxins in their bodies at birth, a report says."
Global Treaty to Curb Mercury-Except When It Comes to Children's Vaccines
Global Treaty to Curb Mercury–Except When It Comes to Children's Vaccines
http://www.fairwarning.org/2013/06/global-treaty-to-curb-mercury-except-when-it-comes-to-childrens-vaccines/
"Mercury is notorious for damaging the developing brains and nervous systems of babies and children. Concern about the serious effects of mercury pollution brought delegates from more than 140 nations to Geneva this January to put the finishing touches on a global treaty to minimize emissions. But there's a form of mercury that the treaty won't touch – one that is injected, in tiny amounts, straight into young kids' bodies. Some common vaccines that prevent such diseases as diphtheria, whooping cough and meningitis contain thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that fights bacteria and fungi. Thimerosal is also used in the production of certain vaccines, which retain trace amounts of the compound."
http://www.fairwarning.org/2013/06/global-treaty-to-curb-mercury-except-when-it-comes-to-childrens-vaccines/
"Mercury is notorious for damaging the developing brains and nervous systems of babies and children. Concern about the serious effects of mercury pollution brought delegates from more than 140 nations to Geneva this January to put the finishing touches on a global treaty to minimize emissions. But there's a form of mercury that the treaty won't touch – one that is injected, in tiny amounts, straight into young kids' bodies. Some common vaccines that prevent such diseases as diphtheria, whooping cough and meningitis contain thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that fights bacteria and fungi. Thimerosal is also used in the production of certain vaccines, which retain trace amounts of the compound."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)