Monday, February 28, 2011

NEWSLETTER: MCS America News - March 2011

MCSA NEWS
March 2011, Volume 6, Issue 3

 

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/march2011.pdf (View, Download, and Print)

 

  

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

 

Washington Governor Declares May for Multiple Chemical Sensivity Awareness

http://mcs-america.org/march2011pg2.pdf

 

Mass Psychogenic Illness

Real or Imagined?

http://mcs-america.org/march2011pg345.pdf

 

Why Our Urban Trees are Dying

http://mcs-america.org/march2011pg67891011.pdf

 

Scientific Consensus on Electromagnetic Fields

http://mcs-america.org/march2011pg12.pdf

 

Left Hung Out to Dry with EI

http://mcs-america.org/march2011pg13.pdf

 

Q&A:  How Does MCS Begin?  Who is at Risk?

http://mcs-america.org/march2011pg14.pdf

 

Patient Support & Resources

http://mcs-america.org/march2011pg1516171819202122.pdf

 

Community News

http://mcs-america.org/march2011pg23.pdf

 

Featured Research Studies

http://mcs-america.org/march2011pg242526.pdf

 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities America

http://www.mcs-america.org

admin@mcs-america.org

 

Copyrighted © 2011 MCS America

 

You have received this newsletter because you subscribed to it.

If you wish to unsubscribe, please send a message to unsubscribe@mcs-america.org.

 

This newsletter may be forwarded provided it is forwarded in it's entirety.

Some individuals may receive this newsletter through forwarded posts from independent listserves/groups.

If you no longer wish to receive mail, contact your administrator or unsubscribe from your listserv/group.

 

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Some in area find levels of arsenic exceed standards

Some in area find levels of arsenic exceed standards
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/environment/2011-02-27/some-area-find-levels-arsenic-exceed-standards.html

"Melinda and Bill Reich with a load of water in their minivan at their home just outside Tolono. The two use bottled water because their well has a high level of arsenic."

Are fireplaces going out of style?

Are fireplaces going out of style?
http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x1284224923/Are-fireplaces-going-out-of-style

"But in California's southern San Joaquin Valley, where smoke from winter fires often remains trapped near the ground -- in the very air we breathe -- attitudes about fireplaces may slowly be changing. "Keeping the home fires burning" for some in Bakersfield has begun to equate to unnecessarily risking the health of one's neighbors."

Go Green for a Healthier Home


"Toxins. Volatile Organic Compounds. Off-gassing. Ten years ago, these terms made their way into our mainstream vocabulary. And for good reason.  People were beginning to realize many materials used to build our homes were toxic and caused adverse health effects. Volatile Organic Compounds — or VOCs — in carpets and furniture, evaporate and release harmful toxins into the environment, a process that can happen over a period of years after products are initially installed. Because we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors, exposure to chemicals such as formaldehyde can trigger headaches, allergies, respiratory problems, and damage to nerves, the kidney and liver — to name only a few symptoms."

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Are we aware of greenwashing?

Are we aware of greenwashing?
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=175482

"Advising people to beware of greenwashing while going green."

PCBs Hit IVF Pregnancy Success


"Although PCBs were banned in the 1970s, human are still exposed to them through contaminated food, primarily fish, but also meat and dairy."

Pesticide Industry Ramps Up Lobbying in Bid to Pare EPA Rules


"The pesticide industry is applying extra doses of lobbying in an effort to eradicate federal requirements it considers harmful."

Ontario Hydro sprayed Agent Orange to clear corridors

 
"Ontario Hydro used Agent Orange to clear power line corridors across the province — through city backyards and thick rural brush."

Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter and Fungal Spores on Lu...

Air pollution may hurt school kids' lungs

"Allergy season is known to aggravate kids' asthma attacks, but other types of fine particle pollution in the air throughout the year also measurably affect children's lung function, sometimes dramatically, according to a study by Taiwanese researchers."


Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter and Fungal Spores on Lung Function in Schoolchildren
 
Bing-Yu Chen, MSa, H. Jasmine Chao, PhDb, Chang-Chuan Chan, PhDa, Chung-Te Lee, PhDc, Hung-Pin Wu, PhDd,e, Tsun-Jen Cheng, PhDa, Chu-Chih Chen, PhDf, Yue Leon Guo, PhDa,g
 
Objectives Studies examining the combined health effects of both have been relatively lacking. We conducted a longitudinal study to investigate whether exposure to air pollutants and fungal spores might exacerbate childhood respiratory health.

 
Methods Study participants were 100 elementary and middle-school students in Taipei County, Taiwan. A structured respiratory health questionnaire was administered in September 2007, followed by monthly spirometry from October 2007 to June 2008. During the study period, complete daily monitoring data for criteria air pollutants were obtained from the Environmental Protection Administration monitoring station and Aerosol Supersite. Fungal spores were measured from Sunday to Saturday in the week when lung-function measurements were made for each study month. Lung-function measurements were compared with air pollutants and fungal spores using mixed-effects models with 1-day-lag modeling.

Results The particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm or less level 1 day before the lung function measurements was negatively associated with forced vital capacity. The fungal spore level was negatively associated with both forced expiratory vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. O3 level was negatively associated with forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, and 75% of forced vital capacity, and average expiratory flow over the middle half of forced vital capacity.

Conclusions This study suggested that exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm or less and fungal spores might cause adverse effects on the vital capacity of schoolchildren. Exposure to O3 adversely affected small airway function.


--
Posted By MCS America to MCS America © at 2/26/2011 09:31:00 AM

Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter and Fungal Spores on Lung Function in Schoolchildren

Air pollution may hurt school kids' lungs

"Allergy season is known to aggravate kids' asthma attacks, but other types of fine particle pollution in the air throughout the year also measurably affect children's lung function, sometimes dramatically, according to a study by Taiwanese researchers."


Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter and Fungal Spores on Lung Function in Schoolchildren
 
Bing-Yu Chen, MSa, H. Jasmine Chao, PhDb, Chang-Chuan Chan, PhDa, Chung-Te Lee, PhDc, Hung-Pin Wu, PhDd,e, Tsun-Jen Cheng, PhDa, Chu-Chih Chen, PhDf, Yue Leon Guo, PhDa,g
 
Objectives Studies examining the combined health effects of both have been relatively lacking. We conducted a longitudinal study to investigate whether exposure to air pollutants and fungal spores might exacerbate childhood respiratory health.

 
Methods Study participants were 100 elementary and middle-school students in Taipei County, Taiwan. A structured respiratory health questionnaire was administered in September 2007, followed by monthly spirometry from October 2007 to June 2008. During the study period, complete daily monitoring data for criteria air pollutants were obtained from the Environmental Protection Administration monitoring station and Aerosol Supersite. Fungal spores were measured from Sunday to Saturday in the week when lung-function measurements were made for each study month. Lung-function measurements were compared with air pollutants and fungal spores using mixed-effects models with 1-day-lag modeling.

Results The particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm or less level 1 day before the lung function measurements was negatively associated with forced vital capacity. The fungal spore level was negatively associated with both forced expiratory vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. O3 level was negatively associated with forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, and 75% of forced vital capacity, and average expiratory flow over the middle half of forced vital capacity.

Conclusions This study suggested that exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm or less and fungal spores might cause adverse effects on the vital capacity of schoolchildren. Exposure to O3 adversely affected small airway function.

Two leading bounce house makers agree to strict lead limits

Two leading bounce house makers agree to strict lead limits
http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_17475079?nclick_check=1

"Two leading producers of children's bounce houses have agreed to strictly reduce lead in their products under a settlement reached Wednesday in an Oakland courthouse."

Antibacterial Soap Suspected of Making Patients Sick

Antibacterial Soap Suspected of Making Patients Sick
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/?p=4976

"After witnessing a patient's condition improve upon discontinuing the use of antibacterial products containing the active ingredient triclosan, Gerard Guillory, M.D. of Denver, Colorado believes that several of his patients are experiencing health problems caused by daily exposure to the chemical. Dr. Guillory told local ABC 7 News: Denver Channel that he was treating his patient, Mary Lou Simanovich, for hyperthyroidism and asked her about antibacterial soap, which she had been using for years. After Ms. Simanovich stopped using soaps containing triclosan, both she and Dr. Guillory noticed improvements in her condition and overall health."

Friday, February 25, 2011

Portland council OKs fragrance-free policy

[Comment:  Thank you to everyone who wrote the city council supporting this fragrance ban. It passed!!!]

Portland council OKs fragrance-free policy
http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/feb/24/portland-council-oks-fragrance-free-policy/

UMDNJ researchers discover Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proteins in spinal fluid

UMDNJ researchers discover Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proteins in spinal fluid
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/umdnj_report_identifies_protei.html
"Researchers studying spinal fluid for differences between persistent Lyme disease and chronic fatigue syndrome have begun to unravel a mystery that could eventually lead to treatments for each ailment, a University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey report published today said."

Research breaks Chronic Fatigue stereotypes

Research breaks Chronic Fatigue stereotypes
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/02/23/eveningnews/main20035610.shtml?tag=cbsnewsTwoColUpperPromoArea

""This study says there is a physical root cause or effect to this disease," said Dr. Steven Schutzer, with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and a study author.

Researchers examined the spinal fluid of CFS patients, healthy people and patients afflicted with a similar disorder - Lyme Disease. They found over 700 proteins, or indicators of disease, unique to CFS patients alone."

Spinal Fluid May Hold Clues to Lyme Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Spinal Fluid May Hold Clues to Lyme Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/02/24/spinal-fluid-may-hold-clues-to-lyme-disease-chronic-fatigue-syndrome 

"Strong evidence suggests that the central nervous system is involved in both conditions"

Organic Bytes: What's Wrong With Local Foods?

 

Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage |

What's Wrong With Local Foods?

#265, February 24, 2011

In this issue:

 
 
 

Essay of the Week

Local and Organic Food and Farming: The Gold Standard

by Will Allen, Ronnie Cummins, and Kate Duesterberg

"[T]he organic system of food production has legal definitions, a handbook of rules, permitted and prohibited substances, acceptable practices, an inspection process, and labels to guide the consumers. Local has none of these guidelines, rules, inspections or protections. It has the cachet of popularity without any guarantee of safety or sustainability.

"Some chemical farmers, and even poultry, egg, pork, dairy, or beef operators feeding their animals genetically modified (GMO) grains, claim that local is better than organic, because it stimulates the local economy and reduces the distance (food miles) that food travels between the farm or feedlot and your table. But does so-called local farming, utilizing toxic pesticides, GMO seeds and feed, chemical fertilizers, and animal drugs mean that the food is safe and sustainable? Obviously not. We believe that there shouldn't have to be a choice between local and safe organic; but rather that consumers should look for food that is not only local or regionally produced, but food that is also organic and therefore safe and sustainable. Local and chemical, or local using GMO seeds and feed, is nothing more than greenwashing. Organic and local is the new gold standard!"

Read More

 
 
 

PLEASE DONATE

Millions Against Monsanto Fundraising Appeal

A quarter of a million people have already signed up as participants and supporters in our Millions Against Monsanto Truth-in-Labeling Campaign. But we need money to print leaflets, to buy hundreds of copies of the video "The World According to Monsanto," to print up T-shirts and bumper stickers, and to pay our campaign staff. As you know GMOs, Factory Farms, and deceptively labeled consumer products pose a mortal threat to public health, climate stability, and all living things. As we speak, organic crops are being contaminated with Monsanto's GMOs. We need your financial contributions to educate and mobilize consumers, to protect and maintain strict organic standards, and to pressure the entire food industry, including our own natural food stores and co-ops, to adopt Truth-in-Labeling practices.

Please Donate

 
 
 

EXPOSÈ OF THE WEEK

Monsanto's Roundup-Ready Crops Devastate Soil Life and Mammal Fertility

In a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, made public by the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, Dr. Don Huber, one of the nation's senior soil scientists, alerted the federal government to an organism that appears NEW to science: a microscopic pathogen that appears to significantly impact the health of plants, animals, and probably human beings. It is widespread, very serious, and is in much higher concentrations in Monsanto's genetically modified Roundup-Ready (RR) soybeans and corn - suggesting a link with the RR gene or more likely the presence of Roundup.

Linked with Outbreaks of Plant Disease

* This newly discovered pathogen could result in a collapse of US soy and corn export markets and significant disruption of domestic food and feed supplies.

* It appears to be the first micro-fungus ever identified. This infectious agent promotes diseases of both plants and mammals, which is very rare.

* The organism is prolific in plants infected with sudden death syndrome (SDS) in soy, Goss' wilt in corn and is found in the fungal causative agent of SDS (Fusarium solon fop glycines).

Implicated in Animal Reproductive Failure

* Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of this organism in a wide variety of livestock that have experienced spontaneous abortions and infertility. Preliminary results from ongoing research have also been able to reproduce abortions in a clinical setting.

Read More

 
 
 

Alert of the Week

Kraft Admits It Uses Genetically Engineered Bovine Growth Hormone

Thank you to the OCA activist who shared a recent e-mail she received from Kraft Foods which admits "We are not rejecting milk from BGH/BST supplemented herds." BGH/BST is the genetically modified Bovine Growth Hormone developed by Monsanto and now marketed by Eli Lilly. It was the first genetically modified organism to become part of the food supply. It is well-known by federal regulators that GMO bovine growth hormone produces milk that is less nutritious, contaminated with pus, and has elevated levels of IGF-1. Elevated levels of IGF-1 are correlated with increased rates of cancer.

Producers of GMO foods would prefer that their customers didn't know anything about genetically modified organisms and most people, about three quarters of US consumers, have no idea that their food has been genetically modified. Kraft is one of the few companies to admit to using GMOs - not that you'll find anything on Kraft Web sites or food packaging about it. Another famous food manufacturer that admits it uses GMOs is Kellogg's.

Let Kraft & Kellogg's know you're joining a boycott of their brands because you want to avoid GMOs!

Some of our readers have decided to take matters into their own hands. Since the Obama administration won't label GMOs, they've decided to do it ourselves. When they come across Kraft or Kellogg's products, they are sticking an "Oh No! Is It GMO?" label on it. Take a picture, download it to your computer and use the "See Me" function to attach your photo to your letters to Kraft & Kellogg's. Your photos will also appear in our activist photo album.

Write & Send Photos to Kraft

Write & Send Photos to Kellogg's

"Oh No! Is It GMO?" Stickers PDF (prints on Avery# 5160 address labels)

 
 
 

Alert Update

Congress Can Stop Frankenfish!

Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey offered an amendment to the 2011 Continuing Resolution (Amendment No. 491 to H.R.1) that would have stopped the FDA from using its funding to approve genetically engineered salmon.

Unfortunately, the amendment was blocked and not voted on.

Congress's budget vote was only their first opportunity to stop Frankenfish. The FDA hasn't approved GMO salmon yet. There's still time for Congress to act. Let's work for passage of Congressman Don Young's bill, H.R.521, to stop GMO salmon.

Take Action

 
 
 

Millions Against Monsanto Actions

Millions Against Monsanto is at 286,511 Supporters!

The Millions Against Monsanto campaign currently has 286,511 supporters. Our goal is to grow that to 1,000,000 by World Food Day, October 16, 2011, when we'll get everyone out for a nationwide day of action against Monsanto. We need your help to build our ranks and use our power. Please get involved! Here's how...

Tonight: First Millions Against Monsanto Truth-in-Labeling Webinar!

THIS FREE WEBINAR IS "SOLD OUT" - ALL 1,000 SPOTS RESERVED

Natural News' Mike Adams joins OCA director Ronnie Cummins for a live discussion on the myth of "coexistence" between organics and GMOs, and how grassroots action and truth-in-labeling can start to drive Monsanto's genetically engineered crops and foods off the market. This is the first in a series.

When: February 24th, 2011, 7 p.m. Central Time

This will be a call-in event, and it is an action-oriented effort to help educate the public about the GMOs in foods that are being sold right now, in grocery stores and even health food stores across America (and around the world).

Our goal in this campaign is to protect consumers from the genetically engineered ingredients in their foods. At the very least, consumers have a right to know when they're buying GMOs, and that's why the honest, accurate labeling of foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients is something that consumers must now demand from the food companies.

This event is filled to capacity, but will be recorded and made available on our Web site at: http://www.MillionsAgainstMonsanto.org

Volunteer to Launch a Local Millions Against Monsanto Chapter

So far, 3,267 organic activists have signed up to volunteer to launch Millions Against Monsanto campaign chapters in their congressional districts. We still need volunteers in the following districts:

AR-4, CA-39, CA-47, FL-12, FL-21, GA-13, IA-5, KS-1, LA-4, LA-5, MI-10, MI-14, MS-2, NY-16, PA-3, TX-15, TX-29, WV-3

Please volunteer (scroll down and check the "Volunteer for Millions Against Monsanto" box).

Don't know which congressional district you're in? Click here.

Join Your Local Millions Against Monsanto Facebook Cause

About 170 of our Millions Against Monsanto chapters now have home pages at Facebook Causes! Thank you to our congressional district volunteers who worked so hard over the last two weeks to make that happen!

Find out if there's one set up yet for your congressional district.

If you don't see one for your congressional district and would like to help, please click here.

Make March a Month Without Monsanto

The Millions Against Monsanto challenge for March is replicating the experiment April Dávila conducted in March 2010 when she tried to go a month without consuming any Monsanto products.

Read More

If you're ready for a Month Without Monsanto, join the Facebook group!

Use #monthwithoutmonsanto to tweet about it!

Help Recruit 1,000,000 for World Food Day 10/16/11

In the worldwide movement to stop GMOs, World Food Day has frequently been marked as a day of action. Following this tradition, Organic Consumers Association's Millions Against Monsanto campaign is calling for actions from each of our congressional district chapters, with the goal of turning out 2300 people at each event to make a million nationwide.

That means each district chapter needs to recruit 330 people each month between now and the end of September. The first step to getting people involved is to get them to sign our Millions Against Monsanto petition.

They can sign online here

Or you can collect their information on our paper petition (PDF)...

...and then enter it online

Thanks for everything you do! You're one in a million!

 
 
 

 

Remember to Take Action...

Ban Triclosan! Take action by April 8, 2011

New York: Label Milk From Cows Given rBGH (Genetically Engineered Bovine Growth Hormone)!

California: Label GM Salmon!

Hawaii: Demand Truth-in-Labeling! 

Alaska: Stop GMO Salmon!

 
 
 

Little Bytes

Open Letter to the Organic Community: Why is the Organic Trade Association Controlled by Representatives of the "Natural" Products Industry?
READ MORE

The High Price of Beauty
READ MORE

Peace Cereal Illegally Misleading Consumers?
READ MORE

Ten Percent of World's Crops Are Genetically Engineered
READ MORE

For Once, Developments in Washington Could Make Things Better on the Farm
READ MORE

 
 
 

LOCAL HI NEWS OF THE WEEK

HI - Get Involved Locally

  • Learn more about OCA related action alerts and other news in HI here.
 
 
 

Dr. Bronner's is Celebrating Our 60th Anniversary!

Marking the 60th Anniversary of the company, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps is pleased to announce that all classic liquid & bar soaps are now not only certified under the USDA National Organic Program, but also certified Fair Trade! In addition, we are pleased to introduce a revolutionary new range of high-quality organic products, from hair rinses to shaving gels – all certified under the same USDA program that certifies organic foods.

Please visit us on the web at DrBronner.com

 
 
 

Become an OCA Sponsor!

Every issue of Organic Bytes now goes to 265,000 organic consumers with a thousand new subscribers each week. Please help us and your business by letting our subscribers know who you are and that you support the work of the OCA. Please contact us if you want more information!

 
 
 

empowered by Salsa

Cell Phone Use Affects Brain Glucose Metabolism

Cell Phone Use Affects Brain Glucose Metabolism
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/737860?src=mpnews&spon=18

"Use of a cell phone for as little as 50 minutes at a time appears to affect brain glucose metabolism in the region closest to the phone's antenna, a new study shows."

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Study to Track Gulf Cleanup Workers' Health


"The federal government next week will launch a massive study to see whether workers who helped clean up last year's Gulf of Mexico oil spill are getting sick as a result of those jobs."

UMDNJ researchers discover Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proteins in spinal fluid

UMDNJ researchers discover Chronic Fatigue Syndrome proteins in spinal fluid
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/umdnj_report_identifies_protei.html

"Researchers studying spinal fluid for differences between persistent Lyme disease and chronic fatigue syndrome have begun to unravel a mystery that could eventually lead to treatments for each ailment, a University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey report published today said."

Research breaks Chronic Fatigue stereotypes


"New study found indicators of disease unique to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients"

Microbes Help Children Breathe Easily? Bacteria and Fungi May Offer Protection Against Asthma, Study Suggests

Microbes Help Children Breathe Easily? Bacteria and Fungi May Offer Protection Against Asthma, Study Suggests
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110223170831.htm

"Children who grow up on farms are less likely to suffer from asthma than other rural children."

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Uncovered

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Uncovered
We are a lot of people living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and nobody will silence us!
http://www.thecanaryreport.org/2011/02/24/chemical-sensitivity-uncovered/
 
A collage of pictures of people with MCS.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

City in a Deal for Removing School PCBs

City in a Deal for Removing School PCBs
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703775704576160801982212080.html

"City officials are quietly preparing to accede to federal officials' demands that they replace aging light fixtures at public schools due to health concerns about leaking PCBs."

Cellphone Use Tied to Changes in Brain Activity

Cellphone Use Tied to Changes in Brain Activity
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/cellphone-use-tied-to-changes-in-brain-activity/

"Researchers from the National Institutes of Health have found that less than an hour of cellphone use can speed up brain activity in the area closest to the phone antenna, raising new questions about the health effects of low levels of radiation emitted from cellphones."

New Cell Phone Warning: MedlinePlus Health News Video

New Cell Phone Warning: MedlinePlus Health News Video

European Chemical Ban Will REACH U.S. Building Materials


"In a move sure to shake up the building industry, the European Union announced last week that under the terms of its new chemicals policy known as REACH[ 1], five chemicals used in building materials plus a sixth chemical used in cleaning product fragrances will be banned from use within the next three to five years unless an authorization has been granted to individual companies for their use."
 

Aerotoxic Syndrome: Symptoms, Sources and Effects of Exposure to Contaminated Airplane Cabin Air

Aerotoxic Syndrome: Symptoms, Sources and Effects of Exposure to Contaminated Airplane Cabin Air
http://calorielab.com/news/2011/02/22/aerotoxic-syndrome/

Unseen Enemy: Chemical sensitive people in a toxic world


"Some folks will never be able to greet neighbors on the street by flashing a warm smile.

Their smiles will be hidden behind the respiratory protection, ranging from dust masks to industrial respirators that enable them to leave the relative safety of their environmentally controlled homes. They are the severely chemical-sensitive whom some consider to be canaries in the coalmine of a toxic environment."

Schools seek less toxic ways to battle pests


"Schools in Denver, Boulder and elsewhere are developing new ways to get rid of mice, bugs, weeds besides resorting to potentially toxic chemicals, Education News Colorado reports."

Medication-induced mitochondrial damage and disease

Medication-induced mitochondrial damage and disease
http://psychrights.org/research/Digest/NLPs/DrugsCauseMitochondrialDamage.pdf

John Neustadt and Steve R. Pieczenik.
Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2008, 52, 780 – 788. 
DOI 10.1002/mnfr.200700075

Montana Integrative Medicine, Bozeman, MT, USA

Since the first mitochondrial dysfunction was described in the 1960s, the medicine has advanced in its understanding the role mitochondria play in health and disease. Damage to mitochondria is now understood to play a role in the pathogenesis of a wide range of seemingly unrelated disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disease, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, migraine headaches, strokes, neuropathic pain, Parkinson's disease, ataxia, transient ischemic attack, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetes, hepatitis C, and primary biliary cirrhosis. Medications have now emerged as a major cause of mitochondrial damage, which may explain many adverse effects. All classes of psychotropic drugs have been documented to damage mitochondria, as have stain medications, analgesics such as acetaminophen, and many others. While targeted nutrient therapies using antioxidants or their prescursors (e.g., N-acetylcysteine) hold promise for improving mitochondrial function, there are large gaps in our knowledge. The most rational approach is to understand the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial damage for specific medications and attempt to counteract their deleterious effects with nutritional therapies. This article reviews our basic understanding of how mitochondria function and how medications damage mitochondria to create their occasionally fatal adverse effects.

Former banker's pollution fight a breath of fresh air

Former banker's pollution fight a breath of fresh air
Simon Birkett explains why he gave up a top job at HSBC to campaign for cleaner air in London
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/feb/22/banker-air-pollution-fight

"Simon Birkett is fighting for air – of the clean variety. The 51-year-old former banker has spent the past five years campaigning against poor air quality and what he describes as the "biggest public health failing or cover-ups in modern history"."

Child-Product Makers Seek to Soften New Rules

Child-Product Makers Seek to Soften New Rules
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/business/22consumer.html?_r=1

"Emboldened by a Republican majority in the House of Representatives, manufacturers of toys and other children's products are making a last-ditch effort to quash new safety regulations that they say are unfair or too onerous."

UN Sees Rising Risks From Climate, Toxic Chemicals

UN Sees Rising Risks From Climate, Toxic Chemicals
http://www2.counton2.com/news/2011/feb/21/un-sees-rising-risks-from-climate-toxic-chemicals-ar-1488144/

"Climate change is a major obstacle to a 2004 global treaty aimed at cutting exposure to 21 highly dangerous chemicals, says a new U.N.-commissioned report issued Monday.

The 66-page report says the risks of exposure could increase if more stockpiles and landfills leak due to flooding, or other extreme weather linked to rising temperatures. Chemicals stored in stockpiles or waste dumps to be incinerated or removed later could simply wash away, become more volatile, or escape in the warmer weather through gas emissions, it says."

EPA underreports radiation in America's drinking water

EPA underreports radiation in America's drinking water
http://www.khou.com/news/investigative/116634593.html
 
"Americans remain largely in the dark about their true exposure to a number of radioactive contaminants that could be in their drinking water."

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Awareness Month Illuminates Invisible Disease

[Comment:  It is nice to see that Jody is spreading the word.  There is an error in the article referring to MCS being diagnosed via allergy testing though.  Comments on the article on the site reflect this and hopefully Jody will correct it.]
 
 
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Awareness Month Illuminates Invisible Disease
http://www.empowher.com/wellness/content/multiple-chemical-sensitivity-awareness-month-illuminates-invisible-disease?page=0,0

"Some diseases are so invisible, it can seem like the only people who are aware of them are the people who have them. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) also known as environmental illness, is such an invisible disease."

Gulf veterans plan sickness march

Gulf veterans plan sickness march
http://www.midlothianadvertiser.co.uk/news/gulf_veterans_plan_sickness_march_1_1463915

"Hundreds of sick military veterans will take to the streets of Westminster on February 28 to urge the Government to take action over Gulf War Syndrome (GWS)."

Health study on effects of Gulf oil well blow out about to launch; Chemical Sensitivity Foundation seeks people who have developed MCS

Health study on effects of Gulf oil well blow out about to launch; Chemical Sensitivity Foundation seeks people who have developed MCS
http://www.thecanaryreport.org/2011/02/21/health-study-oil/

"Alison Johnson, chair of the Chemical Sensitivity Foundation, is looking for people in the Gulf of Mexico region who were exposed to oil or dispersant during the BP blow out and have since developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity."

Monday, February 21, 2011

"Chemical body burden" researchers and advocates raise questions about biomonitoring studies and hazards regulations

"Chemical body burden" researchers and advocates raise questions about biomonitoring studies and hazards regulations
http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=chemical-body-burden-researchers-an-2011-02-20

"The catchphrase "chemical body burden," or the presence of hazardous chemicals and their residues in humans, has started to be teased apart by researchers and environmental health advocates in recent years."

Chemicals as an emerging risk factor in developing type-2 diabetes: a short history

Chemicals as an emerging risk factor in developing type-2 diabetes: a short history
http://healthandenvironmentonline.com/2011/02/21/chemicals-and-diabetes-a-short-history/

"… obese persons that do not have elevated POPs are not at elevated risk of diabetes, suggesting that the POPs rather than the obesity per se is responsible for the association."

"Evidence is emerging that persistent organic pollutants, even at background levels in populations, act in conjunction with obesity to cause type-2 diabetes."

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Effects of Cell Phone Radiofrequency Signal Exposure on Brain Glucose Metabolism

Effects of Cell Phone Radiofrequency Signal Exposure on Brain Glucose Metabolism
Volkow, ND et al. JAMA. 2011;305(8):808-814

Context
The dramatic increase in use of cellular telephones has generated concern about possible negative effects of radiofrequency signals delivered to the brain. However, whether acute cell phone exposure affects the human brain is unclear.

Objective
To evaluate if acute cell phone exposure affects brain glucose metabolism, a marker of brain activity.

Design, Setting, and Participants
Randomized crossover study conducted between January 1 and December 31, 2009, at a single US laboratory among 47 healthy participants recruited from the community. Cell phones were placed on the left and right ears and positron emission tomography with (18F)fluorodeoxyglucose injection was used to measure brain glucose metabolism twice, once with the right cell phone activated (sound muted) for 50 minutes ("on" condition) and once with both cell phones deactivated ("off" condition). Statistical parametric mapping was used to compare metabolism between onand off conditions using paired t tests, and Pearson linear correlations were used to verify the association of metabolism and estimated amplitude of radiofrequency-modulated electromagnetic waves emitted by the cell phone. Clusters with at least 1000 voxels (volume 8 cm3) and P .05 (corrected for multiple comparisons) were considered significant. Main Outcome Measure Brain glucose metabolism computed as absolute metabolism (μmol/100 g per minute) and as normalized metabolism (region/whole brain).

Results
Whole-brain metabolism did not differ between on and off conditions. In contrast, metabolism in the region closest to the antenna (orbitofrontal cortex and temporal pole) was significantly higher for on than off conditions (35.7 vs 33.3 μmol/100 g per minute; mean difference, 2.4 [95% confidence interval, 0.67-4.2]; P=.004). The increases were significantly correlated with the estimated electromagnetic field amplitudes both for absolute metabolism (R=0.95, P .001) and normalized metabolism (R=0.89; P .001).

Conclusions
In healthy participants and compared with no exposure, 50-minute cell phone exposure was associated with increased brain glucose metabolism in the region closest to the antenna. This finding is of unknown clinical significance.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Peculiar geese deaths baffle wildlife officials

Peculiar geese deaths baffle wildlife officials
http://beta.toledoblade.com/local/2011/02/18/Peculiar-geese-deaths-baffle-wildlife-officials.html

"Several dozen Canada geese along western Lake Erie's shoreline have recently died or are presumed dead while others have become so sick they cannot hold up their heads, fly, or maintain control of their motor functions."

Common Household Insecticides Linked to Delayed Neurodevelopment

Common Household Insecticides Linked to Delayed Neurodevelopment
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/737598?src=mpnews&spon=12

Effects on IQ Appear to Be Similar to Lead Exposure

"Prenatal exposure to piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a chemical commonly added to pyrethroid insecticides used in the home, can lead to delayed neurodevelopment in children, new research suggests."

Anti- Smart Meter Protesters Greet Obama in Woodside

 
"President Obama visited the Bay Area last night for a meeting with leaders of  the nation's top tech firms at the Woodside home of John Doerr, a venture capitalist with links to Silver Spring Networks, one of the companies behind the 'smart' meter.   The president got a taste of the widening protests against his ill-fated smart grid plans when his motorcade came upon protesters demanding a halt to forced wireless meter installation."

Fencing Out the Smart meters


"Tobie Cecil is the property manager at Marina Meadows Apartments.  He is so against smart meters that he did something drastic. He put up 32 cages over their existing gas and electric meters so that PG&E can't get access to them and switch them out with the new smart meter."

Apple admits toxic chemicals disabled employees of Chinese suppliers

Apple admits toxic chemicals disabled employees of Chinese suppliers
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90882/7291502.html

"Apple iPad and iPhone are hot products in China, but the health of 137 employees of Apple's Chinese suppliers was adversely affected because of exposure to hexane in their working environment, according to a new company report."

EU to ban toxic chemicals in household plastics

 
"The European Union will ban six toxic chemicals within three to five years, three of which are commonly used in plastic household items, the EU Commission said on Thursday."

Doctor: Compact fluorescent bulbs may pose risks to autoimmune disease sufferers


"A West Vancouver doctor says new compact fluorescent bulbs may have "devastating" health implications for people with autoimmune diseases and is urging the federal government to slow down its campaign to eliminate traditional incandescent bulbs.  Family physician Dr. Janis McCaffrey, who suffers from lupus, is concerned about the possible dangers of CFLs for people with lupus or other autoimmune diseases."

CORRECTION: Non-allergic cutaneous reactions in airborne chemical sensitivity - A population based study.

CORRECTION:  Reposting with correct hyperlink.
 
Non-allergic cutaneous reactions in airborne chemical sensitivity - A population based study.

Berg ND, Linneberg A, Thyssen JP, Dirksen A, Elberling J.  Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2011 Feb 14. [Epub ahead of print]

The Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities, Department of Dermato-Allergology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Abstract

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterised by adverse effects due to exposure to low levels of chemical substances. The aetiology is unknown, but chemical related respiratory symptoms have been found associated with positive patch test. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cutaneous reactions from patch testing and self-reported severity of chemical sensitivity to common airborne chemicals. A total of 3460 individuals participating in a general health examination, Health 2006, were patch tested with allergens from the European standard series and screened for chemical sensitivity with a standardised questionnaire dividing the participants into four severity groups of chemical sensitivity. Both allergic and non-allergic cutaneous reactions - defined as irritative, follicular, or doubtful allergic reactions - were analysed in relationship with severity of chemical sensitivity. Associations were controlled for the possible confounding effects of sex, age, asthma, eczema, atopic dermatitis, psychological and social factors, and smoking habits. In unadjusted analyses we found associations between allergic and non-allergic cutaneous reactions on patch testing and the two most severe groups of self-reported sensitivity to airborne chemicals. When adjusting for confounding, associations were weakened, and only non-allergic cutaneous reactions were significantly associated with individuals most severely affected by inhalation of airborne chemicals (odds ratio=2.5, p=0.006). Our results suggest that individuals with self-reported chemical sensitivity show increased non-allergic cutaneous reactions based on day 2 readings of patch tests.
 
PMID: 21324740 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Debating the legitimacy of a contested environmental illness: a case study of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS).

Debating the legitimacy of a contested environmental illness: a case study of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS).
Phillips T.  Sociol Health Illn. 2010 Nov;32(7):1026-40. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9566.2010.01255.x. Epub 2010 Oct 11.
School of Social and Cultural Studies, University of Western Australia, Australia. tarryn@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Abstract

More than 20years after it was first identified, the anomalous condition, multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), remains immersed in controversy, with a continuing debate over its causation being played out in the medico-scientific community and in the courts. This article examines why sceptical and supportive experts disagree over the condition's legitimacy as an organic condition. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in Perth, Western Australia, the author scrutinises the decision-making practices of 16 experts (eight sceptical and eight supportive of a chemical explanation). Both groups were found to use evidence-based, inductive reasoning. However, sceptical experts tended to use a different set of evidence requirements, exhibited more faith in the efficiency of the current biomedical paradigm regarding toxicity and were less likely to acknowledge uncertainty in their field. All the experts recognised a spectrum of beliefs about the causal mechanisms of MCS. However, when they were engaged in litigation as expert witnesses due to their supportive or sceptical tendency, the oppositional legal system polarised their opinions and exacerbated the perceived divide between them. Ultimately, the adversarial medico-legal process inhibits genuine dialogue between some of the key players in the MCS debate, thus impeding understanding and consensus about the condition.
PMID: 21039616 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Non-allergic cutaneous reactions in airborne chemical sensitivity - A population based study.

Non-allergic cutaneous reactions in airborne chemical sensitivity - A population based study.

Berg ND, Linneberg A, Thyssen JP, Dirksen A, Elberling J.  Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2011 Feb 14. [Epub ahead of print]

The Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities, Department of Dermato-Allergology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Abstract

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterised by adverse effects due to exposure to low levels of chemical substances. The aetiology is unknown, but chemical related respiratory symptoms have been found associated with positive patch test. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cutaneous reactions from patch testing and self-reported severity of chemical sensitivity to common airborne chemicals. A total of 3460 individuals participating in a general health examination, Health 2006, were patch tested with allergens from the European standard series and screened for chemical sensitivity with a standardised questionnaire dividing the participants into four severity groups of chemical sensitivity. Both allergic and non-allergic cutaneous reactions - defined as irritative, follicular, or doubtful allergic reactions - were analysed in relationship with severity of chemical sensitivity. Associations were controlled for the possible confounding effects of sex, age, asthma, eczema, atopic dermatitis, psychological and social factors, and smoking habits. In unadjusted analyses we found associations between allergic and non-allergic cutaneous reactions on patch testing and the two most severe groups of self-reported sensitivity to airborne chemicals. When adjusting for confounding, associations were weakened, and only non-allergic cutaneous reactions were significantly associated with individuals most severely affected by inhalation of airborne chemicals (odds ratio=2.5, p=0.006). Our results suggest that individuals with self-reported chemical sensitivity show increased non-allergic cutaneous reactions based on day 2 readings of patch tests.
PMID: 21324740 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

ACTION: Portland Fragrance Ban: Thanking City Officials

Dear Readers and Colleagues,

We spend many long hours working hard to educate others about the toxicity of fragrances and their effect on people.   The City of Portland in Oregon has several chemically sensitive workers and just banned fragrances from Portland city buildings.  This is a wonderful step in the right direction!  As city officials deal with overwhelming response to this new regulation from industry and the public, it is important that we thank them and encourage them. 
 
We are asking that you write a short note of thanks to city officials.  Our city officials are busy, so this note should be short and to the point.  The purpose here is not to vent our frustrations, complain about our health problems, or criticize the new policy shortcomings.  To do any of that would overburden officials and discourage further actions in our favor.  Shortcomings can be addressed later with positive requests for additional policy changes.  This is a great first step, so let's keep notes short and to the point of thanking officials for taking this important step to protect the health of all employees and visitors to city buildings.  Here are guidelines for the note:
 
1.  It should be no longer than two or three sentences.
2.  It should focus on thanking the officials for protecting everyone's health.
3.  It should not go on and on about your medical problems.
4.  It should not criticize the shortcomings of the policy.
 
A sample letter:
 
Dear City Official,

I commend you for the ban on fragranced products within Portland city buildings.
 
Fragrances have become ubiquitous in the environment, yet the ingredients remain undisclosed, unregulated by the FDA and over 80% of them have not been tested for human safety. 
 
While some may find it difficult to switch to fragrance free products, you have taken a step toward reducing asthma, allergies, chemical sensitivity, cancer, heart disease, neurological problems.  In the long run, change is good and you have taken and important first step toward better worker health and higher productivity.
 
Once again, thank you so very much!

Sincerely,
 
Your Name
 
Email Addresses of Portland City Officials
 
Nick Fish, nick@portlandoregon.gov  
Randy Leonard, randy@portlandoregon.gov
Dan Saltzman, dan@portlandoregon.gov
LaVonne griffin-Valade, LaVonne.griffin-Valade@portlandoregon.gov
Stacy Brewster, Stacy.Brewster@portlandoregon.gov

Detail Information on Portland City Officials
 
Sam Adams, Mayor
Commissioner of Finance and Administration
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 340, 97204
Phone: (503) 823-4120
E-mail: Samadams@portlandoregon.gov

Amanda Fritz
Commissioner of Public Utilities, Position Number 1
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 220, 97204
Phone: (503) 823-3008
E-mail: amanda@portlandoregon.gov

Nick Fish
Commissioner of Public Works, Position Number 2
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Ave, Room 240, 97204
(503) 823-3589
e-mail: Nick@portlandoregon.gov

Randy Leonard
Commissioner of Public Safety, Position Number 4
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 210, 97204
Phone: (503) 823-4682
E-mail: randy@portlandoregon.gov
 
Dan Saltzman
Commissioner of Public Affairs, Position Number 3
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 230, 97204
Phone: (503) 823-4151
E-mail: dan@portlandoregon.gov   

LaVonne Griffin-Valade
City Auditor
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 140, 97204
Phone: (503) 823-4078
E-mail: lavonne.griffin-valade@portlandoregon.gov

Share, Care, and Prayer: A message from Patty Mann

SHARE CARE AND PRAYER
 
As many of you know, Janet Dauble, the Founder of Share Care and Prayer, A nonprofit support organization for those with Environmental Illness passed away on January 25, 2011.  A memorial service was conducted on February 12, 2011 in Frazier Park, Caifornia. We will all miss Janet and her kind, compassionate and supportive work with Share Care and Prayer, work that she considered her ministry.
 
Many of you have been asking if  the work of Share Care and Prayer will continue in some form.  
Those of us in the E.I. community hope that this work can be continued.   I have spoken with Carolyn Gorman who has been providing the Share Care and Prayer E.I. answer line for many years.  She has assured me that she will be continuing to do an E.I. answer line, a donation based phone line for those with Environmental Illness who have E.I. Questions. 
Donations for the E.I. answer line will now be going directly to Carolyn at the following address:
Carolyn Gorman,
P.O. Box 868113
Plano, Texas 75086-8113
Carolyn Gorman and The E.I. Answer Line is available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 1pm Central Time,
The Phone Number is (972) 964-8333
Thank you Carolyn for continuing this important work!
 
Carolyn has also stated that she will be creating a Website and will try to continue the Penpal directory and have a newsletter written.  We are hoping that the Lending Library might also continue. We have some ideas for continuing other aspects of this work such as having a Prayer Line, Prayer list or Prayer Chain and Prayer partners. Many ideas are still in the formative stages.  She is looking for people who might like to help.  If you wish to help to continue this valuable work in some way please call Carolyn or email her at: carolyn.gorman@verizon.net (please do not email her unless you wish to help carry forward this work in some way or have an E.I. question, thank you!).  
 
Sincerely,
Patricia Mann RN, MSN
One of the grateful recipients of Share Care and Prayer's Support

Blog Archive