Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Liver-Brain Inflammatory Axis

Liver-Brain Inflammatory Axis

Charlotte D'Mello1 and Mark G. Swain1,*  American Journal of Physiology- Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. 
 
1Snyder Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Liver Unit
* Snyder Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Liver Unit swain@ucalgary.ca
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly evident that peripheral organ centered inflammatory diseases, including chronic inflammatory liver diseases, are associated with changes in central neural transmission that result in alterations in behavior. These behavioral changes include sickness behaviors such as fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances. While such behaviors have a significant impact on patient quality of life, the changes within the brain and the communication pathways between the liver and the brain that give rise to changes in central neural activity are not fully understood. Traditionally, neural and humoral communication pathways have been described, with the three cytokines TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 receiving the most attention in mediating communication between the periphery and the brain, in the setting of peripheral inflammation. However, more recently we have described an immune mediated communication pathway in experimentally induced liver inflammation whereby, in response to activation of resident immune cells in the brain (i.e. the microglia), peripheral circulating monocytes transmigrate into the brain leading to sickness behavior development. These signaling pathways drive changes in behavior by altering central neurotransmitter systems. Specifically, changes in serotonergic and corticotropin releasing hormone neurotransmission have been demonstrated and implicated in liver inflammation associated sickness behaviors. Understanding how the liver communicates with the brain in the setting of chronic inflammatory liver diseases will help to delineate novel therapeutic targets that can reduce the burden of symptoms in patients with liver disease.

Inkling of concern: Chemicals in tattoo inks face scrutiny

Inkling of concern: Chemicals in tattoo inks face scrutiny
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/2011/tattoo-inks-face-scrutiny

"Although sleazy "scratcher shops" with unskilled artists and dubious safety records are becoming a thing of the past, scientists are growing concerned about what's going into tattooed skin, not just how it got there. New research has turned up troubling details about chemicals in tattoo inks, including some endocrine disruptors and toxic metals, and a compound that has been called one of the most potent skin carcinogens. The FDA has launched an investigation into concerns about ink safety. But that doesn't seem to concern tattoo artists or their clients. More than 45 million Americans – including nearly 40 percent of adults in their late 20s – have a tattoo."

Fukushima Schools Unsafe After Clean-Up - Japan Finds Radiation Spread Over a Wide Area

Greenpeace: Fukushima Schools Unsafe After Clean-Up
http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/63102

"Greenpeace said on Monday that schools and surrounding areas located 60 km (38 miles) from Japan's tsunami-hit nuclear power plant were unsafe for children, showing radiation readings as much as 70 times internationally accepted levels."

Japan Finds Radiation Spread Over a Wide Area
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904332804576540131142824362.html

"The first comprehensive soil survey from areas around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant showed extensive ground contamination and another report warned of the continued threat to Japan's food chain, underscoring the major challenges the country still faces in its radioactive cleanup efforts."

Seeing Red


"Controversy smolders over federal use of aerially applied fire retardants"

State scientists ignored in pesticide's approval

State scientists ignored in pesticide's approval
http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/state-scientists-ignored-pesticides-approval-12357

"California's former top pesticide regulatory official dismissed safety guidelines suggested by her own staff scientists on the grounds that they were "excessive" and too onerous for the pesticide manufacturer, recently released internal documents show."

Energy Drinks and Our Kids

Energy Drinks and Our Kids
http://sananselmofairfax.patch.com/articles/energy-drinks-and-our-kids-2

"What the American Association of Pediatrics says about energy drinks."

Louisville police employees sue over work environment

Louisville police employees sue over work environment
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20110830/NEWS01/308300077/Louisville-police-employees-sue-over-work-environment?odyssey=nav|head

"A group of 15 current and former Louisville Metro Police employees have filed a class-action lawsuit against the city and the public housing authority, arguing they were sickened by exposure to toxic levels of mold and other contaminates in a city office building."

Santa Cruz school librarian challenges textbook changes

Santa Cruz school librarian challenges textbook changes
http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/santa-cruz-school-librarian-challenges-textbook-changes-12323

"Furious about the chemical industry's footprint in a state-sponsored environment curriculum, a librarian at Santa Cruz High School has started a petition to have the industry's influence removed."

Flame Retardants Tied to Lower Birth Weights

Flame Retardants Tied to Lower Birth Weights
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_115936.html

"Phased out in 2004, the chemicals remain in older furnishings and household items, study says"

The risk to normal and photosensitive individuals from exposure to light

The risk to normal and photosensitive individuals from exposure to light from compact fluorescent lamps
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0781.2011.00576.x/pdf

Harry Moseley & James Ferguson.  Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & PhotomedicineVolume 27, Issue 3, Article first published online: 3 MAY 2011

Photobiology Unit, Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, UK

Summary

Background/purpose: The incandescent electric light bulb has been in widespread use since the early part of the 20th century. There is now a strong move underway to improve lighting efficiency to cut carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, many countries have introduced legislation to phase out the use of incandescent bulbs, and these are largely being replaced with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The rate at which CFLs are replacing the traditional bulbs has caused alarm among patients with light-sensitive skin disorders as there has been very little informed discussion regarding the safety of these new lamps for this group of patients. The purpose of the present paper is to review the available literature to assess the likely impact of CFLs on the skin of normal and photosensitive individuals.

Methods: All data sources were identified through searches of MEDLINE and a manual literature search.

Results: The spectrum of light emitted by CFLs is different from incandescent light. In particular, some CFLs emit short wavelength UV radiation at 253.7 nm. Most published reports show that the short wavelengths can be eliminated by the use of a double envelope. There are very little data examining directly the risk to photosensitive individuals. In one
study, a patient with chronic actinic dermatitis had a severe erythematous reaction from an exposure of only 2.5 min' duration.

Conclusion: CFLs present a low level of risk to individuals of normal sensitivity but they are potentially harmful to photosensitive patients. We recommend the use of double envelope lamps, and consideration given to the adoption of a 'UV-safe' classification scheme.

Santa Cruz school librarian challenges textbook changes


"Furious about the chemical industry's footprint in a state-sponsored environment curriculum, a librarian at Santa Cruz High School has started a petition to have the industry's influence removed."

Survey from ASEQ-EHAQ

From ASEQ-EHAQ
Dear member,

If you suffer from electromagnetic sensitivity  we invite you to share your story with us. This includes people who may have had this condition in the past.

To raise awareness and work towards improving services across Canada, we are currently conducting a national survey about electromagnetic sensitivity.

A study about the socio-economic impact of this condition has never been done before. All information is strictly confidential.

You can download the survey
HERE.

If you would like more information on this topic or about this study you can visit our website
click here.

If you know of someone who suffers from electromagnetic sensitivity, please tell them about this message. Perhaps you can help them get in touch with us, or print out the questionnaire and deliver it to them.

Thank you in advance,

Management
ASEQ-EHAQ
office@aseq-ehaq.ca
514-683-5701

Monday, August 29, 2011

How to green your child's school


"Sick of school or just a sick school? The Green Mama shows you how you can make a real difference in the health of your child's classroom.  Ideally, every school setting would be green and healthy. After all, your child will spend 1/3 of his or her day there. Studies show that more than half of U.S. schools suffer from problems related to indoor air quality (which is typically more polluted than outdoor air, even in the best situations). Indoor air quality issues can affect teacher retention, student performance, (and ultimately) school funding."

What You Don't Know Can Kill You

[COMMENT:  It's hard to say where this article is going, but it might be good.  You eed a subscription to read the whole thing.]

What You Don't Know Can Kill You
http://discovermagazine.com/2011/jul-aug/11-what-you-dont-know-can-kill-you/article_view?b_start:int=2&-C=

"Humans have a perplexing 
tendency to fear rare threats such as shark attacks while blithely 
ignoring far greater risks like 
unsafe sex and an unhealthy diet. Those illusions are not just 
silly—they make the world a more dangerous place."

EU prepares to re-open REACH 'can of worms'

EU prepares to re-open REACH 'can of worms'
http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-environment/eu-prepares-open-reach-worms-news-507129

"Five years after its adoption, the European Commission is preparing to review the controversial REACH regulation, which for the first time required chemical manufacturers to justify that their products are safe for consumers. It's a potential "can of worms," according to EU officials.

From the moment it was tabled until its eventual adoption in 2006, the REACH regulation gave rise to one of the most epic lobbying battles in the EU's history, pitting green campaigners against the powerful chemicals industry."

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Cerebral Blood Flow Alterations in Pain-Processing Regions of Patients with Fibromyalgia Using Perfusion MR Imaging.

Cerebral Blood Flow Alterations in Pain-Processing Regions of Patients with Fibromyalgia Using Perfusion MR Imaging.
Foerster BR, Petrou M, Harris RE, Barker PB, Hoeffner EG, Clauw DJ, Sundgren PC.
AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2011 Aug 25. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, and Departments of Anesthesiology, Psychiatry, and Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
 
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Widespread pain sensitivity in patients with FM suggests a CNS processing problem. The purpose of this study was to assess alterations in perfusion as measured by DSC in a number of brain regions implicated in pain processing between patients with FM and healthy controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Twenty-one patients with FM and 27 healthy controls underwent conventional MR imaging and DSC. For DSC, 12 regions of interest were placed in brain regions previously implicated in pain processing. rCBF values were calculated for each region of interest. Subjects answered mood/pain coping questionnaires and underwent clinical/experimental pain assessment.

RESULTS:
There were significant correlations between the thalamic rCBF values and the pain-control beliefs of FM subjects. The strength of the relationship between clinical pain measures and thalamic rCBF values increased after adjusting for pain-control beliefs. There was a significantly different distribution pattern of rCBF values across various brain regions between the FM group and the healthy controls. There was a lower degree of correlation in the FM group between the thalamic rCBF values and the other brain regions relative to the healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS:
Significant correlations were found between thalamic rCBF values and pain belief values. These data suggest that there are baseline alterations of brain perfusion in patients with FM. rCBF values of the thalami exhibited lower correlations with respect to other brain regions thought to be involved in pain processing compared with those in healthy controls.

PMID:  21868622  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Johnson & Johnson sued over mouthwash cancer fears

Johnson & Johnson sued over mouthwash cancer fears
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/aug/27/johnson-johnson-sued-mouthwash-cancer-fears

"A company that makes an oral cancer detection kit has launched a $60m lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, claiming that the multinational prevented its product from being sold to protect its own Listerine mouthwash, which, along with other mouth rinses, has been linked to mouth cancer."

The color of controversy

The color of controversy
Link between food dyes, childhood hyperactivity gets renewed attention
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/333204/title/The_color_of_controversy_

When it comes to the safety of dyeing food, the one true shade is gray.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Municipal bylaw to reduce cosmetic/non-essential pesticide use on household lawns - a policy implementation evaluation

Municipal bylaw to reduce cosmetic/non-essential pesticide use on household lawns - a policy implementation evaluation
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/10/1/74/abstract

Donald C Cole, Loren Vanderlinden, Jessica Leah, Rich Whate, Carol Mee, Monica Bienefeld, Susitha Wanigaratne and Monica Campbell.  Environmental Health 2011, 10:74 doi:10.1186/1476-069X-10-74.  Published: 25 August 2011

Abstract (provisional)

Background
Pesticide use on urban lawns and gardens contributes to environmental contamination and human exposure. Municipal policies to restrict use and educate households on viable alternatives deserve study. We describe the development and implementation of a cosmetic/non-essential pesticide bylaw by a municipal health department in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and assess changes in resident practices associated with bylaw implementation.

Methods
Implementation indicators built on a logic model and were elaborated through key informant interviews. Bylaw impacts on awareness and practice changes were documented through telephone surveys administered seasonally pre, during and post implementation (2003-2008). Multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations of demographic variables and gardening season with respondent awareness and practices.

Results
Implementation indicators documented multiple municipal health department activities and public involvement in complaints from commencement of the educational phase. During the enforcement phases only 40 warning letters and 7 convictions were needed. The number of lawn care companies increased. Among survey respondents, awareness of the bylaw and the Natural Lawn campaign reached 69% and 76% respectively by 2008. Substantial decreases in the proportion of households applying pesticides (25 to 11%) or hiring lawn care companies for application (15 to 5%) occurred. Parallel absolute increases in use of natural lawn care methods occurred among households themselves (21%) and companies they contracted (7%).

Conclusions
Bylaws or ordinances implemented through education and enforcement are a viable policy option for reducing urban cosmetic pesticide use.

The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production
.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Impact of Gulf Spill's Underwater Dispersants Is Examined

Impact of Gulf Spill's Underwater Dispersants Is Examined
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/26/impact-of-gulf-spills-underwater-dispersants-is-examined/

"In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, BP sought and obtained permission to use dispersants, detergent-like compounds, to break up the 200 million gallons of Louisiana sweet crude, into tiny droplets that would mix throughout the water column, trying to lessen the immediate impact of the oil slick on fragile coastal ecosystems."

Video: Scented laundry detergents emit toxic chemicals, UW study says

Video: Scented laundry detergents emit toxic chemicals, UW study says
http://thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com/2011/08/video-scented-laundry-detergents-emit.html




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

Hull hospital pioneers Gulf War Syndrome treatment

Hull hospital pioneers Gulf War Syndrome treatment
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-14685953
 
"Researchers at the University of Hull believe they have found a treatment for people with Gulf War Syndrome."

Attack on Fragranced Laundry Products: "Non-Scents"

[Comment:  Looks like the truth about toxic laundry products hit a raw financial industry nerve. Too bad. The truth is the truth and none of the propaganda they spew out about it or the quality of the study is going to change the truth that laundry scents are highly toxic & unregulated.]

Attack on Fragranced Laundry Products: "Non-Scents"
http://www.newswise.com/articles/attack-on-fragranced-laundry-products-non-scents


"Groups representing laundry product and fragrance manufacturers sharply rebutted seriously flawed statements regarding fragrances in laundry products based on a study that fails to meet the basic principles of scientific investigation."

Organic Bytes: Approaching the Collapse and Millions Against Monsanto

 

 SUBSCRIBE & Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage |

Approaching the Collapse and Millions Against Monsanto

#291, August 25, 2011

In this issue:

 
 
 

Essay of the Week

Approaching the Collapse: Don't Panic, Go Organic by Ronnie Cummins

"So-called 'business as usual' is neither sustainable, nor even possible, for much longer. Out-of-control energy corporations, Wall Street, the Pentagon, agribusiness/biotech corporations, and indentured politicians have driven us to the brink. They tell us: don't worry; trust the experts, things will soon return to 'normal.' But reality and common sense tell a different story.

"Extreme weather, crop failures, commodities speculation, land grabs, escalating prices, soil degradation, depleted aquifers, routine contamination, food-related disease, and mass hunger represent the 'new norm' for food and farming. The global agricultural system, with the exception of the rapidly growing organic sector, rests upon a shaky foundation. Patented seeds, genetically engineered crops, expensive and destructive chemical and energy-intensive inputs, factory farms, monoculture production, eroding soils, unsustainable water use, taxpayer subsidies, and long-distance hauling and distribution, including massive imports that amount to 15% of the U.S. food supply amount to a recipe for disaster..."

Read more

 
 
 

Support the OCA

Stop Monsanto and Move the Organic Revolution Forward

For 13 years, OCA has been "growing the revolution" - fighting against genetically engineered foods, preserving strict organic standards, expanding the organic market, and spreading the good news that organic agriculture can sustainably feed the world while reversing global warming. The time is right to step up our efforts and move the Organic Revolution forward, but OCA needs your financial support to do so.

Please donate

 
 
 

Millions Against Monsanto

10/16/11: One Million Take Action Against Monsanto

Help us meet our World Food Day 2011 goals!

- 1,000,000 Petition Signatures
- 435 Local Chapters
- Hundreds of World Food Day Events

This October there are a number of ways, big to small, to help the OCA celebrate World Food Day and take action against the forces that are disrupting and polluting our food system. From hosting a small potluck at your home to organizing a Right2Know Rally, here are some ideas for possible events in your area.


1,000,000 Petition Signatures

When asked, up to 90% of US consumers say they'd like to see labels on genetically engineered food, but the Millions Against Monsanto campaign hasn't reached 1,000,000 supporters yet.

Why? Because only about a quarter of the population is aware that as much as 80% of food sold in grocery stores contains genetically engineered ingredients. We're not going to have labels on genetically engineered food until more people know about it.

This World Food Day, October 16, 2011, you can help spread the word by gathering signatures on the Millions Against Monsanto petition.

If each of our supporters recruited just one more, we could easily jump from 600,000 to 1,000,000 strong.

Take the petition to your farmers market or grocery store and ask folks, "Do you think genetically engineered foods should be labeled?" Nine out of ten people will sign the petition. All we need to do is ask.

Please help us reach our goal of 1,000,000 petition signatures by World Food Day, October 16, 2011.

Sign and distribute the Truth-In-Labeling Petition online
or
Download and print the Truth in Labeling Petition (PDF)


435 Local Chapters

There are very few issues that 9 out of 10 voters can agree on. With 90% support, you would think passing a law to label genetically engineered food would be easy, but it's hard to get politicians to act on a problem that most people don't know exists. We have to organize supporters on a local level to make sure our elected representatives know voters care.

The Millions Against Monsanto campaign now has 435 local chapters, one for each Congressional district. Once those chapters each have 2300 supporters, we'll be 1,000,000 strong against Monsanto.

Please help us reach our goal of 435 local Millions Against Monsanto chapters, with 2300 supporters each, by World Food Day 2011.

Click here to choose your state and join your local Millions Against Monsanto chapter - (Chapters are located at the right hand side of the state pages)

A great World Food Day event can be the inaugural in-person gathering of your local Millions Against Monsanto chapter. Make it an organic/non-GMO potluck or show a film like the Future of Food or the World According to Monsanto to raise consciousness and inspire action. If you have a place to hold the meeting, we can take care of the invites and materials and help you prepare to host.

Contact us about hosting a local Millions Against Monsanto chapter meeting on or before October 16, 2011


More Options for World Food Day

Right2Know Rallies

The President, Congress, the USDA and State Legislatures are blocking the will of 90% of their constituents by refusing to make food companies disclose their use of genetically engineered ingredients.

Rallies for our right to know what's in our food will be held at the White House, state capitols and federal buildings across the country.

Want to stage a Right2Rally know rally where you live? Click here to learn more.


Farm, Restaurant & Market Events

Organic farms, farmers markets, natural food stores, coops and restaurants that sell organic food are our natural allies. In many parts of the country October 16 will be the peak of the harvest season, a perfect time to celebrate and thank the generous earth - and hardworking farmers and farm workers - for making healthy, non-GMO, organic food available to us.

See if you can set up a table at your favorite organic food venue and collect Truth-in-Labeling petitions signatures. The manager might even be willing to take petitions and make them available to all of their customers.

A place where people enjoy organic food is a great place to have an event on World Food Day. Let us know if you'd like to plan a farm, restaurant, or market event on or before October 16, 2011

Film Screenings

The Future of Food

The Future of Food has been a key tool in the American and international anti-GMO grassroots activist movements and played widely in the environmental and activist circuits since its release in 2004. The film is widely acknowledged for its role in educating voters and the subsequent success of passing Measure H in Mendocino County, California, one of the first local initiatives in the country to ban the planting of GMO crops.

The World According to Monsanto

The World According to Monsanto documents the company's controversial past. Monsanto has utilized misleading reports, pressure tactics, collusion and corruption to peddle some of the most toxic products ever sold. Now, they are racing to further genetically engineer (and patent) the world's food supply, which profoundly threatens our health, environment, and economy. Combining secret documents with first-hand accounts by victims, scientists, and politicians, this widely praised film exposes why Monsanto has become the world's poster child for malignant corporate influence in government and technology.

Click here for materials that will help you increase the impact of screening these important films.


GMO Food Dumps

Want to show grocery store chains what you really think about unlabeled genetically engineered foods? Organize a "GMO Food Dump."

Almost all non-organic, multi-ingredient, packaged food sold by major retailers contains unlabeled genetically engineered ingredients. Anything that is derived from non-organic corn, soy, cotton, canola, sugar beets or alfalfa is likely genetically modified.

The worst genetically engineered ingredients are high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oils and milk, eggs and meat from animals raised in factory farms on a diet of GMO grains.

Go into a grocery store, buy a bag full of non-perishable, packaged junk-foods that contain probable GMO ingredients. Then, symbolically "dump" them outside the store. First, display them to the public - this is a great opportunity to show people how to identify genetically engineered foods, read the ingredients that are likely culprits - then, place them in a container marked "biohazard." When the show's over, return them to the store unharmed, letting the manager know that you're returning the items because you believe they contain unlabeled genetically engineered ingredients.

Watch this video for help planning and publicizing a GMO food dump.

 
 
 

Protest at Monsanto Headquarters in St. Louis!

Need inspiration for World Food Day? Check out the action organized by a delegation of the Midwest Rising Convergence at the Monsanto headquarters in St. Louis.

The protestors coordinated a food dump to demonstrate the harmful effects Monsanto's products have on the health and well being of farmers, indigenous peoples in the US and abroad, and on agriculture in general, especially in more impoverished countries. Activists demanded that the corporation label its genetically modified food and stop disrupting indigenous ways of agriculture.

http://vimeo.com/27948303
http://www.youtube.com/user/organicconsumer#p/a/1A8607573EEE38E4/2/mYprzcD3o40

http://www.youtube.com/user/organicconsumer#p/c/1A8607573EEE38E4/3/dCDGtgTSXmI

Monsanto released the following statement in response to the protest:

"We respect each individual's right to express his or her point of view. We understand that topics such as agriculture and its uses - food, feed, clothing and bioenergy - are important to all of us. Our world faces a number of challenges including items directly related to agriculture, such as how do we feed a growing population. We understand that no single company or form of agriculture can address these challenges individually. We embrace all forms of agriculture and the choices of farmers to grow what makes sense to them and the needs of their customers."

 
 
 

Fair World Project Tours: A New Taste of Palestine

February 3th-13th 2012

Please join the Organic Consumers Association's Fair World Project (FWP), Canaan Fair Trade and Run Across Palestine (RAP) to explore the emerging world of Fair Trade in Palestine. FWP's Palestine tour will provide a unique opportunity to learn from Palestinian farmers, workers, and their families. In addition to experiencing the reality of Palestinian farmers and producers, tour participants will share in the richness of Palestine's cultural and religious heritage, visit historic and off-the-beaten-track places, and experience the hospitality of the Palestinian people. The tour will also meet and accompany runners that are participating in the "Run Across Palestine" ultra-marathon event.

Tour Highlights Include Visiting and Experiencing:

Palestinian Fair Trade Association farmers and producers, including olive, tomato and wheat farmers who supply Canaan Fair Trade Canaan Fair Trade's olive oil bottling facility in Jenin East Bani Zayd Organic Olive oil Co-operative Qasaba Market Cultural activities in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jenin, Ramallah and Hebron

For more information, please visit FWP's tour page

 
 
 

Little Bytes

Expanding Deserts, Falling Water Tables and Toxins Driving People from Homes
Read

10 Faux Progressive Companies... with Some Dirty Secrets
Read

Debt Tantrum on a Sinking Ship by Richard Heinberg
Read

Sorry, NY Times: GMOs Still Won't Save the World
Read

Turning Point in DC: Climate Justice Movement Keys off Civil Rights Crusade
Read

 
 
 

Book of the Week

Growing Roots: The New Generation of Sustainable Farmers, Cooks, and Food Activists

The book introduces us to farmers and beekeepers, fishermen and chefs, food activists and cheesemongers, and many, many more. We meet these fascinating young people from all across the nation through first-person profiles, along with brilliant photographs and delicious, simple recipes. They talk about raising grass-fed beef, lamb, and pork; growing vegetables and grains; keeping bees and making cheese; and their restaurants and their markets. Included are filmmakers, writers, and artists who change the way we look at what we eat and where our food comes from. In their profiles we learn how these young people got to where they are today, their backgrounds, their education, and their passionate relationship to food.

Read More

 
 
 

Sponsored Message

Join the OCA-Endorsed National Buying Club for Organic and Non-GMO Foods: The Green Polka Dot Box

OCA is happy to announce the formation of a new national distribution service for home delivery of organic and non-GMO foods, at 30-50% below the cost of retail, with free shipping on orders of $150 or more. The new national distribution club is called the Green Polka Dot Box (GPDB).

Click here

 
 
 

Connect With OCA!

Facebook Pages:

Twitter Feeds:

More:

 
 
 

 

Fresh smell of scented laundry found to contain toxic chemicals

Fresh smell of scented laundry found to contain toxic chemicals
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/310781 
 
"While enjoying the fresh smell of newly washed laundry, it's likely the smell we're enjoying contains toxic chemicals not listed on product labels, with nearly a one in four chance the chemicals are toxic or hazardous, a study on scented products reveals."

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

ICEH Online Calendar

ICEH Online Calendar. These and more upcoming environmental health events, including requests for proposals and abstracts, are listed in a searchable calendar: http://www.healthandenvironment.org/cgi-bin/searchevents.cgi

Scented Laundry Products Emit Hazardous Chemicals Through Dryer Vents

Scented Laundry Products Emit Hazardous Chemicals Through Dryer Vents
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110824091537.htm

"ScienceDaily (Aug. 24, 2011) — The same University of Washington researcher who used chemical sleuthing to deduce what's in fragranced consumer products now has turned her attention to the scented air wafting from household laundry vents.

Findings, published online this week in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health, show that air vented from machines using the top-selling scented liquid laundry detergent and scented dryer sheet contains hazardous chemicals, including two that are classified as carcinogens."

RESEARCH: Scented laundry products emit hazardous chemicals through dryer vents

For Immediate Release
Aug. 24, 2011

Scented laundry products emit hazardous chemicals through dryer vents

The same University of Washington researcher who used chemical sleuthing to deduce what's in fragranced consumer products now has turned her attention to the scented air wafting from household laundry vents.

Findings, published online this week in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health, show that air vented from machines using the top-selling scented liquid laundry detergent and scented dryer sheet contains hazardous chemicals, including two that are classified as carcinogens.

"This is an interesting source of pollution because emissions from dryer vents are essentially unregulated and unmonitored," said lead author Anne Steinemann, a UW professor of civil and environmental engineering and of public affairs. "If they're coming out of a smokestack or tail pipe, they're regulated, but if they're coming out of a dryer vent, they're not."

The research builds on earlier work that looked at what chemicals are released by laundry products, air fresheners, cleaners, lotions and other fragranced consumer products.

Manufacturers are not required to disclose the ingredients used in fragrances, or in laundry
products.

For the new study, which focuses on chemicals emitted through laundry vents, researchers first purchased and pre-rinsed new, organic cotton towels. They asked two homeowners to volunteer their washers and dryers, cleaned the inside of the machines with vinegar, and ran full cycles using only water to eliminate as much residue as possible.

At the first home, they ran a regular laundry cycle and analyzed the vent fumes for three cases: once with no products, once with the leading brand of scented liquid laundry detergent, and finally with both the detergent and a leading brand of scented dryer sheets. A canister placed inside the dryer vent opening captured the exhaust 15 minutes into each drying cycle.

Researchers then repeated the procedure with a different washer and dryer at a second home.
Analysis of the captured gases found more than 25 volatile organic compounds, including seven hazardous air pollutants, coming out of the vents. Of those, two chemicals – acetaldehyde and benzene – are classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as carcinogens, for which
the agency has established no safe exposure level.

"These products can affect not only personal health, but also public and environmental health. The chemicals can go into the air, down the drain and into water bodies," Steinemann said.
The researchers estimate that in the Seattle area, where the study was conducted, acetaldehyde emissions from this brand of laundry detergent would be equivalent to 3 percent of the total acetaldehyde emissions coming from automobiles. Emissions from the top five brands, they estimate, would constitute about 6 percent of automobiles' acetaldehyde emissions.
"We focus a lot of attention on how to reduce emissions of pollutants from automobiles," Steinemann said. "And here's one source of pollutants that could be reduced." The project's website also includes letters from the public reporting health effects from scented consumer products. Steinemann says that people's reports of adverse reactions to fragranced air coming from laundry vents motivated her to conduct this study.

Steinemann recommends using laundry products without any fragrance or scent.
Co-authors are Lisa Gallagher and Amy Davis at the UW, and Ian MacGregor at Battelle
Memorial Institute.

###

For more information, contact Steinemann at acstein@uw.edu. She is best reached via email.
More information about the research, including a copy of the article, is at
http://depts.washington.edu/exposure/


Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans:
Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: Causes mild skin irritation. It can be absorbed through intact skin. Eyes: Causes severe eye irritation. Eye splashes produce painful but superficial corneal injuries which heal rapidly. Inhalation: It causes upper respiratory tract and mucous membrane irritation. It decreases the amount of pulmonary macrophages. It may cause bronchitis. It may cause pulmonary edema, often the cause of delayed death. It may affec respiration (dyspnea) and respiratory arrest and death may occur. It may affect behavior/central nervous and cause central nervous system depression. Irritation usually prevents voluntary exposure to airborne concentrations high enough to cause CNS depression, although this effect has occurred in experimental animals. It may also affect the peripheral nervous system and cardiovascular system (hypotension or hypertension, tachycardia, bradycardia), kidneys (albuminuria) Chronic Potential Health Effects: Skin: Prolonged direct skin contact causes erythema and burns. Repeated exposure may cause dermatitis secondary to primary irritation or sensitization. Ingestion: Symptoms of chronic Acetaldehyde exposure may resemble those of chronic alcoholism. Acetaldehyde is the a metabolite of ethanol in humans and has been implicated as the active agent damaging the liver in ethanol-induced liver disease.



MSDS on Benzene
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927339
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Classified A1 (Confirmed for human.) by ACGIH, 1 (Proven for human.) by IARC. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Classified POSSIBLE for human. Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells. Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast. TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Classified Reproductive system/toxin/female [POSSIBLE]. The substance is toxic to blood, bone marrow, central nervous system (CNS). The substance may be toxic to liver, Urinary System. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

King Corn Takes Root in Hawaii

 
"On a furrowed hillside suspended between alternate takes on paradise, with rugged, green mountains above and the placid waters of Pearl Harbor below, Hawaii's plantation legacy is constantly re-emerging."

Louisiana Paper Mill Spill Causes Massive Fish Kill

Louisiana Paper Mill Spill Causes Massive Fish Kill
http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/63018

"A rotten stench hung over a 60-mile stretch of Louisiana's Pearl River as boats trawled through thick layers of hundreds of thousands of dead fish, and sweating workers bent to scoop the carcasses from the water.

The fish, including federally protected Gulf sturgeon as well as catfish and flounder, died after a paper mill in Bogalusa, Louisiana, released a high concentration of waste material into the river on August 9."

State rule requires chemical-reporting for toys

State rule requires chemical-reporting for toys
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/128212633.html

"Washington state is requiring manufacturers of toys, cosmetics, jewelry and baby products to report when their products contain certain harmful chemicals, under a new law that took effect this week."

Hip Implant Complaints Surge, Even as the Dangers Are Studied


"The federal government has received a surge in complaints in recent months about failed hip replacements, suggesting that serious problems persist with some types of artificial hips even as researchers scramble to evaluate the health dangers."

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Living with uncertainty amid tests for toxic chemicals

Living with uncertainty amid tests for toxic chemicals
A homeowner wants to know if his property is contaminated by dangerous chemicals
http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Living-with-uncertainty-amid-tests-for-toxic-2134333.php

"Don Pier is trying to make sure that when his grandchildren come to play at his house they aren't getting sick."

Increased HDAC in association with decreased plasma cortisol in older adults with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Increased HDAC in association with decreased plasma cortisol in older adults with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Jason L, Sorenson M, Sebally K, Alkazemi D, Lerch A, Porter N, Kubow S.
Brain Behav Immun. 2011 Apr 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
Department of psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, United States.
Abstract
Hypocortisolism is a frequent finding in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with other research findings implying potential dysregulation of glucocorticoid signaling. Glucocorticoid signaling is under the influence of several pathways, several of which are of interest in the study of CFS. Oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity are known to disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (Epel et al., 2004) and the presence of histone deacetylases (HDAC) could also impact glucocorticoid signaling. The intent of this pilot study was to investigate the relationship among oxidative stress elements, select HDAC's (2/3) and glucocorticoid receptor signaling in an elderly sample with CFS. Findings suggest increased histone deacetylase activity, lower total antioxidant power, in the context of decreased plasma cortisol and increased plasma dehydroepiandrosterone concomitant with decreased expression of the encoding gene for the glucocorticoid receptor. These findings support the presence of HPA axis dysregulation in elderly individuals with CFS.

PMID:  21549189  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Antibacterial Chemical Raises Safety Issues

Antibacterial Chemical Raises Safety Issues
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/20/business/triclosan-an-antibacterial-chemical-in-consumer-products-raises-safety-issues.html

"The maker of Dial Complete hand soap says that it kills more germs than any other brand. But is it safe?

That question has federal regulators, consumer advocates and soap manufacturers locked in a battle over the active ingredient in Dial Complete and many other antibacterial soaps, a chemical known as triclosan."

Paper money contains toxic chemical

Paper money contains toxic chemical
http://www.presstv.com/detail/194890.html
 
"Researchers say paper money contains levels of bisphenol A (BPA), a potentially toxic chemical found in some plastics and other consumer products."

WEBINAR: Work Related Asthma in Nurses and Their Co-workers.

WEBINAR:  Work Related Asthma in Nurses and Their Co-workers.

"This program will enable nurses and others to recognize signs and symptoms of work related asthma and other adverse health effects from exposure to chemicals and other products in the healthcare environment as well as to advocate for safer products to protect the health of nurses, other healthcare providers and their patients."

Friday, August 19, 2011

Organic Bytes: Millions Against Monsanto Call to Action: 10/16/11 World Food Day

 

SUBSCRIBE & Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage |

Millions Against Monsanto Call to Action: 10/16/11 World Food Day

#290, August 18, 2011

In this issue:

 
 
 

Essay of the Week

Beyond Frankenfoods and Toxics: OCA's Ten Reasons to Buy Organic By Ronnie Cummins

"Organic foods and products are the fastest growing items in America's grocery carts. Thirty million households, comprising 75 million people, are now buying organic foods, clothing, body care, supplements, pet food, and other products on a regular basis. Fifty-six percent of U.S. consumers say they prefer organic foods.

"Here are 10 reasons why you should buy organic foods and products..."

Read more

 
 
 

 

Millions Against Monsanto Call to Action

This World Food Day, people all around the country are getting out to bring 1,000,000 people into the Millions Against Monsanto campaign for labels on genetically engineered foods.

On October 16, 2011, we'll join together at community gardens, farmers markets, grocery stores, non-GMO potlucks, film screenings and Right2Know rallies to educate our communities about the dangers of Monsanto's seeds and pesticides and to demonstrate how much better organic, GMO-free eating can be.

Choose your state and join local Millions Against Monsanto groups to get involved in planning World Food Day events

Contact Millions Against Monsanto campaign staff to get started with a World Food Day event in your community. Make sure to let us know where you'll be on World Food Day.

We need volunteers willing to host organic, non-GMO potlucks to bring activists together to plan for World Food Day. If you have a venue where you can host a public potluck, please let us know, so we can invite Organic Consumers Association activists in your area and get you the resources you need to make your World Food Day planning potluck a success.

More information on World Food Day

RSVP for World Food Day on Facebook

 
 
 

Support the OCA

Stop Monsanto and Move the Organic Revolution Forward

For 13 years, OCA has been "growing the revolution" - fighting against genetically engineered foods, preserving strict organic standards, expanding the organic market, and spreading the good news that organic agriculture can sustainably feed the world while reversing global warming. The time is right to step up our efforts and move the Organic Revolution forward, but OCA needs your financial support to do so.

Please donate

 
 
 

Little Bytes

Roundup Herbicide Research Shows Plant, Soil Problems
Read

As the System Collapses: Salvaging Health
Read

Dmitry Orlov Finds the US Less Ready for Hard Times than Russia
Read

Food Companies Lobby Hard to Lower Healthy Standards for Kids
Read

A Watershed Moment for Obama on Climate Change by Bill McKibben
Read

 
 
 

Sponsored Message

Join the OCA-Endorsed National Buying Club for Organic and Non-GMO Foods: The Green Polka Dot Box

OCA is happy to announce the formation of a new national distribution service for home delivery of organic and non-GMO foods, at 30-50% below the cost of retail, with free shipping on orders of $150 or more. The new national distribution club is called the Green Polka Dot Box (GPDB).

Click here

 
 
 

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