Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Suspected New Species of Chronic Roundworm Parasite, Cryptostrongylus pulmoni, Associated with CFS in Blinded Trials

Suspected New Species of Chronic Roundworm Parasite, Cryptostrongylus pulmoni, Associated with CFS in Blinded Trials
http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/diffdx/klapow.html

Lawrence A. Klapow PhD, Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 1999 5(3/4): 247-248

OBJECTIVES: 1) Describe the roundworm and how to find it. 2) Determine its occurrence in CFS and non-CFS controls in blinded trials.
METHODS: Coded three-day sputum collections, preserved in 50 % ethanol, from 24 patients and 16 controls were examined microscopically. Patients were drawn from the CFS clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital (Harvard Medical School), and from three primary care practices. Identification required screening of numerous candidate specimens, clearing in glycerin, 1200X magnification (a 12X video mounted to the 10X ocular of a microscope set at the 10X objective), and the use of two polarizers (one in the light source the other in the image path over the ocular lens). Careful examination of photo-micrographs of both sides of the specimens, at multiple focal-depths, was required for reliable identification. Male reproductive organs (item 5-9 below), and female mouth parts (3,4,5,and 9-11), proved most useful for identification.
MALE (200 to 350 microns long): 1. Red in formalin, colorless in ethanol. 2. Nerve ring is visible in most glycerin cleared specimens surrounding a bulbless esophagus, using polarize/analyzed light. 3. A cervical flange, an exterior membrane, winds around the anterior (lost or fragmented in most specimens). 4. A pair of lateral ridges with triangulate crests extends the length of the body. 5. Spicules are very large (visible anatomy, other than terminal bifurcation, is indistinct). 6. Dorsal genital structures consist of a pair of projections spanned by a membrane, resembling a sail. 7. Ventral genital structures consist of a pair of long pointed projections, twisted like a corkscrew at their distal termini. 8. The dorsal lobe of the copulatory bursa is very large, supported by a bifurcated Ray 8, giving rise to four long raylettes. 9. Lateral lobes of the bursa are symmetrical: Ray 7 is very short and indistinct; Ray 6 is long and twists under the edge of the membrane, emerging beyond the border as a distinct point; Ray 5 is short and sigmoid; Ray 4 is long, straight, and robust, with its tip much closer to ray 3 than to ray 5; Rays 3 and 2 are long, straight, slender, and closely spaced.
FEMALE (550 to 950 microns long): 1. Only the front half is usually recovered (275 to 475 microns). 2. Vulva is mid-body. 3. Bulbless esophagus. 4. Nerve ring is visible in most glycerin cleared, specimens under polarized/analyzed lighting. 5. A cervical flange, an exterior membrane, winds around the anterior and is usually fragmented or absent in recovered specimens. 6. Cephalic vesicle is absent. 7. Oblique cuticle ridges forming chevrons are minimal, faint, and rarely seen in a few specimens. 8. Caudal area has paired papillae, and terminal cones. 9. Buccal capsule is asymmetrical. 10. Single amphid gland tubule. 11. The mouth has six prehensile lips. Numbered in a clockwise direction: lips 1 and 2 are short, followed by 3 which is long, followed by the amphid tubule, the asymmetrical buccal capsule, and three long lips, 4,5 and 6. 12. Cuticle striations are visible with a polarized light source and eyepiece optical analyzer.
RESULTS: Decayed specimens of C. pulmoni were found in 50 percent of three-day sputum samples from CFS patients (12 in 24), but not in 16 controls (chi-square association, P<0.003). The infection rate, corrected for test sensitivity, is conservatively estimated at 66 percent (95% CL, > 44% to > 84%). Two positive patients re-tested two years later were both still positive. Late larval stages were also found in sputum. Approximately 50 to 100 hours were needed to isolate and identify each specimen.
CONCLUSION: Cryptostrongylus pulmoni infects a large percentage of CFS patients, estimated at 66 percent in the current study, and is significantly associated with the syndrome (chi-square P<0.003) in blinded analyses. It appears to have chronic properties. Microscopic identification is difficult and time consuming due to the decayed state of most specimens, their small size, and extreme rarity.

North Carolina community's water contaminated with toxic chemicals for six years . and no one told them

North Carolina community's water contaminated with toxic chemicals for six years … and no one told them 
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2224787/North-Carolina-communitys-water-contaminated-toxic-chemicals-years--told-them.html

"The town of Wake Forest, North Carolina is in an uproar after learning the state officials knew their water was contaminated with toxic, cancer-causing chemicals and waited more than six years to tell them."

Monday, October 29, 2012

Impact of one's own mobile phone in stand-by mode on personal radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure.

Impact of one's own mobile phone in stand-by mode on personal radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=23093102
 
Urbinello D, Röösli M.
J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2012 Oct 24. doi: 10.1038/jes.2012.97. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
1] Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland [2] University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract
When moving around, mobile phones in stand-by mode periodically send data about their positions. The aim of this paper is to evaluate how personal radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) measurements are affected by such location updates. Exposure from a mobile phone handset (uplink) was measured during commuting by using a randomized cross-over study with three different scenarios: disabled mobile phone (reference), an activated dual-band phone and a quad-band phone. In the reference scenario, uplink exposure was highest during train rides (1.19 mW/m(2)) and lowest during car rides in rural areas (0.001 mW/m(2)). In public transports, the impact of one's own mobile phone on personal RF-EMF measurements was not observable because of high background uplink radiation from other people's mobile phone. In a car, uplink exposure with an activated phone was orders of magnitude higher compared with the reference scenario. This study demonstrates that personal RF-EMF exposure is affected by one's own mobile phone in stand-by mode because of its regular location update. Further dosimetric studies should quantify the contribution of location updates to the total RF-EMF exposure in order to clarify whether the duration of mobile phone use, the most common exposure surrogate in the epidemiological RF-EMF research, is actually an adequate exposure proxy.Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology advance online publication, 24 October 2012; doi:10.1038/jes.2012.97.
PMID: 23093102 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Secondhand Exposure to Cell Phone Radiation: An Emerging Public Health Problem?

Secondhand Exposure to Cell Phone Radiation: An Emerging Public Health Problem?
http://www.prlog.org/12010018-secondhand-exposure-to-cell-phone-radiation-an-emerging-public-health-problem.html

"Exposure to other people's cell phone radiation on buses and trains can be considerable according to a newly published study."

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Keeping sick buildings from making children sick

Keeping sick buildings from making children sick
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20121025/NEWS01/310250001?nclick_check=1

"Reginald Liddell's asthma, otherwise easily controlled by an inhaler, had gotten the best of him.
His family had moved to a building at Reading Road and Blair Avenue – into an apartment creeping with mold and crawling with roaches – and Reginald got so sick that he missed school and spent the night at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.  "It was bad," said Reginald, now 10. "I had to go to the hospital a lot."  An article published online this week by the journal Pediatrics shows how the medical-legal partnership based at two Cincinnati Children's clinics improved housing conditions for low-income children – including Reginald and his brother Jaylijah, 8 – diagnosed with asthma, developmental delay or behavioral disorder and elevated lead level."

Organic Foods: Health and Environmental Advantages and Disadvantages

Organic Foods: Health and Environmental Advantages and Disadvantages
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/10/15/peds.2012-2579.abstract

Joel Forman, Janet Silverstein, Committee on Nutrition and Council on Environmental Health.  Pediatrics; originally published online October 22, 2012; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-2579

"The US market for organic foods has grown from $3.5 billion in 1996 to $28.6 billion in 2010, according to the Organic Trade Association. Organic products are now sold in specialty stores and conventional supermarkets. Organic products contain numerous marketing claims and terms, only some of which are standardized and regulated.

In terms of health advantages, organic diets have been convincingly demonstrated to expose consumers to fewer pesticides associated with human disease. Organic farming has been demonstrated to have less environmental impact than conventional approaches. However, current evidence does not support any meaningful nutritional benefits or deficits from eating organic compared with conventionally grown foods, and there are no well-powered human studies that directly demonstrate health benefits or disease protection as a result of consuming an organic diet. Studies also have not demonstrated any detrimental or disease-promoting effects from an organic diet. Although organic foods regularly command a significant price premium, well-designed farming studies demonstrate that costs can be competitive and yields comparable to those of conventional farming techniques. Pediatricians should incorporate this evidence when discussing the health and environmental impact of organic foods and organic farming while continuing to encourage all patients and their families to attain optimal nutrition and dietary variety consistent with the US Department of Agriculture's MyPlate recommendations.

This clinical report reviews the health and environmental issues related to organic food production and consumption. It defines the term "organic," reviews organic food-labeling standards, describes organic and conventional farming practices, and explores the cost and environmental implications of organic production techniques. It examines the evidence available on nutritional quality and production contaminants in conventionally produced and organic foods. Finally, this report provides guidance for pediatricians to assist them in advising their patients regarding organic and conventionally produced food choices."

Full Text PDF:  http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/10/15/peds.2012-2579.full.pdf+html

In Utero Pesticide Exposure and Leukemia in Brazilian Children < 2 Years of Age

In Utero Pesticide Exposure and Leukemia in Brazilian Children < 2 Years of Age
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/2012/10/in-utero-pesticide-exposure-and-leukemia-in-brazilian-children-2-years-of-age/

Ferreira JD, Couto AC, Pombo-de-Oliveira MS, Koifman S, and the Brazilian Collaborative Study Group of Infant Acute Leukemia. In Utero Pesticide Exposure and Leukemia in Brazilian Children < 2 Years of Age Environ Health Perspect (): .doi:10.1289/ehp.1103942

Abstract

Background: An association between pesticides exposure and cancer has been suggested. Infant leukemia is a rare neoplasm and its association with maternal pesticide exposure has been poorly explored.
Objectives: To investigate the association between pesticide exposure during pregnancy and leukemia in children < 2 years of age.
Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was carried out in 15 Brazilian hospitals in 1999-2007. Mothers of 252 cases and those of 423 controls were interviewed. Information on pesticide exposures 3 months before pregnancy, throughout pregnancy, and during breastfeeding was obtained. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (adj. ORs) for associations between pesticide exposures and leukemia.
Results: Associations with ever use of pesticides during pregnancy were observed for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ALL (adj. OR 2.10; 95% CI: 1.14, 3.86) and acute myeloid leukemia, AML (adj. OR 5.01; 95% CI: 1.97, 12.7) in children age 0–11 months, and with ALL (adj. OR 1.88; 95% CI: 1.05, 5.23) at age 12-23 months. According to reported maternal exposure to permethrin, higher risk estimates were verified for children 0-11 months, adj. OR 2.47; 95% CI: 1.17, 5.25 for ALL, and adj. OR 7.28; 95% CI: 2.60, 20.38 for AML. Maternal pesticide exposure related to agricultural activities showed an adj. OR 5.25; 95% CI: 1.83, 15.08 for ALL, and an adj. OR 7.56; 95% CI: 1.83, 31.23 for AML.
Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that pesticide exposure during pregnancy may be involved in the etiology of acute leukemia in children younger than age 2 years.

Docs Say Choose Organic Food To Reduce Kids' Exposure To Pesticides

Docs Say Choose Organic Food To Reduce Kids' Exposure To Pesticides
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/10/22/163407880/docs-say-choose-organic-food-to-reduce-kids-exposure-to-pesticides?ft=1&f=1053

"For the first time, the nation's pediatricians are wading into the controversy over whether organic food is better for you – and they're coming down on the side of parents who say it is, at least in part.
It's worth buying organic to avoid pesticide residues, at least in some foods, says the American Academy of Pediatrics in a report released today. Contrary to what the Stanford University study on organics a few weeks back suggested, the pediatricians say when it comes to feeding kids, relying on federal standards for pesticide residue isn't good enough.
The pediatricians are worried because babies of female farm workers in California showed small but significant developmental and motor delays when their mothers were exposed to pesticides at levels similar to those deemed acceptable in conventionally grown produce while pregnant."

Toxicology: The learning curve

"Researchers say that some chemicals have unexpected and potent effects at very low doses — but regulators aren't convinced."

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Breast cancer rate alarms SFFD female firefighters

Breast cancer rate alarms SFFD female firefighters
 
"For four grueling months last year, San Francisco firefighter Denise Elarms underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer, an experience she could only compare to one thing.

"I've never been to hell," Elarms said, "but I can't imagine it's any worse than chemotherapy."

The chemo eventually cleared traces of her cancer, but the 53-year-old underwent a mastectomy and now suffers from neuropathy, a nerve ailment that causes extremities to lose sensation and function. While her doctors didn't indicate what might have caused her cancer, the 10-year Fire Department veteran has her own suspicions.

"We work around a lot of stuff we shouldn't be around," Elarms said.

According to a recent department study, 10 out of 117 female San Francisco firefighters between the ages of 40 and 50 said they had contracted breast cancer, and one has died. At 8.5 percent, the breast cancer rate among female firefighters here is nearly six times the national average for women in that age bracket.

Pinpointing the exact cause of any cancer cluster is difficult, but firefighters' exposure to harmful chemicals is a major factor, said Tony Stefani, a retired Fire Department captain who founded the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation."

TSA Removes X-Ray Body Scanners From Major Airports

TSA Removes X-Ray Body Scanners From Major Airports
http://www.propublica.org/article/tsa-removes-x-ray-body-scanners-from-major-airports

"The Transportation Security Administration has been quietly removing its X-ray body scanners from major airports over the last few weeks and replacing them with machines that radiation experts believe are safer.
The TSA says it made the decision not because of safety concerns but to speed up checkpoints at busier airports. It means, though, that far fewer passengers will be exposed to radiation because the X-ray scanners are being moved to smaller airports.
The backscatters, as the X-ray scanners are known, were swapped out at Boston Logan International Airport in early October. Similar replacements have occurred at Los Angeles International Airport, Chicago O'Hare, Orlando and John F. Kennedy in New York, the TSA confirmed Thursday."
 
Note:  They did not eliminate them.  They just relocated them to smaller airports. 

Italy court ruling links mobile phone use to tumor

Italy court ruling links mobile phone use to tumor
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/19/us-italy-phones-idUSBRE89I0V320121019
 
"(Reuters) - Italy's supreme court has upheld a ruling that said there was a link between a business executive's brain tumor and his heavy mobile phone usage, potentially opening the door to further legal claims."

Plasma nitrite levels, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index in patients with tension-type headache and fibromyalgia.

Plasma nitrite levels, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index in patients with tension-type headache and fibromyalgia.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23063508
 
Neyal M, Yimenicioglu F, Aydeniz A, Taskin A, Saglam S, Cekmen M, Neyal A, Gursoy S, Erel O, Balat A.
Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2012 Oct 11. pii: S0303-8467(12)00453-2. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2012.08.028. [Epub ahead of print]
Source
Gaziantep University Medical School, Neurology Department, Gaziantep, Turkey. Electronic address: aneyal@gmail.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
Tension-type headache (TTH) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) are worldwide seen chronic pain syndromes of unknown etiology. Despite the growing body of data on pathophysiology and generation mechanisms of pain; our knowledge on pain mechanisms in both FM and TTH is yet to be limited.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
We investigated the plasma nitrite levels, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in 35 TTH, 33 FM patients and 31 healthy controls.
RESULTS:
The mean plasma nitrite levels and TAS levels were significantly low and OSI was found to be significantly high in TTH and FM groups compared to the control group (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). The mean serum TOS levels were also significantly higher in FM group according to the control group (p=0.034), but there was not a significant difference between TTH and control groups (p=0.066).
CONCLUSION:
These results indicated that; FM and TTH patients revealed higher oxidative stress index and lower total nitrite levels than healthy controls. We conclude that oxidative stress may have a role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of TTH and FM, although, whether it is the cause or the consequence, is not clear.
PMID: 23063508 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

How does long term exposure to base stations and mobile phones affect human hormone profiles?

How does long term exposure to base stations and mobile phones affect human hormone profiles?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22138021
 
Eskander EF, Estefan SF, Abd-Rabou AA.
Clin Biochem. 2012 Jan;45(1-2):157-61. Epub 2011 Nov 27.

Source
Hormones Department, Medical Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt. gysi_pharma@yahoo.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
This study is concerned with assessing the role of exposure to radio frequency radiation (RFR) emitted either from mobiles or base stations and its relations with human's hormone profiles.
DESIGN AND METHODS:
All volunteers' samples were collected for hormonal analysis.
RESULTS:
This study showed significant decrease in volunteers' ACTH, cortisol, thyroid hormones, prolactin for young females, and testosterone levels.
CONCLUSION:
The present study revealed that high RFR effects on pituitary-adrenal axis.
PMID: 22138021 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

How does long term exposure to base stations and mobile phones affect human hormone profiles?

How does long term exposure to base stations and mobile phones affect human hormone profiles?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22138021

Eskander EF, Estefan SF, Abd-Rabou AA.
Clin Biochem. 2012 Jan;45(1-2):157-61. Epub 2011 Nov 27.

Source
Hormones Department, Medical Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt. gysi_pharma@yahoo.com

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
This study is concerned with assessing the role of exposure to radio frequency radiation (RFR) emitted either from mobiles or base stations and its relations with human's hormone profiles.

DESIGN AND METHODS:
All volunteers' samples were collected for hormonal analysis.

RESULTS:
This study showed significant decrease in volunteers' ACTH, cortisol, thyroid hormones, prolactin for young females, and testosterone levels.

CONCLUSION:
The present study revealed that high RFR effects on pituitary-adrenal axis.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Mobile phones can cause brain tumours, court rules.

"A landmark court case has ruled there is a link between using a mobile phone and brain tumours, paving the way for a flood of legal actions."

DEET identified as killer

DEET identified as killer
http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2012/10/deet-identified-as-killer/

"KRABI, 19 October 2012: Krabi police confirmed DEET, a neurotoxic mosquito repellent, caused the deaths of Canadian sisters, Audrey and Noemi Belanger.  Krabi Police Lieutenant, Vitsawa Saneha, who was the case investigation head told TTR Weekly that according to an official autopsy, late last month, the chemical DEET was responsible for the deaths of the sisters.  "The autopsy indicated there were traces of DEET in their bodies and it was the cause of death.""

The use of household cleaning products during pregnancy and lower respiratory tract infections and wheezing during early life.

The use of household cleaning products during pregnancy and lower respiratory tract infections and wheezing during early life.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23064260
 
Casas L, Zock JP, Carsin AE, Fernandez-Somoano A, Esplugues A, Santa-Marina L, Tardón A, Ballester F, Basterrechea M, Sunyer J.  Int J Public Health. 2012 Oct 11. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain, lcasas@creal.cat.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effects of household use of cleaning products during pregnancy on infant wheezing and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI).
METHODS:
In four prospective Spanish birth cohorts (n = 2,292), pregnant women reported the use of household cleaning products. When infants were 12-18 months old, current cleaning product use and infant's wheezing and LRTI were reported. Cohort-specific associations between the use of specific products and respiratory outcomes were evaluated using multivariable regression analyses and estimates were combined using random-effects meta-analyses.
RESULTS:
The period prevalence of LRTI was higher when sprays (combined odds ratio (OR) = 1.29; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.59) or air fresheners (OR = 1.29; CI 1.03-1.63) were used during pregnancy. The odds of wheezing increased with spray (OR = 1.37; CI 1.10-1.69) and solvent (OR = 1.30; CI 1.03-1.62) use. The associations between spray and air freshener use during pregnancy and both outcomes remained apparent when these products were not used after pregnancy. Nevertheless, the estimates were higher when post-natal exposure was included.
CONCLUSION:
The use of cleaning sprays, air fresheners and solvents during pregnancy may increase the risk of wheezing and infections in the offspring.
PMID: 23064260 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Anaphylactic Reaction to Latex in a Health Care Worker: Case Report.

Anaphylactic Reaction to Latex in a Health Care Worker: Case Report.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23069310

Zahariev Vukšinić K, Knežević B, Bogadi-Šare A, Bubaš M, Krišto D, Pejnović N.
Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2012 OKTOBER;20(3):207-209.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Latex is a stretchy material used in hundreds of items that come in direct contact with the body. Condoms, bras, surgical gloves, toys and radial tire dust particles are some of the most common places where latex is found. Because latex is used in so many products today, there are increasing reports of latex sensitivity (1,2). Allergy to latex comes in two different forms. One form is called "delayed hypersensitivity" (type IV allergic reaction), which is usually seen as a skin rash at the site where the latex product contacts the skin. This rash can be quite severe. A more dangerous form of latex allergy is "immediate reaction" (type I allergic reaction) to latex. It is also related to rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, angioedema and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can result in a seriously low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, and even death. Continued exposure puts individuals with type IV allergy at a risk of developing the antibodies that trigger type I latex allergy (2). Natural rubber latex allergy affects people who are frequently exposed to products made of natural rubber latex in occupational and everyday settings (3-5). The prevalence of latex sensitization in general population ranges between 5% and 10%. According to Ruëff et al. (6), positive skin tests to latex were noted in 9.5% of 325 adult hospital inpatients waiting for surgical or urological procedures. Ownby et al. (7) found elevated levels of latex specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in 6.5% of 1000 volunteer blood donors. Allergy to natural rubber latex is an important cause of occupational allergy in health care workers (8-12). Frequent hand washing and disinfection are inevitable strain on the skin. Since the infections associated with health care represent a major problem worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued Guidelines for Hand Hygiene in Health Care Institutions (13). In Croatia, the national guidelines for hand hygiene have been developed on the basis of these WHO guidelines (14). They describe in detail the techniques of hand hygiene. All these guidelines need to be followed, and applying the hand hygiene principles, health care workers damage the protective layer of their skin (15). Powder in gloves is also a potential irritant. Research has shown that the powder in gloves causes irritant dermatitis. Through damaged skin, allergens can enter and cause allergic clinical picture (16-17). This is also the reason why health care workers are at a higher risk to get latex allergy than general population. Many studies demonstrated an increased prevalence of latex sensitization in health care workers, which ranged from 9% to 12% (1,10,18,19). Data from the Register of Occupational Diseases of the Croatian Institute for Health and Safety at Work show that skin diseases accounted for 2.6% to 8% of the total number of recognized occupational diseases in the 2008-2011 period. In this period, only one case of allergic contact dermatitis to latex was recognized. The patient was working as a nurse and she got nearly fatal allergy to latex (20).
 
CASE REPORT A 51-year-old patient had worked as a nurse for 31 years. At her workplace as obstetrics head nurse, she was in contact with various biological and chemical hazards. Therefore, she mostly used latex gloves. First skin manifestations occurred five years before and were described as possible contact dermatitis. Dermatitis disappeared after local therapy with corticosteroid creams. At that time, allergy tests were not performed. After a short sick leave, she returned to work at the same workplace. In the next four years, she frequently had health problems with skin on both hands but she did not visit a dermatologist. Then she went to the gynecologist for gynecological examination. During the examination by the physician using latex gloves, she suffered anaphylactic reaction to latex. The physician gave her intravenously chloropyramine chloride (Synopen) and soon she felt better. After that incident, she underwent complete diagnostic work-up. Positive patch test reaction to thimerosal after 72 hours and positive prick test reaction to latex were found. Based on the positive workplace exposure and diagnostic tests that showed an allergy to latex, occupational disease was recognized. The patient is now on sick leave and she is waiting for retirement decision.
 
DISCUSSION A case of a 51-year-old nurse with latex-induced anaphylaxis is presented. She was wearing latex gloves daily at work and washed her hands with disinfectants. She had skin health problems for already five years, but medical examinations that could detect the cause of health problems were not undertaken, so she continued working at the same workplace for years. Because of everyday contact with latex, she finally got an anaphylactic reaction to latex. This case points out several problems. One problem indeed seems to be that health care workers, fearing for the loss of their jobs, tend not to report skin problems associated with wearing latex gloves, and just put up with it. Another problem is insufficient awareness of the risk of latex allergy, which leads them to ignore skin symptoms and avoid seeking medical help. Clearly, this is hazardous in several ways. A failure to recognize the problem may lead to hypersensitivity worsening and failure to prevent life-threatening anaphylaxis. These problems seem to be the main reason why latex allergy in health care workers is unrecognized as occupational disease. The presentation of this case is important to encourage timely diagnosis of occupational skin diseases and to launch further preventive initiatives to avoid serious consequences such as anaphylactic reaction. To prevent latex allergy in health care workers and occupational skin diseases in general, it is necessary to implement preventive measures, including vocational counseling, education and information, and to raise awareness. Vocational counseling is the first column of prevention. Occupational health physician should steer atopic individuals (persons with a tendency to have multiple allergic conditions such as urticaria, asthma, allergic rhinitis) in occupations that would not cause deterioration in their health status. Second column in the prevention is education and information. Health care workers should be educated to protect themselves from latex exposure and allergy at the workplace. They should use non-latex gloves, reduced-powder or powder-free gloves, use appropriate work practices to reduce the chance of contact with and reaction to latex. Limitation of latex use needs to be considered as a long term strategy for solving latex allergies among health care workers since it is known that the first symptoms of latex allergy can occur already after five years of exposure (2,21). Latex allergy awareness can be established through a uniform education program involving information aids such as brochures and videos. A questionnaire that would determine their personal risk of latex allergy could also be useful. After education, they could be able to recognize allergic symptoms. They also should be educated about proper skin care outside the workplace. At the end, health care workers should be encouraged to report every symptom of possible latex allergy (12).
 
CONCLUSION Education regarding correct glove selection, awareness of latex allergy and available alternatives is essential. All preventive actions should reduce the risk of health care workers developing latex allergy and ensuring safe employment of those who become affected. All this should contribute to preventing or at least reducing the life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to latex among this population of workers.

PMID:  23069310  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Response to valganciclovir in chronic fatigue syndrome patients with human herpesvirus 6 and Epstein-Barr virus IgG antibody titers.

Response to valganciclovir in chronic fatigue syndrome patients with human herpesvirus 6 and Epstein-Barr virus IgG antibody titers.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23080504

Watt T, Oberfoell S, Balise R, Lunn MR, Kar AK, Merrihew L, Bhangoo MS, Montoya JG.
J Med Virol. 2012 Dec;84(12):1967-74. doi: 10.1002/jmv.23411.
Source
Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California.

Abstract
Valganciclovir has been reported to improve physical and cognitive symptoms in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with elevated human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) IgG antibody titers. This study investigated whether antibody titers against HHV-6 and EBV were associated with clinical response to valganciclovir in a subset of CFS patients. An uncontrolled, unblinded retrospective chart review was performed on 61 CFS patients treated with 900 mg valganciclovir daily (55 of whom took an induction dose of 1,800 mg daily for the first 3 weeks). Antibody titers were considered high if HHV-6 IgG ≥1:320, EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG ≥1:640, and EBV early antigen (EA) IgG ≥1:160. Patients self-rated physical and cognitive functioning as a percentage of their functioning prior to illness. Patients were categorized as responders if they experienced at least 30% improvement in physical and/or cognitive functioning. Thirty-two patients (52%) were categorized as responders. Among these, 19 patients (59%) responded physically and 26 patients (81%) responded cognitively. Baseline antibody titers showed no significant association with response. After treatment, the average change in physical and cognitive functioning levels for all patients was +19% and +23%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Longer treatment was associated with improved response (P = 0.0002). No significant difference was found between responders and non-responders among other variables analyzed. Valganciclovir treatment, independent of the baseline antibody titers, was associated with self-rated improvement in physical and cognitive functioning for CFS patients who had positive HHV-6 and/or EBV serologies. Longer valganciclovir treatment correlated with an improved response.
 
PMID: 23080504 [PubMed - in process]

Medical director hired for B.C. clinic for those with complex, chronic conditions

Medical director hired for B.C. clinic for those with complex, chronic conditions
http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Medical+director+hired+clinic+those+with+complex+chronic+conditions/6919354/story.html

"B.C.'s first clinic for those with complex, chronic conditions like Lyme disease and chronic fatigue syndrome is finally inching toward reality, now that a medical director from Toronto has been hired."

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Guide for Victorian hospitals. Authorized by State Government of Victoria, Australia.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Caffeine may block inflammation linked to mild cognitive impairment

Caffeine may block inflammation linked to mild cognitive impairment
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-10/uoic-cmb100812.php

"URBANA – Recent studies have linked caffeine consumption to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, and a new University of Illinois study may be able to explain how this happens.

"We have discovered a novel signal that activates the brain-based inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and caffeine appears to block its activity. This discovery may eventually lead to drugs that could reverse or inhibit mild cognitive impairment," said Gregory Freund, a professor in the U of I's College of Medicine and a member of the U of I's Division of Nutritional Sciences."

Airline pilot has nowhere to escape from wireless radiation

 
"Lou Veseley/For the Toronto Star Commercial pilot Melissa Rama suffers from sensitivity to electromagnetic waves that come off communication towers. With the number of towers popping up across the country people like Rama could have no place to live.

Professional pilot Melissa Rama has moved twice in 10 months to escape wireless radiation and worries she's running out of places to hide."

Indoor mould's toxicity explained

Indoor mould's toxicity explained
 
"A team of researchers at the University of Helsinki has discovered how indoor mould makes people sick. The only remedy is to heal the living environment."

Toxins may be hiding in baby care products

Toxins may be hiding in baby care products
 
"If you're a mom with a baby or babies, this one's for you. Because you love to baby your baby's skin, you probably slather your little one with tons of baby care products. But Mom, stop, look, and listen very carefully: Potentially damaging or harmful ingredients may be playing hide and seek in some baby products, so indefatigable eco warrior Manny Calonzo passed this pressing warning to us."

Feds failed to pursue recalls of children's jewelry laced with toxic cadmium

Feds failed to pursue recalls of children's jewelry laced with toxic cadmium
http://nhregister.com/articles/2012/10/14/news/doc507b04c49d718300387076.txt?viewmode=fullstory

"LOS ANGELES — Federal regulators failed to pursue recalls after they found cadmium-tainted jewelry on store shelves, despite their vow to keep the toxic trinkets out of children's hands, an Associated Press investigation shows.

Officials at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also have not warned parents about the contaminated items already in their homes."

Environmental groups ask for review of pesticide chemicals banned in other countries

Environmental groups ask for review of pesticide chemicals banned in other countries
http://www.canada.com/Environmental%20groups%20review%20pesticide%20chemicals%20banned%20other%20countries/7390628/story.html

"Two of Canada's major environmental groups are asking the federal government to review the use of 30 pesticide chemicals already banned by other countries that they say pose risks to the environment and to people's health."

Poisoned: Asthma, Cancer, and Death Prowl a Miami Neighborhood

Poisoned: Asthma, Cancer, and Death Prowl a Miami Neighborhood
 
"The meeting had been called to discuss a proposed change by King Metal Recycling & Processing, which had opened about half a mile from the Fraziers' home about two years earlier. The plant's owners wanted the county to allow them to operate closer to homes than would normally be allowed. Walter knew his neighbors would fight that change. They had constantly complained about the noise, heavy truck traffic, and dust since the plant's opening.

When he arrived at the school, he found a tense crowd of almost 40 people. Over the next hour, ten of them stood up, one after another. They talked about the noise and dust. But they also brought up health issues, how it had become hard to breathe recently."

Special Report: Government has little authority to stop unsafe cosmetics - Environmental Health News

 
"Hair stylist Natalija Josimov combed the straightening solution through her client's hair. She snapped on the blow dryer, and a plume of white vapor wrapped them in a toxic cloud. Next came the 450-degree flat iron, letting loose another sharp stink of embalming fluid that burned her eyes and made her nauseous. Every day for months, Josimov performed three or four chemical straightening treatments at a New York City salon until she fell so ill she couldn't even stay in the same room. Josimov is accustomed to odors of peroxide, nail polish and permanent wave solution. But this is different: It's Brazilian Blowout, and its secret ingredient is formaldehyde, a carcinogen linked to nose and throat cancers, leukemia, respiratory problems and other health effects. Brazilian Blowout is a dramatic example of how little authority federal and state governments have over the estimated $30-billion annual cosmetics industry – even when there is compelling evidence that ingredients are dangerous. Under federal law, cosmetics companies don't have to disclose chemicals or gain approval for the 2,000 products that go on the market every year. And removing a cosmetic from sale takes a battle in federal court. "Although the sale of Brazilian Blowout in California violated five separate state health, environmental and consumer laws and resulted in numerous acute injuries, we have not been able to get it off the market," said Michael DiBartolomeis of the California Department of Public Health."

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Fall 2012 Meeting of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee

Here are some videos of the meeting of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee
 
Welcome and Opening Remarks (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zl2RX4URuI
 
Public Comment on Day One- AM (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIGpfvfFZ1w
 
Agency Updates from HRSA, NIH, and FDA (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buDxhejdg90
 
Biomarkers – An overview & Future Look (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01hZYq4GMtI
 
FDA & Drug Development (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGASSh7YV3s
 
Public Comment on Day One – PM (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fIEeQBdvxM
 
Committee Discussion & Plans for Day Two (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs1A6KhHInU
 
Opening Remarks & Agency Updates (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWBmqd8LDhg
 
Social Security Administration (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af_r5LiIjXQ
 
Public Comment on Day Two (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGb0U6EaI4o
 
ME/CFS Organizations (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTHpny0u-XU
 
A Path Forward (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFaXiiSdZqI
 
Finalize Recommendations (CFSAC Fall 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO9bO-udcY0
 
 

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Pesticide Protest: Soccer Moms Play It Safe, Keep Kids Off Fields Over Chemical Concerns

Pesticide Protest: Soccer Moms Play It Safe, Keep Kids Off Fields Over Chemical Concerns
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/12/pesticides-soccer-playing-fields-parents-concerns_n_1961284.html

"Cedar McGourty-Batchelor won't be playing soccer this Saturday. Neither will his first-grade teammates from Riverview Elementary School -- nor, for that matter, any other kids in Durango, Colo.
Concerns from local soccer moms and dads who learned a synthetic weed killer containing at least two possible carcinogens would be applied to fields one day before their children would be running, kicking and most likely rolling around on the grass, pushed the city to postpone all youth soccer games scheduled for Saturday.
"I believe these chemicals are harmful, and it's best for my son not to be exposed to them," said Sheryl McGourty, Cedar's mom, who wrote to Durango Parks and Recreation with her concerns."

Saturday, October 13, 2012

VIDEO: Environmental Working Group: 10 Americans

VIDEO:  Environmental Working Group: 10 Americans http://youtu.be/0-kc3AIM_LU

From a Reader:
"Ken Cook, president of EWG (Environmental Working Group) talks about 287 chemicals found in the umbilical cord blood of 10 Americans, including his son. Shockingly, 212 of the 287 are industrial chemicals and pesticides ba
nned more than 30 years ago.

The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, grandfathered in 62,000 chemicals and presumed them safe. The law does not require any health or safety studies before a new chemical is allowed onto the market. Only 5 chemicals have ever been banned or restricted.

The Kid-Safe Chemicals Act of 2008 will require that chemicals are safe BEFORE they hit the marketplace. The video ends with a plea to get involved to help pass this act."
 

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

Reason Discovered for the Toxicity of Indoor Mould

Reason Discovered for the Toxicity of Indoor Mould
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121012074655.htm

"ScienceDaily (Oct. 12, 2012) — A team of researchers at the University of Helsinki has discovered how indoor mould makes people sick.The only remedy is to heal the living environment."

Fake pharmaceuticals, Bad medicine

Fake pharmaceuticals, Bad medicine
The world's drug supply is global. Governments have failed to keep up
 
"PATIENTS expect drugs to be safe. But even in supposedly well-run health systems, they can be useless—or deadly. Tainted steroids from a compounding pharmacy (one which mixes its own drugs) near Boston had killed 11 people with fungal meningitis and sickened more than 100 as of October 10th. A contaminated blood thinner, heparin, was linked to 149 American deaths in 2007-08. This year it emerged that some vials of the cancer medicine Avastin contained no active ingredient."

Wireless Radiation Poses a Health Risk, Physicians Demand Precaution Now

Wireless Radiation Poses a Health Risk, Physicians Demand Precaution Now
http://www.scribd.com/doc/109351923/Wireless-Radiation-Poses-a-Health-Risk-Physicians-Demand-Precaution-Now

"More than 1000 physicians signed the "Freiburg Appeal" in 2002. It was translated into manylanguages. As many as 36,000 people from all over the world support its warning about thedangers of wireless radiation."

Physician group adds weight to Wi-Fi warnings

 
"OTTAWA - Schools should not install wireless Internet systems because the technology is linked to learning disabilities, headaches and immune system deficiencies, according to an international association of physicians."

Klinghardt: Biological treatment of Lyme disease

Klinghardt Neurotoxin Elimination Protocol

Klinghardt Neurotoxin Elimination Protocol
http://www.klinghardtacademy.com/Protocols/Klinghardt-Neurotoxin-Elimination-Protocol.html

Smart Meters & EMR: The Health Crisis Of Our Time - Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt



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

Friday, October 12, 2012

COVER STORY: Study: Indoor air quality poses possible health threat

COVER STORY: Study: Indoor air quality poses possible health threat
http://www.nst.com.my/red/cover-story-study-indoor-air-quality-poses-possible-health-threat-1.155616

"SICK BUILDING: New buildings, public buildings and air-conditioned buildings were found to have higher readings of formaldehyde, says study"

Thursday, October 11, 2012

CHE EMF Working Group call: Cell Antennas and Health: The State of the Science

CHE EMF Working Group call: Cell Antennas and Health: The State of the Science
October 18, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific / noon Eastern
http://www.healthandenvironment.org/wg_calls/11349

Heart Scare Collapse is Blamed on Phone Masts

Heart Scare Collapse is Blamed on Phone Masts

Scientists Warn of Low-Dose Risks of Chemical Exposure by Elizabeth Grossman: Yale Environment 360

Scientists Warn of Low-Dose Risks of Chemical Exposure by Elizabeth Grossman: Yale Environment 360
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/scientists_warn_of_low_dose_risk_of_endocrine_blocking_chemical_exposure/2507/

"A new study finds that even low doses of hormone-disrupting chemicals — used in everything from plastics to pesticides – can have serious effects on human health. These findings, the researchers say, point to the need for basic changes in how chemical safety testing is conducted."

OCA: Road to Victory


VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE | SUBSCRIBE & Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage |

Essay of the Week: Prop 37 and the Future of Food by Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan – New York Times columnist and arguably the most influential food writer in America – weighed in yesterday in support of California's Prop 37 GMO labeling ballot initiative.
 
In his essay announcing his endorsement, Pollan talks about the growing food movement as an economic and a social movement, and then asks: Is it yet a political movement? Possibly. If Prop 37 passes, it could go on to change the political conversation around our entire industrial food chain – not just in California, but in the entire country.

READ MORE

 
 
 

California Update: Volunteers Needed on the Road to Victory

With less than a month remaining until election day, Nov. 6, the mass media are reporting that Prop 37, the California ballot initiative to label genetically engineered foods and ban the routine food industry practice of marketing GMO-tainted foods as "natural," is likely on the road to victory.

As a growing number of commentators point out, victory for the GMO right to know forces in California will have global consequences, dramatically increasing consumer demand for organic and non-GMO foods, and dramatically decreasing market share for genetically engineered foods and crops. But now is not the time for overconfidence. Monsanto, Big Ag, and Biotech are flooding the airwaves in California with $35 million worth of misleading ads and outright lies, designed to confuse California voters.

Our two most powerful weapons are the alternative media (especially the internet and social media) and our grassroots forces on the ground, leafleting shoppers at supermarkets and contacting likely voters over the telephone. We now have 5,000 volunteers on the ground and on the phone, but we need 15,000 more to lead us to victory in these next four weeks. If you live in California, please volunteer to leaflet. If you live outside California, please volunteer for our upcoming phone bank to call registered voters in California.

SIGN UP HERE

 
 
 

Support the OCA and OCF

Don't let $35 Million Kill GMO Labeling in California!

The polls so far in California have been running strongly in favor of the YES on 37 campaign – but could $35 million in ads change that?

Years ago, GMO right-to-know forces enjoyed a similar lead in an Oregon Ballot Initiate, but were defeated by a massive barrage of TV ads by Monsanto and corporate agribusiness.

Could $35 million of ads, flooding the California airwaves, mean the end of GMO labeling in California, too?

Thanks to the overwhelming response from organic consumers like you, the OCA and OCF have donated more than $1 million to the California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act. Thank you to all of you – from all over the country – who have stood with us in this fight.

For those who haven't joined in yet, now is the time. Early voting has already started, and in less than five weeks it will all be over. Please help us win this historic, grassroots-driven GMO labeling initiative by making a donation today. And please pass this message along to everyone you know who cares about food safety. Thank you!

DONATE TO THE ORGANIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION (tax-deductible, helps  support our public education work against GMOs and chemical food, and our work on behalf of organic standards, fair trade and sustainable farming)

DONATE TO THE ORGANIC CONSUMERS FUND (non-tax-deductible, but necessary for our legislative efforts in California and other states)

 
 
 

Hollywood Celebs Join Our Campaign in California: Spread the Message

No matter how much money Monsanto pours into the No on 37 campaign, it's never going to be able to find people who go to the grocery store looking for genetically modified food to eat and feed their families. If there were people like that, Monsanto would love the idea of labeling! But they just don't exist. There are organic consumers, locavores, and non-GMO shoppers, but there is just no such thing as a GMO-foodie. Monsanto may have more money, but we have the overwhelming people power. Early voting has already begun (it started Monday, October 8). In less than a month, the election will be over. Let's not be left wishing we'd done more to help everyone we know in California get the facts they need to vote Yes on 37.

One easy thing you can do is to share the Yes on 37 ads. A new one just came out this week with Danny DeVito, Bill Maher, Jillian Michaels and many other celebrities who support California's Prop 37.

WATCH AND SHARE

 
 
 

New Studies Highlight Increasing Dangers of Pesticides

They're everywhere. And they're making us – and especially our kids – sick.

Two new studies out this week reveal just how pervasive pesticides are in our environment, and how they are wreaking havoc with our health.

In the UK, the Institute of Science in Society issued a report titled: Why Glyphosate Should Be Banned. Glyphosate, the key ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup, has contaminated land, water, air, and our food supply, according to the report, which says the maximum permitted levels of Glyphosate are set to rise by100-150 times in the European Union if Monsanto gets its way.

Another study, by the Pesticide Action Network North America, reports that more than 1 billion pounds of pesticides used annually nationwide have contributed to an array of health problems in youth, including autism, cancer, birth defects, early puberty, obesity, diabetes and asthma.

READ THE INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE IN SOCIETY REPORT HERE

READ THE PESTICIDE ACTION NETWORK STUDY HERE

 
 
 

Food Babe to President Obama: Label GMOs!

Did you see what Vani Hari of FoodBabe.com did at the Democratic National Convention?

She grabbed a place near the stage in front of the TV cameras, and when Obama's USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke at the convention, she held up a sign saying "LABEL GMOs". Vilsack – the former Biotech Governor of the Year – is responsible for the decision that allowed Monsanto to push its GMO alfalfa, sugar beets and sweet corn into the market – without labels. Vani Hari's action was captured live on TV and made national news. Afterward, she made an inspiring video about the experience.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

 
 
 

OCA Is on Pinterest!

Check out our new Pinterest page for do-it-yourself resources and sustainable living projects, plus the latest news on organic food and gardening. Learn how to build a greenhouse – or how to help pass California's GMO labeling initiative.

Want to share a great article from the OCA on organic gardening, or the future of food? Maybe your followers would be interested in a great photo from the Prop 37 GMO labeling campaign? Now you can Pin it!

You can also help grow awareness of OCA and the work we do by letting your Facebook friends and Twitter followers know about our new account. Thanks!

 
 
 

Little Bytes


Essential Reading for the Week

Ten Percent of Children Now Born with Neurological Problems: Pesticides Blamed by Report for Illnesses

Organic Baby Food May Soon Contain Who-Knows-What

The Fate of Humanity Is at Stake – Why Are Romney and Obama Too Cowardly to Talk About What Really Matters?

Flu Shot Being Forced on Health Workers

Beyond the Nov. 6 Election: Interview with Climate Crisis Leader Bill McKibben

 
 
 

Message From Our Sponsors

Eden Foods Offers OCA Customers 15% Discount

Eden Foods is one of the few national organic food producers who goes beyond the USDA Organic Standards. Although Eden Foods is USDA certified, their products do not bear the USDA seal, because they say the USDA standard really represents a "minimum standard" that Eden Foods goes far beyond.

As a subscriber to Organic Bytes, you can enjoy a 15% discount rate on any Eden Foods products by going here.

LEARN MORE

 
 
 

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Fracking critics make voices heard

Fracking critics make voices heard
http://www.news-press.com/article/20121009/GREEN/310090004/Fracking-critics-make-voices-heard

"The energy industry claims fracking is safe. Critics say otherwise. "The record shows that there have been no incidents of contamination from hydraulic fracturing in over 1.2 million wells drilled over more than 60 years," Richard Ranger, senior policy analyst for the American Petroleum Institute, commented in the institute's blog, "Energy Tomorrow." But environmentalists are up in arms, and on Sept. 22, protestors in the U.S and other countries held a "GlobalFrackdown," to say "no" to fracking."

Artificial turf: can it impact children's health?

The Drive for a safer Chemicals Policy in the United States

The Drive for a safer Chemicals Policy in the United States
http://www.chemicalspolicy.org/downloads/Belliveau.pdf

"This article analyzes the history, policies and politics of the modern era of safer chemical policy reform in the United States. In the last decade, state laws have modeled a chemical policy framework to phase out unnecessary dangerous chemicals in favor of safer alternatives. These state drivers, along with market campaigns to reduce downstream business use of hazardous chemicals, have weakened the chemical industry's resistance to fixing the broken federal chemical safety system. The obsolete Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) has failed to protect public health and the environment and has stifled innovation toward greener chemistry. Health advocates with a progressive policy vision tempered by legislative pragmatism have launched a TSCA reform campaign to challenge chemical industry power in a weak Congress. The opportunity and limits to winning meaningful TSCA reform are characterized and marked as a critical milestone on the path to a truly comprehensive safer chemical policy for the United States."

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