Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Nerve function and dysfunction in acute intermittent porphyria

Brain Advance Access originally published online on July 17, 2008 Brain 2008 131(9):2510-2519; doi:10.1093/brain/awn152

Nerve function and dysfunction in acute intermittent porphyria
http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/131/9/2510

Cindy S.-Y. Lin1,2,3, Arun V. Krishnan1,2, Ming-Jen Lee4, Alessandro S. Zagami1, Hui-Ling You4, Chih-Chao Yang4, Hugh Bostock5 and Matthew C. Kiernan1,2

1Prince of Wales Clinical School, 2Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, 3School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 4Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan and 5Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, UK

Correspondence to: Matthew C. Kiernan, Associate Professor, Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia E-mail: m.kiernan@unsw.edu.au

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare metabolic disorder characterized by mutations of the porphobilinogen deaminase gene. Clinical manifestations of AIP are caused by the neurotoxic effects of increased porphyrin precursors, although the underlying pathophysiology of porphyric neuropathy remains unclear. To further investigate the neurotoxic effect of porphyrins, excitability measurements (stimulus-response, threshold electrotonus, current–threshold relationship and recovery cycle) of peripheral motor axons were undertaken in 20 AIP subjects combined with the results of genetic screening, biochemical and conventional nerve conduction studies. Compared with controls, excitability measurements from five latent AIP patients were normal, while 13 patients who experienced acute porphyric episodes without clinical neuropathy (AIPWN) showed clear differences in their responses to hyperpolarizing currents (e.g. reduced hyperpolarizing I/V slope, P <>

Key Words: porphyria; haem; nerve excitability; inward rectification (IH); ischaemia

Abbreviations: AIPWN, acute intermittent porphyria without neuropathy; AIPN, acute intermittent prophyric neuropathy; ALA, -aminolevulanic acid; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; APB, abductor pollicis brevis; CMAP, compound muscle action potential; Cr, creatinine; GBS, Guillain Barré syndrome; GH, inward rectifying conductance; HMBS, hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene; IH, hyperpolarizing activated conductance/inward rectification; PBGD, porphobilinogen deaminase; PN, porphyric neuropathy; TA, tibialis anterior; TE, threshold electrotonus

Received November 26, 2007. Revised May 8, 2008. Accepted June 20, 2008.

NEWSLETTER: MCS America News - September 2008

MCSA NEWS
September 2008, Volume 3, Issue 9

Exclusive Housing Edition!

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/september2008.pdf (View, Download, and Print)
NEW! Entire Online Edition: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsseptember2008.htm (View as a Webpage)

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities America
http://www.mcs-america.org

admin@mcs-america.org

Monday, August 25, 2008

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) - Refuting the Skeptics

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) - Refuting the Skeptics
http://www.sylvane.com/blog/multiple-chemical-sensitivity-skeptics/

Even though millions of people are sensitive to certain chemicals, some members of the medical establishment have long viewed multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) with skepticism.

At a physicians’ conference last year, one immunologist told me that MCS is “all in their heads.”

At the same conference, another physician told me that he has suffered from MCS ever since medical school, when he was exposed to high levels of formaldehyde during dissections.

I know that MCS exists because I have suffered from it.

Entire Article at http://www.sylvane.com/blog/multiple-chemical-sensitivity-skeptics/

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

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Ascorbic acid combats arsenic-induced oxidative stress in mice liver.

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2008 Aug 18. [Epub ahead of print]

Ascorbic acid combats arsenic-induced oxidative stress in mice liver.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18715643?dopt=AbstractPlus
Banerjee P, Bhattacharyya SS, Bhattacharjee N, Pathak S, Boujedaini N, Belon P, Khuda-Bukhsh AR.

Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741235, West Bengal, India.
Repeated injections of arsenic trioxide induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in mice as revealed from elevated levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases, glutamate pyruvate transaminases, acid and alkaline phosphatases, lipid peroxidation along with reduction of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione content, glutathione reductase and succinate dehydrogenase activities. The present investigation was undertaken to test whether simultaneous feeding of Vitamin-C can combat hepatotoxicity in arsenic intoxicated mice. Hepatoprotective potential of Vitamin-C was indicated by its ability to restore GSH, SOD, CAT, AcP, AlkP and GRD levels towards near normal. Electron microscopic studies further supported the biochemical findings confirming the hepatoprotective potential of ascorbic acid. Besides, cytogenetical endpoints (chromosome aberrations, micronuclei, mitotic index and sperm head anomaly) were also analyzed. Administration of Vitamin-C alone did not show any sign of toxicity of its own. Based on the present findings, ascorbic acid appears to have protective effects against arsenic toxicity and oxidative stress.

PMID: 18715643 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Is Dietary Mercury of Neurotoxicological Concern to Wild Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus)?

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2008 Aug 21:1. [Epub ahead of print]

Is Dietary Mercury of Neurotoxicological Concern to Wild Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus)?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18717617?dopt=AbstractPlus

Basu N, Scheuhammer AM, Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Born EW, Dietz R.

Polar bears are exposed to high concentrations of mercury because they are apex predators in the Arctic ecosystem. While mercury is a potent neurotoxic heavy metal, it is not known whether current exposures are of neurotoxicological concern to polar bears. We tested the hypotheses that: 1) polar bears accumulate levels of mercury in their brains that exceed the estimated lowest observable adverse effect level (20 microg/g dry weight, d.w.) for mammalian wildlife; and 2) such exposures are associated with subtle neurological damage, as determined by measuring neurochemical biomarkers previously shown to be disrupted by mercury in other high-trophic wildlife. Brain stem (medulla oblongata) tissues from 82 polar bears subsistence hunted in East Greenland were studied. Despite surprisingly low levels of mercury in the brain stem region (total mercury = 0.36 +/- 0.12 microg/g d.w.), a significant negative correlation was measured between N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor levels and both total mercury (r = -0.34, p < 0.01) and methylmercury (r = -0.89, p < 0.05). There were no relationships among mercury, selenium, and several other neurochemical biomarkers (dopamine-2, GABA-A, muscarinic cholinergic, nicotinic cholinergic receptors; cholinesterase, monoamine oxidase enzymes). These data show that East Greenland polar bears do not accumulate high levels of mercury in their brain stems. However, decreased levels of NMDA receptors may be one of the most sensitive indicators of mercury's sub-clinical and early effects.

PMID: 18717617 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Structural equation analysis of the causal relationship between health and perceived indoor environment.

Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2008 May;81(6):769-76. Epub 2007 Oct 5.

Links

Structural equation analysis of the causal relationship between health and perceived indoor environment.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17917740?dopt=AbstractPlus

Brauer C, Budtz-Jørgensen E, Mikkelsen S.

Department of Occupational Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark. chabra01@glo.regionh.dk

OBJECTIVES: To explore the temporal relationship and reversed effects between health and perception of the indoor environment using structural equation models. METHODS: The study was a two-phase prospective questionnaire study with a cross-lagged design. Altogether 1,740 adults participated on both occasions. RESULTS: The perceived indoor environment had only weak effects on health at follow-up. However, the results strongly indicated a reversed effect that health problems may lead to increased complaints about the indoor environment. CONCLUSIONS: Structural equation models are powerful analytical tools for disentangling the effects of a specific variable on another in high dimensional data with complex patterns of associations. The analyses confirmed the results of our previous logistic regression analysis about the strong reversed effect. Hence, it is probable that a reversed effect between health and complaints about the indoor environment exists.

PMID: 17917740 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Atopy, symptoms and indoor environmental perceptions, tear film stability, nasal patency and lavage biomarkers in university staff.

Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2008 Jul;81(7):861-72. Epub 2007 Dec 8.

Links

Atopy, symptoms and indoor environmental perceptions, tear film stability, nasal patency and lavage biomarkers in university staff.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18066577?dopt=AbstractPlus

Bakke JV, Wieslander G, Norbäck D, Moen BE.

Section for Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, 5018 Bergen, Norway. jan.bakke@atil.no

OBJECTIVE: Study associations between airway symptoms, complaints on environmental perceptions, atopy definitions and biomarkers including tear film stability (BUT), nasal patency and nasal lavage (NAL). Personal predictors (gender, age, smoking, infections) for the biomarkers as well as associations between the biomarkers were also assessed. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 173 employees in four university buildings, response rate 86%. Tear film break up time (BUT) was measured by a non-invasive method (NIBUT) and self-reported (SBUT). NAL-analysis included eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme and albumin. Total serum IgE, and specific IgE using Phadiatop was measured. Data on subjective symptoms, environmental perceptions and background data were collected by use of a questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: Mean age was 43 years, 21% had weekly ocular, 21% nasal, and 17% laryngeal symptoms. Women had more complaints on environmental perceptions, shorter BUT and less nasal patency. Neither atopy (Phadiatop) nor Total IgE or allergy in the family, but asthma and hay fever was associated with mucosal symptoms or perceptions. Subjects with positive Phadiatop had higher levels of all NAL-biomarkers. Those with ocular symptoms had shorter BUT. Nasal symptoms were related to respiratory infections and laryngeal symptoms to NAL-lysozyme. Perceiving dry air was associated with lower BUT and reduced nasal volume difference before and after decongestion. Older subjects had greater nasal patency, and less atopy. All NAL-biomarkers were positively correlated. Higher lysozyme level was associated with less nasal patency and greater nasal decongestion. CONCLUSIONS: BUT and NAL-lysozyme was associated with ocular, nasal, laryngeal symptoms and indoor environmental perceptions. Ever having had asthma and ever having had hay fever were predictors for symptoms and perceived air quality, respectively. Phadiatop, Total IgE, familiar allergy and ever eczema were not associated to symptoms or perceived environments. Age, gender and Phadiatop were main predictors for ocular and nasal biomarkers.

PMID: 18066577 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Neurodevelopmental toxicity of methylmercury: Laboratory animal data and their contribution to human risk assessment.

Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2008 Jul;51(2):215-29. Epub 2008 Mar 25.

Links

Neurodevelopmental toxicity of methylmercury: Laboratory animal data and their contribution to human risk assessment.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18482784?dopt=AbstractPlus

Castoldi AF, Onishchenko N, Johansson C, Coccini T, Roda E, Vahter M, Ceccatelli S, Manzo L.

Toxicology Division, University of Pavia, Via Palestro 26, 27100 Pavia, Italy. anna.castoldi@fsm.it

Methylmercury (MeHg) is one of the most significant public health hazards. The clinical findings in the victims of the Japanese and Iraqi outbreaks have disclosed the pronounced susceptibility of the developing brain to MeHg poisoning. This notion has triggered worldwide scientific attention toward the long-term consequences of prenatal exposure on child development in communities with chronic low level dietary exposure. MeHg neurodevelopmental effects have been extensively investigated in laboratory animals under well-controlled exposure conditions. This article provides an updated overview of the main neuromorphological and neurobehavioral changes reported in non-human primates and rodents following developmental exposure to MeHg. Different aspects of MeHg's effects on the immature organism are reported, with particular reference to the delayed onset of symptoms and the persistency of central nervous system (CNS) injury/dysfunction. Particular attention is paid to the comparative toxicity assessment across species, and to the degree of concordance/discordance between human and animal data. The contribution of animal studies to define the role of potential effect modifiers and variables on MeHg dose-response relationships is also addressed. The ultimate goal is to discuss the relevance of laboratory animal results, as a complementary tool to human data, with regard to the human risk assessment process.

PMID: 18482784 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Etiology of fibromyalgia: The possible role of infection and vaccination.

Autoimmun Rev. 2008 Aug 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Links

Etiology of fibromyalgia: The possible role of infection and vaccination.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18706528?dopt=AbstractPlus

Buskila D, Atzeni F, Sarzi-Puttini P.

Department of Internal Medicine H, Soroka Medical Center, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a condition characterized by widespread pain and diffuse tenderness, is considered a multifactorial disorder. FMS is now recognized as one of the "central" pain syndromes. Environmental and genetic factors play a role in the pathogenesis of FMS. Various triggers including trauma and stress as well as infections, may precipitate the development of FMS. Certain infections including hepatitis C virus, HIV and Lyme disease have been temporally associated with the development of FMS. There is some evidence for the possible role of vaccinations in triggering the development of FMS and related syndromes, however this association remains to be established.

PMID: 18706528 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The crucial protective role of glutathione against tienilic acid hepatotoxicity in rats.

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2008 Jul 22. [Epub ahead of print]

Links

The crucial protective role of glutathione against tienilic acid hepatotoxicity in rats.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18708081?dopt=AbstractPlus

Nishiya T, Mori K, Hattori C, Kai K, Kataoka H, Masubuchi N, Jindo T, Manabe S.

Medicinal Safety Research Laboratories, DAIICHI SANKYO CO., LTD., 16-13, Kita-Kasai 1-Chome, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 134-8630, Japan.

To investigate the hepatotoxic potential of tienilic acid in vivo, we administered a single oral dose of tienilic acid to Sprague-Dawley rats and performed general clinicopathological examinations and hepatic gene expression analysis using Affymetrix microarrays. No change in the serum transaminases was noted at up to 1000 mg/kg, although slight elevation of the serum bile acid and bilirubin, and very mild hepatotoxic changes in morphology were observed. In contrast to the marginal clinicopathological changes, marked upregulation of the genes involved in glutathione biosynthesis [glutathione synthetase and glutamate-cysteine ligase (Gcl)], oxidative stress response [heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1] and phase II drug metabolism (glutathione S-transferase and UDP glycosyltransferase 1A6) were noted after 3 or 6 h post-dosing. The hepatic reduced glutathione level decreased at 3-6 h, and then increased at 24 or 48 h, indicating that the upregulation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-regulated gene and the late increase in hepatic glutathione are protective responses against the oxidative and/or electrophilic stresses caused by tienilic acid. In a subsequent experiment, tienilic acid in combination with l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of Gcl caused marked elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with extensive centrilobular hepatocyte necrosis, whereas BSO alone showed no hepatotoxicity. The elevation of ALT by this combination was observed at the same dose levels of tienilic acid as the upregulation of the Nrf2-regulated genes by tienilic acid alone. In conclusion, these results suggest that the impairment of glutathione biosynthesis may play a critical role in the development of tienilic acid hepatotoxicity through extensive oxidative and/or electrophilic stresses.

PMID: 18708081 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

NEWS: Court Rules for Clean Air, Reverses Bush Administration Rollback

Court Rules for Clean Air, Reverses Bush Administration Rollback

http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=67401.0

In Sierra Club vs. Environmental Protection Agency, the DC Circuit Court today struck down a Bush administration rule limiting states' ability to enforce the Clean Air Act. The rule blocked states from issuing their own air monitoring requirements for soot, smog, mercury and other types of air pollution from power plants, factories and other stationary sources. As a result states were forced to abide by the lax federal standards, which required virtually no monitoring of dangerous air pollution.

<snip>

Friday, August 15, 2008

Housing and health: intersection of poverty and environmental exposures.

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008;1136:276-88.

Links

Housing and health: intersection of poverty and environmental exposures.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18579887?dopt=AbstractPlus

Rauh VA, Landrigan PJ, Claudio L.

Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Ave., B-2, New York, NY 10032, USA. var1@columbia.edu

The importance of adequate housing for the maintenance of health and well-being has long been a topic of scientific and public health policy discussion, but the links remain elusive. Here we explore the role of the residential environment in the etiology of illness (specifically asthma) and the persistence of socioeconomic health disparities. Housing conditions, shaped by social forces, affect exposure to physical and chemical "toxicants," thereby translating social adversities into individual illness and population health disparities. We discuss the mediating role of housing in determining health outcomes at multiple levels (social-structural, neighborhood, and individual family). To date, little attention has been paid by most environmental health scientists to the social-structural conditions underlying gross inequities in the distribution of toxic exposures, with even less attention to the processes whereby these social conditions may directly affect susceptibility to the toxic exposures themselves. This chapter goes beyond traditional medical and environmental science models to incorporate a range of social and physical determinants of environmental pollutions, illustrating how these conditions result in health and illness. We focus here on childhood asthma as an example of a serious public health problem that has been associated with low income, minority status, and characteristics of the home environment. We end the chapter with a discussion of the environmental justice movement and the role of housing as a potential agent of change and focus of interventions aimed to reduce the harmful effects of environmental pollutants.

PMID: 18579887 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

ACTION: Public Comment Needed by Monday, August 18, 2008: MCS Eliminated from the ADA

Public Comment Needed by Monday, August 18, 2008: Chemical Sensitivity Omitted from Americans with Disabilities Act Proposed Regs

http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/?p=417

(Beyond Pesticides, August 15, 2008)

With a public comment period that ends Monday, August 18, 2008, the U.S. Department of Justice, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division proposes rulemaking that fails to recognize chemical sensitivity (CS) and environmental illnesses as disabilities that may require specific access standards. In a public comment to be submitted next week, Beyond Pesticides urges the Justice Department to specifically include access requirements for those with CS and environmental illnesses in its rulemaking. The organization is urging the public to send comments as well, and invites sign-ons to the Beyond Pesticides' comment.

The comment says, "The proposed rule errs in omitting environmental illness and chemical sensitivity with a justification that people with the illness may have a "sensitivity [that does] not rise to the level needed to constitute a disability." This statement is false and out of step with environmental medicine which diagnoses CS as a chemical-induced illness from which patients suffer with debilitating effects. Similar to other disabilities, a diagnosis reflects a finding that patients cannot function as a result of exposure to neurotoxic chemicals. Eliminating the chemical exposure substantially increases their ability to function and lead normal lives."

The comment continues, "As an organization whose primary focus is pesticides, Beyond Pesticides is in contact with people who are chemically sensitive and are exposed to pesticides, thus substantially limiting their life activities on a regular basis. These are people whose disability is not well understood or accepted by the general public, which is uninformed about the illness. In conveying their concerns to neighbors, employers or landlords they often receive ridicule instead of respect and accommodation. Without mentioning in the text of the accessibility standards of the ADA that those with chemical sensitivities are indeed protected when life activities are substantially limited and that they have specific access requirements, people with CS often cannot get their needs addressed without individual lawsuits to prove their disability. This becomes a burden and barrier to protection."

The comment points to a 1992 memorandum issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that recognizes CS and environmental illness as a "handicap," with all the protections afforded those disabled by this illness. The comment reads, "In a 1992 memorandum entitled "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder and Environmental Illness as Handicaps," the Office of General Counsel in the Department of Housing and Urban Development clearly defines MCS and environmental illness as "handicaps" within the meaning of subsection 802(h) of the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 3602(h), and the Department's implementing regulations, 24 C.F.R. Section 100.201 (1991)." Rather than equivocate on this debilitating condition, protection should be ensured under the proposed rulemaking beyond one's place of residence."

Beyond Pesticides' comment includes the story and recommendation of a former physical education teacher and coach in Kansas who writes:

With proper accommodation, I would still be teaching and coaching today! Officially recognizing not only the life-changing severity of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, but also the value of "avoidance" in treating it would help building administrators understand how to keep employees with this disability on the job. I have many friends who are also disabled by MCS. Not one of them wanted to quit their job! But lack of accommodation caused their illness to progress to the point where they could no longer work. MCS takes a huge toll on individual lives and results in unnecessary loss of productivity. I urge you to officially recognize Multiple Chemical Sensitivity/Environmental Illness as a disability requiring accommodation for accessibility. The chemical barriers that prevent those with MCS from entering buildings are every bit as limiting as lack of a ramp would be to someone in a wheelchair. Those with MCS deserve the same rights as other citizens. Recognizing MCS as a "qualified disability" would go a long way toward achieving equal access for everyone!

Beyond Pesticides suggests that the rulemaking include the following language: "Integrated pest management (IPM) practices to protect those disabled with chemical sensitivity (CS) or environmental illnesses and ensure access are required in public facilities or properties to include the following practices: identification of pests and conditions that attract pests; prevention techniques, such as sanitation, vacuuming, structural repair and sealing; monitoring; education and training; approved least toxic chemicals whose use does not, by virtue of its neurotoxic or other properties, impair the abilities of those with CS; and pre-notification and posting of chemical use."

The full text of Beyond Pesticides' comment can be seen here. Thanks to Mary Lamielle of the National Center for Environmental Health Strategies for alerting us to the comment period. Read her comments here.

TAKE ACTION: Access the Federal Register and submit comments electronically here. Click on the yellow dialogue bubble that says "add comments." If you would like to sign on to Beyond Pesticides' comment, please contact Natalie Lounsbury, nlounsbury@beyondpesticides.org, 202-543-5450, by 3:00pm (EDT) on Monday, August 18, 2008.

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NEWS, Science, & Links Summary for the W/E 8/15/2008

Augutst 15, 2008

Psychologists determine what it means to think 'green'
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/environment/2008-08-13-green-psychology_N.htm

Sex Hormone Sprays Halted over Cities But.
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/SHSHOCB.php

August 14, 2008

Product Safety Law Signed Today Bans Toxic Toys
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2008/2008-08-14-093.asp

"Going Green" When Cleaning Clothes
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/14/cleangreen/main4350297.shtml

ESL - the newest, greenest light bulb around
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/08/esl_the_newest.php

Are Energy-saving Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Causing
Headaches?
http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Family_Health_210/Are_Energy-saving_Compact_Fluorescent_Light_Bulbs_Causing_Headaches.shtml

The Going Gets Tough for Organic
http://www.ewg.org/node/27018

Thomas D. Williams: The Depleted Uranium Threat
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0808/S00179.htm

Bush signs bill banning lead from children's toys
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080814/lead_ban_080814/20080814?hub=Health

'Toxic Tour' takes in Los Angeles' dirty little secrets
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gurOYnMTdnTxJjCaT0rNbM5cI5NA

Agent Orange linked to high cancer risk
http://www.azcentral.com/community/westvalley/articles/2008/08/13/20080813gl-nwvchamber0813.html

August 13, 2008

Sick Building Syndrome: Healing Health Facilities
http://www.businessweek.com/print/innovate/content/aug2008/id20080813_845797.htm

How to Reduce BPA Exposure
http://www.ewg.org/node/27009

CMA report: 21,000 will die from pollution in 2008
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080813/smog_report_080813/20080813/?hub=TorontoNewHome

There's no junk science in pesticide regulation
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2008/08/13/there-s-no-junk-science-in-pesticide-regulation.aspx

Australian artist in New York offers remedies on environment
http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=15232862

Sierra Club to test hair for mercury during art fair
http://www.kentucky.com/211/story/489260.html

Pesticides: What you need to know
http://www.easttexasreview.com/story.htm?StoryID=5679

Parents to conduct own EMF readings
http://www.canada.com/deltaoptimist/news/story.html?id=7378967c-bb75-4f54-9d0f-01dbe1919928

Malibu dentist aims to ban mercury amalgam fillings
http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2008/08/13/news/news2.txt

Population Bomb Author's Fix For Next Extinction: Educate Women
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=sixth-extinction

August 12, 2008

Is your home damaging your health?
http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=612449

Berkeley Scientists: World In 'Mass Extinction Spasm'
http://www.nbc11.com/news/17171725/detail.html

Away With Weeds: Synthetic vs. Non-Toxic Weed Control
http://www.telluridewatch.com/pages/full_story?article-Away-With-Weeds-Synthetic-vs-Non-Toxic-Weed-Control%20=&page_label=news&id=178030-Away-With-Weeds-Synthetic-vs-Non-Toxic-Weed-Control&widget=push&instance=secondary_stories_left_column&open=&

Eco-labels on food can cook up confusion
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080812/LIVING/808120303/1032

Micro loans help pay for controversial autism treatments
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/tuncan-autism-treatment-2121310-treatments-pay

Bernie Mac's death puts sarcoidosis in spotlight
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/health/chi-sarcoidosisaug12,0,5966562.story

August 11, 2008

Prescriptions for Health, the Environmental Kind
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/12/health/12clin.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=science&adxnnlx=1218564993-1fEQf4nvySM6bfvFJ4OcFg

Dialing up cancer?
http://www.cadillacnews.com/story_news/?story_id=374940&year=2008

What's in a fragrance? Labels aren't required to say
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/chrongreen/detail?&entry_id=28990

Children's sunscreens may not be effective
http://healthzone.ca/health/article/475813

Dow's Dioxins: Saga of pollution, politics, and struggle over cleanup has
nationwide implications
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/coverstory/86/8632cover.html

August 10, 2008

Calif. lawmakers weigh ban on chemical found in baby bottles, although
danger is in dispute
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ats-ap-bisphenol-banaug10,0,4397098.story

Mold forces family out of Bradley Beach home
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080810/NEWS01/808100410/1004

August 9, 2008

Eleven fall ill after bug spray incident at Pearson
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080809/bug_spray_incident_080908/20080809/?hub=TorontoNewHome

Local fibromyalgia support groups are hard to find
http://www.independentmail.com/news/2008/aug/09/local-fibromyalgia-support-groups-are-hard-find/

Our chemical paranoia
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=26e9ec42-2d45-4f43-a67d-ba4a2452870a

Lawyer threatens suit over 'very sick' Broward County Courthouse
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flbcourt0809sbaug09,0,4563742.story

Inhalational Diesel Exhaust Exposure in Submariners: Observational Study
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1516570/inhalational_diesel_exhaust_exposure_in_submariners_observational_study/

No matter what flame retardant is used, it shows up in the environment
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080809.ZOE09/TPStory/Environment

Energy-saving light bulbs carry risk
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/93203.php

August 8, 2008

Chemicals are placing our food supplies at great risk
http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_10130946

Family: Prison Worker's Death was Caused by Toxic Dust
http://www.abcnews.go.com/print?id=5540890

An invisible illness: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://www.thesuburbanite.com/communities/x907752099/An-invisible-illness-Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome

New clinic, doctor for Anniston PCB child victims
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20080808/APN/808080927

Scented consumer products contain undisclosed toxic compounds: study
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/08/08/fragrance-study.html

And another thing ... Getting on a soapbox
http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19900115&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=635533&rfi=6

Levels of scents in breast milk related to women's product use
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/35041/title/Perfumed_mother's_milk

July 31, 2008

In Retreat: Don't give government's "susceptible subset" strategy a chance.
http://spectrumpublications.com/index.php/component/option,com_mojo/Itemid,/p,24

Links

AAEM Statement: Molds and Mycotoxins (Toxic Molds) in Human Health
http://www.aaemonline.org/images/MoldStatement.pdf

Liberty School Mold
http://www.libertyschoolmold.com/

American Academy of Environmental Medicine
Molds and Mycotoxins (Toxic Molds) in Human Health
http://www.aaemonline.org/images/MoldStatement.pdf

Scientific Studies

From the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative. Policy
Implications Based on the Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental
Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
July 31, 2008
http://www.iceh.org/pdfs/LDDI/LDDIPolicyStatement.pdf

Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative. Scientific Consensus
Statement on Environmental Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental
Disorders Developed by the Collaborative on Health and the Environment's
February 20, 2008 (revised July 1, 2008)
http://www.iceh.org/pdfs/LDDI/LDDIStatement.pdf

Fibromyalgia syndrome: a relevant recent construction of an ancient
condition?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18685409?dopt=AbstractPlus

Treating Chronic Fatigue states as a disease of the regulation of energy
metabolism.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18684570?dopt=AbstractPlus

Studying the effects of mobile phone use on the auditory system and the
central nervous system: a review of the literature and future directions.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18504596?ordinalpos=23&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Volatile pollutants emitted from selected liquid household products.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18688669?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Hawai'i air quality monitoring assessment: some effects of Hawai'i's
smoke-free work and public places law.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18678206?ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Professional judgment and the interpretation of viable mold air sampling
data.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18668405?ordinalpos=5&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Results of a residential indoor PM sampling program before and after a
woodstove changeout.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18665872?ordinalpos=7&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Awareness of health effects of cooking smoke among women in the Gondar
Region of Ethiopia: a pilot survey.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18644103?ordinalpos=12&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Exposure to indoor mould and children's respiratory health in the PATY
study.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18621956?ordinalpos=20&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

[Health effects of nanoparticles and nanomaterials (II) methods for
measurement of nanoparticles and their presence in the air]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18567372?dopt=AbstractPlus

Lourdes Salvador
www.mcs-america.org

Disclaimer:
Articles and links are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America, Lourdes
Salvador, and/or the volunteers who assemble this information. We will be
not responsible for misuse of this information. Posting does not constitute
endorsement. We have no financial interest in anything posted . This post is
provided free of charge via volunteer effort.

NEWS: President Signs Phthalate and Lead Bans Into Law

President Signs Phthalate Ban Into Law

http://www.blogger.com/

President Bush signed a federal bill today that bans six toxic phthalates from children's products. His signature bolsters Congress overwhelming support for this legislation, and sends a clear message that toxic chemicals have no place in toys.

Bush signs bill banning lead from children's toys

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080814/lead_ban_080814/20080814?hub=Health

President George W. Bush on Thursday signed consumer-safety legislation that bans lead from children's toys, imposing the toughest standard in the world.

The new law prohibits lead, beyond minute levels, in products for children 12 or younger. Lead paint was a major factor in the recall of 45 million toys and children's items last year, many from China.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Amitriptyline in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a systematic review of its efficacy.

Rheumatology (Oxford). 2008 Aug 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Amitriptyline in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a systematic review of its efficacy.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18697829?dopt=AbstractPlus

Nishishinya B, Urrútia G, Walitt B, Rodriguez A, Bonfill X, Alegre C, Darko G.

Iberoamerican Cochrane Center, Public Health and Clinical Epidemiology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Kovacs Foundation, Palma de Mallorca, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain, Washington Hospital Center, WA, USA and Hospital de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of amitriptyline as a treatment of FM. A comprehensive computerized search in Medline (Pubmed), EMBASE and The Cochrane Library was performed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing amitriptyline vs placebo in adult patients suffering from FM were identified, the methodological quality was assessed and the results of the main outcomes were evaluated. Ten RCTs were identified. Large clinical variability and statistical heterogeneity precluded quantitative meta-analysis. Overall, the study quality was moderate to high. Amitriptyline 25 mg/day (six RCTs) demonstrated a therapeutic response compared with placebo in the domains of pain, sleep, fatigue and overall patient and investigator impression. This benefit was generally seen at 6-8 weeks of treatment but no effect was noted at 12 weeks. Amitriptyline 50 mg/day (four RCTs) did not demonstrate a therapeutic effect compared with placebo. Neither dose of amitriptyline had an effect on tender points count. No clear statements on adverse events with amitriptyline can be made due to inconsistencies in data among the studies. A definitive clinical recommendation regarding the efficacy of amitriptyline for FM symptoms cannot be made. There is some evidence to support the short-term efficacy of amitriptyline 25 mg/day in FM. There is no evidence to support the efficacy of amitriptyline at higher doses or for periods >8 weeks. More stringent RCTs with longer follow-up periods are required to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of the amitriptyline and define its role in the multidisciplinary management of FM.

PMID: 18697829 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Exposure to indoor mould and children's respiratory health in the PATY study.

J Epidemiol Community Health. 2008 Aug;62(8):708-14.

Links

Exposure to indoor mould and children's respiratory health in the PATY study.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18621956?ordinalpos=20&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Antova T, Pattenden S, Brunekreef B, Heinrich J, Rudnai P, Forastiere F, Luttmann-Gibson H, Grize L, Katsnelson B, Moshammer H, Nikiforov B, Slachtova H, Slotova K, Zlotkowska R, Fletcher T.

Environmental Health Unit, NCPHP, Sofia, Bulgaria.

BACKGROUND: Living in a damp or mouldy home reportedly damages children's respiratory health, yet mould appears not to be a prominent risk factor in the public's perception. Analyses of data on over 58,000 children from the Pollution and the Young (PATY) study are presented. In this collaboration, researchers from 12 cross-sectional studies pooled their data to assess the effects of air quality on a spectrum of children's respiratory disorders. METHOD: Original studies were conducted in Russia, North America and 10 countries in Eastern and Western Europe. Pooled analyses were restricted to children aged 6-12 years. Associations between visible mould reported in the household and a spectrum of eight respiratory and allergic symptoms were estimated within each study. Logistic regressions were used, controlling for individual risk factors and for study area. Heterogeneity between study-specific results and mean effects (allowing for heterogeneity) were estimated using meta-analysis. RESULTS: Visible mould was reported by 13.9% of respondents in Russia, increasing to 39.1% in North America. Positive associations between exposure to mould and children's respiratory health were seen with considerable consistency across studies and across outcomes. Confounder-adjusted combined ORs ranged from 1.30 (95% CI 1.22 to 1.39) for "nocturnal cough" to 1.50 (1.31 to 1.73) for "morning cough". Evidence of stronger effects in more crowded households was statistically significant for only asthma and sensitivity to inhaled allergens. No consistent interactions between mould and age, sex or parental smoking were found. CONCLUSION: Indoor mould exposure was consistently associated with adverse respiratory health outcomes in children living in these diverse countries.

PMID: 18621956 [PubMed - in process]

Awareness of health effects of cooking smoke among women in the Gondar Region of Ethiopia: a pilot survey.

BMC Int Health Hum Rights. 2008 Jul 18;8:10.

Links

Awareness of health effects of cooking smoke among women in the Gondar Region of Ethiopia: a pilot survey.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18644103?ordinalpos=12&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Edelstein M, Pitchforth E, Asres G, Silverman M, Kulkarni N.

Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Division of Child Health, University of Leicester, UK. nsk@doctors.org.uk.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The burning of biomass fuels results in exposure to high levels of indoor air pollution, with consequent health effects. Possible interventions to reduce the exposure include changing cooking practices and introduction of smoke-free stoves supported by health education. Social, cultural and financial constraints are major challenges to implementation and success of interventions. The objective of this study is to determine awareness of women in Gondar, Ethiopia to the harmful health effects of cooking smoke and to assess their willingness to change cooking practices. METHODS: We used a single, administered questionnaire which included questions on household circumstances, general health, awareness of health impact of cooking smoke and willingness to change. We interviewed 15 women from each of rural, urban-traditional and middle class backgrounds. RESULTS: Eighty percent of rural women cooked indoors using biomass fuel with no ventilation. Rural women reported two to three times more respiratory disease in their children and in themselves compared to the other two groups. Although aware of the negative effect of smoke on their own health, only 20% of participants realised it caused problems in children, and 13% thought it was a cause for concern. Once aware of adverse effects, women were willing to change cooking practices but were unable to afford cleaner fuels or improved stoves. CONCLUSION: Increasing the awareness of the health-effects of indoor biomass cooking smoke may be the first step in implementing a programme to reduce exposure.

PMID: 18644103 [PubMed - in process]

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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

MCSA NEWSSeptember 2008, Volume 3, Issue 9

Exclusive Housing Edition!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Is Dietary Mercury of Neurotoxicological Concern to Wild Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus)?

Structural equation analysis of the causal relationship between health and perceived indoor environment.

Atopy, symptoms and indoor environmental perceptions, tear film stability, nasal patency and lavage biomarkers in university staff.

Neurodevelopmental toxicity of methylmercury: Laboratory animal data and their contribution to human risk assessment.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Etiology of fibromyalgia: The possible role of infection and vaccination.

The crucial protective role of glutathione against tienilic acid hepatotoxicity in rats.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Friday, August 15, 2008

Housing and health: intersection of poverty and environmental exposures.

President Signs Phthalate Ban Into Law

Bush signs bill banning lead from children's toys

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Amitriptyline in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a systematic review of its efficacy.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Exposure to indoor mould and children's respiratory health in the PATY study.

Awareness of health effects of cooking smoke among women in the Gondar Region of Ethiopia: a pilot survey.

Blog Archive

MCSA NEWS
September 2008, Volume 3, Issue 9