Gut Bacteria Liberate Hidden Toxins Found In Grains

Gut Bacteria Liberate Hidden Toxins Found In Grains
http://cen.acs.org/articles/91/web/2013/02/Gut-Bacteria-Liberate-Hidden-Toxins.html

Toxicology: The masked toxins currently slip past food safety monitoring

No More Toxic Pesticides, We Can Grow Safe Ones From Mushrooms

No More Toxic Pesticides, We Can Grow Safe Ones From Mushrooms
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=no-more-toxic-pesticides-we-can-gro-2013-02

"Biopesticides grown from fungi, insects, or other plants, are starting to replace chemical pesticides as a less poisonous (for people, that is) way to keep crops insect-free."

Health Tip: Minimize Pesticide Exposure

Health Tip: Minimize Pesticide Exposure
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_133597.html

"The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions to help reduce a child's exposure to pesticides"

Health: Mysterious Disease Discovered Locally, Strikes Mainly Young Women - CBS Philly

Health: Mysterious Disease Discovered Locally, Strikes Mainly Young Women - CBS Philly
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/02/07/health-mysterious-disease-discovered-locally-strikes-mainly-young-women/2/ 

"It's a mysterious, newly discovered disease that strikes mainly young women, and it's often misdiagnosed. Doctors who discovered it, here in Philadelphia, say it's like your brain is on fire. 3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl says it starts with personality changes.

Young women dazed, restrained in hospital beds, acting possessed and then becoming catatonic. They'd been so normal, when suddenly their lives went haywire."

Do soaps with triclosan do more harm than good?

Do soaps with triclosan do more harm than good?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-met-triclosan--20130210,0,7438760.story

 

"If co-workers and family members are coming down with infections this winter, you may be tempted to turn to an anti-bacterial soap for protection.

But some scientists are increasingly concerned that a common anti-bacterial ingredient called triclosan may harm people's health. Laboratory studies have found that it may disrupt hormones, interfere with muscle function and promote the growth of stronger bacteria — and other research suggests it is building up in the environment to the possible peril of wildlife.

What's more, there is no evidence that hand-washing with soap containing triclosan or other anti-microbial ingredients offers any health advantages over regular soap and water, according to advisory committees for the American Medical Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration."

EPA Moves to Ban 12 D-Con Mouse and Rat Control Products / Action Will Prevent Thousands of Accidental Exposures Among Children Each Year

EPA Moves to Ban 12 D-Con Mouse and Rat Control Products / Action Will Prevent Thousands of Accidental Exposures Among Children Each Year
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/3017786D7B82169E85257B0300573FDE

 

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is moving to ban the sale of 12 D-Con mouse and rat poison products produced by Reckitt Benckiser Inc. because these products fail to comply with current EPA safety standards. Approximately 10,000 children a year are accidentally exposed to mouse and rat baits; EPA has worked cooperatively with companies to ensure that products are both safe to use around children and effective for consumers. Reckitt Benckiser Inc., maker of D-Con brand products, is the only rodenticide producer that has refused to adopt EPA's safety standards for all of its consumer use products."

Quebec should toughen pesticide regulations, doctors urge

Quebec should toughen pesticide regulations, doctors urge
http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Quebec%20should%20toughen%20pesticide%20regulations%20doctors%20urge/7922366/story.html

"Two doctors' groups are calling on Quebec to eliminate the use of pesticides for cosmetic or esthetic purposes, saying they pose too much of a risk to children.  The call from the Quebec College of Family Physicians, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and the environmental group Équiterre Tuesday comes as Quebec is reviewing the province's pesticide-management code."

Chemical Reaction Keeps Stroke-Damaged Brain from Repairing Itself

Chemical Reaction Keeps Stroke-Damaged Brain from Repairing Itself
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130204153910.htm

"Nitric oxide, a gaseous molecule produced in the brain, can damage neurons. When the brain produces too much nitric oxide, it contributes to the severity and progression of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute recently discovered that nitric oxide not only damages neurons, it also shuts down the brain's repair mechanisms."

 

Note:  Nitric Oxide dysregulation is one of the mechanisms identified by Dr. Martin Pall as the cause of MCS.

Chemicals linked to obesity in black children

Chemicals linked to obesity in black children
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/2013/phthalates-and-obesity

"Black children with high levels of hormone-altering chemicals used in some shampoos and lotions are more likely to be obese, according to research published today. The study by New York University scientists is the second to link phthalates to obesity in children but the first to use a large sample of children and look for racial disparities. Black children have much higher levels of the chemicals in their bodies than children of other races, and for every tripling of certain compounds, they were 22 percent more likely to be obese, according to data from 2,884 children. No links to obesity were found in white or Hispanic children. The phthalates were the kind commonly added to personal care products to make fragrances last longer."

Flame retardants may leach from your walls

Flame retardants may leach from your walls
http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Flame-retardants-now-seen-as-health-risk-4248112.php

"Couches throughout the nation have become notorious for containing flame-retardant chemicals that may do more harm than good.  Now, it turns out, those chemicals may also be leaching from the walls that surround you.  Because of laws passed in the 1970s, many homes and workplaces built in the United States since then contain foam insulation doused with flame retardants."

Questions, few answers for stricken families

Questions, few answers for stricken families
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130204/LIFESTYLE03/302040339/1040/lifestyle03/Questions-few-answers-stricken-families

"The fight has been under way for several years, but the momentum may have peaked on a night in June 2011.
That was the night of a community meeting in Marine City to discuss a startling spate of rare kidney cancers identified in area children — one as young as 5 months.
More than 200 people packed the Washington Life Center in a show of support for the affected families and to underscore the need for answers. There were stories in area newspapers and features on local television. Just a week earlier, U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township, had called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to get involved with an investigation into the causes of the cancers."

NTP UPDATE: February 2013 Environmental Factor now available online

The February 2013 issue of the Environmental Factor is now online at
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsletter/index.cfm

Stories include:

NIEHS welcomes NINDS director

NIDDK director keynotes MLK observance

Tickner encourages alternative solutions in green chemistry talk

Oil spill researchers tell what they learned

Laber named head of Comparative Medicine Branch

Lancet commentary targets non-communicable diseases

NIEHS answers the call in the aftermath of Sandy

Hrynkow named to head network of viral specialists

NIEHS opens search for clinical director

Research fellow begins career in medical writing

Grantees elected fellows of AAAS

Outreach educator honored with SOT Public Communications Award

New logo emphasizes NIH identity

Autoimmunity expert delivers distinguished lecture

Nano meeting tackles consumer exposures

NIEHS researcher assists in study of Norwegian women

Exploring the haunting legacy – benomyl and Parkinson's

PEPH launches new podcast series

Air pollution pinpointed as major global health problem

NIEHS researchers receive FDA grants to study effects of smoking

Ho group uses saliva for study on methylation in asthma

Prenatal inflammation linked to autism risk

Uncovering the genetic component in nicotine addiction

NIEHS research featured in The Journal of Immunology

This month in EHP

Extramural and intramural papers of the month

NIEHS surpasses 2012 CFC goal

NIEHS biologist honored for award-winning photography

Neighbors in the house

Scent-Free: DIY Beauty

Scent-Free: DIY Beauty
http://pinterest.com/scentfree/scent-free-diy-beauty/

Environment: Newly found health effects of air pollution call for stronger EU air policies

Environment: Newly found health effects of air pollution call for stronger EU air policies
http://www.investineu.com/content/environment-newly-found-health-effects-air-pollution-call-stronger-eu-air-policies-12c3

"Long-term exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) can trigger atherosclerosis, adverse birth outcomes and childhood respiratory diseases, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) review released today. REVIHAAP – the "Review of evidence on health aspects of air pollution" – also suggests a possible link with neurodevelopment, cognitive function and diabetes, and strengthens the causal link between PM2.5 and cardiovascular and respiratory deaths. The research was carried out at the request of the European Commission in the framework of the 2013 review of the European Union's air policy."

Ad-man highlights chronic fatigue with fundraiser

Ad-man highlights chronic fatigue with fundraiser
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/8236588/Ad-man-highlights-chronic-fatigue-with-fundraiser

"RJ Singh never thought his life would be confined to the four walls of his bedroom.   About 10 years ago the once active, successful and happy life the advertising worker led was taken from him and is now a distant memory.   Singh, 35, suffers from myalgic encephalomyelitis, more commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and is organising an ''epic event'' to raise awareness for the disease he and many other New Zealanders live with."

Dan Morain: Rolling back regs on fire retardants

Dan Morain: Rolling back regs on fire retardants
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/01/27/5141866/rolling-back-regs-on-fire-retardants.html 

"Gov. Jerry Brown is about to repent for a sin he didn't know he committed in 1975.  Ten months after Brown took office the first time, his administration produced a little-noticed regulation requiring that furniture sold in California comply with the strictest fire safety standard in the nation.  Befitting its turgid language, the regulation came to be known as Technical Bulletin 117. Although it was supposed to save lives, another story has emerged in the intervening decades. Technical Bulletin 117 has resulted in the addition of countless tons of toxic chemicals to couch cushions, carpet pads and, alas, our bodies.  In June, Brown started undoing Technical Bulletin 117, telling the obscure arm of the state that is its keeper – the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation – to dramatically alter it."

Dead BA pilots 'victims of toxic cabin fumes'

Dead BA pilots 'victims of toxic cabin fumes'
http://www.sundayexpress.co.uk/posts/view/373594/Dead-BA-pilots-victims-of-toxic-cabin-fumes-

"TWO of British Airways' most talented pilots have died after complaining of years of exposure to toxic oil fumes on board passenger planes.  Karen Lysakowska, 43, was buried last Tuesday, while Richard Westgate, also 43, was laid to rest four days before.  Both believed they had been poisoned by the toxic oil fumes that can contaminate cabin air and which regularly forces pilots to don oxygen masks in order to breathe."

The tiniest particles that may be a threat as bad as asbestos

The tiniest particles that may be a threat as bad as asbestos
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-tiniest-particles-that-may-be-a-threat-as-bad-as-asbestos-8468367.html

"Nanomaterials are everywhere, but their use is totally unregulated. Emily Dugan reports"

Diesel fumes more damaging to health than petrol engines

Diesel fumes more damaging to health than petrol engines
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/27/diesel-engine-fumes-worse-petrol

"Ministry report says 'green' cars contribute significantly to air pollution and lung diseases"

Chemical defects 'last generations'

Chemical defects 'last generations'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21202026

"Scientists believe they have shown exposure to certain chemicals in the womb can cause changes that are passed through generations."

Hazardous Virus Gene Discovered in GM Crops after 20 Years

Hazardous Virus Gene Discovered in GM Crops after 20 Years
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/Hazardous_Virus_Gene_Discovered_in_GM_Crops.php

Bisphenol S may be as harmful as BPA

Bisphenol S may be as harmful as BPA
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Bisphenol-S-may-be-as-harmful-as-BPA-4226326.php

"Just like the controversial compound it's designed to replace, a chemical used in cash register receipts and other consumer products interferes with hormones, according to research published this month. The study by University of Texas scientists is the first to link low concentrations of bisphenol S, also known as BPS, to disruption of estrogen, spurring concern that it might harm human health. The compound was designed to be a replacement for bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA."

Report: New vets showing Gulf War illness symptoms

Report: New vets showing Gulf War illness symptoms
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/23/gulf-war-illness-symptoms/1856625/

"This may be the first time symptoms are linked to current Iraq and Afghanistan veterans."

Common pesticides 'can kill frogs within an hour'

Common pesticides 'can kill frogs within an hour'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/jan/24/pesticides-kill-frogs-within-hour

"New research suggests the chemicals are playing a significant and previously unknown role in the global decline of amphibians"

Case Dismissed! Texas Ends 15-Year Fight Against Cancer Doctor Burzynski

Case Dismissed! Texas Ends 15-Year Fight Against Cancer Doctor Burzynski
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/01/19/cancer-doctor-burzynski.aspx?e_cid=20130124_WNL_art_4&utm_source=wklynl&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20130124

America's Children and the Environment, Third Edition (ACE3)

America's Children and the Environment, Third Edition (ACE3)
http://www.epa.gov/ace/

America's Children and the Environment is an EPA report that presents key information on environmental stressors that can affect children's health. In January 2013, EPA released an updated third edition of this report (ACE3) that shows the status and trends of:

1. Environments and Contaminants (contaminants in air, water, food, and soil and other environmental conditions),
2. Biomonitoring (chemicals measured in the bodies of mothers and children), and
3. Health (childhood diseases and health outcomes).

End-stage renal disease and low level exposure to lead, cadmium and mercury; a population-based, prospective nested case-referent study in Sweden.

End-stage renal disease and low level exposure to lead, cadmium and mercury; a population-based, prospective nested case-referent study in Sweden.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23343055

Sommar JN, Svensson MK, Björ BM, Elmståhl SI, Hallmans G, Lundh T, Schön SM, Skerfving S, Bergdahl IA.

Environ Health. 2013 Jan 23;12(1):9. [Epub ahead of print]

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) cause toxicological renal effects, but the clinical relevance at low-level exposures in general populations is unclear. The objective of this study is to assess the risk of developing end-stage renal disease in relation to Cd, Pb, and Hg exposure.

METHODS: A total of 118 cases who later in life developed end-stage renal disease, and 378 matched (sex, age, area, and time of blood sampling) referents were identified among participants in two population-based prospective cohorts (130,000 individuals). Cd, Pb, and Hg concentrations were determined in prospectively collected samples.

RESULTS: Erythrocyte lead was associated with an increased risk of developing end-stage renal disease (mean in cases 76 mug/L; odds ratio (OR) 1.54 for an interquartile range increase, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-2.00), while erythrocyte mercury was negatively associated (2.4 mug/L; OR 0.75 for an interquartile range increase, CI 0.56-0.99). For erythrocyte cadmium, the OR of developing end-stage renal disease was 1.15 for an interquartile range increase (CI 0.99-1.34; mean Ery-Cd among cases: 1.3 mug/L). The associations for erythrocyte lead and erythrocyte mercury, but not for erythrocyte cadmium, remained after adjusting for the other two metals, smoking, BMI, diabetes, and hypertension. Gender-specific analyses showed that men carried almost all of the erythrocyte lead and erythrocyte cadmium associated risks.

CONCLUSIONS: Erythrocyte lead is associated with end-stage renal disease but further studies are needed to evaluate causality. Gender-specific analyses suggest potential differences in susceptibility or in exposure biomarker reliability.

PMID: 23343055 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Effect of Pollution History on Immunological Responses and Organ Histology in the Marine Mussel Mytilus edulis Exposed to Cadmium.

Effect of Pollution History on Immunological Responses and Organ Histology in the Marine Mussel Mytilus edulis Exposed to Cadmium.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23344845
 
Sheir SK, Handy RD, Henry TB.

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2013 Jan 24. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
Department of Zoology, Menofia University, Shebeen El-Koom, Egypt, sherin.sheir@yahoo.com.

Abstract
The effect of previous toxicant exposure (i.e., exposure history) on an organism's response to re-exposure to the toxicant is of considerable interest. The marine mussel Mytilus edulis was collected from reference and polluted sites in southwest England, and groups of mussels from each site were exposed to 20 μg/L CdCl(2) for 0, 1, 4, and 8 days and compared with unexposed controls. End points evaluated were tissue metal and electrolyte concentrations, haemolymph chemistry, haemocyte characteristics [counts, neutral red uptake (NRU), and phagocytosis], histology, and expression of metallothionein gene (mt10) expression in digestive glands. Field-collected animals differed by collection site for some end points at time zero, at which time tissue Fe and Pb concentrations were greater and NRU and condition index lower in mussels from the polluted site. Subsequent exposure to cadmium (Cd) in the laboratory caused Cd accumulation mainly in digestive gland, but there were no site-specific effects on tissue trace-metal concentrations. NRU, phagocytosis, and haemolymph Na(+) and K(+) concentrations differed among sites and Cd treatment, but there were no clear trends. Exposure to Cd resulted in lower Ca(2+) concentrations in gill, digestive gland, and haemolymph in animals from the polluted site compared with controls (Kruskal-Wallis, p ≤ 0.05). Lesions, including necrosis, inflammation, and neoplasia, were observed in animals from the polluted site, but the frequency of these lesions appeared to decrease unexpectedly after Cd exposure. Expression of mt10 increased 3-fold in Cd-exposed animals from the polluted site compared with all other groups (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.01). We conclude that Cd exposure affected some immune responses in M. edulis, but pre-exposure history influenced toxicological outcomes of Cd exposure in the laboratory.

PMID: 23344845 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Insight: Evidence grows for narcolepsy link to GSK swine flu shot

Insight: Evidence grows for narcolepsy link to GSK swine flu shot
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-narcolepsy-vaccine-pandemrix-idUSBRE90L07H20130122

"Emelie Olsson is plagued by hallucinations and nightmares. When she wakes up, she's often paralyzed, unable to breathe properly or call for help. During the day she can barely stay awake, and often misses school or having fun with friends. She is only 14, but at times she has wondered if her life is worth living.  Emelie is one of around 800 children in Sweden and elsewhere in Europe who developed narcolepsy, an incurable sleep disorder, after being immunized with the Pandemrix H1N1 swine flu vaccine made by British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline in 2009."

Late lessons from early warnings: science, precaution, innovation

Late lessons from early warnings: science, precaution, innovation
http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/late-lessons-2

"The 2013 Late lessons from early warnings report is the second of its type produced by the European Environment Agency (EEA) in collaboration with a broad range of external authors and peer reviewers. The case studies across both volumes of Late lessons from early warnings cover a diverse range of chemical and technological innovations, and highlight a number of systemic problems. The 'Late Lessons Project' illustrates how damaging and costly the misuse or neglect of the precautionary principle can be, using case studies and a synthesis of the lessons to be learned and applied to maximising innovations whilst minimising harms."