Effects of flame retardants on children's development unclear.

Effects of flame retardants on children's development unclear.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/unclear-effects-of-flame-retardants-on-development/

 
"The first study to examine the effects of commonly used flame retardant chemicals on children's brain development has found both harmful and beneficial associations."

NEWSLETTER: MCS America News - December 2009

MCSA NEWS
December 2009, Volume 4, Issue 12

 

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/december2009.pdf  (View, Download, and Print)
NEW!  Entire Online Edition: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm   (View as a Webpage)

 

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

 

An Interview with Author Eva Cabellé

Missing: A Life Broken by Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg2345678910.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_An_Interview_with

 

Social Security Disability

Representing Your Claim

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg11121314.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Walkup_Talks_Disability_1

 

Time to Look at Your Home in a Different Light

Basements, Part 1

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg15161718.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Time_to_Look

 

Formaldehyde Linked to Asthma

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg19.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Formaldehyde_Linked_to

 

Preying on the Desperate

Miracle Cures Hold False Promise

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg2021222324.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Preying_on_the

 

Vaccine Adjuvant Alters Neurological Function in Rat Experiment

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg25.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Vaccine_Adjuvant_Alters

 

Q&A  How to Block EMF Exposure

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg2627.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Fast_Metabolism_Linked

 

Chelation Effective for Autism

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg28.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Chelation_Effective_for

 

Scent Strip Advertisements

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg29.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Q&A:__Insurance_

 

Patient Support and Resources

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg3031323334353637.pdf

Online Version:   http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Resources_and_Support_

 

Community News

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg38.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Community_News_7

 

Featured Research Studies

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg394041.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Featured_Research_Studies_6

 

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

 

 

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Pilot study assessing balance in women with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Pilot study assessing balance in women with fibromyalgia syndrome.

 

Physiother Theory Pract. 2009 Nov;25(8):555-65.
Russek LN, Fulk GD.

Physical Therapy Department, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York 13699-5880, USA. Lnrussek@clarkson.edu
The purpose of current study was to assess postural control and balance self-efficacy in people with fibro-myalgia syndrome [FMS]. Thirty-two females with FMS completed the Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Berg Balance test, NeuroCom Balance Master sensory-organization test, and limits of stability. There was a high prevalence of reported falls and a low mean score on the Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale. A significant number of subjects scored below the population norm fifth percentile score on the sensory-organization test composite, visual, and vestibular sections. Preliminary evidence suggests that women with FMS may present with deficits in postural control, sensory organization, and balance self-efficacy.

PMID: 19925263 [PubMed - in process]

Integrated Review of the Association of Cytokines With Fibromyalgia and Fibromyalgia Core Symptoms.

Integrated Review of the Association of Cytokines With Fibromyalgia and Fibromyalgia Core Symptoms.

 

Biol Res Nurs. 2009 Nov 22. [Epub ahead of print]
Menzies V, Lyon DE.

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fatigue syndrome that affects three to six million adults in the United States. Core symptoms of FMS include pain, fatigue, and mood and sleep disturbances. To date, consensus has not been reached among researchers regarding the pathogenesis of FMS nor the specific role of cytokine activation on the neuroendocrine-immune response patterns in persons with FMS. The purpose of this article is to describe and synthesize the results of research studies focused on the relationship between cytokines and FMS and among cytokines and core symptoms of FMS. There is some support in the literature for relationships among FMS symptoms and cytokines; however, there are discrepant findings related to whether proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are elevated or reduced in persons with FMS and whether their levels correlate with the core symptoms of this disorder. Although the use of cytokine biomarkers must be considered exploratory at this time due to the lack of consistent empirical findings, biobehavioral research focused on understanding the relationship of FMS with cytokines may lead to a better understanding of this complex syndrome. This knowledge may ultimately contribute to the development of interventions for symptom management that address not only the symptom manifestation but also a biological mediator of symptoms.

PMID: 19933683 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Commentary: mechanistic considerations for associations between formaldehyde exposure and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Commentary: mechanistic considerations for associations between formaldehyde exposure and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

 

Environ Health. 2009 Nov 25;8(1):53. [Epub ahead of print]
Thompson CM, Grafstrom RC.

ABSTRACT: Occupational exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma. To date, mechanistic explanations for this association have primarily focused on formaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity, regenerative hyperplasia and DNA damage. However, recent studies broaden the potential mechanisms as it is now well established that formaldehyde dehydrogenase, identical to S-nitrosoglutathione reductase, is an important mediator of cGMP-independent nitric oxide signaling pathways. We have previously described mechanisms by which formaldehyde can influence nitrosothiol homeostasis thereby leading to changes in pulmonary physiology. Considering evidences that nitrosothiols govern the Epstein-Barr virus infection cycle, and that the virus is strongly implicated in the etiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, studies are needed to examine the potential for formaldehyde to reactivate the Epstein-Barr virus as well as additively or synergistically interact with the virus to potentiate epithelial cell transformation.

PMID: 19939253 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Paraoxonase gene variants are associated with autism in North America, but not in Italy: possible regional specificity in gene-environment interactions.

Paraoxonase gene variants are associated with autism in North America, but not in Italy: possible regional specificity in gene-environment interactions.

 

Mol Psychiatry. 2005 Nov;10(11):1006-16.

D'Amelio M, Ricci I, Sacco R, Liu X, D'Agruma L, Muscarella LA, Guarnieri V, Militerni R, Bravaccio C, Elia M, Schneider C, Melmed R, Trillo S, Pascucci T, Puglisi-Allegra S, Reichelt KL, Macciardi F, Holden JJ, Persico AM.

Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.

Organophosphates (OPs) are routinely used as pesticides in agriculture and as insecticides within the household. Our prior work on Reelin and APOE delineated a gene-environment interactive model of autism pathogenesis, whereby genetically vulnerable individuals prenatally exposed to OPs during critical periods in neurodevelopment could undergo altered neuronal migration, resulting in an autistic syndrome. Since household use of OPs is far greater in the USA than in Italy, this model was predicted to hold validity in North America, but not in Europe. Here, we indirectly test this hypothesis by assessing linkage/association between autism and variants of the paraoxonase gene (PON1) encoding paraoxonase, the enzyme responsible for OP detoxification. Three functional single nucleotide polymorphisms, PON1 C-108T, L55M, and Q192R, were assessed in 177 Italian and 107 Caucasian-American complete trios with primary autistic probands. As predicted, Caucasian-American and not Italian families display a significant association between autism and PON1 variants less active in vitro on the OP diazinon (R192), according to case-control contrasts (Q192R: chi2=6.33, 1 df, P<0.025), transmission/disequilibrium tests (Q192R: TDT chi2=5.26, 1 df, P<0.025), family-based association tests (Q192R and L55M: FBAT Z=2.291 and 2.435 respectively, P<0.025), and haplotype-based association tests (L55/R192: HBAT Z=2.430, P<0.025). These results are consistent with our model and provide further support for the hypothesis that concurrent genetic vulnerability and environmental OP exposure may possibly contribute to autism pathogenesis in a sizable subgroup of North American individuals.

PMID: 16027737 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

What's really in Glade, Windex and Pledge? SC Johnson will finally tell you

What's really in Glade, Windex and Pledge? SC Johnson will finally tell you
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/23/whats-really-in-glade-windex-and-pledge-sc-johnson-will-final/7

"The dirty little secrets of Glade, Pledge and Windex are all coming clean courtesy of venerable consumer products company SC Johnson. The Racine, Wis. outfit said last week it had launched a new website that lists the ingredients of more than 200 of its products. The WhatsInsideSCJohnson site represents the most significant disclosure to date of the ingredients found in household cleaning products."

Children should be allowed to play in the dirt, new research suggests

Children should be allowed to play in the dirt, new research suggests
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6630394/Children-should-be-allowed-to-play-in-the-dirt-new-research-suggests.html

"Children should be allowed to play in the dirt because being too clean can impair the skin's ability to heal itself, new research suggests."

When perfume becomes a nuisance (or a health issue)

When perfume becomes a nuisance (or a health issue)
http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la-igw-perfumeetiquette29-2009nov29,0,6405529.story

"We've all been there. Trapped in an elevator with an overly perfumed passenger who has you holding your breath until the doors open. Held hostage at a restaurant next to a fellow diner whose Poison is tainting your filet mignon. Ambushed at a movie theater where the only recourse is to bury your nose in the popcorn."

Professional pesticide use ups risk of nasal woes

Professional pesticide use ups risk of nasal woes
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=9183840

"When people think about pesticides and health, cancer and birth defects probably come to mind. But new research shows pesticide exposure may contribute to a much more common affliction: itchy, runny, stuffy noses."

Cleaning Up Your Home

Cleaning Up Your Home
http://www.ei-resource.org/articles/multiple-chemical-sensitivity-articles/cleaning-up-your-home/

excerpted from:
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Survival Guide
by Pamela Reed Gibson PhD

This chapter is a crash course in cleaning up your home so that you can minimize symptoms while you further educate yourself and make more major decisions.

Excerpt from p. 52-55:

Can This House Be Saved?

http://www.ei-resource.org/articles/multiple-chemical-sensitivity-articles/cleaning-up-your-home/

A daughter's cure is priceless

A daughter's cure is priceless
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-banks28-2009nov28,0,6116836,print.column

"A mother spends millions to fund research for neuromyelitis optica, which can leave patients paralyzed or blind."

Detergent Exposure Hard on Workers' Lungs: Studies

Detergent Exposure Hard on Workers' Lungs: Studies
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=9191157

"People who work in detergent factories are at increased risk of developing respiratory problems, including asthma, probably from exposure to chemicals contained in detergent, two new studies hint."

Chronic Illness and the Holidays: Finding the Positives

Chronic Illness and the Holidays: Finding the Positives
http://www.ei-resource.org/myblog/Chronic-Illness-and-the-Holidays-Findings-the-Positives.html

"For those of us suffering from environmental illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and gut problems including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leaky gut syndrome (LGS) and Candida it can be hard to stay positive and enjoy life at any time of year but the holidays can be particularly difficult."

Women's Health is Environmental Health: Avoiding Common Toxic Exposures

Women's Health is Environmental Health: Avoiding Common Toxic Exposures
By Lisa Nagy, MD, Women's Health Activist November/December 2009
http://freepdfhosting.com/1c145553c7.pdf

Cambridgeshire woman launches her own business despite health issues

Cambridgeshire woman launches her own business despite health issues
http://www.cambs24.co.uk/content/cambs24/news/story.aspx?brand=Cambs24&category=---CambsNews&tBrand=Cambs24&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=WEED27%20Nov%202009%2013%3A01%3A54%3A173

"WHEN Barbara Curtis was diagnosed with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity), she knew her health might make securing a job difficult in the future.  But now Barbara, 55 of Soham, is not only working after becoming self employed but she is celebrating after setting up her own online wool and crafts business which is expanding after she recently secured new premises in the Cloisters, Ely, just off the Market Square."

WA Toxics Coalition Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

WA Toxics Coalition Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

http://www.watoxics.org/files/HolidayGiftGuide2009.pdf

 

Study finds chemicals widespread in Minn. waters

Study finds chemicals widespread in Minn. waters
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/11/24/water-quality-testing/

"Minnesota scientists say it appears endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pharmaceuticals are found in even the most pristine lakes in the state."

Lead, chemicals found in toys despite stricter law

Lead, chemicals found in toys despite stricter law
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/24/AR2009112401601.html

"Group's tests discover that some products still 'slip through the cracks'"

The Role of the Brain and Mast Cells in MCS

The Role of the Brain and Mast Cells in MCS
http://www.ei-resource.org/articles/multiple-chemical-sensitivity-articles/the-role-of-the-brain-and-mast-cells-in-mcs/
by Gunnar Heuser, MD, PhD, FACP

"My personal experience (I have evaluated several thousands of chemically injured patients) has convinced me that MCS is based on a physiological and not on a psychological mechanism. This is why I have been interested in finding objective evidence for MCS. In this paper I will present a mast cell hypothesis, a limbic system hypothesis, and an office approach to objective testing for MCS."

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pillows, vehicle seats key sources of flame retardants.

Pillows, vehicle seats key sources of flame retardants.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/pillows-vehicles-major-sources-of-flame-retardants/

"Pillows and vehicle seats may be important household contributors to flame retardant exposure in humans."

Toxic playgrounds

Toxic playgrounds
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/49960/title/Toxic_playgrounds

"No kid should ever play in arsenic. Especially at school. Yet many probably do, according to findings of a study presented today.  Howard Mielke of Tulane University's Center for Bioenvironmental Research and his colleagues were concerned about risks to children posed by old-style pressure treated wood, the type that has been infused with a chromated-copper-arsenic concoction to limit deterioration from rot and insects. This town is a veritable termite capital, so it made a reasonable place to look for treated wood."

High unexpressed anger in MS patients linked to nervous system damage, not disease severity

High unexpressed anger in MS patients linked to nervous system damage, not disease severity  
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-11/w-hua112409.php 
 
"People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) feel more than twice as much withheld anger as the general population and this could have an adverse effect on their relationships and health, according to a study published in the December issue of the European Journal of Neurology.
 
Italian researchers assessed 195 patients with MS, using a range of scales that measure anger, depression and anxiety, and then compared them with the general population."

Petrol inhalation causes road-rage rats

Petrol inhalation causes road-rage rats
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ixYMp6u2Fy3mZki65eTmDRIaKklw

"Breathing in fumes from petrol made lab rats more aggressive, a finding that has wide implications for urban pollution, according to a study published on Tuesday."

Chinese drywall linked to irritation

Chinese drywall linked to irritation
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/23/AR2009112303944.html?hpid=moreheadlines

"Sulfur thought to be culprit; homeowners urged to get 'fresh air'"

Toxic Turf?

Toxic Turf?
http://inthesetimes.com/article/5199/toxic_turf  

"More popular than ever, fake grass may not be so safe. If the EPA study finds that tire crumble is in fact dangerous, it would affect both the recycling industry and those who shell out big bucks for artificial turf fields."

Swimmers, Hoppers and Fliers: How Do Toxic Chemicals Move around the Planet?

Swimmers, Hoppers and Fliers: How Do Toxic Chemicals Move around the Planet?  
Toxic chemicals created by human activity reach unusual concentrations in the Arctic, among other places  
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-do-toxic-chemicals-move-around-planet&print=true
 
 

Feds find association between drywall, corrosion

Feds find association between drywall, corrosion  
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gD4avarflIqeq856bkEM8jMJRR_wD9C5HGRO0

"The federal government said Monday that it has found a "strong association" between problematic imported Chinese drywall and corrosion of pipes and wires, a conclusion that supports complaints by thousands of homeowners over the last year."

Is Your Baby Crawling On Carpet Made Of Coal Ash?

Is Your Baby Crawling On Carpet Made Of Coal Ash?  
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deirdre-imus/is-your-baby-crawling-on_b_367053.html
 
"People are getting fed up with the broken promises made by bureaucrats who say one thing and do another. They consistently use our children and their "future" as props to advance their agendas on a variety of issues but are equally consistent in doing "too little, too late" when it comes to taking the necessary actions that will actually give those children a healthy future."