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From CBGnetwork Peruvian Congressional Investigative Committee finds the agrochemical company Bayer Responsible in the Pesticide Poisoning Deaths of 24 children in the Andean Village of TauccamarcaFamilies Appeal to Secretary General Kofi Annan to Exclude Bayer from the UN Global Compact 27 August 2002 - Following a nine-month investigation, a Peruvian Congressional Subcommittee has issued its final report on the poisoning deaths by the organophosphate pesticide methyl parathion of 24 children in the remote village of Tauccamarca in October 1999. The Subcommittee concluded that there is significant evidence of administrative and criminal responsibility on the part of Ministry of Agriculture, and of criminal responsibility on the part of the agrochemical company Bayer. Headquartered in Germany, Bayer has been a principle Peruvian importer and distributor of both methyl and ethyl parathion. The report recommends that the government and Bayer indemnify the families of the dead children. The Commission was formed in response to an appeal made by the parents of the deceased children and of eighteen other children who were also poisoned but survived. Initial medical analysis indicates that several of these children will suffer significant long-term health and developmental problems as a result of the poisoning. Bayer widely promoted its methyl parathion formulation, know as "Folidol", throughout Peru, targeting its marketing on use in Andean crops cultivated primarily by small farmers, the great majority of whom speak Quechua only and are illiterate. Bayer packaged Folidol, a white powder that resembles powdered milk and has no strong chemical odor, in small plastic bags, labeled in Spanish and displaying a picture of vegetables. The labels provided no understandable safety information, such as pictograms, for the majority of users in these remote villages, and little indication of the danger of the product. The families had previously brought suit against Bayer asserting that the company should have taken steps to prevent the foreseeable misuse of this extremely toxic product, given the severe health risks presented by methyl parathion and the well known socio-economic conditions in the Peruvian countryside. The suit seeks justice for the children that perished, guarantees of medical monitoring for the surviving children, and regulatory reforms to prevent future tragedies. It also names the Ministry of Agriculture for failure to enforce pesticide regulations: uncontrolled sales of "restricted use" pesticides including parathion are common throughout Peru. The suit was filed on October 22, 2001. In a uncharacteristically fast judicial turnaround, two days later the judge of the Superior Court of Lima issued a resolution finding the case inadmissible on procedural grounds, and concluding summarily and illegally - that the plaintiffs had not adequately made out the underlying substantive case. Under Peruvian law, in the initial stage of litigation the judge is authorized only to review the completeness of the filing papers, and may not decide substantive matters of law. The families successfully appealed the resolution, and are currently waiting for a hearing date to be set for later this year. The efforts of the Tauccamarca families and allied Peruvian nongovernmental organizations have been backed by a wave of public support over the poisonings, and have won important regulatory changes. On February 18, 2002, the Peruvian National Agrarian Health Service issued a resolution (RJ 039 2002) suspending the imports of all pesticides classified by the World Health Organization as Ia (extremely hazardous) or Ib (highly hazardous). The families have also written to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan requesting that he exclude Bayer from the UN Global Compact, a UN partnership with corporations who pledge to abide by human rights and environmental principles, based on Bayer's actions and inactions with regard to the children's deaths and poisonings in Peru. (Please see letter, attached.) The full text of the Congressional report is available by request. For more information please contact:Erika Rosenthal - Pesticide Action Network Latin America (Red de Acción en Plaguicidas y sus Alternativas en América Latina, RAPAL) Tel: (510) 550-6752 Email: erosenthal@earthjustice.orgLuis Gomero - Red de Acción en Alternativas al uso de Agroquímicos (RAAA). Lima, Peru. Telefax (511) 3375170 / 4257955 Email: raaaper@terra.com.pe Mr. Kofi Annan Secretary General United Nations New York, New York United States 27 August 2002 Dear Secretary General, Greetings from the village of Tauccamarca, Peru, on the occasion of the World Summit for Sustainable Development. I represent the families of the twenty-four children in our village who were poisoned and killed on October 22, 1999, after they ate a school breakfast of powdered milk substitute that had been contaminated with methyl parathion, a pesticide made by the company Bayer. Eighteen more children were also poisoned but survived. The early medical tests have shown that several of these children will suffer significant long-term health and developmental consequences. I have been told that the United Nations sponsors a program called the UN Global Compact, and that corporations including Bayer are members of this partnership because they adhere to the Compact's principles on human rights and the environment. But the grieving parents in my village cannot understand how the United Nations could support a company like Bayer that has continued to sell its most toxic pesticides (classified by the WHO as extremely or highly hazardous) for many years after publicly promising to withdraw them in 1995. Nor can we understand why the United Nations would support a company that allowed methyl parathion to be sold in a region where they knew that the people would not be able to read the label instructions and would therefore be defenseless in the face of deadly poisons like methyl parathion. Our village is located high in the Andean mountains, over three hours by car from the nearest city. Until last year there was no road that connected us to the nearest village that has a health post. When the children were poisoned, they began to writhe in agony. We tried to carry them down the mountain to get medical help, but they did not survive long enough. In the intervening years, our families have tried to understand why such dangerous pesticides like methyl parathion (also known by its trade name Folidol) are sold in our region. It is well known that the majority of people in the Peruvian Andes speak only Quechua and that many cannot read or write. It seems to us that the company and the government should have known that people were unable to read and follow instructions and precautions on the label. We have appealed to the new head of our government, President Toledo, and to the Peruvian Congress, asking them to determine who was responsible for the deaths of our children, and who will help their families and ensure good medical care for the surviving children. Although we know very little about the legal processes in our country, with the help of environmental and human rights non-governmental organizations we also filed a lawsuit against Bayer last year. In response to our appeal, the Peruvian Congress formed a special Investigating Commission, and early this year held hearings to better understand how the children died and to determine who was responsible. The results of their work have just recently been presented to the public. The Commission found the company Bayer civilly responsible for the death of the children, and also found evidence of criminal responsibility. Honorable Mr. Anan: Although we seek justice for our children, our most important goal and desire is to prevent future tragedies like the poisonings of our children in Tauccamarca. In respect for our children and children everywhere we appeal to you today to take action on behalf of the United Nations to ask companies like Bayer to withdraw their most toxic pesticides from the market. We also ask you to withdraw the support of the UN Global Compact from Bayer and all other chemical companies that continue to sell these deadly products in regions of the world where they can never be used safely. Thank you for your attention, Honorable Mr. Anan, and we sincerely wish you and your colleagues a successful Summit at this critical time for all people on earth and for the earth itself. With fraternal greetings, Victoriano Huarayo Torres Representing the Village of Tauccamarca, Peru Note: Two of Mr. Huarayo's children were among the twenty-four fatally poisoned. --- Coalition against BAYER-dangers www.CBGnetwork.org, CBGnetwork@aol.com, Fax: (+49) 211 333 940 Tel: (+49) 211 333 911 please send an e-mail for receiving the English newsletter Keycode BAYER free of charge. The Coalition against BAYER-dangers has been monitoring the BAYER Corporation for more than 20 years. Anyone who has information on possibly illicit activities of BAYER - please let us know. ========================================== CHEMICALS -ARSENIC Arsenic Lingers in Treated Wood even at very low levels, arsenic is a problem. research last year new magazine article on CCA wood in US NEWS and WORLD REPORT magazine.http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/020916/health/16arsenic.htm ========================================== CHEMICALS - 3-CARENE in FRAGRANCES A common fragrance component increases airway responsivness after skin sensitisation Avoiding fragrance-exposure is impossible. People are constantly exposed at home, at work and in the environment. This is a great problem for those who are hypersensitive to fragrances, but also for those who are chemically sensitive and get breathing problems from inhaling these substances without knowing why. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on the lungs and the skin sensitisation potential of a commonly used fragrance component, 3-carene. (The pine smelling component in turpentine). The skin of guinea pigs was exposed to 3-carene. Four weeks later, the animals were found to have a contact allergy in the skin. The guinea pigs were killed and the lungs excised. When the isolated lungs were perfused with plain buffer and exposed to 3-carene by inhalation, lung function was decreased.. There was no difference between lungs from sensitised and non-sensitised guinea pigs. However, when lungs were perfused with diluted autologous whole blood (blood from the same animal) and exposed to 3-carene there was a significantly more important decrease in lung function in sensitised guinea pigs compared with lungs from non-sensitised animals. In further experiments, the whole blood was divided. Lungs were perfused with either blood plasma or blood lymphocytes. Dr Lena Lastbom and her team found that in lungs exposed to 3-carene and perfused with blood plasma, the decrease in lung function was again more important in sensitised guinea pigs. However, when lungs were perfused with blood lymphocytes there was no difference in lung reactivity. This increased reactivity therefore seems to depend on components in the plasma, probably free antibodies in the circulation and not on blood lymphocytes. In summary, the results show that commonly used fragrance components can decrease lung function and sensitise the skin on contact and thereby also induce increased lung sensitivity It is important to note that the perfume components of many products that act as contact sensitisers of the skin can also cause hyperreactivity of the lung. . Since multiple chemical sensitivity is an increasing problem in today's society, the authors hope that the results of their study will help reducing use of fragrances in consumer products and thus help people suffering from asthma and unspecific reactions. Abstract No: 3194 Orginial abstract Title and authors: A common fragrance component, 3-carene, increases airway responsiveness after skin sensitisation - a study in isolated guinea pig lungs L. Lastbom, A. Boman, S. Johnsson, P. Camner, A. Ryrfeldt Contact person: Lena Lastbom, Division of Inhalation Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine,, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Email: lena.lastbom@imm.ki.se . If you need the original articles, you are kindly asked to address your request to our press centre on-site or by email to erj@cedos.int.ch http://www.ersnet.org/4/3/4_3.asp http://www.ersnet.org/4/3/4_4_3_5.asp#fragrance ========================================== CHEMICALS - HERBICIDES From: Farm News from Cropchoice: An alternative news service for American farmers September 28, 2002 Studies show Roundup herbicide to be hormone disruptor The following information comes from Rachel's Environment and Health News, issue 751, Sept. 5, 2002.Two new studies indicate that Monsanto's herbicide, Roundup, is a hormone-disruptor and is associated with birth defects in humans. Farm families that applied pesticides to their crops in Minnesota were studied to see if their elevated exposure to pesticides caused birth defects in their children. The study found that two kinds of pesticides -- fungicides and the herbicide Roundup -- were linked to statistically significant increases in birth defects. Roundup was linked to a 3-fold increase in neurodevelopmental (attention deficit) disorders. [EHP Supplement 3, Vol. 110 (June 2002), pgs. 441-449.] A recent test tube study reveals that Roundup can severely reduce the ability of mouse cells to produce hormones. Roundup interferes with a fundamental protein called StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein). The StAR protein is key to the production of testosterone in men (thus controlling male characteristics, including sperm production) but also the production of adrenal hormone (essential for brain development), carbohydrate metabolism (leading to loss or gain of weight), and immune system function. The authors point out that "a disruption of the StAR protein may underlie many of the toxic effects of environmental pollutants." [EHP Vol. 108, No. 8 (August 2000), pgs. 769-776.] Monsanto, the St. Louis chemical giant and creator of Roundup as well as PCBs, is now a leader in genetically engineered crops. Monsanto sells "Roundup ready" seeds for corn, soybeans, and cotton; wheat and lawn grasses will be next. These are seeds engineered to withstand a thorough dousing with Roundup, which kills weeds without killing the Roundup-ready crops. To make Monsanto's "Roundup ready" seeds legal, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had to triple the amount of Roundup residues that it allows on crops. For years, Roundup has been Monsanto's most profitable product, and genetic engineering has now allowed the firm to sell much more of it. See RACHEL'S #637, #639, #660, #686, #726. For example, a 1999 study of soybean farming in the U.S. midwest found that farmers planting Roundup Ready soybeans used 2 to 5 times as many pounds of herbicide per acre as farmers using conventional systems, and ten times as much herbicide as farmers using Integrated Weed Management systems, which are intended to reduce the need for chemical herbicides.[3,pg.2] More chemical dangers probably lie ahead as new products of genetic engineering come to market. According to the NEW YORK TIMES, Scotts Company is collaborating with Monsanto to develop Roundup Ready grass for lawns.[4] Children and pregnant women, beware. Access Rachel's and the Environmental Research Foundation at http://www.rachel.org . This story sent to you from Cropchoice.com by user request. Visit http://www.cropchoice.com for more information. May be reproduced freely for non-commercial purposes and with appropriate credit. ========================================== CHEMICALS - ORGANIC SOLVENTS An old article from RACHEL'S ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH WEEKLY #137 (1989) http://www.rachel.org Environmental Research Foundation . P.O. Box 5036, Annapolis, MD 21403 .. Fax (410) 263-8944; Internet: erf@rachel.org .http://www.monitor.net/rachel/ is a very good source for information. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, E-mail the words SUBSCRIBE RACHEL-WEEKLY YOUR NAME to: listserv@rachel.org . Organic solvents damage brain and central nervous system The most common pollutants found in water are organic solvents: trichloroethylene, ethyl benzene, perchloroethylene, and so on. In the home, water is exposed to the air by many activities (bathing, showering, flushing toilets, washing clothes, washing dishes, cooking, and so forth). During these activities, organic solvents can be transferred from water to air. Furthermore, many common household products contain organic solvents (paints, varnish, glues, cleaning compounds). It is therefore no surprise that organic solvents can be measured in indoor air, often at levels higher than those found in outdoor air. In many workplaces, exposure to organic solvents is high and is more or less constant. ....... ========================================== CHEMICALS- PESTICIDES September 10, 2002, Beyond Pesticides Study Shows Farmers Poisoned by Pesticides Can Cause Depression Farmers exposed to pesticides have nearly a six-fold increased risk of suffering from depressive symptoms, according to a new study published in the Annals of Epidemiology (vol. 12, no. 6, pages 389-394). "Pesticide Poisoning and Depressive Symptoms Among Farm Residents" looks at exposure to individuals exposed to agriculture use of organophosphate pesticides. Between 1992 and 1997, 761 farmers and their spouses were part of the study conducted throughout eight counties in northeastern Colorado. The study authors, Lorann Stallones and Cheryl Beseler of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, wrote that they looked at the association between pesticides and depression because higher rates of depression have been reported among farmers in some states. Organophosphate pesticides, the most toxic family of pesticides, affects the nervous system through the inhibition of AchE, an enzyme needed for proper nervous system function. Many are easily absorbed through the skin, and are synergistic with other chemicals (meaning that the two together are more toxic than either alone), including pyrethrins and certain chemicals used in pharmaceuticals. Exposure to organophosphates have been shown to cause headache, dizziness, profuse sweating, blurred vision, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, reduced heart beat, stomach cramps, diarrhea, loss of coordination, slow and weak breathing, fever, loss of consciousness, coma, uncontrollable twitching, loss of reflexes, loss of sphincter control and chemical sensitization. http://www.beyondpesticides.org/main.html ========================================== CHEMICALS - PESTICIDES FROM PANNA: P A N U P S Pesticide Action Network Updates Service September 27, 2002 World Bank Forges Ahead with Transgenic Crops At the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg last month, the World Bank announced plans to launch a three-year international assessment of the "risks and opportunities of using agricultural science to reduce hunger and improve rural livelihoods in the developing world." The study will examine a range of agricultural technologies including genetic engineering (GE). What the World Bank failed to mention, however, is that it has been quietly forging ahead with financing transgenic crops in developing countries such as India and Kenya. According to an internal World Bank technical briefing note dated January 7, 2002, Bank lending for agricultural biotechnology is already underway in a number of countries. For example, the Bank is providing US$20 million to India for GE work on transgenic rice and cotton. Dr. RS Paroda, director of the Indian Centre for Agricultural Research (ICAR), stated that one of the principal aims of the Bank-financed "National Agricultural Technology Project" (NATP) is to use biotechnology to develop new crop varieties that would be high-yielding and resistant to pests. In Kenya, the Bank is financing transgenic sweet potatoes through the "National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) Phase II." The Bank's technical briefing note includes a photograph of field trials of the genetically modified potato, already underway in Kenya. According to PAN East Africa, the first phase of this project began as a collaborative effort between Monsanto and the Kenyan Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and focused on research and development of GE crops. The second phase, financed in part with money from the World Bank, includes field-testing of the transgenic sweet potato. The World Bank technical briefing also refers to current Bank financing for biotech research and capacity building in Ethiopia, Brazil, Indonesia and Peru. "The World Bank is not even waiting for the results of its three year study before jumping on the GE bandwagon," observed Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, staff scientist at Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA). PANNA is calling on the Bank to immediately withdraw its support for ongoing and planned GE projects and redirect those funds to programs that are proven, low-cost, and ecologically based, such as soil fertility and integrated pest management. The World Bank has recently come under intense international criticism from Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for promoting agricultural biotechnology at a time when the environmental and health risks remain largely unknown and when Southern borrower countries risk losing crucial export markets to countries whose consumers have rejected GE foods (e.g. Europe, Japan, Korea). "The World Bank should heed the voices of tens of thousands of farmers who do not want GE," urged Elizabeth Bravo of Accion Ecologica, a group based in Ecuador. "We are asking the Bank to do the right thing and adopt a precautionary approach to this risky technology." But the power and influence of transnational pesticide/biotech companies appears to have outweighed the voices of small farmers. In the India case, the World Bank project includes partnerships with Monsanto, Aventis and Syngenta. An Indian NGO, the Centre for World Solidarity (CWS), withdrew from the pest management component of the project after being informed that they would have to work with the pesticide/biotech giant, Syngenta. CWS reported that the Bank's partners on the GE component of the project include Monsanto and Aventis. In a July 2002 meeting of the Bank's Board of Directors, European directors joined together in calling on Bank management to include a precautionary approach to GE in its newly drafted "rural development strategy." The Bank's European Board members are joined by a growing number of scientists and experts in agricultural development who question the capacity of transgenic crops to meet the needs of the rural poor. Dr. Miguel Altieri, professor of agroecology at the University of California, Berkeley, explained, "Transgenic crops are not the solution to hunger and poverty. On the contrary, they exacerbate the inequality that perpetuates poverty. Small farmers and indigenous people around the developing world are showing us that many less expensive, low-tech and ecologically sustainable alternatives already exist to attain food security, and at the same time preserve the natural resource base." Sources: World Bank-facilitated international assessment on science and technology, at http://www.agassessment.org; Biotechnology for Poverty Alleviation and Economic Growth--challenges and options for the World Bank Technical Briefing Note, January 7, 2002, World Bank; Washington, DC; Project Appraisal Documents for India National Agricultural Technology Project (1998), World Bank; Kenya National Agricultural Research Project Phase II (1996), World Bank; ICAR to genetically engineer cotton, rice; The Economic Times, February 11, 2000, New Delhi, India. . --- Resource Pointer #291 (Sustainable Farming), September 9, 2002 For copies of the following resources, please contact the appropriate publishers or organizations directly. *Fruits of Progress: Growing Sustainable Farming and Food Systems, 2002* Lori Ann Thrupp. Examines economic and ecological benefits of sustainable agriculture. Reviews current organic and other sustainable practices and identifies motivations and challenges to the sustainability movement. Includes case studies of several sustainable-farming specialist companies including Fetzer Vineyards, Lagner Ranches, Lundberg Family Farms, Small Planet Foods, more. 96 pages. US$20.00. Contact World Resources Institute, 10 G Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002; phone (202) 729-7600; fax (202) 729-7610; email valeriev@wri.org; Web site http://www.wri.org/wri. *American Journal of Alternative Agriculture* Quarterly peer-reviewed journal. CABI Publishing. Links science and practice of alternative agriculture worldwide. Addresses land management and energy use practices which balance needs for fiber and food with conservation of natural resources. Paper topics include conversion to organic farming, reforesting flood zones, agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sinks and soil quality in relation to crop productivity. Available in print and/or internet price packages; subscribe to both for US$120 for institutions or US$44 for individuals. In North America, contact CABI Publishing 10 East 40th Street, Suite 3203, New York, NY 10016; phone (800) 528-4841; fax (212) 686-7993; email cabi-nao@cabi.org; Web site http://www.cabi-publishing.org/journals/ajaa. Internationally, contact CABI Publishing, Wallingford, OXON OX10 8DE, UK; phone (44-14) 9183 2111; fax (44-14) 9182 9292; email publishing@cabi.org; Web site http://www.cabi-publishing.org/journals/ajaa. *Partnerships for Sustaining California Agriculture: Profit, Environment, and Community, 2001* Proceedings of the March 27-28, 2001 conference in Woodland, CA. David Chaney, Lyra Halpin and Eden Dabbs, eds. Provides general record of the conference, highlights major themes and reflects diversity of participant perspectives. Writen for policy makers, farmers and ranchers, agricultural researchers and potential project collaborators and funders. Includes research results on key components of biological farming systems. 288 pages. US$10.00. Contact UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Dcavis, CA 95616; phone (530) 752-7556; fax (530) 754-8550; email sarep@ucdavis.edu; Web site http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu. *The New Farmers' Market: Farm-Fresh Ideas for Producers, Managers & Communities, 2001* Vance Corum, Marcie Rosenzweig and Eric Gibson. Suggests produce and marketing strategies, promoting community-market involvement, and how to start, manage and promote markets. Includes information on insurance, customer feedback, booth materials (such as scales and packaging), more. 272 pages. US$24.95 plus shipping. Select chapters available free for download at http://www.nwpub.net/. Contact New World Publishing, 11543 Quartz Dr. #1, Auburn, CA 95602; phone (888) 281-5171; fax (530) 823-3886; email eric@nwpub.net; Web site http://www.nwpub.net/. *Wild Harvest: Farming for Wildlife and Profitability: A Report on Private Land Stewardship, 2002* California Wilderness Coalition. Discusses the economic benefits to wildlife conservation. Outlines a policy strategy to maximize potential resources and habitat conservation on private lands, while increasing profitability for California farmers. 110 pages. Download free at http://calwild.org/resources/pubs/harvest.php . Contact California Wilderness Coalition, 2655 Portage Bay East, Suite 5, Davis, CA 95616; phone (530) 758-0380; fax (530) 758-0382; email info@calwild.org ; Web site http://www.calwild.org --- Resource Pointer #292 (Conferences), September 16, 2002 For information on the following conferences, please contact the appropriate publishers or organizations directly. *Ecolabels and the Greening of the Food Market* November 7-9, 2002. Boston, MA. Sponsored by Tufts University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Conference will address issues surrounding agricultural product labels, such as "certified organic." Intended for food companies, academics, policy makers and environmental, consumer interest, certification and market research groups. Session topics include effectiveness and credibility of ecolables, domestic and international policy issues and labels related to social justice. Registration fees: US$125 before October 23, US$50 for students, free for Tufts students. Contact Ecolabels Conference, Conference Bureau, 108 Packard Avenue, Medford, MA 02155 fax (617) 627-3856; ecolabels@tufts.edu ; Web site http://nutrition.tufts.edu/external/conted/ecolabels/ . *5th Conference on Organic Agriculture* May 27-30, 2003. Havana International Conference Center, Cuba. Sponsored by Cuban Association of Agriculture and Forestal Technicians. Forum topics include organic trade and food sovereignty, pesticides and health, urban agriculture, appropriate sustainable technologies and integrating production systems. Conference symposiums, panel discussions, workshop topics and product exhibitions will all be conducted in Spanish (translations available for main sessions only). For information on presenting work, contact Eduado Martinez Oliva, email actafejec@minag.gov.cu . Registration fees: US$200 for delegates, US$50 for companions to delegates. To register, contact Violeta Rodríguez; phone 537 2260 11 al 19 ext. 1504; fax 537 2028382 / 2087986 / 2083470; email violeta@palco.cu . *Pesticides in Non-target Agricultural Environments: Environmental and Economic Implications* January 21-23, 2003. Cape Town, South Africa. Conference will assess the health effects of unintended exposure to agricultural pesticides--through pesticide drift, overspray or run-off, etc--and discuss strategies for risk management and the economic implications of pesticides in non-target terrestrial and aquatic environments. Main topics include monitoring pesticide exposure, ecotoxicological effects, risk assessment policies and links between production processes and consumer needs. Registration deadline is November 1. Cost is approximately US$145 (US$120 for students). Contact Conference Organisers, Freshwater Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, Rhodes Gift, 7701, South Africa; phone (27-21) 650 3638; fax (27-21) 650 3301; email pest@botzoo.uct.ac.za ; Web site http://www.tu-bs.de/conference-CPT/ . *Creating Funding Partnerships for California Native Plant Projects* October 20-21, 2002. Oakland, CA. Sponsored by California Native Plant Society. Meeting between non-profits, businesses and government agencies interested in pollution prevention, water conservation, pesticide use reduction, and increasing the use of California native plants. Speaker and session topics include ecological history of San Francisco Bay area and landscaping and home garden with native species. US$20. Contact Kathy Kramer, CNPS Conference, 1718 Hillcrest Road, San Pablo, CA, 94806; phone (510) 236-9558, email Kathy@KKramerConsulting.net . We encourage those interested in having resources listed in the PANUPS Resource Pointer to send review copies of publications, videos or other resources to our office. --- September 14, 2002 Herbicides to Fight Forest Fires? The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has approved a plan to spray the herbicides glyphosate and triclopyr on nearly 5,000 acres of timberland to reduce the risk of catastrophic forest fire. The project area lies within the Eldorado National Forest, watershed of the San Francisco Bay Area and point of origin for Bay Area drinking water. The Plantation Protection Fuels Project is the first time the Forest Service has proposed to use herbicides for fire reduction; herbicides are commonly applied by USFS and private timber companies during tree planting projects to lessen competition for new seedlings. However, in the Eldorado National Forest, the herbicides will be applied among mature trees--in this case 40 to 60 year old Douglas Firs--that support a variety of wildlife. The California Indian Basketweavers Association (CIBA) and Sierrans for Safe Passage (SSP) have appealed the Forest Service decision on the grounds that use of herbicides for fire fuels reduction is an environmentally dangerous new precedent and is hazardous for both people and wildlife. The groups argue that use of mechanical brush cutters and thinning are the appropriate tools to use. "The Forest Service has really gone too far with this proposal," said Vivian Parker, biologist for the California Indian Basketweavers Association. "They want to turn the forest floor into a sterile dead zone, killing valuable native shrubs and herbs on 4,522 acres of publicly owned lands. These native plants provide important food, nesting material and shelter for many species, including black bear, quail and deer. Use of brush cutters is more than adequate to provide brush control, without risking contamination of our streams, poisoning culturally valuable plants, and injuring native wildlife. This proposal makes no ecological, scientific or moral sense." The conservation groups also disagree with the Forest Service assumption that spraying of herbicides will reduce fire danger, "After two treatments, the amount of surface fuels will be the same, irrespective of the treatment used," said Dan Zimmerman, of Sierrans for Safe Passage. "The truth is, herbicides will actually increase the short term fire danger due to the dead stems and foliage left behind. Mastication shreds the surface fuels, laying them down and speeding up the decomposition process." The Forest Service has proposed herbicide use despite several recent court rulings requiring more thorough assessment of the impacts. Californians for Alternatives to Toxics (CATS) filed a suit against USFS for the Cottonwood Project’s plan to use herbicides on 22,000 acres of Tahoe National Forest after the 1994 Cottonwood forest fire. In that case, a federal judge ruled that the agency had failed to consider adequately the effects on human health and wildlife from herbicides, which may act as endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins and immune system suppressors. Two other cases have brought the weight of the federal courts to bear on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is charged with regulating pesticide use, but has yet to evaluate the full impacts of forestry herbicides on wildlife which has been listed as threatened or endangered. The courts have asked EPA to perform this evaluation in consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and develop a mitigation plan for herbicide use in areas with endangered species. "These same problems are at issue in the Eldorado National Forest project," Parker said. "No one knows what the real effects are from the widespread use of herbicides in our forests. In fact, most laboratory studies have focused only on the lethal effects from ingestion. They seldom have looked at the more subtle effects of these products on eggs and sperm, developing embryos or on juvenile organisms. However, recent laboratory studies have shown that even infinitesimally small amounts of some herbicides used commonly in forestry can have devastating effects on the ability of frogs and other amphibians to reproduce successfully." Use of herbicides also frequently results in an increase in aggressive non-native or noxious weed outbreaks. According to Parker of CIBA, EPA has not considered the potential impact on California Indians who still use national forest system lands for gathering food, for hunting and fishing, for basket plant materials, and for ceremonial purposes. The Forest Service plans in the Eldorado National Forest bear continued scrutiny. As a result of the CIBA/SSP appeal, the plan is under review by the Regional Forester for Region 5. A decision is expected by October 10, 2002. Sources: California Indian Basketweavers, Sierrans for Safe Passage press release, August 19, 2002 and U.S. Forest Service, Region 5, Plantation Protection Fuels Project, http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/eldorado. Contact: Vivian Parker, Resource Policy Analyst, The California Indian Basketweavers Association, P.O. Box 2397, Nevada City, CA 95959; phone (530) 622-8718; email vparker@innercite.com ; Web site http://www.ciba.org or Dan Zimmerman, Environmental Investigator, Sierrans for Safe Passage, phone (530) 477-6510. --- Resource Pointer #290 (Consumer Choices), August 29, 2002 For copies of the following resources, please contact the appropriate publishers or organizations directly. *Eating to Save the Earth: Food Choices for a Healthy Planet, 2002* Linda Riebel and Ken Jacobsen. Discusses the environmental consequences of meat and fish consumption, the merits of sustainable agriculture and organic foods, and simple methods to compost, recycle, reduce waste and conserve water and energy. Suggests shopping, gardening and menu choices for home, work, in restaurants, or while camping. 94 pages. US$9.95. Contact Celestial Arts, PO Box 7123, Berkeley, CA 94707; phone (510) 559-1600; fax (510) 559-1629; email order@tenspeed.com ; Web site http://www.tenspeed.com/ . *Playing It Safe: Healthy Choices About Lawn Care Pesticides, 2002* Dr. Sheela Basrur, Toronto Public Health. Writen to encourage public discussion as Toronto considers restricting "non-essential" lawn and garden pesticides on private property. Provides information on public attitudes about alternative lawn care, pesticide effects on public health and the environment, and potential municipal by-laws and other tools to decrease pesticide use. Download free at http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/health/hphe/pesticides_playingitsafe.htm . Contact Health Promotion and Environmental Protection Office, Toronto Public Health, 277 Victoria Street, 7th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W2, Canada; phone (416) 392-6788; Web site http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/health/ . *Power to Your Pocket: California Consumers Guide to Energy Incentive Programs, 2002* Rhonda S. Mills and Ciara Jalandoni, Reference guide to programs that subsidize electricity and gas conservation and efficiency, including cash rebates, grants, tax credits, more. Lists programs by section: agriculture, business/commercial, industrial, nonprofit, residential, self-generation, special assistance, and clean vehicle programs. 300 pages. Free. Contact Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies, 1100 Eleventh Street, Suite 311, Sacramento, CA 95814; phone (916) 442-7785; email rhonda@cleanpower.org ; Web site http://www.cleanpower.org . *Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture, April 14 - October 17, 2003* University of California, Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. Six month course in organic gardening and small-scale farming; counts as 20 units of UC Extension credit. Most of the 35-40 students choose to live on site in a tent community. Tuition is US$3,250; some scholarships available. Deadline for applications: November 1, 2002 for US and Canadian applicants, September 1, 2002 for international applicants. For applications, contact Apprenticeship Information, CASFS, UCSC, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064; phone (831) 459-2321; fax (831) 459-2799; email apprenticeship@cats.ucsc.edu ; Web site http://www.ucsc.edu/casfs . *Designer Poisons: How to Protect Your Health and Home from Toxic Pesticides, 1995* Dr. Marion Moses. Discusses acute and chronic health effects of pesticides that are commonly used in homes and on lawns, pets and humans. Recommends nontoxic and less toxic pest control alternatives. Includes information on how to read pesticide labels, over-the-counter carcinogens, "natural" vs. "synthetic" pesticides, scented pesticides, more. 413 pages. US$19.95. Contact Pesticide Education Network, PO Box 225279, San Francisco, CA 94122; phone (415) 665-4722; fax (415) 665-2693; email pec@igc.org ; Web site http://www.pesticides.org . We encourage those interested in having resources listed in the PANUPS Resource Pointer to send review copies of publications, videos or other resources to our office. PANUPS is a weekly email news service providing resource guides and reporting on pesticide issues that don't always get coverage by the mainstream media. It's produced by Pesticide Action Network North America, a non-profit and non-governmental organization working to advance sustainable alternatives to pesticides worldwide. To subscribe, send a blank email to: PANUPS-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA), 49 Powell St., Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102 USA, Phone: (415) 981-1771, Fax: (415) 981-1991, Email: panna@panna.org Web: http://www.panna.org ========================================== CHEMICALS - SOLVENTS Sleep apnea and occupational exposure to solvents. Heiskel H, Gunzenhäuser D, Seidler A, Volk S, Pflug B, Kauppinen T, Elsner G Scand J Work Environ Health 2002;28(4):249-255. sleep apnea, case-control study, case-referent study, job-exposure matrix, occupational exposure to solvents Objectives The possible effects of exposure to neurotoxic substances such as gasoline, diesel fuel, paint, varnish, and solvents on the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea were examined. .... More at http://www.occuphealth.fi/cgi-bin/sjweh/abst_testi.pl?key=2002|4|249--|1 ========================================== DISEASE - ALLERGIC RESPIRATORY DISEASES Allergy , Volume 57 Issue s72 Page 30 - August 2002 Environmental urban factors (air pollution and allergens) and the rising trends in allergic respiratory diseases G. D'Amato: Respiratory allergic diseases such as rhinitis and bronchial asthma appear to be increasing worldwide, affecting in particular subjects living in urban areas, and the reasons for this increase are still largely unknown. Although the role played by air pollution has yet to be clarified, a body of evidence suggests that urbanization, with its high levels of vehicle emissions and a westernised lifestyle are linked to the rising frequency of these diseases observed in most industrialized countries. Laboratory studies confirm the epidemiological evidence that inhalation of some pollutants, either individually or in combination, adversely affect lung function in asthmatics. Air pollutants may not only increase the frequency and intensity of symptoms in already allergic patients but may promote airway sensitization to airborne allergens in predisposed subjects. By attaching to the surface of pollen grains and of plant-derived paucimicronic particles, pollutants can modify the morphology of these antigen- carrying agents and alter their allergenic potential. In addition, by inducing airway inflammation, pollutants may overcome the mucosal barrier and so prime allergen-induced responses. In other words airway mucosal damage and impaired mucociliary clearance induced by air pollution may facilitate the access of inhaled allergens to the cells of the immune system. More at http://www.blackwellsynergy.com/ ========================================== DISEASE - LUNG DISEASE congress press releases - september 17, 2002 Air pollution and death rates: Fine particles blamed at the European Congress on lung disease and respiratory medicine First ever standardized pan-European measurements show huge variations between North and South. The lung specialists of the world are now unanimous: prolonged exposure to air pollution is directly linked to increased cardio-pulmonary mortality. Concern is now increasingly focusing on microscopic particles measuring less than 2.5 microns, which can deliver its toxic load into the very depths of the lungs. In regions where the atmospheric levels of these fine particles, known as PM2.5, are higher by only 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air, death rates increased by approximately 4%, or by as much as 8% for lung cancer! (1) ....For I have no URL: you can get the article when you send me a private email to info@safer-world.org ========================================== DISEASE - PNEUMONITIS J95.4 hemical pneumoCnitis due to anesthesia [Mendelson's syndrome ] CHAPTER X , May 2002 Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99) bronchitis due to chemicals,gases,fumes and vapors (J68.0) J95.4 Chemical pneumonitis due to anesthesia [Mendelson's syndrome ] Excludes1:aspiration pneumonitis due to anesthesia complicating labor and delivery (O74.0) aspiration pneumonitis due to anesthesia complicating pregnancy (O29) aspiration pneumonitis due to anesthesia complicating the puerperium (O89.01) DRAFT-version: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/otheract/icd9/icd10cm . htm http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/icd9/draft_icdch10.pdf =================================================== EUROPE - BALTIC MARINE 17 September 2002 From Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) Free copy of the new HELCOM film (2002) available now Visit http://www.helcom.fi/helcom/news/93.html to watch the film and learn about the trends in the Baltic marine environment, as well as successes and challenges in the work of the Helsinki Commission. Please contact me to obtain a free VHS copy (9'12 min) in English. email: ulrike.hassink@helcom.fi web: http://www.helcom.fi The Helsinki Commission works to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution through intergovernmental co-operation between Denmark, Estonia, the European Community, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Sweden. ========================================== EUROPE - EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT To subscribe the newsletter, please visit http://europa.eu.int/comm/coreservices/mailing/index.cfm?serviceid=1 ========================================== WORLD Half of plant and animals species will be extinct in 50 tp 100 years Life appeared on earth about 600 million years ago, according to fossil records. New types of plants and animals evolved in response to changing conditions. Today, somewhere between 5 million and 50 million different species exist on earth. Biologists from all nations have recognized the existence of only 1.5 million species, in the sense that they have been given Latin names. In many cases, even named species have not been studied in any detail. ....more at http://www.rachel.org ========================================== end of newsletter/English/11
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