Islands at Risk (Part 2)

1. Islands at Risk (Part 2)
http://youtu.be/5Hdfds8yoAY

Islands at Risk (Part 1)

1. Islands at Risk (Part 1) - Genetic Engineering in Hawai'i
http://youtu.be/P29nhSR1l30

Downstream

downstream: in or toward the latter stages of a usually industrial process (1).

"It's not just the dose that makes the poison and it's not just the timing that makes the poison; it's who you are that makes the poison (2)." In The New York Times article "Debating How Much Atrazine is Safe in Your Water Glass" this point is elaborated; "Recent studies suggest that, even at concentrations meeting current federal standards, the chemical (atrazine) may be associated with birth defects, low birth weights and menstrual problems. Laboratory experiments suggest that when animals are exposed to brief doses of atrazine before birth, they become more vulnerable to cancer (3)." Dr. Sandra Steingraber Ph.D, expert on the environmental links to cancer states, "the disconnect between what we in the scientific community know about carcinogens and what cancer patients are told is huge (4)." While multinational agri-chemical business targets scientist's who refute false claims of safety, over years bio-monitoring markers support claims of lethality at levels below federal standards for many chemicals used in non- organic commercial agriculture. Children in rural areas are most at risk (5).

"An investigation by The New York Times has found that in some towns, atrazine concentrations in drinking water have spiked, sometimes for longer than a month. But the reports produced by local water systems for residents often fail to reflect those higher concentrations (3)." This may explain how The Department of Water, County of Kauai Water Quality Report covering January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 found the organic contaminants TTHM and HAA only....(3). TTHM and HAA are environmental pollutants that may cause an increased risk of cancer. The EPA limits the total concentration as total trihalomethanes (TTHM), to 80 parts per billion in treated water. Waimea / Kekaha levels were TTHM (8ppb) and HAA (2ppb). First mentioned organic contaminants; inorganic contaminants also found were Cadmium (5ppb), Chromium (100ppb), Nitrate (10ppb). What was not found, yet was detected by the USDA in samples taken from student water drinking fountains at W.C.M.S. was the organic contaminant atrazine.

As part of the USDA's Pesticide Data Program, Waimea Canyon Middle School (W.C.M.S.) participated in the School Water Testing Project. With permission of the school's administration water samples (three 1-liter glass bottles) were collected from student drinking water fountains on campus. The samples were sent via Federal Express overnight to a laboratory for analysis. The USDA PDP covered all costs of analysis, sampling kits, and pre-paid shipping labels. It took roughly 90 days to receive results due to the number of analytes and the low levels being tested (6). USDA results detected atrazine which was not detected by The Department of Water, County of Kauai . The EPA MCL for atrazine is 3000 parts per trillion, 6parts per trillion was detected. In addition the atrazine metabolite desthyl atrazine was detected at 26ppt.

The purpose of the project is "to test drinking water from schools/childcare facilities........ for pesticide residues so that data may be used in risk assessments.

The EPA has launched a risk assessment into the effects of atrazine. The EPA announced that it is seeking public comment on a proposal to ban atrazine (7).

1. Merriam-Webster
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downstream
2, 4. "Living Downstream"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2UsmBqYpwo&feature=player_embedded&noredirect=1
3. "Debating How Much Weed Killer is Safe in Your Water Glass"
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/23/us/23water.html?emc=eta1
4. The Department of Water County of Kauai Water Quality Report
http://www.kauaiwater.org/wqr_waimea.pdf
5. PANNA - "Follow the Science"
http://action.panna.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6842
6. USDA:
A) Pesticide Data Program (PDP)
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateG&topNav=&leftNav=ScienceandLaboratories&page=PDPProgramOverview&description=PDP+Program+Overview&acct=pestcddataprg
(B) School Water Testing Project
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=stelprdc5090867
7. Jeremy P. Jacobs, E&E reporter; "EPA Seeks Comments on Proposed Atrazine Ban"

"Living Downstream"

of GMO agricultural practices...

As part of the USDA's Pesticide Data Program, Waimea Canyon Middle School (W.C.M.S.) participated in the School Water Testing Project. The purpose of the project is "to test drinking water from schools/childcare facilities, which use onsite wells as their water source, for pesticide residues so that data may be used in risk assessments." The specific Waimea well that the schools water originates from is unknown at this time. With the permission of the school's administration water samples (three 1-liter glass bottles) were collected from student drinking water fountains.

The EPA guidance for establishing an MCL (Maximum Concentration Level) states that "MCLs are enforceable standards and are to be set as close to the maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) (Health Goals) as is feasible and are based upon treatment technologies, costs (affordability) and other feasibility factors, such as availability of analytical methods, treatment technology and costs for achieving various levels of removal. (2)" Dose/Response assessment is often determined by increasing single dose acute exposure of specific contaminants with rats until there is an adverse affect. Chronic low dose exposure, synergistic effects of combined chemicals, and biological variability are not considered when establishing MCLs.

The Department of Water County of Kauai Water Quality Report covering January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 found the organic contaminants TTHM and HAA only and determined drinking water for the areas of Kekaha - Waimea as "safe" (3).

The student drinking water fountain samples from W.C.M.S. were sent via Federal Express overnight to a laboratory for analysis. The USDA PDP covered all costs of analysis, sampling kits, and pre-paid shipping labels. It took roughly 90 days to receive results due to the number of analytes and the low levels being tested (4).

Results indicate that children attending W.C.M.S are indeed "Living Downstream". Read next month's blog for the U.S.D.A's findings.

1. Living Downstream trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2UsmBqYpwo
2. EXTOXNET FAQs
http://extoxnet.orst.edu/faqs/safedrink/mcl.htm
3. Kekaha-Waimea Water Quality Report
http://www.kauaiwater.org/wqr_waimea.pdf
4. USDA:
A)Pesticide Data Program http://www.ams.usda.gov...
B) School Water Testing Project http://www.ams.usda.gov...

RISK ASSESSMENT - KAUAI

The EPA has developed standards designed to protect human health, with an adequate margin of safety... and to protect public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects of a pollutant (1). Used as risk assessment benchmarks, "Reference Dose (RfD)" the maximum acceptable oral dose of a toxic substance is not an enforceable standard as are National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). According to the EPA, "[a]n aggregate daily exposure to a [chemical] at or below the RfD (expressed as 100 percent or less of the RfD) is generally considered acceptable... (2)." The public has no choice of zero exposure other than to leave toxic areas. When assessing inhalation exposure, the EPA uses "Reference Concentrations," (RfCs), instead of RfDs (3). A burden of proof for causation of illness although stated in known applied pesticide M.S.D.S labeling by legal standard is the affected individuals. EPA acceptable exposure limits do not take into account the synergistic effects of combined chemicals, volatilization rates, or chronic low-dose exposure. The final governmental risk evaluation includes the evaluation of economic and political consequences (4). There is no record of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs) for the use of Organophosphate / Chlorpyrifos pesticides on the island of Kauai, Hawaii by Dow Agrosciences; however, they are hiring (5).

1. "America's Children and the Environment"
http://www.epa.gov/economics/children/index.html
2.EPA - Reregistration Eligibility Decision
http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/0328red.pdf
3.EPA - Environmental Assessment
http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=71993#Download
4. Framework for Risk Assessment and Risk Management
http://www.box.net/shared/4nsee5jvmx1ztfjuz8ds
5. Dow Agrosciences
http://careers.dowagro.com/key/dow-agroscience-kauai-jobs.html

Action Alert - Oppose HR 872

" The only answer to organized money is organized people.""America's corporate and political elites now form a regime of their own and they're privatizing democracy. All the benefits - the tax cuts, policies and rewards flow in one direction: up."

Bill Moyers

Take Action Now:

Beyond Pesticides
Senate Bill Threatens to Exempt Pesticide from Environmental Laws: Oppose HR 872

Pesticide Action Network
Stop the pesticide industry in its tracks

1. Bill Moyers Journal
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/index-flash.html
2. Beyond Pesticides
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/
3. PAN North America
http://www.panna.org/
4. Cartoon
http://compliancecampaign.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/7-13-democracy-for-sale.jpg

For Sale: Pollution Permits

Senate Bill Threatens to Exempt Pesticide from Environmental Laws: Oppose HR 872(S.718.IS)

In discussion of efforts for Mercury pollution legislation, current Administrator of the E.P.A. Lisa P. Jackson explains how legislation such as HR 872 becomes law.

Oppose HR 872

Take Action Here:

1.Beyond Pesticides
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/7106/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6307
2. Lisa P. Jackson's blog site
http://blog.epa.gov/administrator/
3. The Daily Show: "Lisa P. Jackson Interview pt. 2
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-may-19-2011/exclusive---lisa-p--jackson-extended-interview-pt--2

Help Wanted

Maluhia Group seeks to fill the position of "Whistleblower(s)". This is a part-time position requiring "a person who tells the public or someone in authority about alleged dishonest or illegal activities (misconduct) occurring in a government department, a public or private organization, or a company (1)." Maluhia Group will act as conduit for reporting of alleged violations ensuring anonymity of "Whistleblower(s)". Maluhia Group will also provide Attorney Referral Service (2).

The ideal candidate will report alleged violations of certain environmental laws or regulations under the Clean Air Act (CAA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), in relation to GMO agriculture and pesticide use on the island of Kauai, Hawaii (3).

Honesty and a belief in justice would be considered a plus. If you feel you are qualified send e-mail to maluia-wcms@hotmail.com or written response attn: Maluhia Group P.O. Box 1138 Kalaheo, HI 96741. There is no deadline for reply of prospective applicants.

1. Whistleblower
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistleblower
2. The National Whistleblowers Legal Defense and Education Fund
http://www.whistleblowersblog.org/promo/attorney-referrals/
3. United States Department of Labor: Whistleblower and Retaliation Protections
http://www.dol.gov/compliance/guide/whistle.htm#who

Henny Penny (R.I.P.)

Chicken Little is dead (1,2). It was an uneventful passing. A journalist's only comment was, "his epitaph will read, 'The sky is falling.' " Too many found this cynically humorous because as everyone knows the sky never fell. The obituary read that he was consumed by indifference and is survived by Hope and Reason. Preceded in death by Integrity and Courage; in remembrance and celebration of life, friends and relatives may bend over, put their heads between their legs, and kiss their asses' goodbye.

1. Henny Penny
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henny_Penny
2. "The Story of Chicken Little"
http://eleaston.com/chicken.html
3. Image (#44)
http://www.worth1000.com/contests/18662/18662-chickens

Corn Cough

It's the season of Corn Cough. Throughout the reproductive stage to harvest, Corn Cough has many other explanations. Vog is the most common, flu-season, a bug, a cold, asthma are symptoms of an "emergency" (1). Closest to correct would be an allergy. Bioengineered crops may cause an "exaggerated reaction by our immune system" during certain stages of growth (2). Air-borne or ingested, symptoms include labored breathing, itchy eyes, lethargy, deep dry cough, chest pain, dizziness, arrhythmia. When reviewing the health impacts of GMO crops there is much variability in severity and specificity of symptom. Recently in GMO corn and soy "the discovery of an electron microscopic pathogen that appears to significantly impact the health of plants, animals, and probably human beings", may be the allergen (3).

"The founders and members of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine founded in 1965, are recognized as the first to describe ... many previously unknown syndromes and illnesses induced by exposures to biological and chemical agents encountered in air, food and water." Gulf War Syndrome is but one (4). Their recommendations in relation to GMO's are:

• Physicians to educate their patients, the medical community, and the public to avoid GM foods when possible and provide educational materials concerning GM foods and health risks.
• Physicians to consider the possible role of GM foods in the disease processes of the patients they treat and to document any changes in patient health when changing from GM food to non-GM food.
• Our members, the medical community, and the independent scientific community to gather case studies potentially related to GM food consumption and health effects, begin epidemiological research to investigate the role of GM foods on human health, and conduct safe methods of determining the effect of GM foods on human health.
• For a moratorium on GM food, implementation of immediate long term independent safety testing, and labeling of GM foods, which is necessary for the health and safety of consumers (5).

1, 3. Researchers: Roundup or Roundup-Ready Crops May Be Causing Animal Miscarriages and Infertility
http://farmandranchfreedom.org/gmo-miscarriages
2. Air Pollution and Allergies: A Connection?
http://www.medicinenet.com/allergy/article.htm#toc1at
4,5. American Academy of Environmental Medicine
http://www.aaemonline.org/AboutUS.html
http://www.aaemonline.org/gmopost.html

Happy Valentines

Arrhythmia: a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm, such as beating too fast (tachycardia), or too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly.

Often misdiagnosed in agricultural areas, bradycardia and tachycardia arrhythmia and irregular heart rates are known symptoms of Carbamate and Organophosphate pesticide exposure. Physical findings vary according to the route of exposure, the age of patient, and the specific chemical (1).

Common symptoms include: chest pain, fast or slow heartbeat (palpitations), paleness, shortness of breath, light-headedness, dizziness, fainting, skipping beats - changes in the pattern of the pulse, incoordination, muscle twitching, runny nose, and sweating (2,3)

Misdiagnosis occurs when Organophosphate / Carbamate exposure is not a consideration. When "confirming a diagnosis of Organophosphate insecticide poisoning, it is useful to consider what other medical conditions might be possible misdiagnoses or other alternative conditions relevant to diagnosis

Read more at http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/o/organophosphate_insecticide_poisoning/misdiag.htm?ktrack=kcplink

(4)." If an arrhythmia is detected, various tests may be done to confirm or rule out suspected causes. When testing results do not confirm a physiological cause for the exposure induced arrhythmia, consistently the misdiagnosis becomes psychological. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms and live in an agricultural area such as the west side of Kauai, ask your health care professional to include testing for pesticide poisoning in their prescribed testing regiment.

1.Toxicity, Organophosphates
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1009888-overview
2. PuBMed Health - U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002091
3. Center for Disease Control: Characteristic Signs and Symptoms...
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/pesticides/pdfs/pest-cd2app2v2.pdf
4. Misdiagnosis of Organophosphate Insecticide Poisoning
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/o/organophosphate_insecticide_poisoning/misdiag.htm
5. Image
http://www.21stcenturycollaborative.com/2010/07/matters-of-the-heart/

The Selling of Indulgence

Polihale, Kauai Hawaii

Where have the toads gone? Where are the whales this year? There used to be a tree of egrets at roost by the river mouth, now they're gone. Where? The dolphin pod that inhabits Kauai's west side waters are swimming further off-shore. Why? People are getting sick. How? Ask a doctor on Kauai's westside if you'd like to see what a prune looks like. Hypocritical oath, or a communities cognitive dissonance? Drive west on the island of Kauai and understand what has occurred. Especially after heavy rains.

The following pesticides are being applied to ag lands at Polihale.

• Aatrex Nine - O: Restricted Use Pesticide - "ground and surface water concerns (1)."
• Dual II Magnum: Restricted Use Pesticide - "potential to leach through soil into ground water under certain conditions and agricultural use..." "Use of this chemical in areas where soils are permeable, particularly where the water table is shallow may result in ground water contamination." "potential to contaminate surface water through ground spray drift, potential for runoff into surface water for several months post-application." " These include poorly drained or wet soils with readily visible slopes toward adjacent surface waters, frequently flooded areas... areas with field canals or ditches that drain to surface water (2)."
• Harness: Restricted Use Pesticide - "ground and surface water concerns (3)."
• Perm-Up 3.2 : Restricted Use Pesticide - "due to toxicity to Fish and Aquatic Organisms (4)."
• EC / Prowl H20: Restricted Use Pesticide - "This product is toxic to fish. DO NOT apply directly to water, or to areas where surface water is present...," "Drift and runoff from treated areas may be hazardous to aquatic organisms in adjacent aquatic sites (5,6)."
• Warrior II: Restricted Use Pesticide - "This product is highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms and wildlife." "this product is highly toxic to bees..." "Drift and runoff from treated areas may be hazardous to aquatic organisms in neighboring areas (7)."

1. Aatrex Nine - O
http://www.syngentacropprotection.com/pdf/labels/SCP585AL101CC0110.pdf
2. Dual II Magnum
http://www.syngentacropprotection.com/pdf/labels/SCP818AL1N0809n.pdf
3. Harness Xtra
http://www.cdms.net/LDat/ld07L017.pdf
4. Perm-Up 3.2
http://www.cdms.net/LDat/ld5MK005.pdf
5. Prowl EC
http://www.cdms.net/LDat/ld867008.pdf
6. Prowl H20
http://www.cdms.net/LDat/ld6CT021.pdf
7. Warrior II
http://www.syngentacropprotection.com/pdf/labels/SCP1295AL2B0709.pdf
8. "prune" = scared doctor
http://cdn.freeprintablecoloringpages.net/samples/At_The_Doctor/Scared_Doctor.png