Maluhia Group (Maluia-WCMS)

"Eyes Wide Open"

2012-02-01T18:44:00.000-08:00

Mystery Solved!

Unexplained Mysteries of the World have perplexed man since the beginning of time. At last one has been solved! The question of exactly what the "Thinking Man" is pondering has been discovered. With the assistance of a special grant of $50,000 from the County of Kauai City Council, CTAHR research scientist's have discovered that the "Thinking Man" is in fact trying to remember what he keeps forgetting. This ground breaking discovery has been hailed as the end of the beginning of the end, and a new beginning for scientific research around the world setting a model for future multi-national corporate public/private partnerships.

1. Image: "The Thinker" at the Rodin Museum, Philadelphia, PA
2. Monsanto Funds Education, Research at UH, Hawaii 24/7
http://www.hawaii247.com/2011/09/07/monsanto-funds-education-research-at-uh/

Islands at Risk (Part 3)

2012-01-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

1. Islands at Risk (Part 3)
http://youtu.be/Qgf-yyp9fEw

Islands at Risk (Part 2)

2011-12-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

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

Islands at Risk (Part 1)

2011-11-01T21:27:00.001-07:00

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

Downstream

2011-10-03T14:18:00.001-07:00

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 Weed Killer 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"

2011-09-01T09:01:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-01T21:15:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-01T19:23:00.001-07:00

" 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

2011-06-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

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.)

2011-04-01T13:59:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-02T09:19:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-02T00:17:00.001-08:00

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

2011-01-01T17:41:00.001-08:00

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://a2.l3-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/86/5614ec62857afc4740a81dfc493a7fc1/l.jpg

Cropitalism

2010-12-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

is an economic system based on Agri-business profit efforts regardless of impact on environment and public health. It is characterized by investments that are determined by prices, production, and distribution of goods under the guise of competition in a free market (1). Enticement, environmental injustice, manipulation of government policy, below living wage employment, with isolation of profit at the upper corporate echelons are all core benchmark values (2,3).

1. Democracy Now! The War and Peace Report
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/12/23/wikileaks_cables_reveal_us_sought_to
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Environmental Justice
http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
3. Living Wage Calculator for Honolulu County, Hawaii
http://www.livingwage.geog.psu.edu/counties/15003
4. Joe Strumer and the Mescaleros: Johnny Appleseed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kJ2S9BasUc

D.O.A. (part 10)

2010-11-01T21:17:00.001-07:00

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. (1)"

So often we forget. They changed the trash pick-up to Thursday, now I'm really screwed. Over a two year period less the same time past, 20 school children were taken to the hospital in Waimea. What happened? I forget. It happened again about 2 miles west. Twenty seven people have died of cancer in my neighborhood. Oh. There's a neighborhood in Wailua that has almost that many children diagnosed with A.S.D. (2). It's like Erin Brockovich. No. It's like Michael Clayton. That was a screen play, not real (3). Is Erin Brockovich real? Some parts. Communities were torn apart and change occurred. "Make a solemn promise: to enjoy our rightful part of the riches of this land, to throw off the yoke of being considered as agricultural implements or slaves. We are free men and we demand justice (4)."

1. George Santayana. The Life of Reason or The Phases of Human Progress: Reason in Common Sense 284 (2nd ed., Charles Scribner's Sons, New Your, New York 1924
2. Autism and Pesticide Exposure
http://maluiawcms.blogspot.com/2008/12/autism-and-pesticide-exposure.html
3. Askville by amazon: Is the movie Michael Clayton based on a true story?
http://askville.amazon.com/movie-Michael-Clayton-based-true-story/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=16234592
4. UC Davis: Cesar Chavez
http://www.blackgradsdavis.com/index.php?option=com_awiki&view=mediawiki&article=Cesar_Chavez?qsrc=3044
5. Image: "The Thinker" at the Rodin Museum, Philadelpia, PA

Leaching

2010-10-04T16:54:00.001-07:00

to dissolve out by the action of a percolating liquid, taking away

"If you know your soil's potential for leaching and your pesticide's potential leaching, you are ready to determine the soil-pesticide interaction rating. You should know whether your soil has a high, intermediate, or low potential for leaching. You should also know whether your pesticide has a large, medium, small, or extra small potential for leaching. To see how these factors interact, refer to this chart (1)."

1. University of Illinois: College of Agricultural,
Consumer and Environmental Sciences, "50 Ways Farmers can Protect Groundwater", #24

MONOCULTURE

2010-09-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

The cultivation or growth of a single crop or organism especially on agricultural or forest land.

"A growing number of people have become concerned about the long-term sustainability of existing food production systems. Evidence has accumulated showing that whereas the present capital- and technology-intensive farming systems have been extremely productive and competitive, they also bring a variety of economic, environmental and social problems (2) ." "Evidence shows that the very nature of the agricultural structure and prevailing policies have led to this environmental crisis by favoring large farm size, specialized production, crop monocultures and mechanization... The lack of rotations and diversification take away key self-regulating mechanisms, turning monocultures into highly vulnerable agroecosystems dependent on high chemical inputs... An excessive reliance on monoculture farming and agroindustrial inputs, such as capital-intensive technology, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers, has negatively impacted the environment and rural society (3)" "The need to subsidize monocultures requires increases in the use of pesticides and fertilizers, but the efficiency of use of applied inputs is decreasing and crop yields in most key crops are leveling off. In some places, yields are actually in decline. There are different opinions as to the underlying causes of this phenomenon. Some believe that yields are leveling off because the maximum yield potential of current varieties is being approached, and therefore genetic engineering must be applied to the task of redesigning crop. Agroecologists, on the other hand, believe that the leveling off is because of the steady erosion of the productive base of agriculture through unsustainable practices (4)."

1. Merriam-Webster Dictionary
http://www.merriam-webster.com
2.Conway, G.R. and Pretty, J.N. 1991. Unwelcome harvest: agriculture and pollution. Earthscan Publisher, London.
3. Altieri, Miguel A. 2000. Modern Agriculture: Ecological impacts and the possibilities for truly sustainable farming
http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/~agroeco3/modern_agriculture.html
4.Altieri, M.A. and P.M. Rosset 1995. Agroecology and the conversion of large-scale conventional systems to sustainable management. International Journal of Environmental Studies 50: 165-185.

ED

2010-08-01T20:52:00.001-07:00

ED: emotional disturbance
"Risk = Toxicity + Exposure"

A review of the "Characteristic Signs and Symptoms for Several Pesticide Active Ingredients and Classes of Pesticides" indicates varied states of emotional duress resulting from exposure to certain pesticides (2). Not listed, the pesticide Chlorpyrifos is widely used in the cultivation of GMO Corn on the island of Kauai. Psychiatric symptoms associated with acute exposure to Chlorpyrifos include anxiety, depression, memory loss, confusion, stupor, bizarre behavior, and restlessness. In children symptoms include seizures, flaccid muscle weakness, pupil constriction, excess salivation, and mental status changes including lethargy (3). Repeat or prolonged exposure to chlorpyrifos may result in the same effects as acute exposure, including the delayed symptoms. Other effects reported on workers repeatedly exposed include impaired memory and concentration, disorientation, severe depression, irritability, confusion, headache, speech difficulties, delayed reaction times, nightmares, sleepwalking and drowsiness or insomnia. An influenza-like condition with headache, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite and malaise has also been reported(4).

1. National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
http://www.nichcy.org
2. Characteristic Signs and Symptoms for Several Pesticide...
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/pesticides/pdfs/pest-cd2app2v2.pdf

3. National Pesticide Information Center : "Chlorpyrifos Fact Sheet"
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/chlorptech.pdf
4. Chlorpyrifos Fact Sheet
http://www.pan-uk.org/pestnews/Actives/chlorpyr.htm

SLD

2010-07-04T19:56:00.001-07:00

SLD: specific learning disabilities
"Risk = Toxicity + Exposure"

"Exposure is practically ubiquitous. We're all exposed (1)." Prior consideration of variables, a recent study found detectable levels of pesticide compounds in the urine of 94 percent of children tested. Research findings support the hypothesis that organophosphate exposure, at levels common among US children may contribute to ADHD prevalence (2). Seventeen percent of children in the United States have been diagnosed with one or more developmental disabilities. This percentage has risen dramatically in the past decade and continues to increase. These disabilities are... the result of complex interactions among genetic, environmental, and social factors that impact children during vulnerable periods of development. Research demonstrates that pervasive toxic substances, such as mercury, lead, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides, solvents, and others, can contribute to neurobehavioral and cognitive disorders (3). The US National Academy of Sciences estimates that at least 25% of learning and behavioral disabilities are due to either known toxic substances or the interactions between environmental factors and genetic predispositions(4).

Exposure to pesticides may lead to:
• Impairment of short-term memory
• Slower psychomotor and reaction speed
• Emotional instability, more frequent instances of anxiety, irritability, and depression
• Personality disorders or changes, mood changes
• Shortened attention spans, associated with ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder), which affects 3 to 6% of all school children
• Delays in physical stamina and hand-eye coordination
• Decreased number of brain cells and neurotransmitter receptors with exposure during critical points of development, that lead to significant IQ deficits and reading impairments
• Incomplete development of the fetal brain (5)

1. Author Maryse Bouchard of the University of Montreal
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100517/ap_on_he_me/us_med_children_pesticides
2. "Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesticides"
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/peds.2009-3058v1?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=Bouchard&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT
3."In Harm's Way: Toxic Threats to Child Development": Physicians For Social Responsibility
http://www.psr.org/chapters/boston/resources/in-harms-way.html
4. "Our Stolen Future"
http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/NewScience/human/2000-09netreport.htm
5. "Pesticides and Learning Disabilities"
http://pesticidereform.org/downloads/pestandlearn.pdf

ADHD

2010-06-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

ADHD: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
“Risk = Toxicity + Exposure”

Toxicity is the capacity of a chemical to cause harm to health. The amount needed to cause harm depends on the chemical. Like other chemicals, some pesticides are more toxic than others. A small quantity of a highly toxic pesticide can cause great harm..., the longer you are exposed the greater the chance of harm (1). A new analysis of U.S. health data links children's attention-deficit disorder with exposure to common pesticides... (2). The study found that the risk of having ADHD increases in children who have higher concentrations of dialkyl phosphate metabolites. The metabolites indicate exposure to organophosphates, pesticides that affect the nervous system. Those with higher-than-average levels of this metabolite were two times more likely to have ADHD than those whose levels were undetectable (3,4). The new study shows it's possible even tiny, allowable amounts of pesticide may affect brain chemistry (2,4).

1. What Are the Potential Health Effects of Pesticides? - California Department of Pesticide Regulation
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/dept/comguide/effects_excerpt.pdf
2. "Research links pesticide with ADHD in children"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100517/ap_on_he_me/us_med_children_pesticides
3. "Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesiticides" - Pediatrics, May 17
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/peds.2009-3058v1
4. "Pesticides may increase risk of ADHD in children" - American Medical News
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/05/31/prsb0531.htm

Malama I Ka Honua

2010-05-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

"Cherish the Earth" - Journal of the Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter

Malama I Ka Honua, a quarterly newsletter published by the Sierra Club in it's most recent issue recognized Maluhia Group for it's efforts. Maluhia Group members were named Pono award recipients for their work which resulted in an end to the spraying of chlorpyrifos and organophosphate pesticides on agricultural lands adjacent Waimea Canyon Middle School. Since pesticide application ceased there have been no "spikes" of illness indicative of pesticide exposure to students or staff. Previous illness "spikes" were attributed to the benign weed Cleome Gynandra by state, federal, and corporate investigators without scientific investigation despite illness symptoms being verbatim M.S.D.S. of known applied pesticides. Maluhia Group members continue their Community Based Participatory Research Project in an effort to:

Determine the concentration of pesticides in the air at Waimea Canyon Middle School
Review school health records, weather data, and known application dates to evaluate possible correlations of illness "spike" events with pesticide exposure.
Use the data collected to renew a call for legislation eliminating the use of pesticides in close proximity of schools and communities.
Inform the affected community and the media of the research project results.
Provide free access to this data to be used as a benchmark for other communities addressing similar challenges through public forum and the Maluhia Group blog.
Establish a statewide database of incidents involving pesticide drift and the adverse health effects of G.M.O. agriculture practices to individuals and the environment.
Continue building the capacity to carry out advocacy work promoting viable alternatives to harmful, synthetic pesticides, by holding informative workshops, bringing in guest speakers, communicating information about pesticides to the public.

April Fool's

2010-04-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Trouble on the Farm...

Attempts to discover what happened to the County of Kauai City Council's $50,000 contribution to CTAHR to study Cleome Gynandra have gone unanswered. This weed was blamed for 2 years of student and staff illness at Waimea Canyon Middle School on the island of Kauai. During acute incident's students and staff were taken to the hospital. Coincidentally, it's been 2 years since pesticide spraying on bordering ag land leased by Syngenta ceased and there have been no incidents of illness "spikes". Attached are photos taken on 02-24-2010 of Field #809 covered in blooming Cleome Gynandra. No one was taken to the hospital. The field was plowed under on 02-26-2010. This plowing cycle has been occurring for the past 2 years covering the campus in pesticide lading dust(2). Cleome Gynandra is the only weed that grows in the field now .

1. Trouble on the Farm - Growing Up with Pesticides in Agricultural Communities
http://www.nrdc.org/health/kids/farm/chap2.asp
2. Practice Prevention
http://www.ldame.org/documents/ENVIRONMENTALRESEARCH-ChemicalPesticidesandChildrensHealth.pdf
2. Pictures of Field # 809 taken 02-24-2010
21-57-44.20N / 159-40-29.86W

Vandana Shiva: The Future of Food - Part 3

2010-03-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

"...the beginning of learning once again, what nature can do for us (1)."

1. Vandana Shiva: Future of Food - Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQDqEUd53YQ

Vandana Shiva: The Future of Food -Part 2

2010-02-01T22:37:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately even computer genius Bill Gates has been sold the GMO solution to world hunger myth (1). Despite his renowned efforts with limited experiential knowledge, he should meet with more people like Dr. Vandana Shiva and less venture capitalist Frankenstein farmers. True long-term solutions for the world's hunger crisis do not require subjugation to corporations.

1. "The Daily Show": an interview with Bill Gates (1:53)
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-january-25-2010/bill-gates

Introducing Dr. Vandana Shiva

2010-01-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

...a physicist, ecologist, activist, editor and author of numerous books, Dr. Vandana Shiva is a tireless defender of the environment (1).

1. The My Hero Project - Dr. Vandana Shiva
http://www.myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=Shiva
2. Vandana Shiva:The Future of Food - Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi1FTCzDSck

"What You Don't Know Can Kill You"

2009-12-06T18:24:00.001-08:00

This article was originally posted on July 15th, 2007. With cultivation season upon us and pesticide use at it's highest amounts ever on the island of Kauai, we repost this resource.

The general term "pesticide" includes herbicides, fumigants, insecticides, nemacides, fungicides, miticides, rodenticides, termiticides, molluscides, acaricides, bird repellents and some wood preservatives (1).

In California, glyphosate is the third most commonly-reported cause of pesticide related illness among agricultural workers (2). The active ingredient in Syngenta's Touchdown product is glyphosate (3). Of the ten chemicals known to have been applied to Ag lands adjacent W.C.M.S (see Pesticide 101), glyphosate is the most benign. Six of the chemicals are considered Cholinesterase inhibitors (4). While the effects of cholinesterase inhibiting products are intended for insect pests, these chemicals can also be poisonous, or toxic to humans in some situations. Human exposure to cholinesterase inhibiting chemicals can result from inhalation, ingestion, eye and skin contact during the manufacture, mixing, or applications of these pesticides (5). Unfortunately, signs and symptoms of cholinesterase inhibition from exposure can be confused with influenza (flu), heat prostration, alcohol intoxication, exhaustion, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), asthma, gastroenteritis, pneumonia, and brain hemorrhage. This can cause problems if the symptoms of lowered cholinesterase levels are either ignored or misdiagnosed as something more or less harmful than they really are (5,6). To date Hawaii DOA/DOH has made no attempt to correlate the school health aide records of reported illness and/or staff statements with Syngenta spray operation application type, time & dates. Informal attempts show a significant correlation of spray dates and student/staff "spikes" of illness indicative of chronic pesticide exposure.

1. Colorado Dept. of Health and Environment
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/HM/hhw/howto/pesticides.htm

2. "Glyphosate Fact Sheet"

Original Article: http://www.safe2use.com/poisons-pesticides/pesticides/organo/glyphosate.htm

3. Product Details: Touchdown HiTech (Herbicide)

http://www.syngentacropprotection-us.com/prod/herbicide/TouchdownHiTech/

4. PAN Pesticides Database

http://pesticideinfo.org/Index.html

5. "CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITION"

http://www.uoguelph.ca/GTI/urbanpst/cholin_t.htm

6. Image: "Manifestations of Organophosphate Insecticide Poisoning"

http://www.nutrition4health.org/NOHAnews/NNS90PesticideEffectsBodyDiagram.htm

Action Alerts

2009-11-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

your voice counts...

Earthjustice

"...we're asking the government to set safety standards protecting children who grow up near farms from the harmful effects of pesticide drift—the toxic spray or vapor that travels from treated fields. We're also asking officials to immediately adopt no-spray buffer zones around homes, schools, parks and daycare centers for the most dangerous and drift-prone pesticides... Children who live, go to school, and play near farms and orchards deserve to be kept safe from poisonous pesticides. Ask your congressperson to support this effort (1)."

Take action here:

Pesticide Action Network

"Despite campaign promises to the contrary, President Obama has nominated to two key posts “Big Ag” industry insiders who come straight from the chemical pesticide and biotechnology sectors. We need 50,000 signatures! To make this kind of impact, PAN is joining a broad coalition of partner groups from around the country in mobilizing to block these nominations (2)."

Take action here:

1. Earthjustice Action Alert:
http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/pesticides_1009?rk=n7SmeW6qAqY7E
2.PAN Take Action:
http://action.panna.org/t/5185/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=2150

Food Inc.

2009-10-05T20:51:00.001-07:00

"Pesticides and You"

2009-09-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

The Precautionary Principle

"When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. In this context the proponent of an activity, rather than the public, should bear the burden of proof. The process of applying the precautionary principle must be open, informed, democratic, and must include potentially affected parties. It must also involve an examination of the full range of alternatives, including no action." - Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle, Jan. 1998

1. Science & Health Network: "The Precautionary Principle"
http://www.sehn.org/precaution.html
2. Science & Health Network: "Precautionary Principle" an essay by Michael Pollen
3. Guidelines for applying the Precautionary Principle to Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management, http://www.pprinciple.net/PP_guidelines_brochure.pdf
4. Beyond Pesticides: "Pesticides and You"
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pesticidesandyou/index.htm

"Pesticides and You"

2009-08-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

Exposure: an act of subjecting

An occupational exposure is the exposure to potentially harmful chemical, physical, or biological agents that occurs as a result of one's occupation. Exposure risk of children to organophosphorus pesticide in an agricultural community in Central Washington State was determined. Spot urine and hand wipe samples were collected from 109 children 9 months to 6 years of age, as were house dust samples, and wipe samples from various surfaces. Children were categorized based on parental occupation (agricultural vs nonagricultural) and on household proximity to pesticide-treated areas. Findings indicate that children living with parents who work with agricultural pesticides, or who live in proximity to pesticide treated farmland, have higher exposures than do other children living in the same community (3).
Children are the most susceptible population to environmental contaminants since: (a) their organs and neurological system are rapidly developing; (b) their intake (air, water, food, beverage) is greater relative to body size and weight; (c) their activities, behavior and proximity to the surfaces enhance their potential contact with toxic substances (4). For the pesticides examined, exposures pose greater risks of chronic effects than acute effects (5).
The Journal of American Medicine recommends adoption of pesticide spray buffer zones around schools (6). Surveys revealed that many farmworkers and their families are not adequately educated as to proper safety precautions. Misconceptions about post-application clean-up procedures and safe levels of proximity to treated crops may increase the risk of exposure for farmworker children (7).

1.Beyond Pesticides: "Pesticides and You"
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pesticidesandyou/index.htm
2. American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Exposure
http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/exposure;_ylt=AqsmW.frLLHUOv41R_DzpLKsgMMF
3. Pesticide Exposure in Children in an Agricultural Community...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11097803
Mom's pesticide exposure at work increases her child's leukemia risk.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/moms-pesticide-contact-at-work-increases-childs-leukemia-risk
4. Vulnerability of Young Children to Organophosphate Pesticides...
http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/976
5. Evaluating Health Risks from Occupational Exposure to Pesticides and the Regulatory Response^{http://www.ehponline.org/docs/1994/102-12/woodruff.html
6 . JAMA: Acute Illnesses Associated With Pesticide Exposure at Schools
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/294/4/455.pdf
7. Farmworker Children
http://www.panna.org/opsAbstracts/fwchildren}

"Pesticides and You"

2009-07-06T14:26:00.001-07:00

Alternatives to pesticide use...

In our continued effort to provide current accurate, researched based, information on the adverse effects of pesticides and GMO agriculture, we begin a series of articles which will share resources you can download in reference to "Pesticides and You".

The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides protects the health of people and the environment by advancing alternatives to pesticides. Information fact sheets on alternatives to pesticide use to control pests and weeds can be located at, http://www.pesticide.org/factsheets.html

1. The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides Homepage
http://www.pesticide.org/default.htm
2.Beyond Pesticide: "Pesticides and you"
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pesticidesandyou/index.htm
3. Image: Pesticide Free Zone
http://www.gardenoforganicdelights.org/PesticideFreeZone.jpg
4. Alternatives to Pesticide PDF
http://www.bernards.org/boards_commissions/green_team/pptdocfolder/Alternative%20Pesticides.pdf

Free Movie

2009-06-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

Waimea Theater - June 23rd, 2009
from 7pm to 9pm

"The World According to Monsanto"

1. Free Movie*** The World According to Monsanto: Waimea Theater June 23rd, 2009.
http://surfriderkauai.ning.com/events/free-movie-the-world-according
2. "The World According to Monsanto": Controlling Our Food - French Documentary
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6262083407501596844

Stewards of the Land?

2009-05-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

Dow and dirty...

According to news reports, the latest player in Kauai's transgenic seed corn industry will be Dow Chemical. 3400 acres of red Westside soil will be planted with corn and soybeans destined not for the dinner plates of Kauai's people. The seed corn business, which dominates the west Kauai landscape continues to bloom, or explode. Dow has indicated that it intends to continue the tradition of "good land stewardship that Gay & Robinson has demonstrated over past decades" (1).

What kind of stewardship record does Dow have? They are the second largest chemical manufacturer in the world and have brought us historic products such as napalm and agent orange. Both chemicals memorialized by the legacy of death and deformation to those exposed during the Vietnam War. Dow headquarters in Modland, Michigan is the source point for dioxin's that will contaminat the land and water for generations to come.

In 2003, the state of New York won a $2 million claim against Dow for advertising Chlorpyrifos as "safe." A nerve toxin and endocrine disruptor; Chlorpyrifos is still used by agribusiness primarily in developing countries and the fields of Kauai.

Dow's legacy of environmental and social injustice is too long to list in this article. They now join a list of multi-national chemical corporations participating in a Kauai land grab not seen since the Great Mahele. At what benefit? At what cost?

1. Star bulletin
http://www.starbulletin.com/business/20090429_Dow_AgroScience_to_lease_Kauai_sugar_lands.htm
2. Students for Bhopal
http://www.studentsforbhopal.org/DirtyDow.htm#DangerousNeighbor
3. Stewards of the Land?
http://www.box.net/shared/nc102hq2ai
4. Dow Chemcial Company
http://www.dow.com/

Theater 101

2009-04-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Staged: the scene of an event or of a series of events, untrue.

The existing condition or state of affairs is known as the status quo. Staged events occurring are not always presented for viewing, but as an illusion. Take for instance a white lab coat. I'm ready to allow the cosmetics girl at Macy's to do my hip replacement. "Sorry if I offended you. I didn't know you didn't have a background in science."Fortunately her goals do not threaten biodiversity. Or, take for instance an air sampler in June taking samples on the roof of a building for "asbestos". Looks official, sounds official, somethings wrong? Lets' set up another one at the Dept. of Labor guy's house. Good idea, high five. A stage is not a platform when it is a position. A study is not a study when it is staged. It's beyond amazing what some do to ensure a status quo. In fact it's criminal. You'll find what you look for. Our C.B.P.R. continues...

" I did my apprenticeship in the GMO seed/Pesticide industry.
My friend's call me Doug."

1. Image: Dr. Evil
2. C.P.B.R: see April 17th, 2008 blog entry.
https://www1.georgetown.edu/centers/socialjustice/

"THE APPEAL"

2009-03-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

by John Grisham

Hawaii - 2009
While the media whips up an emotional tide of focus on House Bill 444 (RELATING TO CIVIL UNIONS); as if using John Grisham's novel "The Appeal" as a script, House Bill 1226 (RELATING TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED PLANT ORGANISMS) slithers it's way through the Hawaii State Legislature with little opposition.

OPPOSE HB 1226

Write letters of opposition to:
Hawaii State Legislature House of Representatives
Agricultural Committee
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/house/comm/commAGR.asp

Send testimony in opposition to:
Hawaii State Legislature
Submit Testimony by Email
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/emailtestimony/Default.aspx

"Fleecing the Flock"

2009-02-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

"Wolves in Sheep's Clothing"

A quite pall has encroached upon the beauty of Hawaii. Given cart blanche by federal and state government; biotechnology companies have become the islands most dangerous invasive species. As biotech's Petri dish of the Pacific, no other place in the world has the acreage of open air test fields as in Hawaii. With many of these test field's only short distances from communities and school's, Hawaii's citizens have unwittingly become the biotech industries human test subjects (i.e. guinea pigs). Believe in science? In a recent N.Y. Times article titled Crop Scientists Say Biotechnology Seed Companies Are Thwarting Research author Andrew Pollack writes, "Biotechnology companies are keeping university scientists from fully researching the effectiveness and environmental impact of the industry's genetically modified crops, according to an unusual complaint issued by a group of those scientists." History repeats itself. How many books need to be written, movies made before we learn to beware of wolves in sheep's clothing, those that bare false gifts, and in Hawaii's case fascists in farmers clothes? Please SUPPORT SB 239 "Right to Know" Bill and OPPOSE HB 1226 "Subjugation" Bill.

1. "Crop Scientists Say Biotechnology Seed Companies Are Thwarting Research," by Andrew Pollack
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/20/business/20crop.html?_r=1
2. Hawaii State SB 239: "Right to Know" Bill; HB 1226: "Subjugation" Bill
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/bills/SB239_SD1_.pdf
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/bills/HB1226_HD1_.pdf

"Stinky Study" (part 2)

2009-01-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

Confused: lacking logical order or sense.

Former Kauai County Council Vice Chair Mel Rapozo introduced Bill 2278 with good intentions. Along with a disregard for cultural sensibility, an understanding of why the $50,000 of county funds will be used is unclear even to the Bill's protagonist.

1. "Stinky Study" (part 2); excerpt from Kauai County Council meeting 10/09/2008.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCCYHnKEw4g

Autism and Pesticide Exposure

2008-12-11T18:52:00.000-08:00

ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorder

According to scientist's and a growing body of evidence maternal exposure to pesticide during specific gestation periods significantly increases the percentage of children born with ASD in a population. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) include a range of developmental disabilities that are characterized by substantial impairments in social interaction and communication as well as the presence of unusual behaviors. The symptoms range from mild to very severe, appearing before the age of three and lasting throughout a person's life (1). With lead and mercury eliminated as significant factors, one study found that mothers living within 500m of sprayed field sites had a 6:1 ratio of children born with ASD as compared to mothers not living near treated field sites (2). Senator Hooser's Bill SB 3170 delineated a 1500ft pesticide-free buffer zone around schools. This Bill never made it out of committee the result of "farm, seed, and pesticide lobby," influence (3).

1. "Exposure of Organochlorine Pesticides Linked to Autism": Pesticide and You, Volume 27, Number 3, pg. 6, Fall 2007
2. "Maternal Residence Near Agricultural Pesticide Applications and Autism
Spectrum Disorders among Children in the California Central Valley"
Eric M. Roberts, Paul B. English, Judith K. Grether, Gayle C. Windham, Lucia Somberg, and Craig Wolff
3. "Guest Viewpoint" - Kaua'i legislative update by Senator Gary L. Hooser
http://www.kauaiworld/articles/2008/03/12/opinion/edito2.txt
Testimony: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/Testimony/SB3170_EDU-ENE-TIA_02-04-08_.pdf
Bill: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/bills/SB3170_SD1_.htm
4. "The Autism Awareness Ribbon"
http://media.compendiumblog.com/images/blog_images/ad9acc28-bdbc-47e0-b18f-cc7a46ae979e/cb669e2b-7bf1-4a52-bcbb-3567dcb3fb9f/Autism-Ribbon-Story.jpg

"Stinky Study" (part 1)

2008-11-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

Confound: To cause to become confused or perplexed; fail to distinguish, mix up.

Despite there being evidence that the lessee of Field #809 is cultivating Cleome Gynandra (see D.O.A. Part 9) and data available in reference to compounds yielded from this benign weed, Kauai County Council has agreed to fund $50,000 "to characterize and monitor for odoriferous compounds produced by Cleome Gynandra" (1,2). Within a few weeks of Bill 2278 passing, Governor Linda Lingle approved an additional $100,000 for the "testing and assessment of pesticide in the ambient air" (3). The responsibility of developing the study as well as data collection has been delegated to CTAHR Plant & Environmental Protection Services Dr. Qi Li, with oversight from Dr. Robert Boesch of the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture. Dr. Li will conduct the study of "odoriferous compounds" as well as the testing of pesticide levels in the ambient air for Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Dr. Li is also the Hawaii State Director of Pesticide Registration Program (4). The University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) receives millions of dollars in endowments from the GMO seed industry which is its largest benefactor.

1. Botanical Dermatology Database: "Cleomaceae"
http://bodd.cf.ac.uk/BotDermFolder/CLEO.html
2. Letter to former Kauai County Council Vice Chair Mel Rapozo - July 3rd, 2008; pg. 2
http://www.box.net/shared/dj69fctcfh
3. The Garden Island Newspaper: "Westside Noxious Odor Study Funded"
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/11/04/news/kauai_news/doc49offd826c59d999640816.txt
4. Pesticide Registration Program Department of Environmental Biochemistry (CTAHR), University of Hawaii at Manoa
http://pestworld.stjohn.hawaii.edu/epp/prp.html

"Pesticides and Childhood Cancer"

2008-10-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

"A pernicious, spreading evil (1)."

Children living on or near treated croplands can be exposed (to pesticides) through agricultural application drift, overspray, or off-gassing. Young children, who are likely to spend a large proportion of their time on the floor or ground and who frequently put hands and objects in their mouths, may be at particularly high risk of exposure . Addressing the conspicuous absence of information on chemical exposures and toxicity relating to children has become a priority at the EPA (2). Evidence that pesticide exposure may be associated with childhood cancer comes from case reports and several types of epidemiologic studies. Evidence from epidemiological studies suggests that environmental contaminants such as pesticides and certain chemicals, in addition to radiation, may contribute to an increased frequency of some childhood cancers. Some studies have found that children born to parents who work with or use such chemicals are more likely to have cancer in childhood (3). Malignancies linked to pesticides in studies include leukemia, neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumor, soft-tissue sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and cancers of the brain, colorectum, and testes. Many of the cancers associated with pesticides among children are the same cancers that are repeatedly associated with pesticide exposure among adults. There is a need to study and better quantify these exposures (4). Regulatory toxicology can no longer safely assume that "the dose makes the poison". Standard approaches used to develop estimates of safe exposure levels, by basing their design on a false assumption, are likely to have set safety standards that are not strong enough to protect public health (5). Although research is underway to characterize the risks of childhood cancer associated with pesticides and identify the specific pesticides responsible, it is prudent to reduce or, where possible, eliminate pesticide exposure to children, given their increased vulnerability and susceptibility. There is potential to prevent at least some childhood cancer by reducing or eliminating pesticide exposure (2,3,4).

1. American Heritage^® Dictionary of the English Language: definition of "Cancer"
2. "Childhood Cancer: A Growing Problem", Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 106, Number1, January 1998
http://www.ehponline.org/realfiles/docs/1998/106-1/focus.html
3. "Cancer Incidence and Mortality," U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/childhood_cancer.htm
4. "Pesticides and Childhood Cancer" by Shelia Hoar Zahm and Mary H. Ward. Environmental Health Perspectives Supplements Volume 106, Number S3, June 1998. Occupational Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Etiology, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, http://www.ehponline.org/members/1998/Suppl-3/893-908zahm/zahm-full.html
5. "Does 'the dose make the poison?" Extensive results challenge a core assumption in toxicology, by Pete Myers, Ph.D. and Wendy Hessler
http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/NewScience/lowdose/2007/2007-04-30%20Does%20the%20Dose%20Make%20the%20Poison.pdf
6. Waimea Canyon Middle School and adjacent neighborhood shadowed by Field #809: Photo by Denis Fujimoto

D.O.A. (part 9)

2008-09-20T00:24:00.000-07:00

"Body of Evidence" - Cindy Goldstein, Ph.D. (1)

Throughout this David and Goliath struggle of Environmental Injustice and Racism, the cause of repeated events of illness indicative of acute and chronic pesticide exposure has been blamed on the benign weed Cleome Gynandra. The heads of Hawaii Dept. of Ag and Dept. of Health have agreed to perform an ambient air study for pesticides only if the Kauai County Council provides $50,000 to fund an assessment of the "ambient concentrations of odiferous substances from Cleome Gynandra" (2). In a previous agreement with Hawaii State Teachers Association there was to be no cultivation or spraying in field #809 prior Dec. 08' unless Syngenta agreed to construct a 12-foot-high dust-fence along the vegetated buffer zone separating the field from the school (3). This is a video of the lessee of field #809 (Syngenta Seeds Co.) cultivating Cleome Gynandra a weed blamed for sending over 20 children to the hospital, contrary to that agreement.

1. "Body of Evidence", a quote from Cindy Goldstein, Ph.D.
Manager Business and Community Outreach Pioneer (A DUPONT COMPANY) Biotechnology Affairs, cindy.goldstein@pioneer.com
2. Bill 2278 info, http://www.box.net/shared/dj69fctcfh
3. The Garden Island Newspaper, Feb. 8, 2008
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/02/08/news/news02.txt
4. D.O.A (part 9), "Diary of Apathy" the struggle continues...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SYEcowV2d8
5. Music: "Hawaii 78" by Bruddah IZ

Cocktail Anyone?

2008-09-11T14:56:00.001-07:00

"Inerts" (Part 2)

A Case Study of a Week-Long Pesticide Cocktail

Recap: on January 25, 2008, more than 60 students at Waimea Canyon Middle School reported to the health room with complaints of nausea, dizziness, itcy eyes, sore throat, and labored breathing(1). Many reported smelling a noxious fuel-like odor. Responding emergency services personnel took 12 students and 1 teacher to the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital ER for treatment of acute symptoms ranging from difficulty breathing, violent vomiting, dizziness, tremors, and extreme headache. Classrooms were evacuated to the library which is a contained environment with a central air conditioning system. Representatives from state and county agencies as well as agribusiness converged upon the campus in an effort to determine the cause of the noxious odor and sickness. By 4pm that same day the Honolulu Advertiser reported that "officials" determined the culprit odor (and consequent sickness) to be caused by several piles of dead Cleome Gynandra located along the campus western boarder in field #809 (1). Many were surprised by this speedy conclusion given the magnitude of the incident; the benign nature of the weed, and the lack of anyone effected reporting that the odor they smelled was "Wild Spider Flower," an odor many on campus are familiar with.

CLICK HERE: The following is an ingredient list of the pesticide cocktail that was applied by Syngenta Seeds Inc. to field #809 during the week leading up to the January 25, 2008 incident (2).

Syngenta pesticide application data was provided by the Department of Agriculture (3).

1. YouTube Video: "The Day After, 01-26-08"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5xefxsmXcc
2. "A Case Study of a Week-Long Pesticide Cocktail"
http://www.box.net/shared/p7tz40zs4d
3. Dept. of Agriculture Inspection Report: 01-28-09, 02-08-08,02-09-08

Are "Inerts" Benign?

2008-09-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

Original post August 17th,2008

Cocktail: A mixture, usually in solution
Benign: Having little or no detrimental effect, harmless

When a pesticide poisoning is believed to have taken place, much attention is usually paid to the active ingredient in the pesticide product. The percentage of active ingredient in a formulation can range form 5% to 90%. The other percentage of the product is a cocktail of chemicals ranging from solvents to lesser “active pesticides" (1). These other ingredients are often referred to as “inerts”. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “an inert ingredient may have biological activity of it’s own, may be toxic to humans, and may be chemically active.” In 1997 the E.P.A. issued a notice which, “encourages manufacturers, formulators, producers, and registrants of pesticide products to voluntarily substitute the term ‘other ingredient’ as a heading for the inert ingredients in the ingredient statement on the label of the pesticide product.” “Many consumers are mislead by the term “inert ingredient,” believing it to mean “harmless” (2). State, federal, and international agencies have classified 26 percent of “inert ingredients” (about 600 chemicals) as hazardous.

1. "A Case Study of a Week-Long Pesticide Cocktail"
http://www.box.net/shared/p7tz40zs4d
2. Inert (other) Ingredients in Pesticide Products
http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/inerts/

Troubles in Paradise (Kauai)

2008-07-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

"Citizens not Serfs"

1. Troubles in Paradise (Kauai)- a Zaharie Productions video
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4781539548579737594&q=zaharieproductions&ei=haJ7SLmkIIamrwLhqJW0AQ

We the People...

2008-07-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

"fear factor"

"An informed citizen is the only true repository of the American will" - Thomas Jefferson

What is the greatest challenge Maluia-WCMS has faced?

The single greatest challenge Maluia-WCMS has faced is fear. Our efforts address student/staff illness and the questionable manner State of Hawaii agencies have acted in investigating multiple incidents of pesticide exposure as the result of drift. Despite our altruistic objectives, intentional efforts to obfuscate the truth (as well as manipulate cultural nuances) have created a pervasive public fear to participate, share information, or ask questions about conclusions based on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific investigation. And so on this "Independence Day," Maluia-WCMS would like to share President Franklin D. Roosevelt's pearl of wisdom, "there's nothing to fear, but fear itself ." Fear is a peril of wisdom. Democracy only works when citizens are not afraid to ask questions, demand the truth, and believe in their constitutional rights. "Every man a king."

1. Cultural Nuances by: Lee Rigby
"How Intercultural Diversity Affects the Many Aspects of International Communication"
http://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/INTERCOM/main.htm
2. "Every Man a King" by: Huey P. Long
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/hueyplongking.htm

Pesticide Effects Can Span Generations

2008-05-31T21:44:00.000-07:00

UC-Berkeley Professor of Biology Tyrone Hayes describes how health effects from pesticide toxins can persist among subsequent generations.

1. Tyrone Hayes - Pesticide Effects Can Span Generations
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vxPYCsgpB9I
2. Are Pesticides Poisoning Our Children's Future?
http://fora.tv/2008/03/18/Are_Pesticides_Poisoning_Our_Children_s_Future

Volatilization (part 2)

2008-05-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

itchy eyes, blurred vision, tingly skin, headache, malaise, labored breathing...

Volatilization is the process whereby a solid or liquid evaporates into the atmosphere as a gas. Specific environmental factors that tend to increase volatilization include high temperature, low relative humidity, and air movement (2). Volatilization drift occurs when these gases drift from their application site to another location. Spray drift can occur when pesticides move off the application site in the air as particles or aerosols during application or when the pesticides move that are attached to dust (3).
How does one know when either kind of drift has occurred? Swab samples are used to detect pesticide residues from spray drift if the samples can be taken rather quickly as sunlight and oxygen will break down the pesticide quickly if it is volatile. Swab sampling works best if done within hours of a spray drift incident. Volatilization drift is not detected by swab sampling though it can continue at fairly high levels for several days after an application. Because volatilized pesticides are in gas form, it is unlikely that you will find residues on surfaces. Volatilization drift can be detected using air monitoring devices, sometimes called "drift catchers", that sample the air at a given moment. Regulatory definition of drift ignores 80-95% of total drift for volatile pesticides.

For about 45% of total pesticides applied in California, the bulk of off-site pesticide movement occurs as the pesticide volatilizes after application. ARB (California Air Resources Board) monitoring data show that concentrations of pesticides in air peak between eight and 24 hours after the start of application, with concentrations declining over several days to several weeks. In outdoor settings, airborne pesticides are carried away from the application site by wind and on windblown soil particles. Drifting pesticides can travel for miles, resulting in widespread toxic air pollution. In indoor environments, vaporized pesticides can persist for weeks after an application, concentrating in the air closest to the floor -- where children spend more of their time -- and condensing on plastic items such as children's toys (4).

1. Image: www.btny.purdue.edu/.../PPP-35.conclusion.jpg
2.www.btny.purdue.edu/Pubs/PPP/PPP35.html
3. www.epa.gov/opp00001/about/intheworks/volatilization.htm
4. Secondhand Pesticides: Airborne Pesticide Drift in California
http://www.panna.org/legacy/gpc/gpc_200304.13.1.10.dv.html

D.O.A. (part 8)

2008-04-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

"And Here We Test Our Powers Of Observation" - The Bad Plus

Environmental injustice and racism occur not only when policymakers violate... rights to free informed consent or equal treatment in siting decisions but also when risk assessors use biased scientific methods whose policy consequences de facto result in unjustified discrimination against people of color and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups (3).
“We are not going to be spending a lot of resources chasing something that is intermittent and the firefighters could not even detect,” Department of Agriculture’s pesticides program manager, Robert Boesch (4). Apparently there are no fields of cleome gynandra (a.k.a. "Stinkweed") close enough to the evacuated schools in Kekaha to impute as the reason for symptoms indicative of pesticide exposure (5). Despite recently cleared fields in the area being sprayed by Pioneer and their refusal to share the name of the chemicals applied with the public, even more preposterous specious explanations have been proposed. “Nothing we know of would have caused that,” Steve Lupkes, Pioneer site manager.“This morning the weather guy was talking about the vog hitting Kaua‘i (5).” Allowing Mr. Lupkes the benefit of doubt, perhaps he's never read an MSDS for pesticides Pioneer applies to their crops? It's a miracle that all the schools on Kauai and the state weren't evacuated, as the vog was statewide. According to David Gerow his comments to Adam Harju of The Garden Island Newspaper in reference to propane were printed out of context and without his knowledge of the events taking place in Kekaha. Mr. Harju used journalistic prerogative stating that officials were speculating the cause as being a delivery of propane in the vicinity (4). As per the gas company, propane is heavier than air. With a distance of over 1/4 mile between Kekaha School and St. Theresa's as the crow flies, there is not a vehicle large enough to hold the concentration of propane required to produce the symptoms expressed by children and adults including individuals in areas upwind of where the reported propane truck made it's delivery (6). And here we test our powers of observation.

1. "And Here We Test Our Powers Of Observation" - The Bad Plus : GIVE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OruzDa0He-g

2. Image: "Poison Prevention" 1-800-222-1212

http://www.healthline.com/

3."Environmental Racism and Biased Methods of Risk Assessment" by Daniel C. Wigley & Kristin S. Shrader-Frechette.

http://www.piercelaw.edu/risk/vol7/winter/wigley.htm

4. The Garden Island Newspaper , April 17, 2008

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/04/17/news/news03.txt

5. The Garden Island Newspaper, April 15,2008

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/04/16/news/news01.txt

6. Google Earth map - Kekaha School to St. Theresa's

http://www.box.net/shared/t5jlc7ysc0

C.B.P.R.

2008-04-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

Community-Based Participatory Research

“A collaborative approach to research that equitably involves all partners in the research process and recognizes the unique strengths that each brings. CBPR begins with a research topic of importance to the community and has the aim of combining knowledge with action and achieving social change..." (1)

Maluhia Group(Maluia-WCMS) is organizing a "Community-Based Participatory Research" project in an effort to determine the genesis of multiple illness of children and adults living on Kauai's westside. In response to governmental agency failure in the monitoring, and protection of the public’s health and welfare this effort includes physician's, chemists, legislators, academics, parents and community members. If you are interested in joining this effort please contact us at maluiawcms@hotmail.com.

The principles that guide the practice of community-based research include:
*A collaborative enterprise between researchers and community members.
*Validates multiple sources of knowledge and promotes the use of multiple methods of discovery and dissemination of the knowledge produced.
*Has as its goal social action and social change. (2)

1. WK Kellogg Foundation Community Health Scholars Program
http://depts.washington.edu/ccph/cbpr/u1/u11.php
2. Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching & Service - Georgetown University
https://www1.georgetown.edu/centers/socialjustice/

Volatilization (part 1)

2008-04-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

"to make volatile; especially : to cause to pass off in vapor" (1)

A primer for Hawaii State Dept. of Agriculture and Dept. Health officials.

"After field application, pesticides enter the various environmental compartments: the ground and surface waters, soil, plants and the atmosphere. Their occurrence in the atmosphere can occur as a result of drift during application or, subsequently, volatilization from soil, plants or surface water and by wind erosion. Pesticides may still be observed in the atmosphere after the treatment period has apparently ended in a region. Many observations and experimental studies highlight the contribution of volatilization to atmospheric contamination... This process may continue for several days or weeks after treatment, and even go on for several months... As a result, it causes the transfer of significant fractions of applied chemicals from treated surfaces into the atmosphere. Once they enter the atmosphere, chemicals may be transported over large distances (3)."

1. Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of "Volatilization":

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Volatilization
2. "Dissipation Pathways" diagram:
http://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/ecorisk_ders/terrestrial_field_dissipation.htm
3. Mass transfer of pesticides into the atmosphere by volatilization from soils and plants: overview
Carole BEDOS*, Pierre CELLIER, Raoul CALVET, Enrique BARRIUSO, Benoît GABRIELLE
http://crphyto.be/fichiers/Mass%20transfer%20of%20pesticides%20into%20the%20atmosphere.pdf

R.I.P.

2008-03-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

SB3170 - Epitaph For An Act

"Senate Bill 3170, which would have created pesticide-free buffer zones around schools, was amended to create a task force to study pesticides and schools. Fortunately, Syngenta Seed Co. has agreed to stop spraying fields adjacent to Waimea Canyon Middle School at least until the end of the year. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, it appears that even the concept of a task force is unacceptable to the farm, seed and pesticide lobby. The House of Representatives has referred SB3170 to three different committees, which is a sign that the proposal is unlikely to receive a hearing and thus die (1)." Senator Gary L. Hooser

1. "Guest Viewpoint" - Kaua‘i legislative update by Senator Gary L. Hooser,
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/03/12/opinion/edit02.txt
2. Image: "Tombstone"
http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/holidays/halloween/tombstone-clipart.gif

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

2008-03-06T17:27:00.001-08:00

SB 3170 - A Bill For An Act ; roll camera

Scene 1
Waimea Canyon Middle School on the island of Kauai. March winds blow. Students are at different locations on campus. Randomly they begin to feel the effects of a poison in the air. Individuals are effected to different degrees. Some with asthma will need the assistance of a ventilator to breathe. Many are dizzy, light headed, nauseous, with headache and later diarrhea. It is an incident of acute pesticide exposure.

Scene 2
UH Manoa - conference call

PATRICIA --- (talking into the phone) I read your testimony. My concern is "sanitation" and "infestation" (1).
BARRY --- (listening as he looks out his window on a sunny Oahu day) Unbiased and seemingly random, people's reactions are a lesson in our endocrine system. Unlike a broken bone or cut that you can see, the effects of pesticides on the human body are still being determined. "The buffer zone if approved would severely affect parks, golf courses and agricultural production..." (2)
PETER --- (walking through Manoa campus speaking on his cell) The poison in pesticide is insipid in it's effect in that it wear's you down over time. Many of the pesticide's being used today have only been synthesised within the past 5 years. Risk Assessment studies completed included only adults. MSDS do not cover the possible "cocktail effect" when mixing pesticide with other agents. "It would be far more reasonable to apply the buffer zone restriction to certain classes of pesticides, such as organophosphates with known long-term effects on children (2)."
PATRICIA --- "By establishing a pesticide free buffer-zone... routine facility maintenance such as disinfecting our restroom facilities during cleaning would be affected." (reaching for a Starbucks mocha latte being passed to her by her personal assistant) "Over time the sanitation of our schools would be severely impacted (1)."
RICHARD H. CONRAD, Ph.D. biochemistry--- (walking a few steps behind Peter, unable to not over hear the conversation feels compelled to interject) ) “There is no balance or other side to this story, period, except for junk science sponsored by industry. Anyone supporting a position that pesticides are nothing to worry about or control is either ignorant or highly unethical. There is every good reason to pass this bill, and no good reason to oppose it (3).”
(Hawaii’s mana interrupts and all three loose the connection. Peter quickens his pace without comment.)

* Comments in italics are quotes taken from SB 3170 testimony and attributed to the author(s) identified on the posted document.

1. Excerpts from Patricia Hamamoto, Superintendent of Education testimony against SB 3170 http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/Testimony/SB3170_EDU-ENE-TIA_02-04-08_.pdf
2. Excerpts from Barry Brennan, Plant and Environmental Sciences and Peter Rappa, Environmental Center @ UH Manoa testimony against SB 3170
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/Testimony/SB3170_EDU-ENE-TIA_02-04-08_.pdf
3. Excerpt from Richard H. Conrad, Ph.D. - testimony in support of SB 3170
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/Testimony/SB3170_ENE-EDU_02-04-08_late.pdf
4. Bill SB 3170 before and after amendments
Before - http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/bills/SB3170_.htm
After- http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/bills/SB3170_SD1_.htm
5. Image: Theatrical Masks:cc0237
http://www.logogolfwear.com/onlineembroiderydesigner.php?ident=cc0237

"Citizens not Serfs"

2008-02-10T19:41:00.001-08:00

21 degrees 57'56.72" North Latitude / 159 degress 40'38.98" West Longitude

On February 1, 2008 teachers and parents protested the use of "Organophosphate" pesticides upwind of Waimea Canyon Middle School on the island of Kauai and voiced support for Bill SB 3170. Click on Bill Status & Documents, in the first field box of the link, enter the bill number (SB3170) to view testimony and track the Bill's progress. This Bill seeks a pesticide free zone around schools.

1. Feb. 2, 2008 - The Garden Island Newspaper

http://thegardenisland.com/news/teachers-protest-pesticide-use/article_109b6f63-b197-51cf-a1f3-776b291a4e7a.html

D.O.A. (part 7)

2008-01-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

Mengele's guard...

The multi-national Syngenta Inc. planted field #809 (ag lands adjacent Waimea Canyon Middle School) with GMO corn during the three week Winter Break 2007-2008 (1). There had not been cultivation of this area of land for over 5 months. With the exception of the failed "buffer" of Date Palm, the field was barren of crops or weed (2). By end of the first weeks return to W.C.M.S. campus, students and staff began expressing symptoms of pesticide exposure (3).

01/24/08: A Syngenta spray operator was directed to apply the insecticide "Warrior" to field #809 (4,5). Winds were light but gusting from the west. The sickening sound of the spray vehicle and vipers hiss of pesticide dispersal were carried on the wind over our campus. Teachers witnessed this action at 3:40pm.

01/25/08: By days end 12 students had been taken to the hospital and 60 others were documented reporting to the health room "after inhaling a noxious odor that caused dizziness, headache and nausea" (6). Teachers counted numerous others returning to class having not been attended to as there was not enough room for them all in the health room. Unlike past less acute incidents, the school’s administration called the Kauai Fire Department and soon after representatives from HAZMAT, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Hawaii State Teachers Association, and the Department of Education were on site. T- building was evacuated of students and staff as an investigation ensued.

After a logjam of handshakes first responders from HAZAMT, DOH, DOA, DOE and Syngenta ignoring past peccadilloes (given the technological advances and equipment this 21st century provides), chose to use their olfactory nerve to detect the genesis of the noxious odor. A procession of proboscis lead by Syngenta representatives without need of chemical analysis of soil, air, water, or epidemiologic evidence, proceeded with their investigation. The collective olfactory lobe belonging to Syngenta employees once again determined the cause of odor (and illness) to be Cleome gynandra or “Wild Spider Flower” (7). Teachers were informed of this as well as other specious causes, none implicating Syngenta’s application of “Warrior” as the genesis of illness.

The active ingredient in Syngenta’s “Warrior” product is Lambda-cyhalothrin (4,5). "Lambda-cyhalothrin may cause irritation to the skin, throat nose, and other body parts if exposed. Skin tingling, burning, and prickling feelings, particularly around the face, are unique temporary symptoms of exposure. Other symptoms may include dizziness, headache, nausea, lack of appetite, and fatigue. In severe poisonings, seizures and coma, may occur" (8).

1. GoogleEarth map of field #809

http://www.box.net/shared/0crmd1f288

2. Rodney Iwasaki Syngenta exoneration e-mail for 02/27/07 "Obdurate Behavior"

http://www.box.net/shared/9e3mdukg0g

3.. EPA - "Manifestations of Organophosphate Insecticide Poisioning"

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9PYOUWHnjOo/RprcZqZZSKI/AAAAAAAAAFw/Tm4lPUdZn0w/s1600-h/PesticideEffectsOnBody.jpg

4. Warrior with Zeon technology - MSDS

http://www.syngentacropprotection.com/pdf/msds/03_92817172007.pdf

5. Warrior with Zeon technology - Label

http://www.syngentacropprotection.com/pdf/labels/SCP1112AL1H0807.pdf

6. "Noxious odor sends Westside students, teachers to hospital"
by Rachel Gehrlein - THE GARDEN ISLAND

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/01/26/news/news01.txt

7. Plants for a Fututre: "Edible, medicinal,and useful plants of a healthier world"
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Cleome+gynandra

8. Excerpt from the NPTN – National Pesticide Telecommunications Network

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/l_cyhalogen.pdf

9. "Pinocchio"
http://www.blog.vdebate.org/uploaded_images/pinocho-741996.jpg

"A Call to Arms"

2008-01-23T21:46:00.000-08:00

Senator Hooser has introduced a Bill that establishes a pesticide free buffer zone around elementary schools. We are trying to ensure that a "full court press" translates to the political will necessary to pass this legislation. A similar effort failed in Oregon last year because industry opponents mounted concerted opposition. The importance of preparing written testimony EARLY cannot be overstressed. The Senator has requested concerned parties provide well-crafted testimony that focuses on concerns for the health of children is of paramount importance. Include any changes that may strengthen the effectiveness of the Bill (i.e. include all schools, increase the buffer zone distance) and any references that may support your position. See http://maluiawcms.blogspot.com/ for downloadable resource articles and links. Please send written testimony to maluia-wcms@hotmail.com for forwarding.

Altruistically,
Maluia-WCMS

1. "Uncle Sam"
i9.photobucket.com/.../SDSSA_Uncle_Sam.jpg
2. Proposed Pesticide Bill
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/bills/SB3170_.htm

"ALERT"

2007-11-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

a repeat performance...

With the passing of a recent Kona low so went our temporary abatement from chronic pesticide poisoning. Westerly winds, persistent rains and humid environmental conditions brought headaches, muscle soreness, lethargy, dizziness, and difficulty breathing for students and staff of WCMS. Governmental faith in the self-serving science and semantic actions of a multi-national corporation has precluded the rights of children. The pursuit of a bottom line has subverted innocence. This being the second incident of a symptom "spike" indicative of pesticide poisoning this school year, our fear is that the worst has yet to come.

1. FACT SHEET ON HORMONE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS
2.Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP): http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo/

3. A Letter from Senator Hooser :

http://www.box.net/shared/ikjy06k08o

4. Warning, Pesticides Are Dangerous to Your Health!
by Nair, K. Prabhakar Et Al , Pesticide Action Network, Asia and the Pacific: 1999

A Primer for Health Care Providers

2007-09-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

(1)*The University of Washington School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

RECOGNITION & ASSESSMENT OF PESTICIDE EXPOSURE

Acute organophosphate intoxications in children are frequently misdiagnosed, despite being linked closely in time with generally high pesticide exposures. This reflects a number of factors:

• Symptoms of organophosphate toxicity are not pathognomonic, particularly in children.

• Current medical education does not adequately prepare providers to have an index of suspicion regarding pesticide-related illness.

• Providers are not familiar with taking an environmental history as part of the overall clinical history.

1. Comprehensive information for health care professionals can be found at "Organophosphate Pesticides & Child Health: A Primer for Health Care Providers http://depts.washington.edu/opchild/index.html

Protecting Children from Pesticides

2007-08-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Kids need Protection

Children are at a greater risk for some pesticides for a number of reasons. Children's internal organs are still developing and maturing and their enzymatic, metabolic, and immune systems may provide less natural protection than those of an adult. There are "critical periods" in human development when exposure to a toxin can permanently alter the way an individual's biological system operates. Children may be exposed more to certain pesticides because often they eat different foods than adults. For instance, children typically consume larger quantities of milk, applesauce, and orange juice per pound of body weight than do adults. Children's behaviors, such as playing on the floor or on the lawn where pesticides are commonly applied, or putting objects in their mouths, increase their chances of exposure to pesticides. Adverse effects of pesticide exposure range from mild symptoms of dizziness and nausea to serious, long-term neurological, developmental and reproductive disorders. Americans use more than a billion pounds of pesticides each year to combat pests on farm crops, in homes, places of business, schools, parks, hospitals, and other public places (1,2,3).

1. "Protecting Children from Pesticides"
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/kidpesticide.htm
2. Pesticide Effects on Children: A landmark study* of preschool children, who were exposed to pesticides...
http://www.nutrition4health.org/NOHAnews/NNS99PestEffChild.htm
3. "Pesticide Toxicity and the Developing Brain" http://www.box.net/shared/lcbvw2woww

4. Image: "Do Not Spray - Pesticide Free Zone"
http://www.alternatives2toxics.org/donotspraysign.htm

Subjugated Knowledge

2007-08-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

"We are a goverment of laws, not of men." Bruce Fein

On 08/08/07 Maluia-WCMS@hotmail.com received an unsolicited e-mail from Rodney Iwasaki of the Hawaii Dept. of Education (2). In the e-mail Mr. Iwasaki did not identify his position in the D.O.E but asseverated that his correspondence represented the Department of Education's response addressing Maluia-WCMS concerns. In an effort to provide explanation of what "has occurred to ensure that students and staff will return to a safe environment at Waimea Canyon Middle School and did Syngenta break the agreement;" Mr. Iwasaki has provided evidence of a continued pattern of complacency that has been endmeic of state agency anemic response to our concerns. Below is a list of questions any logical person would consider after reading Mr. Iwasaki's e-mail:

How long after Syngenta spray operations in field #809 did the environmental consultant conduct the pesticide screen?

Being that you are aware of the rapid metabolism rate of the found chemical Premethrin, why were the metabolic (1/2 life) rates of known sprayed cholinesterase inhibiting chemicals by Syngenta not considered when samples were collected during the D.O.E. screening?

Why did you provide a "sample" of the pesticide screen report and not the original (2)?

Looking at a GoogleEarth map with a total map scale of 568ft., how do you conclude Spraying inside the demarcation line of 660 feet to the school prior to 3:30 p.m. did not occur (3)?

Comparing the scaled GoogleEarth map with the video titled "Obdurate Behavior (Part 2)," , how do you conclude that it took the spray operator an hour to complete his task if working towards the school (4)?

How can you state that, "in the near future, Syngenta will be installing a buffer between the school and Field 809," when in fact the hedgerow along W.C.M.S campus is being removed (6)?

In the initial agreement letter Syngenta defers responsibility of establishing a "buffer" (understood to be a land easement) protecting students/staff from pesticide exposure to the landowner Kikiola Land Co.. Why is this effort not listed as a "point under discussion" with Syngenta or the landowner taking responsibility (2,5)?

As a proactive measure Syngenta is "encouraging existing plants, such as the African Tulip, Date Palms and other species to act as a buffer, which will help reduce or eliminate odors caused by spraying." Isn't this an admission that pesticide is the genesis of odors believed to be causing numerous student/staff illnesses at W.C.M.S (2)?

Why are Syngenta's "points still under discussion", only concerned with sharing their business model/philosophy and not an effort to exclude their application of cholinesterase inhibiting pesticide upwind of W.C.M.S as the cause of numerous repeated student/staff illnesses (that by coincidence are listed on known sprayed chemical MSDS)?

Are we a government of laws, or of men/women representing corporate interests (1)?

1. Bruce Fein is a nationally recognized constitutional lawyer.
2. Rodney Iwasaki Syngenta exoneration e-mail for 02/27/07 "Obdurate Behavior"

E-mail:http://www.box.net/shared/9e3mdukg0g
Attachement: http://www.box.net/shared/2o8u94nsc4

3. GoogleEarth map of field #809
http://www.box.net/shared/sgo68r50kw

4. "Obdurate Behavior (Part 2)" video
http://youtube.com/watch?v=A-wFqcGeNL8

5. Agreement Letter pg. 1 /2

pg. 1 http://www.box.net/shared/acdp55l0ko

pg.2 http://www.box.net/shared/wgg7jdh4wg

6. Video (08-13-07) taken behind W.C.M.S. campus Building -T, bordering field #809

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fCNRyQ6T0jY

7. Painting: "The Scream" by Edvard Munch

http://www.search.com/reference/The_Scream

D.O.A. (part 6)

2007-08-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

"Diary of Apathy," continued ...

Scroll down for continued D.O.A: "Diary of Apathy" incident summary posts.

1. Cartoon: by Brad Fitz
http://www.iftheshoefitz.com/

"A Question of Credibility"

2007-07-28T19:36:00.001-07:00

Maluia-WCMS has received numerous e-mail requests for the name of the person authoring this blog. More than one has stated that it is “A Question of Credibility”. One stated, “If the press can't pin a name and face to an issue they won't as readily go with a story.” In this David and Goliath saga we hope that a sagacious decision to remain anonymous will remove focus from the identity of one to a cause for many. As a result of an intentional effort to discredit, slander, take job action against those that have been transparent or support our cause, there remains a need to be discreet. Past irresponsible, inaccurate press coverage on our situation has been more detrimental than good. Our hope is that by providing bibliographic reference, and access to documents of public record, credibility is not an issue. Consider why is it that Syngenta or involved State agencies do not face this same dilemma? From explanations of “wild spider flower” that was never a problem at the school or even growing in field #809 as a cause for student/staff illness, Syngenta’s retort to the “Obdurate Behavior” video that they were only spraying “calcium” (on mature crops?), Dept. of Ag investigators ignoring eye witness testimony contradicting Syngenta statements/records as well as their egregious investigation, the Dept. of Education’s safety division test sampling and analysis of W.C.M.S where there hasn’t been pesticide application in over a month, to Syngenta’s fear mongering tactic using public health concerns as a threat to employment resulting in employee disconcert. There is indeed a question of credibility that is growing. As per “A Question of Credibility” pertaining to our coalition's concerns we ask the simple question, “if it looks like poo, and smells like poo, is it necessary to taste, to be sure its poo?”

1. Image: "Credibility"
http://www.naa.org/presstime/9807/cred.html
2. "PROHEXADIONE CALCIUM TECHNICAL PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR" :
http://pr-rp.pmra-arla.gc.ca/PR_SOL/pr_web.ve1?p_ukid=4970

"ALERT"

2007-07-27T00:26:00.000-07:00

A repeat performance...

On 07/25/07 at 1pm Syngenta field workers were instructed to begin plowing field #809 (ag lands directly west of campus). Teachers reported seeing spray vehicles applying chemicals the week before on this same plot of land leased from Kikiola Land Company Ltd . The winds were a steady 10 knts. southwest with gusts of 20 knts. Clouds of pesticide-laden dust blocked out the clear sky as it was blown over Waimea Canyon Middle School campus. Teachers that were preparing their classrooms prior the official return date ran to close jalousie windows in an effort to prevent the assault Syngenta once again perpetrated upon the school. The audacity of Syngenta's most recent pernicious action is indicative of an omnipotent attitude and absolute disregard for the welfare of children that will only be resolved with legislation. Unaware of it's origin, teachers returning for their first day of the school year 2007-2008, spent a large part of the day cleaning the layer of dirt left on the desks, chairs, and other classroom surfaces when the death cloud settled and the sky again cleared. Those that were aware exhaled only at the fact that students were not present at the time. S.O.S (Save Our School).

1. Poster: "Warnings on Use of Pesticide"

http://www.cacinfo.org/pesticides.html

2. GoogleEarth map of field #809
http://www.box.net/shared/0crmd1f288

D.O.A (part 5)

2007-07-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

"Dairy of Apathy" epitaph...

As a nationally recognized lawyer aware of the November incident and our current situation stated, “no one died so there are no damages. For every one lawyer representing your coalition, Syngenta will have ten. Someone has to die for us to get paid and no lawyer can go up against a company like Syngenta for free. Trust me there are many watching the school waiting.” As explained in an earlier post the agreement with Syngenta’s Doug Tiffany was negotiated. Tom Perry shared that at the agreement meeting Dr.Tiffany (Syngenta) admitted that when contacted in the past by the school that over spray was occurring, Syngenta’s policy was to continue spraying until done. This agreement was broken on 02/27/07 (see video). Syngenta continues to refine "Environmental Racism" as a social science with spinmasters offering specious excuses that are accepted without question by state agencies whose mission it is to protect the public. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Syngenta employee told members of Maluia-WCMS that field #809 is a pesticide test field. Syngenta's own record of the varied regiment of chemiclas used on the field supports this claim. They also shared that Syngenta plants cleome gynandra as a soil enriching nitrogen crop as well as an “odor masking” agent. Up until the last week of the school year 2006-2007 there were “spikes” of illnesses indicative of chronic pesticide poisoning. Classes were relocated and additional pesticide misuse complaints were filed with the Dept. of Agriculture. Following past paradigm, inspectors took "swab" samples days after the exposure incident in areas of campus far from application points. Continued efforts are being made to characterize public health concerns as a threat to employment, the work of "fanatics", and student/staff illnesses as "hysteria". It is a pattern of behavior Syngenta has worked hard at perfecting in other parts of the country and world. Informal attempts show a significant correlation of Syngenta spray dates and student/staff "spikes" of illnesses. These illnesses are all listed on known chemical MSDS Syngenta has sprayed on field #809 and indicative of chronic pesticide exposure and poisoning. Due to legal issues of privacy we are unable to post e-mails that corroborate our position and videos further. As the 2007- 2008 school year begins Kikiola Land Ltd. has made a decision to clear the hedgerow that acted as our only protection from Syngenta's weekly spray schedule. Now when the winds blow out of the western hemisphere chemical drift will permeate across our campus unabated. Our only recourse at present is to hold our collective breath, literally. The end?.

1. "Environmental Racism" web bibliography

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&defl=en&q=define:Environmental+Racism&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title

2. GoogleEarth map of field #809

http://www.box.net/shared/0crmd1f288

3. Plants for a Future (Cleome Gynandra) :

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Cleome+gynandra

D.O.A (part 4)

2007-07-27T00:22:00.000-07:00

"Diary of Apathy" continued...

As if a team from a hired Syngenta public relations firm, D.O.A. Program Manager Robert Boesch, D.O.A. Pesticide Specialist Ann Kam, and Randy Higa (D.O.E safety officer), launched into a presentation characterizing Syngenta as a savior from the terrible wild spider flower. Randy Higa explained that he had been asked to facilitate the meeting and for teachers to, “trust Syngenta.” He went on to explain that Syngenta would now spray the field with herbicide in their effort to eliminate the wild spider flower. Teachers remonstrantly challenged that they had witnessed spraying in field #809 beginning 11/03/06 (1). In response Ann Kam announced forcefully, “nothing was sprayed on that field.” Robert Boesch then interjected that, “ there is no reason to believe differently.” Speaking over a maelstrom of comments as if speaking to himself, Mr. Boesch ignored staff protests and continued his presentation. Showing aerial photographs of fields’ miles away that Syngenta reported spraying, Mr. Boesch stated that it was impossible for the chemicals to be carried on the wind that distance. When asked about the investigation, Mr. Boesch shared that inspectors did not take foliage samples or soil samples, but did take “swabs” from the windows. It’s important to note that at the time of this presentation the results of the D.O.A investigation had not been completed. Also of note is that despite witnessing spray operations occurring contrary to Syngenta’s claims, school administrators didn’t join staff members in filing misuse complaints. On 01/10/07 The Garden Island newspaper published the results of the D.O.A. investigation which exonerated Syngenta by default. Review of the D.O.A. Syngenta Seeds, Inc./Waimea Canyon School Report Summary shows no mention of #809 and identifies the field closest to the school as field #802.1 (2). To be continued...

1. Agreement Letter pg. 1
http://www.box.net/shared/acdp55l0ko
2.Syngenta Seeds, Inc. Waimea Canyon School Report Summary
pg. 1 http://www.box.net/shared/o5jrrj98gs
pg. 2 http://www.box.net/shared/sgo68r50kw
pg. 3 http://www.box.net/shared/x9o8n8lkww
3. Cartoon: by J. Wright

D.O.A. (part 3)

2007-07-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

"Diary of Apathy" continued...

The following day winds turned trades (northeast) giving a brief reprieve from the vile odor emanating from field #809 (1). Many parents kept their children home for reasons of continued illness or abject disbelief of the given explanation. Those that braved coming to school experienced a similar malaise with “flu-like” symptoms. On 11/16/06 winds turned westerly. Once again entire classes were moved to the cafeteria or library and for those that there remained no room it was necessary to remain in the classroom till days end. Tom Perry (HSTA) returned to campus and pleaded emphatically to the school’s administration for the school to be closed. Contrary to published reports, in truth the school was closed as a result of teachers concern for the students agreeing in mass to a sick out (2). Students and staff were not aware of the school’s official closing until the morning of 11/17/06. Syngenta acting as savior continued to present on-going spray operations as an effort to rid wild spider flower (cleome gynandra) from the field (3). Contradicting eyewitness testimony, Syngenta’s Doug Tiffany stated publicly that, “There hasn’t been an herbicide sprayed in over a month in the nearest field” (4). Field #809 (directly west of W.C.M.S) was subsequently planted with G.M.O. corn (5). On 11/21/06 D.O.A. Program Manager Robert Boesch, D.O.A. Pesticide Specialist Ann Kam, and Randy Heiga (D.O.E safety officer) addressed the staff in the school’s library. To be continued…

1. Google Earth - WCMS

http://www.box.net/shared/mijze8kooc

2. The Garden Island: "Waimea Canyon Students Back in School"

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2006/11/21/news/news03.txt

3. The Garden Island: Letters for Tuesday - November 21, 2006

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2006/11/21/opinion/edit02.txt

4. The Garden Island: "Odor Investigation Ongoing"

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2006/11/18/news/news01.txt

5. Syngenta letter of Agreement pg. 1:

http://www.box.net/shared/detlhx8qo8

D.O.A (part 2)

2007-07-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

"Diary of Apathy," continued...

Members of the Kauai Fire department and K.P.D. arrived at Waimea Canyon Middle School (W.C.M.S) with blithe ignorance of the true situation. Officials for the Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Health, as well as Syngenta arrived later in the day (1). Syngenta spray vehicles had since been removed from the field adjacent campus (field #809). Michael Girod from Syngenta foisted into an investigation that narrowed down the most likely culprit as wild spider flower (2/3). Samples of the weed were put in a bucket and brought around for teachers to identify if it was the same smell (4). The majority of staff surveyed agreed that the weed lacked the fuel like chemical smell believed to be causing student/staff illness. D.O.A. officials proceeded with a "swab" sampling of window surfaces. With a heavy foliage hedgerow demarcating field #809 and the campus, as well as heavy rains throughout the previous week; contrary to E.P.A. recommendation this was the only sampling technique employed (5). Although given copies of known sprayed chemical MSDS information, eye witness testimony that spray operations occurred in an area Syngenta denied working; voiced concern of possible pesticide exposure was met with vehement exclusion by investigators. Interestingly once completed all officials moved to the front lawn of the administration building on the furthest eastern border of campus. Meanwhile students and staff filled the cafeteria and library trying to get away from the chemical smell. Without any additional locations to relocate, many students and staff were forced to remain in their classrooms. At days end insouciant Dept. of Health as well as Dept. of Agriculture personnel never recommended those affected report to a health care professional for an “AChE test” (6). To be continued...

1.The Garden Island : "‘Stink weed’ sends some home from Waimea School"
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2006/11/15/news/news01.txt
2. Plants for a Fututre: "Edible, medicinal,and useful plants of a healthier world"
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Cleome+gynandra
3. Agreement Letter pg. 1
http://www.box.net/shared/detlhx8qo8
4. Syngenta Seeds, Inc. Waimea Canyon School Report Summary of 11/14/07
pg. 1 http://www.box.net/shared/o5jrrj98gs
pg. 2 http://www.box.net/shared/sgo68r50kw
pg. 3 http://www.box.net/shared/x9o8n8lkww
5. E.P.A. inspection manual Chpt13.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/publications/monitoring/fifra/manuals/fifra/fiframanch_13.pdf
6. Extension Toxicology Network: CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITION
http://extoxnet.orst.edu/tibs/cholines.htm

D.O.A.

2007-07-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

"Diary of Apathy"

On 11/03/06 Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture (D.O.A.) was contacted as per pesticide over spray occurring at Waimea Canyon Middle School (W.C.M.S). The multi-national corporation Syngenta had begun field preparations in an area west of W.C.M.S campus identified as field #809. Winds were blowing off the field towards the school and forecasts called for westerly winds throughout the week. Numerous students and staff were expressing symptoms indicative of pesticide poisoning. DOA inspector Ann Kam was contacted and explained that she was going on vacation but would send someone to the school to investigate. Later that day an employee of Syngenta (Michael Girod ?) came to the school and toured the campus with Vice Principal Linda Uyehara assuring her that Syngenta had no spray operations occurring in the area. When later asked, Mrs. Uyehara stated that she could not remember the employee’s name. Teachers concerned that perhaps the wrong company had been contacted as spray vehicles continued their onslaught of field #809 called the landowner (Kikiaola Land Co Ltd) confirming that Syngenta was the lessee. Field prep operations continued as more and more students and staff became ill from the foul fuel like chemical smell being carried on the westerly winds. On 11/14/06, 60 students reported to the health room complaining of headache, nausea, disorientation, and “flu-like” symptoms (1). School principal Glenda Miyazaki contacted Syngenta who again denied that they were working in the area. She then called Dept. of Health and was referred to HAZMAT who referred her back to D.O.H. As Syngenta employees continued their field operations students and staff most affected were relocated to other areas of campus. Adamant, teachers contacted HSTA union rep Tom Perry who immediately came to the campus. After witnessing the continued field operation and experiencing first hand the symptoms being reported by students and staff; Tom Perry called 911 and the Kauai Fire Dept. (2). To be continued….

1. The Garden Island Newspaper: "Report reveals discrepancies in spraying incident"
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2007/03/12/news/news02.txt
2. Star Bulletin: "Stench Sickens Kids and Teachers at School"
starbulletin.com/2006/11/18/news/story08.html
3. Cartoon: by Terry Everton

"What You Don't Know Can Kill You"

2007-07-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

The general term "pesticide" includes herbicides, fumigants, insecticides, nemacides, fungicides, miticides, rodenticides, termiticides, molluscides, acaricides, bird repellents and some wood preservatives (1).

1. Colorado Dept. of Health and Environment
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/HM/hhw/howto/pesticides.htm

2. "Glyphosate Fact Sheet"

Original Article: http://www.safe2use.com/poisons-pesticides/pesticides/organo/glyphosate.htm

3. Product Details: Touchdown HiTech (Herbicide)

http://www.syngentacropprotection-us.com/prod/herbicide/TouchdownHiTech/

4. PAN Pesticides Database

http://pesticideinfo.org/Index.html

5. "CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITION"

http://www.uoguelph.ca/GTI/urbanpst/cholin_t.htm

6. Image: "Manifestations of Organophosphate Insecticide Poisoning"

http://www.nutrition4health.org/NOHAnews/NNS90PesticideEffectsBodyDiagram.htm

"Obdurate Behavior"

2007-07-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Obdurate: hardened in wrongdoing or wickedness; stubbornly impenitent.

On February 8, 2007 Syngenta's Doug Tiffany met with Waimea Canyon School administrators, HSTA rep Tom Perry, and D.O.E. rep Nathan Kawaguchi to discuss Syngenta spray operations taking place on agricultural lands west of W. C. M. S. campus. In a letter dated 02/16/07 (see "Agreement letter"), after professing Syngenta's primary monetary concern Doug Tiffany detailed steps Syngenta would take in an effort to alleviate chronic pesticide/herbicide exposure of students and staff. To quote his first bullet point, "If there is a field closer that 660 feet to the school, no spraying will be conducted until after 3:30pm on days that school is in session." On 02/27/07 Syngenta broke this agreement beginning spray operations in field #809 (located directly west of W.C.M.S. campus) prior 3:30pm while students and staff were still on campus. For a video of this incident go to http://youtube.com/watch?v=jl2lE7k-43c . Thereafter spray operations continued without respite despite numerous student and staff complaints of symptoms indicative of pesticide/herbicide exposure.

1. Agreement Letter

pg. 1 http://www.box.net/shared/detlhx8qo8

pg.2 http://www.box.net/shared/wgg7jdh4wg

Inspiring words of Erin Brockovich

2007-06-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

a forward from Gloria Hillard, NPR

Philosophy
April 16, 2007
People ask me all the time what I think and what my opinion is.Well, here are a few of my thoughts and beliefs:Everyone believes, because of the movie, that I am an environmental activist. I am often referred to as the environmentalist with cleavage. I do care a great deal about the environment but my real work and my greatest challenge is trying to overcome deceits that end up jeopardizing public health and safety.I am an advocate for awareness, the truth, and a person's right to know. I believe that in the absence of the truth, all of us stand helpless to defend ourselves, our families and our health, which is the greatest gift we have. As with everything, some people always go too far, too far to the right, too far to the left, and this is true of environmentalism and now, in many instances, our issues fall on a deaf ear. Often times we don't think about or worry about or understand what is happening to another until it happens to us. Deceits have no boundaries. Disease doesn't recognize the color of our skin or our political parties affiliation. When it comes to cover-ups and destruction of our environment, we our all up for grabs. A lot of times I am motivated or become very inspired by a cliché. They make me think and more often than not can be true. For example, "an informed citizen is the only true repository of the American will" - Thomas Jefferson. Oh how right he was. I believe that our perception of things become our reality. It is how you choose to see yourself, your character, that can actually determine your fate. Most people don't know that my favorite movie is not "Erin Brockovich" but "Pay It Forward". All of us should pay it forward but not with the expectation of seeing a reward, that is not why we do it. Pay if forward because it is the right thing to do, reward or not. If you follow your heart, if you listen to your gut, and if you extend your hand to help another, not for any agenda, but for the sake of humanity, you are going to find the truth.

Environmental Racism on Kauai's Westside

2007-06-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

Like a prehistoric monster looking for it's prey, a chemical sprayer works it's way towards a building of classrooms on Waimea Canyon Middle School campus. With winds blowing towards campus it's sonance carried on the breeze strikes fear in children and adults knowing it's breath will soon cause discomfort, pain, illness, and possible future death. (see video)

Environmental racism can be defined as the intentional siting of hazardous waste sites, landfills, incinerators, and polluting industries in communities inhabited mainly by African-American, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians, migrant farm workers, and the working poor. Minorities are particularly vulnerable because they are perceived as weak and passive citizens who will not fight back against the poisoning of their neighborhoods in fear that it may jeopardize jobs and economic survival (1). Environmental injustice and racism occur not only when policymakers violate minorities' rights to free informed consent or equal treatment in siting decisions but also when risk assessors use biased scientific methods whose policy consequences de facto result in unjustified discrimination against people of color and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups (2). 50 percent of Asian/Pacific Islanders and Native Americans are living in communities with one or more abandoned or uncontrolled toxic waste sites (1,2). A study by the Environmental Protection Agency concluded that socioeconomic conditions and race are the major factors determining environmental discrimination (3).

1. "Fighting Environmental Racism: A Selected Annotated Bibliography " by Irwin Weintraub,
http://www.mapcruzin.com/EI/ejigc.html
2. "Environmental Racism and Biased Methods of Risk Assessment" by Daniel C. Wigley & Kristin S. Shrader-Frechette. http://www.piercelaw.edu/risk/vol7/winter/wigley.htm
3. United States Environmental Protection Agency. 1992. Environmental Equity: Reducing Risk For All Communities. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Policy Planning and Evaluation.

Pesticide 101

2007-06-02T22:04:00.000-07:00

The following is a partial list of herbicide/pesticide/fungicides that have been used on Ag lands adjacent to Waimea Canyon Middle School during the 06-07 school year. Active chemical is listed and product name is in parentheses. Go to the Pesticide 101 for a spreadsheet summarizing symptoms caused as a result of exposure and toxicity of chemical.

Glyphosate (Touchdown Hitech)
EPTC (Eradicaine)
Mesotrione (Callisto)
Alachlor (Intrro)
Atrazine
Baccilus Thuringiensis (Xentari)
Chlorothalonil (Bravo)
Mancozeb
Carbaryl

Links for information about these chemicals can be found at:
http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcs/nicstart.html
http://hazard.com/msds/

Risk Assessment Petition

2007-05-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

The "Risk Assessment Petition" is representative of over 90% of adult staff currently working at Waimea Canyon Middle School. The signatures were gathered over a 2-day period. Due to time constraints and extenuating circumstances not all staff members had the opportunity to sign. Maluia-WCMS has posted an online "Risk Assessment Petition" form that community members and parents may sign. The original "Risk Assessment Petition" has been sent as a separate document to HSTA, Governor Lingle, the Board of Education, State Representatives, and the EPA.

A letter from Dr. Lorrin Pang

2007-05-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

This post is a pasted e-mail copy.

Aloha to all,

Here is my report on this issue (see link). Please pass it to anyone you think would/should be interested (DOE, media, EPA, Dept of AG, Syngenta, etc). I have told the DOH that I would be writing this and will send them a copy. Rather than go on and on about the chemicals I think at this stage we should get better monitoring and admit that the spraying may be affecting the school.

If you have questions please let me know and remember I am doing this not officially but as a private citizen. But if someone needs my credentials I have my Boards in Preventive Medicine, 60 published articles in peer reviewed medical journals, have been an active consultant to the World Health Organization since 1985 and last year was elected as one of America's Best Doctors (3% get chosen).

Lorrin

E Komo Mai (Welcome)

2007-05-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

Aloha,
Thank you for your support and comments. We welcome positive or negative comments and believe that the letter "D" in democracy stands for difference, dialogue, determination, decision.
In our "Links" section you can download supporting files or visit websites providing information pretaining to blog postings.