Got Headache? (The End)

Community Based Participatory Research Project

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: A "Community-Based Participatory Research" project was developed April 2008 in an effort to determine the genesis of multiple illness of children and adults living on Kauai's westside.  With exposure to Organophosphate / Chlorpyrifos and the concomitant health risks well established, the primary focus of the research project was to determine the concentration of pesticides in the air in the vicinity of Waimea Canyon Middle School and review bio-monitoring data for correlation.  Establishing a correlation will further emphasize the dangers of pesticide exposure (acute / chronic) particularly to children of reproductive developmental age and the need for legislation regulating and improving the monitoring of pesticide use in close proximity of schools and communities. 
  
METHODS: Community members attended seminars attaining "Drift Catcher" certification as accredited by PAN.  Drift Catcher sites were established at private homes adjacent the research site.  Information collected included, drift catcher air samples, weather data, specific sample date/time, location, and anecdotal bio-monitoring data.  Selected samples were sent for analysis by certified labs in California. 

RESULTS: Drift Catcher air samples resulted in positive findings of Organophosphate / Chlorpyrifos pesticide drift in the vicinity of the research target site.  Analyzed samples were below the E.P.A.'s  "Reference Exposure Levels". Researchers note that REL's are based upon testing for short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) health effects on laboratory animals. Recent studies suggest that, even at concentrations meeting current federal standards, it is an individual's metabolism that is the determinant of negative health manifestations when exposed to pesticides. Observable agricultural pesticide application was not taking place during positive sample acquisition indicating possible volatilization.  Collected weather data indicates drift occurring with winds towards and away from Drift Catcher collection sites in reference to agricultural land. During agricultural season with active weekly pesticide application occurring, exposure frequency could be considered chronic. Anecdotal bio-monitoring evidence indicates a correlation of increased agricultural activities and incidence of negative health manifestations.        

CONCLUSIONS:  Once acres of sugar cane, the lions share of land on Kauai's westside is now used for the agriculture of GMO crops.  The communities of Hanapepe, Kaumakani, Pakala, Waimea, and Kekaha all have agricultural lands adjacent neighborhoods and schools.  Environmental exposure residential avenues include contact with occupationally exposed family members and proximity to application sites.  On Kauai's westside the percentage of people (adult/children) susceptible to these exposure avenues can only be determined through survey, biological monitoring, and continued air-sampling.  This was Dr. Lorrin Pang's suggestion in his March 2007 report of an incident that occurred at Waimea Canyon Middle School on Kauai's westside.  The incident Dr. Pang investigated resulted in a myriad of negative health symptoms among students and staff that were also documented on Material Safety Data Sheets for pesticides applied during the school day on adjacent ag fields. The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors Health Equity Council (NACDD_HEC) defines health disparities as "differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, burden of diseases, and other adverse health conditions or outcomes that exist among specific population groups in the United States." The World Health Organization (WHO) definition recognizes health disparities as, "differences in health which are not only unnecessary and avoidable, but considered unfair and unjust." Research parameters were limited by variables, findings are  inconclusive due only to these limitations.            

Epilogue
Unbeknownst to the public and shared only with those invited, in Jan. 2012 a meeting was held to discuss the findings of the State and County air-quality study being done at Waimea Canyon Middle School.  State agency personnel attending included Department of Ag's Robert Boesch, Lyle Wong, Thomas Matsuda, and Janet Ashman, CTAHR's Dr. Qing Li and associate June Wong, Department of Education Complex Superintendent Bill Arakaki, Vice Principal of Waimea Canyon Middle School Linda Uyehara, Bill Spitz, George Costa, and oddly community member Bruce Pleas.  Mr. Pleas has no professional or private association with the school or issue.  Representation for teacher's at the school was not invited, and the health department declined invitation.  The State study was funded with $100,000 to investigate the odor that caused the incident at Waimea Canyon Middle School.  The County study funded with $50,000 was to study the odoriferous properties of the plant cleome gynandra.  Dr. Lee from the University of Hawaii at Manoa (CTAHR) established passive air samplers on the roof tops of buildings "C" and "D" on the W.C.M.S. campus.  A smaller similar passive air sampler was hung from the ceiling of a classroom in "C-building".  Passive air sampling occurred for a period of time.  An additional High Volume air-catcher was set up on the roof of "C-building" and was activated for only one week.  Dr.  Lee reported that BHC, DDT, Chlorpyrifos, Bifenthrin, and Metachlor were found in air samples taken at W.C.M.S.  Active sampling with PAN Drift Catchers in the vicinity of the school at the same time as Dr. Lee's study also found chlorpyrifos.  As the photos indicate often Dr. Lee's active air samplers were compromised by weather and sample validity is in question.   The GMO industry are major funders for The College of Tropical and Agriculture and Human Services.

"I suspect that this is the intention of the manufacturer. Let's so confuse the situation that no liability could ever be ascertained, even if there is a big problem (1)."  

1.. "Genetic Roulette - The Gamble of our Lives" a film by Jeffery Smith; quote Lawrence Plumlee, M.D. 
http://geneticroulettemovie.com/http://geneticroulettemovie.com/
2. "Sources of Exposure to and Public Health Implications of Organophosphate Pesticides" 
http://www.scielosp.org/scielo.php?pid=S1020-49892003000800004&script=sci_arttext  
3. "2012 Environmental Justice Strategy and Implementation Plan" 
http://www.hhs.gov/environmentaljustice/strategy.pdf 
4. "Debating How Much Atrazine is Safe in Your Water Glass"
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/23/us/23water.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1& 

Got Headache? (Part 2)

1. "Calvin and Hobbs" cartoon by Bill Watterson
http://dharmacowgirl.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/professionalizing-chaplaincy/
2. Environmental Justice - EPA
http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/

Got Headache? (Part 1)

Rise and rise again until lambs become lions" (3)

 Why do I have a headache?  "Global use of pesticides creates substantial health impacts in all parts of the world, although the exact toll is difficult to pinpoint, given both the various chemicals and types of exposure. In short, not all pesticides are equally risky, and not all people are equally at risk. Effects can be divided broadly into two categories: acute effects, which appear immediately or very soon after exposure; and chronic effects, which may manifest themselves many years later and whose origins are often difficult to trace (1)." Pesticide use and the agriculture of GMO crops are symbiotic and synonymous.

Lawrence Plumlee, M.D. and former Medical Science Advisor, EPA Office of Research and Development's position is, "We are all part of a large uncontrolled experiment. And we're not getting answers because we don't know whose eating genetically engineered foods and who isn't. So, we have no way to do the studies. I suspect that this is the intention of the manufacturer.  Let's so confuse the situation that no liability could ever be ascertained, even if there is a big problem(2)." 

Testing one, two, three. Testing one, two, three. Testing one, two, three.. "Risk = Toxicity + Exposure"

1."Pesticide Health Risks" 
http://www.wri.org/publication/content/8437
2. "Genetic Roulette - The Gamble of our Lives" a film by Jeffery Smith; quote Lawrence Plumlee, M.D. 
http://geneticroulettemovie.com/http://geneticroulettemovie.com/
3. "Robin Hood"(a film by Ridley Scott) movie quote  
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ1p5F3n8NI 
4."What are the Potential Health Effects of Pesticide" 
 http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/dept/comguide/effects_excerpt.pdf

"Just Say No To GMO"

Greenpeace shoppers guide to GMO-Free Food

1. Greenpeace shoppers guide to GMO-Free Food
http://gmoguide.greenpeace.ca/shoppers_guide.pdf

August Efforts

transparency: characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices

 

"Every day I die again, and again I'm reborn
Every day I have to find the courage
To walk out into the street
With arms out, to the people we meet
We'll not be knocked out
There's nothing you have that I need
I can breathe"

"The roar that lies on the other side of silence
The forest fire that is fear so deny it
Walk out into the street
With your heart out, never down in defeat
neither down or out
There's nothing you have that I need
I can breathe"

 
1. Merriam- Webster Dictionary: "transparent"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/august?show=1&t=1343969427

2. U2 - "Breathe"

http://www.lyricsmania.com/breathe_lyrics_u2.html
3. GMO Pesticide Spraying
 http://hatha102.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/farmpesticidespraying.jpg

"Independence"

Aloha!

I hope you all enjoy your 4th of July. I've been following Annie Leonard for a few years now and she's pretty amazing how she simplifies complex issues and tells engaging stories about waste, energy, citizenship, etc. Her latest and greatest is below and I thought what a cool thing to pass on for the 4th- our Independence day of celebration. I think many of us forget what exactly we're celebrating. I think it's important to remember that many people in the world do not have the freedoms we enjoy and that it is our responsibility to ensure we keep them because we've been losing a lot of them since the 60's and 70's when domestic policies began shifting to support big business and not our public: people, lands, waters, air, and other species. 

Whether you're a fan of fireworks or not, take a little time tomorrow to reflect why we have fireworks in the first place. As you listen to them, close your eyes a moment and listen to the sounds which can easily be mistaken for bombs- something people may be listening to at the exact moment you are. My mom said she has a tough time with fireworks because she was born during WWII in England when they were being bombed. 

Feel free to share the good work of Annie Leonard with folks you know. I usually share her videos with students when I sub along with environmental presentations that I conduct. Andy will usually show 1x year with his students as well. 

Happy 4th of July!

Aloha,

Diane

1. Inspiring e-mail sent to Maluhia Group. 

2. Annie Leonard 

http://www.storyofstuff.org/tag/annie-leonard/

"Aotearoa"

People of Aotearoa,

After touring your country it has become evident that you are under attack by the GMO pesticide industry. The same industry(s) that has reduced American Farmers to becoming seed subjugates, is applying its pogrom of enticement, recruitment of obsequious community leaders, and manipulation of public thought through specious arguments, in your beautiful country of New Zealand.
Maluhia Group asks you to learn from those who've succumbed to the foisted reality this industry brings to communities and be aware of the unforeseen damage GMO agricultural practices will bring to your pristine lands and people.
Distracted public attention on inane issues facilitates an industries concentrated efforts to  manipulate the democratic process and direct legislative discourse.
As ad interim saviors enticing economically depressed areas (often having low literacy rates) they develop a misinformed public base. Manipulated data supports the "positive" affects of their efforts thus supporting continued growth of their initiatives.  Solely profit driven; their negative impact will be measured decades from today. Please participate in due diligence and see that these are not the words of a daft madman, but those of one who believes in freedom and our responsibility as stewards of the land.

Aloha,

Johnny Appleseed

Aotearoa

 1. Globe

wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/NZL_orthographic_NaturalEarth.svg/250px-NZL_orthographic_NaturalEarth.svg.png



"Label it Hawaii"

                                                              
1. Label It Hawaii - Video from Makana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5nvNU7dxq8&feature=youtu.be

"Fool's Gold"

Something that appears to be one thing, but is in fact another (1).
Review of the percentage of students receiving free and reduced-cost school lunches is an authentic indicator of a community's welfare. Employment is often a primary argument of industry and legislators in support of GMO agricultural practices. When reviewed in a context that takes into account the long-term environmental and community health impact of pesticide burdened GMO agriculture, and actual employment figures; it becomes evident that the promise is but "Fool's Gold".

KAUAI COMPLEX

Percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunch.

School		2008-2009	2010-2011
Kalaheo El.		28.90%	37.20%
Ele'ele El.		42.00%	50.60%
Kekaha El.		50.30%	61%
Waimea Canyon Middle		43.80%	52.50%
Waimea High		34.60%	40.50%
Ke Kula Niihau Kekaha PCSI			*
Kula Aupuni Niihau A Kahelelani			*
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle		34.50%	41.20%
Kauai High School		26.20%	32.80%
King Kaumualii Elementary		48.90%	55.30%
Koloa Elementary School		47.90%	48.90%
Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary		30.90%	43.80%
Hanalei Elementary School		24.30%	34.50%
Kapaa Elementary School		52.40%	59.50%
Kapaa High School		39.20%	41.00%
Kapaa Middle School		39.00%	46.90%
Kilauea Elementary School		32.20%	43.30%

* No Data Available

1. What is Fool's Gold?
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-fools-gold.htm
2.Free and Reduced Lunch Data information from School Status and Improvement Reports
http://doe.k12.hi.us/myschool/map_kauai.htm
3. 5 yr. Longitudinal Kauai Complex Free and Reduced Lunch percentages.
http://www.box.com/s/5823acfcf3e9976f2710

"Grubbing" Kauai

Grubbing: 1. Dig or poke superficially at the earth; dig shallowly in soil; 2.Remove (something) from the earth by digging it up; 3. Slang: to obtain by importunity

This video was taken by a concerned community member during recent rains on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. A very personal connection to the tragedy before him is expressed through incredulous emotion. The video doesn't show that the water is flowing off and carrying soil from fields that were recently sprayed with pesticide; flowing from the fields on a lamentable watercourse over coral reef to the ocean.

1. Google: "grubbing" https://www.google.com/search?q=define+grubbing&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

2. YouTube:"MaluiaWCMS"Channel (Maluhia Group), http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=maluiawcms&oq=maluiawcms&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=12&gs_upl=2424l6246l0l8121l10l10l0l0l0l0l39l318l10l10l0

3. The Garden Island:

"County Takes Legal Action Against Seed Companies", http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/county-takes-legal-action-against-seed-companies/article_efe173fa-762b-11e0-a0f1-001cc4c002e0.html

"Large-scale Die-off of Sea Urchins Discovered off Kaumakani", http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/large-scale-die-off-of-sea-urchins-discovered-off-kaumakani/article_16081484-5a1b-11e1-bca7-0019bb2963f4.html

"Flash flood warning canceled..." http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/flash-flood-warning-canceled-flash-flood-watch-still-in-effect/article_52bb030c-60a4-11e1-8f15-0019bb2963f4.html

"Eyes Wide Open"

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)

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

Islands at Risk (Part 2)

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

Islands at Risk (Part 1)

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

Downstream

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Living Downstream"

of GMO agricultural practices...

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

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

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

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

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

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

RISK ASSESSMENT - KAUAI

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

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

Action Alert - Oppose HR 872

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

Bill Moyers

Take Action Now:

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

Pesticide Action Network
Stop the pesticide industry in its tracks

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

For Sale: Pollution Permits

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

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

Oppose HR 872

Take Action Here:

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

Help Wanted

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

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

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

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

Henny Penny (R.I.P.)

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

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

Corn Cough

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

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

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

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

Happy Valentines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Selling of Indulgence

Polihale, Kauai Hawaii

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

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

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

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

Cropitalism

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