"...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
March 2, 2010
February 1, 2010
Vandana Shiva: The Future of Food -Part 2
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
1. "The Daily Show": an interview with Bill Gates (1:53)
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-january-25-2010/bill-gates
January 2, 2010
Introducing Dr. Vandana Shiva
...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
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
December 6, 2009
"What You Don't Know Can Kill You"
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.
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
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/HM/hhw/howto/pesticides.htm
2. "Glyphosate Fact Sheet"
3. Product Details: Touchdown HiTech (Herbicide)
4. PAN Pesticides Database
5. "CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITION"
6. Image: "Manifestations of Organophosphate Insecticide Poisoning"
November 1, 2009
Action Alerts
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
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
October 5, 2009
September 5, 2009
"Pesticides and You"
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
"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. 19981. 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
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
August 1, 2009
"Pesticides and You"
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
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
July 6, 2009
"Pesticides and You"
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
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
June 15, 2009
Free Movie
Waimea Theater - June 23rd, 2009from 7pm to 9pm
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
"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
May 17, 2009
Stewards of the Land?
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/
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/
April 9, 2009
Theater 101
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 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/
March 9, 2009
"THE APPEAL"
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
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
February 22, 2009
"Fleecing the Flock"
"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
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
January 9, 2009
"Stinky Study" (part 2)
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 how 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
Former Kauai County Council Vice Chair Mel Rapozo introduced Bill 2278 with good intentions. Along with a disregard for cultural sensibility, an understanding of how 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
December 11, 2008
Autism and Pesticide Exposure
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
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
November 10, 2008
"Stinky Study" (part 1)
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
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
October 18, 2008
"Pesticides and Childhood Cancer"
"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
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
September 20, 2008
D.O.A. (part 9)
"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
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
September 11, 2008
Cocktail Anyone?
"Inerts" (Part 2)
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
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
September 6, 2008
Are "Inerts" Benign?
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/
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/
July 16, 2008
Troubles in Paradise (Kauai)
"Citizens not Serfs"
1. Troubles in Paradise (Kauai)- a Zaharie Productions video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avk0r6JdafA
1. Troubles in Paradise (Kauai)- a Zaharie Productions video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avk0r6JdafA
July 4, 2008
We the People...
"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. "The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Business Communication" by David Ingram http://smallbusiness.chron.com/impact-cultural-diversity-business-communication-3047.html
2. "Every Man a King" by: Huey P. Long
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/hueyplongking.htm
May 31, 2008
Pesticide Effects Can Span Generations
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
May 23, 2008
Volatilization (part 2)
itchy eyes, blurred vision, tingly skin, headache, malaise, labored breathing...
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
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.
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
April 19, 2008
D.O.A. (part 8)
"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.
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
2. Image: "Poison Prevention" 1-800-222-1212
3."Environmental Racism and Biased Methods of Risk Assessment" by Daniel C. Wigley & Kristin S. Shrader-Frechette.
4. The Garden Island Newspaper , April 17, 2008
5. The Garden Island Newspaper, April 15,2008
6. Google Earth map - Kekaha School to St. Theresa's
April 17, 2008
C.B.P.R.
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/
April 5, 2008
Volatilization (part 1)
"to make volatile; especially : to cause to pass off in vapor" (1)
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
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/Volatilization2. "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
March 20, 2008
R.I.P.
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
"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. Hooser1. "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
March 6, 2008
In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
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
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
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