TOXICS
INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)
(Lighting the Way to Less Toxic Living)
LIBERTY GOODWIN, DIRECTOR
P.O. Box 40572, Providence, RI 02940
Tel. 401-351-9193, E-Mail: TIP@toxicsinfo.org
WEBSITE: www.toxicsinfo.org
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2006
LOCAL
CONTACT: Liberty Goodwin, TIP Director, 401-351-9193
NATIONAL
CONTACTS: Eileen Gunn or Jay Feldman,
NCPFL, 202-543-5450
EFFECTIVENESS
OF WIDESPREAD MOSQUITO SPRAYING
FOR WEST
NILE VIRUS IN QUESTION
TO THE EDITOR: The following press release from the
recently formed National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns should be of great
interest in view of the extensive spraying recently done in Southeastern
MA. Toxics Information Project (TIP), a
local organizational member of NCPFL, urges all in our area to re-think that
kind of response to WNV & EEE concerns.
Doing something just to be taking action is not the thoughtful
choice.
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Washington, DC – August 24,
2006) As mosquito vector control officials rev up their truck-based and
aerial pesticide spray programs for West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine
encephalitis (EEE), important new evidence on the ineffectiveness of their
methods is making headlines in scientific circles. A critical new study by a group of
scientists and practitioners, concludes, “We find that ULV applications of
resmethrin had little or no impact on the Culex vectors of WNV, even at maximum
permitted rates of application, [and] such insecticidal aerosols, delivered
from the road, may not effectively reduce the force of transmission of WNV.”
Recognizing the lack of research
on the effectiveness of pesticide spraying, the researchers measured mosquito
populations in different suburban landscapes in eastern Massachusetts after a
typical resmethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, spraying. About as many eggs were
deposited before the pesticide application as after in both treated and
untreated areas, meaning the treatments did not decrease the reproductive
activity of the adult mosquitoes. This study, “ Efficacy of Resmethrin Aerosols Applied from the Road for
Suppressing Culex Vectors of West Nile Virus,” funded in part by the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health and led
by the Harvard School of Public Health, appears in the June 2006 issue of
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases.
An earlier study on truck-mounted
spraying, which appeared in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control
Association (1998), concludes that the average upwind and downwind mosquito
kill from truck-mounted spraying to be between 21% and 45%.
“The CDC states that source
reduction, the elimination of mosquito larval habitat, remains the most effective
and economical method of providing long-term mosquito control, yet communities
across the nation are reverting to spraying adult mosquitoes with little or no
monitoring of effectiveness,” says Eileen Gunn, Project Director for Beyond
Pesticides, a national environmental organization.
David Pimentel, Ph.D, entomologist
at Cornell University states that “In order to prove whether pesticides are
effectively killing mosquitoes, you need five days of monitoring mosquito
populations before and after the spraying.” This is consistent with CDC
recommendations for continuous monitoring of control strategies for
effectiveness and resistance. For instance, resistance to sumithrin, the active
ingredient in Anvil,© has been reported in cockroaches, aphids, mosquitoes
and lice.
Public health officials and
environmental groups are equally disturbed by the lack of information officials
are providing to the public on the health and environmental impacts of the
chemicals they are spraying. Often
officials claim the pesticides are safe because they are registered by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - a claim that is illegal to make. Many mosquito control and household
insecticides are synthetic pyrethroids, with impacts typical of neurotoxins,
such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and irritation.
There are also serious chronic
health concerns related to exposure.
EPA classifies some pyrethroids as possible human carcinogens and many
are endocrine disruptors, which means, even at low levels, they can adversely
affect reproduction, sexual development, interfere with the immune system, and
increase chances of breast cancer. In
breast cancer cells sumithrin increases the expression of a gene involved with
cell proliferation in the mammary gland.
Pyrethroids may also trigger respiratory problems such as asthma, a
particular problem for children in urban areas. Further, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), the synergist in many
synthetic pyrethroid products that increases the toxicity, is also classified
as a possible carcinogen by EPA, causes atrophied testes, and reduces the
activity of important immune system components.
Last summer, CDC released its Third
National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, showing
pyrethroids in the urine of more than 50% of the subjects tested.
There are widespread claims among
mosquito control officials that these chemicals just dissipate in a few days
with no impact on non-target species. California investigated pyrethroids in
stream sediments and found total or near-total mortality to Hyalella azteca,
a small bottom-dwelling crustacean generally regarded as a sensitive warning
species. Such monitoring of impacts to
non-target species, especially beneficial predators, is rare. California is
currently considering a ban on pyrethroid pesticides.
With the threat of WNV and EEE ,
public health advocates say mosquito control must be conducted in a way that
truly reduces the risks of getting the disease and the hazards from exposure to
harmful pesticides, so that the public is not lulled by a false sense of
security. Officials need to be aware of
important scientific findings that impact the effectiveness of their decisions,
and fully disclose the hazards and efficacy of pesticide use to citizens. Pesticides are not a silver bullet and the
recent efficacy studies emphasize even more the need for an integrated approach
to controlling theses viruses.
Beyond Pesticides has several
publications and activists tools online including the Public Health Mosquito Management Strategy: For Decision Makers
and Communities, safer repellents, mosquito control pesticides, public service announcements to distribute to your local
radio stations, and community policies throughout the nation at http://www.beyondpesticides.org/mosquito
or by contacting Beyond Pesticides at 202-543-5450.
NATIONAL
CONTACT: Eileen Gunn, Project Director,
Beyond Pesticides,
701 E Street SE #200,
Washington, DC 20003
Phone:
202-543-5450, Fax. 202-543-4791
Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns, www.beyondpesticides.org/pesticidefreelawns/
TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)
(Lighting the Way to Less Toxic Living)
LIBERTY GOODWIN, DIRECTOR
P.O. Box 40572, Providence, RI 02940
Tel. 401-351-9193, E-Mail: TIP@toxicsinfo.org
WEBSITE: www.toxicsinfo.org
To The Editor, The Providence Visitor
September-1, 2006
I am moved to respond to the letter from Marilyn DeMoranville because I
share her concern about our role as stewards of God’s creation. However, I have a couple of additional,
somewhat different views to offer.
First, I think it is very
important, both on a spiritual and realistic level, to understand that there is
no separation between us and “the environment”. We are part of a miraculous interdependent web of life - “What
goes around comes around”. Whatever we
do that affects the earth and its other inhabitants has an equal power over our
own health and well-being. In my work
as Director of the Toxics Information Project (TIP), this is clear to me every
single day. Research and experience
combine to create a huge weight of evidence that environmental concerns and
human health concerns are totally intertwined.
Second, I would like to defend The
Visitor to some degree on the charge of lack of attention to this concern. I have myself submitted information about
two environment-related events to you - both were ably covered and described by
Bill Patenaude. One began, “The
conspicuous absence of any mention in the Book of Genesis of weed killer,
fertilizer and fungicide begs the question: Just how far have we strayed from
Eden? “ He continues later,
“These are people seeking to provide a stewardship over the earth that
is balanced, productive and, above all, healthy. For Catholics, this is an area in which individual parishes and
even the diocese itself could provide significant leadership. Considering the significant acreage owned by
parishes, cemeteries and retreat centers, a shift to safer methods of
landscaping would not only help protect people's health, but it would send a
clear and deliberate message to the pesticide and lawn-care industry that
Catholics demand a safe approach to tending God's creation.“
Bill adds, “Catholic educators, at
all levels, could carry this message even further, into the homes of thousands
of students, impacting families all across the Ocean State, and beyond. In
fact, just a brief mention in the parish bulletin discussing the matter,
listing resources for more information (see below), would undoubtedly impact a
handful of parishioners' landscaping habits - most likely making for healthier
homes.”
If this does not address Marilyn’s
concern, what would? This article
appeared in The Visitor in August, 2004.
Since then, they have published a May 2006 report on our RI Science Fair
Awards to several Catholic School students, one of whom commented, “God’s gift
of the worms is better than our chemicals”, relating to his fertilizer research
project .
The problem, I believe, is mainly
that, like many publications, The Visitor has limited staff and time, and often
has to address other issues of special concern to RI Catholics (Disclosure - I
myself am a Quaker). However, the
solution could be to specifically invite and welcome more comments and articles
dealing with the earth stewardship and unity with nature topic.
Perhaps Ms. DeMoranville’s letter
and mine could serve as a catalyst for increased discussion of this important
spiritual and temporal issue.
Blessings,
Liberty Goodwin, Director
Toxics Information Project (TIP),
Providence, RI
“Lighting the Way to Less Toxic Living”
Tel. 401-351-9193, E-Mail: liberty@toxicsinfo.org
Website: www.toxicsinfo.org
Scotts Poisons the Wrong Family
A family that sought to avoid lawn chemicals had its yard mistakenly
treated by Scotts Lawn Service
From Pesticides & You, the quarterly newsletter
of Beyond Pesticides, Washington, DC.
Editors Note: The prevalent and poorly
regulated use of pesticides in our society means that everyone is at risk.
Beyond Pesticides urges those who are involuntarily exposed and/or poisoned by
pesticides to report these incidents to state authorities, EPA, elected
officials, and the local media (see below for more information). Beyond
Pesticides works with people and organizations at the community level to stop
the poisoning and promote safe solutions.
On May 17, 2005, Scotts Lawn Service mistakenly treated the home of the Ryan Family
with 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCCP. The actual house that Scotts was hired to treat
was on a different street with a similar name. The Ryans, who live in
Massachusetts, have two small children and, at the time, one more on the way.
They made a point of not using chemical treatments on their lawn. The Ryans
were particularly concerned given that one of their sons had numerous allergies
as well as asthma. Scotts Lawn Service treated the Ryan’s lawn with a variety
of pesticides by mistake. When the Ryans figured out what had happened and
requested mitigation from Scotts, the obstacles and problems they encountered
were endless.
Family’s
Children Exposed to Pesticides
When the Ryans
discovered on the evening of May 17, that their lawn had been treated with
chemicals, they immediately called the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company to complain
and demand that the company remove the chemical contamination. Mrs. Ryan
informed Scotts that given that they also failed to properly mark the property
and provide sufficient notice that pesticides were applied, she and her two
sons were exposed to the pesticides within eight hours of the application. The
Ryans were not only worried about exposure to pesticides from the lawn itself,
but they also worried that the pesticides would contaminate the private well
they used for their drinking water.
The Ryans
had high hopes that Scotts would be responsive when they received a call early
the next morning from the Scotts’ applicator who mistakenly treated their lawn.
The applicator apologized for the mistake and said he would stop by their house
later to talk about resolving the problem. Later that morning the Ryans
received a message from Dan McGuire from Scotts Lawn Service who said that he
wanted to follow up on the mistake that was made. When Mrs. Ryan spoke with Mr.
McGuire and learned that Scotts had no plan to resolve the situation, she told
him that they would like Scotts to remove the contaminated soil, in order to
guarantee that the toxic pesticides were removed and no longer a threat.Mr.
McGuire said that the issue of soil removal would have to be addressed by
corporate headquarters and he would pass on the information.
Shortly after Mrs. Ryan’s conversation with Mr. McGuire, the
Ryans received a message from Andy Benute, the Regional Director for Scotts
Lawn Service on the East Coast whose office is in the Marysville, OH Corporate
Office for the Scotts MiracleGro Company. Mr. Benute expressed his regrets
regarding the situation and said that, although he was traveling, he would try
to be in touch with them as soon as possible.
Family
Puts Scotts On Notice
On May 19, Mr. Ryan, an attorney, faxed a
letter to Mr. Benute and Mr. David M. Aronowitz, General Counsel for the Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company, to establish the record that the Scotts Miracle-Gro
Company was on notice regarding the incident and to request that they
immediately mitigate the potential harm. In the fax, Mr. Ryan demanded that the
soil replacement process begin the following day, May 20.
The next day, Mr. Ryan received a call from Matt Tegmeyer of
Vericlaim, which is the third party administrator for Scotts Miracle-Gro
Company. Mr. Tegmeyer stated that he
just received Mr. Ryan’s letter of May 19 and stated that he was to investigate
the incident and make a recommendation to Scotts Miracle-Gro Company regarding
the requested mitigation. Mr. Tegmeyer seemed understanding of the seriousness
of the issue, and said that although he could not make any guarantees, he
believed that the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company would likely honor the request for
mitigation. He even informed Mr. Ryan
that the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company had made similar mistakes in the past,
including the improper application of pesticides to the yard of an EPA
administrator who lived in Maryland and had an organic yard.
He stated that in order to do the mitigation, Scotts
Miracle-Gro would want to have the Ryans execute a release of all claims. Mr. Ryan informed him that until he was
certain no permanent harm was inflicted on him or any member of his family,
particularly his unborn child, he would not execute a release. Mr. Ryan then explained to Mr. Tegmeyer that
he and his family were not looking for a cash settlement, but given the serious
health issues involved with his pregnant wife and extremely allergic two year
old, he wanted immediate mitigation.
Mr. Tegmeyer requested that Mr. Ryan fax him a copy of the EPA Guide
regarding Soil Excavation that he had referenced in their discussion. Mr. Ryan went one step further and also
provided Mr. Tegmeyer with the name and contact information of a nursery that
could handle the soil replacement in a timely fashion.
Later that same day, Mr. Ryan received a
call from Mr. Tegmeyer informing him that he had been in touch with Mr. MeGuire who had said he would
contact a few landscapers and have them go to the Ryans’ house. None of the landscapers ever came to the
Ryans house and in the meantime, on May 22, the Ryans’ asthmatic son accidentally
got onto the lawn and had a severe allergic reaction which resulted in skin
inflammations, a swollen face and impacted breathing, requiring medical
intervention. After this incident, Mr.
Ryan immediately called Mr. Tegmeyer to report it and stress the urgency of
having the soil replaced immediately.
On May 26, after nothing materialized from
the alleged landscapers that Scotts was going to send over, Mr. Ryan obtained a
quote from the nursery he had suggested to Mr. Tegmeyer and faxed it to him,
making it clear that if the nursery were to receive a deposit they could start
removing the contaminated soil immediately and the entire process could be
completed by June 1.
Soon after this conversation, Mr. Ryan was
contacted and told that Mr. McGuire had received an estimate from another landscaping
company that was cheaper. This landscaping company, however, could not start
work for one to two weeks and there was some question as to how much of the
contaminated soil they would actually remove. Debate about the few thousand
dollars in question continued between the Ryan family and Scotts which resulted
in Mrs. Ryan contacting Mr. David M. Aronowitz to request that he consider the
health concerns of the Ryan family and the potential negative impact to Scotts
Miracle-Gro.
The Family Rejects Settlement Offer
On
May 27, the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, it became painfully clear to the
Ryans that Scotts Miracle-Gro had engaged in conduct to delay the filing of a
formal complaint with the Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau and the EPA Pesticide
Enforcement Coordinator in Boston. On
that day, Mr. Ryan received a fax from Mr. Tegmeyer that stated Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company did “not agree that [the Ryans’] requested course of action
is reasonable or necessary and [Scotts] cannot and will not comply witb this
demand.” Scotts also proposed that the
Ryans just apply an activated charcoal product to the entire lawn” and offered
to compensate them with $1,000 for the “unnecessary inconvenience this incident
has caused.” I n order to obtain the
benefits of the proposal, the Ryans were told they would need to execute a full
and final release to the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. The Ryans rejected the proposal and instead filed a complaint
with the Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau and notified the EPA
Mrs. Ryan Suffers Miscarriage
A little over two weeks after the wrongful
application of the lawn pesticides, the Ryans discovered that Mrs. Ryan had
miscarried, and it was estimated that the miscarriage occurred within a day of
the improper application of the pesticides. Mr. Ryan engaged in extensive
research and discovered that a number of studies have linked the pesticides
applied by Scotts Miracle-Gro to miscarriage.
Although the Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau
initially appeared to take the incident seriously after Mrs. Ryan suffered a
miscarriage, informing Mr. Ryan that the numerous violations committed by
Scotts Miracle-Gro would result in a thorough investigation and serious
sanctions, it appears Scotts MiracleGro will not be held accountable. Mr. Ryan questions whether this is in part
due to the fact that a former legal counsel for the Pesticide Bureau now works
for the law firm defending Scotts Miracle-Gro.
At present, the Ryans are working with MA
legislators to try to get the state to update pesticide regulations and
enforcement. Mr. Ryan is also in the
midst of filing an official complaint with the Attorney General. He is currently trying to bring to light the
problems Scotts has caused and their refusal to be the “environmental stewards”
they claim to be by taking the proper precautionary steps and resolving
problems like theirs.
P.S. Just
this season, Scotts Miracle-Gro Lawn Service left a note at the Ryans’ door
that they could not make an application until the leaves were removed from the
lawn. Further contamination was averted
this time as mistakes appear to continue.
Editors note. Pesticide poisoning and contamination stories, like the one described
above, must be told and documented. We urge poisoning victims to complete a
Pesticide Incident Report that can be printed off the Beyond Pesticides’ webs
ite at www. beyondpesticides.org/emergencies/pir..,form.pdf, or mailed to you
upon request. The incident should also be reported to the state pesticide law
enforcement agency (see our website, www. beyonpesticides.org, to identify the
appropriate contact in your state.) If you call to report the incident, request
an investigation and follow up with a written request and letter that documents
the conversation and any agreements. Copy your letter to the EPA Administrator
(Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460. Phone: 202-564-4700) and to your elected
officials, U.S. Representatives (www. house.gov/writerep) and U.S. Senators
(www.senate.gov). Reporting the incident to local media will help to identify
others who have been poisoned and inform the
community of this public health and environmental threat. Ultimately,
documentation and raised awareness will help curtail practices that are causing
poisonings and contamination. For more assistance, contact Beyond
Pesticides, 701 F Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003, 202-543-5450, info@beyondpesticides.org
WHAT’S THE
ALTERNATIVE?
Options for Warm
Weather Problems - Bugs, Sun, Sweat
BUG REPELLENT TIPS
“Unscented” Warning: http://www.epinions.com/content_68341567108 S.C. Johnson Wax engages in a little propaganda when it comes to their
claims of Off! Skintastic being “Unscented”. It’s a mystery why a product would
boldly slap “Unscented” on the front of the bottle and in small print under
content list “Fragrance.” Perhaps I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed but
“Unscented” and “Fragrance” no matter how delicate the scent, don’t add up.
Also on the back label you will find another oxymoron “Unscented Off!
Skintastic IV has a fresh, clean fragrance”. Trust me, there is a fragrance and
if you’ve ever smelled the original Off! then you’ll quickly pickup the scent.
Vanilla:
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/980625b.cfm One of the best natural insect repellants that I've discovered is made
from the clear real vanilla (not the grocery store vanilla extract which is
mostly alcohol). This is the pure vanilla that is sold in Mexico. It's cheap
there if you know of someone that lives there or in the US close to the border.
If not, health food stores usually carry it or can order it for you. I use it
half vanilla and half water and find that it works great for mosquitoes and
ticks, don't know about other insects. It's nice that you don't smell like a
chemical plant but a cookie! I cannot use chemical insecticides, so I love the
way this works and I hope you and your kids will also.
Bite Blocker: http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals/01jun98/mosquito.htm Bite Blocker (Consep, Inc., Bend, Oregon) is a
plant-based repellent that was released in the United States in 1997. Bite Blocker combines soybean oil, geranium
oil, and coconut oil in a formulation that has been available in Europe for
several years. Studies conducted at the
University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, showed that this product gave more than
97% protection against Aedes mosquitoes under field conditions, even 3.5
hours after application. During the same period, a 6.65% DEET-based spray
afforded 86% protection, and Avon Skin-So-Soft citronella-based repellent gave
only 40% protection. A second study
showed that Bite Blocker provided a mean ± SD of 200 ± 30 minutes of complete
protection from mosquito bites
Safe Insect Repellant
Suggestions:
http://www.vita-master.com/pesticides.html
Your health food store has many herbal alternatives
to toxic insect repellants. Below are a
few homemade alternatives.
- Tea tree oil helps repel insects and heals
insect bites as well. You can make a lotion by mixing tea tree oil with
aloe gel.
- Rub basil leaves on your skin to repel insects.
- Neem oil is an effective and easy-to-use insect
repellant.
- If you have a problem with ticks, try
myrrh. Myrrh has a chemical in it
that repels ticks.
- Fleas do not like pennyroyal. Put a drop of pennyroyal on your pet's
collar or put few drops of pennyroyal oil in water and spray where your
pet sleeps. Eucalyptus, citrus,
cedarwood, bay, fennel, rue, mint, sweet woodruff, lavender, and rosemary
are also flea repellants.
Part of a plan to deal with insects is not to attract
them in the first place. Avoid perfume, hair spray, after-shave, and scented
soaps as they can attract insects. In your pantry, keep food in airtight
containers. In the kitchen, keep counters clean. On picnics, cover food and
don’t leave sweets and soda bottles sitting around. Wear long pants and shirts
when in areas populated by mosquitoes, ticks or flies…
What to Use for Insect Repellant -- Hint: It's not
DEET http://friendsoffreedom.org/article.php?sid=625
One plant
product was, however, comparable to the lowest-concentration DEET product. This
soybean-oil-based repellent provided about 95 minutes of complete protection,
on average, the investigators found. In
addition, Fradin and Day tested a eucalyptus-oil product that was introduced in
the US after their study was completed. Among six volunteers, the product provided
an average of 2 hours of mosquito protection.
The New England Journal of Medicine July 4, 2002;347:2-3, 13-18
Excerpts
from American College of Physicians Guide to Repellants
http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals/01jun98/mosquito.htm
Case
reports of potential DEET toxicity exist in the medical literature and are
summarized in Table 4. The reports of greatest concern
involve 14 cases of encephalopathy, 13 of which were in children younger than 8
years of age. Three of these children died, 1 of whom had an ornithine
carbamoyl transferase deficiency that might have predisposed her to
DEET-induced toxicity. The other
children recovered without sequelae. A
1994 study reviewed 9086 cases of DEET exposure reported to 71 poison control
centers from 1985 to 1989. More than
half (54%) of the persons involved had no symptoms at the time of the call to
the poison control center. The most
commonly reported symptoms were related to spraying repellent in the eyes (DEET
is a known eye irritant) or inhaling it.
Symptoms were least likely to occur after accidental ingestion of small
amounts of the repellent. Although most
exposures were in children, there was no evidence that children younger than 6
years of age were more likely than older children or adults to develop adverse
effects after use of a DEET repellent.
No correlation was found between the severity of symptoms and age, sex,
or concentration of applied DEET.
Eighty-eight percent of exposed persons did not require treatment at a
health care facility. Of the patients
who were seen, 81% were sent home, and only 5% required hospitalization. Of the patients in whom follow-up was
available, 99% had no long-term sequelae.
Repellents
containing DEET… can damage plastics (such as watch crystals and eyeglasses
frames), rayon, spandex, other synthetic fabrics, leather, and painted or
varnished surfaces.
Plant-Derived Repellents
Thousands
of plants have been tested as potential sources of insect repellents. None of the plant-derived chemicals tested
to date demonstrate the broad effectiveness and duration of DEET, but a few
show repellent activity. Plants whose essential oils have been reported to have
repellent activity include citronella, cedar, verbena, pennyroyal, geranium,
lavender, pine, cajeput, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, thyme, allspice, garlic,
and peppermint. Unlike synthetic insect
repellents, plant-derived repellents have been relatively poorly studied. When
tested, most of these essential oils tended to give short-lasting protection,
usually less than 2 hours. Readily available plant-derived insect repellents
are listed in Table 5.
Studies
show that citronella can be an effective repellent, but it provides shorter
complete protection time than most DEET-based products. Frequent reapplication
of the repellent can partially compensate for this. The manufacturer of Natrapel
(Tender Corp., Littleton, New Hampshire) has laboratory data showing that their
10% lotion reduced mosquito bites by 84% during a 4-minute test period. In
contrast, 14% DEET reduced biting by 96% in the same test period. Buzz Away
(Quantum, Inc., Eugene, Oregon) with 5% citronella oil provided an average
protection time of 1.9 hours against Aedes aegypti . In field testing, Buzz Away Oil provided an
average of 88% repellency during a 2-hour exposure. In general, the repellency
of Buzz Away was greatest within the first 40 minutes after application and
decreased over the remainder of the test period.
The
citrosa plant (Pelargonium citrosum 'van Leenii') has been marketed as
repelling mosquitoes through the continuous release of citronella oils.
Unfortunately, when tested, these plants offer no protection against bites.
Reducing Local Mosquito Populations
Consumers
may still find advertisements for small ultrasonic electronic devices to be
carried on the body and purportedly emit sounds that repel mosquitoes. Many studies conducted in the field and
laboratory show that these devices do not work against mosquitoes. Encouraging natural predation of insects by
setting up bird or bat houses in the backyard has also been unsuccessful in
reducing local mosquito populations.
Likewise, backyard bug "zappers," which lure and electrocute
insects, are ineffective. Mosquitoes
continue to be more attracted to humans than to the devices. One study conducted in homeowners'
backyards showed that of the insects killed by these devices, only 0.13% were
female mosquitoes. An estimated 71
billion to 350 billion beneficial insects may be killed annually in the United
States by these electrocuting devices.
The most effective way to reduce a local population of mosquitoes is to
eliminate sources of standing water, such as discarded tires, clogged gutters,
planters, bird baths, or tree stump holes.
NOTE: Floral fragrances from perfumes, soaps,
lotions, and hair-care products may attract mosquitoes. Foster WA, Hancock RG. Nectar-related
olfactory and visual attractants for mosquitoes. J Am Mosq Control Assoc.
1994;10 (2 Pt 2):288-96.
SUNSCREEN & BUG SPRAY A
BAD MIX
MONDAY, July 28 (HealthDayNews) --
Using sunscreen and mosquito repellant simultaneously may create trouble. University of Manitoba pharmaceutical
researcher Dr. Xiaochen Gu says using sunscreen and mosquito repellant together
increases their absorption rates. That
could increase the risk of side effects like skin allergy, hypertension,
headaches and seizures, especially in children.
Gu studied DEET, the active
ingredient in many bug repellants, and oxybenzone, an agent in sunscreen. He studied them separately and then combined
the two and measured their penetrative value.
When DEET and oxybenzone are combined, there's a marked increase in the
rate of absorption through the skin. Gu
says this could mean the side effects of the chemicals may be heightened when
they're used together. He's trying to
modify the non-medicinal ingredients found in bug repellants and sunscreens to
reduce these high absorption rates.
That may make the products more effective and users would have to use
less of them to achieve the desired protective effect.
Gu is especially interested in how
sunscreens and bug repellants affect children and seniors. "Children have a large body surface
area and tender skin, making them more prone to cross-skin absorption. People over 65 tend to have thinner skin and
have had years of exposure to sun, which also makes their skin absorb more of
these chemicals," Gu says in a news release.
More information
Here's where you can learn more
about insect
repellents.
--Robert Preidt
SOURCE: University of Manitoba,
news release, July 22, 2003
Copyright © 2003 ScoutNews, LLC.
All rights reserved.
***********************************************************************************************************************
SOME SUNSCREEN OPTIONS &
INFORMATION FOUND ON LINE
AquaSport & TerraSport
AquaSport Performance
Sunblock (SPF 30) Plus 3.5 oz: K
http://www.kalyx.com/store/proddetail.cfm/ItemID/25860.0/CategoryID/11500.0/SubCatID/920.0/file.htm
TerraSport™ and AquaSport™
sunblocks were specially designed to protect you from the sun under intense
activity and harsh environmental conditions. Upon application, these formulas
dry super fast without alcohol for a 'dry grip that won't slip.' And they will not sting your eyes. TerraSport and AquaSport are PABA-free,
contain no petroleum chemicals or animal by-products, and are not tested on
animals. These special formulas contain
Z-Cote®, the most effective zinc oxide sunscreen, which provides the broadest
spectrum protection. Most sunscreen
products only protect you from burning UVB rays, but ALL TERRAIN Sunscreens
with Z-Cote® protect you against the skin aging, cancer causing UVA solar
radiation, as well. The addition of
antioxidants and moisturizers promotes healthy skin and offers additional
protection and healing.
Active Ingredients: Z-Cote® Zinc Oxide, Octyl
Methoxycinnamate.
Other Ingredients: Purified Water, Aloe Vera Gel, Starch, Glycerin,
Octyl Palmitate, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate,
PEG-100 Stearate, Shea Butter, Tricontanyl PVP, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Rose Hip
Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C),
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Chlecalciferol (Vitamin D3), Methylparaben,
Propylparaben, Capryl Glycine.
*********************************************************************************************************************
PROLITHIC.COM
http://www.prolithic.com/hpages/bodycare/ironsun.html
Sunscreen and Sunblock Products, All
Terrain, Ironman, Aloe Up 800-969-6199
Here's
another reason to consider sunblock. A recent Oregon State University study
suggests that wearing sunscreen may actually decrease skin and body
temperature. The mechanism is thought to be that lotion sunblocks add moisture
to the skin thus increasing evaporative cooling. This puts to rest the myth
that sunblocks clog pores and inhibit cooling.
All
Terrain sunscreens utilize Z-Cote transparent zinc oxide which is recognized by
the FDA as a Category 1 Skin Protectant and is recommended for use on
compromised or environmentally challenged skin. Z-Cote transparent zinc oxide is a non-toxic substance and will
not cause allergic reactions. As a
sunblock ingredient, Z-Cote forms a physical transparent barrier over the skin
which stops harmful UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sunscreen ingredients,
Z-Cote cannot be absorbed into the skin and is not metabolized by the
body. Z-Cote is stable and will not
break down when exposed to sunlight.
All Terrain sunscreen is available
in two formulations. TerraSport is designed for dry land activities and
is both water and sweat resistant which allows the skin to breathe naturally. AquaSport
is waterproof and sweatproof to ensure maximum protection during water sports.
Active Ingredients:
TerraSport SPF 30+ and AquaSport SPF 30+:
Active Z-Cote, Zinc Oxide (5%), Titanium Dioxide, Octlymethoxy Cinnamate,
Benzophenone 3.
TerraSport SPF 15 and AquaSport SPF 15:
Only Z-Cote Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
DRUGSTORE.COM
Coppertone Spectra 3: Water Babies Triple Protection
Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50, 6 fl oz (177
ml)
Helps prevent sunburn.
Provides broad spectrum protection. Protects from UVB and UVA rays
New Coppertone© Water Babies©
Spectra3™ SPF 30 Sunscreen provides the broadest UVA/UVB protection
available. Through a unique triple protection system, Spectra3™ deflects,
scatters and absorbs UV rays before they reach the skin. Plus,
Coppertone© Water Babies© Spectra3™ sunscreen, fortified with zinc oxide and
vitamins A, C, E, and Chamomile, helps prevent long term skin damage, premature
skin aging and skin cancer. This fragrance-free formula is light
and non-greasy, appears clear on skin and is perfect for everyday use.
And it's alcohol free too!
Sun Alert: The sun
causes skin damage. Over the years, regular use of effective sunscreens
like Coppertone© Water Babies© Spectra3™ SPF 50 may reduce the risk of skin
damage, some types of skin cancer, and other harmful effects due
to the sun.
Recommended as an effective UV
Sunscreen by the Sun Cancer Foundation.
Directions: Adults and children 6 months of age and
older: Apply liberally to all exposed areas before sun or water
exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming, excessive perspiration,
vigorous activity or any time after toweling. Children under 2 years of
age should use sunscreen products with a minimum SPF of 4. Children under 6 months of age:
Consult a doctor
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Homosalate,
Octocrylene, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Oxybenzone, Zinc Oxide
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Isopropyl Laurate, Propylene Glycol,
PVP/Eicosene Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum
Silicate, Sodium Dicocoylethylenediamine PEG-15 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate
Citrate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate),
Tocopherol (Vitamin E), PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Matricaria Extract
(Chamomilla Recutita), Diazolidinyl Urea, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol,
Dimethicone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA
********************************************************************************************************************
Deodorant or Antiperspirants?
by Annie Berthold-Bond,
Care2.com Producer, Green Living Channels http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/consumer_guides/114
Why choose a natural deodorant over an antiperspirant?
Consumer Guide Summary:
Most people think that
antiperspirants and deodorants are the same thing, but they aren’t.
Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful
astringents such as aluminum salts so that they can’t release sweat. (Note that aluminum can accumulate in the
brain.) Deodorants work by neutralizing
the smell of the sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria. Deodorants are preferable because they don’t
interfere with sweating, a natural cooling process.
****************************************************************************
Naturally Fresh (NFLI)
Nutique Crystal Deodorant Stone, Healthier
Discoveries.com 1-888-688-6354
http://www.healthierdiscoveries.com/crystaldeodorantstone.htm
·
Fragrance free, doesn't mask odors with perfumes
and antiperspirants.
·
No harmful aluminums.
·
Not just for underarm use. Works great for foot
odor, too!
Simply wet the stone
and generously apply to underarms, feet and other areas you want protected from
body odors. After use, rinse the
crystal thoroughly and put away to dry. One 2.85oz
Stone lasts for nearly one year.
Tend-Skin Purefection® / Moisture Barrier
All Natural Aluminum & Fragrance Free Deodorant
Designing Images, Inc.
Personal Care Essentials, Fort Lauderdale, FL Tel. 954-563-3421,
Toll Free: 877-234-6775
Website: www.uniqueimage.com E-Mail: kathryn@uniqueimage.com.
Tend-Skin
Purefection Antiperspirant contains all of the ingredients in Tend-Skin® Lotion,
our ingrown hair/razor bump product. The
deodorant effect of Tend-Skin® Lotion was discovered
accidentally by women who were using Tend-Skin® Lotion
to control underarm ingrown hairs. They
soon discovered they didn't need their deodorant products any longer. Unfortunately, in liquid form it was
inconvenient to apply, thus we created the solid product. Women! You will not get that "burning"
feeling under your arms when you apply Purefection
after shaving like you experience with standard antiperspirant/deodorant
products. Like all Tend-Skin®
Lotion products, Purefection® was not tested on
animals.
Ingredients: Cyclomethicone: The
same silicone base found in Tend Skin, only in greater quantity. It gives
the product a silky feel and helps carry the other ingredients onto the skin
surface.
Stearyl Alcohol: Forms the product into a solid "stick".
·
Hydrogenated Castor Oil:
Used to control hardness/softness.
·
Zirconium Hydroxychloride:
Deodorizing Agent.
·
Tend Skin® Lotion Formula:
Provides deodorant protection.
***********************************************************************************************************************
NEWS FOR
NURSES
(And Other Health Professionals)
NEW
ONLINE COURSE FOR CE CREDIT FROM MNA:
“Fragrance Free! Creating a Safe Health Care Environment”
(Please Pass Along This
Information to Any Health Care Professionals You Know!
Course
Description: Chemical fragrances
may seem like a natural part of modern American life, but in fact, they are
anything but natural. These
petroleum-based products, many of which contain known carcinogens, are produced
with virtually no regulation by the FDA, and their widespread use is turning
the modern health care environment-and the rest of the world-into Chemical
Soup. Fragrance Free! looks at the
hidden costs of chemical fragrance use in the health care industry, including
the growth of allergies and potentially debilitating conditions such as
chemical sensitivity. The course
discusses how to recognize the beginnings of chemical sensitivity, while
offering alternatives to fragranced produces and common sense steps to reduce
chemical fragrances in the health care environment.
Learning Objectives: The goal of this program is to ensure a safe
and therapeutic environment for both patient and nurse to interact in. The
elimination of fragrance is a choice the nurse can make to help ensure a
healthier environment for both patients and workers. On program completion, you should be able to:
1.
Identify the most common chemicals used in fragrance
products
2.
Identify adverse reactions to scented and fragrance products
3.
Define the concept of the “Chemical Soup” in the air we
breathe at work and at home
4.
Describe steps that can be taken to reduce reactions in
chemically sensitive people
Accreditation:
This online continuing nursing
education activity is provided by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, which
is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American
Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Program
Requirements: To successfully
complete this program and receive contact hours, you must read the entire
program, take and pass the Post-Test, and complete the Program Evaluation. To
pass the Post-Test, you must achieve a score of 80% or above.
Eligibility: Anyone can take the credit and convert to
their disciplined area of study. (For
example, LPNs are using it). The
credits are good throughout the nation.
TO ACCESS THE COURSE:
To register go to http://www.courseserver.com/mna/ and click
on “REGISTER”. The subscription code
for members is mna001, non-Members is mna002, and students is mna003. Fill out all of the fields in the form and
press submit. This information is also
listed on the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) website at www.massnurses.org/ce/onlineCE.htm For more information, contact the Division of Health and Safety
at 781-830-5723.
TIP TALKS SUMMER ISSUE, 2006
MEMBERSHIPS/DONATIONS
WELCOME! Sally Campbell, Scott Leonard,
Meg Wirth
RENEWALS: Susan
Warren
IF YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS UP FOR RENEWAL OR YOU WISH TO GIVE TIP
SOME CHEER
AND SUPPORT, CONSIDER USING OUR NEW ONLINE CREDIT CARD
OPTION! JUST GO TO: http://www.toxicsinfo.org/subscribe.htm
(Old-fashioned
checks to Toxics Information Project are also gratefully accepted )
TOXICS
INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)
P.O. Box
40572, Providence,
RI 02940
Telephone
(401) 351-9193, E-Mail:
TIPTALKS@toxicinfo.org
Web: www.toxicsinfo.org
TIP TALKS