The Precautionary Principle Matters

Press Release-  On April 27^th, in celebration of Earth Day, the entire community is invited to learn about why the Precautionary Principle is a crucial management practice when it comes to the health of our children.  In this era of widespread chemical exposure to children, the Precautionary Principle matters! 

The Precautionary Principle advocates the elimination of potential hazards to health at the onset of an activity, rather than accepting a level of harm.” Recent science such as the National Cancer Institute’s meticulously written research entitled  Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk, published in 2010, shows that toxins are responsible for making our children chronically ill with conditions from autism to cancer.

The logical solution is we must reduce toxic risks to children in their everyday lives. 

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Synthetic pyrethroids are highly neurotoxic and have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, suppression of the immune system, and various reproductive effects

Pyrethroids are highly neurotoxic and have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, suppression of the immune system, and various reproductive effects(Beyond Pesticides, November 16, 2011) On November 9, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its cumulative risk assessment for the pyrethroid class of insecticides, concluding that these pesticides “do not pose risk concerns for children or adults,” ignoring a wealth of independent data that links this class of chemicals to certain cancers, respiratory and reproductive problems, and the onset of insect resistance. The agency went as far to state that its cumulative assessment supports consideration of registering additional new uses of these pesticides, potentially opening the flood gates for manufacturers to bombard the market with more pyrethroid pesticides, endangering the health of the public.

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Pesticides and Parkinson’s: UCLA researchers uncover further proof of a link. Study suggests potential new target in fight against debilitating disease by Mark Wheeler January 03, 2013

Pesticides and Parkinson’s: UCLA researchers uncover further proof of a link. Study suggests potential new target in fight against debilitating disease By Mark Wheeler January 03, 2013

http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/pesticides-and-parkinson-s-more-242364.aspx

For several years, neurologists at UCLA have been building a case that a link exists between pesticides and Parkinson’s disease. To date, paraquat, maneb and ziram — common chemicals sprayed in California’s Central Valley and elsewhere — have been tied to increases in the disease, not only among farmworkers but in individuals who simply lived or worked near fields and likely inhaled drifting particles. Now, UCLA researchers have discovered a link between Parkinson’s and another pesticide, benomyl, whose toxicological effects still linger some 10 years after the chemical was banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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Concern over pesticide use at schools rises

Parents are becoming more aware as some schools in the state are not moving to reduce pesticide use.

By North Cairn ncairn@pressherald.com Staff Writer Portland Press Herald

Until she read a newspaper article about pesticide use on school grounds, Marla Zando of Scarborough was unaware that chemicals used on playgrounds or ballfields could hurt children.

“I really, really never had thought about it,” she said. “And I sort of think of myself as being environmentally aware,” but “wow, it was really eye-opening. I really was clueless, very, very clueless. ”Kids love to play in the dirt,” said Zando, the mother of a 4-year-old son. “You don’t know when (pesticides) are there; you can’t see them. I find it very scary.” Zando began asking questions of physicians, members of the town council, even bird watchers — people she knew would be knowledgeable about the subject — to find out about synthetic pesticides and their potential health effects.

Numerous studies have linked pesticide use at certain levels to a variety of learning disabilities, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, cancers and developmental problems, especially in younger children.

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Essential Oils (non toxic) for Controlling Insect Pests

Essential Oils for Controlling Insect Pests

Published in GreenMedInfo

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/essential-oils-controlling-insect-pests

Written By:  Susan Fairbairn (nee Kirk) Susan Kirk is a freelance journalist, with a degree in journalism and TAFE qualifications in horticulture.  She has written for many different publications but lately writes extensively for Fairfax media.

Research into the effectiveness of plant essential oils as botanical pesticides continues and is being confirmed. Several products have been formulated and commercialized. 

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Neurobehavioral problems following low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides: a systematic and meta-analytic review.Ross SM, McManus IC, Harrison V, Mason O.published in the journal Critical Reviews in Toxicology

Reprinted from (Beyond Pesticides, December 10, 2012) and Neurobehavioral problems following low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides: a systematic and meta-analytic review.Ross SM, McManus IC, Harrison V, Mason O. Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London , Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT , UK.  UCL’s systematic review, published in the journal  Critical Reviews in Toxicology

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23163581

US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health

Source: Alpha Galileo Foundation [News Release]

http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=126485&CultureCode=en

Scientists have found that low-level exposure to organophosphates (OPs) produces lasting decrements in neurological and cognitive function. Memory and information processing speed are affected to a greater degree than other cognitive functions such as language.

The systematic review of the literature was carried out by researchers at UCL and the Open University. It is the first to attempt a quantitative evaluation of the data assimilated from 14 studies and more than 1,600 participants. The researchers used meta-analysis to obtain an overview of the literature and their findings are published in the journal Critical Reviews in Toxicology.

Long-term low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides produces lasting damage to neurological and cognitive functions, according to the researchers at University College London (UCL). This research pulls data from 14 studies over the past 20 years, including more than 1,600 participants, in order to provide a quantitative analysis of the current literature on these dangerous chemicals. Lead author of the study, Sarah Mackenzie Ross, Ph.D., notes, “This is the first time anyone has analyzed the literature concerning the neurotoxicity of organophosphate pesticides, using the statistical technique of meta-analysis.”

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Why is it important to read pesticide labels before using pesticides?

Always ask for and read the MSDS sheet on any pesticide before you allow use of the pesticide in your home, school ,workplace, or any area where young children may gather.

The MSDS sheet is your first line of defense is protecting yourself and your family from pesticide exposure which could bring adverse health consequences.The MSDS will inform  you as to the relative toxicity of the chemical pesticide.

Always use the least toxic alternative. Avoid any exposure by and to young children with any chemical pesticides.

Many pesticides are non selective and if the mode of action is a neurological affect or reproductive interference, this could affect non target species such as humans

Pesticide labels contain detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally. Labels also contain information on potential hazards associated with the product and instructions you should follow in the event of a poisoning or spill. Following label instructions will allow you to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.

http://npic.orst.edu/health/readlabel.html National Pesticide Information Center  npic@ace.orst.edu

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Specific Chemical Pesticide (Active Ingredient) Information and Data Base

Always ask for and read the MSDS Sheet for any pesticide BEFORE it is used around you or your family. Children are particularly vulnerable to pesticide injury and poisoning. 

http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/specchem.html

By clicking below, you will find fact sheets, FAQs, tips and other resources from NPIC. Browse by selecting one of many active ingredients, including common insecticides,herbicides, rodenticides, antimicrobials, wood preservatives and other types of pesticides. National Pesticide Information Center  http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/specchem.html

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Tips for Minimizing Pesticide Risks

National Pesticide Information Center http://npic.orst.edu/health/minexp.html

npic@ace.orst.edu 

Because “the dose makes the poison,” someone may get sick from exposure to just about anything if their exposure is high enough. The risk of experiencing health problems from a pesticide depends on the toxicity of the pesticide and the amount of exposure. Even very low toxicity pesticides can be hazardous if too much is inhaled, gets on the skin, or is ingested. Minimizing the amount of pesticide used, selecting lower toxicity products and using protective equipment to minimize your exposure can all help to minimize the hazards associated with using pesticides.

• Consider adopting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. This approach emphasizes prevention, sanitation and exclusion, and utilizes pesticides only as a last resort when other options have failed.
• Review the product signal word and active ingredients, and then choose the product lowest in toxicity. Call NPIC for help comparing products.
• Choose products with formulations least likely to lead to exposure.
• Read the product label first. The pesticide label will list the minimum amount of protective equipment, like gloves or goggles, necessary to reduce your exposure.
• Consider using additional protective equipment to decrease your exposure even further.
• Make sure the pesticide label lists the specific place you intend to use the product. Using a pesticide in unlisted locations is illegal and unsafe.
• Use the appropriate amount of pesticide for your job by following the label directions closely. Applying too much pesticide may lead to higher levels of exposure to people, pets and the environment.
• Avoid allowing children, pets, or sensitive people in treatment areas to prevent accidental exposures during pesticide applications.
• Consider staying out of treated areas after an application for the amount of time listed on the label directions.
• For liquid products, consider avoiding treated areas until they have dried thoroughly and the area has been ventilated.
• Consider keeping pets and children off treated lawns and gardens until granular pesticides have dissolved.
• Ensure items such as food, toys, pet bowls and clothing are stored a safe distance away from any pesticide treatment.

These are just a few general tips on how to minimize pesticide risks. One of our specialists can provide you custom-tailored advice on ways to minimize the risk of your particular situation. If you have questions, consider giving us a call at 1-800-858-7378 (7:30am-3:30pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Additional Resources:

• 50 Ways to Treat Your Pesticide - Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program
• EPA Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Pesticides and the home, lawn, and garden - Purdue University
• Reduce your Child’s Chances of Pesticide Poisoning - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Reducing Pesticide Exposure in Schools - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Pesticides: Reducing Exposure Fact Sheets - Cornel University
• Reducing Human Pesticide Handling Risks - National Ag Safety Database
• Protecting Farm Families From Pesticide Exposures - CropLife Foundation
• Wear Protective Clothing When Applying Pesticides - National Ag Safety Database
• Are You Ready to Work? - National Ag Safety Database
• Learn About Chemicals Around Your House - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

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Sarasota County passes Precautionary Principle for pesticide use by its citizens..

Sarasota County passes Precautionary Principle for pesticide use by its citizens..

Sarasota County, Florida USA, made history on September 28,2010 by acting in the best interest of its citizens and, based upon the Presidents Cancer Panel Study and the EPA announced phase out of certain pesticides to protect children, the county commissioners passed a resolution advocating that the Precautionary Principle be used for pesticides by its citizens.

The Precautionary Principle is all about education and making people aware with a sense of urgency about avoiding (if at all possible) exposure to environmental toxins which are now clearly linked to unnecessary disease as is stated in the Presidents Cancer Panel Study

This is a very important matter for all of us who want to leave the planet in a reasonable condition for our grandchildren. Lets not wait any longer and HOPE no one else gets sick or unnecessarily exposed to pesticides and make positive changes where we live and our grandchildren play. We know enough to act.

Here is the resolution which passed .

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