EPA Awards Funding to Reduce Pesticide Risk Including Risks to Bees

Louisiana State, Penn State and University of Vermont at the forefront of groundbreaking technology

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced agricultural grants for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to reduce the use of potentially harmful pesticides and lower risk to bees all while controlling pests and saving money.

“These collaborative projects can provide innovative solutions to reduce pesticide risks to pollinators and crops,” said James Jones, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “Initiatives such as these will encourage others to adopt promising technologies and practices across the nation to reduce pesticide risks while maximizing crop production and protecting public health.”

IPM relies on easy-to-implement, environmentally-sensitive practices that prevent pests from becoming a threat. These practices involve monitoring and identifying pests and taking preventive action before pesticides are used. If pesticides are needed, methods such as targeted spraying may be used. These grants will expand public-private stewardship efforts and reduce pesticide risk in agriculture.

The Agricultural IPM Grants are awarded to:

The Louisiana State University project to minimize impacts to bees from insecticides used in mosquito control. Mosquito control is critical for public health; however, insecticides can be hazardous to bees. Bees are essential for crop production and ensuring a healthy food supply. Practices and guidelines resulting from the project will be distributed to mosquito control districts and beekeepers throughout the U.S.

The University of Vermont project to reduce pesticide use and improve pest control while increasing crop yields on 75 acres of hops in the Northeast. The awardees will also develop and distribute outreach materials to help farmers adopt these practices. The project’s goal is to reduce herbicide and fungicide applications by 50 percent while decreasing downy mildew, a plant disease.

The Pennsylvania State University project to protect bees and crops by reducing reliance on neonicotinoid pesticide seed treatments and exploring the benefits of growing crops without them. IPM in no-till grain fields will be used to control slugs and other pests that damage corn and soybeans. Researchers will share their findings with mid-Atlantic growers and agricultural professionals.


For more information on the EPA’s Regional Agricultural IPM Grants: http://www.epa.gov/pestwise/grants/regionalaggrants.html

Pedticides not contained on farmland; Scientists find contaminated frogs far from fields

Photo: freedigitalphotos.net

Pesticides commonly used in California's Central Valley, one of the world's most productive agricultural regions, have been found in remote frog species miles from farmland. Writing in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, researchers demonstrate the contamination of Pacific Tree Fogs in remote mountain areas, including national parks; supporting past research on the potential transport of pesticides by the elements.

California's Central Valley is one of the most intensely farmed regions in North America, producing 8% of U.S agricultural output by value. While the use of pesticides such as triazines, endosulfan and organophosphates is common across the U.S., California uses more pesticides than any other state.

"Our results show that current-use pesticides, particularly fungicides, are accumulating in the bodies of Pacific chorus frogs in the Sierra Nevada," said Kelly Smalling a research hydrologist from the U.S. Geological Survey. "This is the first time we've detected many of these compounds, including fungicides, in these remote locations."

The Pacific chorus frog Pseudacris Regilla can be found in abundance across the state's Sierra Nevada mountain range. As with other amphibians, agrochemicals potentially pose a threat to chorus frogs, as exposure to pesticides can decrease their immune system, thereby increasing the risk of disease.

The team collected frogs, as well as water and sediment samples, from seven ponds ranging from Lassen Volcanic National Park at the northern most point of Central Valley, to the Giant Sequoia National Monument in the valley's southern extent. All sites were downwind of agricultural areas.

"The samples were tested for 98 types of pesticides, traces of which were found in frog tissues from all sites," said Smalling. "We found that even frogs living in the most remote mountain locations were contaminated by agricultural pesticides, transported long distances in dust and by rain."

Two fungicides, commonly used in agriculture, pyraclostrobin and tebuconazole, and one herbicide, simazine, were the most frequently detected compounds, and this is the first time these compounds have ever been reported in wild frog tissue. Another commonly detected pesticide was DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) a breakdown product of DDT which was banned in the United States in 1972. The continued presence of a DDT byproduct reveals how long this banned chemical can impact biodiversity.

A comparison of the frog tissue with water and sediment collected from the same sites shows that the frogs were the more reliable indicator of chemical exposure. This is partly due to the physical-chemical properties of the l compounds and biological influences such as such as organism specific metabolism and life history. Documenting the occurrence of these compounds is an important first step in figuring out the health consequence associated with the exposures.

"Very few studies have considered the environmental occurrence of pesticides, particularly fungicides which can be transported beyond farmland," concluded Smalling. "Our evidence raises new challenges for resource managers; demonstrating the need to keep track of continual changes in pesticides use and to determine potential routes of exposure in the wild."

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Pesticides, Wastewater Contributing to Pollution in the Great Lakes; Affects 8 U.S. States and 2 Canadian Provinces

Toxic releases into surface waters in the Great Lakes Basin increased by 12 percent from 2010 to 2011, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s annual Toxics Release Inventory report published today.

“This is a significant increase in toxic releases to our waters – and an indication that the Great Lakes region is lagging behind other parts of the country,” said Susan Hedman, EPA Region 5 Administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager. “EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory is a valuable tool to help target areas for improvement and we will use this new information to work with municipalities, agricultural producers and manufacturers in the Great Lakes Basin to improve water quality.”

Nitrates and pesticides from municipal wastewater treatment plants and agriculture account for most of the toxic surface water discharges to the Great Lakes Basin. Nitrates were also discharged by primary metals facilities, such as iron and steel mills and smelters, and food and beverage manufacturers.

The Great Lakes Basin consists of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario; a number of other smaller lakes and waterways; and the surrounding watershed. The watershed covers parts of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and parts of Ontario in Canada. The Great Lakes are the largest surface freshwater system in the world.

Despite increases from 2010 to 2011, overall toxic releases in the Great Lakes Basin have decreased about 40 percent since 2003 and are currently at the second-lowest level in a decade.

Nationwide, the 2011 TRI data show total toxic air releases in 2011 declined 8 percent from 2010, mostly because of decreased emissions of hazardous air pollutants. Total releases of toxic chemicals increased for the second year in a row as a result of mining.

EPA’s TRI program collects information on toxic chemical releases to the air, water and land, as well as information on waste management and pollution prevention activities by facilities across the country. Facilities must report their toxic releases to EPA under the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act by the beginning of July each year.

Pesticides and Parkinson's: Researchers Uncover Further Proof of a Link

For several years, neurologists at UCLA have been building a case that a link exists between pesticide chemical exposure 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.

Even more significantly, the research suggests that the damaging series of events set in motion by benomyl may also occur in people with Parkinson's disease who were never exposed to the pesticide, according to Jeff Bronstein, senior author of the study and a professor of neurology at UCLA, and his colleagues.

Benomyl exposure, they say, starts a cascade of cellular events that may lead to Parkinson's. The pesticide prevents an enzyme called ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase) from keeping a lid on DOPAL, a toxin that naturally occurs in the brain. When left unchecked by ALDH, DOPAL accumulates, damages neurons and increases an individual's risk of developing Parkinson's.

The investigators believe their findings concerning benomyl may be generalized to all Parkinson's patients. Developing new drugs to protect ALDH activity, they say, may eventually help slow the progression of the disease, whether or not an individual has been exposed to pesticides.

The research is published in the current online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Parkinson's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide. Its symptoms — including tremor, rigidity, and slowed movements and speech — increase with the progressive degeneration of neurons, primarily in a part of the mid-brain called the substantia nigra. This area normally produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter that allows cells to communicate, and damage to the mid-brain has been linked to the disease. Usually, by the time Parkinson's symptoms manifest themselves, more than half of these neurons, known as dopaminergic neurons, have already been lost.

While researchers have identified certain genetic variations that cause an inherited form of Parkinson's, only a small fraction of the disease can be blamed on genes, said the study's first author, Arthur G. Fitzmaurice, a postdoctoral scholar in Bronstein's laboratory.

"As a result, environmental factors almost certainly play an important role in this disorder," Fitzmaurice said. "Understanding the relevant mechanisms — particularly what causes the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons — may provide important clues to explain how the disease develops."

Benomyl was widely used in the U.S. for three decades until toxicological evidence revealed it could potentially lead to liver tumors, brain malformations, reproductive effects and carcinogenesis. It was banned in 2001.

The researchers wanted to explore whether there was a relationship between benomyl and Parkinson's, which would demonstrate the possibility of long-lasting toxicological effects from pesticide use, even a decade after chronic exposure. But because a direct causal relationship between the pesticide and Parkinson's can't be established by testing humans, the investigators sought to determine if exposure in experimental models could duplicate some of the pathologic features of the disease.

They first tested the effects of benomyl in cell cultures and confirmed that the pesticide damaged or destroyed dopaminergic neurons.

Next, they tested the pesticide in a zebrafish model of the disease. This freshwater fish is commonly used in research because it is easy to manipulate genetically, it develops rapidly and it is transparent, making the observation and measurement of biological processes much easier. By using a fluorescent dye and counting the neurons, the researchers discovered there was significant neuron loss in the fish — but only to the dopaminergic neurons. The other neurons were left unaffected.

Until now, evidence had pointed to one particular culprit — a protein called α-synuclein — in the development of Parkinson's. This protein, common to all Parkinson's patients, is thought to create a pathway to the disease when it binds together in "clumps" and becomes toxic, killing the brain's neurons. (See UCLA research using "molecular tweezers" to break up these toxic aggregations.)

The identification of ALDH activity now gives researchers another target to focus on in trying to stop this disease.

"We've known that in animal models and cell cultures, agricultural pesticides trigger a neurodegenerative process that leads to Parkinson's," said Bronstein, who directs the UCLA Movement Disorders Program. "And epidemiologic studies have consistently shown the disease occurs at high rates among farmers and in rural populations. Our work reinforces the hypothesis that pesticides may be partially responsible, and the discovery of this new pathway may be a new avenue for developing therapeutic drugs."

Food Allergies? Pesticides in Tap Water Might be to Blame

Food allergies are on the rise, affecting 15 million Americans. And according to a new study published in the December issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), pesticides and tap water could be partially to blame.

The study reported that high levels of dichlorophenols, a chemical used in pesticides and to chlorinate water, when found in the human body, are associated with food allergies.

“Our research shows that high levels of dichlorophenol-containing pesticides can possibly weaken food tolerance in some people, causing food allergy,” said allergist Elina Jerschow, M.D., M.Sc., ACAAI fellow and lead study author. “This chemical is commonly found in pesticides used by farmers and consumer insect and weed control products, as well as tap water.”

Among 10,348 participants in a US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006, 2,548 had dichlorophenols measured in their urine and 2,211 were included into the study. Food allergy was found in 411 of these participants, while 1,016 had an environmental allergy.

“Previous studies have shown that both food allergies and environmental pollution are increasing in the United States,” said Dr. Jerschow. “The results of our study suggest these two trends might be linked, and that increased use of pesticides and other chemicals is associated with a higher prevalence of food allergies.”

While opting for bottled water instead of tap water might seem to be a way to reduce the risk for developing an allergy, according to the study such a change may not be successful.

“Other dichlorophenol sources, such as pesticide-treated fruits and vegetables, may play a greater role in causing food allergy,” said Dr. Jerschow.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an increase in food allergy of 18 percent was seen between 1997 and 2007. The most common food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish.

Food allergy symptoms can range from a mild rash to a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. The ACAAI advises everyone with a known food allergy to always carry two doses of allergist prescribed epinephrine. A delay in using epinephrine is common in severe food allergic reaction deaths.

Photo: freedigitalphotos.net

Elevated levels of formaldehyde, flame retardants, pesticides and perfluorinated compounds found in California day care centers

A new, comprehensive survey of day care centers by University of California, Berkeley, researchers found that, overall, the environmental quality in child care settings was similar to other indoor environments, but that levels of formaldehyde and several other contaminants exceeded state health guidelines. Cleaning- and sanitizing-related chemicals were also present in the air, and sometimes at higher levels, than in comparable studies on homes.

The study, funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), is the first detailed analysis of environmental contaminants and exposures for California day care centers. It covered 40 early childhood education facilities in Alameda and Monterey counties. Researchers found that 35 of the centers, or 87.5 percent, had levels of formaldehyde greater than 9 micrograms per cubic meters over eight hours, which is above California’s guideline for safe exposure.

Formaldehyde, a known respiratory irritant and a listed carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65, “The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986,” is commonly found in the glues used in pressboard furniture and laminated wood. It is also in many paint, clothing and cosmetic products, and is emitted from combustion sources such as wood burning and gas stoves.

“Children are more vulnerable to the health effects of environmental contaminants, and many small children spend as much as 10 hours per day, five days a week, in child care centers,” said study lead author Asa Bradman, associate director of the UC Berkeley Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH). “We wanted to establish the baseline levels of environmental exposures in these early child care settings, and to provide information that could be used for any necessary policy changes.”

The 40 centers in the study were located in a mix of urban, rural and agricultural areas, and served a total of 1,764 children. The researchers collected air and floor dust samples when the children were present and tested for a broad array of chemicals. Particles in the air were also measured, including ultrafine particles, which are extremely small and can be inhaled deeply into lungs.

The California Air Resources Board has been developing and implementing regulatory programs to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds from consumer products used in homes and institutions. In 2008, under its Toxic Air Contaminants Program, the board implemented new rules to reduce formaldehyde emissions from building materials and furniture made from pressed wood, the biggest source of formaldehyde in indoor air.

Although furnishings and building materials that emit formaldehyde can still be sold in California until the regulation is fully implemented, there are many new pressed wood products on the market that emit little or no formaldehyde. These low emitting products are labeled as CARB Phase 2 (P2). Composite woods products labeled as Ultra Low Emitting Formaldehyde (ULEF) or No Added Formaldehyde (NAF) have the lowest emissions profiles.

Formaldehyde can also form when chemicals from cleaners and sanitizers, such as d-limonene, react with ozone and other compounds in the air. D-limonene is extracted from citrus peels to give cleansers, perfumes and other products a lemon-orange scent.

Ensuring proper ventilation can help reduce contaminant levels, the study authors said.

“These findings show that cleaning and sanitizing products impact air quality in child care settings,” said Victoria Leonard, a scientist at UC San Francisco’s Institute for Health and Aging who is leading a program to promote healthier product choices in child care, and who was not involved in data analysis for this study. ”Given that many young children have asthma or other respiratory problems, this study offers strong evidence to select safer cleaning products that have less volatile chemicals.”

In some centers, levels of ultrafine particles increased by up to a thousandfold when cooking appliances were turned on. However, while ultrafine particles have been associated with serious health impacts, their health effects are not well understood, and there are no guidelines for safe levels. And since formaldehyde can also be emitted from gas stoves, the study authors advised using a range hood and fan when cooking to reduce particle and formaldehyde levels.

The researchers also detected other chemicals, including phthalates (found in plastics), flame retardants, pesticides and perfluorinated compounds (found in Teflon and stain resistant carpets).

“For most of those chemicals, however, there has not been adequate toxicity testing, so we cannot evaluate the health risks,” said Bradman.

“This study reinforces the need for child care providers to remain alert to environmental concerns,” said Hester Paul, director of the EcoHealthy Child Care program for the Children’s Environmental Health Network in Washington, D.C.

“It is important to identify areas where improvement is needed, and this study has done that,” added Paul, who is not affiliated with this study. “Fortunately, many local, state and non-profit agencies are working to give child care providers the tools they need to address environmental concerns.”

Other study authors are Fraser Gaspar, Rosemary Castorina, Elodie Tong-Lin and Thomas McKone at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, and Randy Maddalena at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

American Academy of Pediatrics Weighs In on Organic Foods for Children

AAP report cites lower pesticides in organic produce and potentially lower risk of exposure to drug-resistant bacteria, but says the most important thing for children is to eat a wide variety of produce, whether it’s conventional or organic.

 

Parents know it’s important for children to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. But it’s less clear whether spending the extra money on organic foods will bring a significant benefit to their children’s health.

 

To offer guidance to parents – and the pediatricians caring for their children’s health – the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has conducted an extensive analysis of scientific evidence surrounding organic produce, dairy products and meat. The conclusion is mixed: While organic foods have the same vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, lipids and other nutrients as conventional foods, they also have lower pesticide levels, which may be significant for children. Organically raised animals are also less likely to be contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria because organic farming rules prohibit the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics.

 

However, in the long term, there is currently no direct evidence that consuming an organic diet leads to improved health or lower risk of disease. However, no large studies in humans have been performed that specifically address this issue.

 

“What’s most important is that children eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, whether those are conventional or organic foods. This type of diet has proven health benefits,” said Janet Silverstein, MD, FAAP, a member of the AAP Committee on Nutrition and one of the lead authors of the report. “Many families have a limited food budget, and we do not want families to choose to consume smaller amounts of more expensive organic foods and thus reduce their overall intake of healthy foods like produce.”

 

The AAP report, “Organic Foods: Health and Environmental Advantages and Disadvantages,” will be released at a news conference at 1 p.m. CT Monday, Oct. 22 at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans. It will be published in the November 2012 issue of Pediatrics.

 

The report outlines the research that has been conducted on organic foods, including convincing evidence of lower exposure to pesticides and less contamination of livestock with drug-resistant bacteria.

“At this point, we simply do not have the scientific evidence to know whether the difference in pesticide levels will impact a person’s health over a lifetime, though we do know that children – especially young children whose brains are developing – are uniquely vulnerable to chemical exposures,” said Joel Forman, MD, FAAP, a member of the AAP Council on Environmental Health and one of the lead authors of the AAP clinical report.

 

If cost is a factor, families can be selective in choosing organic foods, Dr. Forman said. Some conventionally grown fruits and vegetables tend to have lower pesticide residues. The AAP cites organic shopper’s guides like those provided by Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group as references for consumers.

 

The AAP found no individual health benefit from purchasing organic milk, but emphasizes that all milk should be pasteurized to reduce the risk of bacterial infections. Raw milk increases the risk of serious infection with bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter and Brucella. 

 

Purchasing meat from organic farms that do not use antibiotics for nontherapeutic uses has the potential to reduce antibiotic resistance in bacteria that infect people. The AAP calls for large, well-designed, prospective cohort studies that directly measure environmental exposures such as estrogen at low levels to understand the impact of hormonal exposure of children through milk and meat.

 

The AAP report also notes that the motivation to choose organic produce, meat and dairy products may be reasonably based on larger environmental issues, as well as human health impacts like pollution and global climate change.

 

“Pediatricians want families to have the information they need to make wise food choices,” said Dr. Forman. “We hope that additional research will improve our understanding of these issues, including large studies that measure environmental exposures and neurodevelopment.” 

 

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Concerned about chemical exposure? Indoor air pollution contains both chemical and particle pollutants. Look into an air purifier with activated carbon plus HEPA filtration.

Source: AAP Press Release

Image: freedigitalphotos.net

Pesticides a key contributor to childhood diseases and disorders

Learning disabilities, childhood cancer and asthma are on the rise in the United States. And a new report points to pesticides – with over 1 billion pounds applied on farms and homes annually – as a critical contributor to these health harms in children.

"Protecting our children from harm is the fundamental duty of parenthood, but how can we do this when developmental toxicants are allowed to freely circulate in our economy?" says Sandra Steingraber, ecologist and acclaimed author. "PAN's report shines a light on a completely preventable tragedy - that an entire generation of children will not reach its full potential. As such, it describes a violation of human rights and a crisis of family life both. For the healthy development of children to become a national priority, we parents must walk ourselves into the political arena and, waving this good report, speak truth to power."

In particular, the report points to the fact that children are sicker today than a generation ago, confronting serious health challenges from pesticides and other chemical exposures that their parents and grandparents were unlikely to face.

Health professionals, mothers and rural leaders across the country released the new report, which draws from academic and government research, to chronicle the emerging threat of pesticides to children’s health. Compiled by researchers and scientists at Pesticide Action Network, A Generation in Jeopardy: How pesticides are undermining our children’s health and intelligence focuses on studies published within the past five years – a growing body of evidence that convincingly demonstrates a link between pesticide exposure and childhood health harms.

“Pesticides can have unique and profound impacts on the developing child, even in very small amounts. The research shows that prenatal exposure to pesticides, in combination with other environmental and genetic factors, can contribute to increased risk of adverse health consequences, such as effects on the developing brain” said Dr. Tracey Woodruff, Director, Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California San Francisco, “We must take swift action to reduce exposure to harmful environmental chemicals to ensure healthier generations”
The report shines a light on the growing links between exposure to pesticides where children, live, learn and play and an array of impacts on the mind and body – including diminished IQ, ADHD & autism, childhood cancers and asthma. In particular, the report points to the following trends across studies:

• The brains and nervous systems of boys are significantly more affected than girls.

• Timing of exposure is critically important. If a child is exposed to even very small amounts of a harmful pesticide during a particular moment of development, the impacts can be severe – and often irreversible.

• Studies link exposure to pesticides during pregnancy to increased risk of childhood leukemia and brain cancer. And children who live in intensively agricultural areas are more likely to have childhood cancer.

The report outlines a series of urgent recommendations for state and federal policymakers to better protect children’s health and intelligence, recommendations emphasized by organizations on Tuesday.
“Enough scientific evidence is in – we can’t fail our children. While individual household choices can help, protecting kids from the health harms of pesticides requires real and swift policy change,” said Emily Marquez, PhD, report co-author and staff scientist at Pesticide Action Network. “Dramatically reducing pesticide use, starting with those most hazardous to children, is the best way to protect current and future generations.”

The report points to the need for the following reforms to reduce pesticide use:

• Create stronger policy tools so enforcement agencies can take swift action to pull existing pesticides off the market and block new pesticides when independent studies suggest they are harmful to children.

• Increase investment and support for innovative farmers as they transition away from pesticide use.

• Set and track national pesticide use reduction goals, focusing first on those pesticides that studies show are harmful to children.

• Withdraw harmful pesticide products from use in homes, daycare centers and schools.

• Establish pesticide-free zones around schools, daycare centers and neighborhoods in agricultural areas to protect children from harmful exposures, especially pesticide drift.

The report highlights states and communities across the country where innovative policies have been put in place to protect children from pesticides where they live, learn and play. From pesticide-free playing fields in Connecticut to protective buffer zones for schools and neighborhoods in California’s central valley and organic school lunch programs in Minnesota, policies designed to keep children out of harm’s way are gaining momentum.

The report was released today in ten cities across the country, including Bakersfield, Des Moines, Fresno, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Sacramento, Salinas, San Francisco, Stockton, and Ventura.

Pesticide exposure affects boys more than girls

Chlorpyrifos is still widely used
in the agricultural industry
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

On August 3, 2012, we posted a blog entry on how exposure to pesticides during pregnancy can affect fetuses.  A new study now reveals more details on the side effects of these toxic chemicals.

The Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH) has found that the insecticide chlorpyrifos affects boys and girls differently.

When comparing seven-year old boys and girls, the CCCEH determined that boys had more difficulty with their memory, which inevitably affected their IQ levels.

What it does

Chlorpyrifos was widely used in pesticides within the home until 2001, when the EPA restricted indoor use. 

This chemical is an endocrine disruptor, which interferes with the body’s hormones. The most common side effects of endocrine disruptors are developmental disabilities, such as attention deficit disorder, learning difficulties and even physical birth defects.

This study has been carried out at a few different levels. Earlier this year, it was shown that even low to moderate exposure to chlorpyrifos could have irreversible, adverse effects on babies’ brains.

The most recent study has focused on how different genders react to the same chemical. Dr. Megan Horton led the study where 335 mother-child pairs signed up to partake in the research.  After testing their home environment at age three, researchers tested the kids’ IQ at age seven. The boys’ IQ were, on average, three points below the girls’.

Chlorpyrifos’ reach

Though the EPA restricted the use of this chemical within the home, it is still widely used in commercial and agricultural sectors.  Farmers continue to use it for food and feed crops. Some parks and golf courses also use it. The lumber industry sometimes uses chlorpyrifos to treat wood.

People living in agricultural areas may be at risk of inhaling this chemical, thereby potentially affecting their unborn children. It is also possible to ingest it while eating fruit that have been sprayed with the insecticide, so caution is strongly advised.

Do you still use pesticides in your home? If you do, does this article change your mind about using them? If you no longer do, share your alternative solutions with us!

Source: Science Daily

In search of cleaner air

 

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Speak to our IAQ experts
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Though there is not too much to be done about your exposure to chemical substances out in the open, there are ways to limit how these chemicals can affect you within your home.   

If you live in an agricultural community, where a lot of pesticides are used, it is a good idea to invest in an air purifier to improve your indoor air quality. 

Even when windows and doors are kept closed, toxins get trapped inside the house, resulting in poor indoor air quality.

AllerAir provides you with different air purification options. All our units can be customized with specially blended activated carbon filters which help remove chemicals and odors from the air. Our HEPA filters also clean the air by absorbing particles, such as dust, pollen and pet dander, which are known allergens..

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Study shows high levels of pesticides in pregnant women’s homes

Indoor pesticide use can
affect a baby's development.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A Texas-Mexico border study of indoor air found multiple pesticides in a majority of homes of Hispanic expectant mothers.

When women are in their third trimester of pregnancy, the baby’s body and brain undergo a growth spurt.

Pesticides have previously been linked to adverse effects in mental and motor development in infancy and childhood. They may also cause disorders such as autism and ADHD.

In two thirds of the households tested in the study, pesticides were used to control cockroaches, rodents and other pests indoors. Only 12 percent of the homes tested positive for agricultural pesticides that could have been used on nearby fields.

Poor IAQ a concern for mothers-to-be

Indoor air quality is a major concern for pregnant women and infants, since they often spend 90 percent of their time indoors.

Experts suggest integrated pest management (IPM) as an affordable and less toxic alternative to residential pesticides.

IPM stresses the importance of prevention of household pests by installing screens, caulking doors and windows, putting away food and using boric acid in walls.

The study was conducted by the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.

Source: Science Daily

Remove indoor air pollutants with air filters

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AllerAir's Super-HEPA - a new barrier for particles

FlexTuff Super-HEPA is available
for AllerAir's 5000 Series.

AllerAir is committed to continuous research and development to improve indoor air quality. Now AllerAir is raising the bar again – this time for particle filtration – with a new FlexTuff Super-HEPA particle filter.

A standard HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is typically made out of randomly arranged fiberglass fibers and is pleated in a V pattern to increase its surface area. It’s an effective particle filter, but its rigid nature requires careful handling, as the material gets damaged easily.

For outstanding particle filtration with more advantages, AllerAir now offers the FlexTuff Super-HEPA, which is wrapped around the carbon canister and made out of a robust and flexible material (FlexTuff) that contains no binders, no glue and no Polyamide (plastic) to keep the filter in place.

The Super-HEPA has been shown to remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. In addition, its strong and flexible nature guarantees that the FlexTuff Super-HEPA won’t get damaged during normal handling – and it emits zero odors.

The Super-HEPA is available for AllerAir’s numerical series, including the MCS units.

Take control of your indoor air environment

AllerAir’s powerful, portable air filtration systems for the home or office are an ideal choice for those who are concerned about chemicals, gases, odors and particles in the air.

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Radon gas: The hidden health risk in the home

Radon levels can vary greatly from one house
to the next, experts say.

Health officials in North America have been ringing the alarm bells over radon for years – the colorless and odorless radioactive gas is difficult to detect, but it may be present in thousands of homes.

People know about the risks of tobacco smoke when it comes to lung cancer, but radon doesn’t get nearly as much publicity and public awareness, experts warn.

And this, even though radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

What is radon?

Radon occurs naturally in the soil and it can enter homes through cracks and openings in the foundation and the house itself. With so many homes being more energy efficient and airtight, it can build up indoors to dangerous levels.

In fact, the risk of dying of lung cancer because of radon in your home is one out of 50, the experts say.

In some regions, radon may be more prevalent than in other areas, and lung cancer rates often reflect that.

Testing for radon

Radon testing is recommended for every home – and it is very easy and inexpensive. Radon levels can vary greatly from one house to the next, so a neighbor’s results do not reflect one’s own risks.

Testing for radon takes about three months to get a good average, and health officials recommend retesting every two years since radon levels depends on the soil conditions and the pressure in the home and can fluctuate a lot over time.

Home renovation projects can change the pressure in a home as well, so radon testing should be done after the work is completed.

Source: WSIL3 ABC News

Radon and other indoor air hazards

Radon and other indoor air pollutants can be mitigated with better ventilation, certain home improvement projects and air cleaning systems.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA that can help reduce exposure to chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, dust, particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses and mold.

The multistage filtration system offers the most relevant filtration media at the best price – guaranteed (ask about the guarantee when speaking to an AllerAir IAQ expert or when placing your order).

AllerAir’s air purifiers are powerful general purpose air cleaners, and they can be equipped with special features and options to address specific air quality concerns such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, allergy and asthma, multiple chemical sensitivities, tobacco smoke and more.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Moving? Watch out for toxic substances

Moving can be stressful and involve harmful toxins.

Moving can be exciting – but it can also be fraught with potentially hazardous materials.

With all the packing, dumping and sorting comes a new set of challenges:

Particles and dust
Even with the most vigorous cleaning regimen, large dust bunnies and particulate matter will gather underneath large pieces of furniture and in hard-to-reach corners. Disturbing them may send a large amount of fine particles into the air, which can aggravate allergies and asthma or cause respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and nose irritation.

Mystery substances
Unless the new space is brand new, chances are previous owners left some things behind. In the case of unmarked bottles or containers with mystery liquids, new homeowners should be extra vigilant to avoid accidental poisonings or toxic exposures. Bring all such containers to a hazardous household waste dump, if possible.

Cleaning products
Many movers like to scrub away all evidence of previous tenants with harsh chemicals and cleaning products, many of which can be harmful to human health. Make sure the place is well ventilated, and try to use the least toxic products possible.

Decorating / painting
Moving generally also means buying new furniture or household products and painting, as well as doing other types of renovations or maintenance projects. Many of these involve harmful chemicals or volatile organic compounds that can affect people’s health and well-being. Choose the low- or zero-VOC paints when possible and the least toxic products you can find – your indoor air quality will thank you later.

Air purifiers for cleaner air

Airborne chemicals, puzzling odors and irritating particles don’t have to become permanent house guests – remove them with a portable and powerful air purifier with activated carbon + HEPA.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for general purpose air cleaning are equipped with a deep-bed carbon filter for chemicals, gases and odors, a HEPA filter for particles and dust and optional UV lamp for mold, bacteria and viruses.

For special indoor air quality concerns, AllerAir also offers air purifiers for allergy and asthma, air purifiers for tobacco smoke, air purifiers for mold and air purifiers for odor and chemical control.

Contact AllerAir for more information and personalized recommendations, or consult the model sizing and selection guide.

Wildfire smoke – air quality and health concerns

Smoke from wildfires or tobacco can damage the
lungs and aggravate respiratory conditions.

Officials are worried that the Colorado wildfire will burn all summer, and the airborne particles and chemicals from the wildfire smoke may affect people in regions far away.

Those with respiratory conditions such as asthma need to be careful about the amount of time they spend outside, especially exercising.

But even healthy individuals’ lungs can suffer from the irritants and toxins that can be found in wildfire smoke, doctors warn.

Exposure raises the risk of irritation and lung infections such as bronchitis.

Facts about fires

Wildfire smoke contains carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon, all known irritants to the respiratory tract.

If you can breathe the smoke in the air, it is already affecting you.

Older adults and young children are most vulnerable.

What you can do to protect yourself

Other than limiting time spent outside, there are many ways to minimize the risks of wildfires to human health.

• Have medications refilled and know how to use them properly
• Keep windows and doors closed
• For air conditioning systems, keep the fresh-air intake closed and keep the filter clean
• Avoid burning things indoors (candles, fireplaces, gas stoves)
• Limit vacuuming to avoid stirring up particles in the home
• Do not smoke
• Use an air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA to remove irritants, chemicals, odors, particles and other pollutants

Source: The Laramie Boomerang

Air purifiers for wildfire smoke

AllerAir's 5000 DXS

Keeping doors and windows closed is a great way to keep wildfire smoke out – but it also means indoor air pollution is allowed to stay or build up in the home.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for smoke feature a proven carbon + HEPA filtration system to remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants from the home or office.

For tobacco smoke as well as wildfire smoke, AllerAir’s 5000 DS provides the best protection and air filters.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Silent Spring: Landmark book on environmental pollution turns 50

Rachel Carson’s work is widely credited for launching the modern environmental movement

Pesticide spraying could harm more than weeds,
book author warned.

When Silent Spring was published five decades ago, it was met with a public outcry of immense proportions and spawned action on a variety of environmental concerns.

The book forced readers to take a close look at what was being done to animals, human health and the environment.

Carson accused the chemical industry of spreading disinformation, and public officials of accepting industry claims uncritically.

The book exposed the effects of pesticides on the environment and fueled public opposition against those chemicals hazards, eventually leading to a ban on DDT in 1972 in the U.S.

Rachel Carson (1907-1964) was a marine biologist and conservationist, who became interested in the effects of extensive pesticide spraying after a friend described the death of birds around her property because of DDT that was being sprayed to kill mosquitoes.

She was worried also about human exposure, since many chemicals and pesticides can be stored in the body or end up in the food chain.

While there was a lot of support, there were also many critics of the book, who say that some of her conclusions were incorrect or exaggerated.

But studies continue to show the harmful effects of pesticides, including a possible link to the mysterious death of bees.

Source: Haaretz

Reduce chemical exposure – outdoors and in

In the past 50 years, the use of chemicals in household products and materials has gone up, and we are all exposed to a wide range of chemicals and substances in our everyday lives.

Choosing more natural and non-toxic materials when possible, providing adequate ventilation and a serious air filtration system can help reduce chemical exposure indoors (where we spend most of our time).

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for homes and offices that provide a complete air cleaning system with activated carbon (charcoal), HEPA and optional UV germicidal filtration.

With specialized units for chemicals and odors, tobacco smoke, mold, MCS, allergies and asthma as well as many others, AllerAir helps solve indoor air quality problems in North America and beyond.

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 

Wildfires sweeping across southwestern United States, parts of Canada

Wildfires can spread quickly and cause air quality
concerns in vast areas.

The blazes affect air quality in nearby cities and regions

Historic drought conditions in the southwestern United States are providing the perfect conditions for dozens of wildfires to ignite and spread.

Firefighters last week were battling more than a dozen fires in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, California and Utah. But other parts of North America were also feeling the heat, with wildfires in Canada’s Ontario, Michigan and other regions.

Homes and people’s health are at risk from the fires themselves and the smoky haze that can affect the air quality for a long time.

According to the CDC, smoke from wildfires can hurt people’s eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

It may also worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

High winds help spread the particulate matter and gases from wildfire pollution, and make the fires even more difficult to control.

The fire season came early this year and has experts worried about what is yet to come.

Source: The Guardian

Air purifiers for smoke, smog and other types of pollution

During wildfire season, the air quality in vast areas across North America may be compromised by the gases and fine particles released in the burning process.

When the air quality outdoors is a problem, indoor air quality becomes even more important.

AllerAir has designed portable and highly efficient air purifiers for airborne chemicals, fine particles, gases and odors that can help reduce indoor air pollution quickly and around the clock.

Air purifiers like the AirMedic Series provide a 360-degree air intake, a deep-bed carbon filter for the removal of gaseous pollutants and HEPA filtration for fine particles.

The 5000 Exec and similar models also have been proven to be very efficient and reliable air purifiers for the home and office.

In especially smoky areas, AllerAir recommends an air purifier for (tobacco) smoke for best results.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

The home checklist for mold

Homeowners should take steps to prevent or remove
mold from their homes to avoid health problems.

Mold spores are a natural part of the environment, but when mold is allowed to grow in the home, the inhalation of high levels of mold spores can lead to respiratory problems and other health effects.

Mold exposure has been linked to aggravated asthma, allergies, respiratory infections, skin rashes and more.
The home itself can also suffer from mold infestations, leading to wood rot and structural damage.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to mold:

Identify common areas of mold problems in the home.
Since mold needs water or high humidity to grow asses the home and make a list if the most probable areas where mold can be found:

• Crawl spaces
• Basement
• Attic

A musty odor can be a sign for mold growth.

Fix water infiltration problems immediately. 
The window for mold growth is 24-48 hours, so acting quickly, taking care of the problem and drying or replacing all affected materials can prevent a mold infestation in the first place.

Test for mold if needed. 
Mold testing can be very expensive, but if you suspect mold and want to know before you take any action, call a reputable company.

Remove the mold safely and effectively. 
Small patches of mold can be removed by the homeowner (follow established guidelines by health authorities) – larger mold growth areas should be treated by mold remediation professionals.  It’s more important to spend the money on professional cleanup than on testing, experts say.

Prevent mold in the first place
Help prevent mold by ventilating the home properly, monitoring humidity, keeping clutter and storage spaces under control, fixing foundation cracks and small leaks right away and regularly cleaning the HVAC system.

Source: Angie’s List on ABC News

Controlling mold with air purifiers

A high quality air purifier with the right air filters can help with many aspects of mold:

• A HEPA filter can trap mold spores (and other particles)
• A UV lamp can neutralize mold spores
• An activated carbon filter can remove musty odors and mycotoxins associated with some molds

The AirMedic+ Series features
360-degree air intake for
quick and efficient air cleaning.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for mold that contain these filtration technologies and along with the above-mentioned tips can help provide a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.

AllerAir’s AirMedic+ Exec is one of the most efficient air purifiers when it comes to particles and mold spores, featuring an 18 pound carbon filter (or more), a medical-grade HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, other pre-filters and the option of UV germicidal filtration.

For more information, contact AllerAir to speak to an IAQ expert.

Healthy Schools Day - An Important Reminder About Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can affect children and staff.

Do you remember your school days and how stuffy those classrooms often got?

Bad air is more than a nuisance - it can actually be harmful to human health, aggravate respiratory conditions and stunt a child's productivity and learning capability.

As many schools in the United States celebrate Healthy Schools Day today, it is important to remind ourselves about what a difference a healthy environment can make in a child’s life.

Children are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to indoor air pollution and environmental toxins, and with them spending so much time in school, administrators, parents and communities need to do their part to protect the young learners.

The average child spends about 1,300 hours in a school building each year; teachers and other employees spend even longer periods.

Common indoor air pollutants

Unfortunately, many schools are old or in poor condition, and children may be exposed in varying degrees to common indoor air pollutants such as

• Mold
• Chemicals (VOCs)
• Particles and allergens
• Biological contaminants
• Asbestos
• Lead
• Outdoor air pollutants from industrial emissions, vehicle emissions etc.

Exposure to indoor air pollution has been linked to respiratory problems, aggravated conditions, increased absenteeism, lower productivity and learning ability and other health effects.

With their Healthy Schools program, the EPA is trying to help schools provide a healthier learning environment and reduce indoor air pollution as much as possible.

It starts with people getting on the same page and making a Healthy School a priority, getting informed, making a plan and implementing changes.

How to improve air quality in schools

Some of the easy and effective changes could include:

• Opening the windows regularly, or the transom over the door to encourage natural air flow
• Keeping classrooms tidy and free of clutter
• Banning pets and foods in class to avoid pests (and blocking pest entry points)
• Using low-odor and non-toxic supplies such as water-based, unscented markers
• Banning plug-in air fresheners and room deodorizers
• Reducing the use of scented personal care products (perfume, cologne, scented hair sanitizers, etc.)
• Minimizing the use of disinfectants and using certified green cleaning products – or simply hot water and soap
• Reporting water leaks (however tiny) right away to avoid mold growth

Source: Electrocorp, NHSD Classroom Tips

Worried about airborne chemicals, asthma and allergy triggers and more?

AllerAir's 5000 Series, 6000 Series
and AirMedic Series for homes
and classrooms.

Whether it's at home or at school, we need to be mindful of the quality of air we are breathing.

A general-purpose room air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including irritating chemicals and VOCs, odors, allergens, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold.

HEPA filters alone only take care of particles and dust, a complete air filtration system needs a deep-bed activated carbon filter to adsorb chemicals, odors and gases.

AllerAir's portable and powerful room air purifiers can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants with their carbon + HEPA filtration system and other features.

For more information and recommendations, contact AllerAir.

It’s time we do something about traffic air pollution

Vehicle exhaust is deadlier than
road accidents, scientists claim.

If your daily grind to get to work involves a lot of traffic, you could put your health at a much higher risk than previously thought.

The risk doesn’t come from road rage or collisions – it’s the fumes that are twice as deadly accidents, British experts say.

According to new research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, more than 5,000 people die prematurely from conditions such as lung cancer and heart disease due to emissions.

Airplane exhaust fumes cause another 2,000 annual deaths, while industrial emissions causing polluted air can be blamed for about 19,000 deaths per year in Britain.

Road accidents, on the other hand, claimed the lives of “only” 1,850 people in 2010.

Of course, road deaths are usually immediate, while air pollution deaths may occur much later in life.

Another study from the Harvard School of Public Health says that long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of various health problems in our later years, including diabetes (see yesterday’s blog post as well), pneumonia, heart disease or stroke.

The concerns from traffic emissions and air pollution include fine particulate matter (2.5M) and fumes.

Source: The Telegraph

Keep indoor air clean with air purifiers

Keeping windows closed in busy traffic and changing the filters in the car regularly will go a long way to reduce exposure.

But the problem with traffic fumes and outdoor air pollution is that it can make its way into our homes and build up to dangerous levels.

That’s why AllerAir has developed serious air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA air filters to reduce those dangerous pollutants in the ambient air.

They work efficiently around the clock, removing airborne chemicals, gases, odors, fumes, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and even mold.

AllerAir's 5000 Series:
Serious air purifiers

Recommended units:

5000 Exec: AllerAir’s most popular base model provides all-around protection with an 18 lb. carbon filter for gaseous pollutants and a medical-grade HEPA for the removal of 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns.

5000 D Exec: Recommended for areas with high levels of pollution, this air purifier features even more carbon in a 24 lb. carbon filter and a micro-HEPA wrap rated at 99% efficient for particles at 0.1 microns.

AirMedic Exec: AllerAir’s most efficient unit when it comes to particles, this air purifier contains an 18 lb. carbon filter and a medical-grade HEPA as well as a 360-degree air intake for maximum air cleaning power.
For more information, contact AllerAir.
 

The health hazards of household mold

It's not a good idea to ignore mold, it needs to be
removed safely and the problem needs to be fixed.

Mold spores are everywhere and we are breathing them in all the time – but it’s the concentration that can lead to health concerns, experts say. A mold-infested home can lead to serious repercussions for its residents.

According to the EPA, exposure to mold can cause a variety of health problems, such as headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms.

A 2007 US study found a link between damp, moldy homes and depression, while Harvard University researchers found babies growing up in damp homes where mold and mildew are present develop more respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, croup and bronchitis.

Mold thrives in damp and humid conditions and in places that lack ventilation.

Once mold takes over a home, it can quickly spread across floors and materials, unless it is being mitigated.

Mold is a growing problem in the United States; some industry experts call it the “asbestos of the new generation.”

Homeowners can do the following to prevent or mitigate mold:

• Monitor the home’s level of humidity and not let it get over 50%
• Ensure good ventilation in all parts of the home
• Inspect the home regularly and keep it well maintained.
• Fix water infiltration problems promptly.
• Dry and/or replace all affected materials
• Enlist the help of professionals in severe cases of mold

Source: Body and Soul

Mold air purifiers can help reduce exposure

While prevention and mitigation are most important when it comes to mold, the right air filtration system can also help prevent problems and provide cleaner air.

AllerAir has developed portable air purifiers for mold that feature deep-bed activated carbon and HEPA filters plus optional UV germicidal filtration to help keep mold under control.

The UV lamp helps neutralize mold spores so that they won’t grow new mold colonies. The HEPA filter  traps mold spores (as well as other particles) and the activated carbon filter removes mold odors and mycotoxins that are released by some molds.

For more information and products, contact AllerAir today: 1-888-852-8247.