Threats looming fast for vital facilities Nov 14, 2009
A number of dumps near the coast are likely to contain oil, asbestos, pesticides, plastic and heavy metals. Join the conversation. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Spherix Incorporated to Webcast Formal Remarks From Annual Meeting of Shareholders Nov 14, 2009
Its Spherix Consulting subsidiary provides scientific and strategic support for suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers of conventional foods, biotechnology-derived foods, medical foods, infant formulas, food ingredients, dietary supplements, food contact substances, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer products, and industrial chemicals and pesticides. For more information, please visit. (Primezone Releases)
Super-sniffing bees combat colony pest Nov 13, 2009
Mites resistant to pesticidesFor more than 20 years, varroa mites have not only decimated millions of honeybee colonies in North America; they've also grown resistant to pesticides. The tiny parasites invade a colony and feed off honeybee hemolymph, which is the mixture of blood and fluids inside the insect's body. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Read the story Nov 13, 2009
BTW, if you''re suffering from a fruit fly infestation, it may be because you''re buying organic fruit that hasn''t been sprayed with insecticides, or because some species, through the process of natural selection that Palin and the evolutionary nay-sayers contest, have become resistant to the pesticides used to control them. by waynester9 November 2, 2008 4:32 AM EST. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Eco-Fashion or Greenwashing? Nov 13, 2009
To wit: [L]ike hemp, the plant grows quickly without the irrigation, pesticides or fertilizer often used to grow cotton. . (Slate)
• Just in time for Thanksgiving... Nov 13, 2009
You have that luxury because doctors and health advocates agree that vegetarianism is more than adequate (many say more healthful) than a meat-eating diet, especially meat tainted with toxic pesticides, hormones and other chemicals. You have that luxury because so many foods are now available. (Juneau Empire)
Africa: Taking the Lead On Water Nov 12, 2009
The care taken to prevent pesticides or sewage from washing into water supplies in one place, or decisions made in another about managing its flow to generate electricity or irrigate crops: it's clear that water issues spill over boundaries. The ongoing Second Africa Water Week taking place in Midrand, South Africa, gathers water ministers, U.N agencies, development partners, civil society and the private sector to discuss water and sanitation. (allAfrica.com)
Ohio asks for federal help to fight bedbugs Nov 12, 2009
In some cases, exterminators use pesticides. Tests at the University of Kentucky show that Propoxur killed 100 percent of the bedbugs exposed to it within 24 hours and kept on killing after eggs hatched, said Susan Jones, an associate professor of entomology at Ohio State University. (FOX19.com, OH)
Coral highlights complexity of climate change Nov 12, 2009
Now, it carries with it contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and microorganisms, as well as fecal matter and pesticides. While still a theory, it is believed these pollutants can interfere with a coral's immune system, making it more susceptible to disease. (Xinhuanet, China)
You want pesticides with that? Nov 12, 2009
You want pesticides with that. Why less means more. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
New pollutants threaten area waters Pollutants brewing in the Potomac River basin are creating fish with both male and female characteristics, and may be playing a role in fish kills. Nov 12, 2009
The contaminants enter waterways in the form of pesticides and fertilizers, industrial byproducts, agricultural and veterinary products, pharmaceuticals, per- sonal-care products and biosolids. John Peterson Myers, chief scientist with Environmental Health Services in Charlottesville and co-author of a book on the subject, "Our Stolen Future," said the problem extends beyond fish and aquatic life. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Which Organic Foods Are Worth The Switch? Nov 11, 2009
In the scientific community, synthetic pesticides, herbicides and hormones are highly suspected of or have proven to be contributors to many illnesses. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health "individuals reporting exposure to pesticides had a 70 percent higher incidence of Parkinson's disease than those not reporting exposure." Another study found "elevated levels of organochlorine pesticides in postmortem Parkinson's disease brains." ... They contain known toxins such as , and these... (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Sustainable Salads Nov 11, 2009
Other fruits and veggies are grown with heavy doses of pesticides, fungicides, and other chemicals that can pollute waterways and cause reproductive problems in animals ... Considering that about one-third of greenhouse gases ( emitted from agriculture in the United States come from fertilizers and pesticides, identifying low-impact crops can be at least as important as sourcing your foods locally ... For those who can't do without their berries, your best bet may be to buy from a truly... (Slate)
Dalrymple uses knowledge, hobby to spread word on herbs, oils Nov 11, 2009
"My neighbor has bees, so I bought wax from them. They don't use pesticides in their fields, so it is organic and straight from the bees.". With the wax, she made a balm for diaper rash, lip balm, skin-saving balm and more. (Chetek Alert, WI)
Researchers Target Jacumba Gnat Problem Nov 11, 2009
Their breeding ground is an organic spinach farm where conventional pesticides are not used ... He told 10News he has found three organic pesticides that kill the gnats in laboratory settings, by killing the larva in the soil before they become adults ... "We're very excited to find something that will work; I'm optimistic. Two are plant-based pesticides, the other one is a soil-based bacteria," said Bethke. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
SPECIAL REPORT Nov 10, 2009
He does not use any chemical, or even natural fertilisers or pesticides. He does not weed his fields. (AlertNet)
EPA Calls on State of Missouri to Set New Water Quality Standards for St. Louis Segment of Mississippi River Nov 9, 2009
EPA Region 7 Water, Wetlands, and Pesticides Division Director Art Spratlin said, "It is imperative that Missouri take necessary action to protect users of the Mississippi River from high levels of pathogens and bacteria largely resulting from untreated wastewater. We've found that people engage in recreational activities in this part of the Mississippi River and downstream, so their health must be protected." Following today's action, Missouri will have the opportunity to review its analyses... (Saint Louis Front Page)
Strawberry fields Nov 9, 2009
He also applies chemical fertilisers and pesticides ... However, growing the plants above ground reduces the need for pesticides by up to 80% and is also easier on the workers when harvesting the fruits, he says. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Why You Should Grow a Mint Plant Nov 8, 2009
However, make sure the plant grew in a secluded area, as possible pesticides and other chemicals may have found their way into the plant. The biggest need of mint plants is water. (Suite101.com)
* A White House chef who wears two hats Nov 8, 2009
He has baked Swiss chard frittatas for students on the White House lawn, prepared chicken salad with red onions and toasted almonds at the Department of Agricultures cafeteria and sprinkled crab meal and ladybugs X instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides X on the first ladys garden ... After Kass said the White House garden would not use pesticides, the Mid America CropLife Association, an agricultural chemical trade group, urged Michelle Obama to acknowledge the benefits of... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Ritter proposes $131.8M in cuts to budget Nov 7, 2009
Suspension of the exemption for pesticides. Limitation of corporate enterprise zone investment tax credits to $250,000. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Inconspicuous Leaf Beetles Reveal Environment's Role In Formation Of New Species Nov 7, 2009
30, 2009) Herbicide drift, when pesticides "drift" from the targeted application area to a nontargeted area was studied by researchers who evaluated the effects of field corn herbicides on white oak seedlings. . (Science Daily)
Risky business Nov 7, 2009
Risks we hope to control are thought less nasty than those imposed on us, so we might be paranoid about pesticides in our food but sometimes unconcerned as we spray the garden where the children play. Spectacular but highly unlikely events worry us more than routine and more likely hazards that are just around the corner. (BBC News -- UK)
Letters for Friday, November 6, 2009 Nov 7, 2009
I would like the county to answer a question about the reason for spraying with pesticides along the highway and in the parks. Honeybees are disappearing from our island and yet the county continues to think only about what is expedient, ignoring what is dangerous to insects and to people s health. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Flu bug not the only health concern for students this year Nov 7, 2009
Decisions to ban or limit products like pesticides can come at a significant cost to health and safety, as experts agree that the most effective programs are those that include the responsible use of chemical pest control products where necessary ... "The responsible use of pesticides is one of the options needed to keep pests out of the classroom and schoolyards safe, and when applied as part of a broader IPM approach, pesticides are very effective."These products are thoroughly tested,... (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite: Pest Management Proves More Effective than Pesticides Nov 7, 2009
A new study shows that so-called integrated pest management can control pests, such as bedbugs, better than powerful pesticides ... So did the prospect of using pesticides inside his home ... Now research has shown that these good housekeeping techniques not only minimize chemical use, but they are even more effective at controlling pests than hiring an exterminator to spray powerful, toxic pesticides. (Scientific American)
City set to defund bottled water use Nov 6, 2009
Published: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 1:50 PM PST SEBASTOPOL Over the decades Sebastopol s city council has banned nukes, Styrofoam, free-range balloons, pesticides and smoking in city parks. Tuesday night, in response to a request from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to follow its Sept. 29 vote, the Sebastopol City County also voted to ban the use of city money to buy single service plastic bottled water in city facilities or at city sponsored events. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
Your views: Letters to the editor Nov 6, 2009
The value of planting crops that require less herbicides and pesticides, while investing in American agriculture, doesnt require an advanced degree to calculate. Hemp for fuel, fiber and food makes sense. (Florida Today)
Letter: Some thoughts as we approach Thanksgiving Nov 6, 2009
In a testing of 47 different types of fruits and vegetables, pesticides were found on kind, and some specimens had 10 on a single piece of fruit. These different chemicals have been proven to cause a wide range of health issues, from hormone and neurological disruptions to cancers. (Hamilton Wenham Chronicle, MA)
Disease related to indoor pollution (7) Nov 5, 2009
VOCs are present in products such as paints, solvents, aerosol spays, household cleaners and disinfectants, moth-repellents, air fresheners, glues and adhesives, dry-cleaning chemicals, pesticides, nail polish, vinyl (including vinyl shower curtains), synthetic carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture. Choose products that are no or low -VOC. When selecting your product, be mindful that the terms non-toxic and natural are unregulated, so read ingredient labels. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
Discovery Of Novel Protein Offers Hope For Possible Parkinson’s Disease Cure Nov 5, 2009
Major contributing factors for getting Parkinson's disease include prolonged exposure to metals or pesticides and other environmental chemicals, according to Kanthasamy. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; slowness of movement; and impaired balance and coordination. (Science Daily)
My wife fed me arsenic, says hubby Nov 5, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " Mr Chan told the court his suspicions were aroused as early as 12 years ago when his skin turned black because of poisoning. Between 2003 and 2005, he was admitted to hospital on several occasions for poisoning, he said. Over the years, he had confronted his wife a couple of times, but she always denied it. The court heard that Mr Chan got very ill on several occasions in 2006 and was bedridden in hospital for a few months. At one point, he was so... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Household hazardous waste collection day is Saturday, Nov. 7 Nov 4, 2009
Items that will be accepted include, but are not necessarily limited to, oil-based paint and paint-related materials, used motor oil, corrosives, polishes, disinfectants, oven and drain cleaners, poisons, fluorescent bulbs, empty propane tanks, pesticides and other chemicals. There will be a cost associated with participating in the collection day: $28 for 0-10 gallons or pounds, $45 for 10 to 25 gallons or pounds. (Swampscott Reporter, MA)
Better Off on Big Farms Nov 3, 2009
Small farms, on the other hand, are better suited to the kind of diversified agriculture that can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and chemical pesticides. To Manuel, though, the big farms are far more appealing: They are more likely to give him a full-time job, and even when he's only working on contract, they offer longer gigs. (Slate)
Bug Spray Fumes Likely Killed Infant Nov 3, 2009
While the pesticides appear to be the cause of death, confirmation through toxicology reports could take eight weeks. Other air quality tests turned up nothing. (Click2Houston, TX)
Morocco and Mexico sign two cooperation agreements Nov 3, 2009
Morocco and Mexico also agreed to guarantee that animal-derived products exported to each other are free of hormones, drugs, pesticides, toxins and any other substance harmful to human and animal health. In this regard, they will swap information on manufacturing and processing methods of products of animal origin. (Yahoo News -- Morocco)
Perils on our plates Nov 3, 2009
The over 20 essays in this book explore in more detail, topics covered in the film: issues ranging from big business controlling our food supply to the risks from consuming genetically modified Frankenfoods, factory farms where animals are kept in crowded facilities and fed growth hormones, global hunger, turning crops into fuel instead of food, nutrition, exploitation of farm workers, exposure to harmful pesticides and food production that worsens global warming ... Another alarming fact:... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Watching the skies for an H1N1 connection Nov 3, 2009
(Chemtrails differ from the aerial spraying of pesticides over agricultural areas or fire retardant drops over wildfires, both of which occur at much lower altitudes. . (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
What is Toxicology? Nov 3, 2009
Some of the questions risk assessments answer, include questions such as: How do certain pesticides threaten our health. or What is the effect of having a dump site near our homes. (Suite101.com)
Recycling tip: Rid your house of "hazardous waste" Nov 3, 2009
In the garden shed might be insecticides, pesticides, weed killers and fertilizers or poisons or old propane tanks. The list goes on and on, so if you have anything you are not sure about, take it on Saturday and the folks there will decide for you. (Marblehead Reporter, MA)
Valley not alone as infestation creeps in Nov 3, 2009
They have virtually no natural predators and very quickly develop immunities to pesticides. Bedbugs make their homes in furniture and prefer the crevices and folds of upholstered furniture, like mattresses and couches, Beuter said. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Data Point To Some Improvements In China's Environment Nov 3, 2009
Pollution in Chinese marine ecosystems is "still very severe;" mammal, fish, and bird species across the country are under increasing threat; and the use of fertilizers and pesticides that pollute rivers and lakes is increasing. Grasslands are declining, and the number of newly discovered invasive alien species shows "a tremendous upward trend," Xu and his colleagues write. (Science Daily)
UGA prof perfecting pumpkins Oct 31, 2009
The usual pumpkins that grace front porches as jack-o'-lanterns and dinner tables as pies are highly susceptible to viruses and other diseases, and most commercial growers must apply high doses of pesticides, explained Boyhan, a professor with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He's using traditional plant breeding methods, not genetic manipulation by inserting genes from one plant into another in a laboratory. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Cops: Fla. man stole ferret by shoving it in pants Oct 30, 2009
Principal sources of water pollution are animal wastes, as well as soil particles, minerals, organic debris, fertilizers and pesticides from feed cropland. Most of the world's water supplies are used for irrigating animal feed crops. (Fresno Bee)
Any excuse to deny coverage Oct 30, 2009
One way he could help us is to target our food supply that is loaded with corn syrups, fructose and sugars, hormones, antibiotics, pesticides and insecticides and charge the food industry with providing pure products. He won't do that because that would be messing with American corporations. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Amphibians rarely give earliest warning of pollution Oct 30, 2009
They broke the chemicals down into four categories: heavy metals, inorganic compounds, phenols and pesticides, and found that amphibians were much less sensitive to chemical exposure from heavy metals, inorganics, and pesticides than many other species. The most sensitive group proved to be brachiopods, which declined dramatically in the presence of heavy metals and inorganic chemicals. (Scientific American)
Do we really need so much stuff? Oct 29, 2009
Examining the consequencesJust as I was determined to study the labels and origins of my favorite foods, craving an understanding of that which I would put inside my body (were those apples sprayed with pesticides. Were those cookies made with hydrogenated oils. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Bed bugs bite shelters Oct 29, 2009
Bed bugs have reemerged as a U.S. problem in recent years because of immigration, international travel and bugs becoming resistant to pesticides, the CDC information said. The pencil-tip sized pests usually spread by hiding in clothing or personal items. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Documentary on Pollan's 'The Botany of Desire' Oct 29, 2009
The result: Most farmers rely on pesticides to protect crops from disease. Schwarz said his goal was to make the crops, not Pollan, the main characters of the show, and in this regard he has succeeded. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Montana's First Hemp License Issued Oct 29, 2009
Jensen also said that if she wished to use pesticides, Murphy would have to make arrangements through the Agriculture Department since none is currently approved for hemp. The advocacy group Vote Hemp lists Montana as one of nine states that have removed barriers to hemp production or research. (CBS News)
Backyard Gardeners Festival Is Nov. 7 Oct 29, 2009
Guest speaker topics are Friendly Florida Parks and Pests and Diseases of Vegetable Gardening from 9 to 9:45 a.m., Flower Arranging and Summer Salads from 10 to 10:45 a.m., Natural Pesticides and Gardening in Paradise from 11 to 11:45 a.m., and Rain Barrels and Butterfly Gardening from noon to 12:45 p.m.. The day include sales of native and Florida friendly plants, herbs and orchids, plams and trees, vegetable plants, Melaleuca mulch, rain barrels, gardening books, and 2010 calendars. (Bartow Polk County Democrat, FL)
Western Washington could become destination for water refugees, experts say Oct 29, 2009
Emerging issues in the Northwest include runoff from farms and livestock feed lots; runoff from construction sites; and the application of pesticides near streams. Have something to say about this story. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Carving out pumpkin garden tough in Florida Oct 28, 2009
"Florida has a lot of insect pathogens. We do use pesticides; this is not an organic operation.". Information about which pumpkins fare best in Florida is compiled and may be published on the university's horticultural sciences department Web site ) or the Electronic Data Information Source of the UF IFAS Extension site. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
DIANNE FEINSTEIN: Time for Legislature to solve state's water crisis Oct 27, 2009
The scientists should also look at the effects of other stressors in the Delta, including pesticides and ammonia discharges, and whether it would be appropriate to re-examine the biological opinions. Third, the Interior Department is expediting two important near-term projects that could provide more water to farmers: Two Gates and the Intertie. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Napa Wine Tasting To Cap Softball Fundraisers Oct 27, 2009
Aggie squad involved in a host of upcoming events (Ucdavisaggies.com)
Letters for Sunday, October 25, 2009 (723) Oct 26, 2009
The rise in the use of toxic poisons, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides parallels the rise in cancer cases worldwide ... mdmann wrote on Oct 25, 2009 10:49 AM:" Mrs. Moke, you'd have a bigger impact on the health of your fellow man by telling them not to smoke. Is it possible that there are OTHER factors besides the use of pesticides for lawn care that explain the increased occurrence of cancers and blood and bone diseases? Those pesticides are supposed to be SPOT TREATMENTS. Anyone that is... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Organic food tough? Oct 26, 2009
Over the last decade I rode out the non-sequitur of ''organic'' vegetables with the begrudged understanding that the advertisers were claiming that pesticides had not been used in the production process ... "The organic label," she explained, trying not to sound condescending, "tells us that no pesticides were used in producing it. This magnesium is completely organic." ... "Ah, magnesium doesn't grow on plants, so you don't need pesticides. It's a mineral.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Valley-area parks may poison trout to save yellow-legged frogs Oct 26, 2009
The poisoning is what bothers critics, who say amphibians such as the yellow-legged frog are declining for many reasons, including habitat loss, pesticides, ozone pollution, ultraviolet radiation and climate change. Critics say another factor in the decline is a deadly pathogen known as chytrid fungus that has decimated amphibians across the Sierra and other places in the world. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Malibu dentist aims to ban mercury amalgam fillings (3) Oct 25, 2009
"However, much like with the controversy surrounding fluoridation of public water supplies, mercury amalgam fillings have galvanized citizen groups to lobby the FDA, the American Medical Association and Congress to ban mercury as a component in fillings, particularly for children and pregnant women."Fluoride, asbestos and pesticides all became political issues before people started seriously considering regulation," Rota said. "My hope is that proper education will alert our public to the... (Malibu Times, CA)
Pesticides Exposure Linked To Suicidal Thoughts Oct 24, 2009
The agricultural pesticides commonly used in China are organophosphates which are in wide use in many lower income countries but have been banned in many Western nations ... In a very large survey of mental health in rural community residents, participants were also asked about how they stored pesticides ... The study found that people who stored pesticides at home, i.e. those with more exposure, were more likely to report recent suicidal thoughts. (Science Daily)
Africa: Technical Fixes Needed to Stem Crop Losses Oct 24, 2009
"The problem is that farmers get very desperate, and when they get desperate they end up using lots of pesticides that also begin to cause other problems.". "We need to come up with technologies and science - such as improved crops or biological control - that can really help manage pests," says Rangi. (allAfrica.com)
Woodlands Neighborhood: Portsmouth N.H. Community Blog Oct 24, 2009
It include surveillance to detect the presence of mosquitoes, using pesticides to reduce mosquito larvae populations before they become flying mosquitoes, and spraying for adult mosquitoes. Now, with the increased threat of EEE, crews are also spraying school grounds, parks and playgrounds with a pesticide designed to kill adult mosquitoes and provide up to four weeks of residual protection. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Ethiopia seeks urgent food aid Oct 23, 2009
Land degraded by erosion, pesticidesAccording to the U.N., nearly two-thirds of Africa's agricultural land has been degraded by erosion and misused pesticides. In Ethiopia, where bad farming practices have led to massive erosion, 85 percent of land is damaged. (MSNBC -- International)
Swine flu vaccine offered Oct 23, 2009
brock_lee_spears wrote on Oct 22, 2009 10:41 PM:" I grew up swimming in Duck River. My immune system has been tempered in petrochemicals, pesticides and raw sewage; I'm not worried about anybody's flu. ". seniorlady wrote on Oct 22, 2009 11:19 PM:" Did anyof you guys read about the cheerleader in Virginia who got the vaccine and can only walk backwards now? The priority group for the shot is pregnant women, children over 6 months with chronic health conditions, adults with respiratory disease,... (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Know your fish facts Oct 23, 2009
Farmed fish may contain contaminants: Farmed salmon may contain high levels of pesticides and other toxins. To avoid any negative effects of this contamination, make it a point to buy wild salmon instead of farmed salmon. (India Times, India)
