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The Human Ecologist wants you to know…
the Winter 2011 issue is packed with information you’ve been waiting for!
The truth about scented dryer vent exhaust!
Its effects are familiar: headaches, breathing problems, brain-fog and more. But what is actually in the air that is vented from clothes dryers when scented laundry products are used? Now we know — and it’s not pretty. Scientist-author Anne Steinemann tested and measured the pollutants present in dryer vent exhaust — she found 25 volatile organic compounds, including seven hazardous air pollutants and two carcinogens! Her article in the Winter 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist describes the study in great detail, and includes informative tables and references. A helpful summary of the study’s findings accompanies the article, too. This is must-read information for anyone who is fragrance-sensitive — and a great pass-along article to show to those who believe that scented laundry products pose no risks.
21st century air quality and health
Although U.S. air quality has improved greatly with curbs on industrial and vehicle pollution imposed over the past 40 years, over one third of all U.S. residents still live where current federal air quality standards are not met, and new problems loom on the horizon related to the interplay of climate change and air quality. These problems and others — including the need to protect people at increased risk of adverse effects from air pollution — are discussed in The Human Ecologist by Dan Costa, the Interim National Program Director for Air, Climate and Energy research at EPA’s Office of Research and Development. This important article in the Winter 2011 issue indicates what leading scientists believe are the coming challenges in air quality and health, and what they believe should be done to address them.
The 2010 Gulf oil spill and health
When the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill began, tense windblown reporters did what seemed like hourly stand-ups on oil-stained beaches, intercut with heart-breaking images of oil-soaked birds, and under water film of the oil flowing unstanched from the destroyed Macondo well. Then suddenly, the story vanished: once the well was capped, the press moved on to other stories and fresher images. Yet the story was just beginning for those whose health was at stake.
The Winter 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist contains part one of a two part series on the human health impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Part one discusses the chemicals involved and their potential health effects, as well as the physical and mental health effects of the spill on community residents — a group almost completely ignored in press coverage at the time of the spill. Information in the article is drawn from documents in use at the time of the spill, as well as “after action” reports from government and independent sources that have gone unmentioned by prime-time media.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill story is far from over. Catch up with the Winter 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist!
Plus: News about MCS… toxic brain damage…pesticides and kids…bed bug resources… air filters and indoor air quality…and more!
Purchase a MEMBERSHIP in HEAL for USA $28 (low-income $20); Canada $34; International $40 - (U.S. funds only, please) and specify #132 as the first of four issues of The Human Ecologist. (Membership Application on back) OR order a single copy of The Human Ecologist issue #132 for USA $10.50; Canada $12.50; International $15.50 – (U.S. funds only, please.)
The Human Ecologist wants you to know…
… that the Fall 2011 issue is all about living better with MCS!
Getting better, with ups and downs
Frequent contributor Amy Miller writes about an MCS treatment she underwent and its effect s — on her physical health, her relationships with family and friends, and her perceptions of herself. There is a description of the treatment, and information on how you can learn more about it. This insightful article also conveys the complexities of getting better, both positive and negative. Miller’s progress enabled her to live more easily in a larger world — but it also required a lot of work and dedication, placed unexpected strain on her marriage, and challenged Miller to take risks that she initially was reluctant to take. Recovery is absolutely worth it, Miller writes, but it’s not necessarily a smooth ride. This is a must-read (and must-keep) article for anyone with MCS!
Are “clean air” houseplants for you?
 Current emphasis on energy conservation and “tightening” buildings has renewed focus on clean indoor air, because along with tighter buildings comes the potential for indoor build-up of toxic chemicals, and resultant human illness. An article in the Fall 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist revisits an idea from the 1970s: air-cleaning houseplants. Author Marie Clark describes the pluses and minuses of using houseplants indoors, and provides a list of 18 houseplants that were tested in the 1980s for their ability to remove toxic chemicals from indoor air. An article by an MCS sufferer describes how “clean air” plants made her New Orleans office a fresh air oasis in a building where smoking was still permitted This fascinating “back to the future” look at a low-tech approach to solving a high-tech problem may contain just the information you need to decide on whether clean air houseplants are for you!
Can we afford the Clean Air Act?
Washington is on the budgetary warpath, with many in Congress looking at easing federal regulations as a way to improve the job market and cut expenses. The Fall 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist reports on the latest EPA cost/benefit assessment of enforcing the Clean Air Act (CAA). EPA found that, while the costs of enforcing the CAA are substantial ($65 billion over the period 1990-2020), the economic benefits of the CAA are much greater ($2 trillion by 2020). The article has a table showing health effect reductions due to cleaner air, and lists the industries that bear most of the burden of enforcing the CAA. This article is a great backgrounder for understanding the coming debates on the costs of regulation.
Plus: news about chemicals used in hydro-fracking … a non-toxic head lice treatment … new research on air pollution and mental and neurological health … using IPM to control a pest threatening U.S. forests and to beautify a major U.S. city ... food allergies and restaurants … and more!
The Human Ecologist wants you to know
… that the Summer 2011 issue is packed with information that helps in daily life!
First person: Exercise and Fibromyalgia (FM)
Exercise benefits people with FM — but many find it impossible to exercise without worsening their symptoms. A first person article in the Summer issue of The Human Ecologist discusses some very basic exercises in great detail, with special attention to how to do them and avoid FM flares. These exercises were the gateway to regular exercise for one person with FM — maybe they will work for you, too! Part 1 of this two part series appeared in the Spring 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist
Help after hospitalization
An article in the Summer 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist gives details on how to coordinate home health care after hospitalization, including who orders what, insurance issues, working with a case manager, and more. Resources included! This is must-read information for everyone. A companion piece on avoiding readmission to the hospital after going home appeared in the Winter 2010 issue of The Human Ecologist.
Save energy, but protect your health!
It’s like déjà vu all over again: Anyone who lived through the 1970s “energy crisis” will remember how people tightened up their homes to save energy, only to find themselves trapped indoors with chemical fumes, molds and dust, and other hazards. Tightening up homes is popular again; this time spurred by the availability of federal funds through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Summer 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist discusses pitfalls of energy conservation retrofits, and how to avoid them.
New research on the hazards of fragrance!
Researcher Anne Steinemann has done it again: The Summer 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist contains a long, detailed feature article about what she found when she investigated the chemicals emitted by 25 scented air fresheners and laundry, personal care, and cleaning products. Best-selling products were selected for this study, about half of which carried a “green” label claim (green, organic, natural). On average, the products emitted 17 chemicals each and more than a third emitted at least one carcinogen. The “green” products emitted as many chemicals as those without “green” label claims. This article follows two others in The Human Ecologist about Steinemann’s work on fragrance chemicals and health — one discussed undisclosed hazards in scented products (Spring 2009), and the second discussed a survey of the prevalence of fragrance sensitivity in the U.S. population (Spring 2010).
Plus: National sites where “fracking” may occur … new research on MCS … shocking disinfectant news … food safety and dietary guidelines … the real story about 9-11 dust investigations … and much more.
The Human Ecologist wants you to know… that the Spring 2011 issue is bursting with information you can use!
Fibromyalgia research—finally, something that works!
There is excellent research evidence that exercise — even small amounts of low intensity exercise — can improve some of the most difficult symptoms of fibromyalgia. Read about the research — and get lots of tips on how to make the research work for you!
Fracking — a new health threat?
A new technology called hydrofracturing (“fracking”) enables natural gas extraction from shale formations deep within the earth. The process involves injecting a combination of water, chemicals and other materials into deep wells, creating pressure that breaks up shale formations that hold natural gas. The gas is then extracted and processed for sale. Shale gas exploration and development is burgeoning in the U.S., and nearby communities have raised questions about its impacts, especially on drinking water quality. Read a feature article about these concerns — and more — in the Spring 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist!
Bedbug update
The spread of bedbugs continues to widen, as homes, schools, lodging facilities, and other venues are increasingly affected. Quickly identifying and safely controlling infestations are essential — but many people do not know how, panic, and use ineffective (and sometimes dangerous) treatments. Reliable information is essential — and it is available in the Spring 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist. Resource list included.
Nutrition and the brain
Can eating the right foods fend off Alzheimer’s disease? Read about promising new research on this important topic in the Spring 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist.
Triclosan: it’s everywhere — but is it safe?
Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent present in an increasing number of consumer goods, including home and personal care products, building materials, and more. It was also present in 75 percent of urine samples taken from the U.S. general population in 2003-2004. Now concerns about triclosan’s safety are being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration. Read about this emerging issue in The Human Ecologist !
Global warming and your health — right now!
Since 1960, the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased over 20 percent. Researchers have found that the toxic properties of two common weeds in the U.S. — poison ivy and giant hogweed — are greatly enhanced by increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Learn how to identify these weeds and avoid them in an article in the Spring 2011 issue of The Human Ecologist!
Plus: New research about MCS … news about allergens and food package labels … political and industry influence and food safety … secret ingredients in cleaning products … book reviews — and much more!
The Human Ecologist wants you to know…
that the Winter 2010 issue is fact-filled — and inspiring!
Living with MCS — and getting better
Most people with MCS feel relieved when they’re finally diagnosed. But then the reality of MCS sets in, many important activities become undoable, acquaintances drift away, and family members show signs of totally losing patience. It’s hard to stay optimistic in such circumstances — but it helps to learn of people who’ve been in the same place, and come out on the other side, with improved health and a full life. The Winter 2010 issue of The Human Ecologist has two such stories, both by people who’ve struggled with MCS — and all that that implies —and won through to a new, healthier, productive and enjoyable life. These two accounts are rounded out by a HEAL Classic — a 1991 interview with Theron Randolph M.D., father of environmental medicine and founding advisor of HEAL. He shares his thoughts about growing older with environmental illness — ideas that are still fresh today. Reading these articles is inspiring — and sharing them with loved ones who have become discouraged at your slow progress can be very helpful too.
Avoiding hospital re-admission
In recent years, an increasing number of people have had the experience of going to the hospital, getting treated, and being sent home — only to need to go back into the hospital when their condition deteriorates. These costly — sometimes devastating — readmissions can be due to bad discharge processes at the hospital. An article in The Human Ecologist offers tips and resources for insuring a good discharge, including things to look for, ask about, and insist upon when being discharged from the hospital. It also includes news about a study that showed how a simple, low tech test administered before people have surgery can predict which patients might have complications after surgery than can be prevented. This is must-read information, for personal use and to share with family members.
Air pollution inside cars
Scientists conducted a study in which they were able to measure how ultra-fine particle pollution gets into cars, and which ventilation settings inside cars can reduce levels of these particles. Ultra-fine particle pollution can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause damage not only to the lungs, but to the cardiovascular system as well. The article describes the study fully, and offers some tips on how to further reduce particle pollution inside cars.
Plus news, reviews, and updates galore!
The latest on FEMA trailers — this time at the BP oil spill in the Gulf…a revelations about how CDC may have mislead residents of Washington D.C. — and the entire U.S. public health system — about how “safe” their drinking water was in 2004 — and after; news about “greenwashing” and consumer product labels … an investigation of complementary and alternative medicine treatments for fibromyalgia … and more!
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