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Diesel and Health in America: The Lingering Threat
Danish study links dieldrin to breast cancer.
Chemo bags may be harmful to you health.
Fish kill in the kitchen.
Chemical society advises taking off your shoes.
Cancer found in farm regions.
High toxicity in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Have a beautiful lawn without chemicals.
Kill crabgrass -- safely.

Deformed Frog Study

Pesticides are highly suspected as causing the deformities in Minnesota.  research derived from frog studies have a direct implication to human health, according to University of Minnesota professor who has studied frogs for over 40 years.  Why is the governor and MPCA dropping this important scientific study and refusing to maintain a leadership role on this breakthrough research? Call him or email him and let him know how you feel!

Parents Right to Know', the School Pesticide Notification Bill has Passed in Minnesota!!!

Parent's Right to Know, The School Pesticide Notification Bill of 2000, H.F. 2520. The bill requires schools to inform parents and employees within the first two weeks of the school year of their estimated schedule of pesticide applications. Parents may request the school to notify them 48 hours before the application of pesticides.

Pesticides are applied routinely in and around schools. These same pesticides have been linked to cancer, leukemia, asthma, hypersensitivity, and a variety of other health problems. The rate of childhood cancer has been increasing, and studies by the National Cancer Institute indicate that household and garden use of pesticides can increase the risk of childhood leukemia as much as sevenfold. The incidence of asthma has increased by 87% since 1982 (National Center for Health Statistics; National Health Interview Survey, 1982-1995).

Thanks to the WCRC Environmental Action Group for the hard work!

Kill Crabgrass -- safely!
The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance recommends preventing crabgrass from germinating with a new safe and environmentally friendly herbicide, corn gluten meal (CGM). Used in early May and late August, CGM keeps weed seeds from sprouting and fertilizes lawns too. It's a fine powder and difficult to spread, so you'll have to experiment. Apply about 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Fortunately, it's impossible to use too much; even large amounts won't burn the grass or harm established plants. CGM can be used in a vegetable garden, too, but not in areas where seeds will be planted.

CGM is sold as A-maising Lawn^TM or WOW^TM from Gardens Alive!, a mail-order company specializing in non-chemical garden products. For a free catalogue, call 812-537-8651 or see their Website at www.gardens-alive.com. It can also be purchased at Wild Bird Centers in Wayzata and Waite Park near St. Cloud, and at Bachman's.

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Danish study links dieldrin to breast cancer.
The Lancet published a new study finding "the risk of cancer was twice as high in women with the higher serum concentrate of dieldrin as that in women with the lowest concentrations." The EPA banned dieldrin in 1974 (used to kill mosquitoes and to treat soil, seeds and wood, to protect woolens from moths). It remains in the soil for more than seven years.

Chemo bags may be harmful to your health.
Product labels on Taxol, Taxotere and other cancer treatment drugs warm against using the drugs in PVC plastic IV bags or devices that prepare solutions or administer to patients. Alternative bags made of polyolefin are available.

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Fish kill in the kitchen.
The popular new antibacterial, anti-viral disinfectant soaps and sponges may contain Triclosan, a derivative of 2-4-D, popularly known as Agent Orange. Label warnings may say to avoid using on aquariums and to keep away from pets. One user cleaned the algae off his fish tank with such sponge and his entire tropical fish collection died.

Chemical Society advises taking off your shoes!
Weed killers and other pesticides applied to lawns can be tracked into homes by people and pets up to a week after treatment, causing unnecessary exposure, particularly to infants (who may have more contact with the floors, pet and toys). According to the EPA study on the lawn application of the herbicide 2-4-D, published by the American Chemical Society, removing outdoor shoes and using a carpet at the door to catch residues can limit track in. This study was government funded! (Editor's note, better for you, the earth and your children not to use lawn chemicals at all!)

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Cancer found in farm regions. Dr. Vincent Garry, University of Minnesota, found high thyroid and bone cancer deaths in men in regions of northwestern Minnesota where potatoes, wheat and sugar beets are grown, compared to Minnesota regions where few agricultural chemicals are used.

High toxicity in fresh fruits and vegetables. March Consumer Reports has a chilling report on pesticides on produce. Domestically grown winter squash, spinach, green beans, peaches, grapes, apples and pear fare badly in toxicity scores.

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PVCs make health care news. An article in Minnesota Physicians co-written by Jamie Harvie, compliments Catholic Health Care West, a 37-hospital group, for its PVC-elimination policies for ID bracelets, disposable scalpels, IV and blood bags and tubing, breathing masks, disposable aprons, bottles and shower curtains. Jamie was part of WCRC's recent Health Care Without Harm conference on problems of PVC incineration, which emits dioxins (known carcinogens).

You can have a beautiful lawn without using chemicals.

• Mow high. Taller grass shades out weeds. Set mowers for three inches.
  
• Use sharp blades. Dull blades tear grass, damaging the root systems.
  
• Leave clippings in place. They return nutrients to the soil and shade out the weeds.
  
• Choose other plants-ground covers, shrubs, perennials -- where dense shade or a steep grad make lawn care difficult. Mulching between plants discourages weeds.
  
• Pull weeds when you see them. If you have a weed patch, rent a sod cutter and slice all the vegetation off, then lay sod to "mother" seeds left behind.
  

 
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