Pollutants can reach babies in the womb

An 80% rise in asthma death rates between 1980 and 1993, along with the increasing incidence of birth defects and developmental problems, has raised questions about how chemicals in the environment effect infants and young children.

[ Pesticide Poisoning and Kids ] * [ Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning ]
[ MEMORIAL TO VICTIMS ]

To:     Lyndon Hawkins <hawkins@empm.cdpr.ca.gov>
          Senior Research Scientist
          State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulation - Integrated Pest Management

Dear Lyndon, the Tuesday, March 28, 2000 issue of USA Today had an article entitled: Pollutants can reach babies in the womb, by Anita Manning.

In an ongoing study of links between environmental pollutants and allergies and asthma in children, researchers said Monday that they have found chemicals in the blood of 400 pregnant women in New York.

The study, which is following women and their babies (270 have been born so far), also found high rates of allergies and respiratory problems in the infants, say the researchers, who presented preliminary data at a conference at Columbia University.

"In some way - the mechanism is not understood - allergens can get across the placenta," says Frederica Prera, director of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health

The study involves blacks and Latinas in the Harlem, Washington heights and South Bronx sections of New York City.  Results are thought to be applicable nationally in urban communities, where "the rates of asthma and developmental problems are higher than in other areas and other populations, and there is also disproportionate exposure to environmental toxicants," Perera says.

"This study is looking, in a large number of subjects, at in utero sensitization," she says.  "There is evidence that it is occurring to multiple allergens in the home."

An 80% rise in asthma death rates between 1980 and 1993, along with the increasing incidence of birth defects and developmental problems, has raised questions about how chemicals in the environment effect infants and young children.

A task force led by Surgeon General David Satcher has financed eight environmental health centers and four groups studying childhood asthma, cancer, developmental disorders and injuries.

"When a baby is exposed to environmental toxins - tobacco, alcohol, pesticides - there can be severe consequences," says Satcher, who spoke at the Columbia conference.

Well Lyndon, if you are not worried about producing severe health consequences in babies and children - your "registered" POISONS are the "only" way to go.  If however, you feel life and health are important issues, you will allow the use of safe and far more effective unregistered alternatives to actually control pest problems.

I just heard that the DOA in my state of Michigan may (follow your lead and) "upgrade" their pest control Rule 646 to require the use of only "registered" POISONS for "insect control". "They" can come arrest me anytime "they" wish - that will be the absolutely best way for the general public hear about your terrible betrayal of the public's trust - we need to bring your "required" use of dangerous POISONS rather than safe and far more effective alternatives into the light!

The March, 2000 issue of the Service Technician noted a recent study by Dr. Mike Potter that indicated only 2% of consumers were familiar with the term "IPM". If it is left up to the POISON "industry" and "some regulators" that I know of - the public will continue to remain in the dark and/or will be taught to define "IPM" as "Include ('Registered') Pesticides Monthly".  I don't know of a better way to arouse the public than some good press coverage and possibly a debate on national TV.  I know that a well informed public will respond differently to those who seek to destroy/POISON our people and this earth for profit than it will respond to those people who are seeking to safely and effectively solve their pest problems.  What do you think?

TOP
 If you would like to be included in our mailing list for continuing information on pesticides, Email Us. with "subscribe" in the subject line.