Transitional TCSB Chemical Sensitivity Bulletin

[Guest guest]

-

steve ross

Sunday, April 06, 2008 7:28 PM

Transitional TCSB Chemical Sensitivity Bulletin

 

Hi Everyone. This is the transitional TCSB (Tucson Chemical Sensitivity

Bulletin), #92, dated April 6, 2008.

 

We have a new editing team for the bulletin and the new editors will take

over soon, and the bulletin will no longer be Tucson based, so the scope is

broadening. They are Kathy Hemenway and Susan Molloy. Talk about a dynamic duo!

Thanks to everyone who expressed concern and appreciation about the bulletin

and especially to those who came forward to offer their help after Kathy took

up the gauntlet. I've enjoyed being your editor for the past couple of years

and look forward to receiving the new ones under Kathy's and Susan's capable

hands.

 

The new addresses for sending items to the bulletin are:

 

EMAIL: _hemenway (AT) asilo (DOT) com_ (hemenway)

 

SNAIL MAIL (for those without computers): Bulletin, c/o Susan Molloy, 8657

Hansa Trail, Snowflake, AZ 85937.

 

If you wish to respond to an item, please respond directly to the person who

posted it, not to the editors.

 

The items in a different color are repeat items I have agreed to or decided

to re-post.

 

Important information about this bulletin:

 

· The TCSB is a privately produced resource for the chemically sensitivity

and otherwise environmentally ill.

 

· I publish it from time to time without any regular schedule.

 

· Contents of the TCSB are from readers and do not necessarily reflect the

position of any organization.

 

· To contribute an item, email it to _sross1 (AT) earthlink (DOT) net_

(sross1) . Or, write it as you would like it to be posted

and send to:

Steve Ross, HC3 Box 1039, Tucson, AZ, 85739. Please include your contact

information, such as email address, phone number, etc..

As editor, I reserve the right to publish or not, and to edit. I claim no

liability for any of the items in the bulletin nor for any results anyone gets

by following up on any particular item. Readers use their own discretion and

are responsible for checking out the information for themselves.

 

· Items may be republished, unless otherwise stated.

 

· Back issues are available by request.

 

Here is our " live " table of contents for this issue (just to

go directly to that article):

 

MEETINGS

 

HEAL of Southern AZ

 

HOUSING NEEDED

 

Seeking $1300/month Rental for E.I. Couple for 6-12 Months

 

HOUSING AVAILABLE

 

Safer House for Sale in Prescott, AZ

 

Temporary Stay (May-June) in Tubac

 

JOB OPENINGS

 

Caregiver Position, Tucson, Far East Side, Competitive Pay

 

WANTED

 

EI Aware and Helpful Doctors in Tucson

 

NEEDS

 

A Few Items For An EI Living Off The Grid

 

Who Knows How To Get Rid Of (Neutralize) Pesticide?

 

Tucson Doctor Who Can Diagnose Valley Fever and Mold Poisoning

 

Barbara Conklin Requests & Appreciates Your Help With The Following:

 

RESOURCES

 

Safe Haircuts for EI's in Tucson

 

Low Income Pima County Seniors Can Apply for Home Repair Assistance

 

Symptoms of a Stroke - Save a Life by Knowing Them

 

NEWS

 

Dr. Rea on ABC Nightline - Not A Fair Interview

 

Toxic Trespass Lawsuit

 

SERVICES OFFERED BY E.I.s TO E.I.s

 

Sungold Soap and other E.I. Safe Personal Care Products

 

E.I. Consultants on Safe Building or Remodeling

 

Informational Tours for Safe Building Methods

 

INSPIRATION

 

Nature Photos and the Painting Elephant Video

----------------

MEETINGS

HEAL of Southern AZ

The April HEAL meeting and annual clothing and items swap meet will be in

Tucson on Wednesday, April 9th. If non-members are interested in attending,

please call me (Steve) and we can talk about it: 320-7953.

 

HOUSING NEEDED

Seeking $1300/month Rental for E.I. Couple for 6-12 Months

Mark writes:

 

Environmentally sensitive couple seeks quiet home w/ adobe or concrete block

construction or concrete. Tile, brick, or concrete floors. No remodel or

paint in 2 years. 5-8 year old construction at least. Minimum wood (no wood

floors, no wood ceilings, no wood walls, cabinets OK, doors OK). No mold, No

carpet. Ability to shut off power to house. Gas range preferable. Radiant heat

a

miracle. Outskirts/rural, away from outdoor lights, large power lines and the

electro-magnetic soup of the city. No sub-divisions, preferably not too near

any neighbors. Unfurnished. Reply to Mark at 505-670-3055 or _m_

(m) .

 

HOUSING AVAILABLE

Safer House for Sale in Prescott, AZ

Thanks to Melinda from Phoenix HEAL for sending this over:

 

Our house sits on 10 acres, cement block construction, metal roof, 360 sq ft

(3 rooms + porch) 1/2 hour from health food store, 3/4 mile from paved road,

tile floors and walls, space heaters for heat, no through traffic, asking

$295,900. phone 928-717-4478. also has two trailer hookups including phone.

House is outside Prescott, 3 miles north of Highway 89-A.

 

Temporary Stay (May-June) in Tubac

Lucy writes:

 

I had made a commitment to house sit for a friend, as a favor, & to get out

of town for a bit...... for the months of May & June......Now w/ my living

alone it maybe more of a challenge for me since I got " custody " of the doggie

(w/o child support, ha ha ha) + I have a kitty kat too.

 

If you hear of anyone needing/wanting a very secluded place to stay.....down

in Tubac.... there is one house about 1/8 of a mile away & no one else for

at least a mile in any other direction... ... Please email me at:

_moondrumer _ (moondrumer) (yes one " m " in drumer)

or call

(520) 290-5533.

 

JOB OPENINGS

Caregiver Position, Tucson, Far East Side, Competitive Pay

Elmer's wife, Rita, is not doing well and needs more assistance than Elmer

can easily give her. Elmer writes:

 

I am looking for assistance for my wife, Rita, on the far east side of

Tucson. Rita has severe MCS, is having difficulty walking and needs assistance

to

get in and out of bed, etc. Female caregivers must be living a fragrance and

toxin-free life in order to be tolerated by Rita. Great candidates are

recovering EI's who are looking for part-time employment with flexible hours.

Will

pay very competitive rates. Most helpful would be a female willing to work

late evening or overnight hours, but any time of day will be helpful. If

interested, please call Elmer at 290-3499.

 

WANTED

EI Aware and Helpful Doctors in Tucson

Steve and Julie are looking for a new doctor in Tucson, someone who is EI

aware and willing to help out. Please email any suggestions to

_sross1 (AT) earthlink (DOT) net_ (sross1) or call 825-2009.

 

NEEDS

A Few Items For An EI Living Off The Grid

Thanks to Peter who sent this over on behalf of Loe:

 

We know a woman in southeast Arizona who asked for help in looking for a few

things. Can you put this request in your next general email to the MCS

community? She lives off the grid.

 

Does anyone have, or know where to get:

 

v A less toxic solar oven

 

v A less toxic glue for shoe repair (gorilla glue doesn't work due to

bending of shoe)

 

v Size 9 flat slides sandals, off gassed, no tennis shoe rubber

 

If you can help, email _davidnew23 _ (davidnew23)

, and in the subject or message line state that it is " for Loe. " Many thanks.

 

Who Knows How To Get Rid Of (Neutralize) Pesticide?

Dave writes:

 

We are considering leasing a house that has all tile floors but at some

time in the past (not lately we believe) it has likely been sprayed with

pesticides.

 

Does anyone " out there " know what is most likely to get rid of the

pesticide?

 

Thanks, David Roberts _DavidRoberts@ att.net_ (DavidRoberts)

 

Tucson Doctor Who Can Diagnose Valley Fever and Mold Poisoning

Christie writes:

 

Does anyone know of a Tucson doctor who is capable of diagnosing valley

fever or a mold problem?

 

My daughter was exposed to mold, and she is having difficulty breathing. (we

were raised in the desert near Phoenix, so there is a possibility of valley

fever), and she needs to know what her condition is medically, and then she

will seek treatment in alternative medicine; she just needs a diagnosis from a

pulmonary doctor or traditional doctor first.

 

Thank you for any help you can give in locating a doctor or a referral to a

physician. Please respond to: _corallightstar@ _

(corallightstar)

 

Barbara Conklin Requests & Appreciates Your Help With The Following:

Elmer Burk is helping Barbara by organizing the help she is requesting on a

number of different fronts as Winter approaches. Barbara has been literally

living in her ancient vehicle, which is now unsafe to drive. Additionally,

there are a number if critical items she needs to survive.

 

DONATIONS THROUGH RDAF

 

Barbara Conklin has returned to Tucson for the winter months. She owns a

1968 VW bug which contains her essential possessions as well as serves as her

bedroom. At 40 years old, the VW is beyond repair and she desperately needs to

obtain a better vehicle. Below is a description of her vehicle requirements

and a list of other items she needs. I have been working with Bobbie Carichner

at the Rural Disabled Assistance Foundation here in Tucson to accept

donations of cash, a vehicle or any of the listed items for Barbara. It would

be

ideal to have a vehicle donated, but another option is to all work together to

help raise enough cash to help her purchase an EI safe vehicle. A person can

donate cash by addressing a

 

check to:

RDAF

1647 E. Prince Rd.

Tucson, AZ 85719

 

Another option would be to go to their web site at www.geocities.

com/ruraldisable d and make a donation using PayPal. In either case, just list

in the

memo section that the donation is for Barbara Conklin. Since the RDAF is a

certified 501©(3) charity, any cash or donated items would be tax deductible

for the donor. It one wants to donate a vehicle or any of the other items

listed below, please contact Bobbie Carichner at 795-3150 or email:

_ruraldisabled@ _ (ruraldisabled)

 

A further option is a Whole Foods Gift Card, for food or items Barbara may

have to purchase new.

 

If for any reason you cannot leave Barbara a message by phone, here is her

address:

 

B. Conklin, c/o Burk, 11540 E. Dartmoor Place, Tucson, AZ 85748-9204

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

 

VEHICLE:

Urgent need for mechanically & electrically sound EI-safe vehicle in the

Tucson area. Smoke and fragrance free, no fluid leads and not recently

detailed.

At least 6 years old to ensure it is adequately out-gassed. White or light

in color (very heat sensitive), must be able to sleep in vehicle without

running air purifier at night. Prefer leather or vinyl upholstery, removable

carpet, manual transmission and windows. Simple and inexpensive to repair.

Would

consider mini-van or small pickup with extended cab and sliding windows,

camper shell and short bed. Would also consider station wagon or sedan. Prefer

Toyota or Honda but will consider other makes. Reasonable price and/or

donation.

Please leave messages at 866-303-7205 with name, phone no., make model,

year, price, number of miles on engine and transmission, mpg on hiway and town

driving and any other pertinent details.

 

Barbara will need to try out the vehicle before accepting it to make sure

it's tolerable to sleep in, as well as to drive. She will need EI-safe persons

to perform a mechanical check up. Once a vehicle is selected, she will also

need EI-safe helpers to clean it and get it registered.

 

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

 

OTHER CRITICAL NEEDS

 

Barbara Conklin is in need of the following: (all clothing items preferably

used from other E.I.'s)

- down vest with nylon shell, size M

- down jacket or parka with hood, nylon shell, size M

- thermarest camp mat

 

-. Pants with pockets with elastic or drawstring at waist, size M (height is

5' 5 " . Preferred colors are tan, blue, navy blue.

- clean metal garbage can to be used for storage (not previously used for

trash)

- a folding cot

- an 8 inch clip-on electric fan

- a one or two burner Coleman stove that uses propane fuel

- cotton shorts light in color and medium size

- a cotton hat with broad brim and tie that is white or light in color

- an EI safe light-weight sleeping bag with nylon outer shell (may contain

down or other filling inside). Barbara prefers mummy shape and down-filled.

Please leave messages at 866-303-7205

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

HOUSE SITTING OPPORTUNITIES

 

Barbara has minimal phone access and needs help finding an EI safe house-sit

or camp spot on private property with minimal household use. Short term or

long term. She is a quiet responsible retired school teacher. She is a

vegetarian who is free of smoke, fragrance, drugs, alcohol, etc. Please leave

messages for Barbara Conklin at 866-303-7205.

 

RESOURCES

Safe Haircuts for EI's in Tucson

We have another haircutter who is willing to come to your house and cut your

hair. His name is Filimon and he is one of the truly expert haircutters at

The Coyote Wore Sideburns on 4th Ave. in Tucson. If you need a reference, call

Elmer at 290-3499.

 

Low Income Pima County Seniors Can Apply for Home Repair Assistance

Thanks to Sally for sending this over:

 

Homeowners in Pima County, age 60 and over as of June 30, 2008, may apply

for up to $4,000 in home repair financial assistance. If approved, the

homeowners may use the money to correct dwelling deficiencies or provide

necessary

adaptations.

 

While there are no income limits, priority will be given to applicants with

the greatest social and economic needs as determined by a volunteer screening

committee from the Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) Advisory Committee.

 

Applicants must own and live in their home to be eligible. The valuation of

the home must be under $135,000 and cash assets of each household member must

be under $10,000. This is not an emergency home repair program and renters

are not eligible. Members of Arizona Long Term Care System are not eligible.

 

Approved work may be done to roofing, plumbing, electrical, structural, and

heating and cooling systems. Disability modifications and special conditions

may also be covered. Cosmetic repairs are not.

 

Applications are being accepted through Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the

City's Community Services Department, Santa Rita Building, 310 N. Commerce

Loop,

Tucson, 85745, and at the Pima Council on Aging Office, 8467 E. Broadway,

Tucson, 85710. Applications may be mailed to the above addresses and must be

postmarked by April 15, 2008. Applications are also available online at:

 

_http://www.tucsonaz .gov/csd/ Housing_Programs /ehra08.html_

(http://www.tucsonaz.gov/csd/Housing_Programs/ehra08.html)

or

_http://www.pcoa. org._ (http://www.pcoa.org./)

 

Applications are available in both English and Spanish. All applicants will

be notified in writing of their status by August 31, 2008. For program

information, call 520-791-4636 or 520-790-0504.

 

Symptoms of a Stroke - Save a Life by Knowing Them

This item is now a permanent fixture in the bulletin, given how important it

is.

 

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the

lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage

when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors

say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

 

1. Ask the individual to smile.

 

2. Ask him or her to raise both arms.

 

3. Ask the person to speak a simple sentence.

 

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately and

describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

 

RATIONALE: After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could

identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged

the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their

conclusions at the American Stroke Association' s annual meeting last February.

Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of

the

stroke and prevent brain damage.

 

NEWS

Dr. Rea on ABC Nightline - Not A Fair Interview

Dr. William J. Rea of the Environmental Health Center, Dallas, was

interviewed recently on ABC's Nightline. The approach was sensationalist and

they

found a quack to act as an expert detractor. You can view it here:

_http://a.abcnews. com/Health/ story?id= 4489265 & page= 1_

(http://a.abcnews.com/Health/story?id=4489265 & page=1)

 

Norman and Elva Waters sent over some ideas how to respond. They write:

 

Letters to Southwestern Medical Center Regarding Nightline Show are

working... please everybody write Southwestern as well.

 

Please also consider writing letters to Southwester Medical Center and

University (see email contacts below) where Dr. Khan, the doctor who dismissed

EI

as hysteria, is affiliated.

 

I met with a Southwestern administrator recently to file a formal complaint

in person as a follow up to a written complaint and was told that there were

various intense, internal discussions occurring on this topic and that

Southwestern is aware it has a problem. I also just received an email they are

working on a formal response to my complaint and others. Here are the

appropriate

email addresses to various administrators.

 

SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER EMAIL CONTACTS:

 

_tallen (AT) utsystem (DOT) edu_ (tallen) , _priscilla.alderman@

utsouthwestern. edu_ (priscilla.alderman) ,

 

_bruce.meyer@ utsouthwestern. edu_ (bruce.meyer) ,

_Kent.Helwig@ UTSouthwestern. edu_ (Kent.Helwig) ,

 

_Karen.Land@UTSouthw estern.edu_ (Karen.Land) ,

_Merrie.Arnspiger@ UTSouthwestern. edu_

(Merrie.Arnspiger) ,

 

_John.Rutherford@ UTSouthwestern. edu_

(John.Rutherford) , _bor (AT) utsystem (DOT) edu_

(bor) ,

 

_ruth.womack@ utsouthwestern. edu_ (ruth.womack)

 

Dr. Khan and the Nightline journalists/ producers failed to mention the

emerging genetic research validating this disease has a physiological etiology,

which is relevant to Southwestern because it a major teaching hospital. So it

is helpful to point out that its embarrassing that a representative of a

major teaching hospital that engages in genetic research would fail to know or

cite this data before dismissing this disease as an undiagnosed mental

disorder.

 

It's also important to connect this disease to CFS and fibromyalgia, which

are two illnesses with leading to growing patient populations at Southwestern.

A large portion of people with CFS and fibromyalgia have been diagnosed with

MCS as well. And CFS and fibromyalgia initially were dismissed as " hysteria "

diseases until recent genetic and other medical research and statements from

the CDC publicly validated these disease. When I mentioned this to the

administrator in the meeting I had, it was the most effective thing I said, and

she talked about people she knows who have fibromyalgia. They need to know they

are misrepresenting and disenfranchising a large portion of their patient

population.

 

So please be sure to write Southwestern as well. I think it will probably be

as helpful as writing Nightline, if not more. And they at least they are

being responsive, and they are the one providing the hired gun for stories like

these.

 

I am enclosing some relevant citations as well. In one of the studies

researchers concluded that individuals who are NAT2 slow acetylators and those

with

homozygously deleted GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes are significantly more likely to

develop chemical sensitivity. GSTM1 and GSTT1 are associated with

detoxification of certain exogenous chemicals.

 

Haley, RW, Billecke, S, & La Du, BN (1999). Association of low PON1 type Q

(type A) arylesterase activity with neurologic symptom complexes in Gulf War

veterans. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 157(3):227-33.

 

McKeown-Eyssen, G, Baines, C, Cole, D, Riley, N, Tyndale, R, Marshall, L, &

Jazmaji, V (2004). Case-control studies of genotypes in multiple chemical

sensitivity: CYP2D, NAT1, NAT2, PON1, PON2 and MTHFR. International Journal of

Epidemiology 33, 1-8.

 

Schnakenberg, E, Karl-Rainer, F, Stanulla, M, Strobl, N, Lustig, M, Fabig,

N, & Schloot, W (2007). A cross-sectional study of self-reported

chemical-related sensitivity is associated with gene variants of

drug-metabolizing

enzymes. Environ Health. 2007 Feb 10;6:6.

 

Toxic Trespass Lawsuit

Barb Wilkie from EHN writes:

 

We need suggestions about this court case of Marsha Miliman, who has asked

that I share her note with you. I made bold the part of her message that

describes the type of help she is seeking, otherwise, it is her note as sent to

me. At the bottom of this note, you can read of my most recent poisoning

experience, and use as documentation if you have the need. Of course, it is

" only

anecdotal, " but it is true. Marsha writes:

 

Please forward this email on to other MCS groups and key individuals who you

think might be of help (or be interested in this matter).

 

I am seeking support from the MCS community in the form of possibly being a

witness at my hearing, or just providing simple documentation (which could be

anonymous) about chemical injury due to fabric softener fumes or pesticide

exposures in a residential setting. As many of you know, I have decided to

take legal action - just through Small Claims Court - against my neighbor for

seriously injuring me from persistent toxic chemical fumes coming from their

dryer, and now pesticides being sprayed quarterly. This could be a landmark

case which could help many other people who have become seriously injured from

chemical fumes coming from neighbors. Due to the dynamics that have transpired

in my situation, the grounds on which I am filing are: nuisance (from

chemical fumes and residues), loss of the use of my home, property damage, and

intent to cause harm. Despite the pessimism many have expressed about the

possibility of me winning, I have become so ill that I feel that I am fighting

for

the right to breathe inside (and outside) my own home, and truly fighting for

my life (many aspects of which are now substantively diminished) So, if

anyone would like to offer support by providing a letter that describes your own

physiological and neurological reactions to fabric softener or pesticides, your

displacement from your home due to these exposures, and if there are any

specific scientific facts that you can share, I would be immensely grateful. I

have collected much information over the past several years to help me

understand how I have become so sick, and I'm trying to pull it all together. My

court date is May 1 in Los Gatos, CA. Thank you.

 

Marsha Miliman, 408.255.7911 (Home), 408.334.7557 (CA cell), 206.450.0107

(WA cell)

 

SERVICES OFFERED BY E.I.s TO E.I.s

Sungold Soap and other E.I. Safe Personal Care Products

Stewart and his wife Quinn produce a pure white bath soap they call

Safflower Bar Soap, made with saponified safflower and palm kernel oils, and

whatever

it is you have to have in soap, but nothing more. It is totally unscented.

There are other Sungold products as well. Check out the website:

www.sungoldsoap. com.

 

E.I. Consultants on Safe Building or Remodeling

Gail Dagostino consults for E.I. safe building or remodeling, $75/hour.

(928) 445-3461. Another consulting source (Tucson area) is Steve Ross, (520)

320-7953. Gail and Steve have each had different kinds of experience with E.I.

safe construction and both offer valuable information.

 

Informational Tours for Safe Building Methods

Gail Dagostino shows her safer home in Prescott, AZ for informational tours

on safe building methods. By Appointment Only: (928) 445-3461.

 

INSPIRATION

Nature Photos and the Painting Elephant Video

Diane writes:

 

This is so well worth the watch. words can't express. do yourself a favor &

watch it till the elephant has completed it's painting. and so many greedy

people exploit animals & use them for experiments when they are so marvelous.

see it on _http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=_LHoyB81LnE,_

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LHoyB81LnE,) & another awesome one is

_http://articles.

mercola.com/ sites/articles/ archive/2008/ 04/03/best- nature-photo-

award-winners.

aspx_

(http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/04/03/best-nature-photo\

-award-winners.aspx) . I got these off Dr. Mercola's free website

[that i've been enjoying for weeks now] .it showed the best photo's of2008 &

comments from viewers linked me to these incredible websites which certainly

give one something to think about. Love di

 

That's all for now, folks. Remember, send all your items and news for the

bulletin to Kathy and Susan from now on.

 

Steve

_sross1 (AT) earthlink (DOT) net_ (sross1)

www.relaxandbreathe .net

 

" Forgiveness is giving up all hope for a better past. " -- Lily Tomlin