Would you share something about yourself and your background?
I have been working on international regulatory chemicals issues for almost 20 years. I am currently advising companies and other stakeholders on the implications of REACH (The Registration, Evaluations, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals Regulation) and the GHS (Globally Harmonised System for the classification and labeling of chemicals) and how to address compliance issues.

This month, in conjunction with the article on pages 18, we have provided a letter to mail to state representatives to urge the banning of wood burning.  This letter may be downloaded for use at:  http://mcs-america.org/woodsmoke.doc. 

Organophosphate pesticides may lead to functional developmental abnormalities in the nation’s children!  Organophosphates inhibit acetylcholinesterase by binding with cholinesterase at the neuromuscular junction.  Lack of acetylcholinesterase is the result of organophosphate overexposure and organophosphate poisoning, which leads to chronic irreversible illness.  

If you want a child, researchers say to avoid using pesticides.  Pesticides have contributed to semen reduction over the last few decades, and without enough semen, the chances of reproducing are slim. 

Researchers at Texas Southern University say contamination of the indoor environment by toxigenic molds is directly related to adverse health effects.

Parents want to know what is leading to the apparent increase in autism, and many across the country are blaming mercury from vaccines as the culprit for their children's autism.  Doctors and medical organizations have denied there is a connection and continue to recommend, and even force, vaccinations that contain thimerosal.  Thimerosal contains the neurotoxin mercury and doctors claim the dose is not high enough to cause any damage to health. 

Many states are enacting legislation against secondhand tobacco smoke, but they continue to overlook recreational wood burning.  Wood smoke, a big source of air pollution, is as deadly as vehicle exhaust and has many of the same toxicants as cigarette smoke.1,2,3  It is a major health hazard that often goes unrecognized, even by concerned environmentalists. 

Life is going to shovel “dirt” on us, all kinds of “dirt”.  When a chronic illness develops, the “dirt” may take on the form of insulting comments by well-meaning friends and family, loss of finances/dignity/credibility, and loneliness.  This can be further compounded by the disbelief of others in the severity of the disability, feeling misunderstood, and experiencing sadness and anger over losses.  Some may even experience persecution for seeking understanding and acceptance from society for disabilities.  It is during these times that we must remember the donkey in the well.