Information about Environmental Injuries
Chemical Injury Information Network (CIIN)
http://www.ciin.org
A tax-exempt, non-profit, charitable support and advocacy organization run by the chemically injured for the benefit of the chemically injured. It focuses primarily on education, credible research into MCS, and the empowerment of the chemically injured. Monthly newsletter "Our Toxic Times".
Trade Secrets: A Moyers Report
http://www.pbs.org/tradesecrets
Report on how the public's right to know about the thousands of chemicals that surround us has been compromised. We have trusted the government and industry to keep us safe. However, of the more than 75,000 chemicals registered with the EPA, only a fraction have gone through complete testing to find out whether they might cause problems for human health. Many have never been tested at all. Usually it takes dramatic episodes of workplace injuries or wildlife poisonings, combined with rigorous scientific proof of harm and public outcry, before the government will act to restrict or ban any chemical.
http://www.pbs.org/tradesecrets/resources.html
These links include resources on the health effects of chemicals and related information. They are intended to serve as a guide to information available under right-to-know laws.
MCS Research & Referrals (MCS RR)
http://www.mcsrr.org
Professional outreach, patient support, and public advocacy devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, and prevention of MCS Disorders. Founded by Grace Ziem, MD, DrPH, and Albert Donnay, MH.
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
http://www.ewg.org
A not-for-profit environmental research organization dedicated to improving public health and protecting the environment by reducing pollution in air, water and food. Based in Washington, D.C., and with an office in Oakland, California, recent EWG research topics include pesticides in foods, air, and water; the cutback in energy conservation programs by California utilities; and toxic substances in beauty products.
Body Burden - the Pollution in People
http://www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden/es.php
A study led by Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, in collaboration with the EWG and Commonweal. Researchers found an average of 91 industrial compounds, pollutants, and other chemicals in the blood and urine of nine volunteers. Like most of us, the people tested do not work with chemicals on the job and do not live near an industrial facility. Of the 167 chemicals found, 76 cause cancer in humans or animals, 94 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 79 cause birth defects or abnormal development. The dangers of exposure to these chemicals in combination has never been studied.
Scorecard
http://www.scorecard.org
The ultimate source for free and easily accessible local environmental information. Type in a zip code to learn about environmental issues in your community. Scorecard ranks and compares the pollution situation in areas across the US. Also profiles 6,800 chemicals, find out where they are used and how hazardous they are. Scorecard encourages and enables you to take action - you can fax a polluting company, contact your elected representatives, or volunteer with local environmental organizations.
Chem-Tox
http://www.chem-tox.com
Research on health disorders resulting from petroleum-based chemicals used in consumer products and job environments. Petroleum based chemicals are being found to cause significant attritional effects to the nervous system and immune system after prolonged exposure. Illnesses identified in the medical research include adult and child cancers, numerous neurological disorders, immune system weakening, autoimmune disorders, asthma, allergies, infertility, miscarriage, and child behavior disorders including learning disabilities, mental retardation, hyperactivity and ADD (attention deficit disorders). Petroleum based chemicals are believed to cause these problems by a variety of routes including - impairing proper DNA (Gene) expression, weakening DNA Repair, accelerating gene loss, degeneration of the body's detoxification defenses (liver and kidneys) as well as gradual weakening of the brain's primary defense - (the Blood Brain Barrier).
Collaborative on Health and the Environment CHE
http://database.healthandenvironment.org
The new CHE Toxicant and Disease Database is a searchable database that summarizes links between chemical contaminants and approximately 180 human diseases or conditions.
ChemFinder
http://chemfinder.cambridgesoft.com
Enter a Chemical Name, CAS Number, Molecular Formula or Weight. ChemFinder has been providing free chemical searching to hundreds of thousands of scientists since 1995. ChemINDEX, adds power user features to this popular search engine.
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NYC Pesticide Spraying and West Nile Virus
Spraying schedules
The schedules are no longer posted on the city web site.
Read through the press releases to find current announcements, at
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/public/press03/press03.html,
or call (877) 968-4692.
Latest Spraying:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/public/press03/press03.html
Queens
Sunday, September 28, 7:00 P.M – 6:00 A.M., Weather Permitting
Floral Park, Douglaston, Littleneck and Glen Oaks (11362, 11426, 11004, 11005)
The area bounded by the Long Island Expressway to the north, the Nassau County Border to the east, Hillside Avenue to the south and the Cross Island Parkway to the west. Non-residential areas in this area include part of Alley Pond Park and the Douglaston Golf Course.
Manhattan
Wednesday, September 24, 7:30 P.M - 6:00 A.M., Weather Permitting
Washington Heights (10032).
Trinity Cemetery will be treated.
Brooklyn
Wednesday, September 24, 7:30 P.M - 6:00 A.M., Weather Permitting
Parts of Paerdergat Basin, Canarsie, Starrett City, Spring Creek, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Flatlands, Georgetown, Mill Basin Bergen Beach, and Mill Island (11207, 11229, 11234, 11236, 11239).
The area bounded by Flatlands Avenue, Ralph Avenue, Foster Avenue and Linden Boulevard to the north; 78th Avenue (and Queens border) to the east; the Belt Parkway to the south; and Plumb 1 Street and Gerritsen Street to the west. This includes Canarsie Beach Park, Fresh Creek Park, Marine Park and Marine Park Golf Course.
Queens, Brooklyn
Monday, September 22, 7:30 P.M – 6:00 A.M., Weather Permitting
1. Parts of Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village and Glendale (11374, 11378, 11379, 11385). This includes a small adjoining area of Bushwick, Brooklyn (11237).
The area bounded Troutman St., Flushing Ave. and Eliot Ave. to the north; Woodhaven Blvd. to the east; Myrtle Ave. to the south; and Wycoff Ave. to the west. This includes a small area of Bushwick (11237) in Brooklyn. This includes Mt. Olive Cemetery, Lutheran Cemetery, St. John's Cemetery and Juniper Valley Park.
2. Parts of Woodside and East Elmhurst (11370, 11377).
The area bounded by Astoria Blvd. South to the north; 82nd St. to the east, Northern Blvd. to the south; and the BQE to the west. This includes St. Michael's Cemetery.
3. Parts of Fresh Meadows, Holliswood, Auburndale, Bayside, Oakland Gardens, Pomonok and Queens Village (11358, 11361, 11364, 11365, 11366, 11423, 11427).
The area bounded by 46th and 47th Ave. to the north; Bell Blvd. to the east; Hillside Ave. to the south; and 188th St. and Utopia Parkway to the west. This includes Cunningham Park.
Bronx
Sunday, September 21, 7:30 P.M – 6:00 A.M., Weather Permitting
Parts of Allerton, Baychester, Co-Op City, Pelham Gardens, Pelham Bay, Middletown, Country Club, Eastchester Bay, Schuylerville and Edgewater Park (10461, 10464, 10465, 10469, 10475).
The area bounded by Boston Road to the north; the Hutchinson River to the east; the Cross Bronx Expressway to the south; and the Hutchinson River Parkway and Williamsbridge Road to the west.
This includes St. Raymond's Cemetery (north of the Cross Bronx Expressway), and parts of Pelham Bay Park (west of the water).
Other Major Toxins: Brooklyn
Sheepshead Bay Sewage Plant Fire, Tues Aug 5, 2003
possibility of chlorine and other treatment chemicals in the air
the smoke is acrid and smells like burning rubber or plastic
NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/06/nyregion/06SEWE.html?ex=1061171890&ei=1&en=c4333530af56b822
ABC local news: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/news/wabc_080503_sewage.html
How to Report Suspected or Confirmed Pesticide Poisoning
The NYC Dept. of Health City Health Information newsletter, June 2002
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in New York City: An Update - Volume 21 No.1
On page 2 (at the bottom of Figure 2): "How to Report Suspected or Confirmed Pesticide Poisoning: Suspected or confirmed pesticide poisoning must be reported to the New York City Department of Health Poison Control Center. The Poison Control Center operates 24 hours a day and can be reache at 212-POISONS (212-264-7667) for medical consultation and reporting of pesticide-related illness. Confirmed or suspected cases of pesticide poisoning must also be reported to the New York State Department of Health, Pesticide Poisoning Registry (800-322-6850)."
Office of Communications Press Release, July 2003:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/public/press03/pr083-0728.html
"Anyone experiencing adverse reactions to pesticides should seek medical care or call 311 or the NYC Poison Control Center at (212) POISONS (764-7667)."
NYC Department of Health Poison Control Center: 212-POISONS/764-7667
Pesticide Poisoning Registry: 800-322-6850
Apparently only open during business hours.
General City Information and Links
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvhome.html (2003)
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvhome.html (2002)
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/html/chi/chi.html (2002)
Anvil/Sumethrin data sheet
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/pdf/wnv/msds1.pdf
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Local Organizations
Human Ecology Action League - NYC Chapter (NYC HEAL), New York City
email: sia1939@aol.com
Educatonal and support group that meets monthly in NYC (at 8th Avenue and 27th Street). A variety of speakers on topics relative to MCS and EI are hosted. Tapes and newsletter available. Sandy and John Anello.
MCS NYC, New York City
http://www.mcsnyc.com
Information and resources for the Environmentally Injured in New York City. Where to turn if you are suddenly faced with MCS and cannot function well due to your condition.
No Spray Coalition, New York City
http://www.nospray.org
These are the people that brought a lawsuit against the city for pesticide spraying in 2000.
Citizen's Campaign for the Environment (CCE), Suffolk County NY
http://www.citizenscampaign.org
Formed in 1985 by a small group of concerned citizens who recognized the need to provide public involvement in the course of advancing stronger environmental policy. 18 years as a not-for-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization. 80,000-member organization with offices in Farmingdale, White Plains, Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo, New York.
New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), New York State
http://www.nypirg.org
New York State's largest research and advocacy non-profit organization primarily focused on environmental preservation, consumer protection, government reform and public health issues.
Neighborhood Notification Action Center http://www.nypirg.org/enviro/pests/action.html#form
New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health (NYCOSH), NYC
http://www.nycosh.org
A non-profit coalition of 200 local unions and more than 400 individual workers, physicians, lawyers and other health and safety activists - all dedicated to the right of every worker to a safe and healthful job. Part of a nation-wide network of 25 union-based safety and health organizations, NYCOSH operates throughout New York City, Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley. We also participate in safety and health policy debates in Albany, Washington, D.C., and wherever safety and health policy is decided or influenced. Includes information on how to file an OSHA complaint.
New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene(NYC DOHMH), New York City
http://http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh
Official New York City government public health site.
New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH), New York State
http://www.health.state.ny.us/home.html
Official New York State government public health site.
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National Organizations
Human Ecology Action League (HEAL)
http://members.aol.com/HEALNatnl
National nonprofit education and information organization founded in 1977 by citizens concerned about the health effects of environmental exposure. Distinguished group of volunteers-including physicians, writers, and other professionals-laid the groundwork for the organization as it now exists.
Beyond Pesticides
http://www.beyondpesticides.org
Began in 1981 as the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides. A non-profit membership organization that was formed to serve as a national network committed to pesticide safety and the adoption of alternative pest management strategies which reduce or eliminate a dependency on toxic chemicals.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
http://www.osha.org
To save lives, prevent injuries and protect the health of America's workers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Inspectors, plus complaint discrimination investigators, engineers, physicians, educators, standards writers, and other technical and support personnel establish protective standards, enforce those standards, and reach out to employers and employees through technical assistance and consultation programs.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
http://www.epa.gov
Protects human health and safeguards the natural environment. Leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts. Develops and enforces regulations, offers financial assistance, provides research grants and graduate fellowships, sponsors voluntary partnerships and programs, and furthers environmental education.
New York is in Region 2
http://www.epa.gov/region02/aboutr2.htm
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Air Filters, Masks, and other Equipment
FEMA's New York City Clean Air program - filters, air conditioners, vacuums
http://www.cleanairprogram.com
www.FEMA.gov
Reimbursement for air purifying equipment purchased through January 2003.
Cutting Edge Catalog - filters
http://www.cutcat.com
Water and air filters, EMF protectors, many other products for safer living.
KeySan - masks
http://www.keysan.com
You can also visit your local hardware store. Decorations by E. LaMourie.
Respirators: http://www.keysan.com/ksusa19.htm#CBT50411
My model: AOSafety®Flexi-Star®Dual Element Respirator without Filtering Elements (NFE)
Filter cartridges: http://www.keysan.com/ksusa19a.htm
My original filters: AOSafety®R51A Organic Vapor Respirator Cartridge. Protects against organic vapors (gases, vapors, dusts, mists, fumes).
Upgraded to: R61 Quantum Multi-Containment Cartridge. Protects against organic vapors, sulfur dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, chlorine dioxide, ammonia, methylamine, formaldehyde, hydrogen fluoride, and hydrogen sulfide (escape only).
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Local Health Food Resources
(Brooklyn)
Park Slope Food Coop
http://www.foodcoop.com
782 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Telephone: 718-622-0560. If you are disabled and/or homebound, medical exemptions from work shifts can be obtained.
Flatbush Food Coop
http://www.flatbushfoodcoop.com
1318 Cortelyou Road (between Rugby and Argyle Roads), Brooklyn, New York 11226-5604. Tel: (718) 284-9717.
Perelandra
City Hall, 175 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, 718-855-6068
Back To The Land
Park Slope, 142 7th Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11215, Phone: 718-768-9870.
NYS Health Stores - several
http://www.westbrae.com/cgi-bin/wb/distributor.pl?state=NY
