RE: [CPEO-BIF] Toxicity in general!

["Bob Paterson" <paterson@uts.cc.utexas.edu>]

I think it is high time we also address issues of additive and synergistic
toxicity in a stronger fashion.  We seem to be like an ostrich with its head
underground. Yes it is a tough question, yet we have some ideas on what
combinations of various classes of chemicals and compounds that are in fact
likely to have such effects. So we can in fact, expect and, in fact demand,
higher risk based safety thresholds where multiple compounds that are likely
to be problematic in combinations are found--and will be left in place to
biodegrade.  It is even tougher as we consider such effects through
different pathways (ingestion, absorption and inhalation)

See e.g., 
http://www.ecologic-ipm.com/commontox.html
http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/68/2/336
%20www.nyenvirolaw.org/.../ Appendix%208-Additve%20and%20Synergistic.pdf

SNIP>>>Finally, the BLHHRA is lacking in that it does not address the
potential for, and in some cases evidence of synergism when assessing the
risks of concurrent exposure to multiple toxicants. For example, research
indicates that PCBs and mercury, and PCBs and DDE act synergistically in
affecting a variety of biological functions such as neurological development
and survival (Bemis and Seegal 1999, Wren et al. 1987). PCB co-occurs with
mercury and DDE throughout the Fox River/Green Bay system, but the BLHHRA
does not address the potential for synergistic toxicity among these
contaminants. SNIP>>>
http://www.foxriverwatch.com/foran/foran_report_1_0.html


There are many national studies on this for foods. Consider for example,
dozens of pesticide compounds found on conventionally grown strawberries.
That fruit might well be fine for each compound or chemical individually,
yet the reality is we ingest, inhale and absorbed hundreds of chemical
compounds daily that have known or potentially toxicity issues--in
combination those chemicals make that strawberry--very unhealthy indeed. The
Food Quality Protection Act is supposed to deal with this issue for
pesticides, but there is much criticism of narrow interpretation....and this
does not deal with the chemicals we find at brownfield sites.  There are
only nine final Interaction Profiles for Toxic Substances at the ATSDR
website. Constructively, we might identify from the VCPs the most frequently
occurring combinations of chemicals of concern--based on potential or known
toxicities, providing some triage assistant to ATSDR.  Of course, in many
cases we are operating in the dark, we simply lack basic studies on many
chemicals that look at chronic-low dose exposures as happens at brownfield
sites........I lean toward the precautionary principle given the sorry state
of national public health that exists today...

Wee need ATSDR to accelerate analysis of this issue for the most common
combinations of contaminants we find at Superfund and brownfield sites
(especially as it pertains to clean ups that will become residential future
use sites), the larger question of safe food levels is also important, but
not on target for this list-serv.

I recently heard a lecture from a professor at Harvard medical school that
stated for the first time in recorded US medical history, the life
expectancy of our children will be less that of its parents!  While he
asserts poor diet and lack of exercise as the primary culprits, I submit
that the rise in incidence of many serious childhood diseases is also likely
to be at least partially explained by a heavily fouled food, air and water
supply,  My two cents......I fear our children will not be happy with the
world we have left them in our mindless pursuit of "profits," especially if
they don't have a long enough life to enjoy what little we left behind... 

Kind regards,

Bob 

Robert G. Paterson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor 
Co-Director, Center for Sustainable Development
School of Architecture and Planning
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station B7500 
Austin, Texas 78712-0222
512.471.0734/Fax 512.471.0716
paterson@uts.cc.utexas.edu


-----Original Message-----
From: brownfields-bounces@list.cpeo.org
[mailto:brownfields-bounces@list.cpeo.org] On Behalf Of Lenny Siegel
Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 12:50 PM
To: Brownfields Internet Forum
Subject: [CPEO-BIF] Homes on a contaminated Hollison (MA) site?

[I know I must sound like a broken record (if anyone remembers that
antiquated figure of speech), but it is imperative that environmental
regulatory agencies, in consultation with all stakeholder groups,
develop guidance as to where and when it is safe/appropriate to build
homes on contaminated sites. Local planning jurisdictions generally do
not have the expertise to make such decisions, and institutional
controls are rarely in place. - LS]


Health board asked for help

By Tyler B. Reed
MetroWest Daily News (MA)
August 2, 2005


HOLLISTON -- Leaders of the local group that opposes a developer's plans
to build homes on the Bird property asked the Board of Health last night
to become more involved in the Zoning Board of Appeals' review of the
plans. 

The Board of Health has "an important role as the health adviser to the
ZBA," John Lynch of the Holliston Hopkinton Action Committee said last
night. 

The Board of Health does not have the power to approve or reject the
developer's plans, which were filed under state 40B regulations. Local
approval rests solely in the hands of the ZBA, which can issue a
comprehensive permit. 

...

For the entire article, see
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=105160

-- 


Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org
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