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Children At Risk From Too Strong Asthma Drug
UK Mail on Sunday 17 November 2002

A new warning has been issued about asthma inhalers containing fluticasone, sold as Flixotide and
Seretide. These are linked to a hormone condition which has led to coma and death. Doctors can
prescribe 400 micrograms of Flixotide daily but 5% of children on the drug are prescribed levels above
this. Dr Geoff Todd, consultant chest physician from Antrim Area Hospital says doctors must stay
within recommended doses. 23 children have been admitted to hospital suffering hypoglycaemia (low
blood sugar), 2 children died, 9 had fits and a 5-year old girl died. All were prescribed 500-2,000
micrograms a day. The inhalers causing concern are coloured orange and purple and are made by
GlaxoSmithKline.

Prince Charles Hits Out At Bully Supermarkets
UK Mail on Sunday 17 November 2002

Prince Charles ticked off supermarket bosses over the poor deal they give to UK farmers. During a
drinks reception and organic dinner at Highrove on Friday, he told Tesco's Sir Terry Leahy,
Sainsbury's Sir Peter David and Asda's Tony De Nunzio, and 30 other food industry executives that
they are not paying enough to farmers for their food. Farmers say they are paid next to nothing and if
they object, they face being blacklisted by supermarket giants.

The Danger Bug Behind Huge Rise In Food Poisoning
UK Daily Mail 14 Novemeber 2002

Cases of serious food poisoning, where victims need urgent hospital treatment, have soared. Over
three quarters are caused by campylobacter - a dangerous bug which has replaced salmonella as the
the biggest single source of food poisoning. 1 in 10 victims suffer serious complications, including
septicaemia and paralysis. Over half chickens are contaminated with campylobacter.

Comment from YNW: If you are interested in learning more about this topic see
http://www.yesnutritionworks.com/tests.htm for information on the Comprehensive Figestive
Stool Analysis.

Parents Told To Peel Fruit After Pesticide Alert
UK Daily Telegraph 13 November 2002

This particularly applies to potatoes, before giving them to young children. Over half those checked by
the Pesticide Residues Committee were found to contain banned fungicide and chlorpropham, a
pesticide known to be toxic.

Comment from YNW: Some restaurants now sell potato skins/wedges which are popular with
children

Chemical Exposure May Reduce Sperm Quality
COLUMBIA, Missouri, November 13, 2002 (ENS)

Exposure to environmental chemicals may be responsible for differences in human sperm quality in different parts of the nation, a new study suggests. Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia and their collaborators say they have found convincing evidence that semen quality differs significantly between regions of the United States. Their study results suggest that fertile men in more rural areas have lower sperm counts and less vigorous sperm than men in urban areas.

The researchers believe that environmental factors, such as extensive use of agricultural chemicals, might contribute to these differences.

Dr. Shanna Swan, an epidemiologist and research professor of Family and Community Medicine, led a group of researchers who studied 512 couples receiving prenatal care at clinics in Columbia; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Los Angeles, California; and New York, New York. The research is part of the ongoing Study for Future Families funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Swan found that semen quality was equally high in Minneapolis and New York, and slightly lower in Los Angeles. However, men in mid-Missouri had counts and quality that were significantly lower than men from any of the urban centers.

"We believe that agricultural chemicals could be contributing to this decrease in semen quality,"
Swan said. "The county in which our Missouri participants lived is quite rural. In 1997, 57 percent of the land was used for farming, compared to 0 to 19 percent for the other three counties we studied. We are continuing this research and examining the exposure of men to specific chemicals used in farming."

Prior studies of semen quality were often conducted in large metropolitan areas. The only other published study on a comparable semi-rural population analyzed semen quality among men in Iowa City, and also found reduced sperm concentration. Swan and her colleagues are now studying semen quality in Iowa City.

Since the 1930s, there has been considerable interest in semen quality as a key predictor of male reproductive dysfunction. However, semen analyses are sensitive to laboratory methods, the equipment employed, and the nature of the population, all of which may vary from one study to another.

The detailed protocol used by this research team supported the differences between geographic areas after adjusting for other factors known to alter sperm quality such as age, smoking and recent fever.

The study, funded by a $2.8 million grant from the NIH, was conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Minnesota, the University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center, the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the University of California at Davis, and researchers in Denmark and Japan.

The study appears in the November 11 online edition of "Environmental Health Perspectives," the scientific journal of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The study can be accessed at: http://www.ehponline.org/swan2002

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2002. All Rights Reserved. Published with permission of Environment News Service http://ens-news.com/

Pesticides Exceed Safety Levels in Unpeeled Potatoes and Pears
Friends of the Earth Press Release For Immediate Use: Tuesday 12th November 2002

Friends of the Earth today called on the Government to bring back advice to peel fruit and vegetables
before giving them to young children. The calls comes as the latest pesticide results reveal pesticides
found in unpeeled potatoes at 21 times the safety level for toddlers. Safety levels were also exceeded
in pears. The advice which was issued by the Chief Medical Officer in 1997 was withdrawn following a
recommendation of the Food Standards Agency earlier this year on the basis that the situation with
residues had improved sufficiently.

Friends of the Earth also wants the Government to apply stricter safety levels to foods commonly
eaten by infants such as bananas. Currently processed baby food must by law be free of pesticide
residues. But today's results showed that pesticides are regularly found in pears and bananas which
are popular fruits to puree for infants. Retailers also need to do more to ensure that the food they sell
is free of potentially harmful pesticide residues.

Significant findings from today's report include:

Overall 41 per cent of fruit and vegetables tested contained residues, 20 per cent of these
contained residues of more than one pesticide.

In potatoes Chlorpropham [1] was found at four times the Acute Reference Dose [2] for adults and 21
times the Acute Reference Dose for toddlers. The Pesticides Residue Committee states that these
levels do not take into account reductions in pesticide levels which may result from peeling the
potatoes but accepts that for potatoes baked in the skin exceedence of the safety levels could still
occur.

Over half of bananas contained pesticide residues and 10 per cent Contained multiple residues.

Well over half (63 per cent) of pears contained residues. A sample of pears from Sainsbury's
contained eight different pesticides and samples from Asda contained seven different pesticides.
Folpet was found above safety levels in pears, this pesticide is listed as a 'probable human carcinogen'
by the US EPA.

Carbendazim, a hormone disrupting pesticide, was found above legal limits

[2] in apricots, green beans and yams. In laboratory studies carbendazim has been found to
disrupt sperm production. A sample of apricots from Asda contained illegal levels of carbendazim
despite the retailer telling Friends of the Earth two years ago that carbendazim was not used on its
produce.

Chorpyrifos was found over legal limits in apricots, this is an organophosphate pesticide which has
been severely restricted in the United States due to concerns over children's health.

Lindane, a pesticide which is banned in Europe and has been linked to breast cancer was
found at low levels in white chocolate, including Cadbury's Dream sold in Asda, Tesco and
Morrisons and Nestle milky bar white chocolate buttons sold in Safeway.

Sandra Bell, pesticides campaigner for Friends of the Earth said:

"Earlier this year the Government withdrew the only practical advice it gave to parents about reducing
pesticide residues in food - to peel fruit and vegetables before giving it to young children. Today's
results show just how ill informed that decision was. It is alarming that pesticide safety levels are still
being exceeded in unpeeled potatoes and in pears - popular with young children. The British
Government and retailers should be acting to ensure that our food is safe to eat without having to peel
it first. But until that time the peeling advice should be brought back".

Notes
[1] Chlorpropham is a carbamate herbicide, used on ware potatoes as an anti sprouting agent. There
are large data gaps for all aspects of its safety. At high levels in animal studies toxic effects have
included inflammation of the stomach lining and effects on the kidneys and liver.

[2] The Acute Reference Dose is the safety level for short term exposure, different levels are
calculated for adults and toddlers. The MRL is the legal limit for pesticide residues in food.

[3] A list of the results for all food is available from Friends of the Earth.
CONTACT: Sandra Bell (United Kingdom) 0113 389 9956 or 07941 176 957 (mobile)

UN Food Agency Adopts Stronger Pesticide Code
ROME, Italy, November 8, 2002 (ENS)

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has adopted a revised set of global standards for the distribution and use of pesticides. The previous code, which raised awareness of pesticide hazards, was adopted in 1985.

"Pesticide use will continue to be a major factor in agricultural production. However, the improper distribution and use of pesticides and highly toxic compounds, in particular in developing countries, continues to cause health and environmental problems," said Gero Vaagt, FAO senior officer for pesticide management.

The new code of standards adopted by the FAO Council Monday more strongly reflects the responsibility of governments, industry, international organizations and traders in reducing the health and environmental risks associated with pesticides, the FAO said in a statement. The new code also strengthens the monitoring and observance of the standards.

The code calls on industry to "supply only pesticides of adequate quality, and to pay special attention to the choice of pesticide formulations and to the presentation, packaging and labeling" of the substances.

Manufacturers are urged to recall highly toxic pesticides - such as organophosphates and carbamates - that pose an "unacceptable risk" to people, animals and the environment.

"The adoption of the new Code was not easy," Vaagt said. "Different interpretations on product protection among countries reflected conflicts of interest between large multinationals and smaller companies that mainly produce generic products. This delayed the adoption of the Code by one year."

In many developing countries, the use of pesticides remains a major risk. The World Health Organization estimates that each year there are 25 million cases of pesticide poisoning and as many as 20,000 unintentional deaths, primarily in developing countries.

Long term effects of regular exposure to pesticides often cause chronic illnesses, including cancer, reproductive and neurological effects.

While more than 80 percent of pesticides are applied in developed countries, 99 percent of all poisoning cases occur in developing countries where regulatory, health and education systems are weakest,
FAO said.

In many of the poorest countries agro-chemicals are not handled or stored within even minimal standards. Highly toxic products are easily available while protective clothing is often too expensive for poor farmers or impossible to wear in humid and hot environments.

Compliance to the code is mandatory for manufacturers who belong to their industry's international association, Crop Life International, the release said.

The code calls on developing country governments to enforce laws related to pesticide distribution and use.

The code also promotes integrated pest management strategies that reduce reliance on pesticides. "Experience from numerous FAO projects shows that this approach offers the chance to drastically reduce the use of pesticides and to increase yields," Vaagt said.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2002. All Rights Reserved. Published with permission of Environment News Service http://ens-news.com/

Viagra Swells Scarce Animal Count
By Stewart Taggart SYDNEY, Australia, November 7, 2002 (ENS)

Men definitely get a lift from the anti-impotence drug Viagra. Now there is evidence that threatened animal species may also benefit, say two researchers.

Since the blockbuster treatment went on sale in 1998, there has been a marked drop in global
demand for animal products used in traditional Chinese medicine - like Alaskan reindeer antler velvet
and Canadian seal penises.

"The evidence is still merely suggestive," says Bill von Hippel, a psychology professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia. "But it'll be nice if it turns out to be true."

From 1997 to 1998, sales of Alaskan reindeer antler velvet, used as an anti-impotence drug in traditional Chinese medicine, dropped 72 percent worldwide. While sales had been down since 1990, the 1997-98 drop was the biggest since record keeping began in 1972, says von Hippel.

Meanwhile, sales of the penises of Canadian hooded and harp seals fell by half between 1996 and 1998, and to near zero in 2000, he added.

As part of their research, von Hippel and his brother, Frank, a biologist at the University of Alaska, studied trade data on legally harvested species used for impotence treatment in traditional Chinese medicine before and after Viagra went on sale. They limited their focus to trade in animal parts selling for more than $8 to $10 - the price per pill for Viagra.

Asian medicinal products, such as these displayed in this Hong Kong market, often make use of animal parts. (Photo courtesy Hawk)

"Because market forces are driving the overcollection of and subsequent threat to some species, the elimination of these market forces may prove to be the most effective conservation solution," the brothers wrote in a paper published in the September issue of the journal "Environmental Conservation."

While they admit the drop in demand could have been caused in part by other factors - such as the East Asian economic crisis, lower prices for Canadian seal pelts and meat, and reductions in a Canadian fuel subsidy - the von Hippel brothers believe a statistical correlation exists.

If confirmed by additional research, Viagra's commercial success could mean good news for a host of other wild animals, such as pipefish, seahorses, sea cucumbers and North American elk, also sought for use in impotence treatments. While these animal parts may have a long history of use in Chinese folk medicine, none has proven effective under Western standards of double-blind testing with placebos as a control group, Bill von Hippel says.

One reason the brothers selected Viagra for study was that its effects are undeniable.

"While there are many Western medicines that do much the same thing as Chinese traditional medicines, East Asians are typically suspicious of Western medical products," Frank von Hippel says. "What's different about Viagra is that its effect is so immediate and visible."

Since completing their trade data study, the brothers have interviewed 100 Hong Kong apothecaries about demand for traditional remedies since Viagra came on the market. While that research is not complete, early indications show the results support their first study's conclusions, Bill von Hippel says. Later, the brothers hope to conduct a survey of users of traditional Chinese medicines.

Viagra tablets (Photo credit unknown) "If apothecary and user-level data confirm the trade data, we could have a really good story linking Viagra and conservation," von Hippel says. However, he cautions, the good news may only go so far. Many Asians remain deeply committed to traditional medicines, using Western medicine only for highly specific ailments. Jill Robinson, founder and CEO of the Hong Kong-based Animals Asia Foundation, says the von Hippels' work mirrors her organization's findings.

"While Viagra has enormous potential, the transition [away from using animal parts] is clearly not happening quickly enough - and the reduction in demand still remains very small," she says. For instance, blackmarket versions of Viagra for sale in China often contain animal parts as a "booster," she says.

What's more, different parts of the same animal can be used for different treatments, which also could limit
the overall benefits to threatened species from an individual wonder drug such as Viagra.

{Published in cooperation with http://www.wired.com/}

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2002. All Rights Reserved. Published with permission of
Environment News Service http://ens-news.com/

Osteoarthritis Linked to Fluoride
New York 28 October 2002 Rheumatology International - The National Pure Water Association Reports

Naturally fluoridated water is linked to knee osteoarthritis at levels lower than expected (1) and in
amounts many Americans consume daily, according to a study published in "Rheumatology
International."

At high doses, fluoride, a well-known tooth and bone seeking element, undeniably damages bones and
reportedly can cause arthritis(2a,b). However, this study, "Endemic fluorosis in Turkish patients:
relationship with knee osteoarthritis", correlates knee osteoarthritis to fluoride at levels, 1.9 - 3.6
milligrams per liter (mg/L), that many Americans ingest daily via food, air, water, medicines and dental
products.

Fluoride's maximum contaminant level, 4 mg/L, is set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for
public water supplies, to prevent bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones(3). Neither a
nutrient nor essential to health, fluoride gets into tap water through natural rock erosion, from fertilizer
runoff, or when purposely added to reduce tooth decay.

However, researchers Savas et al., found arthritis symptoms in patients drinking water fluoride levels
averaging only 2.7 mg/L. "Unknowingly, Americans inhale or consume between 1.6 - 6.6 mg fluoride a
day(4) from varying sources, as obscure as ocean mist, and as common as French fries and cola" says
lawyer Paul Beeber, President, New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation (NYSCOF). "Little do
they know their fluoridated tap water and food supply could be causing their arthritic ailments," says
Beeber.

One third of American adults suffer with arthritis(5). " It's curious that Hawaii, the least fluoridated state
(9%), in 66% fluoridated U.S., also has the least arthritic adults (17.8%). It is imperative that the
government study the relationship between arthritis and ingested fluoride" says Beeber.

Organized dentistry, with little toxicology training, decided that about one milligram daily fluoride is
"optimal" for reducing tooth decay - a level they admit has never been scientifically determined(6). But
according to UNICEF, "A single 'optimal' level for daily intake cannot be agreed upon because the
nutritional status of individuals, which varies greatly, influences the rate at which fluoride is absorbed by
the body. A diet poor in calcium for example, increases the body's retention of fluoride." (7)

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disorder characterized by degeneration of joint cartilage and adjacent
bone that can cause joint pain and stiffness.(8)

In this study, an endemic fluorosis group was compared to a control group. "The severity of osteoarthritis
was greater in patients with endemic fluorosis than controls, both clinically and radiologically," Savas et
al. report.

Endemic fluorosis for this study was defined as:
1) Living in the endemic fluorosis region since birth
2) Having mottled tooth enamel, indicating dental fluorosis
3) Consuming water with fluoride levels above 1.2 mg/L
4) A urine fluoride level greater than 1.5 mg/L

The mean fluoride level in the drinking water, serum and urine was significantly higher in patients with
fluorosis than in controls.

References at website: http://www.enn.com/direct/display-release.asp?id=7732

Comment from YNWs: If you are interested in exploring the effects of fluoride on your health we recommend the book Fluoride by Barry Groves.

New Gender-Bending Poison Fear For Young
Daily Mail (UK) 21 October 02 Tim Utton, Science Reporter.

New evidence from scientists at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Holland found tiny amounts of
PCBs - polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins caused girls and boys to swap sex preferences in games
and hobbies. These exposures were within so-called "normal" limits. They measured levels of the
chemicals in the blood of 207 mothers in their final months of pregnancy and in umbilical blood at birth
and breast milk.

The exposure was probably from eating normal food. PCBs, once widely used in plastics and electrical
insulation, is now largely banned in the West, but persist in the environment and in body fat. Nearly
one and a half million tons have been spread around the world. Dioxins are produced by incineration
and accumulate in the food chain - milk, dairy products, fish etc. The WHO warned recently that long-
term effects of gender-bending chemicals on human health and fertility could be a nightmare waiting to
unfold. (Summary).

Cancer Causing Drugs Can Remain In Food
BBC 1 TV (United Kingdom) "Countryfile" 20 October 02

Emtryl the drug used for pheasants is banned in the EU but the UK has an exemption and has been
allowed to continue using it. The drug is given so pheasants can be intensively kept in sheds for part of
their lives. Without it Rearers say 80% of these birds would die from infections (due to an unhealthy
rearing in these sheds). Emtryl is thought to be cancer causing and some of the drug can remain in the
pheasants when they are eaten by humans.

Also in Countryfile. Farmers are being told to improve their procedures after sheep have been dipped
or showered in chemicals to kill parasites. If the sheep walk through rivers this contaminates river
water and kills tiny creatures. In Wales 90% of the tested samples of water showed traces of sheep dip
chemicals.

Britain Accused In Battle Over Gm Food Labels
Daily Mail (UK) 18 October 02

Yesterday the British Government fought to STOP EU plans to label all GM foods. The EU wants all
foods made from GM crops to carry the fact on the label so consumers can decide whether to buy GM
or not. But the US fear this will lead to a boycott of US food and block their exports worth millions of
pounds. Green groups and consumer watchdogs said the UK Government action to oppose labelling
at the meeting of agriculture ministers in Brussels showed it was supporting the US dominated biotech
industry.

Nutrient Thieves
Daily Telegraph (UK), 08 October 2002

Antibiotics interfere with B complex vitamins & vit. K.
The Pill interferes with folic acid, C, E & B
Anti-depressants - B2, zinc, magnesium
Cholesterol-lowering drugs - iron, beta carotene, A, D, K, folic acid
Diuretics - B, potassium, magnesium, & zinc
Ibroprofen - folic acid
Anti-convulsive drugs affect B6, D, K, and folic acid
Barbiturate sleeping pills - hinder vitamin D

CJD Deaths Up
Daily Telegraph (UK), 08 October 2002

The number of people to have died from definite or probable CJD has risen to 117 in Britain, according
to official figures released yesterday.

Concern Over Sale Of Scots GM Trial Crop
The Sunday Times - Scotland 06 October, 2002 Mark Macaskill

OIL-SEED rape grown as part of a genetically modified (GM) crop trial in The Highlands has been harvested to be sold to British consumers in cooking oil, margarine and ice cream.

The plants were grown as a "comparator" crop alongside GM oil-seed rape at Munlochy, in Inverness-
shire. (Scotland)

Experts believe there could be a risk of cross-contamination between the two crops. However, the government has refused to carry out tests because they were grown more than 50 metres apart, the distance laid down in official guidelines. Last month, tests commissioned by The Sunday Times found
GM pollen had contaminated honey cultivated in hives almost two miles from a government trial site, raising concern that current buffer zones of 50 metres are inadequate.

The oil-seed rape comparator crop at Munlochy, a former GM test site, was harvested and sold earlier
this year. The plant is crushed and the oil extracted from its seeds to make rape oil, which is used in biscuits, ice cream, ready meals and margarine. Under EU regulations, however, food manufacturers
are under no obligation to declare the presence of GM material if it forms less than 1% of the whole.

Control crops at the two remaining farm-scale trial sites, in Aberdeenshire and Fife, will be harvested
and sold next year.

Professor David Atkinson, vice-principal of the Scottish Agricultural College, said: "This is an area of
public concern and the government should take the appropriate action to meet that concern.

"Yes, the tests should be done and yes, (the results) should be released. There also needs to be an agreed standard of accepted GM in non-GM products across Europe."

Dr Erik Millstone, a reader in science policy at the University of Sussex, said: "The experts are making informed guesses about the future but it would be extremely sensible to conduct experiments to check
the reliability of these forecasts. The government¹s scientific advisers certainly did not recommend
that such tests should not be conducted. The government is trying to hide behind their expert advisers
it should stop and the advisers should no longer acquiesce."

Since the BSE crisis, the dependence of government on scientific experts and, in particular, expert committees, has been questioned. The Phillips report, which reviewed the government¹s handling of
the crisis, found the lead committee was not kept informed or given a clearly defined role.

Dr Sue Mayer, director of Genewatch, said: "It¹s quite extraordinary they are not taking the opportunity
to test the crop. The buffer zones are being questioned and you would have thought the smart
approach would be to test it."

Supporters of GM foods said health concerns were misplaced and not based on fact.

"If that¹s what the people want then that¹s what the government's scientific advisers should do" said
Keith Adamson, who is growing GM oil-seed rape on his farm in Newport on Tay, Fife, as part of the government¹s current round of trials. "But remember that 3m acres of GM crops are grown and
consumed in Canada every year, saving the environment from 6,000 tonnes of chemicals".

A spokesman for the executive said: "Specific tests are not carried out on non-GM crops in the vicinity
of GM crop trials. Very low levels of pollen from the GM crop outwith the trial may occur but this does
not give rise to safety concerns and is thought to pose no threat to human or animal health."

Last week, the Medical Research Council revealed that new genes inserted into food could provoke
allergic reactions and alter human DNA, switching on "silent genes" which may cause harm. It said GM foods could alter the balance of bacteria in the gut or pass on resistance to antibiotics.

The opinions of groups or individuals subscribing to this list are not necessarily endorsed, nor do they necessarily reflect the policy of Friends of the Earth.

Terrible Ten: Labour's Corporate Backers Exposed
Friends of the Earth Press Release 30 September 2002
26-28 Underwood St. London N1 7JQ (UK) Website: www.foe.co.uk

This week at the Labour Party Conference in Blackpool (UK), Friends of the Earth will be presenting special awards to "environmentally destructive" companies seeking special favours.

FOE today publishes a report on a shortlist of ten companies funding the 2002 Conference through sponsorship of fringe events, receptions and exhibition stalls (copies of report available from FOE press office). Labour depends on commercial money for about a sixth of its total income (£6.2 million in 2001 out of a total of £36.5 million, not including large individual donations from business people and others). Sponsors attend the Conference, gaining easy access to decision makers and power structures. By sponsoring fringe events discussing issues relating to improving the environment, social issues and human health, corporate sponsors can also present themselves as responsible, caring and interested.

The Terrible Ten companies short-listed for the FOE awards are:

Alstom - The construction giant involved in the planned Yusufeli dam in Turkey, the Three Gorges dam in China and other destructive projects.

Aventis - Aventis Crop Science, now Bayer Crop Science, is the only company seeking to license GM oilseed rape and fodder maize seeds in the UK. Now primarily a pharmaceutical company, it is sponsoring the Cancer Groups' Reception, the Driving Up Standards in Cancer Care fringe meeting and the Fabian fringe meeting on reforming the NHS at the Labour Party Conference.

BAA - BAA is backing the "Freedom to Fly" coalition, which is seeking a massive expansion of airport capacity all over the UK. BAA is sponsoring a 70s/80s disco and is exhibiting at the conference.

BAE - BAE, one of the largest arms companies in the world, is exhibiting at the 2002 Conference and has sponsored events at previous conferences. It has close links with Government, with former senior executives running the Working Age Agency and Office of Government Procurement.

Barclays - Barclays is sponsoring two fringe meetings at the 2002 Labour Party Conference; "A celebration of equality, celebrating diversity" and the New Statesman fringe "Whose Space is it anyway? Resolving conflict, regenerating communities". Barclays has been heavily criticized by FOE for financial backing of Asia Pulp and Paper, one of the world's most destructive paper and logging companies.

BNFL - British Nuclear Fuels Ltd is exhibiting at the Labour Party conference and has taken a page of advert space in the conference brochure, advertising the company's contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Nestle - Nestle is sponsoring a variety of events including five Foreign Policy Centre fringe events. The company also has a half page advert in the event brochure and is exhibiting at the conference. Nestle is subject to ongoing boycotts because of its irresponsible marketing of breast milk substitutes.

Shell - Shell is sponsoring a fringe meeting on Corporate Social Responsibility at the Labour Party Conference. The world's third largest oil company with operations in over 100 countries. Recent controversies include pollution around the company's South Durban refinery in South Africa, and attempts (now dropped after campaigns by FOE and others) to explore gas in Kirthar National Park, Pakistan.

Tesco - The company is sponsoring the National Reception at the Labour Party conference. Sir Terry Leahy, CEO of Tesco, sits on no less than four Government task forces. Tesco has been heavily criticized for commercial exploitation of UK farmers and food producers. According to a recent NFU survey UK farmers will get only £11 for a basket of food (beef, eggs, bread, tomatoes and apples) that will then cost the consumer £37 in a Tesco branch.

Wessex Water - Wessex Water is sponsoring the Fabian Society Reception at the Labour Party Conference 2002. The company was formerly owned by Enron, before its spectacular collapse last year. It has subsequently been sold to Malaysian energy group YTL Power for about £1.2bn. In 1998, Wessex Water was ranked by the UK Environment Agency as the fourth worst polluter with five prosecutions resulting in total fines of £36,000. Environment Agency director of operations, Archie Robertson said, "The companies included in our Hall of Shame have let down the public, the environment and their own industry."

Friends of the Earth are backing a Corporate Responsibility (CORE) Bill, recently tabled in the House of Commons by Linda Perham MP (Labour, Ilford North). The Bill would ensure

Mandatory reporting: Companies with a turnover greater that £5m must produce and publish reports on their economic, environmental and social impacts.

Stakeholder consultation: Before embarking on major projects companies shall take reasonable steps to consult with and respond to affected stakeholders.

Directors' duties: Directors be required to consider the impacts of their business.

Enforcement: The creation of a Standards Board to set standards, monitor and ensure the effective implementation of the above.

(More information on the Bill is available at www.corporate-responsibility.org/)

FOE Corporates Campaigner Hannah Griffiths commented:

"Our report exposes the environmentally and socially destructive activities of the "Terrible Ten" corporations present at this year's Labour Party conference. These companies are pouring millions of pounds into Labour's emptying coffers. They aren't doing this out of some sense of political altruism. They are trying to buy access and influence. They will use it to try to block any moves to strengthen the law to hold them to account for the activities. Labour Party members should say no to the attempted corporate takeover of their Party, and use this Conference to make their views known to the Labour leadership."

Is There A Safe Limit For Weedkillers
New Scientist, 21 September, 2002

Chemical weedkillers used by farmers & gardeners have been found to disrupt animal reproduction at levels well below those said to be safe. Studies by a team led by Warren Porter of Wisconsin-Madison Uni linked weedkiller products to miscarriages, stillbirths & birth defects.

Antibiotics Are Linked To Childhood Asthma Rise
Daily Mail (UK) 18 September, 2002

The epidemic in childhood asthma & allergies could be caused by women being prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy. A study found that babies of mothers-to-be who were prescribed antibiotics, greatly increased the risk of their child developing asthma, eczema & hay fever later in life. Women prescribed 2 or more courses of antibiotics were 60% more likely to be asthmatic say scientists at Nottignham University, who looked at GPs records of 24,690 children. Team leader Dr. Tricia McKeever said they found a clear link.

New Genomic Test Now Available To Practitioners

Can Reveal Hidden Causes Of Adverse Drug Reactions, Chemical Sensitivity & Chronic Fatigue Syndromes
Special Announcement from Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory and Genovations™
13 September, 2002

For the first time, primary care practitioners can utilize a powerful new clinical tool to assess each patient's inborn ability to metabolize drugs, steroid hormones, and environmental toxins.

Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory and Genovations™ are pleased to announce the launch of the new DetoxiGenomic™ profile. This advanced profile is an extensive evaluation of over 20 genetic variations affecting Phase I and Phase II Detoxification and Oxidative Protection.

Genetic analysis of Phase I and Phase II detoxification pathways is one of the most promising and fastest-growing areas in environmental, pharmaceutical, and genomic medicine. It offers the opportunity for diverse and powerful clinical applications, including risk identification and reduction for adverse drug reactions, chemical sensitivity, certain cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, and fatigue syndromes.

"The detoxification system is the body's primary defense against 'foreign' chemicals entering the body," explains Patrick Hanaway, M.D., GSDL Medical Director. "This new profile will allow doctors to identify potential genetic 'trouble spots' in this self-defense system early on, so they can design precise, individualized therapy to support detoxification and to avert health problems -as well as adverse reactions to medications and supplements-before they happen."

The potential clinical benefits are enormous. Adverse reactions to prescription drugs have been ranked as the fourth to the sixth leading cause of mortality in the U.S. Each year about 100,000 Americans die from adverse reactions to pharmaceuticals-more than double the number killed in motor vehicle accidents. Annual hospital costs from these reactions have been estimated at between $1.5 to $4 billion.

"One gene evaluated in this new profile, CYP3A4, affects an enzyme the body uses to detoxify over 50% of all drugs-including many anti-depressants, steroid hormones, and lipid-lowering medications," Dr. Hanaway points out. "Another, CYP2D6, affects an enzyme that metabolizes over 38% of drugs commonly cited in adverse drug reaction studies."

Besides being exposed to a growing variety of drugs, the human body is exposed to increasing toxic compounds in the environment, including pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (eg, car exhaust, tobacco smoke), and solvents. Environmental factors are now generally believed to be involved in the causation of nearly all cancers; the World Health Organization has estimated that environmental factors constitute 25-33% of global disease burden.

While other genetic assessments analyze isolated detoxification pathways involved in the processing of pharmaceuticals, the DetoxiGenomic™ profile is a more comprehensive evaluation of over 20 genetic variations affecting the patient's ability to detoxify food components, steroid hormones, medications, and environmental toxins.

This will allow primary care physicians to individualize prevention and treatment strategies as they address conditions associated with chronic exposure to toxic substances, including multiple chemical sensitivity, neurodegenerative disorders, and chronic fatigue syndromes.

The new DetoxiGenomic™ profile is the latest addition to the Genovations™ line, which applies breakthroughs in genetic research to create innovative clinical assessment tools for primary care physicians to practice personalized medicine.

Genovations™ tests measure individual genetic variations called single nucleotide polymorphisms. Under the influence of environmental triggers, these variations can make even a healthy person more prone to develop certain diseases or physiological imbalances. This allows physicians to implement customized preventive interventions earlier and with greater specificity, to reduce a patient's disease risk before symptoms appear.

In addition to the DetoxiGenomic™ profile, predictive genomic diagnostic profiles for cardiovascular health, bone health, and immune function are also available. Additional predictive genomic profiles for the primary care market will also be available soon.

Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory http://www.gsdl.com provides advanced, innovative assessments of gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune, nutritional, and metabolic function to healthcare providers worldwide. GSDL's quality clinical laboratory services are licensed by Medicare and several state regulatory agencies, and accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

If you feel this issue is important to you, then ask the YesNutritionWorks! Doctor or Clinical Nutritionist for the Genovations- Predictive Genomics when you complete your Reach Your Peak™ profile consultation.