Arsenic in rice originates from groundwater, soil levels, and pesticides previously applied to rice fields. In flooded rice paddies, arsenite, an inorganic more toxic form is prevalent.

Rice absorbs more arsenite in flooded fields because it cannot differentiate arsenite and silicic acid. Rice likes the silicon because it strengthens the stem. It can absorb  10 x's more than other grasses. As it absorbs more silicon, it also absorbs more arsenite. (MaryLou Guerinot, Dartmouth College)

Rice can also be grown in aerobic conditions where fields are not flooded. Arsenate, another toxic form of arsenic is prevalent in this condition. Rice cannot differentiate arsenate from phosphate, a beneficial nutrient available in soil. As rice absorbs phosphate, it also absorbs arsenate.

Rice needs high levels of silicon and phosphate to strengthen, protect, and enhance its nutrition. The most obvious way to lower arsenic absorption is to lower the use of pesticides containing arsenic used in agricultural fields.

Recently, the F.D.A. has solicited pharmaceutical veterinary drug companies to phase out arsenic in more than 100 pet products. The use of arsenic in poultry has already been removed commercially.

Source: Urvashi Rangan, Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center 

The E.P.A. proposed a rule to prevent sending fracking waste water to public sewage plants. Some oil and gas extraction facilities have previously sent waste water to publicly owned facilities. In fact, we are drinking it. 

During fracking, millions of gallons daily of this water is sent underground. Most of the water returns to the surface containing various metals, salts, radioactive material and organic matter we don't want to drink. Public treatment sewage plants are not able to remove these materials. This polluted sewage is also apparent in some well water.

Let your city leaders know we expect the clean water we pay for.

Chemical& Engineering News, April 15, 2015

U.S. beekeepers lost 42% of their honeybees from April 2014 to 2015.This is the second highest loss ever recorded. Although Congress is frustrated with the conflicting research, it has asked President Obama to release a strategy to protect our pollinators within the next 2 weeks.

Although the U.S.D.A. finds no reason to restrict soybean seeds coated with neonicotinoid pesticides, the E.P.A. has recently restricted any new use of these pesticides accused by consumer groups for decimating the bee and pollinator population. This includes aerial spraying or any different application until all data is evaluated.

On April 2,a letter to chemical companies indicated any new  use of clothian,dinotefuran, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam will not be approved any time soon. The manufacturers are asked to withdraw them from production or delete them from outdoor use. The E.P.A. admitted lack of sufficient data to determine the outcome of usage on bees and  pollinators. Peter Jenkins, Center for Food Safety, says under federal regulation (F.IF.R.A), the E.P.A. should suspend existing use of these pesticides, pending a thorough investigation of impact of these pesticides on the environment. The outcry and demands from the public have retailers removing neonicotinoids from their shelves and have forced the E.P.A. and government agencies to seriously reconsider use in the future. Until the E.P.A. can prove these pesticides are safe for pollinators and the public, further use may be restricted all together.

Sources: Chemical and Engineering News, May 11 and May 16, 2015.

The Arctic, non browning apple is the first G MO apple approved by the USDA. This new variety will be  available in markets in 2016, labeled Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny. Non browning is achieved by gene silencing, reducing the amounts of poly-phenol oxidase that causes browning. Okanagan Specialty Fruits, who parented this apple, says the nutritional value is comparable to other apples.

In fact, a 2003 survey proved wild apples to have 475 times more phytonutrients than commercially produced apples. The least nutritious varieties include Empire, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady and Fuji. Other commercial varieties and wild apples contain as much as 80 times more cancer compounds than the ones previously listed .Fuji, the most popular apple today, contains almost no phytonutrients to fight cancer and is also at the top of the list of the least nutritious apples. 

The most nutritious apple originates from New Zealand, Called Monty's Surprise.This variety produces the most phytonutrients that reduce or destroy most cancer cells, especially colon cancer. New Zealanders call it the Full Monty. Hopefully, these apples will be available by the time Arctic apples appear in 2016.

Sources: Chemical and Engineering News: Coming Soon: Non browning Apples, Britt Erikson, Feb 23, 2015

Eating On the Wild Side, Jo Robinson, 2014.

Strontium is detected in 99% of U.S. drinking water. The present amounts raise concern in at least 7% of public drinking water. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires the E.P.A. to check unregulated contaminants of concern in drinking water every 5 years. The E.P.A. will make a decision about regulating Strontium levels in drinking water in 2015.

Strontium is a trace element that can replace calcium in the bones. It especially affects children, infants and adolescents. I am concerned for pregnant and lactating women also. Small levels of Strontium could affect mother's milk. Also the skeletal formation of fetus may also be adversely affected by Strontium levels. 

Recently, the E.P.A. has decided not to regulate 2 organophosphates in drinking water. They originate from pesticides. The E.P.A. estimates up to 10% of pesticides drift from their target during application. These and other pollutants of similar nature could easily land in our sources of drinking water. The E.P.A. has no regulatory government agency to over rule its decisions. Only the court system can over rule an E.P.A. mandate.

Concerned about contaminates in our drinking water? Contact an environmental agency lobbying the E.P.A. . They often collect funds to take the E.P.A. to court on our behalf. Or, you can always contact your state and national representatives who have contacts in Washington. Let them know your concerns. 

Questions? email Judy Griffin, PhD. at petitefl@aromahealthtexas.com

Concerned about Strontium in your bones? Contact Judy Griffin about a trace mineral analysis consultation at 1800 4962125/ 817 293 5410

Source: Chemical and Engineering News: October 27 2014. 

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics will be collecting more data on what is killing our honeybees. We all know pesticides are a culprit, but mites and lack of habitat will also be included. The new surveys will look at small bee keepers with less than 5 hives. The goal is to document colony movement, stress to the hives and losses. This seems to be necessary to provide funding to help the bees and legislation to remove toxic pesticides from the market. We hope.

The good news is the USDA will provide 4 million dollars to farmers and ranchers to use conservation and provide cover crops that provide food for the bees. This is a small amount, but it is a start.

The reason the USDA is beginning to move to help the bees is because of environmental groups protesting toxic pesticides.  Also,folks  are willing to contact their congress men and women to aid in the honeybee dilemma. We need research and answers to allow the colonies to grow and pollinate our food. Yes, I'm petitioning each of you to let state and national legislators know this is important. I'm also asking you to plant flowering herbs and plants that attract and feed bees every year. Whether you grow in pots or gardens doesn't matter. If you have questions about easy plants to grow, please contact me or the county agricultural department or local nurseryman. If you live in the area, I may have some cuttings or extra plants you can have for the asking.

We started the organic movement 50+ years ago, one gardener at a time. We can do the same to save bees. Keep the faith.

The European Chemical Agency intends to label Lavender essential oil dangerous because it has the capability of causing an allergic reaction. To date, by 2018, all lavender essential oil products will carry a health warning. The label may read " May be fatal if inhaled or swallowed ".This is the same labeling on lye, bleach and many poisonous household products. Lavender has been universally used for centuries as a fragrant,skincare product. The main properties are linalool, a terpene alcohol, and linalyl acetate, an ester of linalool.

Every natural or man made product can cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity. In 40 years of hospital, clinical and private practice, I have never experienced any fatality from lavender oil. I have environmental clients who react to a photocopy, patients allergic to olive oil and toothpaste, but these are not considered harmful or fatal by the ECHA.

The European Chemical Agency was created to restrict pollution from synthetic pollution. When my clients ask my opinion about targeting lavender essential oil as harmful, my response is, it is an agricultural product and should be labeled accordingly. My thought is: " It's not nice to fool with Mother Nature".  Expect a showdown.