Over 1 billion pounds of pesticides are used in the United State (US) each year and approximately 5.6 billion pounds are used worldwide (1). In many developing countries programs to control exposures are limited or non-existent. As a consequence; it has been estimated that as many as 25 million agricultural workers worldwide experience unintentional pesticide poisonings each year (4). In a large prospective study of pesticide users in the United States, the Agricultural Health Study, it was estimated that 16% of the cohort had at least one pesticide poisoning or an unusually high pesticide exposure episode in their lifetime

The Gulf War syndrome (GWS) is a chronic and multi-symptomatic disorder affecting military veterans of both sides of the Gulf War (1990–1991).[4][5][6] A wide range of acute and chronic symptoms have been linked to it, including fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, insomnia,[3] rashes and diarrhea.[7] Approximately 250,000[8] of the 697,000 U.S. veterans who served in the Gulf War have enduring chronic multi-symptom illness, a condition with serious consequences.[9]
(Wikipedia)

Neonicotinoid pesticides
Neonicotinoid pesticides are a class of chemicals that act as insecticides by exerting neurotoxic effects via irreversible binding to insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Because nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are also present in the nervous systems of mammals, there is concern that neonicotinoids may impact animals other than their insect targets, including humans. (U.S. Dept. of Health and Humas Services (HHS) - National Toxicology Program)

**Parkinson's disease** is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves . It causes tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, loss of automatic movements, speech changes and other symptoms . The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but certain factors may increase the risk, such as age, heredity and exposure to toxins . Treatment may include medications, surgery and lifestyle changes

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Last year, a Local 12 investigation first revealed what an epidemiologist described as a “shocking” number of deaths in Pike County, home of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Now, a new study shows the overall number of deaths and deaths from cancer in counties surrounding the plant are nearly as high, reaching all the way to the Tri-State area.


PICHER,OK was once a booming mining community and home to thousands of people. Today, mountains of contaminated mining waste pocked with sinkholes loom over a nearly empty town. The Tar Creek that runs through the area is burned red by acidic water seeping from the underground mining tunnels. Once a town with a population of 20,000 and the world’s richest lead and zinc mining field, fewer than 25 people remain in what was called the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) called the most toxic place in the United States.
(Atlas Obscura)














What is a GMO?
(From Organic Consumers Assoc.)
GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are created when the genes from unrelated organisms, such as viruses and bacteria, are inserted into a plant or animal. More than 75% of all non-organic foods contain ingredients from GE (genetically engineered) crops or animals fed GE feed and given GE hormones and vaccines.
Despite growing public concern over the safety of Monsanto's Frankenfoods, the US government refuses to require safety testing or labeling for GE foods.
Monsanto's Roundup Ready corn, soy, cotton, canola, sugar beets and alfalfa are designed to withstand massive doses of weed killers. Since these crops were first introduced in the 1990's, the use of toxic pesticides has increased dramatically.
Monsanto's GE bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST), now owned by Eli Lilly, has come under fire from Breast Cancer Action for links between the consumption of hormone-tainted animal products and rates of breast, colon, and prostate cancer.



USDA certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible.As with all organic foods, none of it is grown or handled using genetically modified organisms, which the organic standards expressly prohibit. (USDA)



The Non-GMO Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focusing on genetically modified organisms. The organization began as an initiative of independent natural foods retailers in the U.S. and Canada, with the stated aim to label products produced in compliance with their Non-GMO Project Standard, which aims to prevent genetically modified foodstuffs from being present in retail food products.   (Wikipedia)