We've got a few loose ends to tie up before the weekend. In no particular order:
Angry Toxicologist posted on Monday about a report showing that PFOA PFOS (a chemical in the PFC family, related to Teflon) acts as an immune suppressant. I haven't read the report myself yet, but I'm very interested in the mechanism by which that might work, so I'll keep you posted. Other studies have found related PFCs to be immune suppressants, as well. [Edit: Accidentally misidentified the chemical studied -- thanks to a reader for pointing that out!]
Vanity Fair has a really interesting in-depth report on Monsanto. Whatever the potential benefits of GM crops, the way that company does business is just shameful. The article is a fascinating, if frustrating, read.
We talk a lot about making better food choices 'round this corner of the blogosphere. It's true that buying local, organic or biodynamic food has a positive impact on the environment as well as the local economy, but how lucky are we to be able to make that choice? Especially now, with food prices on the rise internationally. Lynn at Organic Mania has more to say about that, and about how you can help.
Last but not least: Beth of Fake Plastic Fish has given Enviroblog the Blog of Distinction award! Here are the nice things she said:
[...]I've decided to pass it on to the blogger and organization who refuse to pull their punches but give us the gritty details time after time about chemicals in our air and water, the scrubs on our faces and coatings in our pans. Amanda Hanley is the blogger and EWG's Enviroblog is that blog. So please, Amanda, accept this award for all the hard work you and the group do.Beth, we couldn't be more flattered if we tried. Thank you! (And hey, people, sign this petition!)
Now it's our turn to pass it along. I'm tagging Katy, whose blog Non-Toxic Kids tirelessly analyzes, sorts and distills the most important information on environmental health into a format that even tired parents can handle. And let me tell you -- that's no easy task! So thanks, Katy, for your wit and your wisdom and for helping to spread the word about toxic chemicals in our everyday lives.