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February 1998 Forum Summary
Cancer and Environment Forums

The Ad Hoc Discussion Group met in Albany on February 27 with 44 stakeholders participating. June Fessenden MacDonald, Director of BCERF, described BCERF's progress in all of its activity areas, for example, its community demonstration projects. She introduced the newest BCERF Extension Educators working on these projects (the lead article in the Spring 1998 newsletter) and indicated a need for additional funding to further expand BCERF's educational program with a "rural initiative."

June announced the near completion of seven Critical Evaluations of the research on prioritized pesticides and breast cancer risk. Corresponding fact sheets have been prepared and are now available. Other pesticides will be addressed in the coming year, as will the heavy metal cadmium, and the DDT/DDE and phytoestrogen fact sheets will be revised to incorporate new data. BCERF is seeking funds to conduct the same type of translational research on non-pesticide toxic chemicals.

Bob Haggerty of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), provided an update of the Pesticide Use and Sales Registry. A smaller number of reports than anticipated have been received to date. He described the continuing efforts to facilitate reporting, e.g. letters sent recently to all regulated parties. The DEC responds to many calls each day that come in on the toll-free number (1-888-457-0110). The have addressed over 5,000 people at informational meetings. Multiple ways of submitting the information were developed to facilitate the process.

Bill Smith of the Cornell University Pesticide Management Education Program (PMEP) described progress made on software development, including the completion of the data model now that a full project team is in place (the Pesticide Sales and Use Database Group). He announced that the electronic file specifications are available on the PMEP web site, wth instructions for registered pesticide businesses, commercial permittees, and commercial applicators. http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/

John Gallivan, the DOH Commissioner's Representative to the Health Research Science Board, provided an update on the Board and described the proposed guidelines for receiving research and education funds. He described the membership, functions, and responsibilities of the Board. The amount of tax contributions collected at the time of this meeting was $673,000. The guidelines and forms to apply for breast cancer research and education grants are now available by contacting: Carol Samsonoff, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, phone (518) 474-8543, fax (518) 473-2900, e-mail samsonc@wadsworth.org. The deadline is June 1, 1998.

Renu Ghandi, a BCERF Research Associate, described the findings from her critical evaluations of two pesticides, 2,4-D and Lindane. 2,4-D is a contemporary-use herbicide widely used to control weeds in wheat and corn fields, and for a variety of other uses such as home lawn care. Because of the significant knowledge gaps, there is not enough evidence to come to a conclusion about 2,4-D and breast cancer risk. Two mechanisms by which exposure to this herbicide may affect breast cancer risk include an effect on estrogen levels and on the immune system.

Lindane, an insecticde not widely used in agriculture, has many other uses, including control of head lice. Lindane causes hormonal disruptions, supresses the immune system in experimental animals and can act as a "tumor promotor." To receive the fact sheets on these pesticides go to our readers forum.

Carmi Orenstein, editor of The Ribbon, initiated a discussion evaluating whether the newsletter has met Ad Hoc Discussion Group participants' expectations, it's usefulness, and choice of topics. Some particpated in the discussion and some filled out forms, and others have written letters with their feedback. Several breast cancer activists commented on the usefulness of the newsletter for their educational activities; "it enables us to respond to critically asked questions." Many activists and educators said that the language, quality and content were "impressive," "successful" in its goals, and that the "concise, clear and understandable" writing is encouraging. However, pitching the newsletter at the right level and covering the topics in which the group is interested is an ongoing challenge. There was a comment that articles should be written at a higher level and be more research-oriented, including more research with full citations. Many topics were suggested for inclusion in future issues.

Last Update 08.04.05