Letter from Byron Crow

Mr. Leverett ~

I appologize for dropping a line out of the blue as such, but a friend of mine sent me a link to a “blog” statement that mentioned our research. First, I would like to say how much I enjoyed the paper. Quite a bit was covered, yet was explained, and defended, quite elloquently. It seems as though the art of discussion, and defence has been pushed aside for quick posters and simple answers. It is refreshing to see a paper actually written and published for comment.

The section quoted from an article written, 5-23-08, in which this is not the first time we have found that the corrections had not found the light of day. I appreciate the discussion about BDEs [Brominated diphenyl ether],(both d-BDE, and p-BDE); I am glad that people are discussing this issue and recogizing it as a problem. I will try to correct the issue and assist in your discussion. Education is a great tool.

“searching for truth through words and speech is like sticking
your head in a bowl of glue”
Yuan-Wu

First- Brominated diphenyl ethers (BDE) are not wildfire retardant, it is a by-product of plastic production. It is an additive that raises the point of combustion in house-hold / industrial products. BDE is introduced into the environment through production or destruction (fires or leaching from land fills). It enters the environment as is -it does not bio-degrade, it bio-accumulates (that is the problem). It attaches to water molecules which condense, and then returns to the surface as rain where it enters the food web (system) of animals and humans.

BDE has been found in the breast milk of humans (breast feeding mothers, and as such is found in children (in higher concentrations due to bio-accumulation [various international studies]). In humans it replicated hormones (it attacks the thyroid). BDE has been linked to various health issues, and studies have been conducted on children, and on what they have accumulated, but what nuero-disorders may we be looking for? That is why we conduct research over time and do not jump at the “flavor of the week”. This is a subject better for neuro-scientist. I look at raptors to find indication of in-organic, organic burdens.

Peregrine Falcons are a Trans-boarder indicator species (the environmental “canary in the coal mine”. What we are seeing in Montana is being discovered in other areas-That is why I am looking into it here. Greater and better people than myself have discovered this problem, I am only researching one piece of an enormous puzzle

I appologize since I do not understand how a “blog” works, but I appreciate dialogue and research interest, Good luck to you all on your endeavors, whatever they may be. Any question or comments, please feel free to contact me.

Learn to be calm and you
Will always be happy.

Paramhansa Yogananda

Cheers

Byron Crow, Ex. Dir.

Montana Raptor Institute for Research & Education

five, 13th. Ave. W.

Polson, MT. 59860

C: 406. 253.1514

byron@mtraptor.org