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Coordinated nationally by the Institute for Children's Environmental Health |
This bulletin lists upcoming events plus recent announcements, news and journal articles, calls for proposals and other items related to environmental health. They are archived and searchable on the Partnership's website: http://www.partnersforchildren.org/bulletins.html The publisher offers this information as a service but does not endorse any of the events, articles or announcements.
To join the Partnership for Children's Health and the Environment (PCHE) and receive this bulletin, please complete the form on our website: http://www.partnersforchildren.org/members.html#member
Companion bulletins are available for more specific audiences:
While there is overlap with this bulletin, there are some events and announcements unique to those bulletins.
Online Calendar. These and more upcoming events are listed in a searchable calendar: http://www.iceh.org/cgi-bin/searchevents.cgi
1) Film -- Black Mold Exposure
in various cities around the US from April 21 - June 16, 2009
at select theaters
Sponsor: Looking Glass Entertainment Company
"Black Mold Exposure" explores the bizarre illnesses associated with exposure to toxic mold and the film participants' difficult task of regaining their health and lives in an atmosphere of political and social intolerance and disbelief.
Price: varies
Website: http://www.blackmoldexposuremovie.com/
Contact: contact@blackmoldexposuremovie.com
2) Environmental Toxins and Children's Neurodevelopment
Wednesday May 6, 2009
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern time
Sponsor: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Neurodevelopmental disabilities result from complex interactions among genetic, environmental and social factors acting on children during vulnerable periods of development. Research demonstrates that pervasive toxic substances, such as mercury, lead, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides and others, can contribute to neurobehavioral and cognitive disorders. This seminar looks at what is known about early-life susceptibility to these preventable causes of harm, and at research concerning "safe" thresholds of exposure. Special attention is paid to the effects of common neurotoxicants on auditory processing.
Price: members $79, nonmembers $99; group rates are available
3) MEHA Annual Spring Conference
Wednesday through Friday, May 6 - 8, 2009
Breezy Point, Minnesota
at the Breezy Point Resort & Conference Center
Sponsor: Minnesota Environmental Health Association
The four conference tracks relate to food, lodging, water/septic, and general environmental health.
Price: see the registration page
Website: http://www.mehaonline.org/springconference.htm
Contact: info@mehaonline.org
4) Healthy Buildings, Active Learners: Improving Indoor Environments for Oregon Schools
Thursday May 7, 2009
Cottage Grove, Oregon
at the Village Green Resort, 725 Row River Road
Sponsor: Oregon Schools Indoor Air Quality Partnership
This one-day conference will address air-quality issues for K-12 schools across Oregon. We encourage anyone interested in healthy buildings to attend this informative and hands-on event, including school administrators, facilities managers, custodians, teachers, nurses, PTA/PTO members, parents, and community leaders.
Price: $25 includes lunch
Website: http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/home.jsp?id=2455
Contact: Beverly Stewart, 503-718-6146 or beverly@lungoregon.org
5) PubMed®
Thursday May 7, 2009
8:30 a.m.
Tempe, Arizona
at the Arizona State University Noble Science and Engineering Library, 601 East Tyler, Noble Instruction Room, 1st floor
Sponsor: National Library of Medicine
This full-day class is designed to teach students how to use PubMed® which includes MEDLINE citations. The class also includes an overview of the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH®) and its importance as a tool to both searchers and indexers. PubMed® is awarded 7.5 MLA continuing education credits.
Price: free
Website: http://nnlm.gov/ntcc/classes/schedule.html
6) CHE Partnership Call -- Metabolic Syndrome: At the Crossroads of the Western Disease Cluster
Thursday May 7, 2009
10:00 a.m. Pacific time/1:00 p.m. Eastern time
Sponsor: Collaborative on Health and the Environment
This call will focus on metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions occurring together that elevate a person's risk of developing certain chronic diseases such heart disease, stroke and diabetes, and its intersection with what is being called the Western Disease Cluster. On this call we will explore how metabolic syndrome is a red flag for the state of public health, how it is connected to environmental factors and what opportunities it presents for preventive interventions beyond medicine, such as public health policies, community planning and food systems. Speakers will be David Jacobs, PhD; Ted Schettler, MD, MPH; and Jill Stein, PhD, MD.
Price: free
Website: http://www.healthandenvironment.org/partnership_calls/6019
7) Responsible Chemical Management: Collaborative Efforts with Schools
Thursday May 7, 2009
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
San Francisco, California
at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Sponsor: National Pollution Prevention Roundtable, EPA Office of Compliance, EPA Office of Cross Media Programs, EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Performance Track Participants Association, and corporate sponsors listed on the website
This training, part of the 6th Annual National Environmental Partnership Summit, is based on real-life school chemical management programs. For a fraction of the time and money it takes to clean up after a chemical accident, you will walk away from the session with best practices for collaborating with others to prevent such accidents and protect K-12 students and staff.
Price: $40
Website: http://www.environmentalsummit.org/agenda.cfm?xdl=807#SLOT807
8) First Orlando Children's Environmental Health Forum
Friday May 8, 2009
Orlando, Florida
at the Ginsburg Tower, Creation Conference Rooms D & E, Florida Hospital Center for Children, 601 East Rollins Street
Sponsor: Children's Environmental Health Network
There will be a panel presentation and town hall discussion on children's environmental health protection. Speakers include Dr. Antonia Novello, Dr. Joel Hunter and Dr. Karen van Caulil.
Price: unknown
Website: http://www.cehn.org/conferences.htm
Contact: Laura Washington, 202-543-4033 ext. 12 or lwashington@cehn.org
9) PubMed Clinics of North America: A Problem-based Approach to PubMed Searching
Friday May 8, 2009
1:00 p.m.
Tempe, Arizona
at the Arizona State University Noble Science and Engineering Library, 601 East Tyler, Noble Instruction Room, 1st floor
Sponsor: National Library of Medicine
The three-hour workshop will focus on a problem-based approach in learning to search the PubMed database. Through case studies, group exercises and hands-on practice, participants will become more efficient PubMed searchers. The class is geared for intermediate and advanced PubMed searchers. Three continuing education credits are available.
Price: unknown
Website: http://nnlm.gov/ntcc/classes/schedule.html
10) Symposium on Toxicity Pathway-based Risk Assessment
Monday through Wednesday, May 11-13, 2009
Washington, DC
at the National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW
Sponsor: National Academy of Sciences
This public workshop will investigate application to risk assessment of new pathway-based approaches, such as those envisioned in the 2007 National Research Council report Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: a Vision and a Strategy. The workshop will include plenary sessions, during which new toxicity-testing approaches and case examples will be presented to address the use of various types of data in risk assessment. The workshop will also incorporate a poster session to provide additional information in support of the case studies and to highlight examples of how new technologies may be applied to qualitative and quantitative aspects of risk assessment.
Price: unknown
Website: http://dels.nas.edu/best/risk_analysis/symposium.shtml
11) Community Research Collaboration Awards "How to Apply" Teleconferences
Monday May 11, 2009 (noon) or Wednesday May 13, 2009 (10:00 a.m.)
Sponsor: California Breast Cancer Research Program
Awards from the California Breast Cancer Research Program require a partnership of California-based community organizations and research scientists. While the call for applications occurs around the end of September each year (with a submission deadline in January of each year), finding a partner, forming your team, discussing research ideas and methodology, and getting prepared to apply should begin now.
Price: free
Website: http://www.cbcrp.org:80/community/workshop.php
12) Toxic Tub: Info, Tips, and Opportunities for Involvement
Tuesday May 12, 2009
12:00 p.m. Pacific time
Sponsor: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
This one-hour web conference will discuss the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report No More Toxic Tub, released last month. The report revealed that top-selling baby products contain carcinogenic contaminants 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde. There is no reason for children's bath products to contain chemicals linked to cancer and skin sensitivity. Why are these chemicals in products in the first place? What other harmful chemicals are common in cosmetics? And what can you do about it? Campaign staff members will cover all of this and allow plenty of time for questions from listeners. Preregistration is required at the website below.
Price: free
Website: https://cc.readytalk.com:443/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=qq586491y1z3
13) Exploring Energy & Design: Smart Solutions for the Built Environment
Wednesday May 13, 2009
Reception 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Seminar 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Post-seminar networking 8:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
Downstairs at Town Hall on Eighth and Seneca (1119 Eighth Avenue)
Sponsor: Sustainable Path Foundation, along with Antioch University Center for Creative Change, ShoreBank Pacific and the Sequoia Foundation
As the prospect of global economic crisis hits home, there is hope. The work being done to combat climate change through smart community design, green building and energy research gives communities the opportunity to respond to economic crisis with common-sense solutions. This seminar will highlight work being done right here in our backyard and explain what needs to be done in the future to ensure the sustainability of our region. With Alan Thein Durning and Jason F. McLennan.
Price: $5 - 15; see the website
Website: http://sustainablepath.org/category/seminar-series/
Contact: 206-443-8464 or info@sustainablepath.org
14) Green Chemistry & Chemical Policy Reform Webinar
Thursday May 14, 2009
2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern time
Sponsor: The Association of State and Territorial Health Officers
In this webinar, the second on green chemistry, a panel of experts will help outline the national priorities, opportunities and innovative legislative policy reforms in green chemistry.
Price: unknown
Contact: akulungara@astho.org
15) Film -- "The Accidental Advocate"
Thursday May 14, 2009
doors open at 6:15 p.m.; film at 7:00
Salem, Oregon
at the Grand Theater, 191 High Street NE
Sponsor: Salem Progressive Film Series
When Claude Gerstle, a surgeon and athlete, suffers a tragic bicycle accident that leaves him paralyzed from the neck down, he and his daughter, Jessica, discover hope in the politicized area of science called stem cells. "The Accidental Advocate" is a wheelchair odyssey of a father and daughter who track down the thinkers, the politicians, the crusaders and the naysayers in an effort to understand the potential of the science and why a political quagmire is stalling a cure. The film sorts the hope from the hype, the ideas from the ideology. The promise of stem-cell research has united diverse patients and families -- rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, religious and secular, a group of millions of Americans -- creating a very vocal national movement to reverse limits on the federal funding of the research. This is a film about science. This is a film about politics. This film is about ethics. But, finally, this is a film about a family. It tells the intricate, delicate, personal story of how one family deals with the life-changing impact of this kind of injury.
Price: $3 or $2 for students
Website: http://www.salemprogressivefilms.net/films-coming.html
Contact: 503-588-8713
16) International NIR and Health Workshop 2009
Monday and Tuesday, May 18 - 19, 2009
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
at the Ministério Público do RS, Rua A. Figueiredo Pinto 80
Sponsor: Pan American Health Organization, the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and other governmental and nongovernmental organizations
The purpose of the workshop is to present lectures as a basis to initiate discussions with Brazilian and foreign scientists and public health authorities on the potential biological and health consequences of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), and to discuss exposure limits to nonionizing radiation (NIR). International researchers from several countries will deliver invited talks on selected subjects. Researchers, public health authorities and authorities from the legislative, executive and judiciary governmental bodies from Brazil and other South American countries are also invited.
Price: unknown
Website: http://www.ufrgs.br/ppgee/rnienglish.htm
17) CleanMed 2010
Monday through Wednesday, May 18 - 20, 2009
Chicago, Illinois
at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive
Sponsor: see the list of sponsors
CleanMed 2009 is the sixth international conference to catalyze environmental improvements in the health-care sector. The conference draws a diverse mix of over 600 health care leaders, materials/purchasing managers, environmental health and safety staff, nurses and providers, architects, designers, and medical and building product vendors from across the United States. The conference activates environmentally preferable advances in health care. Keynote speakers will be Ray Baxter, PhD, and Howard Frumkin, MD, MPH, DrPH.
Price: see the registration page
Website: http://www.cleanmed.org/2009/
18) State of Environmental Justice in America 2009 Conference
Wednesday through Friday, May 27 - 29, 2009
Washington, DC
Sponsor: EJ Conference, Inc.
The conference seeks to continue bringing together participants from academia, business and industry, community activist groups, faith-based organizations, Federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic organizations, and others to participate in dialogue on achieving equality of environmental protection. The conference will also continue to serve as an academic and legal conference to advance scholarship regarding environmental justice. A related goal of this conference is to expose law students to the myriad of complicated aspects of environmental justice.
Price: unknown
Website: http://www.lm.doe.gov/env_justice/conference/CallforPresentations2009.pdf
Contact: John Rosenthall, ejinamerica@hotmail.com
19) NIH/Office of Research in Women's Health National Conference
Wednesday through Friday, May 27 - 29, 2009
San Francisco, California
at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, 5 Embarcadero Center
Sponsor: Office of Research on Women’s Health/NIH/DHHS, the UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and the UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health
This is the second in a series of four public hearings and scientific workshops to update the NIH Women’s Health Research Agenda for the coming decade. This conference will include input from a variety of stakeholder groups including researchers, clinicians, patients, advocacy groups, community organizations and industry. In addition, many program officers and leaders from NIH Institutes and Centers will actively participate in the event. Stakeholder commentary regarding all areas related to women's health research will be included. In addition, the conference will address specific focus areas related to women's health. All ideas and recommendations gathered during this conference will be used to formulate future ORWH and NIH funding priorities, including the development of new programs, grants and requests for applications (RFAs). The remaining two conferences will be held at Women and Infants Hospital, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, September 21–23, 2009, and Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, October 14–16, 2009. The deadline for registration and submitting testimony is May 15, 2009.
Price: unknown
Website: https://www.obgyn.medschool.ucsf.edu/orwh/index.aspx
Contact: see the contact page
20) Quality Assurance/Quality Control Management of Environmental Analytical Data
Thursday and Friday, May 28 - 29, 2009
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
at Northwest Environmental Training Center Headquarters, 650 South Orcas Street, Suite 220
Sponsor: EOS Alliance
The course provides participants with an overview of QA/QC management of analytical data. It is intended for environmental professionals who require a basic understanding of QA/QC methodologies for managing the integrity of laboratory analytical data. The course includes some hands-on data-screening exercises to apply the course concepts to real-world scenarios.
Price: $495, $395 reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, TAEP members
Website: http://nwetc.org/chem-404_05-09_seattle.htm
Contact: NWETC, 206-762-1976
21) 2009 Toxics Conference
Tuesday June 1, 2009
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Portland, Oregon
at World Trade Center Two
Sponsor: Environmental Law Education Center
This conference covers issues of interest and concern in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Topics include 1) pollution prevention and toxics reduction strategies, 2) legislation, initiatives and follow up to Senate Bill 737, 3) water quality standards and NPDES permits, 4) developing toxics-reduction plans, 5) Persistent Priority Pollutants (P3 List), 6) pesticides and emerging contaminants, 7) ecological and human health risks, and more.
Price: $450 until May 15th or $495 after that; $350/$395 for government or nonprofit employees
Website: http://www.elecenter.com/agenda_2009-06-01.htm
22) USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium
Monday through Thursday, June 1 - 4, 2009
Atlanta, Georgia
at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Sponsor: US Public Health Service
The 44th edition of this annual meeting will feature 3 1/2 days of general and tracked sessions. The theme for the 2009 Symposium is "Leading a Strong Public Health Workforce for a Healthy America." The conference will address a broad range of emerging trends, research breakthroughs and critical issues in public health. Sessions specific to environmental-health officers will be offered. Continuing education credits will again be available.
Price: see the registration form
Website: http://www.phscofevents.org
23) 2009 Northwest Chemicals Policy Symposium
Thursday June 4, 2009
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
at the Hyatt Hotel at Olive 8
Sponsor: Snohomish County, Conference on Canadian Stewardship
In this highly interactive workshop, participants will share activities and successes, barriers encountered, and emerging strategies to improve chemicals policy nationally. The session will bring together diverse stakeholders working toward a green materials economy where manufacturing, use, and end-of-life management of consumer products have no adverse effects on our health our environment. Representatives from academia, local and state government, heath and environmental organizations, business, and advocacy organizations are all invited to attend. The session will emphasize generating ideas and joint strategies for advancing policy change in our communities, states, and the nation.
Price: $50
Website: http://www.productstewardship.us/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=447
Contact: Marni Solheim, 509-329-3564 or MSOL461@ECY.WA.GOV
24) CHE Science Café Call
Thursday, June 4, 2009
10:00 a.m. Pacific time/1:00 p.m. Eastern time
Sponsor: Collaborative on Health and the Environment
Join CHE as we host our first Science Café call featuring Steve Gilbert, PhD, with the Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders. Dr. Gilbert will discuss Toxipedia (http://www.toxipedia.org), a tool he created that uses a modified wiki approach. Now with a contract from the National Library of Medicine and funding from King County and the Washington Department of Ecology, he will be able to further develop the site and lessen the information gap between those with knowledge on environmental public health and those that need the information to lead healthier lives.
Price: free
Website: http://www.healthandenvironment.org/articles/che-events/6037
25) 2009 National Asthma Forum
Thursday and Friday, June 4 - 5, 2009
Washington, DC
Sponsor: Communities in Action for Asthma-Friendly Environments, which is sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with Allies Against Asthma, a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
At this conference, asthma programs from all over the nation will gather to discuss the most effective community-based strategies for managing asthma and achieving positive outcomes and results. Delivering tailored environmental interventions will be included.
Price: $220
Website: http://www.epaasthmaforum.com/
Contact: info@epaasthmaforum.com
26) 21st Annual Meeting of the European Academy of Childhood Disability
Thursday through Saturday, June 4 - 6, 2009
Vilnius, Lithuania
Sponsor: European Academy of Childhood Disability
The meeting is intended to promote collaborations between eastern and western European countries in the field of developmental disorders, and in improving and unifying rehabilitation standards in Europe. Standards of care emerging in different therapy areas will be presented in the workshops. The conference theme is "From Myth to Evidence."
Price: see the registration page
Website: http://www.eacd2009.com/?q=node/2
Contact: see the contact page
Most of the news articles below come from Environmental Health News, http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/
New Members. The Partnership for Children's Health and the Environment welcomes a new member:
For a searchable database with a wealth of information about PCHE members, please visit the PCHE website: http://www.partnersforchildren.org/members.html
Job opening, Washington, DC.
The Children's Environmental Health Network (CEHN), a national nonprofit organization, is hiring a program manager to help develop programs and other activities. A master's degree in environmental health/public health/policy and/or sciences is preferred. The position is to be filled immediately with a mid-May start date. Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and short writing sample to Laura Washington: lwashington@cehn.org.
Request for comments: Presidential Memo on Scientific Integrity.
On March 9, 2009, the President issued a memorandum for the heads of executive departments and agencies on the subject of scientific integrity, stating that "science and the scientific process must inform and guide decisions of my Administration on a wide range of issues." Comments are due by May 13th. Office of Science & Technology Policy.
Request for comments: Proposed Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases under the Clean Air Act.
There will be two public hearings for this proposed finding: May 18th in Arlington, Virginia, and May 21st in Seattle, Washington. EPA requests that those who wish to attend or give public comments register online in advance of the hearing. EPA will audio web stream both public hearings. Written comments are also invited online.
[See a related story: Administrator Jackson's message about the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding.]
Call for proposals: Building Strategic Alliances for Healthy Housing Pilot.
Approximately $650,000 will be available to fund up to 6 awards, each between $75,000 and $110,000. The purpose of the program is to reduce or eliminate housing-related health hazards and to promote housing that is safe, healthy, accessible and affordable. The deadline for a letter of intent is May 26th. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Call for proposals: Global Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Promotion of Health.
The purpose of the program is to promote health, provide expertise and training to regions and countries across the globe to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, their risk factors, and related causes through effective regional, national and community health programs. Applications are due by June 1st. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Detoxing to get rid of chemicals in the body increasingly popular and much debated.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Proponents of detoxing say that chemicals from pesticides and other contaminants in food, drinking water, cleaning products and air build up over time and cause disease. Detoxing has become enormously popular, but it is the subject of much debate. Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ohio.
European Commission welcomes parliament vote to cut petrol vapor emissions.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The European Commission on Tuesday welcomed European Parliament's vote to approve legislation proposed by the commission to cut harmful vapor emissions from fuel stations. Xinhua News Agency, China.
Everyday pollutants in your home pose health risk.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The Environmental Working Group has come up with a list of common pollutions in just about any home. Hampton Roads WVEC, Virginia.
Study: Most key fishing spots in state polluted.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The most comprehensive survey ever of pollutants in California's lakes and reservoirs has found that only a few of the most popular fishing spots are free of mercury, PCBs and other contaminants. San Francisco Chronicle, California.
Arctic thaw may slow crackdown on toxic chemicals.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
A thaw of the Arctic linked to global warming may slow a drive to get rid of industrial chemicals that are harming indigenous people and wildlife, an expert said on Monday. Reuters.
CPSC votes to delay lead law for ATVs.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The Consumer Product Safety Commission will delay enforcement of a new anti-lead law as it pertains to the sale of youth ATVs and dirt bikes. Associated Press.
[See a related article: Law puts brakes on kids' rides.]
Poison in the air.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
PM 2.5 may sound like a new kind of computer software but it's a highly destructive form of air pollution. You can't see PM 2.5, but experts agree it can cripple your health and take years off your life. Birmingham WIAT TV CBS 42, Alabama.
Toxic hotspots affect 600 million in developing world.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
As many as 600 million people will die early from exposure to industrial waste, most of them in the developing world, the head of a non-profit group warned on Tuesday. Reuters.
Special report: thousands of kids exposed to dangerous liquid mercury in schools, homes.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
When children encounter long-forgotten stashes of liquid mercury, schools have to shut down for days or weeks and the toxic trail left in classrooms, buses, homes and communities costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to clean up. Found in many old science labs and used in some cultural ceremonies, mercury triggered more than 37,000 calls to U.S. poison control centers in a five-year period. One specialist found traces in 40% of schools tested. Environmental Health News.
[See a related story: CFL dangers: mercury exposure.]
EPA taking defective drywall issue seriously, feds say.
Monday, May 04, 2009
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has outlined to Gov. Charlie Crist its plans to investigate defective drywall, including ongoing analysis of drywall samples sent from Florida and work to develop an indoor sampling plan. Tampa Bay Business Journal.
[See a related article: Odors and corrosion raise concern over drywall imported from China.]
New data analysis shows possible link between childhood obesity and allergies.
Monday, May 04, 2009
A new study indicates there may be yet another reason to reduce childhood obesity -- it may help prevent allergies. National Institutes of Health.
Should DDT be used to combat malaria?
Monday, May 04, 2009
A panel of scientists recommended today that the spraying of DDT in malaria-plagued Africa and Asia should be greatly reduced because people are exposed in their homes to high levels that may cause serious health effects. Scientific American.
Spain's anti-smoking laws improve air quality.
Monday, May 04, 2009
One year after a ban on smoking in all work places and some hospitality venues in Spain, nicotine levels in the air were significantly diminished -- up to 97 percent in some cases -- in offices and were much lower in nonsmoking areas of restaurants and bars. Environmental Health News.
Gas drillers battle Pennsylvania pollution concerns.
Monday, May 04, 2009
U.S. energy companies rushing to exploit Pennsylvania's massive natural gas reserves have launched a public relations campaign to calm fears the bonanza is contaminating water with toxic chemicals. Reuters.
Stockholm convention meets over new ban on organic pollutants.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Ministers and officials from 150 governments are meeting this week to advance global efforts to rid the world of some of the most hazardous chemicals produced by humankind. Lagos Guardian, Nigeria
[See a related story: Indonesia to ratify Stockholm Convention on May 12.]
Kiddie Kollege ruling could have broad impact.
Monday, May 04, 2009
A New Jersey Superior Court judge's decision last week to void the deed to a contaminated day-care building, freeing the owner from cleanup costs, has sparked a wide range of reactions and debate about its implications. Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania.
Earlier puberty in European girls.
Monday, May 04, 2009
A 15-year study of girls in Denmark found the average age of breast development has fallen by a year compared to girls studied in the early 1990s. The findings add to a growing body of evidence that the timing of puberty is changing, possibly related to environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. New York Times.
A multi-individual pharmacokinetic model framework for interpreting time trends of persistent chemicals in human populations: Application to a post-ban situation.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Cross-sectional trend data (CSTD) provide quantitative information about trends in human exposure and
can be combined with exposure studies to estimate elimination kinetics. Environmental Health Perspectives.
Weight gain can have many causes -- even smoking
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Some intriguing research suggests that exposure in the womb to environmental chemicals, such as some of the fluorinated compounds used in greaseproof packaging, can be a predisposing factor for obesity. Montreal Gazette, Canada.
Having your nails done could give you skin cancer, doctors warn women.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Women who visit beauty salons to have their nails done could be increasing their risk of skin cancer, according to a new report. London Daily Mail, England.
You are what you eat (but also what it was packaged in).
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Grease-resistant paper used in food packaging exposes humans to perfluorochemicals that have been linked to problems with reproduction and development, the immune system, and the liver, a new University of Toronto study has found. The Daily Green.
Agent Orange worsens prostate cancer prognosis.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Among Vietnam veterans who have undergone major prostate cancer surgery, those who were exposed to Agent Orange have an increased risk of an aggressive recurrence, according to results of a new study. Reuters Health.
Tests of women leaders show how toxins turn up in Americans’ blood.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Tests of the body burden of five leading minority women environmentalists found a mixture of flame retardants, synthetic fragrances, bisphenol A and rocket fuel, among other contaminants. Los Angeles KABC, California.
EPA seeks rules for utilities' polluted runoff.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Faced with new evidence that utilities across the country are dumping toxic sludge into waterways, the Environmental Protection Agency is moving to impose new restrictions on the level of contaminants power plants can discharge. Washington Post.
Feds seize lead-tainted necklaces from China.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Thursday that thousands of Chinese-imported children's necklaces that officers seized in March are tainted with lead. Bay City News, California.
[See a related story: Jewelry labeled "lead free" exceeded limits, state says.]
Big increase in ocean mercury found; study predicts more human threat from fish.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Mercury levels in the Pacific Ocean will rise by 50 percent within the next few decades as emissions from coal-fired power plants and other sources increase, scientists reported Friday. Environmental Health News.
[See a related article: Landmark U.S. Geological Survey study demonstrates how methylmercury, known to contaminate seafood, originates in the ocean.]
State investigates possible stockpiling of toxic sludge.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Prime Tanning and its new owner, National Beef Leathers, are accused of dumping toxic sludge containing dangerous levels of the carcinogen hexavalent chromium on farm fields in northwest Missouri. The sludge was offered as free fertilizer to farmers. Kansas City KMBC TV, Missouri.
Council mandates information sheet signings for dental fillings.
Friday, May 01, 2009
City Council yesterday mandated distribution and signing of information sheets before any cavity is filled at any dental office in Philadelphia. Mayor Nutter's approval would propel the city to the front of a debate about the safety of dental fillings. Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania.
BPA ban passes House.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Connecticut House of Representatives has voted to ban the sale, manufacture or distribution of infant formula and baby food in containers made with Bisphenol-A. Hartford Courant.
IAEA urges scheme to track radiation in patients.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A scheme to track the amount of radiation patients are exposed to from scans is urgently needed to help guard them against the risk of cancer, the United Nations nuclear body said on Wednesday. Reuters Health.
Vets' work conditions tied to preterm birth risk.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Long work hours and exposure to anesthetics may raise pregnant veterinarians' risk of premature delivery, a new study suggests. Reuters Health.
Ghana's illicit trade in discarded electronics.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
There’s a living to be made in scrap yards like this, burning, melting and breaking down old gadgetry, but environmentalists worry that the pervasive practice is devastating the air and water of West African cities like Accra. GlobalPost.
Half of Argentina's children at risk for lack of clean water.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
More than half of all children in Argentina are at risk of illness because of lack of access to clean running water; many are also threatened by polluting industries and the use of pesticides in agriculture, according to a study by the ombudsman’s office. Inter Press Service.
Dealing with uncertainties in environmental burden of disease assessment.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Environmental burden of disease estimates enable policy makers to evaluate, compare and prioritize dissimilar environmental health problems or interventions. We have reviewed how different types of uncertainties affect environmental burden of disease assessments, and we give suggestions as to how researchers could address these uncertainties. Environmental Health.
Acrylamide in food does not up lung cancer risk.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Consumption of foods containing acrylamide does not increase the risk of lung cancer in men, and in women, it may actually reduce the risk. Reuters Health.
US does about-face on Camp Lejeune's tap water.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
In an about-face, the government Tuesday disavowed a 12-year-old federal report that found little or no cancer risk for adults who lived on a Marine base where drinking water was contaminated for three decades. Associated Press.
Receptor that responds to common pollutants also controls development.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
A genetic trigger in the cell, long studied for its role in responding to some of the most toxic compounds known, appears to have newly discovered important functions in directing development. Environmental Health News.
America's most polluted cities.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Six in 10 Americans live in counties where ozone or particle pollution has reached dangerous levels, finds a new report by the American Lung Association. Both can be deadly and have been linked to worsening respiratory conditions like asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, and particle pollution may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Forbes.
[See a related article: Minority areas more polluted.]
Neurobehavioral effects of ambient air pollution on cognitive performance in US adults.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
This study provides the first epidemiological data supporting the adverse neurobehavioral effects of ambient air pollutants in adults. Neurotoxicology.
Business failure over work safety.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A failure by business to take financial responsibility for work-related ill health is contributing to unsafe workplaces, according to a new report. BBC.
Paying a price for loving red meat.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A new study of more than 500,000 Americans has provided the best evidence yet that our affinity for red meat has exacted a hefty price on our health and limited our longevity. New York Times.
[See a related article: How well-done meat can raise the risk of getting cancer.]
Sleeping with the enemy: indoor airborne contaminants.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
New research studying household air in homes in Arizona found more than 400 chemicals ranging from pesticides to phthalates, confirming that indoor air can be heavily contaminated with pollutants. Environmental Health News.
[See a related story: Go green: local experts weigh in on how to make a greener home.]
Prevention: Enforcing law cuts teenage smoking.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Rigorous enforcement of laws on tobacco sales, including the use of people posing as underage buyers, has significantly reduced the smoking rate among teenagers, a new study has found. New York Times.
Camphor-containing products tied to kids' seizures.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Camphor-containing products, commonly used to ease cold symptoms, deter pests, or for spiritual purposes, can be highly toxic to young children, researchers warn in the journal Pediatrics. Reuters Health.
20% of private water wells contaminated, research shows.
Monday, April 27, 2009
One out of five private drinking-water wells in the United States contains at least one contaminant that exceeds public health standards, and wells in the San Joaquin Valley are no exception, according to new research from the U.S. Geological Survey. Stockton Record, California.
Broken links in food-safety chain hid peanut plants' risks.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The case reveals a food-safety system in which every key link in the chain of protection failed, food-safety officials and lawmakers say. USA Today.
Tainted water: Illinois vows to tighten rules to ensure safety of municipal supplies.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Illinois officials are taking steps to ensure people aren't drinking contaminated water, including proposing criminal penalties for misleading the public about the source of water flowing from their taps. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.
Unilever vows to cut salt across product lines.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
If you want more food companies to cut back on salt, one giant manufacturer is granting your wish. Unilever, which makes such brands as Hellman’s, Slim-Fast, Knorr and Lipton has announced plans to cut salt across its portfolio of 22,000 products. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Missouri.
Federal Court orders publication of all mining pollution data.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The Canadian government must report in a national public database all the pollution being produced by mining companies, a Federal Court judge ruled Thursday. CBC Canada, Canada.
Health issues 'Through the eyes of a child.'
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Through the Eyes of a Child: First Nation Children's Environmental Health manual -- produced by UOI's FASD program -- looks at some of the environmental issues that are affecting First Nation children on and off reserve. North Bay Nugget, Canada.
What if vitamin D deficiency is a cause of autism?
Saturday, April 25, 2009
As evidence of widespread vitamin D deficiency grows, some scientists are wondering whether the sunshine vitamin -- once only considered important in bone health -- may actually play a role in one of neurology's most vexing conditions: autism. Scientific American.
[See related articles: Vitamin D often low in mothers and newborns and Mother's antibodies may contribute to autism.]
Second-hand smoke, breast cancer linked.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Parents who smoke are putting their daughters at increased risk of breast cancer, according to an expert panel that has unanimously agreed strong enough evidence now exists to link second-hand smoke to breast cancer. Vancouver Sun, Canada.
[See a related story: Women smokers 'face higher risk of lung cancer than men.']
New web site allows consumers to view inspection reports of restaurants.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Salt Lake County residents can now look at restaurant inspection reports online. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department launched a new web site today with up-to-date information on any Salt Lake County establishment. KCPW News.
Traffic-related air pollution and asthma onset in children: A prospective cohort study with individual exposure measurement.
Friday, April 24, 2009
In this cohort, markers of traffic-related air pollution were associated with the onset of asthma. The risks observed suggest that air pollution exposure contributes to new-onset asthma. Environmental Health Perspectives.
Climate change poses threat to health, CDC official says.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Dr. Howard Frumkin, an official with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned that climate change, more than just being an environmental problem, is a threat to many spectrums of public health that merits proactive planning now. Deseret News, Salt Lake City, Utah.
[See a related article: Catholic coalition seeks action on climate.]
How clean is the Great Salt Lake?
Friday, April 24, 2009
How pristine is North America's largest body of salt water? Opinions vary as to what threat contaminants pose even as major studies continue. Concentrations of total mercury compounds and methylmercury are higher in Great Salt Lake than in any other body of water in the United States. Tooele Transcript, Utah.
Even low lead levels may be harmful to kids.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Even low blood levels of lead -- well below the 10 ug/dl threshold for harmful effects set by the U.S. CDC -- during early childhood can adversely affect how a child's cardiovascular system responds to stress and could possibly lead to high blood pressure later in life, new research hints. Reuters.
Group says flea collars for pets endanger kids.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Some cat and dog flea collars leave chemicals on fur that are hazardous to the pets and their owners, in violation of California's anti-toxics laws, according to a national environmental group's lawsuit Thursday. San Francisco Chronicle, California.
Safety of carbon materials in doubt.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Carbon nanotubes are as light as plastic and stronger than steel, which quickly earned them a reputation as the wonder materials of the nanotechnology revolution. But they are now at the centre of safety fears that the nano-sized materials could cause mesothelioma. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia.
Vitamin D may lower asthma severity.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
A study has found that low blood levels of vitamin D were associated with an increased severity of the disease, with those youngsters experiencing significantly more hospitalizations, increased use of inhaled steroids, and weakened immune function. Toronto Globe and Mail, Ontario.
Health agency accused of overlooking environmental threats to public.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The federal agency responsible for investigating human-health risks posed by contaminated sites or excessive industrial pollution is under fire in Congress. The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry routinely conducts perfunctory investigations that use simplistic and outdated science, according to a report by congressional investigators and scientists. Environmental Science & Technology.
Kids now getting "adult" disease.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Scientists have linked type 2 diabetes with obesity. So now, more than ever, doctors are urging young people to start developing healthy habits as early as possible. Science News.
'Cancer risk of nicotine gum and lozenges higher than thought.'
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Nicotine chewing gum, lozenges and inhalers designed to help people to give up smoking may have the potential to cause cancer, research has suggested. London Times, England.
Valley to clean up after dry cleaners.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Cities around the Valley are wrestling with a legacy of environmental contamination: a chemical used for decades by dry cleaners. Now suspected of causing cancer, the chemical has permeated underground water and soil. Fresno Bee, California.
N.J. scientists say allowable standard for carcinogen in soil is too high.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
New Jersey scientists have concluded in a new report the state's allowable standard for an industrial, cancer-causing pollutant [hexavalent chromium] is far too high -- a finding that may impact urban redevelopment and chromium cleanups in Hudson County. Newark Star-Ledger, New Jersey.
Poisoned waters.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
More than three decades after the Clean Water Act, iconic American waterways like the Chesapeake Bay and Puget Sound are in perilous condition and facing new sources of contamination. Frontline.
Lead poisoning in adults.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The good news is that blood lead levels in American adults have declined significantly in the past 15 years. Between 1994 and 2007, blood lead levels dropped from 14 per µg/dL to 7.2 -- a drop of nearly 50%. See which occupations, hobbies and habits are most likely to expose you to lead. The Daily Green.
EPA seeks tighter lid on kiln emissions in Oregon, elsewhere.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The federal government is moving to drastically reduce air pollution from cement plants, and the biggest offender is here in Oregon. On Tuesday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released proposed rules for airborne mercury and other pollutants from cement kilns. Portland Oregonian, Oregon.
Bugs, cornstarch replace pesticides today.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Starting today, Ontario stores may not sell -- and residents may not use for cosmetic purposes -- any herbicide or insecticide containing one of the 80 chemicals listed in a pesticide ban announced by Environment Minister John Gerretsen on Earth Day last year. Toronto Star, Canada.
First state asthma plan released.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
In recent years, the prevalence of asthma has increased dramatically nationwide and in Montana. Great Falls KFBB-TV, Montana.
Study confirms cot death link to smoking.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sydney researchers have discovered the first evidence that exposure to cigarette smoke induces abnormalities in babies' brains, putting them at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia.
