|
 |
|
Coordinated nationally by the Institute for Children's Environmental Health |
These bulletins are archived and searchable on the Partnership's website: http://www.partnersforchildren.org/bulletins.html 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
various dates in March, April and May 2008
various times
at six locations throughout Multnomah County, Oregon
Sponsor: Multnomah County Health Department
Join Multnomah County in learning how your health is more than health care or personal choice. Each episode of the PBS documentary Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick? will sound the alarm about America's glaring socio-economic and racial inequities in health, and search for root causes. The county is asking the community, especially those who have historically been left out of decision-making, to help them understand what actions they should take to address these challenges.
Price: free and open to the public
Website: http://www.mchealth.org:80/healthequity/calendar.shtml
Contact: Health Equity Initiative, 503-988-3030 ext. 22068 or health.equity@co.multnomah.or.us
Wednesday May 7, 2008
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto, California
at the Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road
Sponsor: Arcterra, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and the Reproductive Health Technologies Project
As part of the Palo Alto Reproductive Health and the Environment Lecture Series, Charlotte Brody of Commonweal and Renee Sharp from the Environmental Working Group will join Susan Kegley from the Pesticide Action Network North America to share resources that you can use to protect your family from the harmful effect of pesticides. From food shopping to household cleaning supplies to local pesticide policies, pick up some everyday tips and tools to use and share.
Price: free
Website: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/mar-monte/california-lecture-series-in-palo-alto.htm
Contact: Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, ehrh@ppmarmonte
Thursday May 8, 2008
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Sponsor: Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Research
Numerous questions exist regarding the health effects, heterogeneity, composition and sources of PM10-2.5 characteristic of specific locations and comparisons between locations, especially rural versus urban areas. EPA's National Center for Environmental Research, Science To Achieve Results (STAR) grantees will meet to discuss research plans, methods and early results with scientists from EPA, state agencies, other Federal agencies and industry. The workshop will be open to the public.
Price: unknown
Website: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/events/#may08
Contact: Sherri W. Hunt, 202-343-9644 or hunt.sherri@epa.gov
Thursday May 8, 2008
10:00 a.m. Eastern time
Sponsor: Occupational Hazards
This teleconference is part of the Occupational Hazards Safety WebExpo & Conference. The field of green chemistry focuses on the design, manufacture and use of chemicals, products and processes to reduce or eliminate adverse effects on human health and ecosystems. This presentation by Michael P. Wilson, PhD, MPH, and Megan R. Schwarzman, MD, MPH, will present the findings of their recent report to California EPA, "Green Chemistry: Cornerstone to a Sustainable California". They will address the long-standing weaknesses in federal policy that have produced a flawed chemicals market in the US, new European Union policies and efforts that are opening possibilities for a new approach to chemicals policy in the US, and implications of green chemistry for occupational and environmental health.
Price: free
Website: http://www.occupationalhazards.com/Events/Default.aspx?TYPE=0&Archive=0
Thursday May 8, 2008
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Eastern time
Sponsor: National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Part five of a six-part series, the goal of this course is to enable health assessors to perform a knowledge-based preliminary evaluation of environmental radiation data that have been obtained at hazardous waste sites. Topics include typical environmental concentrations of radioactive materials, common materials that may contain radioactive elements and environmental pathway analyses. NCEH/ATSDR staff and NCEH/ATSDR partner staff who prepare public health products or conduct community involvement/health education/health intervention activities as part of the health assessment process are invited to attend. Continuing education credits are available.
Price: unknown
Website: http://app2.erg.com/registration/course_listing.cgi
Contact: Erin Dopfel, 781-674-7229 or erin.dopfel@erg.com
Thursday May 8, 2008
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
at the University of Washington Health Sciences Room T 74
Sponsor: Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) in collaboration with University of Washington Student Chapter of WPSR and Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility; supported by grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 and John Merck Fund
This training explores the links between exposures to environmental contaminants, such as metals and endocrine disruptors, and childhood disorders, including learning disabilities and reproductive effects. Clinical tips for diagnosis and prevention will also be discussed. The program addresses potential trends in rising incidences of disease linked to environmental factors, ramifications of developmental disabilities, health effects of developmental neurotoxins and the latest scientific research. The training includes selected provider and patient materials in English and Spanish from the Pediatric Environmental Health Toolkit, endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Space is limited; RSVP requested.
Price: free
Website: http://www.wpsr.org/
Contact: 206-354-2170 or nancyd@wpsr.org
Thursday May 15, 2008
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Eastern time
Sponsor: National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Final part of a six-part series, the goal of this course is to enable health assessors to perform a knowledge-based preliminary evaluation of environmental radiation data that have been obtained at hazardous waste sites. Topics include the importance of chemistry, radiation biology and example evaluations of environmental radiation data. NCEH/ATSDR staff and NCEH/ATSDR partner staff who prepare public health products or conduct community involvement/health education/health intervention activities as part of the health assessment process are invited to attend. Continuing education credits are available.
Price: unknown
Website: http://app2.erg.com/registration/course_listing.cgi
Contact: Erin Dopfel, 781-674-7229 or erin.dopfel@erg.com
Thursday May 15, 2008
10:00 p.m.
Public Broadcasting System (PBS) stations
Sponsor: National Minority Consortia of Public Television
Unnatural Causes is a four-hour documentary series divided into seven program segments. The hour-long opening program lays out main themes: health and longevity are correlated with socioeconomic status; people of color face an additional health burden, and our health and well-being are tied to policies that promote economic and social justice. Each supporting half-hour episode, set in a different ethnic/racial community, provides a deeper exploration of how social conditions affect population health and how some communities are extending their lives by improving them. The website offers video clips and the full DVD for purchase.
Price: free
Website: http://www.unnaturalcauses.org/about_the_series.php
Contact: Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 800-272-2190
Wednesday May 21, 2008
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern time
Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency
Learn how to download, install, customize and use EPA's free Healthy School Environments Assessment Tool (HealthySEAT) to plan for and conduct environmental and safety assessments of school facilities. For more information on HealthySEAT, visit http://www.epa.gov/schools
Price: unknown
Website: http://www.epa.gov/schools/healthyseat/webconferences.html
Wednesday and Thursday, May 21 - 22, 2008
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay, 2040 Airport Drive
Sponsor: National Indian Health Board
The goal of the summit is to bring together the many groups, agencies, tribes, tribal organizations, national organizations and foundations doing public-health work in Indian country to develop a national public-health agenda. Come ready to discuss programs' progress, synthesize efforts, and create new opportunities.
Price: $200
Website: http://www.nihb.org/staticpages/index.php?page=phsummit08
Contact: Helen Canterbury, 703-486-5705 or hcanterbury@nihb.org
Thursday May 22, 2008
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Portland, Oregon
at the Doubletree Hotel-Lloyd Center, 1000 NE Multnomah
Sponsor: Oregon Environmental Council
Girls have their first periods today, on average, a few months earlier than girls did 40 years ago, but their breasts begin to develop one to two years earlier. Over the course of a few decades, the childhoods of United States girls have been significantly shortened. What does this mean for girls today and their health in the future?
Price: $35, $25 for members and nonprofit or governmental agency employees
Website: http://www.oeconline.org/events
Contact: Oregon Environmental Council, 503-222-1963 or info@oeconline.org
Thursday and Friday, May 29 - 30, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
at the Northwest Environmental Training Center Headquarters, 650 South Orcas Street Suite 220
Sponsor: Northwest Environmental Training Center (NWETC)
This course provides an overview of the vapor intrusion exposure pathway including its scientific foundation, regulatory framework and the technical aspects of investigating and remediating contaminated vapor sites. The class will cover topics such as screening sites for potential vapor intrusion concerns, conducting field investigations, sampling techniques, data analyses, exposure point calculations, the Johnson and Ettinger predictive model, vapor intrusion risk assessment, vapor intrusion mitigation and remediation. Continuing educational credits are available.
Price: $495, $395 reduced tuition is available to those who qualify
Website: http://www.nwetc.org/vaqm-401_05-08_seattle.htm
Contact: Northwest Environmental Training Center, 206-762-1976
Friday May 30, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
at REI Downtown, 222 Yale Avenue North, Second Floor, South Room, Room B
Sponsor: Northwest Environmental Training Center (NWETC)
The course identifies potential health hazards of toxic chemicals and methods for preventing exposure. Chemicals we encounter in everyday life are used as examples to evaluate the hazards and risk of exposure and put them into perspective. Learn the basic principles of toxicology, tools for assessing the toxicology of chemicals, effects of chemicals on the body and why some people are more sensitive to chemicals than others. Continuing education credits are available.
Price: $150 early bird special until May 5, $245 thereafter, $175 reduced tuition is available to those who qualify
Website: http://nwetc.org/etox-510_05-08_seattle.htm
Contact: Northwest Environmental Training Center, 206-762-1976
Monday through Friday, June 2 - 6, 2008
Atlanta, Georgia
at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Highway, 106 Chamblee in Room 1B
Sponsor: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
This course focuses on the process of assessing public-health implications of exposures to contaminants being released from hazardous waste sites and identifying public-health actions. This assessment process applies to all the different products (public-health assessments, health consultations, health advisories, etc.) that we produce.
Price: see http://app2.erg.com/registration/form.cgi
Website: http://app2.erg.com/registration/course_detail.cgi?212
Contact: Bob Kay, 770-488-0663 or BKay@cdc.gov
Tuesday and Wednesday, June 3 and 4, 2008
Sidney, British Columbia Canada
at the Institute of Ocean Sciences, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, 9860 West Saanich Road
Sponsor: Institute of Ocean Sciences, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada
The synergistic occurrence of BFRs with other persistent organic pollutants such as PCBs, dioxins and DDT in the environment and humans raise questions regarding their combined impacts. These emerging issues, together with approaches taken to further understand the toxicology, fate and distribution of BFRs in the environment, are going to be the focus of this workshop.
Price: free
Website: http://www.bfr2008.com/#Top
Contact: Christine Brownlie, 250-655-5800 (from outside Canada dial 011-1-250-655-5800) or info@BFR2008.com
Tuesday through Friday, June 3- 6, 2008
Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
at the University of British Columbia
Sponsor: Environmental Studies Association of Canada
The conference is being held as part of the annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. The theme of the congress is "Thinking beyond Borders -- Global Ideas: Global Values."
Price: unknown
Website: http://www.esac.ca/events/
Contact: Chris Ling, chris.ling@royalroads.ca
Online Calendar. Upcoming events extending more than one month in the future are listed in a searchable calendar: http://www.iceh.org/cgi-bin/searchevents.cgi
Most of the articles below come from Environmental Health News, http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/
New Member. The Partnership for Children's Health and the Environment welcomes this 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: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Heinz Endowments seeks an environment program officer to work constructively with applicants and grantees to ensure that the program's grant-making has a significant, measurable and replicable impact that is aligned with the endowments' priorities. The officer must have demonstrated and sustained commitment to work in the environmental field. Targeted work experience in environmental health is expected. A strong interest in and grasp of public policy is important, as is an understanding of the role of the nonprofit community in driving social change. While the program officer for the environment will work on the broad range of issues and topics related to the goals of the Environment Program, his or her primary responsibility will be a special focus on environmental health. Application materials should include a letter describing the candidate's interest in and qualifications for the position, a list of five references and a current resume. Please submit materials to Allison Kupfer, Senior Associate, Isaacson Miller, 334 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116 or electronically at 3629@imsearch.com. Electronic submissions are strongly preferred.
http://www.heinz.org/
Environmental Justice Small Grants Program (EJSG) Funding Opportunity. The purpose of this grant program is to support and empower Communities that are working on local solutions to local environmental and/or public-health issues. The EJSG Program is designed to assist recipients in building collaborative partnerships that will help them understand and address the environmental and/or public-health issues in their communities. Successful collaborative partnerships with other stakeholders involve well-designed strategic plans to build, maintain and sustain the partnerships, and to work towards addressing the local environmental and/or public-health issues.
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html
Environmental Health Disparities Fact Sheets. The US Environmental Protection Agency has published four new fact sheets on children's environmental health disparities. These address disparities in secondhand smoke exposure and asthma among African American and Hispanic American children. Each fact sheet includes important information on actions parents can take to protect their children and positive actions EPA and other organizations are taking to address each specific environmental health issue.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/publications2.htm#2
EPA Requests Comments on Climate Change Strategy. In response to the release of its draft strategy, the US Environmental Protection Agency request comments on its draft document of initial efforts to identify potential impacts of climate change for clean water and drinking-water programs and define actions to respond to these impacts. The draft strategy proposes 46 specific actions that EPA will take to respond to climate change. Only those actions which can be initiated in fiscal year 2008 or 2009 with an assumption of level funding are included in the draft strategy.
http://www.epa.gov/water/climatechange.
Abstracts Invited for Healthy Homes Conference. Abstract submissions are sought for the 2008 National Healthy Homes Conference on the following tracks/themes: 1) marketing healthy housing, 2) educating the public and practitioners, 3) mainstreaming healthy housing principles, 4) creating healthy housing through research, 5) building capacity to deliver healthy housing, and 6) developing enforcement and regulatory strategies. The deadline for abstract submissions is May 15, 2008.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/2008NHHC.cfm.
Second Annual Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder: Intergenerational Poetry, Essay and Photography Contest. The US EPA in partnership with Generations United and the Rachel Carson Council Inc., invite submissions for this contest. Using the title of one of Carson's books, "The Sense of Wonder," the contest is seeking submissions from intergenerational teams "that best express the "Sense of Wonder" that you feel when observing the sea, the night sky, forests, birds, wildlife, and all that is beautiful to your eyes." Winners in each category will be determined by the public, who will have an opportunity to vote online in July and August for their favorite submission in each category. The deadline for entries is Monday June 16, 2008.
http://www.epa.gov/aging
National EPA-Tribal Science Council: Adding Children's Health to Tribal Science Priorities. The Tribal Science Council (TSC) is currently working to incorporate children's environmental health into its National Tribal Science Priorities document.
http://www.epa.gov/osp/tribes/tribal/SciencePriorities.pdf
Comments Sought on National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Lead. The EPA Administrator proposed to revise the existing National Ambient Air Quality Standard for lead of 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air to a level within the range of 0.10 to 0.30 micrograms per cubic meter. The agency is taking comment on alternative levels within a range from less than 0.10 to 0.50 micrograms per cubic meter. EPA will accept public comment for 60 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register. The agency will hold two public hearings on June 12, 2008: one in St. Louis and one in Baltimore. EPA must issue a final decision on the lead standard by Sept. 15, 2008.
http://www.epa.gov/air/lead
Breeding toxins from dead PCs. Thousands of discarded computers from western Europe and the US arrive in the ports of west Africa every day, ending up in massive toxic dumps where children burn and pull them apart to extract metals for cash. London Guardian, England, 6 May 2008.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/may/06/waste.pollution
High formaldehyde levels found in some baby furniture. In a report published today, Environment California found a half dozen products -- out of 21 nursery furnishings it tested -- emitted formaldehyde at levels high enough to trigger allergy and asthma attacks in children. Sacramento Bee, California, 6 May 2008.
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/915385.html
Remodelers to face 'white-glove' test on lead. Remodeling contractors will have to pass a "white-glove" test under a new U.S. rule to prove their work doesn't stir up dangerous dust and debris from lead paint. Washington Post, 6 May 2008.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/05/AR2008050502444.html
What's autism? Symptoms vary among people with disorder. With the prevalence of diagnosed children exploding -- the population soared more than 500 percent, according to one 10-year government estimate -- a lot of autistic children fall outside the traditional narrow definition. Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Washington, 6 May 2008.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/361732_autismdefined05.html
Study links breast-feeding to higher IQ scores for children. A new study provides some of the best evidence to date that breast-feeding can make children smarter, an international team of researchers said yesterday. Reuters, 6 May 2008.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/05/06/study_touts_benefits_of_breast_feeding/
Sleeping with danger. We lock our doors at night, but the killer may already be inside our homes, sleeping with us in the same bed: poisonous chemicals [boric acid] just below your sheets. Cincinnati WCPO, Ohio, 6 May 2008.
http://www.wcpo.com/content/news/localshows/iteam/story.aspx?content_id=F1CF6683-DD13-4156-952B-7AF7F585C771&gsa=true
Web site warns of toxins in beauty products. When you wash your hair or put on makeup, are you getting a dangerous dose of toxic chemicals in the process? Seattle KOMO, Washington, 6 May 2008.
http://www.komotv.com/news/18680399.html
Fluoridation set to start; lawsuit also to proceed. The manager of a Blount County water supplier says his utility will proceed with fluoridating its product, irrespective of a citizen action group's request that a court halt the move. Knoxville News Sentinel, Tennessee, 6 May 2008.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/may/06/fluoridation-set-to-start-lawsuit-also-to/
Unhealthy Ozone Levels Detected in Kansas Park. A pollution sensor in a state park in a remote area of Kansas is registering ozone levels in the unhealthful range hundreds of miles from anything approaching a major city. All Things Considered, 5 May 2008.
http://www.npr.org:80/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90201526
submitted to this bulletin by Janice Naragon
School age children at greater risk from lead exposure. School age children are at greater risk from lead exposure than toddlers, according to a Cincinnati Children's Hospital study. Indo-Asian News Service, South Asia, 5 May 2008.
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/school-age-children-at-greater-risk-from-lead-exposure_10045248.html
Study links child's autism, parents' mental illness. In another sign pointing to an inherited component to autism, a study released on Monday found that having a schizophrenic parent or a mother with psychiatric problems roughly doubled a child's risk of being autistic. Reuters, 5 May 2008.
http://in.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idINIndia-33402020080505
Skin cancer still a burning issue as poll shows warnings ignored. Young people are risking their lives by indulging in "binge tanning", a charity has warned. More than a third of under-25s spend more than five hours a day in the sun on holiday, increasing their chances of developing life-threatening skin cancer, it said. Edinburgh Scotsman, Scotland, 5 May 2008.
http://news.scotsman.com/health/Skin-cancer-still-a-burning.4049802.jp
Uranium mining booms in Western U.S. Record prices for uranium have sparked a mining boom in the Western states. A green advocacy organization says runoff from the mining could contaminate the Colorado River, which supplies water to 25 million people. Jeremy Hobson has more. MarketPlace, 5 May 2008.
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/05/05/uranium
Avoiding a mouldy mess in the courts. The environmentally friendly building materials used in construction over the last two decades are proving especially susceptible to mould growth. Ottawa Business Journal, Canada, 5 May 2008.
http://www.ottawabusinessjournal.com/368265646775477.php
Going green to clean schools. Requiring 'green' cleaning products is part of a move to reduce toxic chemicals in schools across Illinois and in turn improve indoor air quality. It's now mandated by a state act affecting 5,659 schools across Illinois. Chicago Daily Herald, Illinois, 4 May 2008.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=184833
Breast milk contains C8, study concludes. C8 and related chemicals used in nonstick pans and stain-resistant fabrics have been found in human breast milk, according to the first major U.S. study to examine breast-feeding as a possible exposure route. Charleston Gazette, West Virginia, 4 May 2008.
http://wvgazette.com/News/200805030359
Health Canada issues three recalls on children's products. Health Canada issued recalls Friday on three children's products, two that contain high levels of lead and one that is easily flammable. CanWest News, Canada, 3 May 2008.
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=c540994c-a6de-43bd-8c35-8d6b3f985d02&k=7338
Unwelcome guest: PBDEs in indoor dust. Researchers have known for years that house dust is a major exposure route for lead and certain pesticides. Now attention is turning to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants. Environmental Health Perspectives, 3 May 2008.
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2008/116-5/focus.html
Miscarriages and pollution may be linked. Doctors in India blame atmospheric pollution for the increasing instances of patients suffering lung disorders, miscarriage, stunted growth and congenital defects. New Delhi Times of India, India, 3 May 2008.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Kolkata/Miscarriages__pollution_may_be_linked/articleshow/3006081.cms
Work exposure to weed killers tied to brain cancer. Women whose jobs regularly expose them to weed killers may have a higher-than-normal risk of a particular form of brain cancer, results of a U.S. study suggest. Reuters Health, 2 May 2008.
http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2008/05/02/eline/links/20080502elin001.html
EPA plans tougher airborne lead limit. After adopting a standard 30 years ago that led to a 98% drop in airborne lead, the agency plans a dramatic further reduction that has been long awaited by environmentalists. Los Angeles Times, California, 2 May 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lead2-2008may02,1,792059.story
Incubators seen to change babies' heartbeats. The incubators used to nurture premature babies give off electromagnetic fields that change the babies' heart rhythms, researchers in Italy have found. Nature, 2 May 2008.
http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080501/full/news.2008.790.html
Health officials concerned over upswing in measles. The U.S. is on track to report its highest incidence of measles since 2001, in part due to people opting out of the vaccine due to religious beliefs or fears of a purported link to autism. Los Angeles Times, California, 2 May 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-vaccine2-2008may02,0,6944471.story
Unhealthy air plagues U.S. residents. Forty-two percent of the U.S. population lives in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution, the American Lung Association said in its annual State of the Air report released Thursday. Bloomberg News, 2 May 2008.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080502/NEWS07/805020301/1009
California ban on toxic chemical passes Senate health committee. The Senate Health Committee voted 6-3 to approve and send to the floor a bill that bans any detectable level of the toxic chemical BPA from all toys and child care products sold in California. Beverly Hills California Chronicle, California, 1 May 2008.
http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/60421
Tree-lined streets 'cut asthma'. Children who live in tree-lined streets have lower rates of asthma, a New York-based study suggests. Columbia University researchers found that asthma rates among children aged four and five fell by 25% for every extra 343 trees per square kilometre. BBC, UK, 1 May 2008.
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Health/2008/05/01/study_trees_may_help_curb_asthma/9090/
European court bans widely used flame retardant. The EU's highest court banned the use of Deca BDE flame retardant, the only PBDE now used in Europe and North America. The ban takes effect July 1. Some think it could impact flame retardants used in North American tvs. Environmental Science & Technology, 1 May 2008.
http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/esthag-w/2008/apr/policy/kb_decabdeban.html
One in five rooms is 'highly contaminated' with hidden mold. Almost one in five rooms studied with no visible mold was in fact “highly contaminated” by fungus which could aggravate conditions such as asthma. Science Daily, 1 May 2008.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430123552.htm
Report: Health risks outweigh farming cost cuts. The way America produces meat, milk and eggs is unsustainable, creates significant risks to public health from antibiotic resistance and disease, damages the environment and unnecessarily harms animals, a report released Tuesday says. USA Today, 1 May 2008.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-04-29-animal-farms_N.htm
Corzine boosts lead dust rules, says kids need greater protection. With a new report showing thousands of New Jersey's poorest children still getting lead poisoning each year, Gov. Jon Corzine signed an executive order meant to reform the system that failed them. Newark Star-Ledger, New Jersey, 30 April 2008.
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/topstories/index.ssf/2008/04/corzine_toughens_lead_dust_rul.html
Alaska Natives suffering from unhealthy water. Lack of in-home running water is still an issue facing approximately one-third of Alaska Natives, and it's literally making them sick--from severe respiratory infections and lung and skin infections, according to new study findings. Indian Country Today, 30 April 2008.
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417153
Smog rules stiffen; will locals act? A new, tougher standard for smog means the state and federal governments could force Athens factories and drivers to pony up for measures to reduce pollution unless locals deal with the problem themselves. Athens Banner-Herald, Georgia, 30 April 2008.
http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/043008/news_2008043000214.shtml
DDT-related chemical linked to testicular cancer. A chemical that comes from the pesticide DDT may raise a man's risk of developing testicular cancer, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday. Reuters, 30 April 2008.
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN29321193
Scientists fret over arsenic levels in British baby rice. Levels of arsenic in rice formula for babies are worryingly high, according to an investigation published Wednesday into products widely sold in British stores. Agence France-Presse, 30 April 2008.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g39Md5aJ0i-q8nxBFThrQyvd0Ayg
Global warming set to fan the HIV fire. Climate change is the latest threat to the world's growing HIV epidemic, say Australian experts who warn of the "grim" outlook in the fight against the infectious disease. Australian Associated Press, 30 April 2008.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=454694
UCLA study links poor health to fast-food neighbors. Higher rates of diabetes and obesity occur in neighborhoods -- regardless of the residents' income, race or ethnicity -- where fast-food restaurants and convenience stores greatly outnumber grocery stores and produce vendors. Los Angeles Times, California, 29 April 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-me-fastfood29apr29,1,2143402.story
Toxins, chemicals, packaging making women more susceptible to breast cancer. New data linking breast cancer to early exposure to estrogen and other environmental toxins in young girls was presented by Dr. Noel Kerin Monday night at a panel discussion. Peterborough Examiner, Ontario, 29 April 2008.
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1005101&auth=ANDREA+HOUSTON%2FExaminer+Staff+Writer
Politics keeping EPA from toxin warnings? A new government report says non-scientists play an increasing role in EPA decisions. It even suggests that political pressure may be putting the health of Americans at risk. CBS Evening News, 29 April 2008.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/28/eveningnews/main4052923.shtml
A local first: Environmental justice. Cincinnati could be among the first cities in the country to pass a law protecting poor people and minorities from businesses that pollute their neighborhoods. Cincinnati Enquirer, Ohio, 29 April 2008.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080428/NEWS01/304280140/1056/COL02
Day Care, Play Groups Cut Leukemia Risk? Children who attend day care or play groups may be less likely to develop leukemia. WebMD, 29 April 2008.
http://children.webmd.com/news/20080429/day-care-play-groups-cut-leukemia-risk?src=rss_cbsnews
Using hair dye could increase your risk of cancer. Those who use hair dyes more than nine times a year have a 60 per cent greater risk of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a study suggests. Daily Mail, United Kingdom, 29 April 2008.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/thehealthnews.html?in_article_id=562651&in_page_id=1797
Cleaning green at home. With consumers becoming more aware of the negative effects of chemicals on their health and on the environment, many are turning away from chemical-laden household cleaners in favour of natural alternatives. Ottawa Citizen, Ontario, 29 April 2008.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=f06df87b-31d3-40b0-af76-fdb99821d5d0
[Editor's note: see a related article about possible health effects from "green" cleaners at http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-green28apr28,1,5738574.story ]
Kennedy links cancer to river pollution. Mercury discharges into the Detroit River are causing cancer, amount to "child abuse," and are damaging the quality of life in this border city. Canadian Press, 28 April 2008.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/1052495.html
Poor children main victims of climate change. Millions of the world's poorest children are among the principal victims of climate change caused by the rich developed world, a United Nations report said on Tuesday, calling for urgent action. Reuters, 28 April 2008.
http://www.mg.co.za/articlepage.aspx?area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__international_news/&articleid=337987
[Editor's note: see a related article about the relationship of climate change and poverty at http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-04-23-voa75.cfm ]
Studies on chemical in plastics questioned. Despite more than 100 published studies by government scientists and university laboratories that have raised health concerns about a chemical compound that is central to the multibillion-dollar plastics industry, the FDA has deemed it safe largely because of two studies, both funded by an industry trade group. Washington Post, 27 April 2008.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/04/26/ST2008042602242.html
For women, the wineglass is half full. There's mounting evidence that drinking wine and other alcoholic beverages increases the risk of breast cancer. Washington Post, 27 April 2008.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/18/AR2008041802823.html
Homeowners get out from under pesticide fog. Amid a new wave of environmentalism, eco-savvy consumers are realizing they no longer need to rely on traditional pesticides -- which may pose health risks -- to combat rodents and insects Associated Press, 27 April 2008.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_564518.html
The FDA needs help. The heparin scare revealed problems that the FDA says it can fix. But it won't tell Congress how much that will cost. Washington Post, 27 April 2008.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/26/AR2008042601662.html
Studies show air pollution's health toll. Scientists have linked air pollution levels to asthma symptoms and school absences among inner-city kids, increased the number of deaths from pneumonia and premature death from even short-term exposure to ozone pollution, the major component of smog. Scripps Howard News Service, 26 April 2008.
http://www.sitnews.us/0408news/042508/042508_shns_medical.html
[Editor's note: see a related article about how current US air-quality standards do not protect asthmatic children's health at http://www.wtnzfox43.com/Global/story.asp?S=8230804 ]
Ashland professor warned of lead in keychains 16 months before recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission faces a new challenge with an Ohio professor's claim that the agency waited 16 months before recalling a product with an alarming level of lead. Solon Herald Sun, Ohio, 26 April 2008.
http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1209198722136090.xml&coll=2
Idaho denies group's request for tougher mercury standards. State officials have rejected a request from an environmental group that sought to limit mercury emissions in Idaho, saying there isn't enough information available to make a decision. Associated Press, 26 April 2008.
http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/144639.html
Paterson Orders State Agencies To 'Go Green.' Gov. David Paterson signed an executive order Saturday that establishes the "Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program." The programs goals are to conserve precious natural resources, protect the public health and prevent pollution in order to improve the quality of life for all of New York state's residents. WNBC, 26 April 2008.
http://www.wnbc.com/news/16008969/detail.html?rss=ny&psp=news
How much do chemicals affect our health? In the forefront of battles to eliminate environmental toxins since he was sent by the CDC to Texas to study the effect of a lead smelter on children, Dr. Philip Landrigan has helped show the relationship between asbestos, pesticides, and benzene and human disease. Discover, 25 April 2008.
http://discovermagazine.com/2008/may/25-how-much-do-chemicals-affect-our-health
Autism risk linked to distance from power plants, other mercury-releasing sources. A newly published study shows statistically significant links between pounds of industrial released mercury and increased autism rates. Science Daily, 25 April 2008.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080424120953.htm
The other place bisphenol A lurks: our teeth. Just when they thought they could breathe easy after years of controversy concerning mercury-based fillings, dentists are finding themselves at the centre of a new debate over the safety of the alternatives. Toronto Globe and Mail, Ontario, 25 April 2008.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080424.wldental24/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home
Eat, smoke and die early. Life expectancy appears to have either stagnated or fallen slightly for some 4% of American men and 19% of women. The main culprits are diseases linked to smoking or obesity, such as lung cancer and diabetes. Economist, 24 April 2008.
http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11089916
Cause of cancer clusters often never discovered. Genuine cancer clusters account for only a small number of suspected clusters, said Tim Aldrich, an epidemiologist who has studied disease clusters across the nation for three decades. Wilmington News Journal, Delaware, 24 April 2008.
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080424/HEALTH/804240347
Some ozone to go with your flight, sir? Ozone protects us when it sits high in the atmosphere blocking UV rays, but is a health risk when we breathe the stuff in. So a report showing illegally high ozone levels on some US flights suggests that all aircraft should be fitted with ozone converters. New Scientist, England, 24 April 2008.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13761-some-ozone-to-go-with-your-flight-sir.html?DCMP=ILC-hmts&nsref=news10_head_dn13761
Safety questions about unpasteurized milk. Two decades after the FDA banned the sale of raw milk for human consumption, the debate over the product, its dangers, and its merits has been re-energized because some states still sell the product. US News & World Report, 24 April 2008.
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/national/2008/04/18/safety-questions-about-unpasteurized-milk.html
Planned Ontario ban on cosmetic use of pesticides to be toughest in North America. The legislation, introduced on Earth Day, will take effect more quickly and go further than a similar law in Quebec, the only other Canadian province to have banned pesticides. Canadian Press, 23 April 2008.
http://www.eastottawa.ca/article-cp29348020-Planned-Ont-ban-on-cosmetic-use-of-pesticides-to-be-toughest-in-North-America.html
Smog panel urges EPA to weigh the value of life in setting pollution rules. A national panel of experts advised the EPA to consider the economic value of lost lives when comparing the costs and benefits of setting new air pollution rules. Los Angeles Times, California, 23 April 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-smog23apr23,1,4380907.story
The dirty truth about plastic. Present in everyday items like panty hose and perfume, computers and catheters, baby rattles and billiard balls, plastics are so ubiquitous we seldom give them a second thought. Yet they pose problems both familiar and unfamiliar. Discover, 18 April 2008.
http://discovermagazine.com/2008/may/18-the-dirty-truth-about-plastic
