CHE News Feed

Subsistence diet not safe from toxins.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:45:06 -0700

They're in the foods we eat and the toys our children play with, that's why the safety watchdog group, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, is trying to increase awareness about the chemicals we encounter everyday and recent studies show some concerns about the freshest foods from the wild. Anchorage KTUU TV, Alaska.
[See another article about diet and health: Mom's pregnancy diet not tied to wheezing risk]

Prescription: More sun.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:32:39 -0700

If Stubbs is right about the autism/Vitamin D link, he and a growing legion of scientists across the country might also be right about their larger theory -- that lack of sun exposure and Vitamin D explains Oregon’s high rates of depression, multiple sclerosis, bone disease, cancers and dozens of other maladies, including colds and flu. Portland Tribune.

NYC looks to stop spreading bedbug infestations.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:29:55 -0700

One of every 15 New Yorkers battled bedbugs last year, officials said Wednesday as they announced a plan to fight the spreading infestation, including a public-awareness campaign and a top entomologist to head the effort. Associated Press.

The air near the BP oil spill.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:11:42 -0700

The net result is that the air quality over the Gulf is worse in terms of hydrocarbons than a downtown city. Environmental News Network.
[See other articles about air quality: Ambient air pollution exposure and full-term birth weight in California, Outdoor particulate matter and childhood asthma admissions in Athens, Greece: a time-series study; Idling buses bad for air, kids and Air pollution link to cancer in Lebanon]

Pollution makes quarter of China water unusable.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:08:18 -0700

Almost a quarter of China's surface water remains so polluted that it is unfit even for industrial use, while less than half of total supplies are drinkable, data from the environment watchdog showed on Monday. Environmental News Network.

Capitola to ask for SmartMeter moratorium.

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:07:26 -0700

The Capitola City Council voted Thursday night to join San Francisco, Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz County in asking the state for a moratorium on PG&E's SmartMeters until a study of the technology is complete. Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Climate change exacerbates disparate health conditions among vulnerable populations, experts say.

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:05:19 -0700

Whatever the reason for extreme weather conditions, whether it is hurricanes or sweltering heat, one thing is certain, researchers say: their impact is greatest on children and other vulnerable populations. Diverse: Issues In Higher Education.

Gas drilling companies claim to use safer chemicals.

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:03:38 -0700

In Texas and across the country, controversy is escalating over the practice of "fracking," which involves shooting water, sand and chemicals far underground to retrieve natural gas. Texas Tribune.

Pipeline leak pollutes major Michigan river.

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:55:45 -0700

Crews were working Tuesday to contain and clean up more than 800,000 gallons of oil that poured into a creek and flowed into the Kalamazoo River in southern Michigan, coating birds and fish. Battle Creek and surrounding Calhoun County declared a local state of emergency. Associated Press.
[See a related article: Long-term odor exposure worries officials]

Autism correlation to wealth affirmed.

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:52:00 -0700

Upper-income parents are more likely to have children with autism, according to a University of Wisconsin-Madison study. The findings suggest either the genetics or the lifestyles of wealthier people predispose their children to autism. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin.