CHE News Feed

Ambient temperature and biomarkers of heart failure: a repeated measures analysis.

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:34:52 -0700

Among patients undergoing treatment for heart failure, we observed positive associations between temperature and both B-natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein, predictors of heart failure prognosis and severity. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) impairs female fertility and promotes adipogenesis in C3H/N mice.

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:33:13 -0700

DEHP impaired fertility in high concentrations and increased body weight and visceral fat depots in female C3H/N mice in environmentally relevant dosages. Environmental Health Perspectives.

1 in 7 seniors in US face hunger threat.

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:10:29 -0700

From 2001 to 2010, the number of seniors experiencing the threat of hunger increased by 78 percent, according to the study. Futurity.
[See the report: Senior Hunger in America 2010: An Annual Report]

New resource: Green Momma Parties.

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:55:33 -0700

Green Momma Parties make detoxing the home fun with a room-by-room guide for eliminating harmful chemicals, do-it-yourself recipes, and easy actions to raise your voices together for safer products.

Call for presentations: 2012 Summit on the Science of Eliminating Health Disparities.

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:49:33 -0700

The Summit, to be held in Maryland October 31 - November 3, 2012, has a theme of "Integrating Science, Policy and Practice: Building a Healthier Society"; specific conference tracks are listed on the website. Abstracts are due June 15th.

Report: five primary disposal methods for fracking wastewater all fail to protect public health and environment.

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:30:33 -0700

All currently available options for dealing with contaminated wastewater from fracking are inadequate to protect human health and the environment, but stronger federal and state protections can better safeguard against the threats posed by this byproduct, according to a new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council. ENews Park Forest, Illinois.

Study first to link geothermal gas to asthma.

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:28:50 -0700

Adults exposed to low levels of a toxic gas released by natural and industrial sources may experience wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks that require medication, finds a three-year study in Iceland. Environmental Health News.

For nanoparticles, size does matter.

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:18:00 -0700

A library of nanoparticles made to exact dimensions has revealed that particle size and shape affects their toxicity in cells. Chemical & Engineering News.
[See another article about nanoparticles: Nanoparticles may pose environmental threat]

PIP breast implants: 'serious lessons must be learned.'

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:11:36 -0700

A review led by Health Minister Lord Howe examined the role of the Department of Health and the UK regulator the MHRA. It questions how well women with these implants were informed about the risks. BBC.

Obesity in pregnancy: Carrying too many pounds can give your baby a life of weight problems.

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:07:28 -0700

Overweight mothers-to-be could be condemning their unborn children to decades of ill health. Babies whose mothers were carrying extra pounds when pregnant are more likely to be fat and unhealthy as adults, researchers say. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

A measure for quantifying the impact of housing quality on respiratory health: a cross-sectional study.

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:49:47 -0700

This study showed that increased evidence of housing conditions supporting dampness and mould was associated with increased odds of respiratory symptoms. A valid housing assessment tool can provide a rational basis for investment in improved housing quality to improve respiratory health. Environmental Health.

Americans fall short of federal exercise recommendations.

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:44:38 -0700

Americans spend, on average, only about two hours each week participating in sports and fitness activities, according to researchers at Penn State and the University of Maryland who examined U.S. government data from the American Time Use Study. Penn State Live.

Call for papers: International Journal of Pediatrics.

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:35:08 -0700

The focus of this special issue is on toxic exposures to children in countries with rapidly developing economies. Manuscripts are due July 13th.

Workshops: Farm Bill 101.

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:33:31 -0700

Learn more about the Farm Bill, how it affects our entire food system as well as what we eat every day. Several workshops are being held in the Puget Sound area in May and June.

New book: iDisorder: Understanding Our Obsession with Technology and Overcoming Its Hold on Us.

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:15:24 -0700

Rosen’s goal is to alert us to our possible conditions before it is too late. If it is in fact too late, though, Rosen believes that, like with any disorder, there is room for improvement, if not absolute correction.

New book: Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History.

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:15:01 -0700

Increasingly, the odds are stacked against us in the struggle with breast cancer -- even among men. What makes breasts so mercurial -- and so vulnerable?

Expression and DNA methylation changes in human breast epithelial cells after bisphenol A exposure.

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:49:18 -0700

Our results indicate that normal human breast epithelial cells exposed to BPA have increased expressions of genes involved in DNA repair in order to overcome the DNA damage induced by this chemical. These results suggest that the breast tissue of women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations could be more susceptible to the effects of BPA. International Journal of Oncology.
[See a related article: Effects of bisphenol A exposure on the proliferation and senescence of normal human mammary epithelial cells]

Low-level cadmium exposure can increase female cancer risk.

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:20:11 -0700

Women exposed to low levels of cadmium in their food have changes in DNA markers that alter gene regulation and increase their cancer risk. Environmental Health News.

Drink your milk: waste is equal to gas emissions from 20,000 cars.

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:16:31 -0700

Waste milk creates a carbon footprint equivalent to thousands of car exhausts, according to a study that highlights the environmental costs of inefficient farming and the aggressive marketing of supermarket food. The Independent, United Kingdom.

Economists list cheapest ways to save the world.

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:10:28 -0700

Leading economists have ranked how to best and most cost-effectively invest to solve many of the world's seemingly insurmountable problems, a Danish think-tank said Monday, calling for a shift in global priorities. Agence France-Presse.

Lead poisoning is no longer a N.J. funding priority.

Mon, 14 May 2012 09:50:24 -0700

For nearly a decade, New Jersey has been at the forefront in the battle against lead poisoning, pouring millions of dollars every year into screenings for children, databases and maps tracking the poison, and financial aid. Now the state is relaxing its aggressive stance by slashing funds and programs. Bergen County Record, New Jersey.

Vermont utilities see growing 'smart meter' opposition.

Mon, 14 May 2012 09:19:34 -0700

Worries about health effects, privacy and cost are fueling growing opposition to wireless, digital "smart meters" that utilities around the country are installing at homes and businesses and touting as key energy conservation and grid reliability tools. Associated Press.

New book: Sick Societies: Responding to the Global Challenge of Chronic Disease.

Sun, 13 May 2012 22:31:45 -0700

This book is the first to synthesise the growing evidence-base surrounding the chronic disease, comprehensively addressing the prevention and control of chronic diseases from epidemiologic, economic, prevention/management, and governance perspectives.

IOM and HBO present The Weight of the Nation.

Sun, 13 May 2012 22:20:22 -0700

The films follow the IOM's latest report, Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention: Solving the Weight of the Nation, which articulates the most promising solutions to our obesity crisis. These films will air May 14-15th on HBO and at www.hbo.com/weightofthenation.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin calls for reform on flame retardant chemicals.

Sun, 13 May 2012 22:02:49 -0700

Reacting with outrage to the Chicago Tribune's investigation of deceptive tactics that have fueled the rise of toxic flame retardants in American homes, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin on Thursday demanded answers from two federal agencies, urging them to act aggressively to rid homes of chemicals that pose health risks but don't stave off fires. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.

Appalachian women put strip-mining on trial.

Sun, 13 May 2012 22:01:22 -0700

On Thursday, women from across the coalfields of West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee gathered in Charleston to talk about blasting, dust and polluted water. Charleston Gazette, West Virginia.

Prenatal smoking tied to worse asthma in kids.

Sun, 13 May 2012 21:33:00 -0700

Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy may have a tougher time controlling their asthma than other kids do, a new study suggests. Reuters.
[See the study referenced: Effect of secondhand smoke on asthma control among black and Latino children]

A three-stage algorithm to make toxicologically relevant activity calls from quantitative high throughput screening data.

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:12:59 -0700

The three-stage classification algorithm performed better than one-stage classification approaches based on overall F-tests, t-tests or linear regression. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Maternal antibodies to gluten linked to schizophrenia risk in children.

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:09:15 -0700

Babies born to women with sensitivity to gluten appear to be at increased risk for certain psychiatric disorders later in life, according to research by scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore. ScienceDaily.
[See the study referenced: Maternal antibodies to dietary antigens and risk for nonaffective psychosis in offspring]

Testosterone-fueled infantile males might be a product of mom's behavior.

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:06:46 -0700

By comparing the testosterone levels of five-month old pairs of twins, both identical and non-identical, University of Montreal researchers were able to establish that testosterone levels in infancy are not inherited genetically but rather determined by environmental factors. ScienceDaily.
[See the study referenced: Genetic and environmental contributions to saliva testosterone levels in male and female infant twins]

New report: Alliances for Obesity Prevention: Finding Common Ground -- Workshop Summary

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:59:49 -0700

In October 2011, the Institute of Medicine’s Standing Committee on Childhood Obesity Prevention hosted a workshop in order to hear from organizations, movements, and sectors with the potential to be allies for obesity prevention, and to identify common ground and engender dialogue among them.

Pregnant white women smoke at a 20 percent rate, says HHS’s SAMHSA.

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:51:29 -0700

"When pregnant women use alcohol, tobacco, or illicit substances they are risking health problems for themselves and poor birth outcomes for their babies," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. Stone Hearth News.
[See a related journal article: A citywide smoking ban reduced maternal smoking and risk for preterm, not low birth weight, births: a Colorado natural experiment]

Half of all Americans report sunburns.

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:34:48 -0700

Two studies released Thursday by the CDC suggest that public-health messages about the dangers of tanning booths and sunburns are lost on a substantial number of Americans. Washington Post.
[See the studies referenced: Sunburn and sun protective behaviors among adults aged 18-29 years - United States, 2000-2010 and Use of indoor tanning devices by adults -- United States, 2010 and a related article: NY considers ban on indoor tanning for minors]

The long, lethal shadow of asbestos.

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:33:26 -0700

Half a century after the first wave of lawsuits were filed for illnesses linked to exposure to asbestos and 40 years after new regulation sharply curtailed use of the insulating and fire-resistant mineral, the asbestos-litigation business is booming. Reuters.

How international chemical regulations are changing American supply chains.

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:29:35 -0700

In much the same way that dealing with a patchwork of state regulations often has U.S. companies shifting practices long before the federal government requires them to, complying with assorted international chemical regulations, not to mention supplier codes of conduct from large companies, may have U.S. companies eliminating the most toxic chemicals whether TSCA is reformed or not. Forbes.

Deadly lead poisoning continues in north Nigeria.

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:26:58 -0700

A deadly lead-poisoning outbreak that began two years ago in northern Nigeria continues to claim young victims even today, an aid agency official said Thursday, while calling on the government to do more to protect those at risk. Associated Press.

Household chemicals' 'cocktail effect' raises cancer concerns for watchdog.

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:25:16 -0700

Europe's environmental watchdog, the European Environment Agency, has warned that products containing endocrine disrupting chemicals should be treated with caution until their true effects are better known. The Guardian, United Kingdom.

Cancer claims fewer Canadian lives.

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:15:20 -0700

The death toll cancer takes in Canada is on the decline, fueled in large part by the fact that lung cancer is killing fewer Canadian men than it did in earlier decades, the Canadian Cancer Society said Wednesday. Canadian Press.

Climate-related disasters on the rise in Asia-Pacific.

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:14:45 -0700

During the last two decades, 45 per cent of the world’s natural disasters, whether it be floods in Pakistan in 2010 or the cyclone that hit Burma in 2008, have occurred in the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in numerous deaths, massive human dislocations and severe economic losses. New Delhi Asian Age, India.

Many kids exposed to smoke despite parents' claims.

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:10:59 -0700

"What the test does is allow the doctor -- in consultation with the parent -- to figure out the source of exposure and then to eliminate it," said Dr. Jonathan Winickoff, an associate professor of pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children in Boston. Reuters.
[See the study referenced: Determination of tobacco smoke exposure by plasma cotinine levels in infants and children attending urban public hospital clinics]

REACH chemical safety review: re-opening a can of worms?

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:05:29 -0700

Five years after its adoption, the European Commission is preparing to review the controversial REACH regulation, which for the first time required chemical manufacturers to justify that their products are safe for consumers before placing them on the market. Euractiv, Belgium.

Evaluation of developmental toxicants and signaling pathways in a functional test based on the migration of human neural crest cells.

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:09:24 -0700

The migration assay of neural crest assay faithfully models human neural crest migration, and reveals impairment of this function by developmental toxicants with good sensitivity and specificity. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Factors influencing combined exposure to three indicator polychlorinated biphenyls in an adult cohort from Bolivia.

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:07:45 -0700

Main predictors of serum concentrations were occupation and fatty food consumption, while those for adipose tissue concentrations included age, smoking habit, fatty food consumption, and residence. Environmental Research.

Comparison of exposure estimation methods for air pollutants: ambient monitoring data and regional air quality simulation.

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:05:59 -0700

The appropriateness of using such modeled exposures in health studies depends on the pollutant and metric of concern, acceptable level of uncertainty, population of interest, study design, and other factors. Environmental Research.

EPA updates Clean Air Act Requirements for gas stations to reflect new vehicle technologies.

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:01:22 -0700

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the systems used at gas station pumps to capture harmful gasoline vapors while refueling cars can be phased out. Modern vehicles are equipped to capture those emissions.

A preliminary assessment of low level arsenic exposure and diabetes mellitus in Cyprus.

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:54:28 -0700

The odds ratio (OR) for diabetes mellitus (DM), comparing participants in the 80th versus the 20th percentiles of low-level As CLAEX index values, was 5.0 (1.03, 24.17), but after adjusting for age, smoking, education, and fish consumption, the As exposure effect on DM was not significant. BMC Public Health.
[See a related article: The relationship between obesity, insulin and arsenic methylation capability in Taiwan adolescents]

US scientist: 'many routes of exposure' to endocrine disruptors.

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:48:24 -0700

Shanna H. Swan, a renowned scientist specialising in reproductive medicine, has warned about the health effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals known as phthalates which can end up in food via pesticides or plastics. In an interview with EurActiv, she calls on regulators to better protect consumers against those "hidden chemicals". Euractiv, Belgium.

Radiation risks: raiders of the lost archive.

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:46:15 -0700

Fearful of a nuclear attack in the 1950s, the Soviet Union wanted to understand how radiation causes diseases such as cancer. Massive secret animal experiments were conducted, with scientists carefully recording their findings. Now, researchers hope to save these and other archives in the US, Europe, and Japan, hoping they could answer modern-day questions about the dangers of radiation. Nature.

Ministries move to reduce dangerous organophosphates.

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:42:10 -0700

The Agriculture Ministry has accepted the recommendations of a committee on how to reduce public exposure to organophosphates, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday, and the two ministries will implement them. Jerusalem Post, Israel.

Senators call for lead factory investigation.

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:41:13 -0700

Six U.S. senators are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to immediately examine the health threats posed by forgotten factory sites. In a letter sent Wednesday to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, the senators urged the EPA to "take immediate action" to review unassessed sites and to set priorities for remediation, such as sites near schools or playgrounds. USA Today.

Chemical industry lobbyists keep stronger oversight plan at bay.

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:37:39 -0700

With efforts to revamp the nation's chemical safety law stalled in Congress, the Obama administration's top environmental regulator vowed three years ago to act on her own to beef up the oversight of toxic substances. But key parts of the initiative by Lisa Jackson are still bottled up in an obscure White House office under intense pressure from industry lobbyists to back off. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.

Toxic from the tap.

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:35:02 -0700

The water that flows from China's Xiang River and into faucets of residents has been tainted from the source for decades. The central government classified the water as toxic in the 1980s and water experts say the river's water is so concentrated with cancer-causing heavy metals that regular treatment systems have collapsed. Beijing Caixin, China.

Toxic roulette.

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:34:14 -0700

By the early 2000s, the flame retardant known as penta had become a villain. The only U.S. company that made penta soon introduced a replacement, hailing it as the beginning of an eco-friendly era. EPA promised that the new flame retardant had none of the problems of the old one. But documents obtained by the Tribune show that scientists within the EPA were deeply skeptical about the safety of Firemaster 550. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.

America's dangerous food-safety system.

Wed, 9 May 2012 11:28:10 -0700

An exclusive Daily Beast investigation shows the nation’s food-safety system exposes Americans to the risk of illness and death because of a lack of inspectors and budget cuts. Newsweek

Smokers don't make better lovers: study.

Wed, 9 May 2012 11:21:20 -0700

Lighting up could be slowing you down in the bedroom. A U.S. study suggests that men who successfully stopped smoking improved on lab measurements of sexual health more than those who relapsed after a quit-smoking program. Reuters.

Selective pressure of antibiotic pollution on bacteria of importance to public health.

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:50:09 -0700

Measured environmental concentrations of antibiotics and concentrations representing environmental risk assessment action limits are high enough to exert a selective pressure on clinically relevant bacteria that may lead to an increase in the prevalence of resistance. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Adverse effects in risk assessment: modeling polychlorinated biphenyls and thyroid hormone disruption outcomes in animals and humans.

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:48:12 -0700

A quantitative approach to evaluating the relationship between chemical exposures and TH perturbations, based on animal data, can be used to assess human health consequences of thyroid toxicity and inform decision-making. Environmental Research.

Trihalomethanes, chlorite, chlorate in drinking water and risk of congenital anomalies: a population-based case-control study in Northern Italy.

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:47:05 -0700

This was the first study showing an excess risk of different congenital anomalies related to chlorite and chlorate exposure via drinking water: further research is needed to confirm the observed relationships in large datasets, specifically for chlorate, an unregulated DBP. Environmental Research.

Income inequality leads to more U.S. deaths, study finds.

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:40:36 -0700

"This finding is striking and it supports the argument that income inequality is a public health concern," said Hui Zheng, author of the study and assistant professor of sociology at Ohio State University.
[See the study referenced and others relating to income disparity and health: Recent Social Science & Medicine Articles]

New report: Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention: Solving the Weight of the Nation.

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:23:27 -0700

The Institute of Medicine evaluated prior obesity prevention strategies and identified recommendations to meet goals and accelerate progress.

Training available: Environment & Public Health -- Career Preparation Summer Course.

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:22:27 -0700

This 7-week course, followed by a 200 hour field training internship, provides the expertise and hands-on experience you need to prepare for the NJ Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) state licensing exam.

Tap water might be dirtier than imagined.

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:12:07 -0700

Chinese are accustomed to boiling tap water before drinking it because they think this can make the water clean, but an investigative report publicized Monday casts doubt on that belief. Xinhua News Agency, China.

Climate change 'is harming eye health.'

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:10:09 -0700

Scientists agree that increased levels of ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface of the Earth, resulting from ozone depletion at high altitude, and a toxic mix of air pollutants are responsible for serious eye disorders. London Times, United Kingdom.

'One in six cancers worldwide are caused by infection.'

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:09:30 -0700

One in six cancers -- two million a year globally -- are caused by largely treatable or preventable infections, new estimates suggest. Most cases are in the developing world. BBC.

Bill allows use of naturally occurring asbestos in Alaska.

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:08:07 -0700

Governor Parnell last week signed a bill setting standards that allow naturally occurring asbestos to be extracted and used in construction projects around the state. It also protects owners of contaminated gravel and construction companies from any legal responsibility if health hazards develop. Alaska Public Radio Network.

Dow rolls out PR campaign as USDA weighs herbicide-resistant corn seed.

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:07:19 -0700

A first-of-its-kind media campaign is urging the USDA to approve Dow's Enlist Weed Control System, which uses genetically modified corn seeds that are resistant to the herbicide 2,4-D. The chemical has been associated with health problems such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Greenwire.

Flame retardants investigation: chemical industry distorts science.

Wed, 9 May 2012 09:58:16 -0700

The misuse of Babrauskas' work is but one example of how the chemical industry has manipulated scientific findings to promote the widespread use of flame retardants and downplay the health risks, a Tribune investigation shows. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.

Pollution aggravates asthma rates in Pittsburgh.

Wed, 9 May 2012 09:56:42 -0700

Pittsburgh ranked fourth among most challenging cities to live in with asthma, according to a new report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Pittsburgh Business Journal, Pennsylvania.

Lack of contact with nature 'increasing allergies.'

Wed, 9 May 2012 09:53:37 -0700

A lack of exposure to a "natural environment" could be resulting in more urban dwellers developing allergies and asthma, research has suggested. Finnish scientists say certain bacteria, shown to be beneficial for human health, are found in greater abundance in non-urban surroundings. BBC.

FDA moves to cut kids' radiation exposure.

Wed, 9 May 2012 09:52:54 -0700

In a move that acknowledges the higher risks that kids face from medical imaging tests, the Food and Drug Administration today will announce a proposal to protect children from unnecessary radiation exposure. USA Today.

Load bearing exercise for young men prevents bone loss in later years.

Tue, 8 May 2012 15:50:31 -0700

Men in their early 20s who engage in load-bearing exercise including sports such as basketball and volleyball for fours per week are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis in old age. Environmental News Network.
[See the article referenced: Increased physical activity is associated with enhanced development of peak bone mass in men: a five year longitudinal study]

Call for abstracts: New Partners in Smart Growth Conference.

Tue, 8 May 2012 12:55:02 -0700

This conference seeks presentations on smart-growth solutions that will create a more vibrant economy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, assure a healthy population, foster more equitable development, and expand transportation and housing options for all Americans. The deadline is June 30th.

Sunscreen ingredient zinc oxide may increase skin cancer risk.

Tue, 8 May 2012 12:33:06 -0700

Cell toxicity studies by Dr. Yinfa Ma, Curators' Teaching Professor of chemistry at Missouri S&T, and his graduate student Qingbo Yang, suggest that when exposed to sunlight, zinc oxide, a common ingredient in sunscreens, undergoes a chemical reaction that may release unstable molecules known as free radicals. ScienceDaily.

Diabetes shrinks elderly brain.

Tue, 8 May 2012 12:30:20 -0700

Elderly people with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes suffer from an accelerated decline in brain size and mental capacity in as little as two years according to new research presented at the joint International Congress of Endocrinology/European Congress of Endocrinology in Florence, Italy. ScienceDaily.
[See a related article: Greater purpose in life may protect against harmful changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease]

Lautenberg receives Champion for Children Award.

Tue, 8 May 2012 12:19:56 -0700

Senator Lautenberg was honored for his work to reform toxic chemical laws and to protect children’s health. Cape May County Herald, New Jersey.

Court rules asbestos victims can sue machine maker.

Tue, 8 May 2012 12:12:33 -0700

A state appeals court Monday reinstated San Francisco lawsuits by asbestos victims against a manufacturer of brake shoe grinding machines that released the lethal fibers from brake linings. San Francisco Chronicle, California.

Time is not on the side of aging water plants that treat pollution.

Tue, 8 May 2012 12:08:06 -0700

Back in 2000, Congress agreed to kick in a small amount of funding to help restore the polluted portions of the San Gabriel Basin aquifer laced with cancer-causing chemicals and organ-damaging rocket fuel. But that funding came with a fast-approaching expiration date. San Gabriel Valley Tribune, California.
[See other articles about wastewater from New York: Wastewater becomes issue in debate on gas drilling and China: The dirty truth about water quality]

Drug-defying germs from India speed post-antibiotic era.

Tue, 8 May 2012 09:38:57 -0700

India’s $12.4 billion pharmaceutical industry manufactures almost a third of the world’s antibiotics, and people use them so liberally that relatively benign and beneficial bacteria are becoming drug immune in a pool of resistance that thwarts even high-powered antibiotics, the so-called remedies of last resort. Bloomberg Markets Magazine.
[See a related article from the US: FDA calls for 'judicious' antibiotic use on farms]

Food-packaging chemical could lead to breast cancer, study finds.

Tue, 8 May 2012 09:32:43 -0700

A new study of fetal exposure to BPA, a plastic additive found in some food packaging, shows that the chemical altered the mammary gland development in monkeys, reinforcing concerns that BPA - bisphenol A - could contribute to breast cancer in women. McClatchy Newspapers.

Vaccination rates: herd at risk.

Tue, 8 May 2012 09:27:51 -0700

"They hang out in pockets," says Richard Pan, a Sacramento pediatrician and member of California’s legislature, referring to parents who opt not to give their children the state-recommended vaccinations. These local concentrations of unvaccinated children pose a growing risk to public health. Economist.

Popular weed killer stirs health, environmental concerns.

Tue, 8 May 2012 09:25:16 -0700

Atrazine is the most widely-used weed-killer in the United States. It is also one of the most controversial. Studies have linked atrazine to environmental damage and adverse health effects, including cancer. Voice of America.

Air pollution, asthma burden unevenly shared among U.S. children.

Tue, 8 May 2012 09:23:01 -0700

By pairing census data with air pollution levels from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's monitoring network, his team found that low-income and minority groups -- in particular, poor children of color -- tend to be most exposed to air pollution. Huffington Post.
[See the article referenced: Making the environmental justice grade: the relative burden of air pollution exposure in the United States]

WHO publishes background document on protecting workers from risks of nanomaterials.

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:00:35 -0700

Toxicological laboratory studies in animals have shown adverse effects such as inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs of animals resulting from exposures to some nanomaterials. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Canton fire shows gaps in information for responders.

Mon, 7 May 2012 08:06:54 -0700

No single database contains a complete picture of all the information that might be relevant in emergency response, whether it's the presence of chemicals, a disabled person or a lack of exits, city fire officials said. Baltimore Sun, Maryland.

What would Columbia River coal terminal mean for air quality?

Mon, 7 May 2012 07:56:50 -0700

As far as government regulators are concerned, grain dust floating over the Port of Longview is no different from dust that might blow off coal piles at the proposed Millennium Bulk Terminals plant west of town. Longview Daily News, Washington.

In their backyard.

Mon, 7 May 2012 07:52:40 -0700

Bob Bullard’s first book, Dumping in Dixie, brought attention to the disparity in how waste facilities, chemical plants, incinerators, and smelters were sited in the South. In 1990, when the book was published, not a single state had an environmental-justice law on the books. In 2012 every state has some such law, policy, or executive order. But the problem hasn’t gone away. The Sun.

Brain cancer risks of mobile phones for real.

Mon, 7 May 2012 07:49:58 -0700

Science has confirmed that the trusty mobile gadget -- which now comes as a smartphone or feature phone -- emits radiation, ramping up fears that humans may indeed develop brain cancer from excessive use of the ubiquitous device. International Business Times.

BP oil spill settlement grants will pay for health, mental health services on Gulf coast.

Mon, 7 May 2012 07:48:12 -0700

Health care services in southeastern Louisiana will get a major share of the $104 million in grant money included in the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement. Another $15 million will be used to expand environmental health expertise and literacy. New Orleans Times-Picayune, Louisiana.

Call for comments: Draft Report of the New York State Task Force on Flame Retardant Safety.

Sun, 6 May 2012 19:59:30 -0700

The New York State Task Force on Flame Retardant Safety, chaired by the New York State Department of Health, is asking the public for comments on its draft report on the flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE or also sometimes called decabrominated diphenyl ether) and its alternatives. The public comment period closes on July 9, 2012.

Why low testosterone may increase your risk of diabetes.

Sun, 6 May 2012 19:56:40 -0700

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found low testosterone levels are linked to a resistance to insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels.London Daily Mail, UK.

Soy-based formula? Neonatal plant estrogen exposure leads to adult infertility in female mice.

Sun, 6 May 2012 19:53:14 -0700

A paper published May 2 in Biology of Reproduction describes the effects of brief prenatal exposure to plant estrogens on the mouse oviduct, modeling the effects of soy-based baby formula on human infants. ScienceDaily.

A fish a day keeps the doctor away?

Sun, 6 May 2012 19:51:28 -0700

The symposium " A fish a day keeps the doctor away" centred on the cardiovascular disease (CVD) benefits of the long chain highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in the flesh of oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, trout and sardines. ScienceDaily.

Kimberly-Clark mill leaves a toxic mess behind.

Sun, 6 May 2012 19:41:05 -0700

For decades, the Kimberly-Clark plant provided countless jobs in Snohomish County and paper products to millions of people. Now that it's closed, the plant is leaving behind another, not-so-positive legacy: dioxins and petroleum contamination. Everett Herald, Washington.

Fear fans flames for chemical makers.

Sun, 6 May 2012 19:33:26 -0700

Dr. David Heimbach's passionate testimony about a baby's horrific death by fire made health concerns about flame retardants sound abstract and petty. But there was a problem with his testimony: It wasn't true. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.
[See related articles: Testing shows treated foam offers no safety benefit; Types of flame retardants and Flame retardants hard to avoid at home]

Amish farm kids remarkably immune to allergies: study.

Sun, 6 May 2012 19:27:10 -0700

Amish children raised on rural farms in northern Indiana suffer from asthma and allergies less often even than Swiss farm kids, a group known to be relatively free from allergies, according to a new study. Reuters Health.

Study ties fertility treatment, birth defect risk.

Sun, 6 May 2012 19:26:22 -0700

Test-tube babies have higher rates of birth defects, and doctors have long wondered: Is it because of certain fertility treatments or infertility itself? A large new study from Australia suggests both may play a role. Associated Press.

Children's Environmental Health Working Group meeting May 10th.

Fri, 4 May 2012 17:52:08 -0700

You can attend in person or by phone. The meeting will be held at the Health Resources and Services Administration Information Center, 2201 Sixth Avenue in Seattle. To RSVP, contact Gail Gensler, 206-263-3082 or gail.gensler@kingcounty.gov.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an emerging drinking water contaminant: a critical review of recent literature.

Fri, 4 May 2012 17:47:10 -0700

This paper reviews current information relevant to the assessment of PFOA as an emerging drinking water contaminant. This information suggests that continued human exposure to even relatively low concentrations of PFOA in drinking water results in elevated body burdens that may increase the risk of health effects. Environmental Research.

Active living for all ages: creating neighborhoods around transit.

Fri, 4 May 2012 17:29:18 -0700

This new six-minute video features conversations with residents, local officials and experts in transit-oriented development in Arlington, Virginia—a walkable, mixed-use community with access to a variety of public transit options, entertainment and recreation, and basic services such as shopping and medical services. AARP Public Policy Institute.

Eating fish, chicken, nuts may lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Fri, 4 May 2012 16:41:11 -0700

A new study suggests that eating foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, chicken, salad dressing and nuts, may be associated with lower blood levels of a protein related to Alzheimer's disease and memory problems.
[See another article related to food and nutrients: The down and dirty on salmon]

Post-flood renovators at risk of lead poisoning.

Fri, 4 May 2012 16:39:18 -0700

Environmental scientists are worried that a rush to renovate old homes after the Queensland floods may have exposed hundreds of people to harmful amounts of lead. ABC News.

New data on lawn care product safety released.

Fri, 4 May 2012 16:37:57 -0700

As part of a series of studies commissioned by the Environmental Health Research Foundation, von Stackelberg selected four of the most commonly used lawn care products and reviewed them to evaluate the strength of the association between exposure and potential health effects. Golf Course Industry.

Environmental toxicants causing ovarian disease across generations.

Fri, 4 May 2012 16:25:59 -0700

Washington State University researchers have found that ovarian disease can result from exposures to a wide range of environmental chemicals and be inherited by future generations. ScienceDaily.

Smog-eating tiles gobble up air pollution.

Fri, 4 May 2012 16:16:55 -0700

Can the roof of your house help you breathe easier by reducing the amount of harmful pollutants from urban air? Yes, claims the vice president of technology at Boreal Roofing, a U.S. company that has introduced a line of roof tiles that they say have pollution-busting properties. CNN.

Wyoming got EPA to delay frack finding.

Fri, 4 May 2012 16:09:58 -0700

Wyoming's governor persuaded the head of the EPA to postpone an announcement linking hydraulic fracturing to groundwater contamination, giving state officials -- whom the EPA had privately briefed on the study -- time to attempt to debunk the finding before it rocked the oil and gas industry more than a month later, an investigation by The Associated Press has found. Associated Press.

Accident-Zone: poorer neighborhoods have less safe road design.

Fri, 4 May 2012 16:00:23 -0700

Traffic injuries are four to six times higher in low-income areas of Montreal, compared with wealthy neighborhoods. Researchers find that better road designs could reduce those disparities. Scientific American.

Valley water agencies look at farming contamination.

Fri, 4 May 2012 14:12:24 -0700

California failed to protect the San Joaquin Valley from fertilizer, dairy and septic contamination now threatening drinking water from thousands of wells, says the leader of the responsible state agency. Fresno Bee, California.
[See a similar article about water contamination in India: 25 states drinking unsafe water, says Ministry data]

Mercury biogeochemical cycling in the ocean and policy implications.

Thu, 3 May 2012 16:40:23 -0700

Migratory pelagic fish such as tuna and swordfish are an important component of CH3Hg exposure for many human populations and therefore any reduction in anthropogenic releases of Hg and associated deposition to the ocean will result in a decline in human exposure and risk. Environmental Research.

Regular jogging ups life expectancy 6.2 years for men and 5.6 years for women, says new research.

Thu, 3 May 2012 16:36:53 -0700

Reviewing the evidence of whether jogging is healthy or hazardous, Peter Schnohr told delegates that the study’s most recent analysis (unpublished) shows that between one and two-and-a-half hours of jogging per week at a "slow or average" pace delivers optimum benefits for longevity. Stone Hearth News.

EU to address risks of chemical mixtures, endocrine disruptors, nanosubstances.

Thu, 3 May 2012 14:13:51 -0700

The European Union is preparing to build on the REACH law and related legislation to address concerns about chemicals in three areas considered to be insufficiently regulated. Bloomberg BNA.

BPA exposure traced to abnormal heart rhythms.

Thu, 3 May 2012 13:19:26 -0700

A new study by NIEHS grantees reports that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), commonly found in many plastic household items, has been linked to increased frequency of arrhythmias, or heartbeat irregularities, in animals. NIEHS Environmental Factor.
[See the journal study: Rapid estrogen receptor-mediated mechanisms determine the sexually dimorphic sensitivity of ventricular myocytes to 17β-estradiol and the environmental endocrine disruptor bisphenol A]

Does diet alter damage from environmental exposures?

Thu, 3 May 2012 13:07:58 -0700

"The evidence is very strong from animal studies and correlation studies that those who are more nutritionally sound are more resistant to chemical insults," Hennig said. NIEHS Environmental Factor.

New studies offer insight into effects of air pollution on children.

Thu, 3 May 2012 12:59:40 -0700

Two new NIEHS-funded studies, led by researchers at Columbia University (CU), link urban air pollution with asthma risk and behavioral problems in children. NIEHS Environmental Factor.
[See the two articles referenced: Domestic airborne black carbon and exhaled nitric oxide in children in NYC and Prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure and child behavior at age 6-7]

Fracking dominates the debate at Capitol.

Thu, 3 May 2012 12:37:53 -0700

The House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a field hearing at the state Capitol to decry proposed federal oversight of hydraulic fracturing. Later in the day, state representatives wrestled with a Republican bill to punish cities and counties that stand in the way of drilling. Durango Herald, Colorado.

Lung cancer alarm near coal-fired power stations.

Thu, 3 May 2012 12:35:07 -0700

A new analysis of pollution data for the Port Augusta region contradicts reassurances from the South Australian Government that smoking can be blamed for high lung cancer rates. Australia ABC News, Australia.

EPA will begin monitoring TCP nationally.

Thu, 3 May 2012 12:30:32 -0700

Next year, the federal government will start checking drinking water for a newly recognized contaminant -- 1,2,3-trichloropropane or TCP. Fresno Bee, California.
[See another article about water contamination: PAHs before and after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill]

Rising coal exports have Montana rail communities braced for worst.

Thu, 3 May 2012 12:29:39 -0700

Coal is turning into a global commodity, and companies controlling vast coal reserves in eastern Wyoming and Montana see opportunity in Asia. But as Asia's energy demands pull more U.S. coal to West Coast ports, rail-line communities across Montana fear the effects: More train traffic, health problems, noise and congestion. Daily Climate.
[See another article about coal and health: Debate on haze in national parks raises health concerns for Nevada Paiute tribe]

Now that methyl iodide has been pulled, what’s next for California growers?

Thu, 3 May 2012 12:08:47 -0700

The recent announcement by Arysta LifeScience, the manufacturer of the soil fumigant methyl iodide, of its product withdrawal from the California and U.S. markets represents a significant development in the campaign to protect workers, rural residents and the environment from the pesticide’s potentially adverse effects. Monterey County Weekly, California.

How chemicals affect us.

Thu, 3 May 2012 12:06:16 -0700

Scientists are observing with increasing alarm that some very common hormone-mimicking chemicals can have grotesque effects. Endocrine disruptors are everywhere. Test your blood or urine, and you’ll surely find them there, as well as in human breast milk and in cord blood of newborn babies. New York Times.
[See a related article: Integrative medicine: how to reduce exposure to toxins]

Lead in garden products.

Thu, 3 May 2012 12:02:30 -0700

The Ecology Center in Ann Arbor tested 179 kinds of garden products, including garden hoses, tools, gloves and kneeling pad, and found that 70 percent of the products contained levels of "high concern" of one or more toxic substances... including lead, cadmium and mercury. Environment Report.

US lags in global measure of premature births.

Thu, 3 May 2012 12:01:53 -0700

The United States is similar to developing countries in the percentage of mothers who give birth before their children are due, according to the first country-by-country global comparison of premature births, which was released Wednesday by the World Health Organization. New York Times.

Electrical pollution: are we being poisoned?

Thu, 3 May 2012 11:50:34 -0700

Fueled in part by studies that show children exposed to heavy levels of electromagnetic fields have a greater chance of developing leukemia, several countries in the European Union have established strict safety thresholds -- limits far below what's commonplace in the United States. Houston KRIV TV, Texas.

Call for abstracts and artistic expression: Unpaving Our Way to the Future.

Wed, 2 May 2012 17:54:50 -0700

Artists of all ages are invited to imagine how parking lots and other paved areas that cover so much of our landscapes, urban and rural, could be transformed into healthy, sustainable environments. The deadline is May 15th.

Current status of the epidemiologic evidence linking polychlorinated biphenyls and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and the role of immune dysregulation.

Wed, 2 May 2012 17:49:51 -0700

Overall, we conclude that the weight of evidence supports a causal role of PCBs in lymphomagenesis. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Hearts over time: cardiovascular mortality risk linked to long-term PM2.5 exposure.

Wed, 2 May 2012 17:44:51 -0700

The findings suggest that exposure even to very low amounts of PM2.5 over long periods may pose a greater risk to human health than originally assumed. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See other articles about air quality: Satellite-based estimates of ambient air pollution and global variations in childhood asthma prevalence; Respiratory health effects of airborne particulate matter: the role of particle size, composition and oxidative potential -- the RAPTES project and Controlled exposure study of air pollution and T wave alternans in volunteers without cardiovascular disease]

Lead contamination in French children's homes and environment.

Wed, 2 May 2012 17:38:40 -0700

This study provides, for the first time, a look at the state of lead contamination to which children are exposed in French housing. Environmental Research.

Call for proposals: Assessing and Addressing Community Exposures to Environmental Contaminants.

Wed, 2 May 2012 17:27:26 -0700

This FOA encourages community-engagement projects designed to investigate the potential health risks of environmental exposures of concern to a community and to implement an environmental public health action plan based on research findings. The closing date is September 7, 2015.

Call for proposals: NIMHD Community-Based Participatory Research.

Wed, 2 May 2012 17:06:34 -0700

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities invites applications to plan the development of effective interventions using community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches. The closing date in June 27th.

New resource: Children & Nature Infographic.

Wed, 2 May 2012 15:52:51 -0700

This graphic details how being active in nature makes kids healthier. The file can be downloaded as a printable PDF or JPG, and it can be shared on Facebook and Twitter.

The low-level radiation puzzle.

Wed, 2 May 2012 15:43:51 -0700

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is casting new light -- or maybe just heat -- on the murky field of sizing up the health effects of small radiation doses. New York Times.

Weight loss led to reduction in inflammation.

Wed, 2 May 2012 15:37:40 -0700

Postmenopausal women who were overweight or obese and lost at least 5 percent of their body weight had a measurable reduction in markers of inflammation. American Association for Cancer Research.

Bite of arsenic, with Kathryn Cottingham.

Wed, 2 May 2012 14:56:11 -0700

In this podcast, Kathryn Cottingham talks with host Ashley Ahearn about her recent market-basket study of products containing brown rice syrup and other rice-based ingredients. Environmental Health Perspectives.

New report: Ethical and Scientific Issues in Studying the Safety of Approved Drugs.

Wed, 2 May 2012 14:54:20 -0700

To help determine when it is appropriate to require a postmarketing study, which types of studies to require, how to best protect the rights and interests of patients who participate in research, and how to use research in making regulatory decisions, the FDA asked the IOM to evaluate the scientific and ethical aspects of conducting safety studies for approved drugs.

Opportunities for cancer prevention: lifestyle choices vs. unavoidable exposures.

Wed, 2 May 2012 14:52:43 -0700

We evaluate two opposing perspectives to conclude that demanding highly robust data may in fact limit our ability to prevent cancers beyond the proportion caused by lifestyle choices. Health and Environment.

Sustainability of bio-based plastics: general comparative analysis and recommendations for improvement.

Wed, 2 May 2012 13:40:28 -0700

When deciding to substitute conventional petroleum-based plastics with bio-based plastics it is important to understand the flow of these materials and their adverse impacts in all parts of their life cycles in order to select a material that is more sustainable. Journal of Cleaner Production.

Study questions whether Agent Orange exposure from Westover planes was enough to make Air Force crews sick.

Wed, 2 May 2012 13:10:35 -0700

An Air Force study determined Westover Air Reserve crews who served in Chicopee, Mass., were unlikely to have fallen ill from being exposed to Agent Orange while flying planes formerly used in the Vietnam War. Springfield Republican, Massachusetts.

Drillers may frack first, disclose later under draft plan.

Wed, 2 May 2012 13:08:56 -0700

Natural-gas companies drilling on U.S. land would be permitted to wait until after hydraulic fracturing is completed to disclose what chemicals they used, under a draft rule being considered by the U.S. Interior Department. Business Week.
[See related articles: Fracking 'health challenges' to be examined by U.S. advisers and New study predicts frack fluids can migrate to aquifers within years]

Australia's asbestos toll continues to grow.

Wed, 2 May 2012 13:07:33 -0700

More than 2,000 former workers and residents from the town of Wittenoom in the northwest Pilbara region have died from asbestos diseases and the toll is climbing. The rising toll of mesothelioma deaths has driven campaigners to highlight the urgent need for more research into the deadly asbestos cancer. ABC Asia Pacific News, Australia.

Remedies not stopping water pollution at Commerce City refinery.

Wed, 2 May 2012 13:02:28 -0700

State-ordered remedies have not stopped toxic pollution from Suncor Energy's oil refinery north of Denver -- with new data showing benzene levels in Sand Creek and the South Platte River more than doubling last month. Denver Post, Colorado.

Health risks posed by mechanical dredging worry experts.

Wed, 2 May 2012 12:56:27 -0700

Environmental and public health experts are concerned that mechanical dredging poses health risks more significant than those calculated by the Environmental Protection Agency. New Bedford Standard-Times, Massachusetts.

Pollution can put minds in a fog.

Wed, 2 May 2012 12:48:21 -0700

Those unpleasant air pollutants that can cause breathing problems and heart and blood vessel troubles could pose an additional health risk, according to a recent study on the cognitive effects of air pollution. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.
[See the journal article: Exposure to particulate air pollution and cognitive decline in older women]

Poison in India's groundwater posing national health crisis.

Wed, 2 May 2012 12:43:01 -0700

Depletion of groundwater and its increasing pollution could be leading to a silent, nationwide public health crisis as aquifers in many stretches across India are becoming unfit for drinking, according to the government's own figures. Bombay Economic Times, India.

Detoxifying the land and people.

Wed, 2 May 2012 12:39:38 -0700

The war finished 37 years, but this page of history has left a big impression in Vietnamese people. VietNam Net.

Banned chemical blamed for rare birth defects in Northfleet.

Wed, 2 May 2012 12:38:45 -0700

A banned chemical at the centre of a multi-million dollar lawsuit has been identified as a possible cause behind babies born with birth defects in Northfleet. Kent Messenger, United Kingdom.

Common pesticide "disturbs" the brains of children.

Wed, 2 May 2012 12:37:49 -0700

Banned for indoor use since 2001, the effects of the common insecticide known as chlorpyrifos can still be found in the brains of young children now approaching puberty. Scientific American.

Autism rates booming, industrial chemicals may play a role, researchers finding.

Wed, 2 May 2012 12:36:27 -0700

While the role of obesity and the age of parents has been garnering headlines of late, the big battle over what causes autism has been between genetics and environment. San Antonio Current, Texas.

Studies raise questions about pavement sealers.

Wed, 2 May 2012 12:21:31 -0700

Airborne emissions and stray dust from coal tar-based sealers, one of the two main types of products used to coat certain asphalt pavements, may be a more significant human health threat than previously thought, according to three new studies and a review. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See the studies referenced: Coal-tar pavement sealants might substantially increase children's PAH exposures; Volatilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from coal-tar-sealed pavement; PAH volatilization following application of coal-tar-based pavement sealant and Coal-tar-based pavement sealcoat and PAHs: implications for the environment, human health, and stormwater management]

Pesticide exposure linked to brain changes: study.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:14:27 -0700

When pregnant women are exposed to moderate levels of a common pesticide, their children may experience lasting changes in brain structure linked to lower intelligence, a US study said Monday. Agence France Presse.
[See the article: Brain anomalies in children exposed prenatally to a common organophosphate pesticide]

Procter & Gamble defends against claims that tide detergents contain carcinogens.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:11:33 -0700

The company has responded to individual consumers and to the press, stating that the levels of 1,4 dioxane found in its products are well below currently accepted safety standards, and that it does not plan to reformulate its detergents. Forbes.

New research shows a healthy recess can reduce bullying, expand learning time in schools.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:04:28 -0700

"These new findings, taken together with existing data, tell us that kids better relate with one another, resolve conflicts constructively, get plenty of physical activity on the playground, and return to class more focused and ready to learn." Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Air Quality Awareness Week, April 30-May 4, 2012.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:23:04 -0700

CDC is collaborating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to urge persons to "Be Air Aware" during Air Quality Awareness Week. May also is Asthma Awareness Month.
[See a related statement: NIH statement on World Asthma Day]

Workplace poisoning killing millions of Asians each year, says new report.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:04:14 -0700

Millions of Asian people are contracting fatal diseases at work, but their suffering is ignored, unreported and uncompensated, according to a new report by a labour rights group. The Guardian, United Kingdom.

Revamped website: Microwave News.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:17:02 -0700

The site has been redesigned to be easier to use, and comments are welcome.

AEP disputes study linking plants to 3,200 deaths.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:34:43 -0700

Energy giant American Electric Power is disputing an environmental group's study that finds air pollution from the company's 26 coal-fired plants caused as many as 3,200 deaths and more than 20,000 asthma attacks last year. Associated Press.

Health Care Without Harm announces 2012 nurses awards.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:30:12 -0700

The Charlotte Brody Award was created in 1996 by HCWH in honor of Charlotte Brody, one of the founders of HCWH. This year's recipient is Dr. Chalupka, professor of Public Health Nursing and chair of the Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Department of Nursing at Worcester State University. HCWH also named Morgan Lincoln as the winner of the Hollie Shaner-McRae Nursing Student Essay Contest.

Mad cow discovery reignites debate: are U.S. food-safety laws too lax?

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:26:44 -0700

Consumer groups argue that many of America's key meat safety standards are weaker than rules in Europe, Japan and other countries -- and that attempts to strengthen them have been blocked by the meat and ranching industries. San Jose Mercury News, California.

Peru's Achuar find common ground with Canadian First Nations in oil sands.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:56:48 -0700

They live thousands of miles from the oil sands of Canada’s north, but their refrain is familiar. The Achuar people, a tribe from the Peruvian Amazon, are contending with a Canadian oil company that they say has polluted their land, their way of life, and even relations with their own people in what is tantamount to attempted genocide. Indian Country Today.
[See other articles about community protest against destructive development activities: Bolivians start second 'long march' against road plan and A Kenyan woman stands up against massive dam project]

Visualizing BC's climate changed future.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:49:46 -0700

How to drive home the impacts of a warming province? A team at the University of British Columbia is working to bypass the inherent time-blindness of human societies by making the future visible in the present, including a dark forecast for B.C. at the behest of climate change. Vancouver Tyee, British Columbia.

Genetically-modified health?

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:43:00 -0700

Scratch the surface of genetically-modified foods and you find a topic that makes people very itchy indeed. It is a debate that spans health, politics, power, environment and ethics -- and on either side are people with passionately opposing points of view. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia.

Environment may be factor in cases of rare cancer in limited area.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:40:43 -0700

For five years, cases of a rare cancer have been cropping up among children in the Port Huron area. A recent case farther south in St. Clair Shores has added another twist to the mystery. Detroit News, Michigan.

Thousands suffer serial sunburn but most fail to check for skin cancer.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:38:20 -0700

Nearly one in ten people in Britain has suffered sunburn more than 30 times, while close to two-thirds admit they have never checked themselves for signs of skin cancer, according to a new survey. Edinburgh Scotsman, United Kingdom.

Difference engine: talking trash.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:25:25 -0700

Thanks to new regulations, the emission of toxic chemicals from waste processing has been reduced a thousandfold. Today, the total emission of dioxins and furans produced by all the incinerators in America is less than ten grams a year, according to the EPA. Even so, municipal incinerators continue to have an image problem. Economist.

NV Energy's coal-burning plant fires up Paiutes.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:23:41 -0700

NV Energy's Reid Gardner power station is the source of air pollution and coal-ash from the power-generation process, a toxic mix of fine particles that the 300-member Moapa band blames for myriad health problems that have taken a toll on the tribe since the power plant began operating in 1965. Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada.

Obesity-linked diabetes in children resists treatment.

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:06:00 -0700

As obesity rates in children have climbed, so has the incidence of Type 2 diabetes, and a new study adds another worry: the disease progresses more rapidly in children than in adults and is harder to treat. New York Times.

Prenatal bisphenol A exposure and child behavior in an inner city cohort.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:39:49 -0700

Among girls, higher exposure was associated with lower scores on all syndromes, reaching statistical significance for Anxious/Depressed (0.75 times as high, 95% CI 0.57, 0.99) and Aggressive Behavior (0.82 times as high, 95% CI 0.70, 0.97). Environmental Health Perspectives.

Supplements may increase cancer risk.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:29:03 -0700

Consumers need more information and guidance about the potential risks, as well as the benefits, of using dietary supplements for cancer prevention, authors of a review concluded. Medpage Today.
[See the journal article: Dietary supplements and cancer prevention: balancing potential benefits against proven harms]

Eating more berries may reduce cognitive decline in the elderly.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:25:52 -0700

Blueberries and strawberries, which are high in flavonoids, appear to reduce cognitive decline in older adults according to a new study recently published in Annals of Neurology, a journal of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society. ScienceDaily.

Heart study suggests city center pollution doubles risk of calcium build-up in arteries.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:23:53 -0700

City centre residents who took part in a study were almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery calcification (CAC), which can lead to heart disease, than people who lived in less polluted urban and rural areas, according to research published in the May issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine. ScienceDaily.

Call for proposals: National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:15:36 -0700

EPA's National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced by diesel engines and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the administrator as poor air quality areas. The closing date is June 4th.

Call for proposals: Technology Research, Development, and Tools for Clean Biomass Cookstoves.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:06:05 -0700

The goal of this solicitation is to increase the viability and deployment of renewable energy technologies through research, development, and tools that lead to clean and efficient biomass cookstoves. The closing date is May 23rd.

Call for proposals: Special Research Grants Program -- Pest Management Alternatives

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:01:24 -0700

The purpose of Pest Management Alternatives Program (PMAP) is to provide support for the development and implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) practices, tactics, and systems for specific pest problems while reducing human and environmental risks. The closing date is May 14th.

Job opening: Melbourne, Australia.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:49:42 -0700

The Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (MonCOEH) is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to work on a suite of studies focused on examining trends in work injury and illness in Victoria, and the development of measures to better describe risk of work injury. The closing date is May 13th.

Mixed signals over Puget Sound salmon.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:45:54 -0700

It can be confusing at best to chart the right course of action when it comes to eating salmon. But that’s no excuse to delay a more realistic assessment of fish consumption levels and pollution discharges allowed in the state’s waterways. Olympia Olympian, Washington.

Blame parents for teen tanning habits.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:25:43 -0700

Despite evidence that indoor tanning beds cause cancer, parents are often the ones who introduce their children to the habit and pay for tanning sessions, a new survey has revealed. Globe and Mail, Ontario.

Complex organochlorine pesticide mixtures as determinant factor for breast cancer risk: a population-based case-control study in the Canary Islands (Spain).

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:02:40 -0700

This study indicates that healthy women show a very different profile of organochlorine pesticide mixtures than breast cancer patients, suggesting that organochlorine pesticide mixtures could play a relevant role in breast cancer risk. Environmental Health.

Low-level exposure to ambient particulate matter is associated with systemic inflammation in ischemic heart disease patients.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:01:14 -0700

These findings show that even low levels of particulate air pollution from urban sources are associated with acute systemic inflammation. Also particles from wildfires may exhibit pro-inflammatory effects.

U.S. EPA, Dept. of Energy launch innovative new tools to determine solar and wind energy potential on contaminated lands.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:58:36 -0700

The tools give local communities and landowners ways to evaluate sites for renewable energy potential without the need for technical expertise.

Fighting brain drain and weight gain: new YMCA survey reveals parents struggle to keep kids fit.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:53:46 -0700

The Y's second annual Family Health Snapshot, an online parents survey gauging how physically and intellectually active children are during the school year and summertime, also revealed that parents face many barriers to providing a healthy environment. Reuters.
[See related articles: Is the obesity tide turning among preschoolers? and Childhood obesity leads to unnecessary surgeries]

EPA releases innovative mapping tool to improve environmental reviews and planning.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:50:14 -0700

NEPAssist draws information from publicly available federal, state, and local datasets, allowing NEPA practitioners, stakeholders and the public to view information about environmental conditions within the area of a proposed project quickly and easily at early stages of project development.

Can organic food feed the world? New study sheds light on debate over organic vs. Conventional agriculture.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:37:57 -0700

Although organic techniques may not be able to do the job alone, they do have an important role to play in feeding a growing global population while minimizing environmental damage, according to researchers at McGill University and the University of Minnesota. ScienceDaily.

Small variations in magnetic fields can be environmental stresses.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:36:40 -0700

We are surrounded by a constantly changing magnetic field, be it Earth's or those emanating from devices, such as cell phones. Carlos Martino, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, is interested in understanding how these magnetic-field fluctuations change biochemical reactions inside us. ScienceDaily.
[See other articles about radiation: Integrated Molecular Analysis Indicates Undetectable DNA Damage in Mice after Continuous Irradiation at ~400-fold Natural Background Radiation and Occurrence of 210Po and biological effects of low-level exposure: the need for research]

Agent reduces autism-like behaviors in mice.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:27:08 -0700

National Institutes of Health researchers have reversed behaviors in mice resembling two of the three core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). An experimental compound, called GRN-529, increased social interactions and lessened repetitive self-grooming behavior in a strain of mice that normally display such autism-like behaviors, the researchers say. NIH News.

New video: Evidence of Harm -- Wireless Health Impacts.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:24:49 -0700

In the lead-up to the Wireless Safety Summit, held Sept. 5, 2011 in Washington, D.C., epidemiologist and author Dr. Devra Davis, Columbia University professor Dr. Martin Blank and Libby Kelley, Director of the Electromagnetic Safety Alliance gave a brief preview of the findings and issues that were to be covered in the Summit.

Job opening: Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:22:47 -0700

A postgraduate (or graduate student) research project training opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This project will be with the Epidemiology Branch.

Tenth National Healthy Schools Day urges more environmental protection.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:50:51 -0700

According to the Healthy Schools Network, the organization that coordinates National Healthy Schools Day, more than two thirds of the nearly 100,000 public school buildings in the country have at least one dire infrastructure problem, however these schools are virtually unregulated by any agency for indoor environmental health and safety standards. eNews Park Forest.

Is spring cleaning a health risk?

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:48:38 -0700

On Tuesday, the EWG, a non-profit public-health advocacy in Washington, D.C., released its "Cleaners Hall of Shame" -- a list of popular cleaning supplies that may potentially pose a hazard to your health. Time.

Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Center publishes a list of the top ten toxic chemicals suspected to cause autism and learning disabilities.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:29:09 -0700

An editorial published today in the prestigious journal Environmental Health Perspectives calls for increased research to identify possible environmental causes of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders in America's children and presents a list of ten target chemicals including which are considered highly likely to contribute to these conditions. PRWeb.com.
[See the editorial: A research strategy to discover the environmental causes of autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities and related articles: PCB 95 modulates calcium-dependent signaling pathway responsible for activity-dependent dendritic growth; PCB 95 promotes dendritic growth via ryanodine receptor-dependent mechanisms; Maternal smoking during pregnancy and the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders using data from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network and Tipping the balance of autism risk: potential mechanisms linking pesticides and autism]

Skin cancer cases soar by 60% in a decade.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:02:34 -0700

The sharp rise of 62.8 per cent in malignant melanoma cases was described as an "epidemic" by senior Scottish Labour MSP Ken Macintosh, who demanded easier access to lifesaving medicines for melanoma patients as well as improvements on early diagnosis. Edinburgh Scotsman, United Kingdom.

Good science, bad science.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:40:53 -0700

Fraught lines of enquiry exist in many scientific fields. Some -- like geoengineering -- could undermine global security, whereas others could create painful ethical dilemmas for families. Four examples profiled here give a sense of how frequently such conundrums arise - and why scientists must always weigh benefits against risk. Nature.

Mad cow just one food safety risk.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:40:22 -0700

If the mad cow found in California has you wondering about food safety, well, there are plenty of problems that pose serious risks to the food supply. But mad cow disease shouldn't be high on the worry list. Experts say bacterial contamination like E. Coli poses a much greater threat of food-borne illness. Associated Press.
[See a related article: Mad cow disease found in California; no human threat seen]

Enemies in the water.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:36:37 -0700

Cancer in Mansa, and fluoride and arsenic contents in the region's groundwater have shot up together. Many whom the state government had promised aid for treatment died being patient, and the rest continue to wait for systems that will purify water. New Delhi Hindustan Times, India.

The children of Fallujah.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:33:15 -0700

The phosphorus shells that devastated this city were fired in 2004. But are the victims of America's dirty war still being born? The Independent, United Kingdom.
[See a related article: The children of Fallujah -- the hospital of horrors]

Healthier buildings for healthier occupants.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:32:01 -0700

Over the past several decades, office buildings have become increasingly airtight in order to maximize comfort and improve energy efficiency, but this effort has also translated into ongoing exposure to potential allergens and materials used in such things as carpeting, furniture, printers, and components of the building itself. San Jose Mercury News, California.

State renews warning on lake's fish.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:26:33 -0700

Health officials are urging anglers "really seriously this time" to heed warnings against eating much fish caught in the widely popular but polluted Cottage Grove Lake. The fish are tainted by methylmercury washed down into the lake from the closed Black Butte mercury mine, a Superfund site. Eugene Register Guard, Oregon.
[See a related article: Attorney General Schuette leads national effort to overturn new EPA rules on mercury emissions at power plants]

10 most polluted cities.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:20:04 -0700

The U.S. has significantly reduced its air pollution, but there's still a lot of work to be done. These 10 cities had the highest levels of year-round particle pollution, according to the American Lung Association's 2012 rankings. CNN.
[See other articles about air quality: Lung Association releases air quality report card for Massachusetts; Report: mixed grades for front range air quality; Inland air quality remains among worst in nation; Hess to update pollution controls, pay fine for clean air violations and Citizens sue Iowa plant over air pollution]

Dow corn, resistant to a weed killer, runs into opposition.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:10:56 -0700

Dow Chemical company is on the verge of winning regulatory approval for corn that is genetically engineered to be immune to 2,4-D, allowing farmers to spray the chemical to kill weeds without harming the corn stalks. New York Times.

Mobile phones: 'Still no evidence of harm to health.'

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:08:52 -0700

There is still no evidence mobile phones harm human health, says a major safety review for the UK's Health Protection Agency. BBC.
[See a related article: 'The biggest experiment of our species': With five billion mobile users in the world, conference calls for research into potential brain cancer risks]

Advisers say National Children's Study should represent US population.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:56:50 -0700

An advisory committee that met yesterday to consider the design of the struggling National Children's Study came down firmly in favor of one option: The study should recruit children from a geographic sample that represents the entire U.S. population. But whether NIH will go with that plan isn't yet clear. Science.

Mothers challenge a trace contaminant in Tide.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:39:17 -0700

Last fall, the environmental group Women’s Voices for the Earth commissioned laboratory tests on 20 cleaning products and found what it described as problematic levels of 1,4 dioxane, a solvent, in Tide Free & Gentle (fragrance free) and Tide Original Scent, said Erin Switalksi, the group’s executive director. New York Times.

Public health concern behind the exposure to persistent organic pollutants and the risk of metabolic diseases.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:22:25 -0700

The general population is exposed to sufficient POPs, both in term of concentration and diversity, to induce metabolic disorders. This situation should attract the greatest attention from the public health and governmental authorities. BMC Public Health.

Alcohol, breast cancer link: new evidence.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:20:53 -0700

Alcohol consumption has long been established as a risk factor for breast cancer. But finding the direct link that makes it so has, so far, proved elusive. Now, Rodriguez-Fragoso and her collaborators think that they have found the answer, a protein called CYP2E1. Stone Hearth News.

Environmental index could save rural communities.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:35:49 -0700

By creating the world's first long-term record of ecosystem health, Chinese and UK researchers have identified where specific social and economic policies have damaged the environment in eastern China. Phys.Org.

Pesticide residues on fresh produce a serious problem.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:33:42 -0700

The problem of pesticide residues on fresh produce in Taiwan has not been addressed since it was detected last year, an environmental group said Tuesday, citing the results of its most recent tests. Central News Agency, Taiwan.

Manila downtown stores caught selling mercury-laden cosmetics.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:28:09 -0700

Some stores in Manila's downtown district were caught Monday selling cosmetics that could endanger human health because of their high mercury levels. GMA News, Philippines.

Can heavy metal in foods, cosmetics spur breast cancer spread?

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:23:24 -0700

Prolonged exposure to low levels of the heavy metal cadmium may fuel the growth of some breast cancer cells and encourage them to spread, preliminary research indicates. HealthDay News.

Fish glow green to track pollutants inside the body.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:21:37 -0700

A genetically-engineered fish that glows green from the inside out is helping illuminate what pollutants such as endocrine disrupting chemicals do inside the body. National Geographic News.

Lead monitors fail kids near ghost factories.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:20:51 -0700

Lead-based paint and leaded gasoline are now banned or restricted. In scores of neighborhoods around the nation, however, another major source of lead has been widely ignored. Many inner city neighborhoods were once the sites of lead smelters that heavily contaminated the surrounding soil. USA Today.

A close call: why the jury is still out on mobile phones.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:19:15 -0700

Allegations of lobbying, bad science, not enough science, conflicts of interest, political inertia, scaremongering and lawsuits: the debate surrounding the safety of mobile phones has it all. The Independent, United Kingdom.

New Jersey withdraws from EPA air quality lawsuit.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:17:56 -0700

Governor Christie has pulled New Jersey out of a suit filed by environmentalists and other states that argues the federal standard to restrict ozone emissions is too weak. Bergen County Record, New Jersey.

Heart rate variability in association with frequent use of household sprays and scented products in SAPALDIA.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:55:58 -0700

In predominantly older adult females, long-term frequent use of household spray and scented products was associated with reduced heart rate variability, suggesting an increased risk of cardiovascular health hazards. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Awareness of methylmercury in fish and fish consumption among pregnant and postpartum women and women of childbearing age in the United States.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:54:36 -0700

It appears that the targeted groups of women were more aware of mercury and were eating fish within the FDA/EPA guidelines, but these women may be missing the health benefits to themselves and their children of eating a sufficient amount of fish. Environmental Research.

Vitamin E in diet protects against many cancers, study suggests.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:51:34 -0700

"Our message is that the vitamin E form of gamma-tocopherols, the most abundant form of vitamin E in the American diet, and delta-tocopherols, also found in vegetable oils, are beneficial in preventing cancers while the form of vitamin E, alpha- tocopherol, the most commonly used in vitamin E supplements, has no such benefit." ScienceDaily.
[See the journal article: Does vitamin E prevent or promote cancer?]

Call for proposals: Farm to School Grant Program.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:45:46 -0700

This Request for Applications (RFA) provides additional details regarding the grants aspect of the farm to school program. In this first funding cycle, the USDA Food & Nutrition Service anticipates awarding up to $3.5 million in grant funding to support efforts that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. Proposals are due June 15th.

New course: Roots of Health Inequity.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:37:55 -0700

This course provides an online learning environment from which to explore root causes of inequity in the distribution of disease, illness, and death. Funded by the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, its audience is primarily the local public health workforce.

New report: Troubled Waters: Farm Pollution Threatens Drinking Water.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:34:00 -0700

Water that runs off fields treated with chemical fertilizers and manure is loaded with nitrogen and phosphorus, two potent pollutants that inevitably end up in rivers and lakes and set off a cascade of harmful consequences, contaminating the drinking water used by millions of Americans.

New resource: Transportation/Land Use Greenhouse Gas Reduction Toolkit.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:32:11 -0700

This toolkit is intended primarily to help local jurisdictions identify and explore the kinds of actions and programs which can be implemented to help reduce GHG emissions from transportation.

Concerns over composting as study reveals health risks of recycling organic household waste.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:15:32 -0700

Bioaerosols can contain fungal spores and bacteria are harmful to human health, and some people seem to be more susceptible than others. Edinburgh Scotsman, Scotland.

Restructuring regulatory review of endocrine disrupting chemicals under California's Proposition 65, lessons from the review of BPA.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:12:31 -0700

This article proposes to open a public rulemaking process that would include highly trained and specialized scientists and ultimately create a more specialized review board. NYU Annual Survey of American Law.

Weighing the risks: women who opt for epidurals are more likely to run a fever during labor that can endanger their baby.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:05:59 -0700

Although most doctors believe that the injections are safe, a new study suggests that they may increase the risk that a mother will develop a fever during labor, which could, in rare instances, pose risks to her baby. Scientific American.

National Latina institute joins call for common sense limits on toxic chemicals.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:01:14 -0700

National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH) joins the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition amid mounting scientific evidence that toxic chemicals in everyday products are harming reproductive health, and that women of color are disproportionately affected. Chron.com.

FDA says nanotech may need extra safety tests.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:59:01 -0700

U.S. health regulators said consumer products that use nanotechnology may have unknown effects on the human body, and advised food and cosmetic companies to further study the safety of these tiny particles. Reuters.

Soda consumption ups stroke risk, says new study.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:42:53 -0700

Researchers from Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Institute and Harvard University have found that greater consumption of sugar-sweetened and low-calorie sodas is associated with a higher risk of stroke. Conversely, consumption of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee was associated with a lower risk. Stone Hearth News.
[See the journal article: Soda consumption and the risk of stroke in men and women]

Report assesses Vermont's environmental health.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:39:50 -0700

The Agency of Natural Resources is resuming a tradition of an annual report on the state's leading environmental indicators. "Resilience: A Report on the Health of Vermont's Environment" will be released Monday.

Has NIH finalized design for children's study?

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:28:43 -0700

Controversy continues to dog the National Children's Study. Next Tuesday, an advisory board will consider cost-cutting alternatives to the original study design. But some researchers involved with the study think the National Institutes of Health has already made a decision. Science.

Life expectancy varies widely in the Washington area.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:24:12 -0700

The Baltimore-Washington region also reflects several national trends in life expectancy since the late 1980s--a smaller gain for women than men, bigger gains for blacks than for whites, and recent improvement in the longevity of city dwellers. Washington Post.

Cancer chemical alert over crisps and coffee as Food Standards Agency identifies 13 at-risk products.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:20:46 -0700

Food firms have been warned about the presence of a cancer-risk chemical [acrylamide] in everyday products ranging from crisps and chips to instant coffee and ginger biscuits. A study by the Food Standards Agency has identified 13 products containing raised levels of the chemical. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Global sanitation target under threat.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:03:43 -0700

Clean toilets have an important role in saving lives and boosting economic growth; that will be the message as 60 finance and development ministers gather in Washington on Friday at a high-level meeting on sanitation and water. The Guardian, United Kingdom.

Birth defects more common in IVF babies: study.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:53:30 -0700

Babies conceived through certain fertility treatment techniques are about one-third more likely to have a birth defect than babies conceived without any extra help from technology, according to a review of several dozen studies. Reuters.

Unused e-waste discarded in China raises questions.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:52:59 -0700

A massive e-waste landfill in Guiyu, in southern China's Guangdong province, is much more than a graveyard for old computers, says an investigative US writer based in Shanghai. Electronic waste can be highly toxic and needs to be disposed safely. BBC.

Health Canada tightens natural health product rules.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:50:25 -0700

Foods and drinks boosted with high levels of certain vitamins and minerals are going to have to be reformulated to stay on store shelves as Health Canada moves to close a loophole that has permitted fortified snacks and beverages to be sold as natural health products. Postmedia News.

Fast food companies adjust their salt content for their host countries.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:59:20 -0700

A team of researchers has found that major fast food companies have adjusted the salt content of their products to be in line with the host country's salt reduction initiatives. Environmental News Network.

Modeling population exposure to community noise and air pollution in a large metropolitan area.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:56:05 -0700

These results, consistent with previous studies, suggest that it is possible to assess potential adverse cardiovascular effects from long-term exposures to community noise and traffic-related air pollution in prospective epidemiologic studies. Environmental Research.

Aspirin may protect against cancer, says new research.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:51:07 -0700

Researchers in Canada, Scotland and Australia have discovered that salicylate, the active ingredient in aspirin, directly increases the activity of the protein AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a key player in regulating cell growth and metabolism. Stone Hearth News.

How exercise could lead to a better brain.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:47:18 -0700

Using sophisticated technologies to examine the workings of individual neurons -- and the makeup of brain matter itself -- scientists in just the past few months have discovered that exercise appears to build a brain that resists physical shrinkage and enhance cognitive flexibility. New York Times.

ACOEM announces advocacy agenda.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:38:00 -0700

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) has released its 10 point Agenda for Change -- an advocacy plan intended to improve the health of America’s workers and at the same time integrate workplace health more closely with the nation’s overall health improvement strategies. Newswise.

EPA human experiments debunk notion of ‘killer’ air pollution: agency hides exculpatory results.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:34:40 -0700

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has conducted air pollution experiments on live human subjects that discredit its claims that fine particulate matter kills people. Canadian Free Press.
[See an opposing article: New study links air pollution and early death in the U.K.]

U.S. tribes left out of fracking decisions.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:26:47 -0700

American-Indian nations in the United States expressed frustration that they were left out of federal efforts to pass rules on hydraulic fracturing. The U.S. Department of Interior says tribal lands hold "significant" amounts of oil and natural gas deposits. United Press International.
[See other articles about fracking: EPA resumes groundwater testing in Wyo. gas field where it theorizes fracking-pollution link; Fracking raises health concerns; Health official clarifies new gas law and New U.S. fracking emission rules unclear on climate impacts]

Polluted air among leading causes of respiratory diseases in Philippines.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:28:17 -0700

The Philippine Medical Association is threatening to sue owners of vehicles who will fail smoke emission tests because petroleum-fueled vehicles are the top contributors to air pollution in metro Manila. GMA News, Philippines.

Environmentalists, farmers take water quality fight to state: debate centers on agricultural wastewater regulation.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:19:01 -0700

Several environmental groups are asking the state board to tighten rules for nitrate discharge. Growers want more sweeping changes, saying the new rules are arbitrary, of unproven effectiveness and too costly. Santa Cruz Sentinel, California.

FDA: Gulf seafood safe despite oil spill concerns.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:48:05 -0700

Photos of fish with sores may raise concern about long-term environmental effects of the massive BP oil spill -- but federal health officials say the Gulf seafood that's on the market is safe to eat. Associated Press.

Heavy metals detected in tests in Australian mums-to-be.

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:15:23 -0700

A study of chemical contamination among pregnant women in Western Australia has discovered elevated levels of heavy metals and the presence of pollutants banned for almost 40 years. Perth West Australian, Australia.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation appears to attenuate particulate air pollution induced cardiac effects and lipid changes in healthy middle-aged adults.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:42:01 -0700

Exposure of healthy middle-aged adults to concentrated ambient fine and ultrafine particulate matter for 2 hours induced acute cardiac and lipids changes following supplementation with olive oil, but not fish oil. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Europe announces huge green energy package for developing nations.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:38:31 -0700

The green aid programme will provide specialists from across Europe to help poorer nations develop low-carbon sources of energy. And the scheme will provide hundreds of millions of Euros to underwrite the roll-out, which has the goal of providing sustainable energy to 50 million people by 2030. Environmental News Network.

Alzheimer’s risk may be reduced, AT ANY AGE, by physical activity, says new study.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:24:07 -0700

"The results of our study indicate that all physical activities including exercise as well as other activities such as cooking, washing the dishes, and cleaning are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease," said Dr. Aron S. Buchman, lead author of the study and associate professor of neurological sciences at Rush. Stone Hearth News.

Childhood obesity linked to increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in adulthood.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:05:32 -0700

New data presented today at the International Liver Congress-- 2012 furthers this concern by showing that childhood obesity is positively linked with developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) -- the most common form of liver cancer -- in adulthood. PRNewswire.

Job opening: Lane County, Oregon.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:43:41 -0700

The county has an opening for an Environmental Health Specialist 1 or 2 to oversee, monitor and take action on sanitary and other public health situations. Applications are due by April 30th.

New resource: environmental justice blog.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:27:47 -0700

EPA's Office of Environmental Justice has launched its new Environmental Justice in Action Blog. The blog will feature stories on advances in environmental justice across the country.

Long-gone lead factories leave dangerous poisons.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:24:36 -0700

More than a decade ago, government regulators received specific warnings that the soil in hundreds of US neighborhoods might be contaminated with dangerous levels of lead from factories operating in the 1930s to 1960s. But EPA and state regulators left thousands of families and children in harm's way, a 14-month USA TODAY investigation has found. USA Today.

Farmers demand feds probe Monsanto and Dow over crops and chemicals.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:19:36 -0700

Over 2,000 farmers and others within the food industry are threatening to take the US government to court to make sure that feds act quickly in investigating the potential outcome of a new genetically modified crop. Moscow RT, Russia.

China study finds mine workers at higher risk of cancer, heart disease.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:11:39 -0700

Chinese workers who are exposed to silica dust in mines, and pottery and gemstone factories suffer not only from respiratory illnesses, but are at higher risk of contracting heart and infectious diseases and cancer, researchers in China have found. Reuters.
[See another article about air quality and heart disease: Air pollution raises risk of repeat heart attack by 43 percent, new Israeli study finds]

EPA issues rules limiting air pollution from fracking.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:10:38 -0700

The Obama administration on Wednesday set the first-ever national standards to control air pollution and climate-altering gases from gas wells that are drilled using a method called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking -- but not without making concessions to the oil and gas industry. Associated Press.

Gulf oil spill award details revealed in filing.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:09:13 -0700

Wednesday's much-anticipated filing of the Gulf oil spill settlements pertaining to private economic damage, property and health claims reveals a program that will benefit a broad range of Gulf Coast residents and businesses, allowing some seafood businesses to collect nine times their damages. New Orleans Times-Picayune, Louisiana.

Argentine Goldman Prize winner overcame baby’s poisoning and death threats.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:49:19 -0700

After Sofia Gatica’s newborn died of agro-toxin exposure in 1999, the Argentine mother of three set out to stop Monsanto’s indiscriminate use of agrochemicals on her nation’s soy fields. New America Media.

Emerging decontaminants.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:37:02 -0700

Threats from emerging contaminants continue to be a driving force -- if not a rallying cry -- for innovation in environmental research. But what qualifies a contaminant to be considered "emerging"? Environmental Science & Technology.

Rare earth plant in Malaysia nearly ready to go.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:35:50 -0700

Australian miner Lynas said Thursday its customers and suppliers will suffer losses if the opening of its Malaysian refinery for minerals that are crucial to high-tech manufacturing is delayed by a new government review. Associated Press.

New science lesson: The Heat is On: Climate Change and Our Health.

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:12:53 -0700

This lesson focuses on the effects of extreme high temperatures on the body and can be implemented independently of the other lessons in the series, or can be implemented following the introductory lesson titled "Climate Change: A Human Health Perspective."
[See another related lesson: Climate Change: A Human Health Perspective]

Air pollution and depressive symptoms in elderly adults.

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:10:26 -0700

This study suggests that increases in particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone may increase depressive symptoms among the elderly. Of the symptoms evaluated, ambient air pollution was most strongly associated with emotional symptoms. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Up in the air: the fight for clean air in Boyle Heights.

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:39:25 -0700

Leonardo Vilchis is working with a new initiative, Clean Up Green Up, that aims to turn Boyle Heights and other L.A. neighborhoods from toxic hot spots to green zones. SoCal Connected.

Long-term exposure to air pollution may increase risk of hospitalization for lung, heart disease.

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:40:43 -0700

Older adults may be at increased risk of being hospitalized for lung and heart disease, stroke, and diabetes following long-term exposure to fine-particle air pollution, according to a new study by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). ENews Park Forest.
[See the journal article: Acute and chronic effects of particles on hospital admissions in New England]

Caring Community: dedicated to children's health.

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:35:20 -0700

Claire Barnett, as founder and executive director of Healthy Schools Network, was one of 100 women invited to Washington this spring for a Women and the Environment Summit. Albany Times Union, New York.

Exhaust fumes are twice as deadly as roads, study claims.

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:22:25 -0700

Air pollution from exhaust fumes kills more than twice as many people as road accidents in Britain, experts claim. The Telegraph, United Kingdom.

Gulf seafood deformities alarm scientists.

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:13:37 -0700

Gulf of Mexico fishermen, scientists and seafood processors have told Al Jazeera they are finding disturbing numbers of mutated shrimp, crab and fish that they believe are deformed by chemicals released during BP's 2010 oil disaster. Al Jazeera, Qatar.

New blog posts.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:09:20 -0700

CHE partners have posted several new essays on recent scientific and policy developments on CHE's blog. Comments are welcome.

Call for comments: Draft Supplement: Advancing Environmental Justice Through Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:03:24 -0700

The goal is to place a greater focus on prevention of discrimination and compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and to promote meaningful dialogue and seek input to improve efficiencies in Title VI compliance. Comments will be accepted until June 19, 2012.

A sharp rise in retractions prompts calls for reform.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:01:00 -0700

Critics like Dr. Fang and Dr. Casadevall argue that science has changed in some worrying ways in recent decades -- especially biomedical research, which consumes a larger and larger share of government science spending. New York Times.

Memphis, EPA reach settlement on Mississippi River pollution.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:36:56 -0700

The City of Memphis will pay a hefty fine for polluting the Mississippi River and has been ordered to work harder to address other sewage issues. Memphis WMC-TV, Tennessee.

EPA: It's difficult to show dioxin causes cancer.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:33:19 -0700

Research to show statistical significance linking dioxin to many health problems would take millions of people with regular exposure to the chemical, said Helen Dawson, chief of the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation Science Policy Branch. Saginaw News, Michigan.

As air pollution from fracking rises, EPA to set rules.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:09:50 -0700

On Tuesday, the EPA is expected to announce the first national rules to reduce air pollution at hydraulically-fractured wells and other oil and gas industry operations -- estimating that its plan would reduce the industry's smog-forming, cancer-causing and climate-altering pollutants by about one-fourth. McClatchy Newspapers.
[See a related article: Fracking: the state of the evidence]

Prenatal exposure to air pollution linked to childhood obesity.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:06:10 -0700

A study of pregnant women and their children in New York City has provided clinical evidence that links environmental pollution with childhood obesity. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.
[See the journal article: Association of childhood obesity with maternal exposure to ambient air polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during pregnancy and another article about air pollution's effects on health: Possible connection between air pollution and tuberculosis susceptibility]

'Clean cookstoves' draw support, but they may not improve indoor air quality.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:52:39 -0700

One of the most talked-about public-health initiatives is improving indoor air quality in the rural developing world. A group the US government helped found aims to help 100 million households replace their stoves with clean alternatives by 2020. But a new study suggests the replacement stoves may not make any difference. Washington Post.

If the food’s in plastic, what’s in the food?

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:50:36 -0700

The government has long known that tiny amounts of chemicals used to make plastics can migrate into food. But scientists are beginning to piece together data on the ubiquity of chemicals in the food supply and the cumulative impact of chemicals at minute doses. What they’re finding has some health advocates worried. Washington Post.

Special panel links C8 to kidney, testicular cancer.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:45:45 -0700

A team of experts revealed Monday that it has found a "probable link" between C8 [also known as perfluorooctanoate acid, or PFOA] and human cancers, rebuffing DuPont Co.'s longstanding contention that exposure to the chemical is harmless. Charleston Gazette, West Virginia.

There is evidence that childhood exposure to lead causes permanent damage.

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:45:09 -0700

Childhood exposure to environmental lead has been linked to mental, behavioural and physical deficits, and now the toxic lead dust has been connected to violent assault. The Australian.

Pre- and postnatal arsenic exposure and body size to two years of age: a cohort study in rural Bangladesh.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:13:31 -0700

Postnatal arsenic exposure was associated with lower body weight and length among girls, but not boys. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Early-life exposure to BPA affects adult learning.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:10:19 -0700

Like developmental exposure to mercury, adult fish that had been exposed to tiny amounts of BPA as embryos had learning and memory problems, compared to fish that had not been exposed. UWM News.

Women do not exercise enough.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:08:43 -0700

A national study shows that women are less likely than men to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, resulting in greater odds of developing metabolic syndrome -- a risky and increasingly prevalent condition related to obesity. Environmental News Network.

EPA publishes national U.S. greenhouse gas inventory.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:05:22 -0700

The final report shows overall emissions in 2010 increased by 3.2 percent from the previous year. The trend is attributed to an increase in energy consumption across all economic sectors, due to increasing energy demand associated with an expanding economy, and increased demand for electricity for air conditioning due to warmer summer weather during 2010.

EPA to hold three public hearings on 36 Kentucky coal mine permits.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:03:54 -0700

In response to requests from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, EPA will hold three public hearings in June to hear from stakeholders and the public about what actions to take on 36 draft individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for coal mining discharges in Kentucky.

FDA criticized for secrecy in food-illness probes.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:57:23 -0700

The FDA's decision to let the six-state E. coli probe go dormant, despite clear leads, is part of what some food safety experts call a worrisome "cone of silence" around leafy green produce problems in the United States. Denver Post, Colorado.

Inupiat tribal leader wins prize for opposing offshore drilling.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:32:53 -0700

Caroline Cannon's lifelong connection to the Arctic Ocean pushed her to become one of the state's most vocal opponents of offshore oil drilling. Now, just as Shell Oil is poised to drill exploration wells off Alaska's northern coast, her advocacy has won her a coveted environmental award. Anchorage Daily News, Alaska.

Pollution from quarries raises villagers' cancer risk.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:28:51 -0700

The area surrounding the northern coastal village of Khor Khwair is home to two of the nation's largest quarries and four cement plants. Their pollution blankets the town, and residents are neither happy nor healthy. Abu Dhabi National, United Arab Emirates.

EPA provides $100,000 to help assess need for children's health center in Puerto Rico.

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:07:54 -0700

"Puerto Rico faces many environmental challenges and their effects on children need to be better understood and addressed or acted upon. The EPA funding will help children’s health professionals take a closer look at the island’s environmental problems and the service gaps that could be filled by an environmental health center in Puerto Rico." Environmental Protection.

Lung cancer cases rise in UK women.

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:04:41 -0700

Lung cancer cases in women are continuing to rise, according to figures released by Cancer Research UK. It says more than 18,000 UK women were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009, compared with fewer than 8,000 in 1975. BBC.

Dental X-rays: Little and not often, please.

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:01:29 -0700

These days, the main source of ionising radiation for most people is neither fallout from bombs nor radiotherapy; it is dental X-rays. Despite that, surprisingly little research has been done on those X-rays' effects. Economist.

Hidden danger in burning incense, study claims.

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:56:33 -0700

A study of indoor air pollution in homes across the Emirates has found people who burn incense each day are two to four times more likely to suffer from headaches, forgetfulness and concentration problems. Abu Dhabi National, United Arab Emirates.

Italy's 'triangle of death' linked to premature ageing.

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:53:57 -0700

An area of Italy's Campania region -- between Acerra, Nola and Marigliano -- has been dubbed the "triangle of death" for the high number of fatalities from cancer found there. Birth defects are also common. Now, studies show that residents are aging more quickly there. New Scientist.

Lead poisoning from gold mining.

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:50:29 -0700

In the Nigerian state of Zamfara, a gold boom has led to a medical disaster with more than 400 children dead from lead poisoning and thousands sickened. It is believed to be the worst lead poisoning epidemic in modern history. Living On Earth.

Idling busses pollute playgrounds, EPA says.

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:49:52 -0700

A school bus company that operates in 30 states will pay a $90,000 federal fine and do environmental projects worth $348,000 to settle charges that it routinely allowed its school buses to idle excessively -- some for more than two hours. Hartford Courant, Connecticut.

New report: State of the Art Assessment of Endocrine Disrupters.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:25:50 -0700

This report presents the results of a project "State of the Art Assessment of Endocrine Disrupters" which was commissioned through competitive tendering by the European Commission, DG Environment.

New report: Electromagnetic and Radiofrequency Fields Effect on Human Health.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:20:48 -0700

Because of the well documented studies showing adverse effects on health and the not fully understood quantum field effect, AAEM calls for exercising precaution with regard to EMF, RF and general frequency exposure.

U.S. tightens rules on antibiotics use for livestock.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:12:10 -0700

Farmers and ranchers will for the first time need a prescription from a veterinarian before using antibiotics in farm animals, in hopes that more judicious use of the drugs will reduce the tens of thousands of human deaths that result each year from the drugs' overuse. New York Times.

Call for participation: Participate in the DES health history survey.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:10:24 -0700

DES Action USA is taking steps to learn whether certain health conditions -- beyond those already known -- appear more frequently in DES-exposed individuals than among unexposed populations. The survey deadline is June 15th.

The imperative to share clinical study reports: recommendations from the Tamiflu experience.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:07:08 -0700

Even among institutions that aim to provide the least biased, objective assessments of a drug's effects, determining "the truth" can be extremely difficult. PLoS Medicine.

Zip code as important as genetic code in childhood obesity

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:16:07 -0700

New study results indicate that where a child lives, including factors such as the neighborhood's walkability, proximity to higher quality parks, and access to healthy food, has an important effect on obesity rates. ScienceDaily.
[See the journal article: Obesogenic neighborhood environments, child and parent obesity: the Neighborhood Impact on Kids study]

New web tool tells people about the health of their community.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:50:08 -0700

With 10Green, a new, interactive web tool (10Green.org) you can get a comprehensive assessment of the health of your local environment with just a few keystrokes. MarketWatch.

Tribal clinic uses native foods to fight diabetes.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:45:57 -0700

A multi-tribal health clinic is at the front line of a national resurgence among native peoples to address the link between the loss of ancestral native foods and disproportionate rates of diabetes and other chronic diseases. California Watch.

The most toxic towns in Rhode Island.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:45:13 -0700

Toxic waste sites may be concentrated in Rhode Island’s urban core, but they also appear in surprisingly significant numbers in some of the state’s sleepiest suburbs and rural retreats, a review of state and federal data shows. Providence GoLocalProv, Rhode Island.

Concerns over uranium mining.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:35:44 -0700

Renewed concern has been expressed regarding uranium mining activities in coastal areas and its impact on the environment, following tests undertaken by the Commission for Independent Research and Information about Radiation and EARTHLIFE Namibia. Windhoek New Era, Namibia.

Breaking down traditional Chinese medicine.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:33:28 -0700

Despite the popularity of traditional Chinese medicine, the actual contents are often hard to ascertain. Undeclared or mislabeled ingredients can pose serious health risks, and traces of allergens, toxic plants and other undesirable ingredients sometimes find their way into the treatments, as a new study documents. New York Times.

High levels of phthalates can lead to greater risk for type-2 diabetes.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:30:23 -0700

There is a connection between phthalates found in cosmetics and plastics and the risk of developing diabetes among seniors. Even at a modest increase in circulating phthalate levels, the risk of diabetes is doubled. Uppsala University.

Genetic glitch could explain gender bias in autism.

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:26:52 -0700

A study released Thursday is shedding light on why autism spectrum disorder affects four times more boys than girls -- and may point toward a future treatment for the condition. Ottawa Citizen, Ontario.

Early-life infection may lead to adult memory loss.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:49:31 -0700

During her talk March 8 at NIEHS, Bilbo said rat pups that suffered bacterial infections in utero, and experienced a second immune challenge later in life, displayed severe memory impairments as mature rats. NIEHS Environmental Factor.

New report: For the Public's Health: Investing in a Healthier Future.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:38:08 -0700

In this final report, the IOM assesses both the sources and adequacy of current government public health funding and identifies approaches to building a sustainable and sufficient public health presence going forward, while recognizing the importance of the other actors in the health system, including clinical care, governmental public health, and others.

New view of depression: an ailment of the entire body.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:30:43 -0700

Scientists are increasingly finding that depression and other psychological disorders can be as much diseases of the body as of the mind. Wall Street Journal.

Social stress changes immune system gene expression in primates.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:27:38 -0700

The ranking of a monkey within her social environment and the stress accompanying that status dramatically alters the expression of nearly 1,000 genes, a new scientific study reports. ScienceDaily.

Job opening: Douglas County, Nebraska.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:24:12 -0700

The county health department is seeking a chief of Environmental Health to assume overall responsibility for the all sections within the Environmental Health Division, including without limitation, the following: Sanitation Control, Sanitary Engineering, Environmental Inspections, Food and Drink, and Laboratory Services. Applications are due by April 30th.

Call for comments: Draft National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change (2012).

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:42:48 -0700

EPA's draft 2012 Strategy addresses climate change impacts on water resources and EPA's water programs. Comments will be accepted through May 17th.

Call for comments: Electronic Reporting of Toxics Release Inventory Data.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:37:18 -0700

EPA is announcing a proposed rule to require facilities to report all nonconfidential TRI data to EPA using electronic software provided by the agency.

New resource: EPA Grants 101 Tutorial.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:44:43 -0700

Learn how to apply for, manage, and complete an EPA Grant with this easy-to-follow flowchart.

New report: Climate Action for Health.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:32:19 -0700

This document primarily addresses key greehhouse gas emissions reduction efforts in Climate Action Plans that have health co-benefits, but the information provided may also be useful in broader sustainability or adaptation planning where some of these strategies overlap.

Researchers find banned antibiotics in feather meal.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:17:44 -0700

New research raises questions about whether poultry producers might still be using an antibiotic that was banned in 2005 after being linked to increasing antibiotic resistance. Food Safety News.

Burning irony: flame retardants might create deadlier fires.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:15:20 -0700

New research suggests that chemicals -- brominated and chlorinated flame retardants -- that are added to upholstered furniture and other household items to stop the spread of flames are increasing emissions of two poisonous gases. Environmental Health News.

Debate reignites over risks to water from farm runoff.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:43:08 -0700

Wells and lakes across Minnesota are at risk from fertilizers and pesticides running off farmlands, according to a new inventory. The findings laid bare one of Minnesota's most delicate balancing acts: How to protect both the state's natural resources and its agricultural economy. Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota.

For teens, tan's allure still eclipses the risks.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:36:07 -0700

It could be a pale prom this year if local teenagers heed the warnings of a new Minnesota study linking indoor tanning with a dramatic rise in skin cancer rates among young women. Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota.

Soft drinks linked to eye damage in children.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:34:03 -0700

Precursory signs of cardiovascular disease can be seen in children as young as 12 who have a high intake of sugary drinks, Sydney researchers have found, which could have implications for the rates of the disease in the future. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia.

Call for proposals: Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Centers.

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:49:00 -0700

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by NIEHS and EPA encourages grant applications to support a transdisciplinary program of basic and applied research to examine the effects of environmental factors on children’s health and well-being. Research conducted through the Centers should include substantive areas of science in children’s health while incorporating innovative technologies and approaches and links to the environment. Letters of intent are due June 17th.

Job opening: Oakland, California.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:58:09 -0700

The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) seeks a skilled and experienced director of development to provide fundraising expertise and leadership to the organization.

Eating flavonoids protects men against Parkinson's disease, study finds.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:42:03 -0700

Men who eat flavonoid-rich foods such as berries, tea, apples and red wine significantly reduce their risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to new research by Harvard University and the University of East Anglia. ScienceDaily.

New report: Second National Report on Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition in the U.S. Population 2012.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:23:27 -0700

This report is a series of publications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that provide ongoing assessment of the U.S. population’s nutritional status by measuring blood or urine concentrations of diet-and-nutrition biochemical indicators.

Call for comments: Developing a Tribal and Indigenous Peoples Environmental Justice Policy.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:14:31 -0700

The initial tribal consultation and public comments periods are scheduled to occur from March 1 - April 30, 2012. The link to add comments is at the bottom of the page.

New report: Child Maltreatment Research, Policy, and Practice for the Next Decade -- Workshop Summary

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:44:00 -0700

On January 30-31, 2012, the IOM and NRC’s Board on Children, Youth, and Families held a workshop to review the accomplishments of the past two decades of research related to child maltreatment, identify remaining gaps, and consider potential research priorities. This document summarizes the workshop.

Job opening: St. Charles, Missouri.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:42:13 -0700

St. Charles County Department of Community Health and Protection has an opening for a division director to promote community sanitation and environmental public health and environmental quality through education, consultation and enforcement; and supervise environmental public health specialists and recycling center staff. Applications are due by April 15th.

EPA cancels grant applications for $20-million green chemistry program.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:31:54 -0700

The federal grants, which were supposed to fund four new academic centers, would have been a major new source of funding for green chemistry, a field that seeks to design environmentally friendly chemicals and processes that can replace toxic substances. Environmental Health News.

Brazil health study shows growing weight problem.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:21:42 -0700

Almost half of Brazil's population is now overweight or obese, a government study has found. From 2006 to 2011, the proportion of Brazilians who were overweight went up from 42.7 percent to 48.5 percent. BBC.

Judge throws out injury cases against DuPont.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:14:12 -0700

A judge has dismissed a personal injury lawsuit that 14 West Virginia families brought against DuPont over a former zinc smelting operation, saying they failed to produce evidence that toxins from the plant made them sick. Associated Press.

Secondary pesticide exposure evident in children living with flower workers.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:12:18 -0700

Children in Ecuador who live with flower plantation workers have lower levels of an essential nervous system enzyme than children who live with adults who do not work on flower farms, report researchers for the first time. Environmental Health News.

Autism science is moving 'stunningly fast.'

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:10:44 -0700

Across the country, researchers are scanning the brains of hundreds of autistic children, looking for insights into a condition that has proved frustratingly hard to understand. Researchers today say they're beginning to make progress, perhaps for the first time, in understanding the autistic brain. USA Today.

New issue of Environmental Health online.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:48:31 -0700

The April 10th issue is online with articles on air quality (indoor and outdoor), temperature effects, body burden of phthalates and BPA, and more.

Eating cruciferous vegetables may improve breast cancer survival.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:42:50 -0700

A study by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention investigators reveals that breast cancer survivors who eat more cruciferous vegetables may have improved survival. ScienceDaily.

New report: Achieving Food Security in the Face of Climate Change.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:36:24 -0700

To bring our interconnected food and climate systems within a "safe operating space" for people and the planet, the Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change has outlined seven major areas for policy action.

New report: Ensuring Safe Foods and Medical Products though Stronger Regulatory Systems Abroad.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:58:44 -0700

The IOM formed a committee 1) to identify the core elements of food, medicine, medical product, and biologics regulatory systems in developing countries; 2) to pin-point the main gaps in these systems; and 3) to design a strategy to leverage the expertise of the FDA and other stakeholders to strengthen regulatory systems abroad.

Obesity adds more to health care costs than smoking, study suggests.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:47:50 -0700

Compared to nonsmokers, average health costs were $1,275 higher for smokers. The incremental costs associated with obesity were even higher: $1,850 more than for normal-weight individuals. For those with morbid obesity, the excess costs were up to $5,500 per year. ScienceDaily.

Link between estrogen and tobacco smoke: estrogen may help promote lung cancer.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:46:34 -0700

The hormone estrogen may help promote lung cancer -- including compounding the effects of tobacco smoke on the disease -- pointing towards potential new therapies that target the hormone metabolism, according to new research presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2012 on April 3 by scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. ScienceDaily.
[See another article about a connection between hormones and cancer: Injectable contraceptives linked to breast cancer risk in younger women]

How stress influences disease: study reveals inflammation as the culprit.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:35:30 -0700

A research team led by Carnegie Mellon University's Sheldon Cohen has found that chronic psychological stress is associated with the body losing its ability to regulate the inflammatory response. ScienceDaily.

Weed killer causes animal shape changes.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:30:54 -0700

The world's most popular weed killer [Roundup] can induce morphological changes in vertebrate animals, U.S. biologists studying its effect on amphibians say. UPI.

Climate change could be tough on seniors' health: study.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:25:27 -0700

Even small swings in temperatures could put elderly people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart failure and lung disease at greater risk of death throughout the coming summer, a new study indicates. HealthDay News.
[See another article about climate change: Fertilizer pumps nitrous oxide into atmosphere, which is a major greenhouse gas contributing to global climate change]

Cockroaches may be primary allergen culprit.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:23:58 -0700

Pollen may not be the only culprit behind watery eyes and sneezing fits. Few people know that cockroaches can trigger allergies and cause asthma in children. Local10.com.

Docs to sue DoTC, owners of smoke-belching vehicles.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:25:25 -0700

The Philippine Medical Association announced it is filing a multisectoral class suit against the Department of Transportation and Communications and all owners of vehicles that failed the smoke emission test for "directly and indirectly" contributing to the "life threatening" air quality. Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippines.

EPA denies an environmental group’s request to ban a widely used weed killer.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:23:00 -0700

The EPA said that the Natural Resources Defense Council, had not adequately shown that the widely used herbicide, 2,4-D, would be harmful under the conditions in which it is used. New York Times.

Maryland set to become first state to ban arsenic in chicken feed.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:22:31 -0700

Maryland is about to become the first state to ban the use of additives containing arsenic in chicken feed, a practice already prohibited by Canada and the European Union. Washington Post.

Britain to fight landmark ban on chemical linked to cancer.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:20:41 -0700

Britain and other European Union member states are opposing a new law which would ban BPA, a common chemical which has been linked to breast cancer, heart disease, obesity and other conditions, from food packaging by 2014. The Independent, United Kingdom.

Dental X-rays can double brain tumor risk, study finds.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:19:52 -0700

Dental X-rays could double the risk for the most common brain tumor, according to a study released Tuesday from scientists and doctors at Yale, Harvard and other prestigious institutions published in Cancer, a scientific journal of the American Cancer Society. NBC News.

California finds dangerous chemicals in nail polishes advertised as non-toxic.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:17:21 -0700

Some nail polishes commonly found in California salons and advertised as free of a so-called "toxic trio" of chemicals actually have high levels of agents known to cause birth defects [toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and/or formaldehyde], according to state chemical regulators. Associated Press.
[See other articles about concerns over consumer products in the US: Duke scientist finds toxic chemicals in baby products and Taiwan: Herbal remedy blamed for cancer]

Exposure to secondhand smoke outside of a bar and a restaurant and tobacco exposure biomarkers in non-smokers.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 12:59:22 -0700

Salivary cotinine and urinary NNAL increased significantly in non-smokers following outdoor SHS exposure, indicating that such exposures may increase risks of health effects associated with tobacco carcinogens. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Urinary bisphenol A concentrations and implantation failure among women undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 12:58:33 -0700

There was a positive linear dose-response association between BPA urinary concentrations and implantation failure. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Neurobehavioral effects of exposure to traffic-related air pollution and transportation noise in primary schoolchildren.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 12:56:53 -0700

Our results provide some support that prolonged exposure to traffic-related air pollution as well as to noise adversely affects cognitive functioning. Environmental Research.

A cohort study relating urban green space with mortality in Ontario, Canada.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 12:55:54 -0700

Our study suggests that green space in urban environments was associated with long-term reduction in mortality although this finding should be interpreted cautiously as this association may be influenced by residual confounding of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Environmental Research.

Arsenic turns stem cells cancerous, spurring tumor growth.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 12:43:04 -0700

This new study shows that when these cancer cells are placed near, but not in contact with normal stem cells, the normal stem cells very rapidly acquire the characteristics of cancer stem cells. It demonstrates that malignant cells are able to send molecular signals through a semi-permeable membrane, where cells can’t normally pass, and turn the normal stem cells into cancer stem cells. NIEHS.

Call for proposals: Building Capacity to Implement EPA Voluntary Guidelines for K-12 State, Tribal and Territorial School Environmental Health Programs.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 12:14:40 -0700

EPA is soliciting applications from eligible entities for projects to create, implement, and evaluate models for establishing comprehensive state, tribal and territorial school environmental health programs consistent with the draft K-12 School Environmental Health Program Guidelines. Proposals are due May 1st.

Earthquakes: 'remarkable' spate of man-made quakes linked to drilling, USGS team says.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 11:08:38 -0700

The surge in temblors is "almost certainly man-made," they found, and all of the potential causes they explore in the paper relate to drilling, or more specifically, deep underground injection of drilling waste. Greenwire.

Plan now for climate-related disasters -U.N. report.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 11:07:31 -0700

A future on Earth of more extreme weather and rising seas will require better planning for natural disasters to save lives and limit deepening economic losses, the United Nations said on Wednesday in a major report on the effects of climate change. Reuters.

Dementia symptoms warded off if you are bilingual, says study.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 11:00:38 -0700

A paper published by Cell Press in the March 29th issue of the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences examines how being bilingual can offer protection from the symptoms of dementia, and also suggests that the increasing diversity in our world populations may have an unexpected positive impact on the resiliency of the adult brain. Stone Hearth News.

Preview: is sugar toxic?

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 10:33:49 -0700

Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of California, believes the high amount of sugar in the American diet, much of it in processed foods, is killing us. 60 Minutes.

Yakama Nation challenges Willamette River polluters to clean and protect lower Columbia River.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 10:29:56 -0700

Lurking in the river’s sediment is a nasty cocktail of high level DDT and other pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, tar deposits, solvents, and petroleum by products left by decades of manufacturing processes -- all of which pose risks to human health and the area’s natural resources. Indian Country Today.

Achim Steiner: 'We haven't even begun to understand the damage we are bringing to bear on the sustainability of our planet.'

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 10:18:54 -0700

It's a question many people have probably asked themselves, seeing the ever-increasing environmental degradation around the world: why aren't we doing more to protect our planet? The Independent, United Kingdom.

Air pollution threatens national health.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 10:17:53 -0700

According to the 2012 Environmental Performance Index released at this year's World Economic Forum in Davos, Viet Nam is one of the ten countries with the worst air pollution among 132 countries whose environments were surveyed in relation to effects on human health. Vietnam News, Vietnam.

Autism linked to obesity in mothers.

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 10:12:16 -0700

Researchers said mothers who are obese are significantly more likely to have a child with autism or another developmental abnormality, according to a study published Monday. The finding adds to the increasingly complex picture of possible factors that contribute to the disorders. Wall Street Journal.

New survey on exposures of pregnant consumers to potential endocrine disruptors.

Sun, 8 Apr 2012 21:58:37 -0700

A new survey from the Danish EPA concludes that daily life exposure to multiple potential endocrine disruptors from food, indoor environment and consumer products may cause a risk for some pregnant women and further, that there is a need to reduce exposures of pregnant women to potential endocrine disruptors. Danish Ministry of the Environment.

Call for papers: Pediatric environmental health.

Sun, 8 Apr 2012 21:41:23 -0700

The focus of this special issue of the International Journal of Pediatrics is on toxic exposures to children in countries with rapidly developing economies. Manuscripts are due by July 13th.

Environmental chemical exposures and human epigenetics.

Sun, 8 Apr 2012 21:37:39 -0700

We summarize the findings on epigenetic alterations related to environmental chemical exposures, and propose mechanisms of action by means of which the exposures may cause such epigenetic changes. International Journal of Epidemiology.

Perfluorinated compounds are related to breast cancer risk in Greenlandic Inuit: A case control study.

Sun, 8 Apr 2012 21:28:19 -0700

We observed for the very first time a significant association between serum PFC levels and the risk of breast cancer. The breast cancer cases also showed a significantly higher concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls at the highest quartile. Environmental Health.

Short-term treatment with bisphenol-A leads to metabolic abnormalities in adult male mice.

Sun, 8 Apr 2012 21:22:48 -0700

Short-term treatment with low doses of BPA slows down whole body energy metabolism and disrupts insulin signaling in peripheral tissues. PLoS ONE.

Relationship of maternal malnutrition caused by di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure with lifestyle disease in offspring.

Sun, 8 Apr 2012 21:18:55 -0700

These findings suggest that maternal malnutrition may be caused by not only nutritional deficiency but also exposure to some chemicals such as DEHP, and the latter case may also influence feeding behavior in offspring. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi, Japanese Journal of Hygiene.

Betting on technology to help turn consumers green.

Sun, 8 Apr 2012 21:12:55 -0700

US consumers tell researchers they want to buy environmentally friendly products, but so far they haven’t been doing that on a large scale. Now a host of companies and nonprofits are trying to use new technology -- from smartphones to social networking -- to make it easier for buyers to make the green choice. Yale Environment 360.

Genetic and environmental links to autism.

Sun, 8 Apr 2012 21:06:21 -0700

The number of children born with autism is skyrocketing. Now new evidence links the role of genetics, and possible environmental factors, to autism. Living On Earth.

Job opening: Findlay, Ohio.

Sat, 7 Apr 2012 10:01:20 -0700

The University of Findlay invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in industrial hygiene, environmental or occupational health, beginning August 2012. A doctorate in these disciplines or a closely related field is required. Review of applications will begin May 1st.

Call for proposals: Climate Change and Health: Assessing and Modeling Population Vulnerability to Climate Change.

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:51:00 -0700

NIEHS encourages research applications to examine the differential risk factors of populations that lead to or are associated with increased vulnerability to exposures, diseases and other adverse health outcomes related to climate change. Applications are due May 24th.

New publication: Growing Change.

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:49:05 -0700

Community leaders across the country can play an important role in ensuring that Farm Bill spending helps promote health. This guide is designed to show the links between their work and federal policy, and to help identify ways to get involved in the Farm Bill reauthorization process.

CU Denver study links fracking to higher concentration of air pollutants.

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:34:40 -0700

People living within a half-mile of oil- and gas-well fracking operations were exposed to air pollutants five times above a federal hazard standard, according to a new Colorado study. Denver Post, Colorado.

Environmental scholarship open to students in Salt Lake County.

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:30:46 -0700

For the third consecutive year, the department's Division of Environmental Health will be awarding the prize to assist students who are pursuing careers relating to environmental protection. Salt Lake City Deseret News, Utah.

Michigan scientists support federal rules limiting mercury emissions.

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:29:03 -0700

More than a hundred scientists from Michigan are supporting a federal standard that would limit the amount of mercury coal plants could emit. National Public Radio.

Climate change linked to waterborne diseases in Inuit communities.

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:22:50 -0700

As global warming triggers heavier rainfall and faster snowmelt in the Arctic, Inuit communities in Canada are reporting more cases of illness attributed to pathogens that have washed into surface water and groundwater, according to a new study. National Geographic News.

Fishermen harvest dinner in the San Francisco Bay -- at their own risk.

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:18:13 -0700

It's an enticing prospect: Aspiring fishermen on the shores of San Francisco Bay can expect salmon, croaker, sturgeon, and even the occasional rock crab -- all for free. But there’s a big tradeoff -- mercury, PCBs and other industrial chemicals in the fish. San Francisco KALW Public Radio, California.

Maryland Senate approves bill banning arsenic in chicken feed to avoid food, water pollution.

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:09:56 -0700

The state Senate signed off on a bill to ban chicken feed containing arsenic, bringing Maryland a step closer to being the first state to prohibit the additive. The bill bans the use of roxarsone, a chemical used to help the birds grow and fight parasites. Associated Press.
[See another article about arsenic: Arsenic in brown rice still a concern for Lundberg Farms]

Green groups sue EPA to force coal-waste rules.

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:06:13 -0700

Green groups are suing the Environmental Protection Agency to force completion of long-planned national regulations to govern disposal of so-called coal ash, a waste product from power plants. The Hill, District of Columbia.

Yet another study links insecticide to bee losses.

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:05:08 -0700

A new field trial exposing bee colonies to neonicotinoid pesticides strengthens even more the case arguing that bees have been poisoned by these chemicals. This latest research also points to a potentially novel source of the chemicals: corn syrup. Science News.

Cell phones and cancer: critics say kids risk brain tumors.

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 11:55:32 -0700

Scientists are calling into question a study published last year that failed to find a link between cell phone use and brain tumors in children and teens. They say the study actually shows that cell phone use more than doubles the risk of brain tumors in children and adolescents. ABC World News Tonight.

Brain tax: estimating the population-level impact of environmental chemicals on IQ scores.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:31:20 -0700

A new analysis establishes priorities for reducing adverse neurodevelopmental impacts for U.S. children aged 5 years and younger. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See the research article]

Another piece of the obesity-environment puzzle: potential link between inflammation and POP-associated metabolic diseases.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:29:11 -0700

A new study outlines a mechanism by which inflammation could play a central role in POP-associated metabolic disease. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See the research article]

Characterizing exposomes: tools for measuring personal environmental exposures.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:26:22 -0700

A person’s exposome is the sum total of the many exposure factors that fill the days, months, and decades of that person’s lifetime -- the exposures to chemicals, radiation, heat/cold, noise, food, stress, and other environmental agents; the health behaviors and activities; and the unique profile of commensal bacteria that make an individual an individual. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Perfluorinated compounds may lower vaccine protection in children.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:25:15 -0700

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), commonly found in nonstick cookware, food packaging, and stain-repellant clothing and furniture, may lower the potency of childhood immunizations, according to a new study of residents in the Faroe Islands. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See other articles about perfluorinated chemicals: Thyroid function and perfluoroalkyl acids in children living near a chemical plant and Relationship of perfluorooctanoic acid exposure to pregnancy outcome based on birth records in the Mid-Ohio Valley]

Global mortality from outdoor smoke, with Fay Johnston and Sarah Henderson.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:22:52 -0700

In this podcast, host Ashley Ahearn talks to Fay Johnston and Sarah Henderson about their study in which they estimate the number of deaths worldwide attributable to smoke from landscape fires. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Cadmium exposure and all cause and cardiovascular mortality in the US general population.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:21:49 -0700

We found strongly suggestive evidence that cadmium, at substantially low levels of exposure, remains an important determinant of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a representative sample of US adults. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Associations of prenatal exposure to organophosphate pesticide metabolites with gestational age and birthweight.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:19:39 -0700

Prenatal urinary sum of six DAP concentrations were associated with shortened gestation and reduced birthweight in this cohort, but the effects differed by race/ethnicity and single nucleotide polymorphisms in paroxanase genotypes. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Socioeconomic factors and phthalate metabolite concentrations among United States women of reproductive age.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:12:49 -0700

In fully adjusted models, the lowest quartile of overall socioeconomic status was associated with 1.83 times the concentrations of mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), and 0.72 times the concentrations of (molar sum) DEHP metabolites compared with the highest quartile of overall socioeconomic status. This latter association was driven primarily by educational attainment. Environmental Research.
[See another article about phthalates: Serum concentrations of phthalate metabolites related to abdominal fat distribution two years later in elderly women]

Association between bone mineral density and blood lead level in menopausal women: Analysis of 2008-2009 Korean national health and nutrition examination survey data.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:11:48 -0700

This study suggests that postmenopausal bone mineral resorption is related to increased blood lead levels in menopausal women. Environmental Research.

Emerging health risks associated with modern agriculture practices: A comprehensive study in India.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:07:59 -0700

This study aims to compare high-input and low-input agricultural practices and the consequences for health of people in these communities. Environmental Research.

Expert: building design changes can encourage good health.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 15:59:01 -0700

The design of neighborhoods and buildings impacts the obesity rate, mental disorders and diseases, according to an expert [Richard Jackson] on how the built environment affects health. Pantagraph.com.
[See a related article: Neighbourhood built environment and transport and leisure physical activity: New Zealand findings using objective exposure and outcome measures]

Travel health: how to fight 7 in-flight ailments.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 15:44:26 -0700

As you pack your bags, remove your shoes at security, and kill time at the gate, your health is likely the last thing on your mind. But the fact is that traveling, whether for work or play, can take its toll on your physical condition. Chicago Tribune.

Pennsylvania fracking bill puts gag order on doctors, union says.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 14:00:23 -0700

A new law on hydraulic fracturing in Pennsylvania, intended to protect the public against health risks some say the process known as "fracking" poses, could make it harder for doctors to relay that information to patients, health care professionals in the state claim. International Business Times.
[See a related article: Health impact studies taking hold, with challenges]

Early-life exposure to secondhand smoke affects girls more than boys, new study suggests.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 13:46:55 -0700

The negative health effects of early-life exposure to secondhand smoke appear to impact girls more than boys -- particularly those with early-life allergic sensitization, according to new research from the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine. ScienceDaily.

Prize to fuel anti-fracking fight.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 13:43:13 -0700

An Ithaca biologist who recently won a $100,000 national environmental prize [Sandra Steingraber] is donating most of it to help fuel a gathering of opponents of natural gas hydraulic fracturing. Albany Times Union, New York.

For schoolyard gardens, a global network.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 13:10:33 -0700

The Edible Schoolyard Project is sprouting life in San Francisco’s Hunters Point district, classified as an urban "food desert" by the Department of Agriculture because of a lack of supermarkets and an abundance of toxic soil. New York Times.

Analysis: food security focus fuels new worries over crop chemicals.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 12:26:55 -0700

Scientists, environmentalists and farm advocates are pressing the question about whether rewards of the trend toward using more and more crop chemicals are worth the risks, as the agricultural industry strives to ramp up production to feed the world's growing population. Reuters.

Study finds dramatic rise in skin cancer among young adults.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 12:12:06 -0700

A new study from the Mayo Clinic finds an alarming increase in skin cancer among young adults, and the reason may be their persistent efforts to tan. Time Magazine.

Ship smog seen as next target to clear Hong Kong skies.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 12:11:34 -0700

Vessels calling at North Sea and Baltic ports must use fuel containing no more than 1 percent sulfur to cut emissions estimated to cause at least 60,000 deaths a year worldwide. Ships steaming into Hong Kong are free to burn less costly 3.5 percent sulfur oil, which threatens the health of more than 25 million people in China’s Pearl River Delta. Bloomberg News.
[See other articles about air pollution: Ministry sued for failing to provide pollution data; Group calls for Jamaica to stop open trash fires; Old kilns pollute southern skies; Cancer risk seen in wood stove pollution; State works to cut haze in northern Minn. wilderness areas; Air pollution from trucks and low-quality heating oil may explain childhood asthma hot spots; Spatiotemporal air pollution exposure assessment for a Canadian population-based lung cancer case-control study and Chronic exposure to fine particles and mortality: an extended follow-up of the Harvard Six Cities Study from 1974 to 2009]

Mercury -- a hazard in the oceans and on the land.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 12:09:55 -0700

Mercury vapour enters the body through the air. It destroys kidneys, brain and eyes. Sources of mercury exposure vary from fish to gold mining to light bulbs. Close to 40% of the total mercury used in the world is being used by artisanal miners, who don't know how to use it. Australia ABC News, Australia.

Packaging on the pounds.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 12:07:45 -0700

Bisphenol A, a controversial chemical used to harden plastics, is contributing to the global obesity epidemic, according to new research by biologist Frederick vom Saal. The claims come as the Food and Drug Administration is expected to rule this week -- after four years of study -- on whether to ban BPA from food packaging. The Daily.

8.5 million pounds of toxic chemicals dumped in New Jersey waterways.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 11:49:34 -0700

Industrial facilities dumped 8.5 million pounds of toxic chemicals into New Jersey’s waterways, making the state’s waterways the 12th worst in the nation, according to a new report released by Environment New Jersey. North Country Gazette, New York.

Survey shows cross-party support for pesticide ban.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 11:48:48 -0700

Support for a complete ban on lawn and garden pesticides is growing across political lines in British Columbia, according to a new survey prepared for the Canadian Cancer Society. Vancouver Sun, British Columbia.

Clearing the air.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 11:48:05 -0700

Air purifiers are becoming increasingly hot items in China as concerns about pollution -- especially PM 2.5 -- grow. China Daily.

Questions on nuclear cancer risks? Ask the chairman.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 11:47:22 -0700

We told you that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission asked the National Academy of Sciences to find a scientifically sound way to assess cancer risks in populations near nuclear plants -- and that the experts working on the issue responded with their first report last week, saying it sure as heck won’t be easy. Orange County Register, California.

Food poisoning's hidden legacy.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 15:07:52 -0700

Most people think of foodborne illness as an unpleasant few days of fever and diarrhea, but for some there may be lifelong consequences. Scientific American.

Metro Atlanta's poor, minorities live near worst pollution.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 15:03:13 -0700

According to a new report by an environmental law firm, metro Atlanta's minorities, people living on low incomes, and families who speak a language other than English are more likely to live near and be affected by pollution than whites and those with higher incomes. Atlanta Creative Loafing,

Toxic-chemical pollution drops in Virginia.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 14:53:10 -0700

The Department of Environmental Quality issued its annual Toxics Release Inventory on Wednesday, showing emissions from factories, power plants and other industries in the state dropped more than 4 percent in 2010. Richmond Times-Dispatch, Virginia.

Asbestos: Court ruling opens way for insurance claims.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 14:50:00 -0700

The UK Supreme Court has made a ruling which could allow thousands of insurance claims by families of people who died after exposure to asbestos. The court placed insurance liability at the time an employee was exposed to asbestos -- not when symptoms appeared. BBC.

Are PIP breast implants safe?

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 14:49:05 -0700

In all the furore about the banned PIP breast implants, one question remains unanswered: Are they safe? BBC.

After years of complaints, EPA steps in at Iowa plant.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 14:43:43 -0700

For years, people living in Muscatine, Iowa have complained about the ash and smoke blowing into their neighborhood from a corn processing plant. In 2010, the facility released more lead than any plant in the state and more acetaldehyde -- a probable carcinogen -- than almost any plant in the country. On Tuesday, the US EPA stepped in.

EPA backpedals on fracking contamination.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 14:35:57 -0700

The Environmental Protection Agency has dropped its claim that an energy company contaminated drinking water in Texas, the third time in recent months that the agency has backtracked on high-profile local allegations linking natural-gas drilling and water pollution. Wall Street Journal.

Puberty before age 10: A new 'normal.'

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 14:34:39 -0700

For many parents of early-developing girls, "normal" is a crazy-making word, especially when uttered by a doctor; it implies that the patient, or patient’s mother, should quit being neurotic and accept that not much can be done. But even if it's the new normal, why is it happening? New York Times.

Uranium mines dot Navajo land, neglected and still perilous.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 14:29:15 -0700

An abandoned mine about 60 miles east of the Grand Canyon joins the list of hundreds of such sites identified across the 27,000 square miles of Navajo territory in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico that are the legacy of shoddy mining practices and federal neglect. New York Times.

Eastern Coachella Valley fights pollution: 3 profiles in environmental activism.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 14:25:56 -0700

It is unclear how many Mecca residents have had serious health problems due to air pollutants, but Eduardo Guevara, Sr., said he knows many people in the community who have been affected. New America Media.

Asbestos workers at risk from heart disease.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 14:21:06 -0700

Already facing heightened risks of cancer, asbestos workers also run a greater danger of heart disease and stroke, a British study published on Tuesday said. Agence France-Presse.

Shisha pipes: is smoking them really harmless?

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 14:20:15 -0700

The sweet smelling tobacco is gaining in popularity, but most people who smoke it in cafes are unaware of the potential health risks. BBC.
[See other articles about tobacco use: U.S. FDA: Big Tobacco must tell you what you're smoking; Health warnings enlarged on cigarette packs; World Tobacco Atlas rings alarm bells for India and Cancer killing younger people in India, tobacco main cause]

More cell phones than people, and no e-waste treatment in Guatemala.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 12:14:27 -0700

The lack of adequate management of electronic waste in Guatemala is posing a serious threat to the environment and health, as demand for electronic devices has soared to the point that there are more cell phones than people. Inter Press Service.

Landmark ruling on legacy of Fibrecrete.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 12:13:47 -0700

Families affected by industrial diseases caused by asbestos are delighted after a landmark Supreme Court ruling opened the door to compensation for the deadly legacy of Fibrecrete. Gloucester Citizen, United Kingdom.

US warns of cancer-agent in Japan weight-loss pills.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 12:12:28 -0700

The US Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday warned consumers not to take a product called "Japan Rapid Weight Loss Diet Pills" because they contain "undeclared phenolphthalein," a suspected cancer-causing agent. Agence France-Presse.

EPA puts off chromium-6 water rule.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 12:11:17 -0700

The US Environmental Protection Agency's determination of how much chromium-6 in drinking water is unsafe won't be coming any time soon. In Coachella Valley, chromium-6 naturally occurs in the area's groundwater at 150 to more than 1,000 times above California's public health goal. Palm Springs Desert Sun, California.
[See another article about chromium-6: Chromium 6 cleanup slated for contaminated lot]

Ohio River tops nation in pollution discharge.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 12:07:17 -0700

The Ohio River again leads the nation in the amount of toxic chemicals dumped into it by industries, according to a new report by a Washington, DC-based environmental group. Louisville Courier-Journal, Kentucky.

Toxic toy data lacking.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 12:04:33 -0700

A review of toy safety regulations and related scientific studies found significant gaps in both regulations of, and data on, toxic metals. Chemical & Engineering News.

Eat more fish; risks overstated.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 11:27:49 -0700

According to the joint advisory issued by the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, salmon is low in mercury and safe even for pregnant women. Washington Post.

EPA announces historic rule to limit climate pollution from new power plants.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 11:18:53 -0700

The Environmental Protection Agency took a historic step on Tuesday in the fight against climate change, proposing the first limits of greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants. McClatchy Newspapers.

FDA rejects call to ban BPA from food packaging.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 11:02:45 -0700

The Food and Drug Administration has rejected a petition from environmentalists that would have banned the plastic-hardening chemical bisphenol-A from all food and drink packaging, including plastic bottles and canned food. Associated Press.
[See a related article: BPA gets a reprieve -- for now]

Big advances in testing chemicals.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 11:01:54 -0700

Advances in computing are dramatically changing the field of chemical testing. And one day there may be far less need for scientists to use laboratory animals to test chemicals for health and safety. Living On Earth.

New cancer stats mostly encouraging.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 10:57:36 -0700

The incidence rates of many forms of cancer decreased between 1999 and 2008, data released Wednesday show, and the mortality rates associated with several deadly cancers have declined, too. But there’s been a troubling rise in incidence rates of several cancers -- those of the pancreas, esophagus and kidney. Washington Post.
[See related articles: Kidney cancers: major rise 'linked to obesity' and Study: breast cancer claims five Black women per day]

Q&A with NIEHS head Linda Birnbaum on BPA.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 10:56:24 -0700

We now know its not only the 'dose that makes the poison'; it's timing, it's inherent susceptibility, and we know that different things happen at different doses. We’re often looking for different kinds of effects than we might have been looking for in the past. North Carolina Health News, North Carolina.

Missoula leaders tout new federal limits on carbon pollution.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 10:55:47 -0700

The effects of carbon emissions are far-reaching, but Monday a group of Missoula leaders in government, health care, economics and even spirituality came together to tout the first federal limits on carbon pollution. Missoula Missoulian, Montana.

White House and the FDA often at odds.

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 10:54:52 -0700

The politics of regulation do not always mesh with ideological or scientific judgments. An examination of these tensions shows how the Obama administration has often been more cautious on regulatory issues than the FDA. New York Times.

Autism diagnoses up sharply in U.S.

Sun, 1 Apr 2012 17:11:43 -0700

One in every 88 U.S. children has been diagnosed with autism or an autism-related disorder, a government report says, up sharply since figures were last published in 2009. But the reasons for the increase largely remain a puzzle to public-health officials. Wall Street Journal.

Common toothpaste additive triclosan to be deemed toxic to environment .

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:25:23 -0700

The government's draft risk assessment is now complete and it says triclosan is toxic to the environment but there's not enough evidence to say it's hazardous to human health. Edmonton Journal.

Chronic stress spawns protein aggregates linked to Alzheimer's.

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:15:42 -0700

Repeated stress triggers the production and accumulation of insoluble tau protein aggregates inside the brain cells of mice, say researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in a new study published in the March 26 Online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. ScienceDaily.
[See the study abstract]

Sitting time and all-cause mortality risk in 222,497 Australian adults.

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:11:33 -0700

Prolonged sitting is a risk factor for all-cause mortality, independent of physical activity. Public health programs should focus on reducing sitting time in addition to increasing physical activity levels. Archives of Internal Medicine.

Call for proposals: Environmental Exposures and Health: Exploration of Nontraditional Settings.

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:31:34 -0700

The purpose of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) issued by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is to encourage interdisciplinary research aimed at promoting health, limiting symptoms and disease, and reducing health disparities in children and older adults living or spending time in non-traditional settings. These settings result in exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins that result in health risks, symptoms, and other health conditions/diseases including lower respiratory diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular diseases. this FOA expires January 8, 2016, with deadlines for applications on February 16, June 16 and October 16 of each year until then on a companion FOA.

High-fat, low-carb diets dangerous for obese people at heart attack risk.

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:24:08 -0700

"Overall, we found that obese rats fed a high-fat, low-carb diet -- comparable to that humans would consume -- had larger, more damaging and deadly heart attacks than rats fed the control diet," Lloyd says. Stone Hearth News.

New book: The Autism Revolution.

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:16:50 -0700

After years of treating patients and analyzing scientific data, prominent Harvard Medical School researcher and clinician Dr. Martha Herbert offers a revolutionary new view of autism.

High-throughput screening finds surprising properties for antioxidants: some compounds can damage DNA, but may treat cancer.

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:25:46 -0700

National Institutes of Health researchers from two institutes and one center have demonstrated that some antioxidants damage DNA and kill cells instead of protecting them. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on March 19, 2012, also suggest that this surprising capability may be good for treating cancer, but may prove cautionary when using antioxidant-based medicines to treat other disorders, such as diabetes. ScienceDaily.

Is our food safe?

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:18:06 -0700

Numerous factors impact on our physical and mental health. Aside from genetics (which we can do nothing about), things that affect our psyche and things that affect our bodies (stress, microorganisms, chemicals and radiation from several sources) may have adverse effects that can lead to mental and physical problems, such as learning disabilities, behavioural problems, criminality, diseases and even some cancers. Kingston Jamaica Gleaner, Jamaica.

Concern over effects of contaminants on health.

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:16:11 -0700

The Sixth International Conference on Environmental Mutagens in Human Populations, which begins Monday in Doha, has been described as a significant event to learn from experts on how to ameliorate the effects of contaminants on human health. Doha Gulf Times, Qatar.

Heat wave: Lagos warns against over exposure to sun...as experts decry deforestation of rainforest.

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:15:04 -0700

Following the prevalence of heat wave in Lagos State and other parts of the country in the past two weeks, environmental experts have blamed the harsh weather situation on the rapid deforestation and degradation of Nigeria’s rainforest. Lagos Vanguard, Nigeria.

Is fracking making people sick?

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:46:02 -0700

Some Pennsylvania residents who live near Marcellus Shale gas wells believe natural gas drilling is contaminating their water and making them sick. But others point to the economic benefits of fracking and say there’s little scientific evidence that exposure to drilling activities causes illness. Living On Earth.

Obesity harms 'later brain skill.'

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:39:20 -0700

Being overweight in later life puts you at higher risk of brain decline, Korean research suggests. A study of 250 people aged between 60 and 70 found those with a high body mass index (BMI) and big waists scored more poorly in cognitive tests. BBC.
[See the study report]

Teleconference: New Energy Developments: Social and Environmental Impacts.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:53:05 -0700

For the past three years, Dr. Simona Perry has been documenting the quality of life and environmental changes being experienced by local farmers and forest landowners in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. All of the developments associated with the Marcellus shale gas industry amount to a rapid industrialization of the landscape in which farmers, forest landowners, families, and neighbors increasingly feel confusion, frustration, anger, depression, and high levels of stress over the future of their land, water, soil, and lives. Join CHE for this call on March 28th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Webinar: Arsenic, Organic Infant Formula and the Food System.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:46:46 -0700

What can we tell patients or our families about arsenic in the food supply? Join Healthy Food Action and the Collaborative on Health and the Environment for a webinar to discuss the study and its findings on arsenic in food products, with study author Dr. Brian Jackson, IATP's David Wallinga, MD, and Dr. Keeve Nachman from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. March 29th at noon Eastern time.

FDA must act to remove antibiotics from animal feed: judge.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:40:40 -0700

A federal judge on Thursday ordered U.S. regulators to start proceedings to withdraw approval for the use of common antibiotics in animal feed, citing concerns that overuse is endangering human health by creating antibiotic-resistant "superbugs". Reuters Africa.

Call for proposals: Measurements and Modeling for Quantifying Air Quality and Climatic Impacts of Residential Biomass or Coal Combustion for Cooking, Heating, and Lighting.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:12:05 -0700

This solicitation provides the opportunity for the submission of applications for projects that involve human subjects research. This research should focus on communities in the developing world and on Indian tribes and Alaska Native groups. The closing date is June 19th.

Environmental endocrine disruptors and obesity.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:08:08 -0700

Here we provide an overview of the role of the environmental chemical obesogens and their impact on obesity. Endocrine Regulations.

Report release: Committee on Integrating Primary Care and Public Health.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:03:13 -0700

The Committee on Integrating Primary Care and Public Health is releasing its report, Primary Care and Public Health: Exploring Integration to Improve Population Health, on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. This event is taking place at the National Press Club in Washington, DC and will be webcasted live for those who are unable to attend.

African governments urged to address growing e-waste.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:22:07 -0700

A group of development specialists and representatives from the United Nations, governments, private sector and civil society have agreed to come up with new ways to curb the rising levels of electronic waste (e-waste) in Africa. Voice of America.

Nation to host first Environmental Festival.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:17:16 -0700

Cherokee Nation Environmental Programs, Natural Resources and Environmental Health is planning to hold its first Environmental Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 13, in the field behind the Tribal Council House. Cherokee Phoenix, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Pennsylvania's rivers are some of nation's most polluted.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:02:55 -0700

A report issued Thursday, World Water Day, shows toxic pollution remains a stubbornly persistent environmental and human health problem, and some of the worst waterways flow through Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pennsylvania.
[read the report: Wasting our Waterways 2012 and a related article from outside the US: Water controversy erupts in Venezuela]

Beware the fog.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:59:04 -0700

A new study suggests that fog can harbor real-life horrors. Researchers have found that coastal mists may carry toxic mercury that can harm ecosystems and human health. Science.

Activists present petition to Walmart.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:57:33 -0700

Local environmental activists Gwen Straub and Krystal Wohnus prefer their food natural and are letting Walmart know about it. The issue is Walmart’s plan to sell genetically engineered produce, more specifically, corn, this fall. Marion McDowell News, North Carolina.

Brigham research shows exposure to germs early in life protects later against allergies, asthma

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:55:12 -0700

For years, researchers have made a seemingly paradoxical observation: as people have grown up in cleaner and more sterile environments, allergies, asthma, and other inflammatory diseases have increased. An international team has found support for this so-called "hygiene hypothesis" and one possible biological explanation. Boston Globe, Massachusetts.

Systematic evaluation of environmental factors: persistent pollutants and nutrients correlated with serum lipid levels.

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:44:31 -0700

We identified and validated 29, 9 and 17 environmental factors correlated with triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, respectively. International Journal of Epidemiology.

Food poisoning could have lifelong consequences.

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:37:01 -0700

Studies have shown that people caught up in food poisoning outbreaks are more likely to develop a host of lengthy illnesses, including diabetes, arthritis, kidney failure, high blood pressure and even heart attacks and strokes. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.
[See a related article: Joining forces for food safety]

Sunscreen compound linked to endometriosis.

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:36:26 -0700

Although sunscreens shield the skin from harmful ultraviolet light, they may have a dark side: Exposure to a compound commonly found in the lotions was associated with endometriosis in a small study in people. Chemical & Engineering News.

Black women more likely to die of breast cancer.

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:33:17 -0700

More than 1,700 black women die of breast cancer every year in the United States because of racial disparities in cancer risks and access to care, suggests a new study. Reuters Health.

Linking cancer and work: a tricky task.

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:31:45 -0700

In the 1970s, a group of U.S. workers scraped a chemical off the sides of large vats to make polyvinyl chloride. Almost all of them developed a rare form of liver cancer. The case involved a small number of people, but their cancers were easily traced to the workplace. Figuring out the extent of carcinogens in the workplace today requires more scientific detective work. CBC Canada.

Prenatal pollutants linked to childhood anxiety, ADHD.

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:26:16 -0700

Inner-city women who breathe powerful airborne pollutants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons while pregnant are more likely to have children who develop behavioral problems by the time they reach school age, researchers report. ABC News.
[See the research article: Prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure and child behavior at age 6-7]

Secondhand smoke again tied to asthma in kids.

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:19:30 -0700

A fresh look at past studies suggests kids who live with a smoker are more likely to wheeze or get asthma, providing more evidence for the link between secondhand smoke and breathing problems. Reuters.

Cancer higher in old gold regions.

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:17:39 -0700

The Gold Rush that brought great prosperity to Victoria has turned out to be hazardous for some. University of Melbourne's Dr Dora Pearce said they found a "small, but significant" rise in risk. Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia.

Tiny doses of gas drilling chemicals may have big health effects.

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:15:01 -0700

The higher the dose, the more dangerous the toxin—that principle is the basis for most regulatory chemical testing in the United States. But a new report shows that even low doses of some toxins can be harmful. Inside Climate News.

McDonald's launches pilot program to drop polystyrene coffee cups.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:33:03 -0700

The company is launching a pilot program to phase out polystyrene beverage cups (McD's long ago gave up Styrofoam for its food packaging, but hot beverages have still been served in polystyrene). GreenBiz.com.

Are moves toward threshold-based chemicals risk assessment premature? (TTCs part 3).

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:30:37 -0700

This month, our concern is with the regulatory implications of setting of a threshold below which toxicity data is not required for a chemical risk assessment. Health & Environment.

Studies link daily doses of aspirin to reduced risk of cancer.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:48:53 -0700

Taking aspirin every day may significantly reduce the risk of many cancers and prevent tumors from spreading, according to two new studies published on Tuesday. New York Times.
[See the studies referenced: Short-term effects of daily aspirin on cancer incidence, mortality, and non-vascular death: analysis of the time course of risks and benefits in 51 randomised controlled trials and Effect of daily aspirin on risk of cancer metastasis: a study of incident cancers during randomised controlled trials]

Bisphenol A (BPA) could affect reproductive capabilities, cause infection of the uterus.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:47:17 -0700

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found evidence that, in addition to affecting the heart, brain and nervous system, bisphenol A (BPA), could affect a mammal's ability to reproduce by altering the structure of the uterus in ways that can progress to a potentially fatal infection. ScienceDaily.

Oil from Deepwater Horizon disaster entered food chain in the Gulf of Mexico.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:43:18 -0700

A new study confirms that oil from the Macondo well made it into the ocean's food chain through the tiniest of organisms, zooplankton. ScienceDaily.
[See the study report]

Alzheimer’s, diabetes linked via new studies.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:29:55 -0700

An emerging body of research suggests that Alzheimer’s disease may be linked to insulin resistance, constituting a third type of diabetes. Stone Hearth News.
[See the study report]

Maker of methyl iodide scraps controversial pesticide.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:20:38 -0700

The manufacturer of methyl iodide is pulling the controversial pesticide from the U.S. market, representatives of Tokyo-based Arysta LifeScience confirmed late Tuesday. Santa Cruz Sentinel, California.

Smoking deaths triple over decade: tobacco report.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:18:13 -0700

Tobacco-related deaths have nearly tripled in the past decade and big tobacco firms are undermining public efforts that could save millions, a new report finds. If current trends continue, it estimates that a billion people will die from tobacco use and exposure this century -- one person every six seconds. Reuters.

Mercury exposure linked to ramp up of thyroid antibody.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:15:39 -0700

A new, large study of women in the US reports that women with high mercury exposures are more than twice as likely to have higher levels of antibodies that are associated with autoimmune disorders. Environmental Health News.

Small planes leave a trail of lead.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:12:29 -0700

A growing body of science has confirmed that dirty freeway air undermines the health of those living nearby, but activists say a more pervasive danger has received too little attention: lead in the exhaust of propeller-driven aircraft that routinely fly in and out of small regional airports. HealthyCal, California.

Film focuses on West Virginia coal slurry pollution battle.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:09:16 -0700

An independent documentary chronicling the fight that hundreds of southern West Virginia residents waged against Massey Energy over polluted well water will be screened for the first time at the Atlanta Film Festival in Georgia. Associated Press.

EPA to limit new uses of potentially harmful chemicals.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:08:27 -0700

Companies would be required to report to the federal government all new uses of five groups of potentially harmful chemicals, whether in domestic or imported products, under a new policy proposed today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Environment News Service.

Got pollution? Study links dairies to bad air quality.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:29 -0700

Standing on Jim Dyjack’s porch, you can see cows -- a lot of cows -- that make up the dairy across the street. And you also can smell them. Dust blows through the air, covering cars and windows. "That’s not dust. That’s poop. Plain poop. And urine. And we’re breathing it," Dyjack says. Oregon Public Broadcasting, Oregon.

Indian girl trapped in life of cigarette rolling.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:45:53 -0700

Hundreds of thousands of children toil in the hidden corners of rural India. Many work in hazardous industries crucial to the economy: the fiery brick kilns that underpin the building industry, the pesticide-laden fields that produce its food. Most of the children in Dhuliyan in West Bengal state work in the tobacco dust making bidis -- thin brown cigarettes that are as central to Indian life as chai and flat bread. Associated Press.
[See another story about environmental degradation and pollution in a developing nation: In rush for gold, miners in Senegal ignore mercury poisoning]

Call for comments: Implementation of the New Source Review (NSR) Program for Particulate Matter Less Than 2.5 Micrometers (PM2.5).

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:53:49 -0700

A revision would correct an inadvertent error made in 2008 when the EPA issued its final rule to implement the new source review (NSR) program for fine particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5). Comments will be accepted until May 15th.

Concentrations and correlations of disinfection by-products in municipal drinking water from an exposure assessment perspective.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:47:21 -0700

In conclusion, trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids have limited value as predictors of other disinfection by-products on a generalised basis. Principal component analysis provides a complementary tool to address the complex nature of the mixture. Environmental Research.

Mold and lead workshop to be held in Birmingham, Alabama.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:38:54 -0700

Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), and the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) will present a community workshop on mold and childhood lead poisoning prevention on March 26, 2012.

Nanopollutants change blood vessel reactivity.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:24:08 -0700

Exposure to nano-sized particles can impair the responsiveness of very tiny blood vessels, new animal studies show. Science News.

New report: Nutrition and Healthy Aging in the Community -- Workshop Summary.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:17:26 -0700

The Institute of Medicine held a workshop October 5-6, 2011, to illuminate issues related to community-based delivery of nutrition services for older adults and to identify nutrition interventions and model programs which support the transition to home care as well as health and independent living in the community.

Everyday chemicals linked to obesity crisis: report.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:06:22 -0700

Increasing exposure to the chemicals may be partially responsible for the obesity crisis and rising levels of diabetes in the developed world, a report from the Chem Trust has argued. London Telegraph, United Kingdom.
[See the report and a summary by the coordinator of CHE's Diabetes and Obesity Spectrum Working Group]

Metabolic output profoundly influenced by circadian rhythms, UCI study reveals.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:00:29 -0700

By analyzing the hundreds of metabolic products present in the liver, researchers with the UC Irvine Center for Epigenetics & Metabolism have discovered that circadian rhythms -- our own body clock -- greatly control the production of such key building blocks as amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids. Stone Hearth News.

Modern day 'Silent Spring' author to visit Oregon.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:32:13 -0700

The Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides will host a nationally influential environmental health activist when author Sandra Steingraber gives a free talk from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 5th.

Nerve gas, insecticide exposure possible cause of Gulf War illness.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:43:31 -0700

The memory and attention problems plaguing thousands of veterans from the first Gulf War might be caused by low-level exposure to insecticides and nerve gas, researchers at Georgia Health Sciences University said. Augusta Chronicle, Georgia.

Fracking: health, environmental impact greater than claimed.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:42:05 -0700

The natural gas industry claims hydraulic fracturing will bring several hundred thousand jobs, and has minimal health and environmental risk. Research studies by economists and incidents of water contamination prove otherwise (Part 2 of 3). Scoop, New Zealand.

Tainted water could be rerouted to crop fertilization.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:39:47 -0700

Laced with nitrates, some of it [tainted water beneath San Joaquin Valley farm fields] could be pumped and used as fertilizer on crops, allowing farmers to cut back on expensive chemicals, scientists say. Fresno Bee, California.

Lead poisoning prevention funding slashed, costly consequences for children's health

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:34:21 -0700

Like hundreds of thousands of other children with lead poisoning, Devon Owens' daughter faces a lifelong risk of everything from a lower IQ to greater hyperactivity to violent behavior. So why, he wants to know, have funds for the CDC's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program just been cut 93 percent? Huffington Post.

Toxic taint drives cosmetic change.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:29:09 -0700

Confused by makeup scare stories? Worried that lead in your lipstick and arsenic in your mascara might be damaging your health? It might be time to ditch the contents of your make up bag and switch to organic. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia.

Dangerous Levels of DDT pollution in Richmond Harbor.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:28:08 -0700

It will take almost half a century to clean up a chemical mess one company left behind. The dangers of DDT weren’t known while United-Heckathorn was an active company, but now, decades later, scientists have extensively studied and documented the dangers. San Francisco Bay Citizen, California.

Nuclear risks at Bed, Bath & Beyond show dangers of scrap.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:26:52 -0700

The discovery of radioactive tissue boxes at Bed, Bath & Beyond Inc. stores in January raised alarms among nuclear security officials and company executives over the growing global threat of contaminated scrap metal. Bloomberg News.

Fracking site emissions may be unhealthy: Colorado School of Public Health.

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:08:53 -0700

In a new study, researchers from the Colorado School of Public Health have shown that air pollution caused by hydraulic fracturing or fracking may contribute to acute and chronic health problems for those living near natural gas drilling sites. Stone Hearth News.

New video: Creating Healthy Home Environments for Kids: Top 5 Tips.

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:45:14 -0700

Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment (CPCHE) presents the top 5 tips for creating a healthy environment in the home.

Vermont joins air pollution lawsuit to support EPA.

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:02:49 -0700

Vermont has joined 11 other states, New York City and the District of Columbia in support of a Clean Air Act rule the would reduce toxic air pollution from power plants in the United States. Brattleboro Reformer, Vermont.

Antibiotic resistance could bring the end of modern medicine.

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:55:45 -0700

As bacteria evolve to evade antibiotics, common infections could become deadly, according to Dr. Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization. ABC News.

China's challenges: political change, pollution and protest.

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:52:42 -0700

In the past, the Chinese public, government and businesses focused more on the economy and neglected the environment. Because China developed too fast after opening up, problems have accumulated over the past 20 years and more will appear more in the coming years despite the implementation of protection measures. The Guardian, United Kingdom.

Study of 'meth babies' finds behavior problems.

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:50:01 -0700

The first study to look at methamphetamine's potential lasting effects on children whose mothers used it in pregnancy finds these kids at higher risk for behavior problems than other children. Associated Press.

Pollution the big barrier to freer trade in rare earths.

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:36:10 -0700

Tackling pollution, not freeing up trade, is regarded as the solution to a global shortage of rare earths, the metals that are the building blocks of the 21st century. Reuters.

Berry fruit enhances beneficial signaling in the brain.

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:23:53 -0700

This paper reviews recent evidence for the beneficial signaling effects of berry fruits on the brain and behavior. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

EPA mystified by stingy DDT pollution in San Francisco Bay.

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:13:51 -0700

A half-century after California officials discovered that large amounts of the pesticide DDT had been discharged into a San Francisco Bay canal, the chemical is still poisoning fish and posing a threat to human health there despite numerous cleanup attempts. Associated Press.

As heat rises so does our anxiety.

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:11:16 -0700

Climate change is making people mad. More than a quarter of patients with obsessive compulsive disorder in a recent study in Australia were found to have obsessions which directly related to climate change. Fairfax Stuff, New Zealand.

Smog elevates stroke risk.

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:07:58 -0700

Epidemiologists with the California Department of Public Health and collaborating organizations tracked more than 100,000 women, all current or former teachers and school administrators. In October, they reported that older women living in places with higher levels of fine-particle pollution -- including diesel soot, car exhaust, wood smoke, chemical compounds and microscopic airborne contaminants -- had a significantly increased risk for first-time strokes. Riverside Press-Enterprise, California.

New report: Climate Change and Your Health: The Hidden Health Risks of Flooding in a Warming World.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:30:56 -0700

This report documents the costly, and often overlooked, health impacts of heavy precipitation and flooding -- and highlights climate change as a growing risk factor for these extreme weather events.
[See an article about climate change: Study: climate change will exacerbate respiratory diseases]

Job opening: Washington, DC.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:27:15 -0700

Earthjustice has a position in its Policy and Legislation Department for an environmental health advocate to provide legislative and administrative strategy development and implementation on judicial issue priorities for Earthjustice. A bachelors or masters degree in a related environmental field is required, with a JD a plus.

Job opening: Washington, DC.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:25:14 -0700

Earthjustice has a position in its Policy and Legislation Department for a judicial practice advocate to provide legislative and administrative strategy development and implementation on judicial issue priorities for Earthjustice. A JD degree and experience working with the legislative process are required.

US Government raising awareness of accidental exposures during National Poison Prevention Week.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:21:44 -0700

In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, EPA urges parents and caregivers to secure chemicals and pesticides in locked cabinets out of children's reach.

White rice increases risk of type 2 diabetes.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:17:17 -0700

The results also show that the more white rice eaten, the higher the risk of type 2 diabetes: the authors estimate that the risk of type 2 diabetes is increased by 10% with each increased serving of white rice (assuming 158g per serving). ScienceDaily.

Highly exposed to phthalates as fetuses, female mice have altered reproductive lives.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:15:10 -0700

In the first study to examine what effect in utero doses of phthalates have on the reproductive system of mice, Brown University toxicologists found that extremely high doses were associated with significant changes, such as a shortened reproductive lifespan and abnormal cell growth in mammary glands. ScienceDaily.

Kids go green with EPA partnership programs.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:12:49 -0700

After much success in pilot projects like the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) in Kansas City, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to fund a national partnership program with BGCA on children’s environmental health. Environmental Protection.

Self disclosures led to small pollution cuts, compared to all EPA enforcement actions.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:11:27 -0700

The EPA's program that allows regulated entities to self-disclose environmental violations resulted in commitments to reduce 3,000 pounds of pollution in 2011. By comparison, all enforcement actions that year led to commitments to reduce pollution by 1.8 billion pounds. Bloomberg BNA.

Nonprofit files health and safety complaint against Baltimore asbestos removal company.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:08:52 -0700

An advocacy group filed a complaint Friday with the federal government alleging that a Baltimore-based company put hundreds of employees at risk by failing to protect them against asbestos. Baltimore Sun, Maryland.

Arsenic study centre to open in Bengal.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:07:22 -0700

The institute will be an international centre of excellence on arsenic research and training, attracting scientists, experts and sector professionals from the world over. New Delhi Times of India, India.

Oral cancer cases on the increase: Cancer Research UK.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:06:28 -0700

Most cases are linked to smoking, but alcohol misuse and the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection through oral sex have been linked to the rise. BBC.

Drilling boom means big business for the area.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:05:14 -0700

Energy companies believe the Utica shale may contain a treasury of oil reserves that will help revive the American economy and move the country a step closer to energy independence. But others say safety must be assured before consideration of economic benefits. Massillon Independent, Ohio.

Healing ozone layer lowers UV exposure, report finds.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:04:28 -0700

A new scientific study has confirmed that the healing of the ozone layer is also reducing people's exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun. It will still take years before the ozone layer recovers entirely, but the string of positive news continues. Der Spiegel.

"Flameless cremation" idea raises concerns.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:03:49 -0700

A proposal to legalize a procedure that uses a hot alkali-water bath to hasten decomposition of corpses has local officials debating the safety and feasibility of flushing the byproducts into the sewer system. Riverside Press-Enterprise, California.

The dose doesn’t always make the poison.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:03:10 -0700

Many common household products contain chemicals that could be hazardous to human health. Now, a new report finds that for some chemicals, a very small dose can have a very large health effect. Host Bruce Gellerman talks to Laura Vandenberg, a researcher at Tufts University Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, about how exposure to small amounts of chemicals can act like hormones and have adverse health effects on humans. Living On Earth.

Hookah boom in Richardson causes concerns about underage smoking.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:53:51 -0700

Richardson, long known for its telecom corridor, has recently become the hub of more ancient trade as hookah bars have popped up throughout the Dallas suburb in the past several years. Dallas Morning News, Texas.

Common antibiotic linked to asthma: UBC research.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:10:17 -0700

A widely used antibiotic [vancomycin] can increase the risk and severity of asthma, according to groundbreaking Canadian research that could help explain why millions of children now need to use puffers. Postmedia News.
[See another article about asthma: Connecting community to combat asthma]

Call for proposals: Grassroots Advocacy Network for Healthy Housing.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:33:02 -0700

NCHH plans to award subgrants to grassroots advocacy organizations to carry out activities to develop local solutions to the challenging problem of substandard housing and neighborhoods. Proposals are due by April 30th.

Humans vs. plastic.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:25:28 -0700

A plastic bottle takes almost one thousand years to decompose, and even during decomposition it releases toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A, styrene trimer and others. Himalayan Times, Nepal.

Lung disease linked to kids' second-hand smoke exposure.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:24:58 -0700

Children exposed to tobacco smoke may be at significantly increased risk of developing chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder in adulthood, new research suggests. CBC Canada.
[See a related article: Cost of chronic lung disease will be $24.1B in 2030: report]

Gas company agrees to pay $3.6 million settlement.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:22:43 -0700

Pacific Gas & Electric Company must pay $3.6 million for failing to contain groundwater pollution beneath the rural community of Hinkley, according to a settlement reached this week with state water quality officials. Riverside Press-Enterprise, California.
[See another article about local pollution situations with regional or national implications: Fox River cleanup changes sought]

Air pollution could become China's biggest health threat, expert warns.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:20:52 -0700

Air pollution will become the biggest health threat in China unless the government takes greater steps to monitor and publicise the dangers of smog, the country's leading respiratory disease specialist warned this week. The Guardian, United Kingdom.

You are what your mother ate.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:18:30 -0700

The behavior and experiences of our parents and grandparents can affect the traits they pass on to us, new research reveals. A phenomenon called epigenetics shows how environmental influences can flick the switch on genes that might otherwise remain switched off. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia.

Hazardous chemicals found in children's jewelry.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:16:31 -0700

Hazardous chemicals have been found in most of the inexpensive children's jewelry samples purchased at random from 14 retailers in six states. Lake Stevens Journal, Washington.

Africa is dumping ground for e-waste.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:42:58 -0700

The world is witnessing technological advancements at a very fast pace, with African countries becoming easy dumping sites for cheap, second-hand electronic devices. Southern News, Southern Africa.

Study finds link between cell phone radiation and behavior problems in mice.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:29:42 -0700

Researchers from the Yale School of Medicine found that exposing pregnant mice to radiation from a cell phone resulted in offspring who were more hyperactive, had more anxiety and poorer memory -- symptoms associated with ADHD -- than mice who were not exposed to radiation. ABC News.
[See the report referenced and an opposing view: Pregnant women need not worry about cellphone use]

Why we are fat.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:29:35 -0700

What if, asks Corkey, obesity isn’t simply about eating too much and exercising too little? What if there’s something more subtle at work? Maybe it isn’t extra calories that make us fat, she says, but food additives like saccharin and emulsifiers. Bostonia.

Call for abstracts: Second World Congress on Cancer Science & Therapy.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:29:30 -0700

The conference theme is theme "Advanced Discussions of the Recent Challenges and Opportunities in the Field of Proteomics & Bioinformatics." One of the 11 conference tracks is on cancer management and prevention, including diet and physical exercise and environmental factors.

Persistent lipophilic environmental chemicals and endometriosis: the ENDO Study.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:05:10 -0700

Using a matched cohort design, cohort- and biologic media-specific POPs were associated with endometriosis underscoring the importance of methodologic considerations when interpreting findings. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Global air quality and health co-benefits of mitigating near-term climate change through methane and black carbon emission controls.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:03:46 -0700

In addition to climate benefits, our findings indicate that the methane and BC emission control measures would have substantial co-benefits for air quality and public health worldwide, potentially reversing trends of increasing air pollution concentrations and mortality in Africa and South, West, and Central Asia. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Fatty diets may be associated with reduced semen quality.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:44:27 -0700

The study of 99 men in the USA found an association between a high total fat intake and lower total sperm count and concentration. ScienceDaily.

Walking may lessen the influence of genes on obesity by half.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:40:45 -0700

"In our study, a brisk one-hour daily walk reduced the genetic influence towards obesity, measured by differences in BMI by half. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle marked by watching television four hours a day increased the genetic influence by 50 percent." MedicalXpress.com.

Health and ecosystem issues found with popular pavement sealcoat.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:23:37 -0700

A parking lot at the edge of the University of New Hampshire campus has contributed important research to an emerging concern for the environment and human health. ScienceDaily.
[See the study]

Job opening: Melbourne, Australia.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:14:00 -0700

Alfred Hospital seeks a research assistant in occupational and environmental health to work on a suite of studies focused on examining trends in work injury and illness in Victoria, and the development of measures to better describe risk of work injury. The closing date is March 29th.

Ob-gyns can prevent negative health impacts of environmental chemicals.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:04:46 -0700

Ob-gyns are uniquely positioned to play a major role in reducing the effects of toxic chemicals on women and babies, according to an analysis led by University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) researchers. Newswise.

Ecology: Various sources of pollution in Port Angeles Harbor.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:03:26 -0700

There are two distinct areas of relatively high concentrations of pollution in the sediments of Port Angeles Harbor, and it may come from a variety of sources, Department of Ecology officials said. Port Angeles Peninsula Daily News, Washington.

Subsidised diesel adding to pollution, health costs: survey.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:02:38 -0700

Diesel price needs to be revised upward, or subjected to higher taxes, as misuse of subsidised diesel was adding to pollution and public health costs, the government's pre-budget economic report card said today. Press Trust of India, India.
[See other articles about air quality: Estimated effects of Asian dust storms on spatiotemporal distributions of clinic visits for respiratory diseases in Taipei children (Taiwan) and Exposure to ambient air fine particulate matter prevents VEGF-induced mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells from the bone marrow]

High level of lead found in Thai villagers' blood.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:00:18 -0700

About 90 per cent of Karen villagers in Tambon Mae Chan, in the Umphang district of southwest Thailand, have high levels of lead in their blood, according to Umphang Hospital director Dr Worawit Tantithanasap. Eight children were measured at a very high 45 micrograms per deciliter level. Asia One, Singapore.

As yet another study says too much red meat could kill us, the truth is you needn't give up that juicy steak after all.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:57:52 -0700

Some anti-cancer campaigners say the evidence is so damning we should avoid processed meat altogether -- but other nutritionists say the risks are exaggerated, and that cutting out red meat from our diets could do more harm than good. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Cadmium intake is linked to breast cancer risk.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:56:19 -0700

In a finding that strengthens the link between environmental pollutants and rising rates of breast cancer, new research finds that women whose diets contain higher levels of cadmium are at greater risk of developing breast cancer than those who ingest less of the industrial chemical in their food. Los Angeles Times.

Low doses, big effects: scientists seek 'fundamental changes' in testing, regulation of hormone-like chemicals.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:52:26 -0700

Small doses can have big health effects. That is a main finding of a new report, three years in the making, published Wednesday by a team of 12 scientists who study hormone-altering chemicals. Environmental Health News.
[See the report and related opinion pieces: Environmental chemicals: evaluating low-dose effects and Opinion: 'There are no safe doses for endocrine disruptors']

Disease outbreaks from imported foods up in 2009-10.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:51:24 -0700

Disease caused by imported food rose in 2009 and 2010, resulting in 39 outbreaks in which 2,348 people suffered illnesses linked to food imported from 15 countries, according to a study presented Wednesday at a conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases in Atlanta. USA Today.

Advocates decry lead poisoning prevention cuts.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:49:47 -0700

Proposed funding cuts for lead poisoning prevention programs mobilized area advocates to Capitol Hill last week. Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa.

CDC to launch graphic anti-smoking ads.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:47:55 -0700

One week after warning that tobacco use among teens remains a "pediatric epidemic," the U.S. government is set to launch its first paid anti-tobacco media campaign that graphically depicts the suffering of former smokers. USA Today.
[See other articles about tobacco use: How an hour spent smoking trendy shisha pipes is as harmful as a hundred cigarettes and Tobacco control programs work, says study]

Louisville to launch data-driven asthma study.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:46:51 -0700

Louisville is going high-tech to try to figure out what's behind the city's problem with asthma. Louisville Courier-Journal, Kentucky.

'Pink slime' critics fight ammonia-treated meat.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:43:06 -0700

"Pink slime" just went from a simmer to a boil. The stomach-turning epithet for ammonia-treated ground beef filler has suddenly become a potent rallying cry by activists fighting to ban the product from U.S. supermarket shelves and school lunch trays. Associated Press.

Clean your plate, save the world?

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:39:22 -0700

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said 33 million tons of food waste hit landfills and incinerators in 2010, the largest solid waste product in the system. EPA has launched a program to address the issue. Reuters.

Pill that left a generation blighted by cancer.

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:37:14 -0700

DES was prescribed to pregnant women in the UK from the 1950s to the 1970s in the mistaken belief that it prevented miscarriage. Instead, it left behind a hidden legacy of damage to the fetus. A leading American compensation lawyer has announced that he plans to coordinate a UK-wide hunt for ‘DES daughters’ to launch a class-action claim. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Is it safe to play yet?

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:36:14 -0700

Laura MacCleery was four months pregnant when she started an inventory of the chemicals in her Alexandria, Va., town house. First, she collected 70 products in a pile: things like makeup, shampoo, and sink cleaners. Then she typed the names of the cosmetics into an online database called Skin Deep. The results were not comforting. New York Times.

Smoking and prevalence of allergic disorders in Japanese pregnant women: Baseline data from the Kyushu Okinawa Maternal and Child Health Study.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:17:08 -0700

Our results provide evidence that current smoking and ETS exposure may increase the likelihood of wheeze. The possibility of a positive association between ETS exposure and rhinoconjunctivitis was also suggested. Environmental Health.

Low-carb, high-carb, it doesn’t matter, study says, it's all about the veggies.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:09:21 -0700

"We found that it doesn't really matter which kind of diet you choose -- the outcome depends on increasing vegetable consumption and decreasing sweets." Environmental News Network.
[See the article referenced]

Prenatal exposures to environmental chemicals and birth order as risk factors for child behavior problems.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:07:01 -0700

Internalizing behavior appears to be affected by prenatal exposure to PCBs at low levels. Under lower-level exposures, however, behavior problems may be more strongly associated with parental child-rearing attitudes involved in birth order, than with such hazardous chemicals. Environmental Research.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields from laptop use of "laptop" computers.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:40:11 -0700

The power supply induces strong intracorporal electric current densities in the fetus and in the adult subject, which are respectively 182-263% and 71-483% higher than ICNIRP 98 basic restriction recommended to prevent adverse health effects. Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health.

New declaration calls for precautionary oversight for the emerging field of synthetic biology.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:58:57 -0700

Today a broad coalition of 111 organizations from around the world released The Principles for the Oversight of Synthetic Biology, the first global civil society declaration to outline principles that must be adopted to protect public health and the environment from the risks posed by synthetic biology, and to address the field’s economic, social and ethical challenges. eNews Park Forest, Illinois.

EPA adds nine hazardous waste sites to Superfund’s National Priorities List, proposing an additional 10 sites.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:49:51 -0700

Since 1983, 1,661 sites have been listed on the NPL. Of these sites, 359 sites have been cleaned up resulting in 1,302 sites currently on the NPL (including the nine sites added today).
[See other articles about Superfund sites: At Portland Harbor Superfund site, advocates push early cleanup of highly contaminated River Mile 11 and Duwamish Waterway health study underway to inform EPA’s final cleanup plan for the Superfund site]

Hospitals with radioactive materials expose weakness in antiterror rules.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:47:50 -0700

Ten years into a campaign to make radioactive materials harder for terrorists to steal, Congressional auditors have found one hospital where cesium was kept in a padlocked room but the combination to the lock was written on the door frame and another where radioactive material was in a room with unsecured windows that looked out on a loading dock. New York Times.

Skinny genes -- how GM food may help you stave off obesity.

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:44:23 -0700

Scientists are experimenting with modifying foods as a low-cost answer to health problems, including obesity and zinc deficiency. The Guardian, United Kingdom.

Job opening: Boston, New York City or Washington, DC.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:17:03 -0700

Environmental Defense Fund seeks a senior scientist in the Office of Chief Scientist team to focus on introducing and integrating cutting edge social science concepts into EDF's work.

Job opening: Redding, California.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:14:13 -0700

Shasta County has an opening for an environmental health division manager to assist, coordinate, and supervise all technical functions relative to the Environmental Health Program. The application deadline is March 29th.

Call for proposals: Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:08:01 -0700

Applications must present a plan to revitalize a severely distressed public and/or HUD-assisted multifamily housing project located in a distressed neighborhood into a viable, mixed-income community. Applications are due April 10, 2012.

Call for comments: Revising Underground Storage Tank Regulations.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:57:52 -0700

EPA is extending the public comment period for the proposed changes to the 1988 underground storage tank (UST) technical, financial responsibility, and state program approval regulations published in the Federal Register on November 18, 2011. Comments are due by April 16th.

Call for comments: 2013 National Water Program Guidance.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:53:32 -0700

The narrative explains FY 2013 national priorities, the management system for the National Water Program, and the strategies and approaches that water programs will implement to accomplish the environmental and public health goals established in the EPA FY 2011-2015 Strategic Plan. Comments are due by March 19th.

Nutrition a pressing concern for Native Americans.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:36:50 -0700

The battle with obesity has become one of the most urgent health issues in America today, as over one third of adults and 17 percent of children are now obese. But for Native Americans, this problem is even more dire. Food Safety News.

Health concerns of "fracking" drawing increased attention: EPA conducting studies on health effects.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:32:00 -0700

The purpose of the agency’s study is to understand the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and drinking water resources. It will examine the "full lifespan of water in hydraulic fracturing," EPA officials said in a statement, from acquisition of the water through the mixing of chemicals and the fracturing to the post fracturing, including examining what happens with the water after the fracturing and how it is treated and disposed of. The Nation's Health.
[See another article about fracking: Ohio: Gas-drilling injection well led to quakes]

Sugar-sweetened drinks linked to increased risk of heart disease in men.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:19:08 -0700

Men who drank a 12-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage a day had a 20 percent higher risk of heart disease compared to men who didn't drink any sugar-sweetened drinks, according to research published in Circulation, an American Heart Association journal. ScienceDaily.

Water or gold? Locals across South America protest multinational mining projects.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:15:11 -0700

"Water is more precious than gold," is the battle cry being raised throughout Latin America by anti-mining groups that include rural peasants, ecologists and scientists. Together they complain of the negative environmental and social impacts caused by open-pit mines, which make heavy use of explosives, cyanide and fresh water. Paris Le Monde, France.

Feds set the rules, tobacco companies argue in landmark class-action.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:07:38 -0700

Lawyers for Canada's three largest tobacco companies argued Monday they cannot be held liable for the addictive and bad health effects of their products because they operate under strict regulations imposed by the federal government. Postmedia News.

States eye limits on indoor tans for teens.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:03:44 -0700

Eighteen states are considering measures banning the use of indoor tanning devices for those under 18, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Five more are weighing increased regulation, such as requiring parental consent. USA Today.

Death by bacon? Study finds eating meat is risky.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:50:00 -0700

He found that people who consumed about one serving of red meat (beef, pork or lamb) per day had a 13 percent increased risk of mortality, compared with those who were eating very little meat. And processed meats raised the risk higher, to about a 20 percent increased risk of death from diseases including cancer and heart disease. National Public Radio.
[See the journal article referenced.]

MCAS Tustin: California's other closed and contaminated marine base.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:48:12 -0700

Based on extensive investigation of the El Toro base that was carried out by Navy contractors, the place is best described as 'Toxic Soup'. Salem News, Oregon.

More than vehicles, oil refineries pollute Utah's air; new website offers info.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:44:43 -0700

Utahns can now learn what -- other than cars -- causes the winter pollution that so concerns the Division of Air Quality. Ogden Standard-Examiner, Utah.

New study warns about toxic chemicals in jewelry.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:43:52 -0700

A new study found a majority of low-cost metal jewelry sold in Michigan stores contain toxic chemicals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, bromine, chlorine and flame retardants. Detroit WXYZ TV, Michigan.

Farming communities facing crisis over nitrate pollution, study says.

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:29:09 -0700

Nitrate contamination in groundwater from fertilizer and animal manure is severe and getting worse for hundreds of thousands of residents in California's farming communities, concludes a study released today. It is the most comprehensive assessment so far of nitrate contamination in California’s agricultural areas. California Watch.
[See a related webinar: Take Back Your Community from Nitrates -- Lessons Learned]

Particulate matter exposure during pregnancy is associated with birth weight, but not gestational age, 1962-1992: a cohort study.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:02:33 -0700

The findings of this study progress the hypothesis that the association between black smoke and birth weight may be mediated through intrauterine growth restriction. Environmental Health.

Lower acetylcholinesterase activity among children living with flower plantation workers.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:00:30 -0700

Cohabitation with a flower worker was related to lower acetylcholinesterase activity in children. This supports the hypothesis that the amount of take-home pesticides from flower workers suffices to decrease acetylcholinesterase activity, with lower activity associated with longer exposure. Environmental Research.

Hormones in milk can be dangerous.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:57:05 -0700

The link between cancer and dietary hormones - estrogen in particular -- has been a source of great concern among scientists, said Ganmaa, but it has not been widely studied or discussed. Harvard News.

NCI on cell phones: U.S. brain tumor rates consistent with Interphone, but not with Hardell

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:36:48 -0700

A new analysis from the U.S. National Cancer Institute has found that the rates of brain tumors (glioma) in the United States are inconsistent with the results of Lennart Hardell's group in Sweden. Microwave News.

Call for abstracts and artistic expression: Unpaving Our Way to the Future.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:16:34 -0700

Artists of all ages are invited to imagine how parking lots and other paved areas that cover so much of our landscapes, urban and rural, could be transformed into healthy, sustainable environments.

Call for proposals: Asthma in Older Adults.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:13:53 -0700

This FOA encourages Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R21) applications that propose to study the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and/or management of asthma in older adults. Proposals are due June 16th and October 16th.

Dangerous beauty: 5 scariest beauty products.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:43:07 -0700

Chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, and other hazardous ingredients are turning up in makeup, skin creams, and hair styling products. Forbes.

New study says diesel emissions can increase risk of cancer threefold.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:42:24 -0700

A landmark government health study released last week provides evidence that the diesel engine exhaust that pervades California highways could be causing cancer at a greater rate than previously known. San Bernardino County Sun, California.

Regulators ready to force San Diego Bay cleanup.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:41:50 -0700

Top water pollution regulators are poised this week to force an unprecedented cleanup of San Diego Bay. It would be by far the largest cleanup of its kind among similar efforts over the past two decades, and it would set the tone for addressing several other contaminated sites in a bay that used to be one of the most polluted in the nation. San Diego Union-Tribune, California.

Call for proposals: Advancing Novel Science in Women's Health Research.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:37:42 -0700

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), issued by the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) and co-sponsoring NIH institutes and centers (ICs), is to promote innovative, interdisciplinary research that will advance new concepts in women's health research and the study of sex/gender differences. The deadline is October 16th.

Call for proposals: Social Network Analysis and Health.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:25:38 -0700

This FOA encourages research that aims to accomplish one or more specific goals: 1) generate new theories that would enhance the capabilities and value of Social Network Analysis (SNA); 2) address fundamental questions about social interactions and processes in social networks; 3) address fundamental questions about social networks in relation to health and health-related behaviors; 4) develop innovative methodologies and technologies to facilitate, improve, and expand the capabilities of SNA. Proposals are due May 11th.

Call for proposals: Secondary Analyses of Social and Behavioral Datasets in Aging.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:24:52 -0700

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), issued by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), is seeking small grant applications to conduct secondary analysis of social and behavioral data in aging. The deadline is May 8th.

Exotic grass could help clean lead from soil.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:16:40 -0700

A subtropical grass might one day be grown in yards across North Jersey as an affordable way to deal with a lingering childhood health concern -- lead contamination. Bergen County Record, New Jersey.

Call for proposals: Roadmaps to Health: Community Grants.

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 23:23:22 -0700

The Roadmaps to Health Community Grants program (Community Grants) will support communities to implement policy or system changes to address one of the social or economic factors that, as defined by the County Health Rankings, most strongly influence health outcomes in their community. The deadline for applications is May 2nd.

Call for proposals: Citizen Science--Community Involvement Today and in the Future

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 23:13:09 -0700

In this request for applications, EPA is soliciting proposals for research relating to air and water pollution in New York City and the Virgin Islands.

Millennium Development Goal drinking water target met.

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 22:58:26 -0700

The world has met the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of halving the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water, well in advance of the MDG 2015 deadline, according to a report issued today by UNICEF and WHO.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, April 28th.

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 22:54:44 -0700

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled an opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.

World Health Day 2012.

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 22:34:04 -0700

Aging and health is the theme of this year's World Health Day, April 7, 2012. Using the slogan "Good health adds life to years", campaign activities and materials will focus on how good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities.

Piercing in Iowa: There are no rules.

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 22:31:43 -0700

In most parts of Iowa, almost anybody can set up a body-piercing business, pierce minors and use procedures that are not monitored for safety. Des Moines Register, Iowa.

Cancer rates up near once-tainted Liberty well.

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 22:21:07 -0700

A draft state Department of Health report has found a higher-than-expected incidence of leukemia among men from Liberty, NY, where the water supply was contaminated with MTBE, a gasoline additive. Middletown Times Herald-Record, New York.

Coke, Pepsi to drop level of 'cancer' chemical.

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:14:26 -0800

Coca-Cola and Pepsi said Friday they have lowered levels of a chemical in caramel coloring to comply with a California law, but insisted the drinks pose no health risks and recipes will not change. Agence France-Presse.

How those pesticides persist even when you wash your fruit and veg.

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:12:33 -0800

Washing fruit and vegetables does not remove chemical pesticide residues, tests commissioned by Government food watchdogs show. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Fukushima fallout: cancer fears and depression plague Japanese refugees.

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:11:53 -0800

Ever since the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima power plant, many Japanese people have been living with the fear of cancer. Experts find it difficult to estimate how many people will actually fall ill, but they're more concerned about the psychological consequences of the catastrophe. Der Spiegel.
[See a related article: High thyroid radiation levels found in Fukushima residents]

Window replacement and residential lead paint hazard control 12 years later.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 15:27:37 -0800

Lead-safe window replacement is an important element of lead hazard control, weatherization, renovation and housing investment strategies and should be implemented broadly to protect children. Environmental Research.

Relationship between physicochemical characterization and toxicity of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) collected in Dakar city (Senegal).

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 15:22:27 -0800

There was a time and/or dose-dependent increase of both the gene expression and/or protein secretion of inflammatory mediators in PM2.5-exposed BEAS-2B cells. Environmental Research.

Integration of health and environment through health impact assessment: cases from three continents.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 15:20:40 -0800

Analysis of three case-studies, from three different continents, shows that health impact assessment: might serve to promote synergies among health and environmental disciplines in different local contexts, and could lead to institutional and procedural changes that promote health. Environmental Research.

Selenium and mercury molar ratios in saltwater fish from New Jersey: Individual and species variability complicate use in human health fish consumption advisories.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 15:17:07 -0800

This variability may make it difficult to use the selenium:mercury molar ratio in risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication at this time, and more information is needed on how mercury and selenium actually interact and on the relationship between the molar ratios and health outcomes. Environmental Research.

Breaking up prolonged sitting reduces postprandial glucose and insulin responses.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 15:08:53 -0800

Interrupting sitting time with short bouts of light- or moderate-intensity walking lowers postprandial glucose and insulin levels in overweight/obese adults. Diabetes Care.

What's really making us fat?

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 15:06:16 -0800

It may not be as simple as calories in, calories out. New research reveals a far more complex equation for weight gain that places at least some of the blame on organic pollutants. The Atlantic.

Overhaul of U.S. child health study concerns investigators.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 14:55:33 -0800

A controversial health study of 100,000 U.S. children that has struggled for years hit another rough patch last month when the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that it may modify its sampling plan in 2013 to save money. Science.

Friends of the Earth sues U.S. EPA over lead in aviation fuel.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 14:49:15 -0800

The nonprofit group Friends of the Earth filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency today to force the regulation of lead emissions from general aviation aircraft under the Clean Air Act. Environment News Service.

El Salvador: environmental damage goes unpunished.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 14:47:06 -0800

Fourteen years have passed since El Salvador's Environment Law was approved, establishing the creation for agro-environmental courts to hear cases involving contamination and environmental damage. But so far, this has not happened. Latin America Press.

Life expectancy varies by ZIP code in San Joaquin Valley.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 14:46:05 -0800

Where you live can be an indicator of how long you'll live, according to a new study on San Joaquin Valley health that found life expectancy varied markedly by ZIP code. In the most extreme cases, there was as much as a 21-year difference between neighborhoods. California Watch.

Panel: US should rethink nuke emergency plans.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 14:43:02 -0800

The U.S. should customize emergency plans for each of the nation's 65 nuclear power plants, a change that in some cases could expand the standard 10-mile evacuation zone in place for more than three decades, an expert panel is recommending. Associated Press.

What the frack is in that water?

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 13:39:42 -0800

Environmentalists have repeatedly pressed regulators to compel oil and gas companies to report what chemicals they use in the drilling and fracking process. ProPublica has compiled a list of the main ingredients that have been identified so far. ProPublica.

Suing over cancer.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 13:10:46 -0800

Some people turn to the courts because they think pollution has made them sick, and they think they know who’s to blame. But, the courts aren’t always the best place to turn with these kinds of cases. Part 4. Environment Report.

Utahns healthier because of winter's cleaner air.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 12:58:33 -0800

This was a great winter to bring a business prospect to northern Utah. It also was a great season for a healthy pregnancy, for dodging asthma attacks, for avoiding a stroke -- in short, for breathing clean winter air. Salt Lake Tribune, Utah.

Evidence is mixed, but avoid BPA if you can.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 12:54:16 -0800

Expert panels organized by the National Institutes of Health have concluded that there is reason to be concerned, although there is no proof of harm. Lake County News Sun, Illinois.

Surgeon General's report takes aim at youth smoking.

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 12:52:27 -0800

Smoking during the teenage years stunts lung growth and accelerates the decline in their function that inevitably comes with age. At the same time, the habit damages blood vessels in ways that can later lead to a heart attack, stroke and aortic rupture. Washington Post.
[See another article about smoking: How smoking at the weekends does just as much damage to the memory as daily habit]

Potential for inhalation exposure to engineered nanoparticles from nanotechnology-based cosmetic powders.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 23:12:53 -0800

We conclude that predominant deposition of nanomaterial(s) would occur in the tracheo-bronchial and head airways -- not in the alveolar region as would be expected based on the size of primary nanoparticles. This could potentially lead to different health effects than expected based on nanoparticle behavior and toxicology studies for the alveolar region. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Endocrine disruptors and asthma-associated chemicals in consumer products.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 23:10:15 -0800

It appears that consumers can avoid some target chemicals -- synthetic fragrances, BPA, and regulated active ingredients -- using purchasing criteria. More complete labeling would enable consumers to avoid the rest. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate pollution induces insulin resistance and mitochondrial alteration in adipose tissue.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 23:00:33 -0800

These findings suggest that long-term ambient PM2.5 exposure induces impaired glucose tolerance, IR, inflammation, and mitochondrial alteration, and thus, it is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. Toxicological Sciences.
[See another article about PM: Particulate matter pollution: A particular problem for the young?]

Estrogen alone after hysterectomy reduces breast cancer.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 22:54:29 -0800

In contrast to the documented increase in breast cancer risk that accompanies combined estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women, a new analysis shows that for the subgroup of postmenopausal women who have had a hysterectomy, estrogen alone is not associated with such a risk. In fact, the risk for breast cancer is reduced. Medscape.

Research finds manganese concentrations higher in residential neighborhoods than industrial sites, levels vary by region.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 22:14:26 -0800

In residential neighborhoods near manufacturing industries, a breath of air may be more hazardous than refreshing depending on the location, finds a recent study involving a Kansas State University geologist. Health Canal.

Simple recommendations help reduce environmental exposures for women.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 22:08:59 -0800

Reproductive health care providers should share these tips and more scientific information with women who want to become pregnant or who are pregnant, but that does not always happen. News-Medical.Net.

Women are the true face of climate change.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 22:05:23 -0800

As climate change becomes more disruptive to daily life, gender makes a difference. Women, who make up 70 percent of the poor worldwide, also often bear the responsibility of providing food, water, shelter, protection and transportation for children. In a warmer world, these are increasingly challenging tasks. Climate Central.
[See a related article: Women farmers in the Cordillera feeling the pinch of climate change]

Big sky, bright sun and melanoma.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 22:02:31 -0800

Along with an increase in white-collar workers seeking outdoor recreation on weekends, the use of tanning beds is viewed as a reason that Idaho consistently has one of the highest rates of melanoma deaths in the country. New York Times.

EPA targets chemicals.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 21:59:55 -0800

Seven chemicals or categories of substances will undergo risk assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2012, EPA announced on March 1. The move could eventually lead to their regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Chemical & Engineering News.

Coca-Cola modifies caramel color to avoid cancer warning label.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 21:53:30 -0800

In order to meet the requirements of a California law -- and avoid cancer warning labels on cans -- soda manufacturers have begun switching to a new formulation of caramel coloring. Morning Edition, NPR.

Shark fins are loaded with a neurotoxin, study finds.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 20:37:16 -0800

Shark fins contain high levels of a potent neurotoxin that scientists have linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, according to a recent study published in the journal Marine Drugs. New York Times.

The Mad Hatter, The Lorax and the dangers of mercury.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 20:36:40 -0800

The recent mercury spill at San Juan Basin Health Department was a learning experience, highlighting what potential dangers to human health may result from exposure. Durango Herald, Colorado.

Premature baby numbers plunge after smoking ban.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 20:35:52 -0800

The introduction of the smoking ban has been linked to a dramatic reduction in the number of premature and low birthweight babies in Scotland. Edinburgh Scotsman, United Kingdom.
[See another article about smoking bans and health: Colorado public health researchers push for even tougher anti-smoking rules]

Study looks to find whether cockroaches in home can make you unhealthy.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 20:34:25 -0800

Dr. Rabito and her team of researchers are looking for 100 children and teens with asthma to join a free study. The roaches will be cleaned out of your home and children will have breathing and allergy tests. Your home will also have an environmental test. New Orleans WWL TV, Louisiana.

Investigating rare childhood cancer cluster.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 20:33:19 -0800

The state of Michigan has confirmed a cancer cluster in St. Clair County. Since 2007, eight young children -- and a possible ninth -- have been diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer called Wilms tumor. Danielle Williams’ daughter Erika was the first to be diagnosed. She was seven years old. Part 3. Environment Report.

Lawmakers gird for renewed debate on lead poisoning.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 13:34:20 -0800

Maryland lawmakers are wrestling with proposals to expand state regulation of home sales, rentals and repairs in order to reduce children's exposure to lead. But the biggest question facing legislators might be how -- or whether -- to help landlords facing a flurry of lead-paint poisoning lawsuits from former tenants. Baltimore Sun, Maryland.

Job opening: Tempe, Arizona.

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 12:40:55 -0800

The School of Sustainability at Arizona State University seeks an assistant director to support day-to-day administration and operations of the department's programs. The initial close date for applications is March 9th.

Social disparities in exposures to bisphenol A and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals: a cross-sectional study within NHANES 2003-2006.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 11:39:33 -0800

People with lower incomes had higher body burdens of BPA; the reverse was true for PFCs. Environmental Health.

Call for proposals: Bus and Bus Facilities Livability Initiative.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 11:26:08 -0800

The Bus Livability Initiative makes funds available to public transportation providers to finance capital projects to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities, including programs of bus and bus-related projects for assistance to subrecipients that are public agencies, private companies engaged in public transportation, or private nonprofit organizations. Proposals are due by March 29th.

Call for comments: Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 11:20:40 -0800

This proposed rule would establish the basic requirements for the operation of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) in conformance with the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The comment period ends on April 24th.

Call for proposals: Building Capacity to Implement EPA Voluntary Guidelines for K-12 State, Tribal and Territorial School Environmental Health Programs.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 11:07:17 -0800

Call for comments: State School Environmental Health Guidelines.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 10:59:40 -0800

Draft state school environmental health guidelines (110pp, 1.78 MB, About PDF) are currently available for a 45-day public comment period, until 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on April 13, 2012.

Reproductive health providers should discuss environmental exposure risks with patients.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 10:55:24 -0800

A team of researchers, led by Sheela Sathyanarayana, MD, MPH, of Seattle Children’s Research Institute, have created a guide outlining exposure risks and reduction tips for some of the most common environmental toxins. Newswise.

Rossen Reports: Is your child breathing radon gas at school?

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 10:49:51 -0800

When we send our children to school, we assume that they’re safe; that they’re learning in a healthy environment. But health officials say there’s a danger in the air: a toxic cancer causing gas in thousands of classrooms nationwide. Today.

Environmental Health Trust Calls for U.S. to put warning labels on cell phones.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 10:36:07 -0800

The Environmental Health Trust (EHT) lauds Israeli Knesset overwhelming passage of a proposed law requiring health-hazard warning labels on cell phones and calls on the U.S. to follow suit. Your-Story.org.

US regulators dispute finding of cancer-causing soda.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 10:24:18 -0800

U.S. regulators said soft drinks from PepsiCo Inc and Coca-Cola Co posed no health risk, contrary to a U.S. watchdog group that reported several popular brands contain high levels of a chemical linked to cancer in animals. Reuters.

Maker of a hair-straightening product settles lawsuit.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 09:33:36 -0800

The manufacturer of the popular hair-straightening product Brazilian Blowout, the subject of government inquiries and health complaints, said on Monday that it had agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit for about $4.5 million. New York Times.

The inner workings of autism.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 09:31:28 -0800

It is now known that autism is actually a group, or spectrum, of neurodevelopmental disorders caused mainly by genetic mutation. And researchers across the globe are today zeroing in on genes potentially involved. Chemical & Engineering News.

Campbell's to end use of BPA in can linings.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 09:30:45 -0800

Campbell's Soup has agreed to stop using the chemical BPA in the lining of its cans, joining a host of other brands moving away from using the substance. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin.

Mapping cancer cases in a small town.

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 09:28:58 -0800

Cancer is a scary enough word, and cancer cluster can sound even scarier. That term describes a place where more people have cancer than you'd expect to find in the rest of the population. But finding out if a cluster really exists and then getting something done about it is really difficult. (Part 2). Environment Report.
[See related articles: Review finds Fort Detrick cancer studies inconclusive and Science panel faults Fort Detrick, Md., groundwater study that found harmful effects unlikely]

Effects of prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and environmental tobacco smoke on child IQ in a Chinese cohort.

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 12:39:23 -0800

These results suggest that exposure of pregnant women to emissions of PAHs from the coal-burning plant, in combination with prenatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, may have adversely affected cognitive function of children at age 5. Environmental Research.

Coke, Pepsi have carcinogens: CSPI.

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 12:28:23 -0800

New chemical analyses have found that Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Diet Coke, and Diet Pepsi contain high levels of 4-methylimidazole (4-MI), a known animal carcinogen. Stone Hearth News.

Effects of environmental toxicants reach down through generations.

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 12:15:16 -0800

A Washington State University researcher has demonstrated that a variety of environmental toxicants can have negative effects on not just an exposed animal but the next three generations of its offspring. ScienceDaily.

Postmenopausal stroke risk higher if trans fat intake is higher, may be mitigated by aspirin.

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 12:12:09 -0800

New research shows an increased risk of ischemic stroke in postmenopausal women who consume higher amounts of trans fatty acids, commonly found in baked goods, fried foods, and packaged products.

Carwash workers in New York City plan union drive.

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 12:02:59 -0800

On Tuesday, a coalition of community and labor organizations plans to introduce a citywide campaign to reform the carwash industry. The workers, many of whom are immigrants, say most in their jobs are denied minimum wages, overtime and sick pay, and must use caustic chemicals without protection. New York Times.

Venezuela emerges as new source of 'conflict' minerals.

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 12:01:36 -0800

Coltan, a mineral used in solar panels, smart phones, and an array of other electronic devices is being mined illegally in Venezuela and likely entering the global minerals supply stream. Children, women and vulnerable native Indians are exposed to dangerous work conditions to get it. Center for Public Integrity.

EPA heightens scrutiny of Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale.

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 12:00:12 -0800

After months of extensive testing, Dimock residents will find out this week what may be lurking in their well water as federal regulators investigate claims of contamination in the midst of one of the nation's most productive natural gas fields. Associated Press.

Our murky understanding of cancer and chemicals.

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 11:59:11 -0800

Roughly 41 percent of us will be diagnosed with some type of cancer in our lifetimes. There are many factors that can lead to cancer: the genes we have inherited, viruses, and naturally occurring things like sun exposure, arsenic in water, and radon. And then there are the manmade chemicals in our lives. How these impact cancer is tough to figure out. Environment Report.

Safety concerns, industry changes push US to rethink approach to food inspection.

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 11:58:22 -0800

The bulk of what Americans eat -- seafood, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, shelled eggs and almost everything except meat and poultry -- is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA inspects the plants it oversees on average about once a decade. Washington Post.

Inquest to report on aluminum link to Alzheimer's.

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 11:55:06 -0800

This week, an inquest into the cause of one resident's death will be reported, twenty-four years after 20 tonnes of aluminium sulphate leaked into the water supply from a water treatment plant. Aluminum is ubiquitous, found in water, food and drink, food packaging, vaccines, and drugs. How safe is it? The Telegraph, United Kingdom.

Health impacts given short shrift in focus on Uinta Basin ozone?

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 11:25:47 -0800

The economic consequences of ozone pollution have gotten lots of the attention. The human consequences, not so much. Salt Lake Tribune, Utah.

Chronic pain worse for young adults in poor neighborhoods: University of Michigan Health System study.

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 22:28:51 -0800

The results were published in a recent issue of The Journal of Pain and showed where a patient lives, its structural barriers, affluence, and access to resources such as pain medicines, play an important role in pain management. Stone Hearth News.

Environmental health study examines impact of development.

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 22:17:06 -0800

The Alberta and Saskatchewan governments are looking to northern Saskatchewan to determine the impact of development on the health of people living in the north. Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Saskatchewan.

In New Jersey, a battle over a fluoridation bill, and the facts.

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 22:11:15 -0800

A bill in the Legislature would require all public water systems in New Jersey to add fluoride to the supply. But while the proposal has won support from a host of medical groups, it has proved unusually politically charged. New York Times. v

Toxic kids' products bill dies in Washington House.

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 22:09:06 -0800

A bill to ban a pair of potentially carcinogenic flame-retardant chemicals from children's products has died in the Washington state House amid budget intrigue in the Senate. Associated Press.

Diesel exhaust raises risk of dying from lung cancer, study says.

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 22:08:22 -0800

Diesel engine exhaust has long been officially classified as a probable carcinogen. A new study, however, provides evidence that long-term exposure to even low levels of diesel exhaust raises the risk of dying from lung cancer. Los Angeles Times.

Navy 'Sinkex' raises pollution fear.

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 22:07:35 -0800

Target practice --called "Sinkex" for sinking exercise -- is now how the Navy gets rid of most of its old ships, an Associated Press review of Navy records for the past dozen years has found. And they wind up at the bottom of the ocean, bringing with them amounts of toxic waste that are only estimated. Associated Press.

Do cyanobacteria contribute to neurodegenerative disease?

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 22:06:08 -0800

Major breakthroughs in the fields of neurobiology, epidemiology, and ecology have led to an increased interest in an unlikely hypothesis: a neurotoxin made by bacteria may be a major factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS-- also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Anti-nuclear activist sees commonalities between Minamata and Fukushima.

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 22:05:36 -0800

According to Aileen Mioko Smith, who drew the world's attention to one of Japan's most far-reaching pollution-caused diseases, the ongoing Fukushima nuclear crisis and Minamata disease have many things in common -- inequality. Mainichi Daily News, Japan.

Water standards challenge Sutter County schools.

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 22:04:22 -0800

There's arsenic in the water. And when California changed its standard in 2008 from 50 ppb to 10 ppb, many schools suddenly were no longer in compliance with state requirements. They have been working ever since to find permanent solutions for their water supply. Marysville-Yuba City Appeal-Democrat, California.

Imperial Valley residents must fight for right to breathe clean air.

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 12:23:59 -0800

Even with the recent advance of some large-scale organic operations, it's still common to drive a local highway and see a small airplane called a cropduster make circular swoops and passes over the green crops. From the nozzles on its wings, a fine spray of pesticide coats the leaves below. Air moves, however, and with it, the chemical spray from the plane --what's called pesticide drift. New America Media.

War on coal: why polluting plants are shutting down nationwide.

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 12:22:23 -0800

Two aging coal-fired plants in Chicago -- med for respiratory illnesses in the city -- will be closing down years earlier than expected in a deal that was brokered between energy companies, environmental groups and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Time Magazine.

Webinar series addresses early-life exposures.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 12:22:06 -0800

A February 3rd web seminar was the first in a continuing series on the long-term health consequences of early-life environmental exposures. The seminar is recorded for download. NIEHS Factor.

Study finds traffic pollution leading to asthma has huge economic costs.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 12:06:32 -0800

Using new methodology that includes estimates of asthma cases directly caused by traffic pollution, researchers estimated an economic burden of more than $18 million annually for the communities of Long Beach and Riverside in Southern California. NIEHS Factor.

Researchers link oxidative stress and neurodegenerative disease.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 12:04:02 -0800

Researchers from NIEHS and Florida International University (FIU) in Miami offer an explanation for how degenerative nerve disorders such as Huntington’s disease arise. NIEHS Factor.

Discovery: protein increases lifespan of mice by 16 percent.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 11:37:57 -0800

Researchers have found that a long-suspected anti-aging protein called sirtuin can make male mice live about 16 percent longer than average. Environmental News Network.

Vitamin D shrinks fibroid tumors in rats.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 11:27:02 -0800

Treatment with vitamin D reduced the size of uterine fibroids in laboratory rats predisposed to developing the benign tumors, reported researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health. ScienceDaily.

Diabetes risk from sitting around.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 11:00:25 -0800

A new study has found that women who stay seated for long periods of time every day are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes, but that a similar link wasn't found in men. ScienceDaily.

Urinary bisphenol A and hypertension in a multiethnic sample of US adults.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 10:56:47 -0800

The association was consistently present in subgroup analyses by race/ethnicity, smoking status, BMI, and diabetes mellitus. Journal of Environmental and Public Health.

Can persistent organic pollutants and plastic-associated chemicals cause cardiovascular disease?

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 10:54:19 -0800

Taken together, current evidence suggests that further longitudinal and experimental studies should be conducted to investigate the effect of exposure to both POPs and PACs, such as bisphenol A and phthalates. Journal of Internal Medicine.

Two-thirds of China's cities fail on air standards.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 10:36:20 -0800

Two-thirds of China's cities currently fail to meet stricter air quality standards that the government wants to phase in over four years to combat notoriously smoggy skies, a senior Chinese environmental official said Friday. Associated Press.

E-cigarettes draw fire from legislatures.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 10:32:25 -0800

There's no smoke, but there's plenty of fire. A growing number of states are taking aim at electronic cigarettes in the absence of federal regulations, intensifying a public-health debate over the fast-growing alternative to traditional cigarettes. Wall Street Journal.

Sizing up health impacts a year after Fukushima.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 10:31:30 -0800

Health impacts from the radioactive materials released in the Fukushima Daiichi meltdowns will probably be too small to be easily measured, and the area cordoned off by the government as uninhabitable is probably far too large, said a panel of experts assembled by the Health Physics Society. New York Times.
[See a related article: Fukushima health impact: minimal?]

Cancer: solving an age-old problem.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 10:27:13 -0800

Is cancer ancient, or is it largely a product of our modern industrial age? Can the latest biology and high-tech genomics research make cancer a disease of the past? Nature.

Health officials warn skin lightening creams from outside US can be hazardous.

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 10:23:34 -0800

Some African-Americans and people of color around the world use skin lightening creams to bleach their skin and fade dark spots. Yet officials are finding that particular skin lightening creams from outside the U.S. can be very dangerous, because people have reported getting mercury poisoning from these products. TheGrio.

CHE Partner call: Phthalates and Proposed REACH Regulations.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 12:56:27 -0800

This call scheduled for March 12th will feature Dr. Shanna Swan from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Dr. Sarah Janssen from the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Génon Jensen from the Health and Environmental Alliance.

New report: Social Determinants of Health and Populations at Risk.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 12:49:29 -0800

It is well-known that social factors -- rather than medical care or health behaviours -- are the primary drivers of health and health inequities. The social determinants of health influence both physical and mental health.

Gut check: do interactions between environmental chemicals and intestinal microbiota affect obesity and diabetes?

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 12:45:33 -0800

Human studies have shown that obese and diabetic individuals have different gut microbiota compositions than lean and nondiabetic individuals. Environmental Health Perspectives.

CT scans: balancing health risks and medical benefits.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 12:00:08 -0800

CT scanners emit X rays. Different tissue types absorb X rays in varying amounts, and the resulting contrasts provide detailed images of anatomy and disease. Absorbed radiation can break chemical bonds in tissues, liberating charged ions (hence the term "ionizing radiation") that can damage DNA and produce cancer should cells be unable to repair themselves. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Caffeine in wastewater is a tracer for human fecal contamination.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:56:42 -0800

Caffeine is a particularly good marker for human fecal contamination because agricultural and industrial sources of fecal coliforms generally do not release caffeine into the environment. Plus, the ubiquity of caffeine consumption means that where there is human sewage, there almost certainly will be caffeine as well. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Phthalates in medicinal products, with Katherine Kelley.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:50:07 -0800

In this podcast, host Ashley Ahearn talks to Katherine Kelley about her new study on the extent to which phthalates are used in medicinal products. Environmental Health Perspectives.

HHS Secretary Sebelius announces environmental justice strategy.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:45:32 -0800

The strategies outlined in the implementation plans represent a significant step forward in the Administration’s commitment to integrating environmental justice into federal decision-making and programs in areas such as transportation, labor, health services, and housing.

Knesset backs bill requiring cell phones to bear health hazard warning.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:40:03 -0800

The labels will read 'Warning -- the Health Ministry cautions that heavy use and carrying the device next to the body may increase the risk of cancer, especially among children." Haaretz, Israel.

Vets feel abandoned after secret drug experiments.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:29:12 -0800

From 1955 to 1975, military researchers at Edgewood were using not only animals but human subjects to test a witches' brew of drugs and chemicals. They ranged from potentially lethal nerve gases like VX and sarin to incapacitating agents like BZ. CNN.

Research offers insight to how fructose causes obesity and other illness.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:20:50 -0800

In this study which was performed in lab animals, researchers found that fructose can be metabolized by an enzyme that exists in two forms. One form appears to be responsible for causing how fructose causes fatty liver, obesity, and insulin resistance. The other form may actually protect animals from developing these features in response to sugar.

Eat your broccoli: another mechanism discovered by which sulforaphane prevents cancer.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:18:11 -0800

Researchers in the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University have discovered yet another reason why the "sulforaphane"compound in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables is so good for you -- it provides not just one, but two ways to prevent cancer through the complex mechanism of epigenetics. ScienceDaily.

Stopping hormone therapy might help breast cancer to regress.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:15:32 -0800

As soon as women quit hormone therapy, their rates of new breast cancer decline, supporting the hypothesis that stopping hormones can lead to tumor regression, according to a report e-published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention. ScienceDaily.

New infant formula ingredients boost babies' immunity by feeding their gut bacteria.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:13:38 -0800

Adding prebiotic ingredients to infant formula helps colonize the newborn's gut with a stable population of beneficial bacteria, and probiotics enhance immunity in formula-fed infants, two University of Illinois studies report. ScienceDaily.

Study seeks those affected by oil spill.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 10:51:34 -0800

The Gulf Long-term Follow-up study, conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health, has a target goal of 55,000 participants. UPI.

Meryl Streep interview on environmental health activism.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 10:50:22 -0800

This queen of Hollywood, nominated for 17 Academy Awards (winner of two), went green well before it was in vogue and speaks fondly of her grandmother’s recycling habits and her parents’ resourcefulness. Climate Progress.

In what ways does lead damage the brain?

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 10:39:46 -0800

The paper provides the first comprehensive working model of the ways by which lead exposure impairs synapse development and function. EurekAlert!

Judge approves settlement in Agent Orange lawsuit.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 10:33:50 -0800

Monsanto has agreed to pay up to $93 million to settle health and property damage claims by workers and people who lived near a now-shuttered plant in Nitro, W.Va., where the company once made an ingredient for the herbicide Agent Orange. Chemical & Engineering News.

Asbestos sector wants Ottawa's help to overturn WHO death-toll estimate.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 09:55:03 -0800

The Canadian asbestos sector wants to challenge a death-toll estimate from the World Health Organization that says asbestos-related diseases kill more than 100,000 people every year. Canadian Press.

Boulder's CRC tests for lead-based paint.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 09:51:57 -0800

The ReSource yard on east Arapahoe Road offers an eclectic and expansive collection of already-loved building materials -- some of which are coated in decades-old paint that could contain lead. Boulder Daily Camera, Colorado.
[See another article about a contaminated site: Suncor working to expel cancer-causing benzene from under Denver-area refinery ]

Activists call for better air quality.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 09:50:13 -0800

Doctors, legislators and environmentalists Wednesday said that in addition to fine particle PM2.5 (particles under 2.5 micrometers in diameter) air pollution, PM10 pollution can also harm the body, and they urged the government to raise the standards for both types of pollutants to the level suggested by the World Health Organization. Taipei Times, Taiwan.

How a gold mining boom is killing the children of Nigeria.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 09:04:49 -0800

It is a pattern seen in various parts of the world -- children being sickened from exposure to the lead used to extract gold. But the scale of the problem in Nigeria’s mining region of Zamfara is unprecedented. Yale Environment 360.
[See another article about contamination in Nigeria: Environmental contamination of Ogoniland by Shell]

Animals are dying in gas-drilling country. Are humans next?

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 09:04:06 -0800

What do 17 dead cows, seven stillborn puppies, an anorexic horse, and a delirious child have in common? Unfortunately, there’s no punch line to this one. Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania.

Tobacco companies can't be forced by FDA to use graphic warnings.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 09:01:41 -0800

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration was blocked by a federal judge from requiring tobacco companies to put graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging. Bloomberg News.
[See another article about tobacco use: Hooked on hookah: popularity of tobacco alternative brings warning from health experts]

Deal to shut Chicago's 2 coal-fired plants reached.

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 09:00:55 -0800

Environmental activists, neighbors, city officials and others celebrated on Wednesday after Midwest Generation agreed to close Chicago's two aging coal-fired power plants several years earlier than expected. Associated Press.
[See a related article from New Jersey: Portland Generating Station will finally stop polluting N.J.]

Relation of cumulative low-level lead exposure to depressive and phobic anxiety symptom scores in middle-aged and elderly women.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:13:31 -0800

These results provide support for an association of low-level cumulative lead exposure with increased depressive and phobic anxiety symptoms among older women who are premenopausal or who consistently take postmenopausal HRT. Environmental Health Perspectives.

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittees on Energy and Power, Environment and the Economy.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:09:07 -0800

Administrator Jackson discusses major elements of EPA's budget request.

New opportunity: ASPH/CDC Allan Rosenfield Global Health Fellowship Program.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:02:18 -0800

The purpose of the fellowship program is to enhance training of graduates of the schools of public health with an interest in global health and HIV/AIDS. Applications are due April 3rd.

Job opening: San Francisco.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:58:39 -0800

A Health Impact Assessment Project Coordinator will be hired through the San Francisco Public Health Foundation to support the San Francisco Department of Public Health in coordinating a three-year Federal grant supported project to implement Health Impact Assessments (HIA) on local and regional land use and transportation plans, policies, and projects; conduct HIA trainings; and disseminate HIA tools and methods.

New report: Safe and Effective Medicines for Children: Pediatric Studies Conducted Under BPCA and PREA.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:55:57 -0800

The FDA asked the IOM to review aspects of pediatric studies and changes in product labeling that resulted from BPCA and PREA and their predecessor policies, as well as to assess the incentives for pediatric studies of biologics -- drugs derived from human or animal sources, or microorganisms -- and the extent to which biologics have been studied in children.

Early diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccination associated with higher female mortality and no difference in male mortality in a cohort of low birthweight children: an observational study within a randomised trial.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:53:55 -0800

Surprisingly, even though the children with the best nutritional status were vaccinated early, early DTP vaccination was associated with increased mortality for girls. Archives of Disease in Childhood.

Childhood maltreatment is associated with reduced volume in the hippocampal subfields CA3, dentate gyrus, and subiculum.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:51:06 -0800

These findings support the hypothesis that exposure to early stress in humans, as in other animals, affects hippocampal subfield development. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Why arsenic makes some people sicker than others.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:47:29 -0800

One of the first large-scale genomic studies conducted in a developing country has discovered genetic variants that elevate the risk for skin lesions in people chronically exposed to arsenic.

Pollutants long gone, but disease carries on.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:40:49 -0800

Exposure to certain pollutants early in a rat’s pregnancy can foster disease in her offspring during their adulthood as well as in subsequent generations, a new study shows. A wide range of pollutants elicited such lasting effects, despite future generations never encountering the triggering pollutant. Science News.
[See the journal article referenced: Transgenerational actions of environmental compounds on reproductive disease and identification of epigenetic biomarkers of ancestral exposures]

Clean-up ordered for dry cleaner site.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:37:54 -0800

The main plant and headquarters of a longtime dry cleaning business faces a state-ordered cleanup of hazardous waste deemed a significant threat to public health and the environment. Albany Times Union, New York.

Cancer seen killing 1.3 million EU citizens in 2012.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:39:08 -0800

Almost 1.3 million people will die of cancer in the European Union this year, but death rates from the disease are on a steady decline, according to new research released on Wednesday. Reuters.

Hip replacement toxic risk could affect 50,000.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:38:21 -0800

Nearly 50,000 hip-replacement patients will need annual medical checks as evidence grows that their metal implants can cause serious health problems, including severe pain and long-term disability. A leading manufacturer of the implants has known about potential dangers to patients since at least 2005. London Independent, United Kingdom.

Obama Administration announces commitments to protect the health of every American.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:01:19 -0800

Today, federal agencies, led by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), released environmental justice strategies, implementation plans and progress reports, outlining steps agencies will take to protect communities facing greater health and environmental risks.

Call for comments: 17th Annual U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:53:58 -0800

The draft report will be open for public comment for 30 days.

Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids may cause memory problems.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:50:09 -0800

A diet lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients commonly found in fish, may cause your brain to age faster and lose some of its memory and thinking abilities, according to a study published in the February 28, 2012, print issue of Neurology.

Sleeping pills called 'as risky as cigarettes.'

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:46:54 -0800

The top third of sleeping-pill users had a 5.3-fold higher death risk. They also had a 35% higher risk of cancer, the study found. WebMD.

Call for proposals: Regional Indoor Environments: Reducing Public Exposure to Indoor Pollutants.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:43:37 -0800

This call is for projects to conduct demonstration, training, education and/or outreach activities to reduce exposure to indoor air contaminants and yield measurable environmental outcomes, primarily in homes and schools. Proposals are due April 12th.

Call for proposals: Bus and Bus Facilities Livability Initiative.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:37:54 -0800

New resource: Sustainable Communities Resource Center.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:28:14 -0800

HUD’s Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities (OSHC), in partnership with the Office of Policy Development and Research, presents a new section of HUDUSER.org dedicated to providing users with information that supports local and regional strategies, with an emphasis on sustainable housing and planning.
[See a related report: Planning for Sustainability: A Handbook for Water and Wastewater Utilities]

Majority of dairy-related disease outbreaks linked to raw milk.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:16:27 -0800

The rate of outbreaks caused by unpasteurized milk (often called raw milk) and products made from it was 150 times greater than outbreaks linked to pasteurized milk, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC.

Puget Sound 'tub' tainted by industrial residue of toxic dioxin.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:09:39 -0800

Recent sampling by the EPA has provided baseline data on dioxin hotspots and found dioxins all around the sound, mostly as legacy pollution from things like pulp and paper mills. Seattle KPLU Public Radio, Washington.

Counterfeit cancer drug contained solvents.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:07:24 -0800

The counterfeit versions of Avastin recently discovered contained salt, starch and chemicals used in animal feed, plastics and cleaners, according to Genentech, the unit of Roche Holding AG that makes Avastin. But the suspect vials didn't contain any ingredients used in a biologic drug, let alone the main ingredient in the cancer drug Avastin, Genentech said. Wall Street Journal.

New report likely to fuel debate over TSA scanners.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:06:15 -0800

A new report from the inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security is likely to fan rather than extinguish the debate over the safety of X-ray body scanners deployed at airports across the country. ProPublica.

US firm hit over lead poisoning.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:03:31 -0800

Shanghai authorities have accused US Fortune 500 battery maker Johnson Controls and two local companies of emitting excessive amounts of lead blamed for poisoning dozens of children. Agence France-Presse.

High levels of PCBs tied to defective sperm in infertile men.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:14:43 -0800

Research shows for the first time that increased levels of organochlorine chemicals PCBs and a DDT breakdown product in men are associated with an extra sex chromosome in sperm that can contribute to reproductive problems. Environmental Health News.

Food dyes suspected of causing behavioral problems in kids.

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:08:09 -0800

Is it possible that artificial colors added to our food could be causing behavioral problems in children? Concerns about synthetic food dyes led many manufacturers in Europe to stop using them. But in the U.S., the dyes are used in everything from cereal to crackers to toothpaste. Chicago WBBM TV, Illinois.

Fires and deaths from deforestation linked.

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:21:26 -0800

A new study links smoke from the burning of wood waste from deforestation to deaths from the effects of breathing all that smoke. Environmental News Network.
[See a related article: Association between residential proximity to fuel-fired power plants and hospitalization rate for respiratory diseases]

Are TTCs the best way to reduce animal testing?

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:08:57 -0800

Proponents of thresholds of toxicological concern (TTCs) are therefore effectively offering policy makers a trade-off: society foregoes the lesser advantages accrued from generating specific toxicological data on substances to reap the greater rewards of reduced cost and use of fewer animals in toxicological testing. Health and Environment.

Some antipsychotics raise risks of death in dementia patients -- study.

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:06:41 -0800

The study notes that patients treated with haloperidol had double the risk of death compared with those taking risperidone, while those taking quetiapine had a reduced risk. PharmaTimes.

Meth labs can leave long-lasting health hazards.

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:04:13 -0800

Chemicals used in making meth can contaminate the structures themselves. The substances can include toluene, contained in brake cleaner, sulfuric acid from drain cleaners and anhydrous ammonia from farm fertilizers, to name a few. Pittsburgh Valley News Dispatch, Pennsylvania.

'Green' diseases kill 650 in UAE every year.

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:03:28 -0800

Despite being lower than the global standard, the environmental diseases are still a major contributor to premature mortality in the UAE, according to the latest study. Emirates 24/7, UAE.

Federal agency investigating sand-blasting hazards.

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:02:23 -0800

Questions have been raised about whether those who do sand-blasting with ground-up coal or copper slag may be unwittingly exposing themselves to toxic contaminants that could damage their health. Baltimore Sun, Maryland.

Researchers issue definition -- and name change -- for PANDAS.

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:59:42 -0800

A mental illness that strikes young children suddenly may be caused by a range of factors, including infections, immune-system problems or environmental exposure, according to a new report. Los Angeles Times.

Full signal.

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:38:12 -0800

Full Signal talks to scientists around the world who are researching the health effects related to cellular technology; to veteran journalists who have called attention to the issue for decades; to activists who are fighting to regulate the placement of antennas; and to lawyers and law makers who represent the people wanting those antennas regulated. Examines the contradiction between health and finance, one of the many ironies of the fight to regulate antenna placement.

Excuses up in smoke?

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:20:23 -0800

More than three years after the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act went into effect, Pennsylvania smokers are still puffing away inside nearly 3,000 bars and social clubs and every one of the state’s 10 operating casinos. Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, Pennsylvania.
[See a related article: States called on to restore anti-smoking funds]

Breathing Metro Manila air now risky.

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:19:32 -0800

Breathing has become risky in Metro Manila. The Department of Health has warned of a higher incidence of noncommunicable diseases in the summer caused by the worsening air pollution in the metropolis. Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippines.

More toxins? Good news.

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:16:57 -0800

The pulp and paper industry is calling an increase of toxic chemicals that are being released into the state's environment a sign the industry is rebounding from the recession. Waterville Morning Sentinel, Maine.

Thousands protest rare earth plant in Malaysia.

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:14:49 -0800

Some 3,000 Malaysians staged a protest Sunday against a rare earth refinery being built by Australian miner Lynas over fears of radioactive contamination. It marked the largest rally against the $230 million plant in eastern Malaysia. Associated Press.

Entombing mercury for life.

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:33:26 -0800

An organization working for environmental justice has been making the rounds nationwide to campaign for mercury-free gold extraction among small-scale miners. The next concern is the storage of the collected mercury which poses just as big a problem as breaking the long period of dependence on the toxic metal. BusinessMirror, Philippines.

Royal Society author agrees to review oilsands study.

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:31:36 -0800

The lead author agreed to the review following criticism it was plagued with errors and overlooked environmental and health impacts of the industry's operations. Victoria Times Colonist, British Columbia.

Genetically modified corn varieties are popping with news.

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:24:55 -0800

Like the French government, many American food activists oppose genetically modified field corn-- used mainly for animal feed, high fructose corn syrup or other processed corn products—and more than 800,000 have petitioned the FDA to label it. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.

Agent Orange in your backyard: the harmful pesticide 2,4-D.

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:23:36 -0800

The NRDC has filed suit against the EPA in an attempt to get it to cancel registrations for 2,4-D, which has been linked to hormone interference and which was one of the two active ingredients in Agent Orange, the notorious Vietnam War defoliant. The Atlantic.

Neurotoxins in shark fins: a human health concern.

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:05:30 -0800

A new study by University of Miami (UM) scientists in the journal Marine Drugs has discovered high concentrations of BMAA in shark fins, a neurotoxin linked to neurodegenerative diseases in humans including Alzheimer's and Lou Gehrig Disease (ALS). ScienceDaily.

First study to show that bisphenol A exposure increases risk of future onset of heart disease.

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:02:09 -0800

A new study followed people over a 10-year time period and shows that healthy people with higher urine concentrations of BPA were more likely to later develop heart disease. EurekAlert!

Grant to study decades of effluent on First Nation 'empowering.'

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:49:38 -0800

They know what the lagoon looks like after decades as a dumping site for pulp mill effluent - brown and frothy, an unpalatable root beer float in Nova Scotia's Pictou County. They know what Boat Harbour smells like, too: cabbage at best, sulphur at worst. But what residents of the Pictou Landing First Nation don't know is whether waste water near their community has been harming them. Canadian Press.

Measures to improve air quality given more impetus.

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:41:42 -0800

New steps may reduce fine-particle pollution in major Chinese cities Three and a half years after the Olympic Games in Beijing, that city is ramping up its fight against air pollution. China Daily.

Royal Society oilsands report went easy on industry: analysis.

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:40:23 -0800

A key section in a high-profile Royal Society of Canada report that cast doubt on potential environmental and health impacts of oilsands development in Alberta was plagued by "misinformation" and "out of date" data, says a new analysis to be released Friday by Alberta scientist Kevin Timoney. Postmedia News.

BPA may be linked with heart disease.

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:39:32 -0800

Researchers link the ubiquitous chemical, found in plastics and in the lining of food and beverage cans, to an increased risk of heart disease in humans. Time Magazine.

Is your tap water safe?

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:36:29 -0800

Antibiotics, hormones, a chemical found in gasoline ...research shows that hundreds of unregulated contaminants may be flowing from your tap. No one can say for sure, because the government doesn't require testing for them. And although they're at low levels, no one knows how dangerous they might be when they're all mixed together in the water supply and consumed over a lifetime. Good Housekeeping.

Chemical exposures cause child IQ losses that rival major diseases.

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:34:36 -0800

Three common environmental chemicals -- lead, organophosphate pesticides and methylmercury -- may have effects on children's IQ in the overall population similar to the impacts of major medical conditions such as preterm birth or ADHD -- two of the most prevalent in U.S. children. Environmental Health News.

Mom's nicotine gum, patches tied to colic in babies: study.

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:33:23 -0800

Women who use nicotine gum, patches or inhalers while pregnant are 60 percent more likely to have a child with colic than moms who stayed away from nicotine, according to a new study. Reuters.

Call for comments: Creating Equitable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities: Strategies for Advancing Smart Growth, Environmental Justice, and Equitable Development

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:29:33 -0800

This draft publication aims to build on past successes and help other low-income, minority, tribal, and overburdened communities implement their own versions of equitable development. It identifies strategies that bring together smart growth and environmental justice principles and goals and can be used by community-based organizations, local and regional decision-makers, developers, and other stakeholders to shape land use decisions where they live. Comments will be accepted through March 1st.

Insecticide in infant's first stool linked to underdeveloped motor skills later.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:16:27 -0800

Higher prenatal exposure to an insecticide commonly used worldwide was associated with poorer motor development in the children at 2 years of age, suggesting that in utero carbamate pesticide exposures may have lasting consequences. Environmental Health News.

New report: Measuring Progress in Obesity Prevention -- Workshop Report.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:11:51 -0800

The IOM formed the Committee on Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention to review the IOM’s past obesity-related recommendations, identify a set of recommendations for future action, and recommend indicators of progress in implementing these actions.

Mom’s PFOA levels in blood drives daughter’s subsequent weight: new study.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:06:28 -0800

Daughters of mothers with the highest concentrations of PFOA in the blood during pregnancy were three times as likely to be overweight at the age of about 20 years as daughters of mothers with the lowest PFOA levels. Stone Hearth News.

Europe to target pharmaceutical pollution with new water quality rules.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:57:21 -0800

The European Commission has unveiled a new set of water pollution rules, which will for the first time include certain pharmaceutical products. Environmental News Network.

Work at night and breast cancer -- report on evidence-based options for preventive actions.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:48:07 -0800

Women with previous or current breast cancer should be advised not to work night shifts because of strong experimental evidence demonstrating accelerated tumor growth by suppression of melatonin secretion. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health.

Conference to focus on solutions for human health problems.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:40:56 -0800

A conference to help identify solutions for important human health problems caused by environmental factors will be held in Qatar next month. Gulf News.
[See a related article: Reports identify, prioritize environmental health risks in fast-growing United Arab Emirates]

MSNBC to feature Lejeune water documentary.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:36:31 -0800

Those associated with a documentary film portraying a veteran’s search for answers about drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune say they hope its airing on a major cable network later this month will help more former base residents learn about how the tainted water might have affected them. Jacksonville Daily News, North Carolina.

EPA dioxin assessment raises red flag for some.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:34:38 -0800

Nearly three decades in the making, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced its landmark dioxin assessment with the conclusion: "Generally, over a person’s lifetime, current exposure to dioxins does not pose a significant health risk." But specialists say dioxins pose a risk for fetuses, newborns and people with immune deficiencies such as AIDS patients. CNN.

Keeping traces of antibiotics out of food.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:33:06 -0800

Orange juice and beef form part of the diet of many people in Mexico and other countries of the Americas. But the traces of antibiotics and fungicides they can contain pose risks to human health, and authorities in the region have begun to address the problem. Inter Press Service.

What's in pepper spray?

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:31:44 -0800

California's Proposition 65 requires that the governor publish an annual list of chemicals known to the state to cause reproductive toxicity or cancer. Both PCE and TCE made the list in April 1988. Yet no law is on the books in California to prevent PCE's or TCE's use in products meant to be sprayed directly into somebody's face. LA Weekly, California.

New FDA rules to reduce mercury in fish.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:30:45 -0800

The federal standards to regulate toxic air and water emissions from coal-fired power plants will stop 90 percent of mercury and 80 percent of acid base emissions, leading to better-quality fish, according to Susan Hedman, regional administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Cleveland Fox 8 News, Ohio.

Gulf oil spill spawns mega-suit, with likely mega-payouts.

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:29:08 -0800

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill lawsuit pits the Justice Department and about 120,000 plaintiffs against BP and other companies. It encompasses 72 million pages of documents, 20,000 exhibits and 303 depositions -- the collective effort of hundreds of lawyers and legal workers. Los Angeles Times.

Nutrition can modulate the toxicity of environmental pollutants: implications in risk assessment and human health.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:33:28 -0800

We recommend that nutrition and dietary practices be incorporated into future environmental research and the development of risk assessment paradigms. Healthful nutrition interventions might be a powerful approach to reduce disease risks associated with many environmental toxic insults, and should be considered a variable within the context of cumulative risk assessment, and where appropriate, a potential tool for subsequent risk reduction. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Neuropsychological measures of attention and impulse control among 8-year-old children exposed prenatally to organochlorines.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:31:14 -0800

These results support an association between organochlorines (mainly PCBs) and neuropsychological measures of attention among boys only. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Environmental risks to public health in the United Arab Emirates: a quantitative assessment and strategic plan.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:29:11 -0800

The strategic planning exercise described here provides a framework for systematically deciding how to invest public funds to maximize expected returns in environmental health -- where returns are measured in terms of reductions in a population’s environmental burden of disease. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See a related article: Indoor air pollutants and health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)]

Fetal exposure to bisphenol A as a risk factor for the development of childhood asthma: an animal model study.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:27:39 -0800

Prenatal exposures that produce environmentally relevant burdens of BPA, followed by postnatal allergic sensitization and challenges, promote the development of experimental allergic asthma. Environmental Health.

New report: Strengthening Toxic Chemical Risk Assessments to Protect Human Health.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:21:39 -0800

NRDC and the Science and Environmental Health Network (SEHN) together released an issue paper that identifies four key areas where the risk assessment of toxic chemicals could be meaningfully and relatively easily improved.

Increased proliferative effect of organochlorine compounds on human preadipocytes.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:11:05 -0800

Preadipocyte proliferation significantly increased in response to most of the concentrations of PCB 153 and DDE as compared to the control. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.

How exercise fuels the brain.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:06:58 -0800

Now a series of animal studies from Japan suggest that the exercising brain has unique methods of keeping itself fueled. What’s more, the finely honed energy balance that occurs in the brain appears to have implications not only for how well the brain functions during exercise, but also for how well our thinking and memory work the rest of the time. New York Times.

Job opening: New York.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:59:24 -0800

The Open Society Foundations' Public Health Program (PHP) aims to build societies committed to inclusion, human rights and justice, in which health-related laws, policies, and practices are based on evidence and reflect these values. Applications for the Program Officer position will be accepted until February 29th.

Chronic consumption of farmed salmon containing persistent organic pollutants causes insulin resistance and obesity in mice.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:28:59 -0800

Our data indicate that intake of farmed salmon fillet contributes to several metabolic disorders linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity, and suggest a role of POPs in these deleterious effects. PLoS One.

Call for proposals: Clean Fuels Grant Program

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:21:50 -0800

FTA will make available approximately $51.5 million to fund projects from non-attainment or maintenance areas in achieving or maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and carbon monoxide (CO). Additionally, FTA is expanding the eligible applicant pool and may fund projects that meet the Clean Fuels Grant Program objectives in attainment areas using a portion of discretionary Bus and Bus Facilities Program resources that are available. The application deadline is April 5th.

Call for proposals: Source Reduction Assistance Grant Program.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:18:06 -0800

EPA annually awards grants and cooperative agreements under the Source Reduction Assistance (SRA) Grant Program to support pollution prevention/source reduction and/or resource conservation projects that reduce or eliminate pollution at the source. Applications are due April 10th.

Flame retardant linked to autism risk.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:04:09 -0800

Exposure to flame retardant is linked to smaller offspring with social and learning issues, according to a study with mice. Futurity.

Infertile couples have higher exposure to phthalates.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:01:56 -0800

Infertile couples are exposed to three to five times higher levels of phthalates compared to fertile couples who have naturally conceived a child, finds a study from Italy. Environmental Health News.

Nigerians 'too poor to sue over corporate abuse.'

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:59:26 -0800

Victims of environmental disasters or other abuses inflicted by corporations in Nigeria are being denied justice as they are too poor or do not know how to seek legal recourse, jurists said on Wednesday. South African Press Association, South Africa.
[See a related article: Latinos in Chicago sue utility over pollution]

Study: dirty air in Erie linked to gas drilling.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:50:30 -0800

A study showing that Erie exceeds Houston and Los Angeles in the levels of certain air pollutants commonly connected to oil and gas activity became a point of concern for several trustees Tuesday night during a meeting held to formulate local rules for resource extraction. Boulder Daily Camera, Colorado.
[See a related article: New York judge upholds fracking ban in towns]

Senate bars tanning booths for some teens.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:44:36 -0800

Getting a deeper skin color could be risky, the West Virginia Senate learned Tuesday, and fortified with such research, the chamber agreed to bar anyone under 17 from going to a tanning booth. Beckley Register-Herald, West Virginia.

Study raises concerns about food packaging.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:40:29 -0800

Is food packaging compromising the effectiveness of your child's vaccines? A Harvard School of Public Health study suggesting that it might be has rocked parents and pediatricians nationwide. Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania.

Cadmium in mascara, lead in lipstick, and arsenic in eyeliner: the ugly secrets that the beauty industry isn't telling you.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:39:34 -0800

There have long been suspicions over the levels of toxins in make-up, with numerous reports paying close attention to lead levels in lipsticks. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Unhealthy cars: toxic materials in car interiors cause major health problems.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:37:26 -0800

A latest research by the environmental organisation, Ecology Centre, has revealed that the hazardous chemicals present in the interior car parts such as steering wheel, dashboard, armrests and seats can cause a variety of acute and long-term health problems. International Business Times.

Michigan passes PBB health study on to Emory University.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:36:40 -0800

For more than three decades Michigan tracked the health of about 4,000 residents who ingested fire retardant chemicals accidentally introduced into the food supply. Now the state is handing off the study -- not because of mollified fears or chemical-free participants. There’s no money. Great Lakes Echo, Michigan.

New report: Fact-Based Regulation for Environmental Protection in Shale Gas Development.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:54:30 -0800

This Summary of Findings seeks to help policymakers and regulators deal with shale gas issues in a rational manner based on factual information.

Changes to environmental assessments puts health, safety at risk, say critics.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:42:21 -0800

A group of environmental lawyers, doctors and academics says the federal government will endanger health and safety if it curtails the environmental assessment process in a "haphazard" way. Canadian Press.

Wastewater a key issue in New York's fracking debate.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:38:13 -0800

One of the most contentious issues in the debate over shale gas drilling in New York's share of the Marcellus Shale region -- how to handle millions of gallons of contaminated wastewater -- remains unsettled. As the state ponders final regulations, environmental advocates say the issue is a glaring gap in preparations. Associated Press.
[See a related article: Fracking impacts reviewed in major study]

Solvent exposure at work, home may increase risk of Parkinson's disease.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:35:51 -0800

Even relatively limited exposure to some common chemical solvents at work or through hobbies may increase the risk of having Parkinson's disease (PD), report researchers who found a higher risk regardless of the number of exposures, their duration or lifetime totals. Environmental Health News.

Genetics and man-made chemicals equally to blame, say researchers.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:35:18 -0800

Researchers around the world continue to struggle with the complexity of autism. They now believe that genetic factors and brain changes triggered by man-made chemicals in the environment are equally to blame for the development of autism in young children. Dublin Irish Times, Ireland.

New report: State of the Art Assessment of Endocrine Disrupters.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:09:59 -0800

The European Commission has today released a major report on the science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). The report examines what is needed to define and identify EDCs.

The lifelong effects of early childhood adversity and toxic stress.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:59:51 -0800

This report presents an ecobiodevelopmental framework that illustrates how early experiences and environmental influences can leave a lasting signature on the genetic predispositions that affect emerging brain architecture and long-term health. Pediatrics.

Graphene 'could pose health risk' to workers.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:55:09 -0800

People involved in making a material used to enhance computer and phone touch screens could be at risk of lung damage, according to new research. BBC News.

New report: Homeopathy in Healthcare -- Effectiveness, Appropriateness, Safety, Costs.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:51:34 -0800

This evaluation of homeopathy is part of the Swiss Complementary Medicine Evaluation Programme.

Call for abstracts: ICEH 2012.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:30:50 -0800

Abstracts will be accepted until February 29th for the International Congress on Environmental Health to be held in Lisbon May 29th to June 1st.

SVOC exposure indoors: fresh look at dermal pathways.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:12:02 -0800

This paper critically examines indoor exposure to semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) via dermal pathways. Indoor Air.

Kids, mothers-to-be: hands off white sturgeon!

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:09:58 -0800

The new fish guidelines are based on mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls [PCB] levels in the fish. Bay Citizen, California.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles in food and personal care products.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:37:24 -0800

This study quantifies the amount of titanium in common food products, derives estimates of human exposure to dietary (nano-) TiO2, and discusses the impact of the nanoscale fraction of TiO2 entering the environment. Environmental Science & Technology.

Call for nominations: AIR (Achievements in Respiratory) Health Awards.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:30:25 -0800

California Breathing is accepting nominations for the fourth annual AIR Health Awards for up to 15 California schools and 3 school districts that have achieved successes in creating healthy, asthma-safe environments for students. The nomination deadline is March 30th.

Modeled nitrate levels in well water supplies and prevalence of abnormal thyroid conditions among the Old Order Amish in Pennsylvania.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:10:03 -0800

In women, high nitrate exposure was significantly associated with subclinical hypothyroidism. Nitrate was not associated with subclinical thyroid disease in men or with clinical thyroid disease in men or women. Environmental Health.

New issue of Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:05:49 -0800

The March/April 2012 issue is now available online. Selected articles are available free of charge.

EPA seeks public input on plan for cleanup at American Cyanamid Superfund site in Bridgewater Township, N.J.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:03:11 -0800

The soil, ground water and waste disposal areas, called impoundments, are contaminated with volatile organic compounds and other hazardous materials. The ground water underlying the site is highly contaminated with benzene. Area residents are serviced by a public water supply that provides a safe source of drinking water. EPA encourages the public to comment on the proposed plan and to learn more about it at the March 8 public meeting.

Urinary bisphenol A (BPA) concentration associates with obesity and insulin resistance.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:32:48 -0800

BPA was positively associated with generalized obesity, abdominal obesity, and insulin resistance in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Great American Spit Out urges chewing tobacco users to quit.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:30:00 -0800

Chewing, like smoking, is a pernicious habit to kick, due largely to nicotine, the addictive substance that occurs naturally in tobacco. Craig Daily Press, Colorado.

Unsafe levels of lead still found in California youths.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:27:59 -0800

Despite enormous strides over the last 20 years in protecting children from lead, health workers still find unsafe levels in thousands of youngsters every year. At the same time, programs to combat lead poisoning are being slashed. Los Angeles Times.

New laws to combat air pollution.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:23:40 -0800

On the heels of three new American studies showing adverse health effects from air pollution, the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water is drafting sweeping new laws so residents can breathe easier. Dubai Gulf News, United Arab Emirates.
[See other articles about air pollution: Estimated global mortality attributable to smoke from landscape fires; Scientists find new dangers in tiny but pervasive particles in air pollution and Measuring China's pollution from space]

Long-awaited dioxins report released; EPA says low doses risky but most people safe.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:20:37 -0800

After 21 years of wrangling over health threats, uncertain science and industry pressure, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday released its assessment of dioxins defining how toxic they are. Environmental Health News.

Language skills linked to mother's time in sun.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:18:19 -0800

Mothers with low vitamin D levels during pregnancy are twice as likely to have children who experience language difficulties requiring clinical treatment, Australian scientists have found. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia.

Weight-loss drug effective but has safety concerns.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:14:39 -0800

The Food and Drug Administration said Vivus Inc.'s obesity drug Qnexa was effective at helping people lose weight, but the FDA raised concerns about possible long-term side effects such as birth defects and an unknown impact on the heart. Wall Street Journal.

Is radiation actually good for some of us?

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:12:43 -0800

By age 10, most people are exposed to enough radiation to be at risk, but the science is so complicated that exposure could even have benefits. Miller-McCune.

Endosulfan pesticide linked to blood cancers in Indian children.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:08:42 -0800

High levels of endosulfan, a highly toxic pesticide which has been widely used in cashew nut and other cash crop plantations, have been found in the bone marrow of children suffering from blood cancers in the areas using the pesticide. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Sprawling nitrogen footprint could increase with climate change.

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:07:47 -0800

Scientists have found humanity's nitrogen footprint in places once thought pristine. These findings show that natural nitrogen equilibriums have shifted drastically and are now driven largely by human factors. This world awash in nitrogen can have devastating effects on health, ecology and the climate. ClimateWire.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure and diabetes: results from the Anniston Community Health Survey.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:17:41 -0800

We observed significant associations between elevated PCB levels and diabetes mostly due to associations in women and in individuals under age 55. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Hearts and air pollution: 5 deadly air pollutants measured on 5 continents.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:15:46 -0800

For the first time, scientists analyzed previous studies from five continents to verify and quantify the links between air pollution and heart health. They found that short-term exposure -- less than seven days -- to all major air pollutants except ozone was associated with an increase in heart attacks. Scientific American.

Diets destroying environment.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:13:19 -0800

Australians are eating themselves to death and our food choices are one of the nation’s leading causes of environmental damage, according to a new report released today by the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA). ScienceAlert.

Chinook salmon could be a health hazard.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:11:00 -0800

Orcas are being poisoned by their own prized prey, the chinook salmon, scientists say. Natives eat a lot of this fish too. Are they getting contaminated as well? Ernie Crey, a senior policy adviser to the Sto:lo Tribal Council, wants to know. Georgia Straight, British Columbia.

Chemical used in plastics and food containers linked to obesity and diabetes.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:08:40 -0800

A chemical widely used in plastics and food-can lining -- which has been linked to cancer and labelled a toxic substance in Canada -- has now been linked to weight gain and diabetes. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Human exposure from dioxins in soil.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:03:47 -0800

Levels of dioxins in soil are not significant predictors for dioxin concentrations in serum. The increase in serum dioxin levels that is seen with age results from historic exposure and does not represent ongoing exposure. Environmental Science & Technology.

New study finds arsenic in infant formula, cereal bars.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:02:23 -0800

Arsenic has been found in some foods that use organic brown rice syrup as a sweetener, including infant formula and cereal bars, according to a new study by researchers at Dartmouth College. Consumer Reports.

Tests reveal toxic danger.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:54:50 -0800

High levels of heavy metals contamination have been found in sediment at Waitapu, in Golden Bay, putting people eating shellfish from the area at risk, says a local scientist. Fairfax Stuff, New Zealand.

High lead found in 23 percent of children living close to India's Yamuna River.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:53:08 -0800

"Around 23% of children had lead levels in their blood above 10 micro grams -- a widely accepted guideline -- whose adverse health effects have been noted," said a study conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) with support of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). New Delhi Hindustan Times, India.

Texas tweens have high levels of persistent organic pollutants.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:51:56 -0800

Older children have higher levels of Teflon-related chemicals called PFCs -- used in products to prevent staining and sticking -- than younger children, although their levels are lower than a decade ago. Environmental Health News.

Sick cows linked to cancer rise.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:50:46 -0800

A Nobel winning scientist believes that bovine viruses may be causing a global surge in bowel cancer or colorectal cancer. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia.
[See a related article about chickens: Urinary tract infections linked to contaminated chicken]

Environment: the unseen enemies.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:49:31 -0800

BPA is one of a plethora of chemicals and pollutants that, though unseen or unnoticed, can have significant effects on public health. Those relationships are the driving force behind environmental health campaigns locally, regionally and nationally. Rochester City Newspaper, New York.

Mining-health link not so clear, new study says.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:48:43 -0800

A new industry-funded report disputes a series of West Virginia University studies that linked mountaintop removal to premature deaths, but also says coal mining's role in public health problems in the coalfields remains unclear. Charleston Gazette, West Virginia.

New-car smell: find out how toxic the interior of your new car is.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:45:47 -0800

Hop in a new 2012 Honda Civic and you'll be breathing easy; drive off a car lot in a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander and you'll choke on toxic fumes, according to a new consumer's report that ranks pollution found in new car interiors. International Business Times.

Residential black carbon exposure and circulating markers of systemic inflammation in elderly males: the Normative Aging Study.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:23:35 -0800

In an elderly male population, estimated black carbon exposures were positively associated with markers of systemic inflammation, but only in men with coronary heart disease or diabetes. Environmental Health Perspectives.

MIT: China's pollution costs $112B in annual health care.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:20:14 -0800

Although China has made substantial progress in reducing its air pollution, MIT researchers say its economic impact has jumped from $22 billion in 1975 to $112 billion in 2005.

'Strategy initiated to improve environmental health.'

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:16:22 -0800

Punjab Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Haji Ehsanuddin Qureshi said that the government has evolved a comprehensive strategy for strengthening environmental health through community based initiatives, practical strategy and capacity building activities at local level. Business Recorder.

UN warns of unequal exposure to environmental health risks within Europe.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:14:52 -0800

One out of every five Europeans dies from environmentally-related diseases, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) warned today, noting that poorer citizens are more exposed to such risks than their wealthier peers. UN News Centre.

Public bans mean smokers also light up less at home.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:01:40 -0800

Smoking bans in offices, restaurants and other public places don't drive smokers to light up more at home, but in fact prompt them to impose their own extra restrictions on the habit, according to a European study published on Tuesday. Reuters.

Air pollution tied to higher heart attack risk.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:35:23 -0800

Breathing in dirty air may be linked to a higher chance of suffering a heart attack in the next few days, suggests a fresh look at past studies undertaken by French researchers. Reuters Health.

'I Love Mountains' rally draws 1,000.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:27:04 -0800

"We continue to learn over and over that what we do to the land, we do to the people." Steve Boyce, chairman of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, which organized the rally. Louisville Courier-Journal, Kentucky.

Rising pollution takes a toll on kid's health.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:23:03 -0800

High levels of pollution, increasing peer pressure and binging on fast food are some of the few unpleasant factors associated with a city life. New Delhi Times of India, India.

Special report: the hungry generation.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:04:35 -0800

More than half of the world's children are too malnourished to grow properly, a major new investigation reveals. Over the past five years the price of food has soared across the globe, thanks to extreme weather conditions, diverting farmland to grow biofuels, speculative trading of food commodities and the global financial crisis. And the situation is getting significantly worse. London Independent, United Kingdom.

EPA oversight: Weighing the parts, ignoring the whole.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:49:24 -0800

Each year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gives the green light for a score of agricultural chemicals to come to market. But after pesticide makers win approval for specific active ingredients, they then mix those chemicals with other chemicals. The result is a far different formulation that has bypassed government safety reviews. 100Reporters.
[See a related article: Downwind: Big Ag at your door]

Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and child wheeze from birth to three years.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:16:41 -0800

Mean prenatal BPA was associated with increased odds of wheeze in early life, and the effect diminished over time. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See another article about prenatal exposures and child health: Maternal occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and gastroschisis among offspring in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study]

EPA's FY 2013 budget proposal focuses on core environmental and human health protections.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:14:36 -0800

This budget reflects a government-wide effort to reduce spending and find cost-savings, and is $105 million below the EPA’s enacted level for FY 2012.

Industry progressing in voluntary effort to reduce toxic chemicals.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:13:12 -0800

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the interim results of a voluntary effort by eight chemical manufacturers to reduce emissions and use of long-chain perfluorinated chemicals (LCPFCs), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

EPA finalizes air toxic emissions standards for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production facilities.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:10:44 -0800

The final standards are based on currently available technologies and will reduce emissions of air toxics, such as dioxin and vinyl chloride.

Call for comments: Creating Equitable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:06:33 -0800

EPA seeks comments on its draft publication: "Creating Equitable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities: Strategies for Advancing Smart Growth, Environmental Justice, and Equitable Development." Comments will be accepted through March 1, 2012.

Fetal exposure to radiation increases risk of testicular cancer.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:54:58 -0800

Male fetuses of mothers that are exposed to radiation during early pregnancy may have an increased chance of developing testicular cancer, according to a study in mice at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. ScienceDaily.

Call for abstracts: International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology 2012.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:51:43 -0800

The abstract should indicate the contaminant(s) being studied and the scale of the project. Identify the technology or methods. Case studies with novel approaches are especially desired.

Job opening: Silver Spring, Maryland.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:41:38 -0800

Association of Public Health Laboratories seeks a Senior Specialist, Environmental Health to work to expand and enhance the working relationships between public health laboratories and their Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) partners, federal and state agencies, as well as other organizations having complementary activity in testing, policy and training for biomonitoring, chemical and radiological terrorism, and other environmental health areas.

Denver is urged to hit the sidewalks.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:27:40 -0800

People like Gosia Kung and Dr. Andrew M. Freeman are trying to change that. In very different ways and for different reasons -- she is an architect, he a cardiologist -- they are trying to reincorporate physical activity into the sinews of a place that, despite its fantastic body mass index, lost touch like most American cities with the idea of walking as transportation. New York Times.

Africa's growing cancer burden: environmental and occupational contributions.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:23:55 -0800

Actions taken to reduce exposures and research to fill gaps in knowledge, adapted to local settings, could help mitigate the cancer burden. Cancer Epidemiology.

Persistent organic pollutants and obesity-related metabolic dysfunction: focusing on type 2 diabetes.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:32:46 -0800

In particular, obesity did not seem to be related to type 2 diabetes among persons with very low serum concentrations of POPs, suggesting a more fundamental role of chlorinated POPs in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Epidemiology and Health.

Call for proposals: Anthropogenic Influences on Organic Aerosol Formation and Regional Climate Implications.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:26:10 -0800

EPA announces an extramural funding competition supporting research to improve understanding of the formation of organic compounds and their climatically relevant properties. The deadline for proposals is May 3rd.

Environmental health implications of electric vehicles in China.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:19:10 -0800

Universities in the United States and China have released collaborative research evaluating the effects of emissions and environmental health impacts from the use of electric vehicles and conventional vehicles across 34 major urban centers in China.

University of Wisconsin study sees dietary tie to early puberty in girls.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:57:24 -0800

Girls today may be reaching puberty as much as four years earlier than generations before them because their diets are higher in calories, research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin.

Monsanto found liable for weedkiller poisoning in France.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:54:36 -0800

A French court has found Monsanto legally responsible for poisoning Paul Francois and ordered the company to compensate him "entirely," marking the first time a farmer has successfully sued the company over claims of the health problems caused by pesticides. Washington Post.

Air pollution tied to stroke, memory loss.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:21:13 -0800

A study published Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine found a higher risk of stroke after "moderate" compared to "good" air quality days in Boston-area residents, especially when traffic-related pollution was high. Reuters.
[See a related journal article: Exposure to particulate air pollution and cognitive decline in older women]

Food exports can drain arid regions.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:30 -0800

About a fifth of the water that humankind now uses gets exported from its original country to another -- though rarely as anything that can splash into a glass. Ninety-two percent of water used planetwide goes into growing crops. Science News.

Asthma is hitting adults in greater numbers.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:40:34 -0800

Commonly thought of as a disease that affects mostly children, asthma has been increasing among adults. A recent study from Ball State University's Global Health Institute found that nearly 14 percent of Indiana adults have had asthma, similar to national statistics. Indianapolis Star, Indiana.

Study: coal tar-based pavement sealants expose children to toxic chemicals.

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:36:16 -0800

Children living next to driveways or parking lots coated with coal tar are exposed to significantly higher doses of cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than those living near untreated asphalt, according to a study that raises new questions about commonly used pavement sealants. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.

New report: "Just Out of REACH: How REACH is failing to regulate nanomaterials and how it can be fixed.

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:25:46 -0800

REACH, the European Union's primary regulation on chemicals is failing to identify or control nanomaterials. That is the conclusion of a new report by the nonprofit Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL).

Overeating may double risk of memory loss.

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:19:29 -0800

A new study from Mayo Clinic suggests that eating too much may double the risk for memory loss in people age 70 and older. Mayo Clinic News.

Congregations going green.

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:05:22 -0800

Sermonizing about global warming is happening across the country this weekend through the "Preach-In on Global Warming," an event sponsored by Interfaith Power & Light. The outfit is designed to mobilize the faith community around renewable energies and to effect change in legislation. Durham Herald-Sun, North Carolina.

Fracturing natural gas wells requires hundreds of tons of chemical liquids.

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:15:21 -0800

Fracturing natural gas wells requires hundreds of tons of chemical liquids. A Beacon Journal review of data recently posted on a drilling industry-supported website shows the fracking of one vertical-horizontal well in Carroll County required nearly 1 million pounds of liquid chemical additives. Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio.

Italy court sentences two in asbestos trial.

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:10:23 -0800

A Swiss billionaire and a Belgian baron were found guilty and sentenced to 16 years each in prison by an Italian court on Monday in a groundbreaking trial over 3,000 alleged asbestos-related deaths. Agence France-Presse.
[See another article about a pending liability case: Monsanto court case stirs French pesticide debate]

Mercury poisons Massachusetts from afar.

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:09:17 -0800

Massachusetts has slashed in-state emissions of mercury more than 90 percent since the mid-1990s, but the toxic metal continues to rain down on the state from smokestacks in other regions of the United States that have been slower to clean up their act. Milford Daily News, Massachusetts.
[See another article about a power station in Illinois: Power station's closing could create problems]

The devastating costs of the Amazon gold rush.

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:08:15 -0800

In Amazonian Peru, not only are gold miners burning the forest, they are stripping away the surface of the earth, perhaps 50 feet down. At the same time, miners are contaminating rivers and streams, as mercury, used in separating gold, leaches into the watershed. Ultimately, the potent toxin, taken up by fish, enters the food chain. Smithsonian Magazine.

Leaded lipstick: How much is too much?

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:07:20 -0800

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics highlighted an FDA analysis of lead in lipsticks. The study found lead in all 400 lipsticks tested, with levels of up to 7.19 parts per billion. Safe Cosmetics says this is more than twice the levels reported in a previous FDA study, and it has concerns. Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania.

For pregnant women with cancer, chemo possible.

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:05:19 -0800

Doctors have long worried about how to balance treating a pregnant woman with cancer and the need to protect her fetus from the effects of toxic cancer drugs and radiation treatments, and whether it is safe to continue a pregnancy in certain situations. Associated Press.

With tips from whistle-blowers, more hands on deck in pollution cases.

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:04:12 -0800

Seafaring whistle-blowers, frequently seeking a financial bounty, have become one of prosecutors’ most potent weapons against maritime polluters, providing the backbone for a growing number of cases the federal government has pursued in Baltimore and other port cities across the country. New York Times.

Southern Californians at risk of death from air pollution, EPA says.

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:02:33 -0800

Southern Californians are among those at highest risk of death due to air pollution, according to recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency research published in the journal Risk Analysis. California Watch.
[See another article about air pollution: Our growing air pollution problem]

Window replacement and residential lead paint hazard control 12 years later.

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:39:49 -0800

Associations of processed meat and unprocessed red meat intake with incident diabetes: the Strong Heart Family Study.

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:34:31 -0800

The consumption of processed meat, such as spam, but not unprocessed red meat, was associated with higher risk of diabetes in American Indians, a rural population at high risk of diabetes and with limited access to healthy foods.

UL Environment releases first North American standard addressing toxicity, environmental impact of children's toys.

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:13:50 -0800

Toy manufacturers wishing to demonstrate environmental leadership and a commitment to safeguarding children's health can now pursue certification to North America's first and only third-party environmental toy standard: UL 172. MarketWatch.

Assessing perchloroethylene.

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:06:44 -0800

A new scientific assessment of perchloroethylene (perc), released by the Environmental Protection Agency today, may lead to tighter regulation of the chemical in drinking water and in air emissions. But it may also spell relief for the cleanup of Superfund hazardous waste sites. Chemical & Engineering News.

Engineers commandeer molecule from plants to make cheap solar power.

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:06:08 -0800

Plants, algae and some bacteria naturally harvest sunlight to produce energy and raw materials for themselves. Now, scientists have found a way to take the same processes from plants to generate electricity, creating a power system that is literally green. ClimateWire.

Washington state senate OKs weakened flame retardant bill.

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:05:08 -0800

The Washington state Senate passed a bill Friday to ban one potentially cancer-causing flame retardant from kids' products but not another that is more widely used. It also did away with a requirement for makers of children's products to find safer chemicals to replace Tris chemicals, formaldehyde and bisphenol A. Associated Press.

Opposition to asbestos reaches 'critical mass.'

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:04:08 -0800

Quebec’s asbestos industry has been taking a heavy pounding of late, with two damning documentaries airing on CBC and Radio-Canada, renewed calls from politicians in Quebec City and Ottawa to outlaw the cancer-causing mineral, and a review launched into some industry-funded research at McGill this week. Montreal Gazette, Quebec.

Atlanta anti-obesity ads 'risk child stigma.'

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:02:30 -0800

A leading US health official has warned that a campaign started by a children's hospital to fight childhood obesity poses health risks. BBC.

CDC grand rounds: dietary sodium reduction -- time for choice.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:54:19 -0800

Reducing sodium intake to 2,300 mg/day potentially could prevent 11 million cases of hypertension and save billions of dollars in health-care expenditures; reducing sodium intake further would yield additional benefits. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Call for proposals: Testing New Approaches to Prenatal Care.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:39:25 -0800

Under this initiative, the CMS Innovation Center will award up to $43.2 million through a competitive process to providers, states, and managed care plans to achieve better care, improved health, and lower costs for pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries and their newborns. Letters of intent are due March 21, 2012.

New online course: Life Course Nutrition: Maternal and Child Health Strategies in Public Health.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:26:28 -0800

This module, based on a life course framework, is designed to help public health leaders describe the role of maternal and child nutrition in population health and identify actions they can take to create equitable access to healthy foods and food environments.

Study: parents' education better defense against adolescent obesity than wealth.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:16:00 -0800

Parents' education has a greater influence on their children's weight than their wealth, according to a new study from researchers at Pennsylvania State University. Bay Citizen, California.

CDC: U.S. blood trans-fatty acids down.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:04:11 -0800

Blood levels of trans-fatty acids in white adults in the U.S. population decreased by 58 percent from 2000 to 2009, health officials found. UPI.

Gas drilling may be leaking twice as much gas as previously thought, study finds.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:53:01 -0800

Research suggests that emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than CO2, far exceed current estimates for gas drilling and production. Inside Climate News.

Study: are saunas the best way to rid your body of toxins?

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:47:57 -0800

Since ancient times, people have tried various ways to cleanse their body of poisons, something we now call detoxification. If you're feeling congested, stressed or run down, it might be time for a little spring "cleansing." Seattle KIRO7, Washington.

Tests find mold, fecal bacteria in children's lunch boxes.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:43:29 -0800

Parents wouldn’t serve their children peanut butter and jelly with mold or a ham sandwich with a side of fecal coliforms, but those combinations are popping up in lunch boxes, according to a 5 On Your Side investigation with North Carolina State University. Raleigh WRAL TV, North Carolina.

California sets trends in health regulation.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:42:00 -0800

The state has been first to pass major public health initiatives that have spread throughout the country. California was first to require smog checks for clean air, pass anti-tobacco initiatives and bike helmets laws. CNN.

Is cadmium the new lead? Link reported between the ubiquitous metal and kids with learning disabilities.

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:36:07 -0800

It's a heavy metal. It's linked to learning problems in school children. And every child is exposed. Sounds like lead? It's cadmium. Children with higher cadmium levels are three times more likely to have learning disabilities and participate in special education, according to new research. Absorbed from the soil, cadmium is found in certain foods, particularly potatoes, grains, sunflower seeds and leafy greens, as well as tobacco. It also is used in some inexpensive children's jewelry, prompting new voluntary industry standards last fall. Harvard's Robert Wright said the links to learning disabilities and special education were found at commonplace levels previously thought to be benign. Environmental Health News.

Rapid insulinotropic action of low doses of bisphenol-A on mouse and human Islets of Langerhans: role of estrogen receptor B.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 13:25:32 -0800

Our findings suggest that BPA behaves as a strong estrogen via nuclear ERβ and indicate that results obtained with BPA in mouse β-cells may be extrapolated to humans. PLoS One.

'Chemicals of concern' list stuck at OMB.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 13:23:36 -0800

About 21 months ago, a proposed list of widely used chemicals that may pose health risks landed at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget for review. It/'s still there. iWatch News.

Growing up on a farm directly affects regulation of the immune system, study finds.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 13:15:26 -0800

A new study has shown, for the first time, that growing up on a farm directly affects the regulation of the immune system and causes a reduction in the immunological responses to food proteins. ScienceDaily.

A position regarding the use of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, including WiFi, in the workplace.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 13:06:40 -0800

Widespread use of, or exposure to, wireless communication devices and WiFi technology in Ontario schools, can be positioned as a potential workplace hazard. Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association.

NIH study links high levels of cadmium, lead in blood to pregnancy delay.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 13:03:08 -0800

Higher blood levels of cadmium in females, and higher blood levels of lead in males, delayed pregnancy in couples trying to become pregnant, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and other academic research institutions. NIH News.

Perspectives on the causes of childhood leukemia.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:59:42 -0800

Much of the increase in leukemia rates is likely linked to altered patterns of infection during early childhood development, mirroring causal pathways responsible for a similarly increased incidence of other childhood-diagnosed immune-related illnesses including allergy, asthma, and type 1 diabetes. Chemico-Biological Interactions.

MSNBC Presents 'Semper Fi: Always Faithful' Friday, 24 February 24 at 10:00 P.M. ET.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:52:24 -0800

MSNBC will premiere "Semper Fi: Always Faithful", an emotional story of one man’s transformation into the activist he never imagined he’d become. Salem-News.com.

Portland harbor cleanup could cost billions, provide little health benefit, industry-sponsored study says.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:08:50 -0800

A study paid for by three of Portland's biggest industries contends there could be high costs and minimal health benefits from the Superfund cleanup of contaminated sediment in Portland Harbor. Portland Oregonian, Oregon.

Virginia state asbestos training rules tightened.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:08:03 -0800

New legislation to tighten regulation on the asbestos removal industry's training process has passed the state senate. Alexandria Gazette Packet, Virginia.

Smoky coal raises pollution level.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:06:01 -0800

The Department of the Environment has warned of the lung cancer risk posed by households in Northern Ireland's urban areas burning smoky coal. BBC.

Mobiles can affect pacemakers: DoT.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:00:06 -0800

People with medical implants like pacemakers must not keep their cellphones on their shirt pockets. The latest directive by the department of telecommunication (DoT) says that "people having active medical implants should preferably keep the cellphone at least 15cm away from the implant." New Delhi Times of India, India.

Assembly drops bill that would have helped hold polluters responsible.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 11:51:40 -0800

Under pressure from construction, architect and other industry groups, state legislators killed a bill that would have closed a loophole used by businesses to evade pollution lawsuits. California Watch.

Poisoned development.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 11:43:16 -0800

The accumulation of toxins, and China's historic laissez-faire attitude toward environmental degradation, have contributed to a shocking list of communities where residents face serious health hazards. Beijing Global Times, China.

Is that lead in your lipstick? FDA tests reveal raised lead levels in U.S. lipsticks.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 10:55:30 -0800

Recent tests by FDA scientists, updating tests from 2007, reveal increased lead levels in US lipsticks, with two brands above California's standard of 5 ppm. FDA says it is considering setting an upper limit for lead in lipsticks, but to date no such limit has been set. Forbes.

Michelle Obama's visit comes as kids are slowly learning value of better nutrition.

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 10:53:19 -0800

Jenkins, whose work is financed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spends her days on the grade-school circuit, helping kids see physical activity as fun and fruits and vegetables as tasty. Des Moines Register, Iowa.

Job opening: Washington, DC, and New York City.

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 12:01:45 -0800

WE ACT for Environmental Justice (WE-ACT) has an opening for a full-time environmental justice federal policy analyst. Candidates should have a law degree, or master’s degree, and/or several years of experience working in the public interest and public advocacy arena, or a related field.

Legislature allows 'fracking' in Idaho.

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:59:27 -0800

Though the new rules include environmental safeguards, the Idaho Conservation League and some legislators say they do not go far enough to protect drinking water from toxic chemicals. Idaho Mountain Express, Idaho.

Consumer groups want tougher probe of engineered salmon.

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:49:18 -0800

Three US consumer groups petitioned the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday to subject a new genetically-engineered salmon to a more rigorous review process than is now in place before the fish can be approved as safe to eat. Reuters.

Industry group boosted political spending last year -- and it paid off.

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:48:35 -0800

The American Chemistry Council significantly ramped up its lobbying efforts in the fourth quarter of last year, spending more than double its total for any quarter in recent history. E&E Daily.

Students suffering from uncontrollable tics.

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:41:51 -0800

A doctor working to determine what is uncontrollable tics said all the girls that he has seen have tested positive for two types of infections. Buffalo WGRZ TV, New York.

Air quality clean air partnership announced.

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:40:54 -0800

Gov. Gary Herbert called upon business, industry and healthcare organizations to join with him in improving Utah’s air quality. Vernal Express, Utah.

PPG Industries refuses to recall leaded paint in Cameroon.

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:37:46 -0800

PPG Industries has been selling house paint high in lead content in the African nation of Cameroon for years, and although it says it stopped production of that paint late last year, it has rejected a request that it recall or accurately label its lead paints now selling in stores there. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pennsylvania.

Prenatal lead levels, plasma amyloid B levels and gene expression in young adulthood.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:48:32 -0800

Data from our exploratory study suggest that prenatal lead exposure may influence Aβ-related biological pathways that have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease onset. Environmental Health Perspectives.

New online training course: Integrated Pest Management in Multi-family Housing.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:37:21 -0800

This training course from the National Center for Healthy Housing is now available.

New tool: CDC Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Toolkit.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:31:11 -0800

The messages and materials it contains can be used to develop effective communication activities or campaigns. However, non-governmental and other groups also may be interested in adopting these strategies and using these materials.

Call for proposals: Pilot Studies Using Community-based Participatory Research to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:04:47 -0800

The purpose of this call for applications is to stimulate research on effective interventions to reduce cancer health disparities (at any stage of the cancer continuum), using community-based participatory research (CBPR). Full applications are due by April 1, 2012.

Managing wastewater from fracking, with Robert B. Jackson.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:57:49 -0800

In this podcast, host Ashley Ahearn talks with Robert B. Jackson about another fracking-related water concern: the millions of gallons of contaminated wastewater generated by the process. Environmental Health Perspectives.

What's happening with nanofoods?

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:36:28 -0800

Here is an overview of what nanotechnology applications are currently being researched, tested and in some cases already applied in food technology. Nanowerk.

Call for comments: National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:25:23 -0800

The National Ocean Council has released a draft National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. The public comment period is open until midnight EST, February 27, 2012.

Call for comments: Facility Ground-Water Monitoring Requirements.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:23:56 -0800

The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comments on the paperwork and regulatory burdens associated with ground-water monitoring requirements for regulated units which follow a tiered approach whereby releases of hazardous contaminants are first detected Comments are being accepted until February 27, 2012.

EPA releases new DVD on reducing runoff from urban areas.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:15:42 -0800

The EPA’s newest DVD, "Reduce Runoff: Slow it Down, Spread it out, Soak it in!" teaches viewers how to control runoff in urban areas.

Cadmium plants given marching orders.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:55:34 -0800

All heavy-metal smelting plants in Hechi, Guangxi province, will be relocated by 2015, a move that comes amid ongoing efforts to tackle a toxic cadmium spill that has threatened the drinking water of millions of people for weeks. South China Morning Post, China.

When cooking can be deadly.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:51:00 -0800

Three billion people -- half the globe -- use an open fire to cook and heat. But there's a problem: the smoke. CNN.

New York City defends health ads that frighten the viewer.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:38:09 -0800

The city’s health department uses no sugar-coating in its ads, which feature images of smokers who lost fingertips or their ability to speak normally. The ads are part of a campaign by the Bloomberg administration to jolt New Yorkers out of bad health habits. The newest ads target obesity. New York Times.

Thousands of children need treatment for lead poisoning in Nigeria.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:36:51 -0800

At least 3,000 of over 4,500 Nigerian children who tested positive to lead poison contamination require urgent medical attention to save them from neurological, biological and cognitive malfunction, said Malam Nasir Umar, the Deputy Co-ordinator of the Zamfara State Rapid Response Team on Lead Poisoning. All Africa.

Study: children most vulnerable to second-hand smoke.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:34:55 -0800

A new study by the Centers for Disease Control may be the incentive smokers need to quit. The report reminds people of the harms of second-hand smoke, and says children can be the most vulnerable. Tampa Bay WFTS TV, Florida.
[See another article about tobacco use: Male smokers lose brain function faster as they age]

Decision on pesticide ban put off for two more years.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:33:34 -0800

As a push for the City of Edmonton to put a ban on the use of pesticides reignited in City Hall Monday, councillors decided to wait at least another two years before taking action. Edmonton CTV, Alberta.

Engines idling in New York despite law.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:33:02 -0800

Passing laws is one thing; enforcing them is another. Enter New York City's idling rule, meant to improve the city's air quality by prohibiting drivers from running their engines when they're not moving. CNN.
[See a related journal article about air quality: Risk of non-accidental and cardiovascular mortality in relation to long-term exposure to low concentrations of fine particulate matter: a Canadian national-level cohort study]

Prenatal exposure to perfluorooctanoate and risk of overweight at 20 years of age: a prospective cohort study.

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 09:40:48 -0800

Our findings on low dose developmental exposures to PFOA are in line with experimental results suggesting obesogenic effects in female offspring at 20 years. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Chronic air pollution exposure during pregnancy and maternal and fetal C-reactive protein levels. The Generation R Study.

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 09:39:21 -0800

Our results suggest that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may lead to maternal and fetal inflammatory responses. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Study to evaluate vitaminD3, omega3 and home exercise in preventing age-related chronic diseases.

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 09:33:30 -0800

A new international study announced today by the University of Zurich hopes to provide definitive evidence that three effective, affordable and safe measures can be taken to significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases in the elderly. News Medical.

Government replies to mould study.

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 09:24:46 -0800

A University of Victoria study, published last month in the U.Sbased Journal of Environmental Health, found almost half the homes on reserves are mouldy and high levels of toxins are making people sick. Victoria Times Colonist.

Tracing a threat.

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 09:23:01 -0800

The nascent field of chemical forensics takes analytical techniques that have been used for forensic analysis, such as impurity profiling and stable isotope analysis, and uses them to attribute weaponized toxic chemicals or related substances to their sources. Chemical & Engineering News.

Landmark diesel exhaust study stalled amid industry and congressional objections.

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 09:16:34 -0800

Publication of a landmark government study probing whether diesel engine exhaust causes lung cancer in miners -- already 20 years in the making -- has been delayed by industry and congressional insistence on seeing study data and documents before the public does. Center for Public Integrity.

Babies born with EITHER parent over the age of 30 are more likely to suffer from autism.

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 09:13:55 -0800

Children are more likely to have autism if either of their parents is older than 35 at the time of conception, according to a major study. The risk is up to 27 per cent higher than for those with younger parents, say researchers from Denmark. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Too many kids exposed to secondhand smoke in cars; more restrictions needed, CDC study says.

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 09:12:15 -0800

In the first national estimate of its kind, a report from government researchers says more than 1 in 5 high school students and middle schoolers ride in cars while others are smoking. Associated Press.
[See a related article: Welsh government targets smoking in cars when children present]

Diabetes quadruples birth defects risk, say researchers.

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 09:10:50 -0800

The risk of birth defects increases four-fold if the pregnant mother has diabetes, researchers say. The study, published in the journal Diabetologia, analysed data from more than 400,000 pregnancies in the north-east of England. The risk of defects such as congenital heart disease and spina bifida were increased. BBC.

Minnesota food company recalls 1 million eggs in Colorado, 33 states.

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 08:23:59 -0800

A Minnesota food company said Friday it is recalling more than a million hard-cooked eggs distributed to 34 states after testing revealed some may be contaminated with listeria. Associated Press.

Gene regulator in brain's executive hub tracked across lifespan -- NIH study.

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 22:42:47 -0800

Among key findings of the study by National Institutes of Health scientists: genes implicated in schizophrenia and autism turn out to be members of a select club of genes in which regulatory activity peaks during an environmentally-sensitive critical period in development. e! Science News.

Lower levels of sunlight exposure link to allergy and eczema in children, study suggests.

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 22:25:59 -0800

Researchers from the European Centre for Environment & Human Health, along with several Australian institutions, have found that children living in areas with lower levels of sunlight are at greater risk of developing food allergies and the skin condition eczema, compared to those in areas with higher UV. ScienceDaily.

Whitefish from Green Bay should concern fish eaters.

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 22:17:50 -0800

With fishing conditions ever evolving, the latest catch by Green Bay ice-fishing enthusiasts requires careful examination of the Wisconsin and Michigan fish advisories. Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, and dioxins are chemicals of concern. Both are found in whitefish, and both have serious health implications. Door County Advocate, Wisconsin.

Hopi tribe sues US government -- arsenic in drinking water supply causing harm on reservation

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 22:14:21 -0800

A complaint was filed by the Hopi Tribe in the United States Court of Federal Claims seeking damages as a result of high levels of arsenic in the drinking water supply for the eastern part of the reservation, according to a Hopi press release. Indian Country Today.

Two glasses of wine a day triples risk of mouth cancer.

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 22:12:49 -0800

A new government campaign is to warn drinkers that consuming two large glasses of wine or two strong pints of beer a day triples their risk of developing mouth cancer. London Independent, United Kingdom.

Malaria deaths hugely underestimated: Lancet study.

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 22:02:53 -0800

Worldwide malaria deaths may be almost twice as high as previously estimated, a study reports. The research, published in the British medical journal the Lancet, suggests 1.24 million people died from the mosquito-borne disease in 2010. BBC.

Air pollution worse than smoking mother: study.

Sun, 5 Feb 2012 21:58:40 -0800

Exhaust fumes and ground-level ozone increase the risk for premature birth, according to a study by a team of researchers at Umea University in northern Sweden. The Local Sweden, Sweden.
[See other articles about air pollution: Surrounded by air pollution; Traffic-related asthma costs two cities big money and Toxins in Southwest Florida air tumble from prior years]

New report: Cell Phones: Technology, Exposures, Health Effects.

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:22:08 -0800

Environment & Human Health, Inc. has published a report that reviews the science on health risks due to cell phone technology and issues policy recommendations in addition to precautionary health recommendations for individuals.
[See a related article: Why iPads and iPhones are not kids’ toys]

Did you know . . . six facts about cancer.

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:55:37 -0800

Starting in 1979, scientists noted that children who live near power lines or transformers have a greater risk of developing leukemia and that this leukemia is associated with the strength of the magnetic field. Prevent Cancer Now.

Poor, minority residents face most health risks with climate change.

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:46:08 -0800

Poor, urban and minority residents are most at risk for health problems linked to climate change, according to a new California Department of Public Health analysis of Los Angeles and Fresno counties. California Watch.
[See another article about climate change: India's panel price crash could spark solar revolution]

High levels of mercury found in North Shore babies.

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:43:25 -0800

One in 10 babies along Minnesota's North Shore are born with unhealthy levels of mercury in their bodies, according to a new report on contamination around Lake Superior, the first to look for the pollutant in the blood of U.S. infants. Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota.

Is your orange juice safe?

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:37:58 -0800

Low levels of a banned pesticide found in orange juice imported from Brazil is safe for sale in the domestic supply, says the Food and Drug Administration after conducting new tests. The juice is tainted with the fungicide carbendazim, and will soon reach American grocery stores. ABC News.

Cadmium may affect newborn girls more than boys: maternal exposure linked to smaller birth size.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:10:53 -0800

A new study shows that maternal cadmium exposure is associated with reduced head circumference and birth weight in newborn girls. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See the study referenced in the article: Maternal cadmium exposure during pregnancy and size at birth: a prospective cohort study]

EPA launches improved website for beach advisories and closures.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:02:44 -0800

Users will have access to mapped location data for beaches and water monitoring stations, monitoring results for various pollutants such as bacteria and algae, and data on public notification of beach water quality advisories and closures.

Nation’s overall health not improving, assessment finds: Obesity, diabetes stalling U.S. progress.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:46:51 -0800

Despite modest decreases in tobacco use, coronary heart disease and preventable hospitalizations, the nation’s overall health is not improving, a recent national report finds. The Nation's Health.

Associations between organochlorine pesticides and vitamin D deficiency in the U.S. population.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:41:23 -0800

The current study suggests that the background exposure to some OC pesticides leads to vitamin D deficiency in human. PLoS One.

Health labels may stem tobacco company rights.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:21:31 -0800

A federal rule requiring large graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging and advertising may violate the free speech rights of tobacco companies, a U.S. district court judge said at a hearing on Wednesday. Reuters.

Study: air in Alexandria bars 36 times cleaner with smoking ban.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:20:15 -0800

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living released the results of the study of air quality levels at 12 city bars on Jan. 6. The report also shows a reduction of 97 percent of the particulate matter in the air. Alexandria Town Talk, Louisiana.

India sets cell phone radiation limits.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:17:33 -0800

The government on Wednesday set a September 1 deadline for mobile handset makers to conform to new radiation emission norms which limit specific absorption rate (SAR) levels for mobile phones to 1.6 watt/kg over six minutes of talking time. India Today, India.

Nuclear accidents pose little risk to health: NRC.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:15:08 -0800

The risk to public health from a severe nuclear power plant accident in the United States is "very small" because reactor operators should have time to prevent core damage and reduce the release of radioactive materials, US nuclear regulators said in a study on Wednesday. Reuters.

Dioxin report delayed.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:14:01 -0800

The Environmental Protection Agency has missed its own deadline to release a major report on the health effects of dioxins, a class of toxic chemicals. People in central Michigan have lived with dioxin pollution for more than three decades. Environment Report.

Public health: the toxic truth about sugar.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:08:56 -0800

Authorities consider sugar as 'empty calories' -- but there is nothing empty about these calories. A growing body of scientific evidence is showing that fructose can trigger processes that lead to liver toxicity and a host of other chronic diseases. Nature (subscription required).

New study calculates years of life lost to extreme temperature.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:07:29 -0800

In one Australian city, researchers have calculated how many years of life were lost due to heat waves and cold snaps. Using this information, scientists also projected how a climate change scenario would affect life expectancies. ClimateWire.

Multiple procedures requiring anesthesia linked to ADHD in young children.

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:06:04 -0800

Young children who undergo multiple procedures requiring anesthesia could be at higher risk for developing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) later on, according to a new study published in the current issue of the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings. ABC News.

Decoding neurodevelopment: findings on environmental exposures and synaptic plasticity.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 15:06:27 -0800

Of special interest are key discoveries by investigators at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) about some of the basic mechanisms involved in synaptic plasticity, and work by other investigators that explores the hypothesis that environmental toxicants that disrupt synaptic plasticity at critical periods play a role in disorders that have roots in early brain development, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Who adopts improved fuels and cookstoves? A systematic review.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:37:05 -0800

Adoption studies of improved cookstoves or clean energy are scarce, scattered and of differential quality, even while global distribution programs are quickly expanding. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Armstrong discusses endocrine disruption of synaptic plasticity.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:34:40 -0800

The Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program (ITEHP) at Duke University hosted a Jan. 13 presentation by NIEHS senior investigator David Armstrong, PhD, reporting on new findings about the regulation of synaptic plasticity by endocrine modulators. NIEHS Environmental Factor.

Women's health takes the spotlight.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:31:55 -0800

NIEHS welcomed leading scientists to a meeting Jan. 20 to lay the foundation for a consortium focused on advancing research in women's reproductive health. NIEHS Environmental Factor.

Obesogens: an environmental link to obesity.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:26:13 -0800

Researchers are gathering convincing evidence of chemical "obesogens" -- dietary, pharmaceutical, and industrial compounds that may alter metabolic processes and predispose some people to gain weight. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See a related article: Role of environmental chemicals in diabetes and obesity: a National Toxicology Program workshop report]

Folic acid supplementation dysregulates gene expression in lymphoblastoid cells -- implications in nutrition.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:17:12 -0800

Excessive folic acid supplementation may require careful monitoring in women who are planning for, or are in the early stages of pregnancy. Aberrant expression of genes during early brain development may have an impact on behavioural characteristics. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.

Environmental officials call public meeting on downtown Wichita water cleanup plan.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:54:32 -0800

A public meeting scheduled for Wednesday marks what environmental health officials call a milestone in cleaning up groundwater contamination that has been lingering downtown for three decades. Wichita Eagle, Kansas.

Clean air advocates cheer court decision on Kansas coal plant expansion.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:52:57 -0800

Judge Emmett Sullivan, in the federal district court today, effectively blocked an 895-MW coal-fired power project in western Kansas -- the notorious Sunflower expansion -- until a thorough environmental review of the project is finalized. The decision emphasized the significant impacts to human health that would arise if the project was constructed. ENews Park Forest.

EPA, agency settle migrant complaint.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:49:00 -0800

As part of a settlement agreement signed in December, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry agreed to help people with limited English understand their rights and protections as migrant workers after an unsuccessful attempt by such workers to complain about repeated exposure to pesticides. Baton Rouge Advocate, Louisiana.

E-cigarette trade booming, but...

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:45:11 -0800

Concern is rising over the use of electronic cigarettes -- or e-cigarettes -- that produce an aerosol mist for inhaling rather than tobacco smoke and are used by many smokers to help kick the habit. Warnings are becoming increasingly loud, leading some countries to ban the devices. Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Germany.

India’s air the world’s unhealthiest, study says.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:42:13 -0800

India’s has the worst air pollution in the entire world, beating China, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, according to a study released during this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos. New York Times.

New silica rules languish in regulatory black hole.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:35:49 -0800

Any job that involves breaking up rock or concrete can potentially expose workers to dangerous silica dust, and last year it looked like OSHA was about to put stricter controls in place to limit this health hazard. But for almost a year, the proposed regulations have been stalled at the White House Office of Management and Budget. Morning Edition, NPR.
[See a related article: Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources won't regulate silica]

No big Fukushima health impact seen: U.N. body chairman.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:32:17 -0800

The health impact of last year's Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan appears relatively small thanks partly to prompt evacuations, the chairman of a U.N. scientific body investigating the effects of radiation said on Tuesday. Reuters.

"Skin deep" in more ways than one.

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:30:27 -0800

Very little if any media attention or research has looked at the possible connections between African American beauty salons, the personal care products utilized primarily by Black women and adverse health outcomes, specifically in the area of reproductive health. But that has begun to change. San Francisco Bay View, California.

Serum perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations and liver function biomarkers in a population with elevated PFOA exposure.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:17:00 -0800

These results show a positive association between PFOA and PFOS concentrations and serum alanine transaminase (ALT) level, a marker of hepatocellular damage. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Relationship between physicochemical characterization and toxicity of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) collected in Dakar city (Senegal).

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:14:53 -0800

In agreement with the physicochemical characterization, urban PM2.5 samples caused greater biological responses in BEAS-2B cells than the rural one. Variable concentrations of transition metals (i.e. Fe, Al, Pb, Mn, Zn) and organic compounds (i.e. PAHs) founded in the three PM2.5 samples might be firmly involved in a time- and/or dose-dependent toxicity, relying on inflammatory processes. Environmental Research.

Fluxes, variability and sources of cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury in dry atmospheric depositions in urban, suburban and rural areas.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:10:56 -0800

Seasonal variations of metals differed: Pb and As were dominated by fossil fuel combustion, Cd was related to industrial pollution, and natural source controlled Hg levels. Environmental Research.

Effect of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in pregnancy on infants’ allergies in first year of life: randomised controlled trial.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:54:25 -0800

N-3 LCPUFA supplementation in pregnancy did not reduce the overall incidence of immunoglobulin E associated allergies in the first year of life, although atopic eczema and egg sensitisation were lower. British Medical Journal.

Overweight mothers who smoke while pregnant can damage baby's heart, study finds.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:52:50 -0800

Mums to be who both smoked and were overweight, with a BMI of 25 or more, were more than 2.5 times as likely to have a child with a congenital heart defect as women who either smoked or were overweight, but not both. ScienceDaily.

New website: IOM Perspectives.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:50:20 -0800

The Institute of Medicine hosts Perspectives to provide leading experts with the opportunity to offer their observations and opinions on innovations and challenges in health and health care.

Tanzania: leaders help address climate challenges.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:45:36 -0800

The absence of renewable energy in place of fuel wood has accelerated deforestation which in turn has contributed to climatic changes currently being felt all over the world, according to a Tanzanian minister of the environment. All Africa.

PCBs could harm babies' immune system.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:35:20 -0800

PCBs may interfere with immune system development in infants exposed in the womb and early in life, report researchers from the United States and Slovakia. Infants with higher PCB exposure during gestation and as newborns had smaller thymus organs at birth and at 6 months of age but not at 13 months. Environmental Health News.

Smoking exemptions concentrated in high-risk communities.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:33:14 -0800

During Tobacco-Free Awareness Week, community leaders came together to draw attention to a significant problem for St. Louis County - exemptions to the 2011 Clean Air Act. St Louis American, Missouri.
[See another article about tobacco regulation: California Assembly votes to outlaw smoking on hospital campuses]

Chicago water sampling shows high levels of lead.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:07:03 -0800

In a new round of water testing by the Environmental Protection Agency, half of the 29 Chicago homes visited yielded at least one sample containing more than 15 parts per billion of lead, a level that can trigger regulatory action if detected during routine screening. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.
[See another article about water quality: China cadmium spill threatens city water supplies]

The value and benefits of trees in the landscape.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:05:27 -0800

Most of us probably do not consider the value trees add to our homes and neighborhoods. Trees can help lower heating and cooling costs, help reduce air pollution and storm water runoff and provide valuable habitat for birds and other animals. Batavia Daily News, New York.

Dr. Richard Jackson to be on PBS.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:51 -0800

The UCLA professor and host of the PBS series Designing Healthy Communities describes what it truly means to build a healthy community. PBS Tavis Smiley Show.

National Public Health Week, April 2 - 8, 2012.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:46 -0800

This year, the American Public Health Association (APHA) will continue its broad vision to make America the healthiest nation in one generation by addressing the importance of prevention and wellness through the theme "A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement."

A new target in fighting brain disease: metals.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:50:26 -0800

Research into how iron, copper, zinc and other metals work in the brain may help unlock some of the secrets of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Wall Street Journal.

Soaps, makeup and other items contain deadly ingredients, say consumer advocates.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:45:23 -0800

According to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization, cosmetics and other personal care products contain numerous ingredients -- such as phthalates, parabens, formaldehye and diethanolamine -- that we should be wary of. Washington Post.
[See a related article: Maker of Brazilian Blowout hair products agrees to settle Calif. lawsuit with labeling changes]

Research opens up scientists' concern over effects of controversial chemical BPA.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:39:31 -0800

Are you really doing enough to avoid the controversial chemical bisphenol-A, BPA for short? Probably not. Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ohio.
[See a related article: MU's Frederick vom Saal wants FDA to ban BPA, endocrine disruptors]

Call for comments: TSCA paperwork and regulatory burdens.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:08:33 -0800

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comments on administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Inventory which requires manufacturers, processors and importers to provide production volume, plant site information and site-limited status information. Comments are due by March 26, 2012.

Call for comments: Preliminary Assessment Information Rule (PAIR).

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:06:45 -0800

The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking additional public comments on the paperwork and regulatory burdens associated with the administration of its regulatory program under which manufacturers, importers and processors of chemical substances and mixtures must maintain records and submit reports to EPA. Comments are being accepted until February 27, 2012.

Call for comments: NIEHS

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:54:16 -0800

NIEHS seeks comments on the new draft mission statement, vision statement, and strategic pillars by February 5th.

State of the Union 2012 highlights.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:42:45 -0800

In Tuesday's State of the Union address, the President touched on important issues facing our country. Reports from the National Academies can inform debate and guide decision making in areas of public policy, science, engineering, and education.

Q&A with Michael Taylor, part II: antibiotics, orange juice & consolidation.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:38:41 -0800

Part II of a conversation with Michael Taylor, deputy commissioner for foods at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, on a variety of issues facing the agency. Food Safety News.

New website on health literacy.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:35:57 -0800

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published a website: Health Literacy: Accurate, Accessible and Actionable Health Information for All. The site provides information and tools to improve health literacy and public health.

Pipeline will not cross Dene Nations land, elders vow.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:23:16 -0800

Nearly a dozen band members signed onto the "Save The Fraser" declaration Friday, pledging to protect the Dene water and lands from future industrialization, including the northern Gateway pipeline. CNews.com.

9 in 1,000 at risk of contracting cancer in Zimbabwe capital.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:15:01 -0800

Nine people in every 1,000 in Harare are at risk of developing colon or liver cancer from eating contaminated fish harvested from Lake Chivero and other water bodies around Harare, local scientific studies have indicated. Harare Standard, Zimbabwe.

Sunscreen concern reaches into the school grounds.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:13:08 -0800

As they prepare for a new batch of students, teachers will be receiving 50,000 leaflets from environmental group Friends of the Earth, thanks to a resolution passed by the Australian Education Union last year. The leaflets encourage use of sunscreens that don't include nanoparticles -- an ingredient the Theraputic Goods Administration has deemed to be acceptable in sunscreens. Australia ABC News, Australia.

Alzheimer's-like brain changes seen in young who breathed polluted air.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:12:18 -0800

Children and young adults from areas with highly polluted air in Mexico had physical and genetic changes in their brains akin to those found in adults with Alzheimer's disease. The changes seen are surprising because they are not supposed to occur in younger brains. Environmental Health News.

Busted fluorescent lamps' dangers cited.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:11:40 -0800

Environment-health advocates on Monday warned the public against improper disposal of busted fluorescent lamps as it releases toxic mercury into the environment that endangers the health of the people. Manila Bulletin, Philippines.

Fructose effects.

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:36:22 -0800

There is now some new research evidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk is present in the blood of adolescents who consume a lot of fructose, a scenario that worsens in the face of excess belly fat. Environmental News Network.

Pesticides blamed for bee decline.

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:24:26 -0800

Compelling new evidence from the US government's top bee expert that modern pesticides may be a major cause of collapsing bee populations led to calls yesterday for the chemicals to be banned. London Independent, United Kingdom.

Brain proteome response following whole body exposure of mice to mobile phone or wireless DECT base radiation.

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:56:53 -0800

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of two sources of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the proteome of cerebellum, hippocampus, and frontal lobe in Balb/c mice following long-term whole body irradiation. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine.

Herbicide-tolerant corn subject of regulation debate.

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:43:38 -0800

Dow Agrosciences wants its herbicide-resistant corn to be deregulated, despite resistance from sustainable-agriculture and environmental groups. HobbyFarms.com.

Obesity tops list of 'winnable' health battles.

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:39:58 -0800

Last week, the state health department issued its list of 10 winnable battles -- public and environmental health problems that can be improved in three to five years through collaborative efforts among the private, nonprofit and public sectors. Obesity’s on the list. So are oral health, clean air, clean water, infectious disease prevention, mental health and substance abuse, food safety, tobacco prevention and unintended pregnancy. Colorado Springs Gazette.
[See another article about obesity: Don't blame C-sections for fat children: study]

Partnership to introduce children’s environmental health information into Boys and Girls Clubs’ educational programs.

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:32:06 -0800

EPA is partnering nationally and locally with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to introduce children’s environmental health information into the youth service organization’s educational programs.

'Green' burials gain traction at Indiana cemeteries.

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:25:49 -0800

Green burials have been called a movement, not a fad. Advocates say green burials protect the environment and ecology by reducing use of toxic chemicals, non-biodegradable materials and fossil fuels. Louisville Courier-Journal, Kentucky.

Smoking leading killer in Japan, accounting for 129,000 deaths in 2007.

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:20:27 -0800

An estimated 129,000 adult Japanese died in 2007 of health complications caused by smoking, the nation's biggest lifestyle killer, according to studies by the University of Tokyo and other research organizations. Asahi Shimbun, Japan.
[See a related article from China: Poisonous gift and one from the UK: 'Toxic' risk of counterfeit cigarettes sold in Sussex]

EPA will test Susquehanna County water supplies for fracking contamination.

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:19:29 -0800

The federal government was to begin testing water supplies for 61 homes in Dimock Township, Susquehanna County, as soon as Jan. 20 in a dramatic expansion of the EPA's current investigation into potential contamination by natural gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing. McClatchy Newspapers.

AAEM urges the California Public Utilities Commission to call for an immediate moratorium on wireless "smart meters" and for hearings on the health impact on wireless "smart meters."

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:19:08 -0800

The Board of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine opposes the installation of wireless "smart meters" in homes and schools based on a scientific assessment of the current medical literature (references available on request).

Groups call on NYC to comply with green purchasing laws to reduce dioxin releases

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:12:41 -0800

Nearly a dozen leaders of business, health, labor, environmental and community organizations will testify at a New York City Council oversight hearing today, Friday, January 27th to urge the city to comply with existing green purchasing laws, and phase out purchasing of toxic products that needlessly endanger public health and the environment. Paramus Post, New York.

Don't fear tap water.

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:04:57 -0800

Quick! What's the deadliest chemical in tap water? DDT? PCBs? BPA? Try DNA, says Steve Hrudey, a retired professor of environmental toxicology at the University of Alberta. St. Albert Gazette, Alberta.

Drive-by scanning: officials expand use and dose of radiation for security screening.

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:00:33 -0800

U.S. law enforcement agencies are exposing people to radiation in more settings and in increasing doses to screen for explosives, weapons and drugs. In addition to the controversial airport body scanners, now deployed for routine screening, various X-ray devices have proliferated at the border, in prisons and on the streets of New York. ProPublica.

Fetal armor: how the placenta shapes brain development.

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:55:32 -0800

The placenta has been vastly underappreciated. Scientists are taking a closer look and finding that it is much more than a simple conduit: it actively protects the fetus and shapes neurological development. Scientific American.

First attempts to limit farm chemicals.

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:54:49 -0800

Use of highly toxic pesticides and other farming chemicals in Chile is rampant, posing serious health risks and damages for the farmers who use them. In response, on Dec. 19, the Agriculture Ministry banned the import, export and sale of several of these substances that could cause cancer among other diseases. But dozens of other dangerous chemicals are still on the market. Latin America Press.

Cadmium exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in U.S. children.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:04:07 -0800

These findings suggest that children who have higher urinary cadmium concentrations may have increased risk of both LD and special education. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Prostate cancer and toxicity from critical use exemptions of methyl bromide: Environmental protection helps protect against human health risks.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:01:41 -0800

Both the epidemiological evidence and toxicological data suggest a possible link between methyl bromide exposure and serious health problems, including prostate cancer risk from occupational and community exposure. Environmental Health.

An ecological quantification of the relationships between water, sanitation and infant, child, and maternal mortality.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:24 -0800

Our analyses suggest that access to water and sanitation independently contribute to child and maternal mortality outcomes. Environmental Health.

Hazardous Chemicals in Health Care available in Spanish.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:48:32 -0800

The report, written with the American Nurses Association and Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), details the first investigation of environmental chemicals found in the bodies of health care professionals.

NIH Study shows caffeine consumption linked to estrogen changes.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:42:42 -0800

Asian women who consumed an average of 200 milligrams or more of caffeine a day -- the equivalent of roughly two cups of coffee -- had elevated estrogen levels when compared to women who consumed less, according to a study of reproductive age women by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and other institutions. NIH News.

Eye on Earth Network.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:39:29 -0800

In December 2011 the European Environment Agency (EEA), Microsoft, and technology company Esri launched the Eye on Earth network, a "cloud computing" platform that maps air, water, and noise pollution across Europe based on government data and information uploaded by users.

State health officials investigate skin-lighteners for dangerous mercury.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:19:42 -0800

There could be a dark side to skin-lightening creams often found in stores that cater to ethnic communities. New America Media.

Wood smoke adds billions to health bill, says report.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:17:27 -0800

The smoky haze from wood fires is Sydney's biggest source of air pollution in winter, and wood smoke will add $8 billion to the health budget by 2030, says an independent report commissioned by the state government and kept secret for six months. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia.

Military: investigation into S. Korea Agent Orange is over.

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:14:44 -0800

For the last nine months the U.S. Army has drilled, tested and analyzed soil and water at Camp Carroll military base in South Korea for traces of Agent Orange. The result of the roughly $4 million investigation is a 58-page report, in which the Army claims no traces of Agent Orange were found. An environmental expert disagrees. KPHO Phoenix, Arizona.

Job opening: Tacoma, Washington.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:59:14 -0800

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department seeks a program coordinator to lead a project to reduce and prevent chronic disease due to tobacco use, poor nutrition and/or lack of physical activity. The closing date is January 29th.

EPA releases new tool with information about water pollution across the U.S.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:41:06 -0800

Developed under President Obama’s transparency initiative, the Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) Pollutant Loading Tool brings together millions of records and allows for easy searching and mapping of water pollution by local area, watershed, company, industry sector, and pollutant.

UCLA Law report urges California to take action to protect public from toxic consumer products.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:36:07 -0800

A new report published by the UCLA School of Law's Emmett Center on Climate Change and the Environment assesses California's new chemical regulatory program and concludes that the state must strengthen its program in significant ways in order to adequately protect public health. UCLA Newsroom.

High animal fat diet increases gestational diabetes risk, study finds.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:26:28 -0800

Women who consumed a diet high in animal fat and cholesterol before pregnancy were at higher risk for gestational diabetes than women whose diets were lower in animal fat and cholesterol, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health and Harvard University. ScienceDaily.

National Research Council issues new nanotechnology risk report.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:17:18 -0800

Without a coordinated research plan to help guide efforts to manage and avoid potential risks, the future of safe and sustainable nanotechnology is uncertain, says a new report ("A Research Strategy for Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials") from the National Research Council. Nanowerk.

Dumping dioxin on Dixie.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:13:43 -0800

As environmental health advocates call on Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to release a long-awaited report on the health impact of dioxins, an analysis by Facing South finds that Southern communities bear a disproportionate burden of industrial dioxin pollution. Facing South.

Major study finds child immune risks from chemicals.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:57:33 -0800

Children exposed to the same common household chemicals that have contaminated groundwater near a number of 3M Co. sites in the St. Paul suburbs have weakened immune systems that make them more vulnerable to infections, according to research published this week. Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota.

Federal agencies fail to address BPA, report says.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:52:12 -0800

A report being released Thursday says federal agencies have not taken effective steps to protect the public from the dangers of BPA, a commonly used chemical found in food packaging that has been linked to health problems, including cancer, asthma and heart attacks. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin.

Obama calls for disclosure of fracking chemicals, but activists say that's not enough.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:49:39 -0800

As President Obama catches up, at least rhetorically, with drilling critics who have pushed for public disclosure of hydraulic fracturing chemicals, activists are stressing that disclosure is not enough. Greenwire.

Gas cooking emissions may stifle infant development.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:48:33 -0800

A new study from Spain reports that infants born to mothers who cooked with gas stoves had slightly lower intelligence scores at ages 1 and 2 than those in homes without gas cookers. In homes with gas, infant scores were better if there was an exhaust fan above the stove. Environmental Health News.

L.A. County takes step to promote exercise, reduce obesity.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:38:07 -0800

Los Angeles County supervisors approved an ordinance Tuesday that requires new developments to have wider sidewalks, bicycle parking and other changes to promote exercise and reduce obesity. Los Angeles Times.
[See related articles: U.S. states and cities ranked for biking, walking habits and Wide-ranging obesity prevention programs urged for First Nations]

Asthma rates due to traffic related air pollution are higher than expected.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:35:37 -0800

A research team out of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst has found that asthma rates and the costs from traffic related air pollution are much higher than once believed. Springfield WGGB TV, Massachusetts.
[See another article about air pollution: Study: old Port of Oakland trucks out, cleaner air in]

Judge Chambers blocks health studies from mine permit case.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:34:38 -0800

A federal judge has sided with Alpha Natural Resources in the company's effort to keep testimony about West Virginia University studies linking mountaintop removal to birth defects and cancer among coalfield residents out of a legal challenge to one of Alpha's new mining permits. Charleston Gazette, West Virginia.

Washington State Green Ribbon Schools applications due February 15th.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:37:39 -0800

The US Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools Program is a comprehensive recognition program that celebrates schools that have made significant achievements towards increasing environmental and sustainability literacy, reducing the school's environmental footprint and creating a healthy community for students and staff.
[For information regarding other states' applications, see the Department of Education website.]

Cancer and environment: definitions and misconceptions.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:47:20 -0800

Our findings emphasize the discrepancies in reporting environmental causation of cancer and the limits of inference in interpreting environmentally attributable risk estimates. Environmental Research.

Fish consumption, low-level mercury, lipids, and inflammatory markers in children.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:45:59 -0800

This study of a pediatric population is the first to document an association between blood mercury, systemic inflammation, and endocrine disruption in humans. Environmental Research.

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) mediates diethylstilbestrol (DES)-induced feminization of the seminal vesicle in male mice.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:37:57 -0800

These data suggest that DES-induced seminal vesicle toxicity and feminization is primarily mediated by ERα; however, some aspects of androgen response may require the action of ERβ. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Report: water of millions in peril from nuclear plants.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:30:05 -0800

Environmental activists said in a report Tuesday that nearly 3.3 million New Jerseyans drink water from supplies at risk of contamination if there is a leak or accident at a nuclear plant. Asbury Park Press, New Jersey.

Your slick new office could be making you sick.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:29:04 -0800

A new study suggests that your indoor office air -- particularly in newly renovated offices -- could be making you sick by exposing you to harmful PFCs, or polyfluorinated compounds. Agence France-Presse.

Shale gas a bridge to more global warming.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:28:12 -0800

Hundreds of thousands of shale gas wells are being "fracked" in the United States and Canada, allowing large amounts of methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas, to escape into the atmosphere, new studies have shown. Inter Press Service.

Titan project would cost millions in health care, report says.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:26:09 -0800

Pollution from the proposed Titan cement plant project could cost residents of the Cape Fear region around $6.5 million in health-care costs in a five-month period, according to a report presented in Wilmington on Tuesday night. Wilmington Star-News, North Carolina.

Vitamin D awareness in decline, say doctors.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:24:43 -0800

England's chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, is concerned that young children and some adults are not getting enough vitamin D. According to the BBC, she is to contact medical professionals about government guidelines which recommend that some groups, including under-fives, may require daily vitamin D supplements. The Guardian, United Kingdom.

More kids seek tans as they age, may raise skin cancer risk.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:24:07 -0800

As children go from elementary to junior high school, the desire to tan grows stronger while the habit of using sunscreen goes out the window, according to a survey -- potentially raising the risk of getting deadly skin cancer later on. Reuters.

Arsenic cancer risk still high decades later in Chile region.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:23:12 -0800

People exposed to very high levels of arsenic in Chilean drinking water back in the 1950s and 60s are still showing a higher-than-normal risk of bladder cancer -- years after the arsenic problem was brought under control, a new study shows. Reuters.

America's health threat: poor urban design.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:20:48 -0800

In 2001, while still at the CDC, Dr. Jackson was a co-author of an article published by Sprawl Watch Clearinghouse that contended that poorly planned built environments had adverse effects on air quality, physical activity, and public safety, among other things. Chronicle of Higher Education.

Relationships of perfluorooctanoate and perfluorooctane sulfonate serum concentrations between child-mother pairs in a population with perfluorooctanoate exposure from drinking water.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:36:28 -0800

Concentrations of both perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) tended to be higher in children than their mothers. This difference persists until they are about 12 years for PFOA and at least until 19 years of age for PFOS. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Evidence on the human health effects of low level methylmercury exposure.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:34:32 -0800

Studies targeted at identifying potential mechanisms of low level methylmercury (MeHg) effects along with characterizing individual susceptibility, sexual dimorphism and non-linearity in dose-response would help guide future prevention, policy, and regulatory efforts surrounding MeHg exposure. Envirornmental Health Perspectives.

Understanding differences in the body burden-age relationships of bioaccumulating contaminants based on population cross-sections versus individuals.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:32:15 -0800

We used a mechanistic modeling approach to reproduce concentration versus age relationships and investigate factors that influence them. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Study: chemicals reduce effectiveness of some childhood vaccines.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:21:54 -0800

Scientists looked specifically at PFCs, perfluorinated compounds, widely used in products that repel water, grease and stains. Children with higher levels of PFCs in their bodies did not get optimal protection from their vaccines, according to the study. CNN.

Terrific new advice for preventing breast cancer.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:05:44 -0800

The Institute of Medicine’s concise message: "Limit or eliminate your exposure to chemicals that are plausible contributors to breast cancer risk." San Francisco Examiner, California.

High fructose consumption by adolescents may put them at cardiovascular risk.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:02:59 -0800

Evidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk is present in the blood of adolescents who consume a lot of fructose, a scenario that worsens in the face of excess belly fat, researchers report. ScienceNewsline.

Obesity and air pollution: global risk factors for pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:59:14 -0800

The two main universal risk factors for Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity and air pollution, have broad adverse health effects, and reducing their prevalence will help abate the serious health problems associated with pediatric NAFLD. Hepatitis Monthly.

Job opening: San Francisco, California.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:47:39 -0800

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a project of the Breast Cancer Fund, needs a grassroots coordinator to cultivate and grow relationships and expand their network of over 100,000 online and on-the-ground supporters, growing the movement for safer chemicals and a green economy. The deadline for receipt of materials is February 10, 2012.

Job opening: San Francisco, California.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:42:42 -0800

The Breast Cancer Fund seeks a seasoned organizer/advocate/campaigner to coordinate the organization’s education and outreach efforts as a program coordinator. The deadline for applications is February 6, 2012.

Thresholds of toxicological concern: evaluating an initiative to reduce animal testing. Part one.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:31:52 -0800

By waiving detailed toxicological testing, in particular tests using animals, thresholds of toxicological concern (TTCs) fast-track substances through the risk assessment process, cutting time to market approval from as much as four years down to potentially as little as a few months. Health and Environment.

Chemicals used during medical imaging test may damage thyroid, study finds.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:26:22 -0800

Patients injected with contrast material were about twice as likely as those who didn’t get the chemical to develop hyperthyroidism, when the gland produces too much thyroid hormone and can cause rapid or irregular heart rates, according to a study today in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Results also showed an increased risk for hypothyroidism. Bloomberg.

Breast cancer screening cannot be justified, says researcher.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:36:28 -0800

Breast cancer screening can no longer be justified, because the harm to many women from needless diagnosis and damaging treatment outweighs the small number of lives saved, according to a book that accuses many in the scientific establishment of misconduct in their efforts to bury the evidence of critics and keep mammography alive. London Guardian, United Kingdom.

National Public Health Week.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:28:25 -0800

With the recent release of the National Prevention Strategy, this is an opportune time to champion partners to help disseminate the message that preventing disease before it begins is critical. The American Public Health Association will host a special partnership webinar on Friday January 27th to highlight ways in which partner organizations can disseminate prevention and wellness messages to local communities, showcase events taking place across the US in celebration of NPHW, and utilize tools and resources available from APHA.

Chemical manufacturers, advocates split on EPA approach to high-volume chemicals.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:19:54 -0800

Environmental health advocates strongly support the Environmental Protection Agency's October proposal to couple two regulatory approaches to secure information about 45 high-production-volume chemicals. Chemical manufacturers, however, object to the agency's proposed approach. Bloomberg BNA.

US Supreme Court blocks California slaughterhouse law.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:16:52 -0800

The Supreme Court on Monday overturned a California law that would require euthanizing downed livestock at federally inspected slaughterhouses to keep the meat out of the nation's food system. Associated Press.

Babies born into poverty are damaged forever before birth.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:08:28 -0800

Stressful conditions experienced by expectant mothers in impoverished areas because of poor lifestyle choices could impact on their children’s DNA -- leaving them with an increased chance of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. Edinburgh Scotsman, United Kingdom.

Many baby products have toxic flame retardants, analysis finds.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:05:23 -0800

Children's health advocates are calling on state legislatures to ban flame retardants in baby's products after testing found the toxic chemicals in 85 percent of items it tested. Baltimore Sun, Maryland.

Metals found in water at coal plants.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:04:15 -0800

Elevated levels of metals have been found in groundwater near ash basins at all 14 N.C. coal-fired power plants, state regulators say after intensified monitoring. Charlotte Observer, North Carolina.

Bhopal plant toxic waste still stuck in limbo.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:01:25 -0800

It has been 27 years since the gas leak in Bhopal that led to thousands of people dying -- but 350 tonnes of toxic waste still remain at the old Union Carbide plant, with various agencies unable to find a way to dispose of it safely. Live Mint, India.

As the climate dries, Mexico's milk region faces arsenic threat.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:15:59 -0800

Mexico’s Laguna Region is famed as the country’s largest milk-producing area. But overexploitation of groundwater resources combined with the effects of climate change have contaminated remaining water supplies with arsenic, and related cancer rates are high. Reuters.

25,000 unsafe toys seized at Port of Houston.

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:59:53 -0800

Consumer safety inspectors at the Port of Houston have seized more toys deemed unsafe for children - largely because of choking hazards and lead paint - than almost any other consumer product imported to the United States, second only to fireworks. Houston Chronicle, Texas.

Free e-book: A Small Dose of Toxicology, 2nd Edition.

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:19:18 -0800

The book is available for iPad, Kindle or as a PDF. All the chapters have been updated and several new chapters added with links to Toxipedia.

New video: Rapid Aging Syndrome.

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:14:25 -0800

Dr. Magda Havas has posted a short video with information about the harmful effects of electrosmog and the beneficial effects of pulsed electromagnetic devices.

Fuelling Ireland’s public health problems.

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:43:18 -0800

High risks of hazardous chemical contamination of ground water is the main but not sole reason why Genon Jenson, director of the Health and Environmental Alliance, calls fracking the next big environmental health challenge. Irish Medical Times.

The rise of antibiotic resistance: consequences of FDA's inaction.

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:32:08 -0800

With the occasional exception, FDA has failed for decades to take meaningful action on the misuse of antibiotics in food animal production -- misuse that directly contributes to the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and compromises our ability to treat bacterial infections. The Atlantic.

Crime and Courts: further fast-tracked 'tort reform' would work retroactively.

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:14:15 -0800

When Republicans passed their far-reaching tort reform bill last year, they did away with the effects of a 2005 state Supreme Court ruling that made six paint manufacturers potentially responsible for a Milwaukee boy's lead poisoning. Now, in a move that raises constitutional questions, Republicans want to apply the new court standards to cases already in court. Madison Capital Times, Wisconsin.
[See a related article: The realities of real estate: ruling on lead paint law rocks the rental market]

Check your child for elevated blood lead level.

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:13:06 -0800

Is your child not able pay attention to studies or to your instruction? Is he facing a problem with learning and reading or is he getting irritable or hyperactive? If you have observed all these symptoms in him, then he could be suffering from moderately elevated blood lead level. Indian Express, India.

SmartMeter moratorium.

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:07:26 -0800

Given the broad concern about SmartMeter technology and your Board's desire to go on record, this offce and County Counsel believe that notwithstanding the enforcement challenges, that it is in the best interest of public health, safety, and welfare for your Board to adopt the attached ordinance implementing a temporary moratorium on the installation of SmartMeters in or on any home, apartment, condominium or business within the unincorporated area of the County [of Santa Cruz].

Exposure to chemical found in personal care products may contribute to childhood obesity.

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:51:43 -0800

Researchers from the Children’s Environmental Health Center at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York have found an association between exposure to the chemical group known as phthalates and obesity in young children -- including increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Stone Hearth News.

Surge in cancer cases in Italy linked to illegal dumping of toxic waste.

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:42:59 -0800

Across Italy, on average, 14 males in every 100,000 die of liver cancer; In the 'Triangle of Death,' it was 35.9. The incidence of bladder cancer was nearly twice as high, of leukaemia 30 per cent higher. The cause? Some point to the massive illegal dumping of waste by the Naples Mafia. London Independent, United Kingdom.
[See other articles about contaminated sites: 40 years later, toxic waste still haunts pockets of DuPage County; Contamination fight heats up and Russia makes progress cleaning up pollution, but hot spots remain]

Threat of toxic playgrounds.

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:41:00 -0800

Australian scientists have raised the alarm over the potential dangers of the fake grass, and called for a moratorium on its use until its safety can be established. Sydney Morning Herald.

Documentary reveals how contaminated water at the nation's largest Marine base damaged lives.

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:39:39 -0800

Mike Partain didn’t believe the rumors about a place called Baby Heaven until he visited a Jacksonville, N.C., graveyard. Surrounded by hundreds of tiny marble headstones, he started to cry. Washington Post.

Thousands of women could be at risk from DES, the 'silent Thalidomide.'

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:37:43 -0800

Tens of thousands of British families are to be asked if they are victims of diethylstilbestrol -- DES -- a drug given to pregnant women which can cause fatal illness in the second, and possibly even third, generations. Some women given the drug in this country have already obtained compensation in America. London Independent, United Kingdom.

Is your office making you sick?

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:43:35 -0800

Indoor office air is an important source of worker exposure to the potentially toxic substances known as PFCs, or polyfluorinated compounds, according to a new study. WebMD.

Scientists agree to halt work on dangerous bird flu strain.

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:50:05 -0800

Researchers working on the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus have voluntarily agreed to stop their studies for 60 days over concerns that their data could provide a bioterror threat. In December, scientists from two independent groups reported that they had successfully manipulated H5N1 to make it more virulent. Time Magazine.

Disposal of fracking wastewater polluting Pennsylvania rivers.

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:45:48 -0800

Polluted fracking water is filled with chemicals and is 5 times saltier than seawater. Before they began pumping Pennsylvania’s fracking waste into Ohio wells much of it ended up in rivers and streams, and posed a risk to drinking water. Living On Earth.
[See other articles about pollution from energy production: Toxics from Suncor refinery spill still seeping into water; Colorado vows to "accelerate" response and Environmentalists to sue over coal ash rules delay]

Kids' leukemia risk rose near French nuclear plants.

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:43:50 -0800

In a study titled, "Childhood leukemia around French nuclear power plants -- the Geocap study, 2002-2007," researchers from the Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (French Institute of Health and Medical Research) found that the risk of acute leukemia doubled for children living within 3 miles of French nuclear power plants during that five-year period. Orange County Register, California.

Effects of coarse particulate matter on emergency hospital admissions for respiratory diseases: a time series analysis in Hong Kong.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:43:53 -0800

Coarse particles (PMc: PM between 2.5 and 10 µm in aerodynamic diameter) was associated with emergency hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in Hong Kong independent of PM2.5 and gaseous pollutants. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Inflammatory pathway genes belong to major targets of persistent organic pollutants in adipose cells.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:42:46 -0800

Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that adipose cells were targets of AhR ligands and suggested that inflammation was one of the main regulated pathways. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Variability of urinary phthalate metabolite and bisphenol A concentrations before and during pregnancy.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:40:57 -0800

Urinary phthalate metabolites and BPA concentrations were variable before and during pregnancy, but the magnitude of variability was biomarker specific. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Peripheral nervous system function and organophosphate pesticide use among licensed pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:39:41 -0800

This study provides some evidence that long-term exposure to OP pesticides is associated with signs of impaired PNS function among pesticide applicators. Environmental Health Perspectives.

The impact of heat waves on mortality in 7 major cities in Korea.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:30:01 -0800

Our findings support evidence of mortality impacts from heat waves and have implications for efforts to reduce the public health burden of heat waves. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See another article about climate and health: An ill wind? Climate change, migration and health]

Study finds antibiotic resistant bacteria in retail pork.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:18:38 -0800

Researchers say they have found that a serious antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is becoming more prevalent in retail pork products. Public News Service.

Campaign and documentary series: The Weight of the Nation.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:14:45 -0800

Institute of Medicine joins HBO, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente in developing "The Weight of the Nation," a new national campaign tackling the obesity crisis. The series premiers in May 2012.

BP oil cleanup workers join up with health study.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:59:55 -0800

Farmer was among 100 people -- mostly oil spill cleanup workers and volunteers -- who showed up at a community workshop in Gulf Breeze on Wednesday to learn about the Gulf Study, a long-term study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences on potential health impacts of the BP oil spill. PNJ.com.

Maryland court reverses $2.6M lead paint judgments against Baltimore housing authority.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:58:39 -0800

Baltimore's housing bureau does not have to pay a $2.6 million jury award to two siblings who say they were poisoned by lead paint when they lived in public residences as toddlers, a Maryland intermediate appellate court ruled Thursday. Baltimore Sun, Maryland.
[See another article about a settlement over hazards: $350,000 settlement in suit over lead, phthalates in kids products]

Easy ways to clear your indoor air.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:55:30 -0800

According to the EPA, most of us spend about 90 percent of our time indoors. And although there are plenty of laws and regulations about outdoor air pollution, most of us don't give a second thought to the air in our homes. McClatchy Newspapers.

Harmful banned pesticide slowly leaving the Great Lakes environment.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:54:45 -0800

A long-banned pesticide remains in the Great Lakes environment but is on the decline, scientists say. Toxaphene was a heavily used pesticide in the U.S. until people realized how toxic it was in 1982, the year it was banned in the Great Lakes region and most other places. Great Lakes Echo, Michigan.

US indoor tanning tax having mixed effects.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:46:04 -0800

Although a 2010 federal excise tax was meant to deter customers from using indoor tanning salons, only a minority of the businesses taking part in a new survey reported a drop in clients, and most said their customers did not seem to care. Reuters.

Dry-cleaning chemical can increase risk of bipolar disorder: study.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:42:54 -0800

A new study has found early exposure to a chemical commonly used in dry-cleaning, tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene or PCE), can increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress syndrome. Toronto Star, Ontario.

Kaiser Permanente converting to safer IV equipment.

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:37:48 -0800

Kaiser will buy IV solution bags that are 100 percent free of PVC and DEHP and intravenous tubing that is free of DEHP. Washington Post.

Canada's cancer rate on the rise: Statscan.

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:32:27 -0800

The number of people living with cancer is on the rise, according to a major new report from Statistics Canada. Globe and Mail, Ontario.

The indoor pollution threat you may not have known existed.

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:31:01 -0800

"Good Morning America" set out to investigate exactly what kind of threat indoor air pollution posed to the average person by setting up a child’s nursery with a new crib, changing table, rocker and decorations. Seven days of testing later, the results were in. The air in our new nursery contained 300 different chemicals -- compared to just two right outside the same house. ABC Good Morning America.

Manganese in well water may be harmful.

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:29:57 -0800

Once considered a nuisance, the presence of manganese in well water in sufficient concentrations may affect human health, Environmental Protection Agency officials say. New Bedford Standard-Times, Massachusetts.

Earth's nitrogen cycle profoundly affected by humans.

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:27:57 -0800

Nitrogen pollution is becoming one of the most pervasive global environmental problems, with nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff and sewage leading to coral diseases, bird die-offs, fish diseases, human diarrheal diseases and vector-borne infections transmitted by insects. Summit County Citizens Voice, Colorado.

Agricultural chemicals hurting kids.

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:27:01 -0800

A 2006 UNICEF report estimates that 3.3 million children worldwide work in the agricultural sector. In rural areas, children work under deplorable hazardous conditions that are detrimental to their physical, mental and social well-being. Kampala Observer, Uganda.

Exercise engagement as a moderator of the effects of APOE genotype on amyloid deposition.

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:42:24 -0800

The primary objective here was to examine whether physical exercise moderates the association between APOE genotype and amyloid deposition in cognitively normal adults. Archives of Neurology.

The estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) and obesity.

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:31:31 -0800

The focus of this review is on the developmental effects of estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and more specifically on effects of exposure to the estrogenic EDC bisphenol A (BPA), on adipocytes and their function, and the ultimate impact on adult obesity. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology.

Call for proposals: Healthy Start Initiative: Eliminating Disparities in Perinatal Health.

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:45:44 -0800

The purpose of this program is to address significant disparities in Perinatal health including disparities experienced by Hispanics, American Indians, African-Americans, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and immigrant populations. The application deadline is January 27, 2012.

Reuse of municipal wastewater has significant potential to augment future U.S. drinking water supplies.

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:53:34 -0800

New analyses suggest that the possible health risks of exposure to chemical contaminants and disease-causing microbes from wastewater reuse do not exceed, and in some cases may be significantly lower than, the risks of existing water supplies. National Academies News.

Pre-release draft: Healthy Homes Program Guidance Manual.

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:51:09 -0800

Based on proven approaches and techniques and the most current research, the manual is written for everyone interested in developing or expanding a Healthy Homes program.

Report: Wind turbines don't cause health problems.

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:19:00 -0800

There is little to no evidence that wind turbines pose a risk to the health of residents living near them, a panel of independent scientists and doctors found in a report commissioned by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Boston Globe, Massachusetts.

US obesity rates have leveled off -- but why?

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:12:26 -0800

Americans may be as heavy as they’re going to get -- at least for now, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult waistlines haven’t expanded since 2003, according to the study. Wall Street Journal.

Cleaner air in L.A. ports comes at a cost to truckers.

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:07:05 -0800

The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are the busiest in the nation. They also have some of the dirtiest air, thanks to thousands of cargo trucks that pass through each day. But this month marks the beginning of a new era, as tighter emissions standards go into effect. National Public Radio.
[See other articles about air quality: Air pollution monitors could come to L.A. freeways and Gasp, it's worse than we thought]

Have regulatory efforts to reduce organophosphorus insecticide exposures been effective?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:08:35 -0800

Human exposure to organophosphorus insecticides as assessed by urinary dialkylphosphate (DAP) concentrations has decreased since the implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), although we cannot be certain that EPA actions in response to the FQPA directly caused the decrease in DAP concentrations. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See another article about pesticide use: Global trends in the use of insecticides for vector-borne disease control]

No increase in brain tumours in the Nordic countries.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:03:34 -0800

The incidence of glioma -- the most common form of brain tumour -- is not increasing in the Nordic countries, contradicting the claim that mobile phone use is a cause of the disease. HealthCanal.com.

Maternal asthma medication use and the risk of selected birth defects.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:57:43 -0800

Positive associations were observed for anorectal atresia, esophageal atresia, and omphalocele and maternal periconceptional asthma medication use, but not for other defects studied. Pediatrics.

Daily aspirin is not for everyone, study suggests.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:55:46 -0800

Nearly a third of middle-aged Americans regularly take a baby aspirin in the hope of preventing a heart attack or a stroke or lowering their cancer risk. But new research shows that aspirin is not for everyone, and that in some patients this so-called wonder drug is doing more harm than good. New York Times.

Healthy children, safe homes a winning combination.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:43:36 -0800

Researchers at the Children's Environmental Health Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City offer some simple steps to help keep your children healthy and your home safe. USA Today.

The impact of temperature on years of life lost in Brisbane, Australia.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:52:55 -0800

Here we use years of life lost to provide a novel measure of the impact of temperature on mortality in Brisbane, Australia. We also project the future temperature-related years of life lost attributable to climate change. Nature Climate Change.

Green chemist: A Q&A with departing EPA science advisor Paul Anastas.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:50:34 -0800

During an interview with Jane Kay of Environmental Health News, Anastas, who will remain at his post for another month or so, said there has been a "growing realization across EPA" that green chemistry "can meet environmental and economic goals simultaneously."

Study on fracking health risks reinforces call for moratorium.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:32:21 -0800

A new study, titled "The Impacts of Gas Drilling on Human and Animal Health," shows that fracking fluids, methane gas exposure and other gas-drilling related contamination can have a serious impact on the health of both humans and animals. Athens News, Ohio.
[See a related article: America’s hidden 60 million barrel a day industry]

Lead still a problem in Muskegon County children's blood, not enough tested.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:31:09 -0800

Proposed new federal guidelines could classify more children as having too much lead in their blood, health officials said. Fewer kids are being tested because of cuts in public health budgets, Public Health Muskegon County Director Ken Kraus said. Muskegon Chronicle, Michigan.

Dirty freeway air puts Southern California health at risk, say activists.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:28:02 -0800

Growing scientific evidence has confirmed common-sense instinct that dirty freeway air is bad for health -- and that research is now spurring Los Angeles activists and regulators to consider new ways of addressing pollution. Los Angeles Daily News, California.
[See other articles about air quality: Captured by NASA space satellite: thick blanket of pollution covering much of China and Indoor pollution levels greater in Augusta bars that allow smoking, according to researchers]

Republicans attack 'regulatory reign of terror.'

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:10:07 -0800

The Environmental Protection Agency, charged with the monumental task of keeping the air pure and the streams clear, is under persistent attack this campaign season for contributing to the nation's economic woes through what one would-be president characterized as a "regulatory reign of terror.'' Evansville Courier & Press, Indiana.

The 10 best ways to prevent breast cancer.

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:26:24 -0800

Though the report authors recommend high-priority research on endocrine disruptors like bisphenol A (BPA), dioxins and flame retardants because of the "provocative, but as yet inconclusive" evidence of an association with breast cancer, they weren't able to say definitively that chemicals were culpable in causing the disease, citing a lack of reliable scientific literature. Mother Nature Network.

Building for health: improving our cities, homes, and lives.

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:23:16 -0800

How does where we live impact our health? It’s a big and complex question, but Richard Jackson, MD, MPH, is leading the way towards answers -- and interventions. San Francisco Chronicle.

The debate in Canada: what is a 'safe' level of radiation?

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:13:16 -0800

The fallout from Fukushima has sparked debate about how Canada monitors radiation and how it decides what is a "safe" level of radiation. Montreal Gazette, Quebec.

Processed meat 'linked to pancreatic cancer.'

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:11:46 -0800

A link between eating processed meat, such as bacon or sausages, and pancreatic cancer has been suggested by researchers in Sweden. They said eating an extra 50g of processed meat, approximately one sausage, every day would increase a person's risk by 19%. BBC.

UC system banning smoking from all campuses.

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:09:58 -0800

The University of California is banning cigarettes and all other tobacco products from its campuses over the next two years, in a move designed to both protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke and prevent young people from developing the bad habit. San Francisco Chronicle, California.
[See another article about tobacco use: Lawmakers get tough on smoking]

EPA sees risks to water, workers in New York fracking rules.

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:07:33 -0800

New York's emerging plan to regulate natural gas drilling in the gas-rich Marcellus Shale needs to go further to safeguard drinking water, environmentally sensitive areas and gas industry workers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has informed state officials. ProPublica.

Nurses' miscarriages linked to chemicals at work.

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:06:53 -0800

A new study reports that nurses who worked with chemotherapy drugs or sterilizing chemicals were twice as likely to have a miscarriage as their colleagues who didn't handle these materials. Reuters.

Are schools making kids sick?

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:00:27 -0800

Figures are hard to come by, but studies have estimated that a third or more of U.S. schools have mold, dust and other indoor air problems serious enough to provoke respiratory issues like asthma in students and teachers. CNN.

Light at night not a 'bright' idea.

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:33:53 -0800

Natural nighttime light is also healthier than harsh artificial light -- especially LED (light-emitting diodes) white light, which suppresses the brain's night time production of melatonin needed to regulate our biological clocks, behavior and health. Environmental News Network.

Internet addiction linked to white matter differences in teen brains.

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:29:10 -0800

Researchers in China who compared the brain scans of 18 teenagers diagnosed with Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) with those of 18 non-addicted teenagers found differences in white matter density in over 20 brain regions. Medical News Today.

Sex-specific reporting of scientific research -- workshop summary.

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:26:56 -0800

On August 30, 2011, the IOM’s Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice hosted a workshop to address the recommendation in Women’s Health Research: Progress, Pitfalls, and Promise that journals should adopt a guideline that, where appropriate, articles report the outcomes of clinical trials report on men and women separately.

The microbiome and disease: gut bacteria influence the severity of heart attacks in rats.

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:25:17 -0800

New research published online in the FASEB Journal suggests that the types and levels of bacteria in the intestines may be used to predict a person's likelihood of having a heart attack, and that manipulating these organisms may help reduce heart attack risk. ScienceDaily.

Judge rules innovative Bay Area development guidelines are flawed.

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:14:53 -0800

Development review guidelines meant to cut air pollution, the first of their kind when approved in 2010, are in limbo after a judge ruled their adoption by the region's air board was flawed. Contra Costa Times, California.

Judge puts onus on California to prove it considered methyl iodide alternatives.

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:11:07 -0800

The lawsuit over California's approval of a controversial pesticide may hinge on a seemingly straightforward question: Did regulators ever ask themselves what would happen if they didn't approve methyl iodide? San Francisco KQED, California.

Dairy air program lauded, attacked.

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:08:16 -0800

A nearly yearlong pilot program that regulators say proved its ability to reduce emissions from dairies likely will become permanent March 1. But opponents continued to criticize the plan. Yakima Herald Republic, Washington.

Chemical found in deodorants, face cream and food products is discovered in tumors of all breast cancer patients.

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:03:38 -0800

Parabens, a chemical compound widely used as a preservative in cosmetics, food products and pharmaceuticals, have been found in tissue samples from 40 women with breast cancer. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Bush meat can be a viral feast.

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:59:34 -0800

A new study now finds that meat from nonhuman primates -- from chimps to monkeys -- can host potentially dangerous viruses. Tested samples were confiscated at U.S. airports. Science News.

2010 greenhouse gas emissions data from large facilities now available.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:15:23 -0800

For the first time, comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) data reported directly from large facilities and suppliers across the country are now easily accessible to the public through EPA’s GHG Reporting Program.

Which chemicals are making us fat?

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:59:09 -0800

In her book 'The 21st Century is Making you Fat' former Ecologist Editor Pat Thomas details the full range of industrial and everyday chemicals known to encourage us to get fat. The Ecologist.
[See a related article: Programmed to be fat: everyday chemicals linked to obesity and diabetes]

Diet rich in slowly digested carbs reduces markers of inflammation in overweight and obese adults.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:19:16 -0800

Among overweight and obese adults, a diet rich in slowly digested carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes and other high-fiber foods, significantly reduces markers of inflammation associated with chronic disease, according to a new study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Such a "low-glycemic-load" diet, which does not cause blood-glucose levels to spike, also increases a hormone that helps regulate the metabolism of fat and sugar. ScienceDaily.
[See a related article about obesity: Exercise hormone may fight obesity and diabetes and another about diet and health: Dietary protein sources and the risk of stroke in men and women]

Plasticizer increases miscarriage risk.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:39:15 -0800

In the first study of its kind, scientists in Denmark report that women exposed near the time of conception to relatively common levels of a particular phthalate are more likely to experience early pregnancy loss compared to women with lower exposures. Environmental Health News.

Judge rules for Alliant in coal ash landfill case.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:38:18 -0800

A Sheboygan judge has ruled that the Town of Wilson overstepped its authority last year when it instituted tighter environmental regulations on Alliant Energy's coal ash landfill near Interstate 43 because the town's new regulations were pre-empted by state statutes regulating coal ash landfills. Sheboygan Press, Wisconsin.

Coatings influence nanoparticle toxicity.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:36:36 -0800

To understand the toxicity of nanoparticles, most scientists have focused on the materials’ metal cores. But now researchers have shown that the chemicals that decorate silver nanoparticle surfaces can change their toxicity. Chemical & Engineering News.

FDA halts orange juice imports for test.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:35:49 -0800

The U.S. has temporarily halted shipments of imported orange juice from all countries while they’re being tested, and said it will destroy or ban products containing even low levels from a banned fungicide. Bloomberg News.

Cadmium-laced jewelry removed from stores.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:34:51 -0800

More than a dozen of the most popular retailers have stopped selling jewelry that contains more than trace levels of a toxic metal called cadmium, accepting a new standard that consumer advocates say is tougher than the one endorsed by Washington. Washington Post.

Battle over methyl iodide resurfaces in Monterey County.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:32:42 -0800

Groups advocating against methyl iodide gathered in Salinas Wednesday, urging action against the pesticide within Monterey County and drawing attention to today's court hearing challenging state approval of the soil fumigant. Salinas Californian, California.

States slow to act against New England polluters.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:27:38 -0800

An investigation by the New England Center for Investigative Reporting shows that regulators in Maine and nearby states have taken months and even years to sanction facilities violating the Clean Air Act -- even those the government itself has called "high priority violators." Center for Public Integrity.
[See another article about air pollution regulation: Factbox: EPA's looming clean air rules]

Television series: Designing Healthy Communities.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:49:14 -0800

The host of the series is Dr. Richard Jackson, pediatrician, former CDC head of environmental science, top public health official in California, and current UCLA Department Chair and Professor of Environmental Health Sciences in the School of Public Health.

Statins associated with significant increase in diabetes risk.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:30:44 -0800

According to a new study, statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) may significantly increase the risk of diabetes in postmenopausal women. EmaxHealth.

Male fertility linked to omega fatty acids found in tuna, salmon: new study.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:27:39 -0800

A University of Illinois study reports that a certain omega-3 fatty acid is necessary to construct the arch that turns a round, immature sperm cell into a pointy-headed super swimmer with an extra long tail.

Study: No lung danger from casual pot smoking.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:54:05 -0800

Add one more data point to the decades-old debate over marijuana legalization: A new study concludes that casual pot smoking -- up to one joint per day -- does not affect the functioning of your lungs. CBS News.

Bay Area's urban planning must address public health, study says.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:52:22 -0800

According to a recent analysis by Oakland’s Pacific Institute and a group of public health and air-quality advocates, California’s efforts to build sustainable communities as mandated by the state law could unintentionally threaten the health of Bay Area residents. California Watch.

Nicotine 'may aid memory in early dementia.'

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:07:54 -0800

Nicotine patches may improve the memory of elderly people experiencing the earliest symptoms of dementia, researchers suspect. The patches appear to give a cognitive boost to people with mild memory impairment. BBC.

Programs to screen, treat lead poisoning in children face budget axe.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:06:22 -0800

With a steep budget cut buried deep in the $1 trillion spending measure Congress passed before the holidays, Congress quietly slashed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's lead prevention grant program by 94 percent. Public health advocates and scientists say the cut will have a devastating effect on local health programs. Greenwire.
[See a related article: EPA: Lead in shipyard housing jeopardized military families and another from India: 18% kids have high lead levels in blood]

Danger in every breath.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:05:19 -0800

Researchers have warned children are being exposed to far higher levels of dangerous particles than thought if their parents smoke -- even if they open windows or smoke at the door. Glasgow Evening Times, United Kingdom.
[See a related article: Chilean restaurants’ smoke pollution 37 times endorsed level]

3M turns the tables in Mississippi River pollution lawsuit.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:02:34 -0800

In a counterclaim filed Monday, the company said that if it is found liable for polluting the Mississippi River, the Metropolitan Council also should pay, because the planning agency dumps chemicals into the river from its seven waste treatment plants. St. Paul Pioneer Press, Minnesota.

India's children reap the bitter harvest of endosulfan.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:46:16 -0800

In some Keralan villages half the families have a severely disabled child or adult: the legacy, locals say, of spraying endosulfan pesticide. London Guardian, United Kingdom.

U.S. EPA orders world’s largest metals and electronics recycler to immediately cease illegal discharge of toxic pollutants to San Francisco Bay.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:53:23 -0800

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered Sims Metal Management, located at the Port of Redwood City, Calif., to comply with federal Clean Water Act laws following inspections that found evidence of unlawful discharges of PCBs, mercury, lead, copper and zinc into San Francisco Bay.

New blog: A Healthy Environment and Healthy Aging.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:48:38 -0800

AARP has launched a regular weekly blog on healthy aging and the environment. All are encouraged to post comments to the blog to support this important new step by AARP to reach out to their 35 million members with critical information on environmental influences on healthy aging.

CNN spotlights indoor air quality’s impact on student learning.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:43:08 -0800

CNN will shine the national spotlight on indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools across America with a segment airing on Saturday January 14th at 8 p.m., 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. ET. The program will replay again at the same times on Sunday January 15th.

Researchers identify that environmental exposure to organochlorines may impact male reproduction.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:24:07 -0800

Researchers found that men with higher levels of DDE and PCBs had significantly higher rates of sperm abnormalities. Newswise.

CDC scientist: tests needed on gas drilling impact.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:21:32 -0800

One of the government's top scientists says much more research is needed to determine the possible impacts of shale gas drilling on human health and the environment. Associated Press.
[See a related article: Fracking moratorium urged by U.S. doctors until health studies conducted and a call for comments that expires on January 11th: Revised draft SGEIS on the Oil, Gas and Solution Mining Regulatory Program]

Chinatown participates in Tufts study on health risks of living near highway.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:14:50 -0800

In Chinatown, it’s almost impossible to escape traffic. Drivers stuck bumper to bumper down Washington Street beep their horns. Trucks, cars, and busses whiz past on the Mass Pike and Route 93. These vehicles are emitting more than just noise. Boston Globe, Massachusetts.

Preventing cancer through helping the environment.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:12:02 -0800

There are ways to reduce environmentally induced cancer, and to that end, members of Cobourg's Health Hazards Committee want Mayor Gil Brocanier and his council to take responsible actions like those outlined in the book entitled: "Cancer - 101 Solutions to a Preventable Epidemic." Northumberland Today, Ontario.

EPA's Toxics Release Inventory doesn't offer full picture of pollution.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:10:21 -0800

The EPA has unveiled its analysis of the 2010 Toxics Release Inventory, a database on the disposal or release of 650 potentially dangerous chemicals used by almost 21,000 facilities. But it provides only a snapshot of the pollution produced by American industry, and estimates in some cases dramatically understate the extent of pollution. Center for Public Integrity.
[See a related article: Toxic releases up in 2010 IDEM says and a related research article: The exposure data landscape for manufactured chemicals]

Quit smoking: a new case for going cold turkey.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:09:41 -0800

A new study suggests cigarette smokers who quit after using over-the-counter medication such as nicotine patches are just as likely to relapse as smokers who go "cold turkey," casting fresh doubt on the effectiveness of such products. Wall Street Journal.

Higher temperatures, extreme weather coming.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:08:40 -0800

An Environmental Protection Ministry climate change report predicts that over the next decade, the country will see an annual decrease in rainfall, and increases in temperature, southern desertification, heat waves, periods of torrential rains and flooding. Jerusalem Post, Israel.

Economic burden from health losses due to foodborne illness in the United States.

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 11:23:06 -0800

The resulting aggregated annual cost of illness was $77.7 billion (90% CI, $28.6 to $144.6 billion) and $51.0 billion (90% CI, $31.2 to $76.1 billion) for the enhanced and basic models, respectively. Journal of Food Protection.

Questions remain about organic foods grown in China.

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 11:09:52 -0800

It's no secret that China has a tainted food problem. The USDA samples less than 1 percent of all regulated products. It regularly refuses shipments of purportedly organic foods because of pesticide residues or unsafe food additives -- not because the food does not meet organic standards, but because they do not meet standards for any food. Seattle Times, Washington.

Did moms of the 1950s spur obesity epidemic?

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 10:52:19 -0800

One fitness expert thinks obesity rates soared because a generation of young women smoked, spurned breast-feeding and restricted their weight during many, closely spaced pregnancies. Los Angeles Times.

Widespread BPA contamination in paper products, study suggests.

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 10:50:25 -0800

Bisphenol A seems impossible to avoid. It contaminates food, thermal receipts and drinks served in certain plastic bottles. A new study finds its reach goes even further. Researchers detected trace amounts of BPA in a wide variety of paper products most of us touch every day. Environmental Health News.

Soil, groundwater at airports found to be contaminated.

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 10:49:00 -0800

After finishing the first ever pollution investigation of 30 operational units at Taiwan’s airports, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) yesterday said that soil or groundwater at seven of the 11 airports had been contaminated. Taipei Times, Taiwan.

Boston lawsuit claims DES-breast cancer link.

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 10:45:55 -0800

Fifty three women from around the country are suing drug companies who made and promoted synthetic estrogen DES (diethylstilbestrol) for millions of pregnant women from about 1938 to the early 1970s. Associated Press.

The GOP presidential race and the environment.

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 22:48:57 -0800

This election season, no Republican candidates seem to embrace the values of green Republicans, on issues from climate change to the role of the EPA. But a movement among anti-abortion Christians who see a link between environmental contaminants and birth defects may force candidates to soften their positions. Living On Earth.

Study: plume vapors linked to birth defects.

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 22:18:47 -0800

A new study links congenital heart problems, low birth weight and other birth defects to soil vapors from industrial contaminants that have lurked beneath Endicott -- and in subterranean pockets across upstate New York -- for decades. Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, New York.

New discussion course: Healthy Children -- Healthy Planet.

Sat, 7 Jan 2012 21:14:16 -0800

This course from the Northwest Earth Institute is a seven-session discussion course book that addresses how the pervasive effects of advertising, media, and our consumer culture can influence a child's view of the world.

Diet in womb linked to diabetes: new study.

Sat, 7 Jan 2012 20:45:47 -0800

Researchers funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council have shown one way in which poor nutrition in the womb can put a person at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other age-related diseases in later life. Stone Hearth News.

Upcoming events.

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 14:24:30 -0800

CHE's online calendar shows events in the next week related to fracking and shale gas production, about public health policy, about obesity, about childhood cancer and health, about exposures in schools, about cumulative impacts and complexity, and about agriculture and food science.

Call for abstracts: The Contribution of Epigenetics in Pediatric Environmental Health.

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 14:21:39 -0800

On May 30th - June 1st, 2012, CEHN will convene a research conference in San Francisco. Abstracts of late-breaking research are invited through March 2nd.

Effects of decabrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE-209) in regulation of growth and apoptosis of breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer cells.

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 13:17:58 -0800

The current data demonstrate that PBDE-209 is able to promote proliferation of various cancer cells from the female reproductive system and normal ovarian CHO cells. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See another article about breast cancer: Drinking red wine in moderation may reduce breast cancer risk]

Depression linked to vitamin D deficiency, study says.

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 13:00:52 -0800

Depression is likely to occur more often in people who get less vitamin D, a recent report has found. Epoch Times.

Unreported cases of food poisoning reflect a gap in food supply safety net.

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 12:53:29 -0800

In what appears to be a gap in the food supply safety net, there is no requirement for restaurants to report when their diners are affected by food-borne illnesses even when large numbers of people get sick. New York Times.

Natural gas, oil boom spurs sand mining in Midwest.

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 12:41:31 -0800

Largely overlooked in the national debate over fracking is the emerging fight in the U.S. heartland over mining "frac sand," which has grains of ideal size, shape, strength and purity. Mining companies say the work provides good jobs in rural areas, but some residents fear the increase in mining could harm human health and the environment. Associated Press.

Tougher U.S. lead limit could strain local abatement efforts.

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 12:36:07 -0800

A federal panel is recommending lowering the threshold for lead poisoning in children at the same time that funding shortages are threatening St. Louis' lead abatement program. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Missouri.
[See another article about lead exposure: Your home's age important for child lead exposure]

Toxic releases rose 16 percent in 2010, EPA says.

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 12:34:07 -0800

The amount of toxic chemicals released into the environment nationwide in 2010 increased 16 percent over the year before, reversing a downward trend in overall toxic releases since 2006, according to a report released Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency. Washington Post.

Study finds air pollution linked to diabetes and hypertension in African-American women.

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 12:27:56 -0800

Researchers assessed the risks of incident hypertension and diabetes associated with exposure to nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM2.5) in a cohort of approximately 4,000 African American women living in Los Angeles. Medical Xpress.
[See other articles about air pollution: Pittsburgh tries to clear the air on pollution and Delhi witnesses 30 per cent rise in respiratory diseases due to high pollution and chill]

Public health effects of fracking need study, CDC scientist says.

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 11:03:41 -0800

The U.S. should study whether hydraulic fracturing used to free natural gas from wells is a hazard to people or food sources, a top official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Bloomberg Business Week.

Radon's role in lung cancer? It depends.

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 10:53:43 -0800

The radioactive gases come up through the soil, then into homes, where they can accumulate. That's why House, Ebel, as well as the U.S. Surgeon General and the EPA among others, recommend radon testing in every home. Newark Advocate, Ohio.
[See a related announcement: EPA recognizes National Radon Action Month]

When it comes to heart health, how much is too much vitamin D?

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 10:50:17 -0800

New research by Johns Hopkins scientists suggests that vitamin D, long known to be important for bone health and in recent years also for heart protection, may stop conferring cardiovascular benefits and could actually cause harm as levels in the blood rise above the low end of what is considered normal. Johns Hopkins Medicine.

EPA watchdog: nano efforts lacking.

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 10:48:08 -0800

In a blunt new report, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s internal watchdog finds that the agency lacks both the data and the administrative ability to effectively deal with the challenge posed by super-small materials that are increasingly finding their way into consumer products. New Haven Independent, Connecticut.

Citing drug resistance, U.S. restricts more antibiotics for livestock.

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 10:45:16 -0800

Federal drug regulators announced on Wednesday that farmers and ranchers must restrict their use of a critical class of antibiotics in livestock because such practices may have contributed to the growing threat in people of bacterial infections that are resistant to treatment. New York Times.

Ecological and evolutionary functional genomics--how can it contribute to the risk assessment of chemicals?

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 10:31:08 -0800

In the age of genomics, the biological effects of toxicants as well as their action as drivers of evolution, can be assessed in a new way. Environmental Science and Technology.

Cancer death rates in U.S. keep falling: report.

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 10:27:00 -0800

Cancer death rates are continuing to fall, according to the American Cancer Society's annual report on cancer statistics released on Wednesday. But new cases of seven less-common cancers rose in the past decade, suggesting more could be done in America's 40-year war on cancer. Reuters.

Was Lou Gehrig’s ALS caused by tap water?

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 10:21:34 -0800

Could a toxic molecule found in pond scum trigger neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s? Miller-McCune.

Students in low-income neighbourhoods exposed to more pollution -- SFU study.

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 09:41:51 -0800

Students attending schools in low-income neighbourhoods are more likely to be exposed to air and noise pollution because of the proximity of major roads, says a Simon Fraser University study published today. Vancouver Sun, British Columbia.

Grumpy goat cheese recalled for possible listeria contamination.

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 09:39:55 -0800

Bekkum Family Farms LLC of Westby is recalling "Grumpy Goat Shreds" cheese because it may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin.

Panel urges lower cutoff for child lead poisoning.

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 09:38:28 -0800

For the first time in 20 years, a federal panel is urging the government to lower the threshold for lead poisoning in children. If adopted, hundreds of thousands more children could be diagnosed with lead poisoning. Too much lead is harmful to developing brains and can mean a lower IQ. Associated Press.

Fine particulate matter constituents and cardiopulmonary mortality in a heavily polluted Chinese city.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 17:10:00 -0800

Our findings suggest that PM2.5 constituents from the combustion of fossil fuel may have an appreciable influence on the health impact attributable to PM2.5 in Xi’an. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See related articles: Reducing personal exposure to particulate air pollution improves cardiovascular health in patients with coronary heart disease and "Polluted" marathon sparks intense protest]

Lead, cadmium, and balance and vestibular dysfunction among adult participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 17:08:17 -0800

Our findings suggest that blood lead and cadmium levels may be associated with balance/vestibular dysfunction in a general sample of U.S. adults. Environmental Health Perspectives.

EPA seeks nominations for annual Environmental Quality Awards.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 17:02:37 -0800

Each year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honors individuals, businesses and organizations that have contributed significantly to improving the environment and protecting public health in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight federally recognized Indian Nations over the past year. EPA is now seeking nominations for this annual award.

New online training: Life Course Nutrition: Maternal and Child Health Strategies in Public Health.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 16:59:05 -0800

Eight lazy ways to lose weight.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 16:53:03 -0800

Forget dieting. Shedding a few pounds could be as easy as having a lie-in, turning down the lights and getting vaccinated. New Scientist.

Ubiquitous bisphenol A linked to adult obesity, insulin resistance.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:53:54 -0800

High urinary levels of bisphenol A in older adults are associated with increased weight and waist size, both indicators of obesity that can lead to serious illness and disease. Environmental Health News.
[See a related article: The association between urinary concentrations of dichlorophenol pesticides and obesity in children]

Patterns: trace elements and pancreatic cancer risk.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:51:59 -0800

A new study has found that high bodily levels of the trace elements nickel and selenium may be associated with reduced risk for pancreatic cancer, and that high levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead may increase the risk. New York Times.

National Public Health Conference explores shale gas production.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:45:52 -0800

Public health experts, physicians and epidemiologists from across the nation will attend a conference Jan. 9 on the public health aspects from the natural gas drilling method of hydrofracking. Canandaigua Messenger Post, New York.
[More events are listed in CHE's calendar]

Few US vets trained to treat organic livestock.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:29:57 -0800

The lack of chemicals used in organic production has created a challenge for farmers in caring for their animals: Few veterinarians are trained to treat livestock without antibiotics or other modern drugs. Associated Press.

A conversation with air pollution expert Dr. Gunasekar.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:26:36 -0800

Dr. Arunachalam Gunasekar tracked air pollution levels in Delhi over several weeks this winter, and found them "phenomenally high," sometimes five times the W.H.O.’s guidelines. New York Times.

British Columbia launches health review of oil and gas industry practices.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:21:07 -0800

The BC government has launched a review to determine if controversial practices by the oil and gas industry, such as fracking and flaring, pose a threat to human health. Toronto Globe and Mail, Ontario.

Drug research routinely suppressed, study authors find.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:18:56 -0800

Drug research, even from clinical trials sponsored by the federal government, routinely is suppressed, harming patients and increasing health care costs, according to new data highlighting an ethical controversy that continues to plague the field of medicine. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin.

Bracing for the fake sugar rush.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:18:20 -0800

As consumer demand for artificial sweeteners increases, some are concerned with how they may affect health. One reason Truvia is so appealing is its position as a "natural" alternative to aspartame, saccharin and other chemically derived sugar substitutes. But some concerns linger. Wall Street Journal.

Food industry wary of dioxin guidelines.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:16:29 -0800

Farmers and the food industry are asking the Obama administration to ease coming federal guidance that will advise consumers to minimize their intake of dioxins, chemicals that may be harmful at certain levels. Wall Street Journal.

Diabetes during pregnancy may raise ADHD risk.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:13:57 -0800

Young children are far more likely to experience attention and hyperactivity problems if their mother develops diabetes during pregnancy and they are born into a poor or lower-middle-class household, a new study suggests. children with both risk factors had a 14-fold increased risk of ADHD compared to children with neither risk factor. Health.com.

Tests find no link between baby illnesses and formula.

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:12:20 -0800

Testing by multiple government agencies has failed to find a connection between infant formula and recent cases of rare bacterial infections that killed two newborns and severely sickened two others. USA Today.

Call for comments: EPA Strategic Plan Information on Source Water Protection (Renewal).

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 14:38:18 -0800

Any additional comments on this Information Collection Request (ICR) should be submitted to EPA and OMB on or before January 26, 2012.

Call for proposals: Public Health Conference Support Program.

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 14:30:34 -0800

The CDC/ATSDR announces the pending availability of appropriated fiscal year 2012 funds for the CDC/ATSDR Public Health Conference Support Program. This program addresses the "Healthy People 2020" focus areas of Environmental Health. Letters of intent are due February 2, 2012.

Holian discusses lung inflammation caused by nanoparticles.

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 14:13:15 -0800

NIEHS grantee Andrij Holian, Ph.D., (http://cehsweb.health.umt.edu/users/andrij-holian) a toxicologist and director of the Center for Environmental Health Sciences at The University of Montana, presented the latest results from his experiments on the health and safety aspects of ENMs Dec. 6, as part of the Institute’s Keystone seminar series. NIEHS Environmental Factor.

Better profits through green chemistry.

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 14:00:50 -0800

Construction Specialties is a supplier of building materials to some of the largest industrial and commercial enterprises in the U.S. Like a growing number of companies around the country, it is adopting a 'healthy chemicals' strategy. This isn't just out of altruism, according to a company official. Customers were calling for safer products. Forbes.

Fuel additive in banned PIP breast implants -- report.

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 14:00:02 -0800

A fuel additive untested in clinical trials was used in breast implants that have since been banned, French radio station RTL reports. BBC.
[See a related article: Experts call for implants to be removed as fears grow over ruptures]

A thing or two about twins.

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 13:46:00 -0800

To biomedical researchers all over the world, twins offer a precious opportunity to untangle the influence of genes and the environment--of nature and nurture. Because identical twins come from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, they share virtually the same genetic code. Any differences between them--one twin having younger looking skin, for example--must be due to environmental factors. National Geographic Magazine.

EPA asked to delay dioxin assessment.

Mon, 2 Jan 2012 09:49:17 -0800

The American Chemistry Council, a chemical industry group, is asking the Environmental Protection Agency to change course on its assessment of the most potent form of dioxin. Such a move could further prolong completion of the assessment, which has been under way for more than 20 years. Chemical & Engineering News.

Mesothelioma on the rise in Wales.

Mon, 2 Jan 2012 09:48:35 -0800

More than 150 people have died in Gwent, Wales, over the last 25 years from a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. South Wales Argus, United Kingdom.

Hookahs' hidden risks cited.

Mon, 2 Jan 2012 09:39:07 -0800

Hookahs are commonly perceived as a less-toxic alternative for tobacco use, but researchers say the ancient smoking method, which has its roots in the Middle East and India, may actually pose great health risks, including carbon-monoxide poisoning. Louisville Courier-Journal, Kentucky.
[See other articles about tobacco use: Children feeling the effects of 2nd-hand smoke; Revolution in smoking aims to stub out cigarettes -- with the help of tobacco firms and Japanese smoking culture proves hard to snuff out]

Potential contamination causes Green Valley recall.

Mon, 2 Jan 2012 09:29:43 -0800

Green Valley Food Corp. is recalling approximately 35,159 cases of a variety of products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. North Country Gazette, New York.

Associations of early childhood manganese and lead coexposure with neurodevelopment.

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 22:02:28 -0800

We observed evidence of synergism between lead and manganese, whereby lead toxicity was increased among children with high manganese coexposure. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Remediating soil lead with fish bones.

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:52:31 -0800

Fish bones are made of the phosphate mineral apatite, which readily combines with lead to form pyromorphite, a stable crystalline mineral that can’t be absorbed by the human digestive system. Now researchers are using fish bones and other phosphate-rich amendments to remediate lead in urban soils. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Summit ties sustainability to improved public health.

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:48:53 -0800

Over the course of the 2-day summit, the attendees discussed and fine-tuned a list of suggestions addressing the 3 pillars of the sustainability paradigm as defined by the United Nations -- society, environment, and economy. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Can indoor swimming alter hormones in boys?

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:45:29 -0800

The boys who swam the most in indoor chlorinated pools had concentrations of inhibin B and total testosterone about 20% lower than those of boys who swam in the pool disinfected with copper-silver ionization, and the former were about 3 times more likely than the latter to have abnormally low concentrations of these hormones. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure and DNA damage in Mexican children.

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:21:11 -0800

The data indicate that children living in the surroundings of petrochemical industrial areas are exposed to high PAH levels, contributing to DNA damage and suggesting an increased health risk; furthermore, data suggest that polymorphisms affecting activation enzymes may modulate PAH metabolism and toxicity. Mutation Research.

Loudest threat to hearing: MP3 players.

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:18:28 -0800

Nine out of ten city dwellers may have enough harmful noise exposure to risk hearing loss, and most of that exposure comes from leisure activities. Futurity.

New China food safety scandal widens to oil, peanuts.

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:11:04 -0800

Chinese authorities in a southern boomtown have detected a cancer-causing toxin in peanuts and cooking oil that was only recently discovered in milk, in the nation's latest food safety scandal. Agence France-Presse.

Red meat lovers have more kidney cancer.

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:07:24 -0800

Researchers found that middle-aged adults who ate the most red meat were 19 percent more likely to be diagnosed with kidney cancer than those who ate the least. A higher intake of chemicals found in grilled or barbecued meat was also linked to increased risk of the disease. Reuters.

Alzheimer's: diet 'can stop brain shrinking.'

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:58:14 -0800

A diet rich in vitamins and fish may protect the brain from ageing while junk food has the opposite effect, research suggests. BBC.

Essroc Cement Corp. agrees to add pollution controls costing $33 million following alleged violations.

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:55:30 -0800

Essroc also has promised to pay a $1.7 million fine under the agreement, which would settle a clean air violation investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency. Harrisburg Express-Times, Pennsylvania.
[See other articles about air pollution: Phoenix-area no burn days hard to enforce and Study raises alarm over silent killer]

Bisphenol A in thermal paper receipts: an opportunity for evidence-based prevention.

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:36:11 -0800

BPA is found in receipt paper and appears to transfer readily from receipts to skin and to be absorbed transdermally. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Mixed metals exposures in children, with Robert O. Wright.

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:26:47 -0800

In this podcast host Ashley Ahearn discusses the neurodevelopmental effects of metals mixtures with researcher Robert O. Wright. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Job opening: Washington, DC.

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:20:53 -0800

The United Nations Environment Programme has an opening for a team assistant to work with the regional director, programme assistant and staff of the Regional Office for North America in day-to-day activities. The closing date for applications is January 4th.

WHO "deeply concerned" by mutated birdflu research.

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:09:23 -0800

The World Health Organization issued a stern warning on Friday to scientists who have engineered a highly pathogenic form of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus, saying their work carries significant risks and must be tightly controlled. Reuters.

Latest China food safety scandal widens to oil.

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:45:50 -0800

Chinese authorities have recalled cooking oil products made by three companies after finding they contained the same type of cancer-causing toxin recently found in milk, state media said Thursday. Agence France-Presse.

Threat of water pollution vaults oil and gas 'fracking' into public consciousness.

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:44:35 -0800

This was the year that "fracking" became a household word. For the first time, independent scientific investigations linked the drilling technique with water pollution, and a variety of federal and state agencies responded to the growing apprehension about water contamination with more studies and more regulation. ProPublica.

Protecting babies from neurotoxins.

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:39:56 -0800

For each dollar spent reducing mercury and hazardous air pollutant emissions under the new rule, the EPA projects up to $9 in health benefit savings by preventing an estimated 11,000 premature deaths and 4,700 heart attacks each year. CNN.

Hopkins to study genetics of asthma in African-Americans.

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:23:12 -0800

In the largest study to date, researchers will map the genetic code for asthma in people of African descent in hopes of better understanding why the disease disproportionately afflict that population. The disease is exacerbated by environmental factors such as poor air quality. Baltimore Sun, Maryland.

Destructive gold fever takes the shine off tourism.

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:22:04 -0800

Once dubbed an 'eco resort,' the Indonesian island of Lembok is threatened by mercury contamination in water, soil and food as 6,000 locals engage in rampant small-scale illegal gold mining using toxic processing methods. Sydney Australian, Australia.

CHE working group call: Science and Action to Protect Public Health: How Healthcare Professionals Are Changing Chemicals Policy.

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:37:37 -0800

Join executive director of Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles (PSR-LA), Martha Arguello for a one hour discussion examining our broken chemical safety system and offering solutions to protect our health and the environment. January 11th at 10 am Pacific / 1 pm Eastern time.

Call for presentations: Pro Walk/Pro Bike® 2012.

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:09:43 -0800

The face of the conference, however, is working to make communities safer and more attractive places for walking and bicycling. Submissions are due by February 1, 2012.

New report: The Federal Food Safety Working Group Progress Report.

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:05:49 -0800

In March 2009, President Obama created the Food Safety Working Group (FSWG), whose core mission is to strengthen federal efforts and develop short-term and long-term strategies to improve food safety.

Fracking, fluoride top health care scare list.

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:41:56 -0800

A scientific organization based in the United States has put hydrofracking and fluoridation on its top 10 list of unfounded health scares in 2011. Saint John Telegraph-Journal, New Brunswick.

Row over cancer risk of mobiles.

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:40:36 -0800

Australian brain surgeon Charlie Teo is one of 16 world experts who have accused a global newspaper of publishing "technical errors and misleading statements" in an article that rejected the idea that mobile phones cause cancer. Sydney Australian, Australia.

California pesticide use rises after years of decline.

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:39:06 -0800

Pesticide use in California rose in 2010 after declining for four consecutive years, according to state data released Wednesday. Associated Press.

Critics brand asbestos as Canada's latest global sin.

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:38:26 -0800

After the oilsands and the seal hunt, asbestos has become Canada's new sin, tarred as an evil at home and abroad. In just three years, asbestos went from being one of the country's great exports. supported by all political parties at the House of Commons, to being vilified by politicians of all stripes, including some Conservatives. Postmedia News.

Fatty food linked to brain damage, new study shows.

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:34:37 -0800

Eating too much fatty food causes brain damage linked to obesity, according to new research. US scientists found a sudden change to a high-fat diet triggered inflammation in a key area of rodent brains responsible for regulating body weight. Sydney Australian, Australia.

Efforts to clean up Agent Orange contamination in Vietnam.

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:29:15 -0800

Agent Orange has left a long and poisonous legacy, causing birth defects in children born long after the war ended. But it took until June this year for the United States to begin a project to clean up some of Vietnam's worst contaminated sites. Radio Australia, Australia.

New working group call January 12th: Analyzing and Addressing Cumulative Impacts Using an Ecological and Complexity Model.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:43:49 -0800

On this call, Ted Schettler, MD, MPH, CHE Science Director, and Science Director of the Science and Environmental Health Network, will propose a general, higher-level, qualitative ecological model, focusing on several fundamental dimensions, that may be helpful in analyzing and addressing cumulative impacts.

Smoking linked to skin cancer in women.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:40:54 -0800

The study found that women who had squamous cell skin cancer were more likely to have smoked than those who were free from the disease. And those who smoked at least 20 years were twice as likely to develop cell skin cancer, a less aggressive form of skin cancer than melanoma. HealthDay.
[See another article about smoking: Smokers targeted in 2012 campaign]

New report: Climate Change, the Indoor Environment, and Health.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:35:22 -0800

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asked the IOM to summarize the current state of scientific understanding of the effects of climate change on indoor air and public health, and to offer priorities for action.

Research provides first proof of epigenetic risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:27:14 -0800

The results demonstrated the unique abilities of this novel research approach by revealing a clear-cut, disease-predisposing DNA methylation signature. News-Medical.Net.

Call for comments: Withdrawal of Notices of Opportunity for a Hearing; Penicillin and Tetracycline Used in Animal Feed.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:23:53 -0800

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) is withdrawing two 1977 notices of opportunity for a hearing (NOOH), which proposed to withdraw certain approved uses of penicillin and tetracyclines intended for use in feeds for food-producing animals based in part on microbial food safety concerns.

Job opening: Aspen, Colorado.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:09:18 -0800

The city of Aspen has an opening for a professional-level position that plans, coordinates and supervises the overall functions and activities of the Environmental Health Department and Local Public Health Agency. Applications are due January 3rd.

New legislation seeks to eradicate PCBs in NY schools.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:52:49 -0800

Mayor Bloomberg signed legislation today relating to the notification and reporting of the possible presence of PCBs in city schools. The presence of toxic PCBs in schools has been a hot button issue for parents for a long time. New York WCBS TV, New York.

In Peru, gold rush leads to mercury contamination concerns.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:48:53 -0800

Rising global demand for gold has also fueled demand for a far less prized metal, mercury. The toxic metal is used by millions of miners every day to separate and collect gold from rocks and soil. Miners say mercury is easy to use, readily available, and cheap. PBS NewsHour.
[See another article about pollution from mining: Ethnic conflict flares over Chinese nickel mine pollution]

Breast implants need lifetime of care.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:45:49 -0800

The Internet and women's magazines are filled with enticing adverts for breast implant surgery, but experts and regulators have varying views on how long they last and possible risks. Reuters.

County in Texas sues over toxic storage on river.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:38:57 -0800

Angered that a riverside industrial waste pit leached potent chemicals into the San Jacinto River for almost half a century, the Harris County Attorney's Office is asking that those responsible be fined as much as the law allows - $25,000 a day - all the way back to the site's 1965 opening. Houston Chronicle, Texas.

The haves' children are healthier than the have-nots'.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:34:52 -0800

An analysis of state data by The Bay Citizen revealed a large variation in how fifth graders in Bay Area elementary schools perform on the physical fitness test. The schools that performed the best have few students from low-income families, for reasons that experts say are not surprising. New York Times.

Call for abstracts: International Academy on Nutrition and Aging 2012.

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:16:03 -0800

The deadline for presentations is January 24th for this symposium to be held July 12-13th in Albuquerque.

Call for proposals: Asthma in Older Adults.

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:53:32 -0800

This FOA is intended to stimulate research to address knowledge gaps and research opportunities in asthma in later life. Cycles of deadlines will continue until September 8, 2013.

Call for proposals: Behavioral and Social Genomics of Aging: Opportunities in the Health and Retirement Study.

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:01:25 -0800

This FOA encourages applications taking advantage of the newly available genetic data to advance our understanding of how genetic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors affect the health and well-being of older Americans. Cycles of deadlines will continue until September 8, 2014.

Drug take-back day April 28th.

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:34:47 -0800

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Lead concentrations in relation to multiple biomarkers of cardiovascular disease: the Normative Aging Study.

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:26:22 -0800

Blood lead may be related with cardiovascular disease through its association with tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNF-R) in healthy older men. In addition, the magnitude of the association of blood lead with TNF-R increased with age in the study population. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Groups opposed to waste-burning plan.

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:43:13 -0800

A coalition of environmental and health groups is coming out against tentative plans by a local cement plant to fire its kilns by burning a mix of nonrecyclable waste like laminated papers, cardboard, textiles, Styrofoam, plastics and packaging. Albany Times Union, New York.

Chinese milk producer promises tougher measures following scare.

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:39:44 -0800

China's largest dairy company by sales vowed on Tuesday to increase oversight of its suppliers after inspectors found elevated levels of a carcinogen in a batch of its milk, a finding it blamed on spoiled cow feed. Wall Street Journal.

Chinese turn to US for clarity in smog data.

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:35:31 -0800

The doubts about official pollution data keep piling up for China's government, as green activists, celebrity bloggers and ordinary citizens increasingly demand action and information to halt the environmental fall-out from decades of breakneck economic growth. USA Today.

Doctors, moms take on No. 1 polluter in Utah.

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:27:02 -0800

When winter comes to Utah and atmospheric conditions trap a soup of pollutants close to the ground, doctors say it turns every resident in the Salt Lake basin into the equivalent of a cigarette smoker. ScienceDaily.

Vietnam still doesn't have regulations to treat electronics waste.

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:05:26 -0800

Hung said that in Vietnam, most of the electronics waste, such as electrical home appliances, audio-visual products, electronic toys, telecommunications, medical electronics ..., all have the toxic chemicals which harm the nervous system, or cause lung cancer. VietNam Net.

Relative risk, one result at a time.

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:46:19 -0800

When research suggests that a single chemical may cause harm, public concern rises, as it has for the plastic additive bisphenol A (BPA) in recent years. But many more of the 83,000 or so humanmade chemicals used in the United States receive little attention. The possible effects of chemicals in combination get still less scrutiny, even though the potential that some chemicals will interact is high, given their numbers. American Scientist.

New film: Toxic Baby.

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:42:41 -0800

Having discovered the issue of chemical toxicity and it's effects on young children, filmmaker Penelope Jagessar Chaffer submits herself to a barrage of toxicity tests and then seeks out some of the best environmental doctors and scientists to discover what lurks in our blood and the effects that is thought to have on young children across the world, leading her to ask "Are we raising the most polluted generation in the history of the planet?"

Light switch: old-fashioned incandescent bulb to be phased out, but is it better for your health?

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:36:36 -0800

Research has shown that the disruption of circadian rhythms, such as by the blue light given off by fluorescent and LED lamps, can lead to a number of health problems, including sleep deprivation and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Hartford Courant, Connecticut.

Smuggled plastic industry health risk.

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:34:47 -0800

Unlicensed factories in an east China village have been exposed making plastic out of waste smuggled from abroad, causing serious pollution. Shanghai Daily, China.

Add vitamin D to Scotland's food: experts.

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:28:51 -0800

International experts are calling for food in Scotland to be fortified with vitamin D in an attempt to cut the large numbers of people who develop multiple sclerosis at sunshine-deprived northern latitudes. London Guardian, United Kingdom.

Effects of particulate air pollution on blood pressure in a highly exposed population in Beijing, China: A repeated-measure study.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:00:48 -0800

Our results indicate delayed effects of ambient PM10 on BP. Lack of associations with exposure groups and personal PM2.5/EC indicates that PM effects are related to background levels of pollution in Beijing, and not specifically to work-related exposure. Environmental Health.

Call for proposals: Maternal Nutrition and Pre-pregnancy Obesity: Effects on Mothers, Infants and Children.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:40:16 -0800

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the National Institute of Nursing Research encourages R01 applications to improve health outcomes for women, infants and children, by stimulating interdisciplinary research focused on maternal nutrition and pre-pregnancy obesity. The earliest submission date is January 5, 2012, with cycles of deadlines through 2014.

Call for proposals: Limited Competition: Planning Grants for Hubs of Interdisciplinary Research and Training in Global Environmental and Occupational Health.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:31:20 -0800

This request for proposals is intended to support paired consortium exploratory awards led by one Low and Middle Income Country (LMIC) institution and one US institution to plan research, research training, and curriculum development activities that address and inform priority national and regional environmental and occupational health policy issues. Letters of intent are due February 7, 2012.

100,000 female nurses being recruited to join Nurses Health Study 3.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:29:31 -0800

Female nurses or student nurses 20-46 years old in the US and Canada are invited to contribute to groundbreaking research on lifestyle, environment, nurses' worklife, and women's health by giving one hour of your time online a year.

Pregnant women advised to stay cool for baby's sake: Australian study.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:15:01 -0800

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) world-first research has found a link between increases in temperature and the incidence of stillbirth and shorter pregnancies. ScienceDaily.

U.S. approves Monsanto drought-tolerant GM corn.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:13:21 -0800

Monsanto's genetically engineered, drought resistant corn is deregulated, the U.S. Agriculture Department said Thursday, clearing the variety for sale. Reuters.

Funding cuts threaten public health disaster preparedness, study finds.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:08:17 -0800

Public health funding cuts are undermining programs that protect Americans from infectious disease outbreaks, bioterrorist attacks, and natural disasters, according to a Trust for America’s Health report released on Tuesday. National Journal.

Former Bush official touts 'market-based' air toxics regulation.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:06:55 -0800

The biggest impediment to clean air control over the past few decades has been litigation and delay, according to James Connaughton, the man some call 'the next EPA administrator' if Romney wins the White House. Center for Public Integrity.

Dismal pollution survey prompts Taiwan's doctors to take action.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:04:37 -0800

Taiwan's air quality ranked an abysmal 35 out of 38 countries surveyed by the World Health Organization, with Taipei at number 551 out of the 565 cities profiled, boasting an air quality on par with "smoker's paradise" Lebanon. Asia News Network.

Lead exposure linked to hearing loss in youth.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:48:57 -0800

Teens exposed to higher-than-normal levels of lead are more likely to have trouble hearing, suggests a new study that links the hearing problems to lead levels well below those considered "safe" by current standards. Reuters.
[See another article regarding lead hazards: Target recalls children's suitcases for lead paint]

Call for proposals: Activities that Reduce Global Anthropogenic Methane Emissions

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:30:19 -0800

EPA solicits proposals for investigation, survey, study, training, and demonstration projects (eligible projects) that advance international near-term, cost-effective methane abatement and/or recovery and use as a clean energy source, and support the goals of the Global Methane Initiative. Deadline for proposals is January 19th.

Review of the Department of Labor's Site Exposure Matrix (SEM) Database.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:13:36 -0800

The IOM will review the scientific rigor and organization of the Department of Labor’s Site Exposure Matrix (SEM) database. The focus will be on how workplace chemical usage and exposure link to certain diseases as well as the NIH’s and National Library of Medicine's (NLM) review process for Haz-Map, the database that helps link jobs and hazardous tasks with occupational diseases and their symptoms.

Call for proposals: Brownfields Conferences Co-Sponsorship 2013-2017.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:47 -0800

EPA solicits proposals from eligible entities and nonprofit organizations for financial assistance to assist nonfederal personnel (states, tribes, local governments, nonprofits, industry and community groups) in participating in three national Brownfields conferences to be planned and held over a five-year period, beginning in 2012.

New report: Plan EJ 2014: Legal Tools.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:53:13 -0800

This report reviews legal authorities under the environmental statutes administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency that may have contributive application in the effort to advance environmental justice.

EPA rolls out new mercury limits.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:52:40 -0800

The EPA on Wednesday moved to limit mercury, arsenic, selenium, cyanide, and other harmful emissions from coal-fired power plants for the first time. Politico.
[See other articles about regulation of air pollution: Industry wields sway over air pollution rules, enforcement and Obama puts personal stamp on EPA rules as Republicans pounce]

Journal retracts study linking a virus to ME.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:45:06 -0800

A study linking a virus to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as ME, has been withdrawn by the journal which published it. BBC News.

Do you hear what I hear? Noise exposure surrounds us.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:44:06 -0800

Nine out of 10 city dwellers may have enough harmful noise exposure to risk hearing loss, and most of that exposure comes from leisure activities. Historically, loud workplaces were blamed for harmful noise levels. ScienceDaily.

Consumer safety groups file first lawsuit on risks of nanotechnology.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:43:06 -0800

Concerned by the growing body of scientific reports cautioning against the unregulated use of nanotechnology in consumer products, a coalition of nonprofit consumer safety and environmental groups sued the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today. The case is the first lawsuit over the health and environmental risks of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. Nanotechnology Now.
[See another article about nanotechnology: Trojan horse causes nanoparticle allergy]

A holiday debate: clean air vs. full wallets.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:35:38 -0800

It's hard to spoil the Christmas or Hanukkah spirit at New York City's popular holiday bazaars, but all those stalls, lights and heaters are powered by diesel-fuel generators, which environmental groups say emit fumes that can aggravate lung and heart ailments and cause problems in children’s developing bodies. New York Times.

Melting glaciers mean double trouble for water supplies.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:32:49 -0800

Mountain glaciers long have been known to be in retreat as the planet warms. But the process is occurring even more rapidly than previously believed, scientists said earlier this month in San Francisco at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union. National Geographic News.

Health fears over suspect French breast implants spread abroad.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:19:58 -0800

Health officials in at least a half-dozen countries are grappling with the intense anxiety of tens of thousands of women who received breast implants that were made in France with substandard silicone -- and that have been rupturing at unusually high rates. New York Times.

Further dioxin delays sought.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:19:10 -0800

In light of just-passed federal legislation, a chemical industry group is asking the EPA to change course on its assessment of the most potent form of dioxin. Such a move by the agency could drag out completion of the assessment, which has been underway for 20 years. Chemical & Engineering News.

Ministry seeking lower radiation levels for infants.

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:12:32 -0800

Concerned about children and their exposure to radiation, Japan's health ministry is considering significantly lowering the safety standard levels for infant food and milk to half the level for food, while setting the benchmark for drinking water in line with the World Health Organization. Asahi Shimbun, Japan.
[See another article about radiation effects: New take on impacts of low dose radiation]

New partnership call: Gut Microbiota and Environmental Chemicals in Diabetes and Obesity.

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:22:27 -0800

This CHE Partnership call is scheduled for Thursday January 19th at 10 am Pacific / 1 pm Eastern time.

New report: Strengthening a Workforce for Innovative Regulatory Science in Therapeutics Development - Workshop Summary.

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:11:33 -0800

At the workshop, speakers considered opportunities and needs for advancing innovation in the discipline of regulatory science for therapeutics development through an interdisciplinary regulatory science workforce and examined specific strategies for developing a discipline of innovative regulatory science through the development of a robust workforce within academia and industry and at FDA.

Mexico ignores warnings about bisphenol A.

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:44:47 -0800

Mexican scientific experts on bisphenol A are concerned that the country has taken no measures to protect against exposure in Mexico. They worry that products banned in other countries are being sent to developing countries like Mexico. Tierramérica, Latin America.

How is climate change affecting Africa's development?

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:43:12 -0800

After each international meeting, climate change warnings get more dire, with Africa declared the most vulnerable continent. As yet another UN summit fails to reach its target, what can Africans do so they don't pay the price? Tehran Press TV, Iran.

Toxic releases rise 44 percent.

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:42:00 -0800

Tooele County remains No. 2 among Utah’s counties for industrial pollution, and the amount of toxic releases local companies emit rose 44 percent last year, according to data gathered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Tooele Transcript, Utah.

Metro Vancouver to crackdown on diesel.

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:08:50 -0800

Owners of older backhoes, forklifts and other diesel-powered non-road machines will have to register each item starting Jan. 1 under stricter Metro Vancouver air pollution regulations. Vancouver Sun, British Columbia.

Chinese protest against power plant, citing pollution fears.

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:08:02 -0800

According to reports, thousands of people in Haimen township in Guangdong province have faced off against riot police amidst demands that a coal-fired plant not be constructed in the area, citing that the region already has a high incidence of cancer stemming from other industrial facilities. International Business Times.
[See another article about pollution from a coal-fired power plant in South Carolina: DHEC pollution deal raises questions]

Lower asthma risk in chubby tots who slim down.

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:04:41 -0800

Overweight preschoolers who keep the extra pounds have a heightened asthma risk at age seven, but the baby fat doesn't seem to matter for kids who slim down, a new study suggests. Reuters.

Estimated short-term effects of coarse particles on daily mortality in Stockholm, Sweden.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:12:39 -0800

Our analysis shows an increase in daily mortality associated with elevated urban background levels of coarse particles. Regulation of the coarse particle fraction should be considered, along with actions to specifically reduce coarse particle emissions, especially road dust suspension, in cities. Environmental Health Perspectives.

A strategy for comparing the contributions of environmental chemicals and other risk factors to children's neurodevelopment.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:10:00 -0800

A method for comparing the relative contributions of different risk factors provides a rational basis for establishing priorities for reducing neurodevelopmental morbidity in children. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See other articles about exposures and children's health: Outbreak of fatal childhood lead poisoning related to artisanal gold mining in northwestern Nigeria, 2010 and Polyfluoroalkyl compounds in Texas children from birth through 12 years of age]

Call for abstracts: Environmental Justice Journal.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:52:00 -0800

A special issue will address the following theme: "Environmental Justice and Healthy Communities." This theme, arising from the APHA 2011 Conference theme, is intended for academicians, practitioners, and community collaborators who work on environmental justice issues in diverse urban and/or rural communities across the globe so that evidence-based and best-practices that have improved the health of their populations can be shared. Submissions are due no later than January 30th.

Call for abstracts: Obesity Interventions with Underserved US Populations.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:46:46 -0800

A book, Obesity Interventions with Underserved US Populations: Evidence and Directions, to be published in early 2013 by Johns Hopkins University Press, will be a collection of papers in the area of obesity/overweight prevention/reduction in underserved communities in the US. The editors welcome submissions that establish the state of the art for some part of the obesity/overweight epidemic in underserved US communities. Abstracts are due Monday January 23rd.

Call for abstracts: Inaugural National Health Impact Assessment Meeting.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:25:30 -0800

Proposals for presentations are due January 18th for this meeting to be held in Washington, DC, April 3 - 4, 2012.

Human-created mercury vapor rises to upper atmosphere, circles globe multiple times, lands on Earth, ends up in fish: UW study.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:58:17 -0800

Humans pump thousands of tons of vapor from the metallic element mercury into the atmosphere each year, and it can remain suspended for long periods before being changed into a form that is easily removed from the atmosphere. Sone Hearth News.

New report: Aging in Place.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:57:17 -0800

This report from the National Conference of State Legislatures and AARP's Public Policy Institute offers state legislators and officials concrete examples of state laws, policies and programs that foster aging in place.

Do bad times promote good health?

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:46:55 -0800

An assistant professor of urban and environmental policy and planning in the School of Arts and Sciences, Davis found a direct correlation between rising unemployment and declining air pollution, likely due to accompanying slowdowns in commercial trucking, commuting, driving to shopping centers and stores and recreational travel. HealthCanal.com.

Study warns of health and environmental hurdles to uranium mining in Virginia.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:25:45 -0800

A company lobbying lawmakers to unearth in Southside Virginia what is thought to be the nation’s largest uranium deposit needs to overcome significant health and environmental obstacles before the site is mined, according to a long-awaited study released Monday. Washington Post.

Education Dept. must tell parents about plans to rid schools of PCB-tainted lights, Council says.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:23:39 -0800

The City Council's Education Committee unanimously approved two laws pushing the Education Department to better inform the public of PCB contamination in schools. New York Daily News, New York.

Eating less could save brain from aging.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:21:21 -0800

Eating less may keep the mind young, according to Italian scientists who say they have discovered the molecular process by which a strict diet may save the brain from the ravages of age. Agence France-Presse.

Activists celebrate the closing of polluting plant.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:19:54 -0800

Community activist Martha Sanchez announced Monday the end of an eight-year battle to close a metal finishing plant that residents say has contaminated their South Los Angeles neighborhood, making their children and teachers sick. Los Angeles Times, California.

Anti-radiation garments may be 'harmful.'

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:17:09 -0800

Anti-radiation clothing, one of the must-haves for pregnant women in China, could be doing more harm than good, scientists have warned. Shanghai Daily, China.

Studies suggest an acetaminophen-asthma link.

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:16:18 -0800

The sharp worldwide increase in childhood asthma over the past 30 years has long perplexed researchers, who have considered explanations as varied as improved hygiene and immunizations. Over the last decade, however, a new idea has emerged. New York Times.

New issue of Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology online.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:47:21 -0800

Free full-text articles are now available from the January/February 2012 issue.

Call for abstracts: International Conference on Occupational Health and Safety Summit.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:36:22 -0800

The main goal of this program is to foster a safe work and working environment. The first round abstract deadline is February 20, 2012, for this conference to be held August 27-29, 2012, in Northbrook, Illinois.

Call for abstracts: APHA Annual Conference.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:31:47 -0800

The theme of the American Public Health Association conference is "Prevention and Wellness Across the Lifespan." Submission deadlines are mostly in February, depending on section, for the conference to be held in San Francisco October 27-31, 2012.

Argentina: poison from the sky.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:27:27 -0800

Argentina's soy boom has been a major source of foreign exchange. But the other side of the coin is the toxic effects among the rural population, from spraying agrochemicals. Upside Down World.

Nursing visits tied to improved environmental health.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:23:57 -0800

The findings, published in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health, demonstrated that rural low-income parents who received visits from public health nurses were more likely to take precautionary environmental health steps than those who only received published health literature. WSU News, Washington.

High-fat diet leaves its mark on sperm.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:22:39 -0800

Obese male mice tend to sire unhealthy offspring. And it seems diet is to blame, causing tiny changes in sperm that may lead to metabolic disorders in mouse pups. The discovery brings us closer to understanding how lifestyle choices affect the health of future generations. New Scientist.

TSA apparently is moving away from X-ray type body scanners.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:19:55 -0800

Pat-downs continue to rankle some passengers. But other passengers say they are more concerned about the radiation from body scanner X-ray machines the government employs at many airports. Sacramento Bee, California.

Selenium, nickel may cut cancer.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:38:30 -0800

High levels of the trace elements selenium and nickel may help cut the risk of deadly pancreatic cancer, according to new research. The elements, which are found in certain foods, appear to offer a protective effect against the disease. Australian Associated Press.

2011 science news of the year.

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:22:59 -0800

Some of the year’s revelations were downright unnerving: Sea level is rising at an accelerating rate and Arctic ice cover continues its long-term decline. But there are reasons for optimism, too. Science News.

Scientists discover anti-inflammatory polyphenols in apple peels.

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:53:35 -0800

Here's another reason why "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" -- according to new research findings published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, oral ingestion of apple polyphenols (antioxidants found in apple peels) can suppress T cell activation to prevent colitis in mice. ScienceDaily.

Consumer website lists chemicals in children's toys.

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:48:32 -0800

Parents can check the amount of BPA -- bisphenol A, the same toxic chemical already banned in plastic baby bottles and sippy cups -- in 650 brand name toys on HealthyStuff.org, a Michigan-based Web site. Observer & Eccentric.
[See a related article about a new report: Poison in Paint, Toxics in Toys and another article about BPA: BPA: a threat to health that's hard to avoid]

Ethanol plants add to pollution in South Dakota.

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:45:22 -0800

Chronic pollution is less of a concern in a rural state such as South Dakota than in other states, but toxins emitted from the state’s expanding ethanol industry are becoming more significant, a federal environmental data shows. Sioux Falls Argus Leader, South Dakota.

Increasingly, smoking indoors is forbidden at public housing.

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:43:55 -0800

In 2004, the Auburn Housing Authority became the first authority in Maine and one of the first in the country to ban smoking in public housing, and it has served as a model. Similar policies are being adopted with increasing frequency across the country as cities move aggressively to restrict smoking in more public places. New York Times.

Children would be protected from pesticides under advancing legislation.

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:43:02 -0800

Legislation that would protect children from exposure to potentially harmful pesticides at child care centers and certain schools, playgrounds and recreational fields was released recently by an Assembly committee. Gloucester County Times, New Jersey.

Cancer from fetal exposure to carcinogens depends on dose, timing.

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:18:43 -0800

The cancer-causing potential of fetal exposure to carcinogens can vary substantially, a recent study suggests, causing different types of problems much later in life depending on the stage of pregnancy when the fetus is exposed. ScienceDaily.
[See another article about cancer: Irish town in shadow of toxic dump has 40 percent higher cancer rate]

Juvenile obesity and its association with utilisation and costs of pharmaceuticals - results from the KiGGS study.

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:13:21 -0800

This is the first study to estimate excess drug costs for obesity based on a representative cross-sectional sample of the child and adolescent population in Germany. The results suggest that obese children should be classified as a priority group for prevention. BMC Health Services Research.

Outwit the Grim Reaper by walking faster.

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:12:01 -0800

Men aged 70 and older can elude the Grim Reaper by walking at speeds of at least 3 miles (or 5km) an hour, finds a study in the Christmas issue published on bmj.com today. EurekAlert!

Large dairies, feed lots linked to air pollution.

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:10:57 -0800

A recent scientific study that took place in the Yakima Valley has linked large-scale dairies and animal-feed lots to air pollution, providing what environmentalists hope will be a useful tool for enforcing air-quality regulations on such operations. Seattle Times.

Water boards attempt to manage California's nitrate problem.

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:08:22 -0800

It started in 2001, and mostly affected the very young and the very old. Peoples’ hair would fall out, their skin would break out in rashes and their eyes would turn red after showers. HealthyCal, California.

EPA ordered to do outside reviews of toxicology database.

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:02:47 -0800

Congress has directed the Environmental Protection Agency to document improvements to its process of drafting regulatory standards for toxic chemicals and to ask the academies to review up to three of its toxicity assessments. Science.

Evangelicals, Catholics back mercury limits.

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:00:12 -0800

Mercury from power plants can be harmful to developing fetuses. In an unusual alliance that has the potential to shift pollution politics, Catholics and evangelical Christians opposed to abortion are joining forces with child health advocates to lobby for stricter limits on mercury pollution. Living On Earth.
[See another article about mercury limits: Illinois coal plants ahead of EPA mercury rule]

Wood smoke now a major Northwest air polluter.

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:58:08 -0800

The warning label on the wrapping of neatly split firewood is one we're more accustomed to seeing on cigarettes or heavy-duty chemicals: "known... to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm." But in fact, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, asthma attacks and premature death -- in addition to cancer -- all are linked to wood smoke pollution. National Public Radio.

Call for abstracts: Childhood Cancer 2012.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:54:16 -0800

The theme of this conference to be held April 24 - 26, 2012, in Westminster, UK, is "early exposures and childhood cancer." Submissions are due by January 12th.

Relation between dietary cadmium intake and biomarkers of cadmium exposure in premenopausal women accounting for body iron stores.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:51:45 -0800

Our results indicate that measured dietary cadmium intake can reasonably well predict biomarkers of both long-term kidney accumulation (urine) and short-term exposure (blood). The predictions are improved when taking data on the iron status into account. Environmental Health.

Study shows sugarcane ethanol production causes air pollution.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:40:51 -0800

UC Merced researchers show burning of sugarcane fields prior to harvest can create more pollution than previously thought, detracting from benefits of the alternative fuel source. HealthCanal.com.

'Food insecurity' blocks menstrual cycle in young girls.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:37:36 -0800

Girls with limited access to food enter into their first menstrual cycle at slower rates and up to a year later than those who have not consistently gone hungry, according to a long-term study of Ethiopian girls. Environmental Health News.

Are you inhaling secondhand coke?

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:29:37 -0800

We've all seen those color-coded air-quality charts on the news --warnings about smog, ozone, and pollen. Now it may be time to add a new alert to the list: illegal drugs. Researchers have found that regions with greater cocaine and marijuana use have higher levels of these drugs in the surrounding atmosphere. Science.

EPA allowed unsafe handling of asbestos, inspector general says.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:28:59 -0800

The Environmental Protection Agency has allowed the use of unapproved methods to demolish buildings containing asbestos, threatening public health and possibly violating worker safety rules, the EPA’s inspector general has concluded. Center for Public Integrity.

EPA says Omaha lead cleanup hit big milestone.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:26:49 -0800

The Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday that it has cleaned up lead contamination from 10,000 Omaha yards but still has about 4,100 more to do before completing the 13-year-old project. Associated Press.

International tribunal finds six agrochemical companies 'guilty' of violating human rights.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:24:00 -0800

The Permanent People’s Tribunal laid down a guilty verdict in Bangalore, India against six of the world’s biggest agrochemical companies "responsible for gross, widespread and systematic violations of the right to health and life, economic, social and cultural rights, as well as of civil and political rights, and women and children’s rights." Quezon City Bulatlat, Philippines.

Death-by-air in Beijing exposes untold heart risk.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:23:14 -0800

As smog grounded hundreds of flights from Beijing last week, emergency doctors at Peking University People’s Hospital faced a rush of patients. Lungs weren’t the problem, says Ding Rongjing, the hospital’s deputy head of cardiology. Bloomberg News.

Identification of phthalates in medications and dietary supplement formulations in the U.S. and Canada.

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:08:10 -0800

Numerous prescription (RX) and non-prescription (OTC) drug products and supplements from a wide range of therapeutic categories may use DBP or DEP as excipients in oral dosage forms. Environmental Health Perspectives.

EPA approves three alternative refrigerants to replace hydrofluorocarbons in commercial and household freezers.

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:05:35 -0800

Replacing older refrigerants will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 600,000 metric tons by 2020, equal to the emissions from the annual electricity use of nearly 75,000 homes, and will help protect people’s health and the environment.

New tool: Feasibility Planning for Public Health Business Plans.

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:00:50 -0800

This module will take you through the process of creating a feasibility plan, a necessary step before writing a full business plan, to determine whether your idea is worth pursuing.

Mothers' weight before and during pregnancy affects baby's weight.

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:55:37 -0800

A new study published in the journal Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica (AOGS) reveals that both pre-pregnant weight (body mass index, BMI) and weight gain in pregnancy are important predictors of babies' birthweight. This is important since high birthweight may also predict adult overweight. ScienceDaily.

Army program aims to build troops' mental resilience to stress.

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:29:03 -0800

In 2009, the Army launched a program designed to help the country's 1.4 million people in uniform cope after tours in Iraq or Afghanistan. Betty Ann Bowser reports on the goals of the $140 million Comprehensive Soldier Fitness initiative, and the controversy it has created. PBS News Hour.

Environmental health threat.

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:26:38 -0800

Brahadeesh Chandrasekaran, Research Associate at Frost & Sullivan, voices concern over the threats to health posed by long-term exposure to radiofrequency. Public Service, UK.

People on India's Bihar-UP border suffer serious disorders due to water contaminated by arsenic.

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:20:00 -0800

Underground water contamination along the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border of the Ganga belt has been chronic for decades and people in this area continue being poisoned by arsenic-rich water. India Today, India.

Bad rock: How mountaintop removal mining can damage streams.

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:18:58 -0800

Recent examinations of the health and environmental impacts of mountaintop mining has the practice looking pretty guilty. It apparently spikes birth defects, worsens chronic conditions like heart disease, and ruins land, and it doesn’t look like it will be clearing its name anytime soon. Time Magazine.

EPA produces plan to reduce air haze.

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:18:09 -0800

Environmental groups applauded the announcement Wednesday by federal regulators of a plan to reduce air pollution in Oklahoma, which the state’s top lawyer plans to challenge in court. Muskogee Daily Phoenix, Oklahoma.

Children's leukemia risk tied to father's smoking: study.

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:14:11 -0800

Children whose fathers smoked around the time of their conception have at least a 15 percent higher risk of developing the most common form of childhood cancer, a type of leukemia, according to an Australian study. Reuters.

Job opening: King County, Washington.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:10:25 -0800

The Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has an opportunity for a part-time communications coordinator to work from a home office, ideally in or near King County.

New report: Scientific Standards for Studies on Modified Risk Tobacco Products.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:03:50 -0800

In order to market a modified risk tobacco products (MRTP), manufacturers must submit to the FDA scientific evidence to demonstrate the product has the potential to reduce tobacco related harms as compared to conventional tobacco products.

Special journal issue on endocrine disruptors.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:54:46 -0800

The October 2011 issue of the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology focused on endocrine disrupting chemicals. A number of the articles discuss obesogens, in addition to many other relevant topics.

Environmental Health News: email, Facebook, Twitter and a website archive.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:38:15 -0800

EHN and its sister site, The Daily Climate, offer a wealth of valuable information each day at no cost to subscribers. The daily email subscriptions and the 350,000-item news archive have recently been supplemented by a Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Super hospital disinfection.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:36:15 -0800

A Queen’s University infectious disease expert has helped in the development of a disinfection system that may change the way hospital rooms all over the world are cleaned as well as stop bed bug outbreaks in hotels and apartments. Environmental News Network.

Maine manufacturers forced to report use of BPA and other toxic chemicals in toys, paints.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:34:15 -0800

Environmental health advocates on Tuesday called for congressional action to outlaw certain chemicals after the release of a report identifying more than 650 brand name products that contain the toxins. Bangor Daily News, Maine.

Arsenic in water near coal-fired US plants: monitor.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:30:47 -0800

An environmental monitor Tuesday identified 19 new sites across the United States where groundwater near coal-ash dumps from power plants was found to be contaminated with arsenic and other pollutants. Agence France-Presse.

Seafood revealed as biggest source of dangerous toxins.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:29:58 -0800

Seafood is the largest source of potentially harmful dioxin-based toxins in the diet of Hongkongers, according to a major food study conducted by the Centre for Food Safety. The highest levels were found in mandarin fish, followed by oysters and pomfret. South China Morning Post, China.

Farmers slow to adopt new pesticide.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:28:58 -0800

A year after environmentalists lost a regulatory battle to keep the controversial pesticide methyl iodide off the California market, they appear to be winning the ground war against the chemical. HealthyCal, California.

We Energies to reduce emissions.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:25:21 -0800

We Energies has committed to trimming emissions of pollutants linked to respiratory illnesses next year and will consider converting the Valley Power Plant to burn natural gas instead of coal by 2017 or 2018. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin.

Environmental injustice: EPA neglects discrimination claims from polluted communities.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:23:56 -0800

Three years into Lisa Jackson’s tenure as head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than a dozen formal complaints alleging air pollution is disproportionately harming low-income, minority communities remain unresolved. Center for Public Integrity.

Did smokefree legislation in England reduce exposure to secondhand smoke among non-smoking adults? Cotinine analysis from the health survey for England.

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:06:12 -0800

England’s smokefree legislation impacted on secondhand smoke exposure above and beyond the underlying long-term decline demonstrating the positive effect of the legislation. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See another article about tobacco use: Teens swapping cigarettes for flavored mini cigars]

The banning of BPA.

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:02:44 -0800

The banning of BPA in California further widens the gap between state and federal health laws and regulations. Environmental News Network.

NTSB recommends full ban on use of cell phones while driving.

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:17:56 -0800

The new recommendation, if adopted by states, would outlaw non-emergency phone calls and texting by operators of every vehicle on the road. CNN.

Coal byproduct, hazardous waste?

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:38:38 -0800

It was the largest release of toxic fly ash in U.S. history. Three years ago, just three days before Christmas in the middle of the night, a giant holding pond ruptured in Kingston, Tennessee. Since then, the EPA has proposed tough new rules for fly ash and has received almost half a million responses from the public. Fly ash is one of the most heavily produced and unregulated energy wastes. Living On Earth.

EPA to unveil stricter rules for power plants.

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:36:56 -0800

More than 20 years ago, Congress ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate toxic air pollution. It's done that for most industries, but not the biggest polluters -- coal and oil-burning power plants. The EPA now plans to change that later this week, by setting new rules to limit mercury and other harmful pollution from power plants. Morning Edition, NPR.

Study: indoor tanning linked with early onset of skin cancer.

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:33:00 -0800

Given that indoor tanning beds were officially classified as a human carcinogen in 2009 -- up there with cigarettes and asbestos -- it should be fairly obvious that frequent tanning-booth exposure would increase your risk of skin cancer. Time Magazine.

Healthiest US states ranked.

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:26:34 -0800

Where do you live? Good health depends on a confluence of factors: behavior, genes, community environment, access to care and not least of all, where you live. Americans in the deep South, in states with high poverty rates and low access to high-quality medical care, rank at the bottom. Time Magazine.

Sick soil in Cedar Rapids.

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:24:59 -0800

Chemicals banned decades ago -- polychlorinated biphenyls and chlordanes -- persist in soil throughout the city, but experts are divided on the risk they pose to people living in Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapids Gazette, Iowa.

New lesson: Lettuce Explore Perchlorate in Food.

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:07:37 -0800

This lesson for students in grades 10-12 is based on the Environmental Health Perspectives news article Perchlorate Exposure: Tip of the Iceberg?

Call for comments: Water Quality Standards Regulations.

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:54:43 -0800

Section 303(c) of the Clean Water Act requires states and authorized tribes to establish water quality standards, and to review and, if appropriate, revise their water quality standards once every three years. The Act also requires EPA to review and either approve or disapprove the new or revised standards, and to promulgate replacement federal standards if necessary. Comments may be submitted on or before January 6, 2012.

Call for proposals: Building Capacity for Health Impact Assessments at State/Territorial Health Agencies

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:45:50 -0800

ASTHO), in conjunction with CDC/NCEH/HCDI will fund and support up to two state or territorial health agencies to conduct one Health Impact Assessment (HIA) or conduct one HIA training. Proposals are due December 30th.

Neuroprotection by spice-derived nutraceuticals: you are what you eat!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:35:05 -0800

Extensive research over the last 10 years has indicated that nutraceuticals derived from such spices as turmeric, red pepper, black pepper, licorice, clove, ginger, garlic, coriander, and cinnamon target inflammatory pathways, thereby may prevent neurodegenerative diseases. How these nutraceuticals modulate various pathways and how they exert neuroprotection are the focus of this review. Molecular Neurobiology.

Brief, high-intensity workouts show promise in helping diabetics lower blood sugar.

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:33:06 -0800

Researchers at McMaster University have found that brief high intensity workouts, as little as six sessions over two weeks, rapidly lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics, offering a potential fix for patients who struggle to meet exercise guidelines. Newswise.

How developing nations can protect children from hazardous chemical exposures while sustaining economic growth.

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:27:43 -0800

We describe present and potential costs of environmental exposures and discuss policy options to protect future generations of children in a sustainable development context. Health Affairs.

Diabetes meds, pancreatitis & prescribing habits.

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:24:26 -0800

The ongoing concern that some diabetes meds -- such as Byetta and Januvia -- are linked to pancreatitis and, possibly, pancreatic cancer - is having an effect how doctors view the meds and their subsequent prescribing habits. Pharmalot.

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: fact or fiction?

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:14:18 -0800

This paper offers a review of the sparse literature on this perplexing condition and a discussion of the controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the EHS diagnosis. Recommendations are provided to assist health professionals in caring for individuals complaining of EHS. Science of the Total Environment.

Stress in early pregnancy can lead to shorter pregnancies, more pre-term births and fewer baby boys.

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:12:13 -0800

Although it has been known for a while that stress may affect the duration of pregnancy, until now, no study has looked at the impact of both the timing of the stress and the effect that stress might have on the ratio of male-to-female births. e! Science News.

Chronic disease and the shifting focus of public health: is prevention still a political lightweight?

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:10:35 -0800

This article examines the structural disadvantage faced by those who advocate for public health policies and practices to reduce chronic disease related to people’s unhealthy lifestyles and physical environments. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law.

Fracking: pollution finding could hurt gas drilling.

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:05:42 -0800

Fracking -- a modern method to extract oil and gas -- may be contaminating drinking supplies in Wyoming. But a new EPA report on the impact of fracking is not conclusive. It contradicts industry claims that fracking fluids have never contaminated drinking water. Reuters.

Water district: DDT tests are needless despite harmful levels at south end of Lake Okeechobee.

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:02:38 -0800

Despite the high levels -- often twice the amount known to harm wildlife -- the South Florida Water Management District is asking the state to let it stop monitoring for the pesticides in the soil at six sites around the lake following budget cuts. Palm Beach Post, Florida.

Thousands of sugar cane workers die as wealthy nations stall on solutions.

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:01:37 -0800

Chronic kidney disease is cutting a swath through one of the world’s poorest populations, along a six-country stretch of Central America’s Pacific Coast. Its victims are manual laborers, mostly sugarcane workers. Is it caused by heat stress, or exposure to some unknown contaminant? Center for Public Integrity.

Brominated battle: Soda chemical has cloudy health history.

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:59:54 -0800

Patented as a flame retardant for plastics, and banned in food throughout Europe and Japan, a brominated chemical called BVO has been added to sodas for decades in North America. Now some scientists have a renewed interest in this little-known ingredient, found in 10 percent of sodas in the United States. After a few extreme soda binges -- not too far from what many video gamers regularly consume -- a few patients have needed medical attention for skin lesions, memory loss and nerve disorders, all symptoms of overexposure to bromine. Environmental Health News.

Possible net harms of breast cancer screening: updated modelling of Forrest report.

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 11:03:10 -0800

This analysis supports the claim that the introduction of breast cancer screening might have caused net harm for up to 10 years after the start of screening. British Medical Journal.

Loopholes make environment law enforcement weak.

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 11:01:10 -0800

The Ministry of Justice has found out from its surveys in the cities and provinces of Hanoi, HCM City, Nghe An, Da Nang, Can Tho and Hai Phong, that the loopholes in the legal framework on environment protection have led to the ineffective enforcement of the laws. VietNam Net.

Autism boom: An epidemic of disease or of discovery?

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:58:35 -0800

Nearly 1% of U.S. children have some form of autism, 20 times the prevailing figure in the 1980s. The increase has stirred parents' fears and mobilized researchers to pinpoint why the disorder appears to be affecting so many more. Los Angeles Times, California.

Top-selling insulin associated with increased cancer risk.

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:40:46 -0800

A presentation at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium revealed an increased risk of cancer in association with insulin glargine, the world's top-selling long-acting insulin analog which is marketed under the brand name Lantus®. In contrast, use of the antidiabetic drug metformin, available as a low-cost generic, was associated with an impressive reduction in cancer risk. LifeExtension.

Weak Dutch tobacco controls to cost lives: experts.

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:38:29 -0800

Leading cancer, asthma and heart health experts accused the Dutch government on Friday of "all but closing down" its tobacco controls and said such lax policies could lead to 145,000 preventable deaths by 2040. Reuters.

Ecology department offers advice, assistance for arsenic contaminated soil from Tacoma Plume.

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:37:15 -0800

Efforts by the state Department of Ecology are continuing to deal with soil contaminated in the Highline area and elsewhere by arsenic and lead blown for over a 100 years from a smoke stack at the ASARCO copper smelter in Ruston. Burien Highline Times, Washington.

DEQ issues air quality warning.

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:34:36 -0800

The Department of Environmental Quality and Bureau of Community and Environmental Health are urging houses that utilize wood-burning stoves to exercise extra caution this winter. Kellogg Shoshone News Press, Idaho.

Half of Fukushima examinees exposed to radiation above annual limit.

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:28:33 -0800

Hundreds of residents in Fukushima Prefecture checked for radiation exposure after the nuclear accident there had levels exceeding what the government says is the safe annual limit. Asahi Shimbun, Japan.

CHE-Alaska call December 14th.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 16:47:50 -0800

The call topic is "The Role of Environmental Chemicals in the Development of Diabetes and Obesity", and speakers will be Bruce Blumberg, PhD, and David O. Carpenter, MD.

Cumulative Impacts Working Group call December 15th.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 16:47:34 -0800

The call topic is "Community Benefits Agreements: Tools for Improving Public Health." Dr. Tom Musil at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, will present an overview of CBA advocacy groups, enforcement, land use regulatory issues and more.

Estimated acute effects of ambient ozone and nitrogen dioxide on mortality in the Pearl River Delta of southern China.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 16:44:13 -0800

We found consistent positive associations between ambient oxidants and daily mortality across the Pearl River Delta cities. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Call for abstracts: Childhood Cancer 2012.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 14:56:38 -0800

Abstracts on topics relevant to the conference theme of early exposures and childhood cancer will be considered for both poster and platform presentation. Submissions are due by Thursday January 12, 2012, for the conference to be held April 24th to 26th in Westminster, London, UK.

Intermittent, low-carbohydrate diets more successful than standard dieting, study finds.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 14:54:32 -0800

An intermittent, low-carbohydrate diet was superior to a standard, daily calorie-restricted diet for reducing weight and lowering blood levels of insulin, a cancer-promoting hormone, according to recent findings. ScienceDaily.

IBM, drug firms donate chemical data to life sciences researchers.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 14:50:52 -0800

IBM Corp. and four major drug manufacturers have donated to the National Institutes of Health a huge database of chemical data extracted from patents and scientific literature. Health Data Management.

City schools rife with PCBs linked to cancer and more.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 14:47:59 -0800

The majority of schools across New York City -- and roughly 70 percent of schools in Brooklyn -- are contaminated with toxic PCBs, according to figures supplied by the School Construction Authority -- and experts warn that the chemical may be affecting the health of babies that haven’t even been born yet. Brooklyn Daily Eagle, New York.

EPA connects 'fracking' to water contamination.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 14:47:08 -0800

For the first time, a government study has tied contamination in drinking water to an advanced drilling technique commonly known as "fracking." All Things Considered, NPR.

U.S. finds no link between Vieques bombings and health risks.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 14:45:52 -0800

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry released the results of a review that confirmed a conclusion reached by the agency in 2003 that heavy metals and explosive compounds in the island’s soil, groundwater, air and fish posed no health hazards. The report was immediately challenged. New York Times.

Lead from old US batteries sent to Mexico raises risks.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 14:43:14 -0800

The spent batteries Americans turn in for recycling are increasingly being sent to Mexico, where their lead is often extracted by crude methods that are illegal in the United States, exposing plant workers and local residents to dangerous levels of a toxic metal. New York Times.

Studies link pollution to lower IQs, increased Alzheimer's risk.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 12:33:27 -0800

Several new studies in recent months have added new complications that can be linked to over-exposure to pollution from automobile traffic. Studies in New York, Beijing, Boston, and Krakow, Poland show that children in high traffic areas perform worse on intelligence tests and have more emotional problems than children who breath cleaner air. Public Radio International.

Call for abstracts: the contribution of epigenetics in pediatric environmental health.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 15:44:42 -0800

The conference will be held May 30 - June 1, 2012, in San Francisco. It will highlight the role of epigenetics in determining the impact of the environment on pediatric disease and children's current and future health.

Bone resorption and environmental exposure to cadmium in children: a cross-sectional study.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 15:42:39 -0800

Even in young children, low-level environmental exposure to cadmium is associated with evidence of bone resorption, suggesting a direct osteotoxic effect with increased calciuria. These findings might have clinical relevance at older age. Environmental Health.

Call for support for the Cleaning Product Right to Know Act.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 15:25:35 -0800

Women's Voices for the Earth has a petition to ask your Representative to co-sponsor the Cleaning Product Right to Know Act to require companies to list all ingredients on the label.

Women advised to avoid ZEN bust-enhancing supplements because of possible cancer risk.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 15:18:37 -0800

Women who use bust-enhancing dietary supplements containing the mycoestrogen zearalenone (ZEN), a naturally occurring toxin that widely contaminates agricultural products, could be increasing their risk of breast cancer. ScienceDaily.

Public meeting and request for public comments: Carcinogen and Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) Policy Assessment

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 15:11:06 -0800

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces a public meeting to review its approach to classifying carcinogens and establishing recommended exposure limits (RELs) for occupational exposures to hazards associated with cancer. The meeting is December 12, 2011, and written comments to NIOSH Docket number 240 will be accepted until December 30, 2011.

Maternal care influences brain chemistry into adulthood, animal study shows.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 13:57:31 -0800

A collaborative research group including scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg has demonstrated using mice that intensive maternal care during infancy promotes the effect of NPY in the brain. ScienceDaily.

Vitamin D deficiency in obese children and its relationship to glucose homeostasis.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 13:54:57 -0800

Vitamin D deficiency is common in children in this southern United States location and is significantly more prevalent in obese children. Lower 25(OH)D level is associated with risk factors for type 2 diabetes in obese children. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Africa: women face greater threat from climate change.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 13:47:42 -0800

Women face disproportionately high risks to their livelihoods and health from climate change, according to a new report released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). BuaNews, South Africa.

Almost half of Americans oppose x-ray body scanners.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 13:22:07 -0800

Even if X-ray body scanners would prevent terrorists from smuggling explosives onto planes, nearly half of Americans still oppose using them because they could cause a few people to eventually develop cancer, according to a new Harris Interactive poll conducted online for ProPublica. ProPublica.

Heavy metals in child products.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 13:19:59 -0800

More than a third of 500 children's products bought in five cities in China contained at least one type of toxic heavy metal, according to a report by environmental groups. Shanghai Daily, China.

FDA to decide whether to ban BPA in food packaging.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 13:19:25 -0800

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will decide by March 31 whether to ban the chemical BPA in food packaging. The agency's promise, announced Wednesday, settles a lawsuit brought in August by the Natural Resources Defense Council. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin.

Questioning the rise of mobile phone towers.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 13:18:35 -0800

Western New South Wales is seeing a growing number of mobile phone towers pop up. But some locals have been battling to block the installation of such towers in their neighbourhoods on the grounds of potential health impacts. Australia ABC News, Australia.

Risk, hazards, exploitation: welcome to the Central Valley.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 13:17:01 -0800

Which came first -- the environmental hazard or the socially vulnerable community? According to UC Davis’ new report on the inequities of the San Joaquin Valley, the two are closely related and the key to addressing the region’s history of exploitation and neglect. Sacramento Capitol Weekly, California.

Scientific panel finds few clear environmental links to breast cancer.

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 13:15:45 -0800

The most consistent data suggest that women can reduce their risk by avoiding unnecessary medical radiation, forgoing hormone treatments for menopause that combine estrogen and progestin, limiting alcohol intake and minimizing weight gain, the report found. New York Times.

New website: Toxics tools and resources.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:45:52 -0800

Environmental Health Policy Institute highlights some of our favorite tools and resources for health professionals and others concerned about the health effects of industrial chemicals.

New report: Breast Cancer and the Environment: A Life Course Approach.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:42:46 -0800

The report from the Institute of Medicine urges a life-course approach to studying breast cancer because new information suggests that women and girls might be more susceptible to some risk factors during certain life stages.

Assessment of prenatal mercury exposure in mother-neonate pairs in an urban immigrant community.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:39:05 -0800

This study highlights data gaps in the assessment of environmental risk factors related to mercury exposure in urban immigrant communities. Findings may help target interventions with respect to fish consumption habits during pregnancy and appropriate handling and disposal of mercury sources in the home. Epidemiology.

US Tox21 to begin screening 10,000 chemicals; NIH, EPA, and FDA collaborate to move science forward.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:29:16 -0800

A high-speed robotic screening system, aimed at protecting human health by improving how chemicals are tested in the United States, begins today to test 10,000 compounds for potential toxicity. Newswise.

Rotating night shift work linked to increased risk of Type 2 diabetes in women.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:16:36 -0800

Women who work a rotating (irregular) schedule that includes three or more night shifts per month, in addition to day and evening working hours in that month, may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes when compared with women who only worked days or evenings, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). ScienceDaily.

Climate-related disasters lead to increase in human trafficking--report.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:12:16 -0800

A new report released by the United Nations Environment Programme indicates that women, particularly those living in mountain regions in developing countries, are experiencing increased incidents of human trafficking due to disasters connected to climate change. Ghana Business News, Ghana.
[See another article about climate change: Chris Huhne: tax on shipping to help poor countries fight climate change]

First phase of cancer risk study completed.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:09:51 -0800

The first phase of a second study investigating environmental factors for elevated cancer rates in Millsboro is complete. An earlier study showed that people living near the Indian River Power Plant had a cancer rate 17 percent higher than the national average. Salisbury Daily Times, Maryland.

Chinese lose patience with pollution.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:05:43 -0800

After enduring more than a month of choking, soupy smog, millions of people in North East China lost their patience yesterday, turning to the internet to vent their anger at the Chinese government. London Daily Telegraph, United Kingdom.

Over 40 percent of cancers due to lifestyle, says review.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:02:20 -0800

Nearly half of cancers diagnosed in the UK each year - over 130,000 in total - are caused by avoidable life choices including smoking, drinking and eating the wrong things, a review reveals. BBC.

Banned pesticide spikes in breast milk after spraying resumes, study finds.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 09:15:54 -0800

Levels of DDT -- a mostly banned pesticide still allowed for malaria control in some tropical regions -- increased three-fold in breastfeeding mothers after one indoor spraying, finds a study in Mozambique. Environmental Health News.

Definition of "normal" aluminum in kids varies.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 09:15:15 -0800

Some parents want their children to be tested for aluminum, but there's no agreement on what "normal" levels of the metal are, a new study finds. Reuters.

Chemicals from 3M Co. pollution down sharply in east metro Minneapolis residents.

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 09:13:43 -0800

The concentrations of three potentially dangerous PFC chemicals in the blood of east metro residents exposed to 3M Co. pollution have fallen significantly since 2008, state health officials reported Wednesday. Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota.

Measuring the success of community science: The Northern California Household Exposure Study.

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 14:55:24 -0800

An appropriate evaluation strategy can demonstrate how CBPR projects can advance science, support community empowerment, increase environmental health literacy, and generate individual and policy action to protect health. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Rising number of parents opting out of vaccines for children.

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 14:40:10 -0800

A rising number of parents in more than half of states are opting out of school shots for their kids. And in eight states, more than 1 in 20 public school kindergartners do not get all the vaccines required for attendance, an Associated Press analysis found. Associated Press.

Young women may reduce heart disease risk eating fish with omega 3 fatty acids, study finds.

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 14:32:45 -0800

Researchers used a Danish nationwide population based pregnancy cohort to examine whether or not eating more fish might reduce cardiovascular disease risk in the young women. ScienceDaily.

New resource: Toxics-free child care.

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 14:28:07 -0800

Discover ways to make your child care facility safer by using chemicals carefully and choosing less-toxic products. Get started today with Metro's videos, posters and hands-on tools.

Regulators plead: don't light that fire.

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 14:21:31 -0800

"Wood smoke is a major source of soot, the most harmful air pollution in the Bay Area in terms of its impact on public health," Jack Broadbent, the district's executive director has said in a statement. Bay Citizen, California.

Study looks at human health effects of 'green housing.'

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 14:13:14 -0800

It is thought that the benefits of the green movement could go beyond environmental sustainability to directly impact human health. A new University of Cincinnati (UC) study seeks to measure the potential health benefits of "green" practices in housing. Health Canal.

Chemical agents in beauty products, plastics, meats can harm child health, Mt. Sinai experts claim.

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 13:57:44 -0800

Exposure to certain chemicals used in everyday items can wreak havoc on children’s hormonal systems and set them up for a lifetime of poor health, child health experts from Mount Sinai Medical Center said Monday. New York Daily News, New York.

Panel links C8 to high blood pressure in pregnancy.

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 13:56:27 -0800

A three-person team of scientists has found a "probable link" between C8 and high blood pressure among pregnant women the team announced Monday. The findings are the first major conclusions of their six-year study of the DuPont Co. chemical. Charleston Gazette, West Virginia.

New study focuses on arsenic in rice.

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 13:55:54 -0800

A new federally-funded study of more than 200 pregnant women receiving prenatal care in the New Hampshire area reports a link between rice consumption and elevated levels of arsenic in urine, suggesting that many people in the United States may be exposed to potentially harmful levels of arsenic through rice consumption. Consumer Reports.
[See a related article: Researchers call for monitoring of arsenic levels in rice]

Maternal exposure to tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene through soil vapor intrusion and adverse birth outcomes in New York State.

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 10:40:55 -0800

Maternal residence in both areas was associated with cardiac defects. Residence in the TCE area, but not the PCE area, was associated with low birth weight and fetal growth restriction. Environmental Health Perspectives.

HUD offers $114 million in grants to clean up lead and other housing-related health hazards.

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 10:36:43 -0800

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced that it is making approximately $114 million in grants available to help eliminate dangerous lead-based paint hazards from lower income homes in order to protect young children from lead poisoning; help local communities set up programs to control other housing health and safety hazards; and conduct research on improving control methods.
[See a related news article: Funding for lead poisoning prevention may be cut]

New video presentation: Wi-Fi in Schools is Safe: True or False?

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 10:30:50 -0800

Dr Magda Havas has made this video available to discuss how the Wi-Fi routers used in schools differ from those in homes. Learn about studies that have documented the adverse effects of this radiation on rats, blood cells, the heart, cancer; learn about alternatives to wireless routers that are cost effective, energy efficient and that don't emit microwave radiation.

Vegetables, fruits, grains reduce stroke risk in women.

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 10:28:50 -0800

Swedish women who ate an antioxidant-rich diet had fewer strokes regardless of whether they had a previous history of cardiovascular disease, in a study reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association. e! Science News.

Without emissions pact, hungry will go hungrier.

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 10:17:24 -0800

The number of people going to bed hungry every night is rising again, international aid agency Oxfam warned at a forum on climate change communication in Durban on Friday. IOL News, South Africa.

Scientists ready for East Chicago dredging to begin.

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 10:09:47 -0800

A long-delayed dredging of the Indiana Harbor Ship Canal is scheduled to begin next summer, and researchers are expanding their study to measure amounts of toxic chemicals from the polluted channel that may wind up in the bodies of city children. Northwest Indiana Times, Indiana.

How exercise benefits the brain.

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 23:07:47 -0800

To learn more about how exercise affects the brain, scientists in Ireland recently asked a group of sedentary male college students to take part in a memory test followed by strenuous exercise. New York Times.

Violent video games alter brain function in young men, says documented evidence from Indiana University School of Medicine.

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 22:55:20 -0800

Sustained changes in the region of the brain associated with cognitive function and emotional control were found in young adult men after one week of playing violent video games, according to study results presented by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Stone Hearth News.

7 foods you should never eat .

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 22:52:11 -0800

We decided to take a fresh look at food through the eyes of the people who spend their lives uncovering what's safe--or not--to eat. Fox News.

Risk assessment: science has a hard time gauging the danger posed by carcinogens.

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 22:22:30 -0800

About two in five Americans will get cancer. But for most individual cases, pinpointing a specific cause is impossible. So scientists focus on risks: exposures, behaviors and conditions that increase your odds of getting cancer. But a growing body of evidence suggests there's more to all this than smoking, genes and where you work. Pittsburgh City Paper, Pennsylvania.

Smart meters are the latest electronic devices generating debate about possible health risks.

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 22:21:39 -0800

From baby monitors to cell phones and wireless internet access, a continuing wave of gadgets and gizmos attempt to make life easier. But do these conveniences come with a risk? Prescott Daily Courier, Arizona.

EPA tweaks proposed boiler rule, zeroes in on largest emitters.

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 22:20:32 -0800

The U.S. EPA released a reworked package of proposed rules to tackle toxic emissions from 201,000 of the largest boilers and incinerators nationwide. The industrial boilers are one of the largest U.S. sources of harmful air pollution. Greenwire.

Arsenic in water tied to breathing issues.

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 22:19:12 -0800

People in Bangladesh exposed to high levels of arsenic in drinking water were more likely to report shortness of breath in a new study than those who drank water with safer arsenic concentrations. Reuters.

Mercury fillings 'filled' with controversy.

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 22:14:23 -0800

Silver amalgam fillings, which have plugged American cavities for more than 150 years, have lost their luster over the last couple of decades thanks to the rise of more attractive tooth-colored fillings and concerns about the environmental and health impact of their chief ingredient: mercury. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.
[See another article about mercury: Group points blame at mercury]

How the food industry eats your kid’s lunch.

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 22:12:32 -0800

An increasingly cozy alliance between companies that manufacture processed foods and companies that serve the meals is making students -- a captive market -- fat and sick while pulling in hundreds of millions of dollars in profits. New York Times.

Soft-pedaling prevention.

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 22:07:42 -0800

We celebrate those who beat cancer ... but ignore efforts to prevent it. In 2010, the National Cancer Institute spent $364 million on prevention programs -- and $1.16 billion on treatment research. Treatment is likewise the focus of the vast majority of funds raised by your average "race for the cure" fundraiser. Pittsburgh City Paper, Pennsylvania.
[See related articles in a series: Runaway growth; Risk Assessment: Science has a hard time gauging the danger posed by carcinogens and Coming clean: can we solve the problem of carcinogens in the environment?]

Even low pollen levels trigger kids' asthma.

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 22:04:48 -0800

Kids with asthma and pollen allergies were more likely to wheeze, cough and have shortness of breath and other asthma symptoms, even when pollen levels were considered "low" in a new study that suggests parents need to be careful in all seasons. Reuters.

Children from Chernobyl disaster smile for calendar.

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 22:03:39 -0800

Photojournalist Ryuichi Hirokawa's 17th annual calendar depicting the smiling children who live near the doomed Chernobyl nuclear plant is particularly poignant and meaningful this year, carrying powerful messages. Asahi Shimbun, Japan.

New EMF resources.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:47:37 -0800

CHE's Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Working Group has created a list of peer-reviewed articles related to EMFs and fertilty/reproduction, plus a Practice Prevention column for general audiences (parents, teachers, employers) on the effects of EMFs and how to minimize exposures.

CHE Partnership call: Breast Cancer and the Environment: A Life Course Approach.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:45:28 -0800

Join CHE on December 16, 2011 at 10:00 am Pacific / 1 pm Eastern for a discussion of this report from the Institute of Medicine and its implications.

Full of beans? Early soy exposure associated with less feminine play in girls.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:44:15 -0800

A new study reports an association between early soy feeding and less female-typical play behavior in young girls. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Arsenic exposure and hypertension: a systematic review.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:38:59 -0800

This systematic review identified an association between arsenic and the prevalence of hypertension. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Associations between the quality of the residential built environment and pregnancy outcomes among women in North Carolina.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:37:43 -0800

Five built environment indices (housing damage, property disorder, tenure status, vacancy status, and nuisances) were associated with each of our five outcomes (preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), low birthweight (LBW), continuous birthweight and birthweight-percent for gestational age). Environmental Health Perspectives.

Request for NACEPT nominations.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:31:03 -0800

EPA is inviting nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT). Nominations are requested by December 9th.

Brain development dependent on thyroid hormone.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:21:34 -0800

Scientists at NIEHS have discovered a new mechanism for how this important hormone also regulates brain development. NIEHS Environmental Factor.

Neurotox27 focuses on environmentally triggered disorders.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:15:13 -0800

The time for characterization of the role of environmental factors in neurodevelopmental disorders has come. NIEHS Environmental Factor.
[See another meeting summary: Duke symposium tackles later life consequences of early life exposures]

Panel peer reviews NTP low-level lead draft.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:13:40 -0800

The panel concurred with the overall NTP conclusion that "there is sufficient evidence for adverse health effects in children and adults at blood Pb [lead] levels below 10µg/dL [micrograms per deciliter] and below 5 µg/dL as well." NIEHS Environmental Factor.
[See a related article: Effects of lead exposure on obesity and bone loss]

Report: Proposed mercury standards would benefit Maine waterways, fish.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 10:46:10 -0800

Nearly 20 years after mercury contamination forced the state to issue fish consumption health advisories, a Maine environmental group says new federal regulations on mercury emissions could reduce that risk. Maine Public Broadcast Network, Maine.

Meeting told how air quality damages health of youngsters exposed to busy main roads.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 10:45:06 -0800

Children's lungs have been badly affected before they have developed properly because of high levels of pollution that often breaches European and World Health Organisation guidelines. Islington Tribune, United Kingdom.

Panel to release first C8 'probable link' findings.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 10:41:02 -0800

A three-person panel studying the health effects of the toxic chemical C8 will release the first in a series of "probable link" decisions on Monday, the group said. Charleston Gazette, West Virginia.

Leaching pipes linked to drug use on Cape Cod.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 10:39:16 -0800

Cape Codders exposed early in life to drinking water contaminated by solvents were more likely to eventually use illicit drugs, according to a newly released study by Boston University's School of Public Health. Cape Cod Times, Massachusetts.
[See other articles about water contamination: Water treatment turns common chemicals toxic, says report and Salts from drilling, a drinking water danger, still showing up in rivers]

Weed killer linked to gender-bending in animals.

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 10:36:37 -0800

Exposure to atrazine, a commonly used weed killer, increases the risk of reproductive problems in a wide range of animals, says a new review study that analyzed research from around the world. Toronto Globe and Mail, Ontario.
[See a related article: Testes hit by herbicides]

New events posted.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 13:09:05 -0800

While there are 84,000 synthetic chemicals in circulation, the vast majority haven't been fully tested for health risks, and only a handful have been banned. But it's not up to industry to prove its chemicals are safe -- it's effectively up to everyone else to prove that they're dangerous. Pittsburgh City Paper, Pennsylvania.

OSHA expands pilot chemical facilities process safety emphasis program nationwide.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 12:22:10 -0800

The pilot chemical facilities emphasis program has been expanded nationwide in an effort to reduce catastrophic releases of hazardous chemicals, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Nov. 30. Bureau of National Affairs.

Climate change, crop yields, and undernutrition, with Sari Kovats.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 12:18:19 -0800

In this podcast, host Ashley Ahearn discusses the connection between climate change and undernutrition with researcher Sari Kovats. Environmental Health Perspectives.

New healthy child care website.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 12:14:01 -0800

EPA's healthy child care web-based resource directory was developed with three target audiences in mind: childcare providers, parents, and state and local agencies; the information it contains is arranged to be easily accessible for these three distinct audiences.

Scientist seeks answers about manganese toxicity, Parkinson's disease news.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 12:09:37 -0800

People exposed to manganese in occupational settings such as welding may not see signs for years that the element is toxic to their nervous systems, but new medical imaging techniques being developed and tested by a Purdue University professor could help reveal toxicity before symptoms indicating irreversible brain damage begin to occur. Domain-b.com.

"Organic" personal care products lawsuit partially settled.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 12:03:27 -0800

The Center for Environmental Health lawsuit alleged that 34 manufacturers of shampoo, conditioners, toothpaste and lotion, among other products, were violating a state law requiring that personal care products promoted as "organic" contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients, meaning they were grown without pesticides or chemicals. Contra Costa Times, California.

GOP, Dems in dustup over EPA's reach.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:59:22 -0800

GOP, Dems in dustup over EPA's reach. The House Energy and Commerce Committee operated on the Clean Air Act on Wednesday, passing legislation that would cut into the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate particulate matter in numerous situations. Politico.

Smog sparks debate over Beijing air standards.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:58:18 -0800

Officially, Beijing’s air quality is improving. But the choking air that regularly descended on the Chinese capital in October and November has given fresh impetus to a growing public debate over air quality in the city, whose 20 million residents are increasingly worried. Agence France-Presse.

FDA examines level of arsenic in apple juice.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:57:18 -0800

The Food and Drug Administration is considering tightening restrictions for the levels of arsenic allowed in apple juice after consumer groups pushed the agency to crack down on the contaminant. Associated Press.

Council panel OKs major change in dealing with lead in Philadelphia.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:48:52 -0800

Amid mounting scientific evidence that no level of lead is safe for young children, a City Council committee Wednesday approved the biggest change - and, opponents argue, the costliest for both landlords and tenants - in at least 15 years in how Philadelphia deals with lead. Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania.

Japan faces years of food contamination fears.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:46:29 -0800

The damaged nuclear power plant in Japan came a lot closer to a full meltdown than first thought. Many in Japan are worried about what all of this is doing to their food. CBS News.

Pollution plays a role in autism and dyslexia, say Israeli and foreign scientists.

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:42:24 -0800

Growing evidence suggests pollution plays a significant role in developmental problems among children, including autism, attention deficit disorder and even dyslexia, it was revealed at a conference on the subject in Israel Wednesday. Haaretz, Israel.

Nurses' Health Study seeks new set of participants.

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:14:08 -0800

The landmark Nurses' Health Study is recruiting a new cohort of 100,000 female nurses and nursing students ages 20 to 46 from across the U.S. and Canada.

High blood sugar levels in older women linked to colorectal cancer.

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:08:10 -0800

Elevated blood sugar levels are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, according to a study led by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Sacramento Bee, California.

Eating fish reduces risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:05:44 -0800

People who eat baked or broiled fish on a weekly basis may be improving their brain health and reducing their risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). e! Science News.

Consumer concern for chemicals drives new business solutions.

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:16:44 -0800

Today a coalition of companies and environmental health groups working to protect consumers from toxic chemicals, the BizNGO Group, released two important frameworks to help companies choose more sustainable plastics and safer chemicals for their products: The Principles for Sustainable Plastics, and Chemical Alternatives Assessment Protocol (v.1.0): How to Select Safer Alternatives to Chemicals of Concern to Human Health or the Environment.

African youth call for more justice in climate change negotiations.

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:58:20 -0800

Young African delegates gathering in Johannesburg, South Africa, have called on leaders of the world to deliver an outcome that would ensure climate, ecological, economical and gender justice at the 17th Climate Change Conference in Durban. Ghana Business News, Ghana.

Delhi has the highest level of air pollutants: Environment ministry.

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:55:29 -0800

Delhi fares the worst among all the major cities in the country when it comes to air pollution. This, despite the introduction of eco-friendly interventions such as the use of CNG for vehicles, the Metro and increasing tree cover in the Capital. India Today, India.

Uranium mining -- the Virginia battleground -- environmental concerns vs. corporate interests part three.

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:51:44 -0800

Opponents argue that mining will leave tons of toxic waste materials that will remain radioactive for thousands of years. Uranium mining has so far been done out West, where the climate is arid. Opponents say Virginia’s heavy rains and hurricanes increase the risk that waste will seep into groundwater or contaminate surface rivers and streams, including the Roanoke. And they point to studies that have linked uranium mining to cancer. DC Bureau.

Consumer Reports tests juices for arsenic and lead

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:49:25 -0800

Consumer Reports found that 10 percent of apple and grape juice samples had arsenic levels exceeding federal drinking-water standards and 25 percent had lead levels higher than the limit for bottled water. Most of the arsenic was inorganic, which is a human carcinogen. The organization is calling for government standards to limit consumers’ exposure to these toxics. Consumer Reports.

Hidden risks of lurking chemicals.

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:48:07 -0800

Australians are exposed to chemicals linked to cancer, diabetes and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder every day, a population health expert says. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia.

C-section delivery linked to higher risk of childhood asthma.

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:45:16 -0800

Children born via cesarean section have an increased risk of asthma at age 3, according to the largest study yet on the topic. The risk was higher in children whose mothers did not have asthma when compared to those whose mothers have asthma. Environmental Health News.

Can coal plants afford EPA's new air-toxics rule?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:42:43 -0800

America has never had a nationwide limit on mercury and other toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants. That's about to change, though, and it will cost companies such as American Electric Power billions. But for companies like Brandon Shores, it's no problem. Its scrubber has been running since early last year - its required by Maryland law. McClatchy Newspapers.

In utero exposure to maternal tobacco smoke and subsequent obesity, hypertension, and gestational diabetes among women in the MoBa Cohort.

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:58:51 -0800

Exposure to tobacco smoke in utero was associated with obesity, hypertension, and GDM in adult women. The possibility that the associations were due to unmeasured confounding cannot be excluded. Environmental Health Perspectives.

EPA releases formerly confidential chemical information.

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:56:49 -0800

The agency is making available to the public hundreds of studies on chemicals that had been treated as confidential business information (CBI). The move is part of EPA's plan to make public the chemicals that are not entitled to CBI status.

Processed and unprocessed red meat consumption and incident type 2 diabetes among French women.

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:23:47 -0800

In this large prospective cohort of French women, a direct association was observed only for processed red meat and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care.

Socioeconomic status may explain racial disparities in diet, exercise, and weight.

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:37:16 -0800

A new study published in the December issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds that people with a lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be overweight, regardless of racial/ethnic background, and that the level of nutritional knowledge and health awareness did not lead to significant racial differences in weight and diet. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Scientists highlight pollutant problem.

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:33:40 -0800

Scientists highlight pollutant problem. Chinese and foreign scientists on Monday called for more attention to tackle urgent environmental issues other than climate change, as homemade and imported pollutants threaten people's health. China Daily.

More US schoolchildren are skipping shots.

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:31:49 -0800

A growing trend among parents seeking vaccine exemptions has health officials worried about outbreaks of diseases that once were all but stamped out. Associated Press.

Risk of incident diabetes with intensive-dose compared with moderate-dose statin therapy: a meta-analysis.

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:06:58 -0800

In a pooled analysis of data from 5 statin trials, intensive-dose statin therapy was associated with an increased risk of new-onset diabetes compared with moderate-dose statin therapy. JAMA.

Hike in Camp Lejeune male breast cancer cases expected.

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:38:34 -0800

Federal scientists at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry confirmed last week that 184 male Marine Corps veterans with a history of breast cancer have been identified in Department of Veterans Affairs records. St. Petersburg Times, Florida.

For healthy people, build a healthy city.

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:18:01 -0800

It’s a paradigm shift in the way urban planners and municipal leaders see the world: how we build and manage our cities directly affects the health of the populace. Toronto Globe and Mail, Ontario.

Atrazine in water tied to menstrual irregularities, low hormones.

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:16:42 -0800

Women who drink water contaminated with low levels of the weed-killer atrazine may be more likely to have irregular menstrual cycles and low estrogen levels, scientists concluded in a new study. The most widely used herbicide in the United States, atrazine is frequently detected in surface and ground water, particularly in agricultural areas of the Midwest. The newest research, which compared women in Illinois farm towns to women in Vermont, adds to the growing scientific evidence linking atrazine to altered hormones. Environmental Health News.

Effects of lifestyle intervention in persons at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus--results from a randomised, controlled trial.

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:53:30 -0800

In the combined individual physician plus individual and interdisciplinary groups, at least one primary outcome was achieved by 93% while all primary outcomes were achieved by 6%. BioMed Central Public Health.

Use of laptop computers connected to internet through Wi-Fi decreases human sperm motility and increases sperm DNA fragmentation.

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:49:45 -0800

Ex vivo exposure of human spermatozoa to a wireless internet-connected laptop decreased motility and induced DNA fragmentation by a nonthermal effect. Fertility and Sterility.

Political fractures over fracking.

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:37:30 -0800

What's striking is how deep the divisions seem to be on the commission itself, which governs a river basin that supplies drinking water for more than 15 million people, including Philadelphia and New York City. Time Magazine.
[See another article about mining and health concerns: Blackfeet members concerned about contamination by injection drilling technique]

Experts say pollutants in atmosphere endangering lives.

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:33:59 -0800

Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases like asthma, lung cancer, and heart attacks have increased manifold during the last 20 years, and there is great danger to human health from pollutants in the atmosphere and electromagnetic radiation from excessive use of cell phones, experts warned. Karachi News International, Pakistan.
[See another article about air pollutions: Accidental air pollution releases at Louisiana's oil refineries averaged 1 per day in 2010]

Increased lead biomarker levels are associated with changes in hormonal response to stress in occupationally-exposed male participants.

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:01:25 -0800

The altered HPA-axis stress response observed in participants exposed to higher levels of Pb further supports the idea that lead may contribute to a host of biological dysfunctions beyond the classical neurotoxic effects. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Mapping climate change vulnerabilities to infectious diseases in Europe.

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:58:24 -0800

Expert responses were generally consistent with the peer-reviewed literature regarding the relationship between climate change and vector- and waterborne diseases, but were less so for foodborne diseases. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See other articles about climate change and health: South Africa -- where climate change may trigger a toxic timebomb and Climate change hits Africa's poorest farmers]

Celiac patients face potential hazard as information on cosmetic ingredients difficult to find.

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:54:09 -0800

The lack of readily available information about cosmetic ingredients may cause patients with celiac disease who use lip, facial or body products to unknowingly expose themselves to gluten -- an ingredient they need to avoid, according to the results of a new study unveiled at the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 76th Annual Scientific meeting in Washington, DC. ScienceDaily.

Allergy sufferers should prepare for holiday triggers.

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:49:12 -0800

The holiday season can be a challenge for people with allergies and asthma, but there are a number of things they can do to protect themselves, allergists say. Health Day.

French National Academy of Medicine on EDCs and cancer.

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 09:57:24 -0800

The French National Academy of Medicine has released a report which recognises that endocrine disrupting chemicals are contributing to the rising incidence of some hormone dependent cancers.

Report: refinery emissions down, but not low enough.

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 09:54:42 -0800

Air pollution from Louisiana's 17 oil refineries has been declining in the two decades since reporting requirements began, with last year's emissions down by two-thirds from 1988 levels, according to a report by an environmental group. Associated Press.

Ecology chief: New pollution undoing cleanup.

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 09:50:17 -0800

The state of Washington is seeking federal help to get rid of toxic chemicals in Tacoma's Commencement Bay, which is still polluted after a massive, $100 million cleanup effort. McClatchy Newspapers.
[See another article about polluted sites in Washington: Soil at two Everett parks to be tested for pollutants]

'Fuel cubes' seen as alternative to coal.

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 09:49:25 -0800

A cement plant expects to reduce use of coal to fire its kilns by burning a mix of non-recyclable waste like laminated papers, cardboard, textiles, Styrofoam, plastics, and packaging. However, emission tests on the fuel cubes also showed "minor increases" in dioxin and furans as well as small increases in heavy metals like chromium, lead and nickel. Albany Times Union, New York.

Moderate alcohol intake linked to lower female diabetes risk.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:07:27 -0800

Females in middle age who drink alcohol moderately and consume large amounts of refined carbohydrates have a 30% lower chance of developing diabetes type 2, compared to women with similar dietary habits who don't drink. Medical News Today.

Mediterranean-style diet and risk of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death: the Northern Manhattan Study.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:05:28 -0800

Higher consumption of an MeDi was associated with decreased risk of vascular events. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
[See other articles about diet and health: Well-done red meat linked to aggressive prostate cancer and The Mediterranean diet could increase the possibilities of achieving pregnancy]

Association between pregnancy loss and urinary phthalate levels around the time of conception.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:03:23 -0800

The phthalate metabolite MEHP was associated with higher occurrence of pregnancy loss. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Added to our drinking water: A chemical 'more toxic than lead'?

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:57:36 -0800

The ADA’s stance on fluoridated water hasn’t changed. But what has changed in the last 9 years is the growth of research which says ingesting fluoride may be harming, rather than helping. KENS 5 News.

Natalie Jeremijenko: The art of the eco-mindshift.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:50:38 -0800

I would use a recent study by Philip Landrigan to motivate a different view of health. TED lecture.

Reclaiming the Duwamish River: a conversation with James Rasmussen.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:41:04 -0800

On November 1, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the coalition $100,000 to identify health risks from exposure to pollution in the river and how to prevent exposure to that pollution.Indian Country.

Beware climate change risk from air con, fridge gases: U.N.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:35:11 -0800

The soaring use of man-made gases found in refrigerators, air conditioners and fire extinguishers risks speeding up global warming and industry should adopt environmentally friendly alternatives, a U.N. report said. Reuters.

Federal officials issue alert on cancer-causing erionite.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:33:01 -0800

Federal health officials are calling for protective measures at job sites where workers may be exposed to erionite, a cancer-causing mineral similar to asbestos that is found in rock and soil in at least a dozen western states. Fair Warning.

List of diseases linked to Agent Orange exposure grows.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:29:51 -0800

More than 40 years after the U.S. military used Agent Orange to defoliate the jungles of Vietnam, the health care bill is escalating. Some politicians argue that many veterans could have developed their diseases regardless of whether they were exposed to Agent Orange. Dallas Morning News, Texas.

Microbiome: gut reaction.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:27:19 -0800

The rapid increase in allergic diseases in the West has coincided with widespread use of antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum drugs. Antibiotics can profoundly alter the microbial composition of the gut, and studies show that children who are given antibiotics in their first year are more susceptible to allergies. Nature.

Study questions sodium intake guidelines.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:14:57 -0800

Excess sodium consumption has been linked to higher rates of heart attack, stroke and heart failure, but a new study suggests having too little dietary salt may also be detrimental, at least in people already at risk for cardiovascular disease. Canadian Press.

Babies who eat fish before nine months are less likely to suffer pre-school wheeze, study suggests.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:10:55 -0800

Children who started eating fish before nine months of age are less likely to suffer from pre-school wheeze, but face a higher risk if they were treated with broad spectrum antibiotics in the first week of life or their mother took paracetamol [acetaminophen] during pregnancy. ScienceDaily.

Oil company settles with city, RDA for $1.25 million.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:06:01 -0800

The city of Merced settled a lawsuit with ConocoPhillips, one of several oil companies the city claims contaminated groundwater at several sites with methyl tertiary butyl ether, a fuel additive that possibly causes cancer. Merced Sun-Star, California.
[See an article about another contaminated site: EPA to explain lingering PCB risks, cleanup efforts]

Uranium mining: the Virginia battleground.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:02:59 -0800

The question of whether to lift Virginia’s moratorium on uranium mining is shaping up to be one of the biggest battles in the General Assembly next year. Washington DC Bureau, District of Columbia.

Canned soup raises BPA level.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:00:08 -0800

Eating even moderate amounts of canned soup significantly increases exposure to Bisphenol-A according to a new study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The chemical BPA, suspected of causing damage to human health, is used in the interior lining of the vast majority of canned soups and vegetables. CNN.

The dangers of using one lab animal to study every disease.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:54:52 -0800

Control mice used in medical experiments usually fit in the couch potato mold. That such a lifestyle would make rodents unhealthy, and thus of limited use for research, may seem obvious, but the problem appears to be so flagrant and widespread that few scientists bother to consider it. Slate.
[See a related article: Rat models on the rise in autism research]

U.S. EPA's looming clean air rules.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:35:41 -0800

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is rolling out its most ambitious clean air rules in decades, despite backlash from heavy industry and Republicans in the House of Representatives. Reuters.
[See a related article: Pollution puts 1.2 million in Valley at risk]

Pointlessly dangerous toys, 2011 edition.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:34:52 -0800

Toys made with lead and phthalates continue to pose needless risks to U.S. children, according to the annual "Trouble in Toyland" report from U.S. PIRG. Its findings are worth keeping in mind this holiday season as you shop or unwrap gifts for your kids. Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania.

Why are so many children being born with sex defects?

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:34:19 -0800

1.2 million Britons are thought to have been born with some kind of disorder of sexual development as a result of errors in their genetic code. The disorders may be becoming increasingly common as a result of chemicals in plastics and hormones excreted by women taking the Pill, or similar drugs used in animal rearing. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

EPA posts secret 'watch list' that includes chronic polluters.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:33:35 -0800

Just days after it was reported that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maintains an internal list that includes serious or chronic violators of air pollution laws that have not been subject to timely enforcement, the EPA has posted the September and October watch list on its website. Center for Public Integrity.

The war on coal.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:32:26 -0800

The powerful coal industry -- which provides nearly half the electricity used by Americans, along with 30% of U.S. carbon emissions and a smoggy chunk of the nation's air pollution -- is being attacked by an insurgency of environmentalists, regulators and health advocates. Time Magazine.

Request for comments: Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:54:23 -0800

The NIEHS and the National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM) request public comments that can be considered by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) and agencies’ program offices in updating The NICEATM--ICCVAM Five-Year Plan (2008-2012). Submit comments on or before January 15, 2012.

Call for proposals: Urban Waters Small Grants.

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:50:12 -0800

EPA expects to award between $1.8 to $3.8 million in grants for projects across the country that will contribute to improved water quality and community revitalization. Proposals are due January 23, 2012.

APHA recommends PVC phase-out in building products.

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:48:39 -0800

The American Public Health Association (APHA) is now recommending that "decision-makers...consider phasing out the use and purchase of flexible PVC in building materials, consumer products and office suppliers in schools, daycare centers, medical care facilities, nursing homes, public housing, facilities for special needs and the disabled, and other facilities with vulnerable populations when cost-effective alternatives are available."

Healthy heart habits may also guard against cancer.

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:45:55 -0800

Individuals who don't smoke and who maintain a healthy body-mass index (BMI), normal blood pressure and two to four other "ideal" measures of heart health have a 38 percent lower risk of developing cancer, according to research scheduled for presentation Wednesday at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in Orlando, Fla. Health Day.

New Forest Service maps link healthy drinking water to healthy forests.

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:30:54 -0800

The U.S. Forest Service has published a comprehensive series of interactive maps that illustrate the crucial role forests play in sustaining watersheds and protecting drinking water.

External peer review of the draft public health goal for perchlorate.

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:29:21 -0800

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment is posting the comments of three external peer reviewers of the draft public health goal for perchlorate that was released for public comment in January 2011.

Newborn hormone exposure can disrupt female reproductive health, rat study finds.

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:23:56 -0800

A single hormone treatment given to newborn female rats significantly changed the chemical activity in the brain region that guides ovary development and function, report researchers in the journal Fertility and Sterility. Environmental Health News.

Animal, vegetable or chemical?

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:11:12 -0800

As more Australian shoppers leave the supermarket with reusable bags of organic produce and a self-congratulatory glow, it is not actually possible to prove that what they have bought is nutritionally better. Western Australia Today, Australia.

A Neighborhood in Peril: North Jersey riddled with failed cleanups.

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:56:24 -0800

New Jersey oversees more than 16,000 contaminated properties. Cleanups are often painfully slow -- with sites going unchecked for years, putting public health at risk. New Jersey also has the most federal Superfund sites in the nation, which are overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency. Bergen County Record, New Jersey.
[See a related article: N.J. says private cleanups bring faster results]

WVU public health dean says scientists should ask the 'hard questions.'

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:53:45 -0800

The interim founding dean of West Virginia's new School of Public Health, said for West Virginia to get a handle on its "deplorable" health problems, scientists can't shy away from controversial research areas. Charleston Gazette, West Virginia.

Big cities hit hardest as state's asthma rate rises to 9.4 percent.

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:52:35 -0800

Residents in Connecticut's five largest cities are nearly three times more likely to be hospitalized for asthma - and twice as likely to die from it - as residents in the rest of the state, according to new data from the state Department of Public Health. New London Day, Connecticut.

Poverty-related stress affects readiness for school.

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:48:31 -0800

Stress in the lives of poor children is one cause of the early achievement gap in which children from low-income homes start. ScienceDaily.
[See another article about community environment and health: Why living in a city makes you fat, infertile, blind, depressed and even causes cancer]

What constitutes sustainable tea?

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:00:14 -0800

A battle between Unilever and an Amsterdam-based non-governmental group over the rights of workers on tea plantations in India and Kenya shows the difficulties facing multinational companies that are trying to ensure their products are ethically produced. Wall Street Journal.

Indian waste workers fear loss of income from trash-to-electricity projects.

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:58:55 -0800

Waste-worker communities have mobilized in Brazil, Colombia, South Africa and India to campaign on behalf of trash dumps and the livelihoods they provide, and against the idea of burning waste. The United Nations, however, has been encouraging incinerator projects that burn waste -- rotting trash produces the potent greenhouse gas methane -- to produce energy. Washington Post.

Diabetes incidence and long-term exposure to air pollution: a cohort study.

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:04:33 -0800

Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution may contribute to the development of diabetes, especially in individuals with a healthy lifestyle, nonsmokers, and physically active individuals. Diabetes Care.

Teenagers trading in cigarettes for flavored cigars.

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:00:11 -0800

The number of Maryland teenagers who smoke cigarettes dropped significantly in the past decade, but state health officials say new statistics show that more young people are now getting hooked on candy-flavored cigars instead. Baltimore Sun, Maryland.

State tracks cancer cases.

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:53:52 -0800

When it comes to investigating reported cancer "clusters" and potential environmental factors, the Department of Public Health taps a special tool: the Massachusetts Cancer Registry. Framingham MetroWest Daily News, Massachusetts.

Traditional cooking in Egypt's rural areas: health and environment in peril.

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:52:51 -0800

Cooking and heating houses with solid fuels or using traditional stoves in poorly ventilated rooms can have catastrophic repercussions for the health of people, mostly women and children, who are exposed for hours on end. Al-Masry Al-Youm, Egypt.

Court case highlights questions about Salton Sea's future.

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:52:22 -0800

Appellate judges will hear arguments over a 2003 deal allowing transfer of Colorado River water instead of replenishing the Salton Sea. The lake's decline exposes a pesticide-laden lake bed that could contribute to the dust storms that have given the region some of the dirtiest air in California. Los Angeles Times, California.

Johns Hopkins study affirms 'Mediterranean Diet' improves heart health.

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:56:39 -0800

A team of Johns Hopkins researchers has uncovered further evidence of the benefits of a balanced diet that replaces white bread and pasta carbohydrates with unsaturated fat from avocados, olive oil and nuts -- foods typical of the so-called "Mediterranean diet." Insciences.org.

Today's teens will die younger of heart disease, study finds.

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:53:13 -0800

A new study that takes a complete snapshot of adolescent cardiovascular health in the United States reveals a dismal picture of teens who are likely to die of heart disease at a younger age than adults do today, reports Northwestern Medicine research. ScienceDaily.

From Ghotki to Badin: high concentrations of hazardous chemical found in the Indus River.

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:24:36 -0800

Dangerously high levels of arsenic, a toxic element, have been found in the left bank of the Indus River in Sindh, and experts alarmed by this fact have started a project to protect the people from the threat it poses. Karachi Express Tribune, Pakistan.

Under legal pressure, Wisconsin coal-fired power plants trim emissions.

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:18:24 -0800

Dairyland and other Wisconsin coal-fired plants have begun lowering emissions, but not necessarily in response to demands by regulators at the federal Environmental Protection Agency or state Department of Natural Resources. Many of the changes have resulted from pressure and lawsuits brought by the nonprofit Sierra Club, which has campaigned for a decade to cut emissions from coal combustion. Madison WisconsinWatch.org.
[See another article about power plant pollution: Do you live near a mercury hotspot?]

Assessing the influence of indoor exposure to "outdoor ozone" on the relationship between ozone and short-term mortality in U.S. communities.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:36:14 -0800

Differences in ozone mortality coefficients among cities appear to partially reflect differences in total ozone exposure resulting from differences in the amount of outdoor ozone that is transported indoors. Environmental Health Perspectives.

The hidden costs of gold: mercury poisoning blights mining communities.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:33:53 -0800

The high price of gold has sent thousands into the informal mining sector and exposed workers and the environment to the devastating effects of mercury poisoning. Environmental News Network.
[See another article about health effects from mining: Iron King Mine: researchers will study Superfund site health effects on Humboldt residents]

EPA releases guidelines to ensure healthy indoor air during home energy upgrades.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:32:04 -0800

This first-of-its-kind guidance will provide the home energy industry the ability to identify, manage, and reduce health risks during home energy upgrades, retrofits or remodeling.

Job opening: New York City.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:10:00 -0800

The Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) is seeking a part-time campaign organizer (2.5 days per week) for a New York City campaign to green schools. The campaign is working to protect children’s and worker health by phasing out the use and purchase of toxic phthalates and PVC plastic for NYC schools. Position can be located at a home office in the state of New York, with travel to Albany and New York City on a regular basis.

CSPA supports TSCA modernization.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:59:26 -0800

The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) today is testifying before the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works and the Subcommittee on Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health. Market Watch.
[See a related article: At Senate hearing, trade groups split over efforts to ravamp chemical-safety law]

Recall alert: Organic Pastures raw dairy products.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:39:41 -0800

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is working with local retailers to remove Organic Pastures raw dairy products from store shelves after five California children, including a 5-year-old boy in San Diego County, were found to have been infected with a strain of E. coli traced back to the company. Carlsbad Patch, California.

Greening vacant urban lots may improve residents' health.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:18:46 -0800

Turning vacant city lots into green spaces may improve urban dwellers' health, a study finds, by reducing stress and increasing exercise. Los Angeles Times, California.

EPA chief: Wyoming water well results 'of concern.'

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:16:31 -0800

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency says high levels of methane, benzene and chemicals found in two Wyoming water monitoring wells are "of concern" and said hydraulic fracturing may be responsible. Casper Star-Tribune, Wyoming.
[See other articles about water pollution: GE surpasses Hudson PCB dredging target for year and Anglers at a Guernsey reservoir warned over eating fish]

Soy eaters may have lower rates of lung cancer.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:15:20 -0800

People who eat a lot of unfermented soy products like tofu may have a smaller chance of getting lung cancer, a fresh look at past research suggests. Reuters Health.

Precocious puberty: growing up early.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:11:48 -0800

Madalyn Fullard is more mature than most kids her age, but not just mentally. "I've been wearing a bra since I was seven years old," Madalyn says. Cleveland WKYC TV, Ohio.

Industry fights with health advocates over worker exposure to carcinogen.

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:09:04 -0800

Business and labor interests are locked in a more than decade-long battle over how to limit worker exposure to a known carcinogen, crystalline silica. The proposal could have an annual impact of more than $100 million spread across several industries. Washington Hill, District of Columbia.
[See another article about occupational exposures: Pollution at Phurnacite plant 'more than doubled cancer risk']

Guide for parents: Buying Safer Toys.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:55:28 -0800

This webpage from the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County, Washington, provides information on safer toys and chemical safety standards.

A method to estimate the chronic health impact of air pollutants in U.S. residences.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:52:01 -0800

The objective was to demonstrate a methodology to quantify and compare health impacts from indoor air pollutants. Environmental Health Perspectives.

New website: Tools to Evaluate Chemical Ingredients in Products

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:43:52 -0800

The tools included in the Retailer Portal are either free or commercially available and enable retailers to evaluate chemicals or chemical-containing products for their potential human health and environmental impacts and identify chemicals or materials that are regulated or are of concern and not yet regulated.

Report: secret chemicals revealed in common household cleaners.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:02:33 -0800

A dirty secret lurks in common household cleaning products, according to new independent lab testing on 20 popular products that found nearly all contained undisclosed toxic chemicals. Public News Service.

Johnson & Johnson to nix baby-product contaminant within 2 years.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:56:11 -0800

Johnson & Johnson, responding to complaints about a potentially carcinogenic chemical in its baby shampoos, said it plans within two years to eliminate formaldehyde-releasing preservatives from hundreds of its baby products. Reuters.

Situation normal all fracked up.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:49:21 -0800

Amwell Township in Pennsylvania sits atop the Marcellus Shale Deposit, one of the largest fields of natural gas in the world. Fracking here has injected new income and business. It has also spurred one of the first EPA investigations into fracking’s effects on rivers, streams, drinking water and human health. New York Times.

Security agency puts off safety study of X-ray body scanners.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:33:10 -0800

The head of the US Transportation Security Administration has backed off a public commitment to conduct a new independent study of X-ray body scanners used at airport security lanes around the country. ProPublica.

Activists sue National Coal over Campbell County pollution.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:27:46 -0800

For the second time in two years, the Tennessee Clean Water Network, the Sierra Club, and Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment have filed suit against National Coal LLC. Knoxville Metro Pulse, Tennessee.

Occupational exposure to benzene and chromosomal structural aberrations in the sperm of Chinese men.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:41:28 -0800

Occupational exposures to benzene were associated with increased incidence of chromosomally defective sperm raising concerns for worker infertility, spontaneous abortions, as well as mental retardation and inherited defects in their children. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Vitamin D, sun, sunbeds and health.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:37:05 -0800

The overall health benefit of an improved vitamin D status may be more important than the possibly increased cutaneous malignant melanoma risk resulting from carefully increasing UV exposure. Public Health Nutrition.

Daily aspirin use cuts cancer mortality -- but by how much?

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:35:02 -0800

Researchers from the American Cancer Society (ACS) caution that the actual rate of risk reduction is still unclear, and that it is too early to make recommendations. Medscape.

March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:31:46 -0800

November 17th marks World Prematurity Day when the March of Dimes focuses the nation's attention on premature birth.

Final plans announced for Green Ribbon Schools.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:28:01 -0800

In this video, Arne talks about the new Green Ribbon Schools competition and urges states to "get started right now in identifying their best candidates" for the award.

A diet high in low-fat dairy products lowers diabetes risk in postmenopausal women.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:19:34 -0800

A diet high in low-fat dairy products is associated with lower diabetes risk in postmenopausal women, particularly those who are obese. Journal of Nutrition.

Green tea may boost flu protection in kids.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:15:34 -0800

The flu season is upon us and our front-line defense, the flu vaccine, does not protect us 30 percent to 40 percent of the time (sometimes more). However, a recent medical study indicates that simply drinking a cup of green tea every day may prevent influenza infection, especially for school-age children. Arlington Heights Daily Herald, Illinois.

State health officials issue warning about foreign-made anti-aging creams.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:07:52 -0800

Maryland health officials are concerned about foreign-made anti-aging creams after one person recently became ill. Cecil Whig, Maryland.
[See another article about a hazardous consumer product: Kotex tampons recalled from major stores over risk of ‘life threatening’ bacterial infection]

EPA using 'press release science' to justify regulations, congressmen say.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:03:20 -0800

The Environmental Protection Agency has used bogus "press release science" to defend analyses of how Clean Air Act regulations affect the public’s health while downplaying their economic costs, two congressmen declared Tuesday. Daily Caller.

IGH bans coal-tar based sealers.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:56:55 -0800

Those looking to slap some sticky black stuff on their driveways in Inver Grove Heights better check the composition of their contractors' driveway-blackening agents after a decision by the City Council Oct. 24. St. Paul Southwest Review, Minnesota.

Wayne toxic dump hits a bump in the road toward trial.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:56:15 -0800

An attorney representing six of the 20 defendant dumpers at a notorious Wayne toxic site told a judge Tuesday -- just weeks before the case was supposed to go to trial -- that it cannot be tried fairly because the state Department of Environmental Protection is not going after other known culprits. Bergen County Record, New Jersey.

Toxic chemicals all around us, Lewiston panelists say.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:53:04 -0800

The event, sponsored by the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing and the Environmental Health Strategy Center, focused on how to avoid toxic chemicals and raising awareness on the legislation that guides their use. Lewiston Sun Journal, Maine.

Europe bans x-ray body scanners used at US airports.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:42:50 -0800

The European Union on Monday prohibited the use of X-ray body scanners in European airports, parting ways with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, which has deployed hundreds of the scanners as a way to screen millions of airline passengers for explosives hidden under clothing. ProPublica.

National dental-health coalition urges water fluoridation.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:40:31 -0800

A national coalition of dental health groups launched a new effort Tuesday to expand the fluoridation of municipal water supplies in America as a way to improve oral health. Wichita Eagle, Kansas.
[See other articles about fluoridation: Santa Clara Valley Water District OKs adding fluoride to its drinking water and Fluoride levels fine: report]

Report: BPA in Thanksgiving canned food.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:49:59 -0800

The Breast Cancer Fund wanted to know how much BPA may be in a typical Thanksgiving meal, so we tested canned foods used to make popular Thanksgiving dishes.

Why Americans still breathe known hazards decades after 'clean air' law.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:20:05 -0800

The stumbling, two-decade-old war on hazardous air pollutants has stalled on bureaucratic dawdling, industry resistance, legal maneuvering, limited resources and politics. Untainted air for all Americans -- promised on Nov. 15, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush -- has proved elusive. Center for Public Integrity.
[See another article about air pollution: Clean-air program offers cash to get old trucks off the road.]

Money to burn: Flame retardant industry spent $23 million on lobbying, campaign donations.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:18:26 -0800

A 5-month investigation by Environmental Health News reveals that the chemical industry spent at least $23.2 million over the past five years to lobby California officials and donate to campaigns in an effort to defeat bills that would have regulated flame retardants. The four top recipients, three Democrats and one Republican, never voted in favor of any of the five bills. During the years of lobbying, the flame retardants have been building up in people’s bodies, including breast milk, around the world. Environmental Health News.

New blog feature: Science Picks.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:31:34 -0800

Coordinators of CHE's most active working groups have begun posting "Science Picks" on CHE's blog. These brief postings provide commentary on recent scientific findings. Comments from readers are welcome and encouraged.

New report: Land of Risk/Land of Opportunity.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:29:45 -0800

The UC Davis Center for Regional Change has released a path-breaking report documenting the high levels of environmental and social risks confronting San Joaquin Valley residents.

Where you live can help determine your health, studies say.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:29:41 -0800

Sociologists and public health officials have long thought a ZIP code is at least as important as race, age and genetics in determining a person's health. Now, a growing body of research is bringing the issue to the forefront and opening up the debate about how the nation looks at health care. Baltimore Sun, Maryland.
[See related articles about contaminated neighborhoods: Dangerous lead levels found in nearly two-thirds of New Orleans homes, Tulane study says; In polluted Pennsylvania suburb, a Republican takes on state regulators; Merced County residents: living in a land of risk and Living with heavy industry]

New website for parents/caregivers: Buying Safer Art Supplies.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:22:48 -0800

Some common arts and crafts products can contain hazardous materials (lead, solvents, ammonia). This webpage describes what to buy and what to avoid.

Impact of walking on life expectancy and lifetime medical expenditure: the Ohsaki Cohort Study.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:18:46 -0800

Encouraging people to walk may extend life expectancy and decrease lifetime medical expenditure, especially for men. British Medical Journal.

Girls with family history of breast disease should avoid alcohol.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:15:31 -0800

Adding to research linking alcohol to breast cancer risk, a new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that adolescent girls with a family history of breast disease -- either cancer or the benign lesions that can become cancer -- have a higher risk of developing benign breast disease as young women than other girls. And unlike girls without a family history, this already-elevated risk rises with increasing alcohol consumption. Newswise.

Dr. Paul Epstein, public health expert, dies at 67.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:55:23 -0800

Dr. Paul Epstein, a public health expert who was among the first to warn of a link between the spread of infectious disease and extreme weather events, adding a new dimension to research into the potential impact of global climate change, died on Sunday at his home in Boston. He was 67. New York Times.

Toxic spills more likely on roads than rails, study finds.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:51:14 -0800

A hazardous chemical accident in Westmoreland County is more likely to occur on a highway than on a rail line, according to a recent study of shipments on major highways. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh councilman again takes aim at drilling.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:47:48 -0800

Pittsburgh City Councilman Doug Shields on Monday introduced what he called "toxic trespass" legislation. He wants to hold Marcellus shale drillers and entities -- including state government -- responsible for potential air and water pollution generated by natural gas extraction. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pennsylvania.
[See another article about extraction risks: Federal report warns of shale gas implications]

On Maryland tobacco farms, turning a tradition into potential health benefits.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:33:28 -0800

Now research studies are exploring exactly how nicotine may safely halt cognitive decline and help those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, schizophrenia and attention problems. Washington Post.

Estrogen from birth-control pill in water linked to rising prostate cancer cases.

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:30:19 -0800

Researchers suggest there may be a link between estrogen from oral contraceptives that has found its way into the environment and rising rates of prostate cancer among men around the world. Canadian Press.

Children 'face greater risks.'

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:28:01 -0800

Children will be most affected by climate change, the United Nations warned in a report it launched Monday. The report said millions of children across East Asia and the Pacific were suffering from lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation. And many more children were vulnerable to food shocks and risks of diseases. Fiji Times, Fiji.
[See other articles about climate change and health: Mexican women demand climate justice and Health costs of disasters in the US, related to climate-change is quantified by study]

Influence of mercury exposure on blood pressure, resting heart rate and heart rate variability in French Polynesians: a cross-sectional study.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:53:27 -0800

Mercury was associated with decreased heart rate variability among French Polynesian teenagers while no significant association was observed with resting resting heart rate, blood pressure, or pulse pressure among teenagers or adults. Environmental Health.

The risk of cryptorchidism among sons of women working in horticulture in Denmark: a cohort study.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:52:01 -0800

The data are compatible with a slightly increased risk of cryptorchidism in sons of women exposed to pesticides by working in horticulture. Environmental Health.

New resource: CDC Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Toolkit.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:26:28 -0800

The toolkit features downloadable and easy to use tools that organizations can include in their own awareness materials and channels. The content of the toolkit also provides strategic approaches and suggestions to use and distribute these tools.

New report: Improving Health Literacy Within a State - Workshop Summary.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:08:47 -0800

The Institute of Medicine’s Roundtable on Health Literacy, along with the UCLA Anderson School of Management, held a workshop on November 30, 2010, to explore ways in which state-based organizations and individuals can work to improve health literacy.

'Underestimated' air pollution levels will be rectified, says China.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:03:23 -0800

In a much-welcome move, China has admitted that the country's air pollution standards were being monitored incorrectly and vowed to provide accurate smog readings. Medindia.

Iowa encouraging private well tests for arsenic.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:01:41 -0800

Hundreds of Iowans across the state are drinking tap water polluted with poisonous arsenic as health workers move to rein in the problem. Des Moines Register, Iowa.

Disasters spark more asbestos fears.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:59:10 -0800

Submissions to the Australian government's asbestos management review have raised concerns about whether people who helped with disaster clean-ups unwittingly put their lives at risk while handling broken asbestos. Australian Associated Press.

Risk of disease partially set in womb, scientists say.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:54:29 -0800

Researchers now believe that the food a pregnant woman eats, her weight and fitness, her stress level, and the drugs, pollutants and infections she is exposed to can trigger changes that also make her baby vulnerable to disease after birth. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.

Study links Parkinson's disease to industrial solvent.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:47:10 -0800

Researchers found a six-fold increase in the risk of developing Parkinson's in individuals exposed in the workplace to trichloroethylene, also called TCE. Although many uses for TCE have been banned around the world, the chemical is still used as a degreasing agent. BBC.

A battle over tar sands in Canada.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:42:56 -0800

The larger fight over Canada's oil sands dwarfs Nebraska's two-year battle over a proposed conduit for the tar sands oil -- the Keystone XL pipeline -- and whether it threatens groundwater in the Sand Hills. Omaha World-Herald, Nebraska.

UK air pollution 'puts lives at risk.'

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:37:06 -0800

The government's failure to meet EU standards on air pollution is "putting the health of UK residents at risk", says the Environmental Audit Committee. BBC News.

Chemicals, pollution...and cancer.

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 09:18:42 -0800

With the World Health Organization hinting that cancer could unseat heart disease as the leading cause of death around the world, it’s no surprise that per capita cancer incidence is on the rise globally. Health News Digest.

30 countries discussing climate change in Dhaka.

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 09:17:34 -0800

Representatives of 30 developing nations worried about how climate change threatens them are meeting in Bangladesh before UN-sponsored talks later this month. Associated Press.

Florida home to 'major' polluters.

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 09:12:45 -0800

Seven polluters demonstrate how toothless, and at times helpless, federal, state and county regulators can be in preventing hazardous emissions from entering the air Floridians breathe. Florida Center for Investigative Reporting, Florida.

California pioneers plan for trimming chemicals.

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 09:10:15 -0800

Long a pacesetter in efforts to control dangerous chemicals, California is moving toward sweeping new rules to reduce toxins in cleaning products, cosmetics, electronics, toys and possibly many other consumer goods. San Diego Union-Tribune, California.

Where city factories, and now babies, die.

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 09:04:53 -0800

Infant survival and economic competitiveness tend to move on the same sliding scale. Study after study reveals survival chances increase in communities and nations with rising wealth and stability - just as young life is threatened by economic crisis and upheaval. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin.

Birth weight predicts physical functioning at age 60.

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 22:30:08 -0800

Low birth weight and slow growth progressing to greater body mass in pre-adolescence significantly increased the risk of poor physical functioning at the age of 60 years, a new Finnish study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found. ScienceDaily.

Clean indoor air laws transforms homes to ‘no smoking’ zones.

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:42:49 -0800

Now, a study in the December issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine concludes that strong clean indoor air laws are associated with large increases in voluntary smoke free policies in the home, as well.

Groundbreaking study quantifies health costs of climate change-related disasters in the U.S.

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:38:34 -0800

Health costs exceeding $14 billion dollars and involving 21,000 emergency room visits, nearly 1,700 deaths, and 9,000 hospitalizations are among the staggering impacts of six climate change-related events in the United States during the last decade, according to a first-of-its-kind study published in November 2011 edition of the journal Health Affairs. Health Canal.

Wood stove intervention can reduce childhood pneumonia.

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:36:57 -0800

Cooking stoves with chimneys can lower exposure to indoor wood smoke and reduce the rate of severe pneumonia by 30 percent in children less than 18 months of age, according to a new air pollution study funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health. Newswise.

What does ExxonMobil have to do with child safety?

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:23:31 -0800

In 2008, Congress banned the use of phthalates in children’s products. Since then, Exxon Mobil has been working to reverse that ban and to keep phthalates off of the EPA’s list of Chemicals of Concern.. Forbes.

China concedes it underestimates air pollution levels.

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:17:20 -0800

After a wave of public anger at Beijing's atrocious pollution, the Chinese government on Friday promised to make its misleading readings of smog levels more accurate. London Daily Telegraph, United Kingdom.

Smoking and drinking in pregnancy 'harms 10,000 babies in UK each year.'

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:12:49 -0800

Britain's top children's doctor has said that more than 10,000 babies each year suffer serious harm, including death, because their mothers drank alcohol, smoked, over-ate, or took drugs during pregnancy. London Guardian, United Kingdom.

Diabetes linked to cognitive impairment in older adults, study suggests.

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:47:34 -0800

For the past five years, a team led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) neurophysiologist Vera Novak, MD, PhD, has been studying the effects of diabetes on cognitive health in older individuals and has determined that memory loss, depression and other types of cognitive impairment are serious consequences of this widespread disease. ScienceDaily.

California kids slim down, slightly.

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:29:51 -0800

The epidemic of childhood overweight and obesity in California appears to have peaked and be leveling off, according to a new study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. Bay Citizen, California.

Research links pesticides, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:26:42 -0800

A prospective study of organochlorine pesticides in people finds that elevated levels of DDT, cis-nonachlor and oxychlordane increase the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma later in life. Environmental Health News.

World's 10 worst toxic pollution problems.

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:15:50 -0800

World's 10 worst toxic pollution problems. Mercury, lead, chromium and other toxic compounds, used in many industrial processes, rob years of healthy life from millions each year. Simple fixes could go far in solving the issue. Scientific American.

'Fracking' chemical found in Wyoming town's aquifer.

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:13:23 -0800

As the country awaited results from a nationwide safety study on the natural gas drilling process of fracking, a separate government investigation into contamination in a place where residents have long complained that drilling fouled their water turned up alarming levels of underground pollution. ProPublica.

Woodsmoke linked to pneumonia, and also hurts kids' IQs.

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:12:38 -0800

Smoke from open fires and dirty cookstoves -- used by almost half the world's population -- is linked to severe pneumonia, especially among women and young children. A second study uncovered a surprising link between prenatal maternal exposure to woodsmoke and poorer performance in markers for IQ among their children years later. CBC Canada.
[See another article about air pollution: Where regulators failed, citizens took action -- testing their own air]

FDA stings retailers for selling tobacco to minors.

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:10:48 -0800

Health regulators have hit some 1,200 retailers with warnings this year for unlawfully selling cigarettes and other tobacco products to children under 18. Reuters.
[See other articles about tobacco use: State health department promotes Smokefree Air Mississippi program and Most American smokers say they want to quit: health agency]

Study gauges global influenza impact on children.

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:09:00 -0800

Tens of thousands of young children die around the world each year of influenza-related respiratory illness, most of them in developing countries, according to a newly-released study. Reuters.

Fukushima crisis 'stunting children's growth.'

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:07:30 -0800

Thousands of children living in the fallout zone are confined indoors because of radiation fears, and doctors worry they are not growing at a sufficient rate. Australia ABC News, Australia.

Nominations sought for 2012 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:41:11 -0800

This year, EPA is encouraging nominations for technologies that will reduce or eliminate chemicals that present serious health risks to children, such as diisocyanates, phthalates, bisphenol A, certain flame retardants, formaldehyde, lead and mercury. Nominations are due to the agency by December 31st.

Nominations sought: Growing Green Awards.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:34:43 -0800

Through this national award, NRDC will recognize extraordinary contributions that advance ecologically integrated farming practices, climate stewardship, water stewardship, farmland preservation, and social responsibility from farm to fork. Nominations will be accepted until the close of business on December 9th.

Call for abstracts: 2012 National Training Conference on the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) and Environmental Conditions in Communities.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:21:44 -0800

This conference to be held on April 11-13, 2012, in Washington, DC, will include sessions on pollution prevention, and the Toxics Release Inventory, along with sessions on environmental data and conditions and trends in ecological and human health. Submissions are due November 19th.

Call for proposals: Solid Waste Management Grant.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:34:45 -0800

Funds may be used to: Evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the maintenance and operation of active landfills in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training to help associations reduce the solid waste stream; and provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills in rural areas which are closed or will be closed in the near future. Applications are due December 31st.

Governors' Institute for Community Design, Request for Proposals.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:25:16 -0800

EPA's Office of Policy is seeking proposals to conduct research and studies, analyze state policies and programs, and create and deliver technical assistance programs to leaders of states that are facing air and water pollution, land use, and development challenges. This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to fund one applicant to operate the Governors' Institute for Community Design.

Webinar series: Clean, Green and Healthy Tribal Schools.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:16:54 -0800

A series of six webinars are planned for January and February 2012 to provide information and tools for tribal school personnel and EPA personnel to ensure that tribal schools are clean, green and healthy for themselves, school children and their community.

Call for comments: Compendium of Federal Agencies' Policies, Strategies, Work/Implementation Plans, Guidance on Environmental Justice.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:53:27 -0800

In August, EJ IWG agencies signed the "Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Justice and Executive Order 12898" (EJ MOU) (PDF) and formally agreed to certain environmental justice commitments. Among them, each federal agency agreed to post its strategy on its website for public comment.

Mass campaign to recycle toxic baby bottles.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:41:47 -0800

Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) is calling on all South Africans to join them in their BPA Baby Bottle Exchange and Recycling Project by bringing in their plastic bottles for recycling. IOL News, South Africa.

In Cairo, a war against weight is underway.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:37:23 -0800

Obesity leads to serious and costly diseases: Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and many cancers. Six Arab countries make the top 10 list in diabetes prevalence in the world: Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Los Angeles Times, California.

EPA regulations give kilns permission to pollute.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:29:18 -0800

Kilns are legally allowed to pump more toxins into the air than are hazardous-waste incinerators, which burn many of the same dangerous materials, including industrial solvents, aluminum plant waste and other toxic leftovers from the production of chemicals, oil and pharmaceuticals. National Public Radio.

School lunches tainted with hormone-mimicking chemicals, finds Italian study.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:00:45 -0800

Food packaging appears to increase the levels of two phthalates in lunches fed Italian children. This was discovered by Italian scientists when they compared the level of phthalates in elementary school children's food before and after it was packaged and delivered. Environmental Health News.

Coffee, tea reduces mercury exposure when eating fish.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:59:36 -0800

Forget sake -- a groundbreaking new study from the Université de Montréal shows that sushi-lovers should be eating their raw fish with coffee or tea to reduce their exposure to mercury. Montreal Gazette, Quebec.

States ban lead wheel weights.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:58:35 -0800

The U.S. has worked to get lead out of gas and out of paint, but the biggest source of lead in a consumer product is still on roadways in the form of wheel weights used to balance the tires on our cars. Environment Report.

Suit seeks to stop alleged pollution by California farmers.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:56:58 -0800

California fishing and conservation groups filed a lawsuit Wednesday in federal court, accusing farmers of illegally discharging polluted groundwater into tributaries of the San Joaquin River. Associated Press.

Sick in U.S. more likely to skip care than elsewhere.

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 13:16:33 -0800

Americans who have a chronic illness or serious health problems are more likely to struggle to pay their medical bills or have problems getting needed care than adults with similar problems in other high-income countries, a survey released on Wednesday found. Reuters.

Experts evaluate hormone replacement therapy on Alzheimer's disease risk.

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 11:43:28 -0800

A rigorous evaluation of the scientific literature reveals that the jury is still out when it comes to hormone replacement therapy and a woman’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Newswise.

Routine iron fortification of infant formula linked to poorer development.

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 11:41:07 -0800

A 10-year follow-up study examining iron-fortified vs. low-iron infant formula suggests that infants with high hemoglobin levels who received iron fortified infant formula have poorer long-term developmental outcomes. Newswise.

Call for proposals: 9th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet.

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 11:34:32 -0800

The US EPA is seeking applications proposing to research, develop, and design solutions to real world challenges involving the overall sustainability of human society. Proposals are due December 22, 2011.

Funding opportunity: EPA Greater Research Opportunities Fellowships for Undergraduate Environmental Study.

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 11:29:10 -0800

These fellowships for bachelor level students in environmental fields of study provide eligible students support for their junior and senior years of undergraduate study and for an internship at an EPA facility during the summer of their junior year. The deadline for receipt of applications is December 12, 2011

New resource: Elder-Accessible Gardening.

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 11:14:29 -0800

This publication from the US Environmental Protection Agency describes turning a brownfields site into a community garden that benefits elders through nutritious food, socialization, cross-generational sharing and physical activity.

Environmental Health Trust reveals risky patterns of cell phone use by middle schoolers.

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 10:03:40 -0800

Devra Davis, PhD, MPH, ... highlighted an important new New Zealand study led by Mary Redmayne finding that in-pocket use of cell phones by middle schoolers exposes their reproductive organs’ to prolonged exposure to cell phone radiation. Investor Relations Group.
[See a related article: Health alert for children who use mobile phones]

Cancer chemical found in fog vapor.

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 09:53:44 -0800

Fog vapor in downtown Shanghai contains cancer-causing chemicals, researchers said yesterday. Shanghai Daily, China.
[See another article about air quality: EPA announces most areas meet air quality standards for lead]

Contrasting the concerns over climate and ozone loss.

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 09:46:43 -0800

Ozone and climate scientists met in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss whether the history of the ozone hole offered a useful case study about how to catalyze global action on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Their simple answer: No. Science News.

US lawsuit extends thalidomide's reach.

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 09:43:01 -0800

In a new twist on a historic tragedy, 13 Americans who say they are survivors of thalidomide are suing four companies for producing and distributing the notorious drug. The plantiffs say that the drug affected more people in the United States than thought and that the companies responsible have done all they can to hide these facts. Nature.

Few criminal cases target big air polluters.

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 09:40:43 -0800

In policing the nation’s polluters, criminal prosecution is the government’s most potent weapon. Congress passed legislation 21 years ago to strengthen criminal enforcement and encourage the EPA and the Justice Department to go after the worst violators of air pollution laws. Center for Public Integrity.
[See another article about regulatory enforcement: LG&E fined over coal ash releases]

New edition of Pediatric Environmental Health.

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 11:02:02 -0800

The new 3rd edition of Pediatric Environmental Health is the landmark AAP guide to the identification, prevention, and treatment of pediatric environmental health problems. The publication is available in print or eBook at the AAP online bookstore.

Carbon monoxide -- the silent calmer?

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:50:20 -0800

Now, in a surprising twist, Prof. Itzhak Schnell of Tel Aviv University's Department of Geography and the Human Environment has discovered that low levels of the poisonous gas can have a narcotic effect that helps citydwellers cope with other harmful environmental factors of an urban environment, such as off-the-chart noise levels. Health Canal.

A tool to quit smoking has some unlikely critics.

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:44:10 -0800

A coalition of government officials and anti-smoking groups agree that e-cigarettes should be studied more thoroughly and subjected to tighter regulation, including quality-control standards and a ban on sales to minors. New York Times.
[See another article about smoking: Judge blocks FDA rule requiring graphic images on cigarette packs of the dangers of smoking]

Hair-raising facts about cosmetics' safety levels.

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:41:38 -0800

It's time to check the small print on the label of your favourite hair straightener. EU cosmetics legislation says that these hair straighteners should contain no more than 0.2pc of the chemical formaldehyde. Dublin Irish Independent, Ireland.

Tylenol may leave children gasping.

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 09:46:38 -0800

Links between acetaminophen and asthma are so prevalent that until future studies document the drug's safety, it's being suggested that parents avoid giving the common medication to their children. Omaha World-Herald, Nebraska.

The hidden toll of traffic jams.

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 09:37:19 -0800

Congested cities are fast becoming test tubes for scientists studying the impact of traffic fumes on the brain. Wall Street Journal.

Reduction in cadmium exposure in the United States population, 1988-2008: the contribution of declining smoking rates.

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 13:31:43 -0800

Declining smoking rates and changes in exposure to tobacco smoke may have played an important role in the decline of urine cadmium concentrations, benefitting both smokers and non-smokers. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Heavy metals contaminate China's farmlands.

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 11:56:08 -0800

About 10 percent of China's farmland contains excessive levels of heavy metals due to contaminated water and poisonous waste seeping into the soil, state media says. Agence France-Presse.

How health and lifestyle choices can change your genetic make-up.

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 11:53:32 -0800

Since researchers cracked the human genome some 10 years ago, we've had a heightened awareness of the importance of genetics in our risk for certain diseases. Now, research in the new field of epigenetics is finding that our lifestyle choices -- the foods we eat, the chemicals we are exposed to, how active we are, even our social environments -- can actually alter our health at the level of the gene. Atlantic Monthly.

Independent panel: EPA underestimates atrazine's cancer risk.

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 11:51:18 -0800

Atrazine is the second-most widely used pesticide on US farms. Does it cause cancer? EPA says "not likely." But an independent panel of experts sharply criticizes EPA's assessment. Mother Jones.

Secret 'watch list' reveals failure to curb toxic air.

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 11:30:39 -0800

The system Congress set up 21 years ago to clean up toxic air pollution still leaves many communities exposed to risky concentrations of benzene, formaldehyde, mercury and many other hazardous chemicals. Morning Edition, NPR.
[See a related article: Many Americans left behind in the quest for cleaner air]

Washington state wants less risk for people who eat fish.

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 08:01:17 -0800

Washington waters are supposed to be clean enough to protect people who eat fish from rivers, streams and lakes, but the state standard assumes people can safely eat less than 8 ounces of fish a month. State environmental regulators think that many people consume more fish than that, and therefore that the the amount of toxic pollutants in the state's water should be lower. Associated Press.

Contaminated groundwater still threat to water supply.

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 07:58:08 -0800

Beneath an enormous storage tank, where almost 200,000 Fayetteville area residents get their drinking water, lies an elusive plume of groundwater contamination from an abandoned textile mill. The state estimates it would cost more than $50 million to clean up the former Texfi Industries site, but there isn't enough money available to even properly monitor the contamination. Fayetteville Observer, North Carolina.
[See another article about water pollution: New waterless fracking method avoids pollution problems, but drillers slow to embrace it]

Prolonged sitting linked to breast and colon cancers.

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 07:51:22 -0800

Owen's study suggested that even very brief exercise may reduce cancer risk. In the study, the one- to two-minute breaks were associated with smaller waists, less insulin resistance (an early sign of diabetes) and lower levels of inflammation -- all risk factors for cancer. Scientific American.

Fatty foods addictive as cocaine in growing body of science.

Sat, 5 Nov 2011 21:00:56 -0700

A growing body of medical research at leading universities and government laboratories suggests that processed foods and sugary drinks made by the likes of PepsiCo Inc. and Kraft Foods Inc. aren’t simply unhealthy. They can hijack the brain in ways that resemble addictions to cocaine, nicotine and other drugs. Business Week.

Women who stop hormones therapy increase hip-fracture risk.

Sat, 5 Nov 2011 20:56:53 -0700

A significant rise in hip fractures among women is one result of the decade-long slide in the popularity of hormone replacement therapy, researchers report in a new study. Los Angeles Times, California.

America's 20 dirtiest cities.

Sat, 5 Nov 2011 20:48:26 -0700

Lots of people and too many cars means California still has seven big cities that rank among the 20 most polluted in the nation. Forbes.

More evidence obesity tied to colon cancer: study.

Sat, 5 Nov 2011 20:46:48 -0700

Older adults who are heavy, especially around the middle, seem to have a higher risk of developing colon cancer than their thinner peers -- and exercise may lower the incidence of the disease, especially for women, a European study said. Reuters.

Anti-PVC push in health care grows.

Sat, 5 Nov 2011 20:45:43 -0700

Hospitals and public health professionals are pushing to find alternatives to soft-plastic PVC found in IV bags, tubing, neo-natal masks -- even flooring and carpeting. These products contain phthalates, used to soften PVC. Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest health providers, has committed to eliminate PVC from its hospitals. CNN.

Chinese economic miracle fuels surge in carbon emissions.

Sat, 5 Nov 2011 20:42:06 -0700

Soaring carbon dioxide emissions from China and the US have driven the world's output of greenhouse gases to its highest level, alarming new figures reveal. London Independent, United Kingdom.

Are We on the Same Page? Action agenda of the National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures.

Sat, 5 Nov 2011 20:38:59 -0700

Over the past two years there has been a broad-based, intense, and relatively rancor-free effort to revitalize and rationalize how we manage hazardous industrial and naturally occurring chemicals. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Environmental lead after Hurricane Katrina: implications for future populations.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:59:48 -0700

The high prevalence (61%) of lead above recommended levels in soil and dust samples in and around residences raises concern about potential health risks to the New Orleans population, most notably children. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Biomonitoring of bisphenol A concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood in regard to birth outcomes and adipokine expression: a birth cohort study in Taiwan.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:58:11 -0700

Elevated prenatal BPA exposure increased the risk of lower birth weight, smaller size for gestational age, and adverse actions of adipokines in neonates, especially for male infants. Environmental Health.

Air pollution and anemia as risk factors for pneumonia in Ecuadorian children: a retospective cohort study.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:57:16 -0700

Ambient air pollution is associated with rates of hospitalization for pneumonia and with physician's consultations for acute respiratory infections. Environmental Health.

EPA reinstates Toxics Release Inventory reporting requirements for hydrogen sulfide.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:55:16 -0700

After consideration of public comments, EPA has concluded that the reporting requirements for hydrogen sulfide should be reinstated.

The obesogen hypothesis: a shift of focus from the periphery to the hypothalamus.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 13:50:07 -0700

Having discussed the evidence for contaminant accumulation in the environment and in human tissues and the potential mechanisms of action, data are provided showing that these two widespread pollutants modify hypothalamic gene regulations. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part B, Critical Reviews.

BP to pay Texas $50 million for refinery pollution.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 11:22:08 -0700

BP will pay Texas $50 million after the sides reached an unprecedented settlement over air pollution violations at the beleaguered oil giant's Gulf Coast refinery, the site of a massive explosion in 2005 that killed 15 people. Associated Press.

Bromide still high in Monongahela, scientists say.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 11:08:27 -0700

Bromide in the Monongahela River remains at high levels despite state regulators' attempts to limit the chemical, researchers said Thursday. The scientists and state environmental regulators have expressed concerns about bromide because it can form carcinogens when it goes through drinking-water chlorination. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pennsylvania.
[See other articles about water pollution: 3M: Mississippi River cleanup is paying off and Report focuses on toxins in Puget Sound]

Lawmakers move to create burn pit register.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:58:31 -0700

Legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would require the Veterans Affairs Department to create a register for veterans who have health problems they believe are related to exposure to open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. Navy Times.

N.B. undertakes largest cancer study in Canada.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:57:37 -0700

The largest cancer study in Canadian history got underway this week in New Brunswick, just as the disease has become the leading cause of death in every Canadian province and territory. CBC Canada.

Mattress materials may pose risk for infants, kids.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:54:59 -0700

In 2007, the U.S. government passed laws to ensure sure your child’s mattress was flame resistant, but a new report finds those requirements may have created even more dangers for your baby. Denver KWGN TV, Colorado.

Mexico hides cadmium under the rug.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:52:45 -0700

Despite the threat cadmium poses to health and the environment, Mexico has no plan to reduce the use of the heavy metal in the production of toys and industrial products like batteries and fertiliser. Inter Press Service.

Manganese heightens lead's effect on children.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:50:25 -0700

Scientists have known for decades that lead affects a child’s neurological development. Now new research shows that simultaneous exposure to the metal manganese creates even greater risk for 1-year-olds for reduced mental and motor skills later in life. Environmental Health News.

Science far from conclusive on low-level radiation risks.

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:44:07 -0700

The March 11 nuclear accident at the Fukushima No. 1 plant has transformed what used to be a long-standing academic debate into an urgent issue for millions of ordinary people: Will long-term exposure to low-level radiation cause any health problems? Japan Times, Japan.

Assessing the science of cell phone safety, with David Savitz.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 15:01:01 -0700

In this podcast, David Savitz of Brown University discusses evidence from epidemiologic studies of cell phone safety with host Ashley Ahearn. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Early-life exposures and early onset uterine leiomyomata in black women in the Sister Study.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:59:33 -0700

With the exception of monozygotic multiple birth and maternal hypertensive disorder, early-life risk factors for early onset fibroids in blacks were similar to those in whites. Environmental Health Perspectives.

NARA and EPA launch documerica-inspired student multimedia contest/ "Document Your Environment" contest runs through January 6, 2012.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:55:52 -0700

Drawing inspiration from a collection of environmental photos from the 1970s, this contest invites students ages 13 to 18 college and graduate students to create any type of graphic art, a short video, or a poem using a Documerica photo as a prompt.

EPA announces final study plan to assess hydraulic fracturing/Congressionally directed study will evaluate potential impacts on drinking water.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:54:47 -0700

In March 2010, EPA announced its intention to conduct the study in response to a request from Congress.

Special journal issue online: Designing a Chemically Safer Future.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:47:25 -0700

As this collection of articles in New Solutions issue describes, achieving a safer chemicals future requires that we rethink old ways of addressing chemical problems.

Webinar series: Improving Children’s Health through Federal Collaboration.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:35:06 -0700

The purpose of this webinar series is to encourage coordination, collaboration and information sharing across government agencies and organizations, health care providers, educators, and the general public in addressing children’s health issues. Calls will be the second Thursday of every month from 2PM to 3:30PM Mountain time.

Crib mattresses: 72 percent of models use suspect chemicals, advocacy group says.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:31:12 -0700

The report by Clean and Healthy New York, an environmental health advocacy group, surveyed 28 companies that make most of the standard-size crib mattresses and found that 72 percent of mattress models use one or more chemicals of concern, including certain flame retardants, antibacterials and waterproofing additives. Washington Post.

Climate change could unravel development progress.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:26:28 -0700

The United Nations unveiled its 22nd annual Human Development Report on Wednesday, with grave warnings that unless countries take action against climate change and implement sustainable solutions, progress in human development will be in serious jeopardy. Inter Press Service.

Anti-smoking drug 'greatly raises suicide risk and should only be used as a last resort.'

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:24:01 -0700

A popular anti-smoking drug greatly raises the risk of suicide and should only be used as a last resort, doctors said Wednesday night. They say patients who take Champix are also more prone to attempted suicide, suicidal thoughts and depression than those who use nicotine patches and gums. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Coal ash spills into Lake Michigan after bluff collapse.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:22:09 -0700

A cascade of coal ash, dirt and mud fell into the shore of Lake Michigan yesterday after a large section of bluff collapsed beside the We Energies Oak Creek Power Plant in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. Center for Public Integrity.

Biomonitoring pinpoints chemicals absorbed by body.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:19:56 -0700

Sophisticated instruments have made it possible to analyze our blood, urine and hair for trace amounts of chemicals in a process known as biomonitoring. The results, a snapshot of exactly what’s in your body, are known as a bioburden, and everyone has one. California Watch.

Many hair straighteners have more formaldehyde than claimed.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:19:22 -0700

Three out of four keratin hair straighteners tested for a new study on formaldehyde exposure in hair-smoothing products contained more formaldehyde than the product claimed, according to research conducted by the San Francisco-based scientific consulting firm, ChemRisk, and published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. Los Angeles Times, California.

Re-using plastic bottles increases leaching of toxic chemicals.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:17:09 -0700

The research, published in this year’s Water Research journal, showed that repeated use of PET and PC bottles increases leaching of the toxic chemicals antimony and bromine, the last used as a flame retardant. Cyprus Mail, Cyprus.

TSA to conduct new study of x-ray body scanners.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:14:27 -0700

The head of the Transportation Security Administration testified today that the agency will perform a new, independent study on the safety of X-ray body scanners after lawmakers raised questions about a ProPublica investigation at a Senate hearing on aviation security. ProPublica.

Infant brain drain: Chemicals in plastics under scrutiny.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 14:12:01 -0700

In utero exposure to some chemicals found in plastics might impact infant behavior and reflexes after birth, report researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center. Environmental Health News.

Utah soot pollution targeted by environmental group.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 13:59:40 -0700

An environmental group has put federal regulators on notice about their obligation to reduce dust and soot pollution in Utah and seven other states. Salt Lake Tribune, Utah.

Study: Filipino babies twice as likely to be fed infant formula by mothers exposed to milk ads.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 13:43:49 -0700

The World Health Organization said a study has found that Filipino mothers who have been influenced by advertisements or their doctors to use infant formula are two to four times more likely to feed their babies with those products. Associated Press.

The prevalence puzzle: Autism counts.

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 13:16:49 -0700

If the increase can't be explained away -- and at least part of the rise is 'real' --hen new factors must be causing it, and scientists urgently need to find them. Nature.
[See a related article: Autism's fight for facts: A voice for science]

A few drinks a week raises breast cancer risk.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:52:41 -0700

A new study shows that women who routinely have even small amounts of alcohol, as few as three drinks a week, have an elevated risk of breast cancer. New York Times.

ADHD drug may affect puberty.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:50:21 -0700

Juvenile male rhesus monkeys given methylphenidate hydrochloride, a drug widely used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, exhibited delayed progression of puberty, according to a recent study. Journal of the American Medical Association.

High pesticide exposure associated with cognitive decline.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:46:21 -0700

In a paper published online(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21927986) in the International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, agricultural workers who had at least one high pesticide exposure events (HPEE) involving pesticides that contain organophosphate scored lower on cognitive tests compared to agricultural workers who never had an HPEE. NIEHS Factor.

Webcasts: The Proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Reporting Rule.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:34:37 -0700

EPA plans to hold two webcasts on November 9, 2011, and November 17, 2011, to provide an overview of and answer questions about the proposed rule requirements. Advance registration is required.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services seeks public comment on draft strategy that promotes healthy communities and protects people's health.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 13:31:41 -0700

This draft strategy introduces the vision of "a nation that equitably promotes healthy community environments and protects the health of all people." The strategy will be available for public comment for Saturday December 3, 2011.

Swapping tail pipes for pedals: small changes could pay huge dividends for public health and economy.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 12:32:48 -0700

According to their calculations, making those short trips on bicycles could save approximately four trillion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, 1,100 lives and $7 billion in mortality and health care costs for the region every year. Huffington Post.
[See another article related to climate change: Weather extremes to worsen, climate study says]

GE says steps reduce PCBs in the Hudson.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 12:20:49 -0700

General Electric Co. told state regulators that a novel series of wells and tunnels designed to keep PCB-contaminated groundwater from seeping into the upper Hudson River appears to be effective and should continue operation. Associated Press.

Can the chemicals in makeup harm your health?

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 12:17:37 -0700

"The primary concerns are preservatives, artificial fragrances, dyes and perfumes," Parker says. WKYC TV, Ohio.
[See another article about personal care products: Johnson & Johnson under fire to pull "toxic" baby shampoo]

US government glossed over cancer concerns as it rolled out airport x-ray scanners.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 12:13:23 -0700

The United States has begun marching millions of airline passengers through X-ray body scanners, parting ways with countries in Europe and elsewhere that have concluded that such widespread use of even low-level radiation poses an unacceptable health risk. ProPublica.

Check your receipt: it may be tainted.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 12:09:47 -0700

Over eight billion pounds of bisphenol-A, a chemical compound used in making plastic products and the linings of tin cans, are produced annually worldwide. Recent research shows that the chemical can be absorbed into human skin in a way less obvious than diet: the handling of receipts. New York Times.

NJ schools becoming asthma-friendly.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 12:04:38 -0700

Parents of Woodbury NJ Public School students may soon breathe easy, as the entire district is being designated as "Asthma-Friendly" on Monday by The Pediatric/Adult Asthma Coalition of New Jersey (PACNJ). Gloucester County Times, New Jersey.

Pollution a threat to progress of poorest countries.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 12:00:55 -0700

Sheer numbers don’t tell the tale, says the report, which focuses on how the interplay of inequality and environment threatens progress, especially in the poorest nations. It calls for a universal plan for clean energy, and adoption of an environmental bill of rights. Toronto Star, Ontario.

Community health concerns from mountaintop removal mining.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 11:49:23 -0700

Mountaintop removal mining is controversial for its environmental impacts. Now research studies are beginning to link these environmental impacts to adverse outcomes in community health, raising questions about whether the benefits of mountaintop mining come at too high a health cost. Environmental Health Perspectives.

New report: Promoting Health Literacy to Encourage Prevention and Wellness - Workshop Summary.

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 09:59:04 -0700

On September 15, 2009, the Roundtable held a workshop to explore approaches to integrate health literacy in to primary and secondary prevention. This document is a summary of the workshop.

Latitude variation in incidence of chronic digestive diseases.

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 09:57:17 -0700

New research points to a potential role for UV light exposure and vitamin D levels in chronic digestive conditions; Crohn's disease, a serious inflammatory condition in the small intestine; and ulcerative colitis (UC), which similarly affects the colon. ScienceDaily.

The association between obesity and mortality in the elderly differs by serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants: a possible explanation for the obesity paradox.

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 09:53:59 -0700

These findings are consistent with our hypothesis that adipose tissue provides relatively safe storage of toxic lipophilic chemicals, a phenomenon that could explain the obesity paradox. International Journal of Obesity.

Lung cancer targets more than just Kentucky smokers.

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 09:39:52 -0700

Experts say 85 percent of lung cancer cases are linked to smoking, and Kentucky consistently has some of the nation’s highest smoking rates. Federal statistics show that nearly a quarter of adult Kentuckians were smokers in 2010. But the disease can also be caused by secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos exposure, air pollution or unknown factors. Louisville Courier-Journal, Kentucky.

Replacing olds smartphones with newer models creates environmental problems.

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 09:37:38 -0700

While the sheer volume of electronic garbage is impressive on its own, it’s the chemicals involved that concern environmentalists. Washington Post.
[See another article about electronic waste concerns: Could ‘smart’ textiles prove toxic?]

Federal ruling favors endangered species over pesticides.

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 09:02:05 -0700

A U.S. District Court judge Monday ruled that measures required to protect endangered salmon and steelhead from three highly toxic pesticides are valid and can be enforced. Central Valley Business Times, California.
[See another article from Taiwan about pesticides: 17.5% of 'nutritional' school meals contain pesticide residue]

Chronic exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and diabetes incidence: a systematic review.

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:18:58 -0700

This review used systematic review methodology to provide an evidence-based evaluation of the relationship between persistent organic pollutants and diabetes. Emory University.

New review: Environmental Exposures, Infertility, and Related Reproductive Disorders: An Update October 2011.

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:46:03 -0700

CHE has published an update of its summary of the effects of exposures on reproductive health, authored by Ted Schettler MD, MPH.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals and disease susceptibility.

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:39:08 -0700

This review focuses on the mechanisms and modes of action by which EDCs alter hormone signaling. It also includes brief overviews of select disease endpoints associated with endocrine disruption. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Request for information: Research Resources for the Environmental Health Sciences.

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:25:53 -0700

The NIEHS Division of Extramural Research and Training is seeking input on existing technological resources that can facilitate research in the environmental health sciences, but that are not widely available due to infrastructure requirements or other technical issues which limit distribution.

Do interactions between gut ecology and environmental chemicals contribute to obesity and diabetes?

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:12:42 -0700

Variations in gut microbiota are likely to affect human toxicodynamics and increase individual exposure to obesogenic and diabetogenic chemicals. Environmental Health Perspectives.

New report: Markers.

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:08:10 -0700

Inspired by public health complaints from parents and teachers, a new user-friendly guide by Healthy Schools Network argues that dry erase and permanent markers are not safe for children.

New report: Long-Term Health Consequences of Exposure to Burn Pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:05:04 -0700

Along with more efficient data-gathering methods, the report recommends that a study be conducted that would evaluate the health status of service members from their time of deployment to JBB over many years to determine their incidence of chronic diseases, including cancers, that tend to not show up for decades.

Lead poisoning is number one threat to young children.

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:55:16 -0700

Families should be aware of the hazards presented by lead and lead-based paint in homes and places where children under six years of age spend time, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ashland Current, Wisconsin.

Live webcast: 27th International Neurotoxicology Conference.

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:53:50 -0700

The two sessions scheduled are Session 3 - Endocrine Disruption in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Session 4 - Clinical Clues of Endocrine Disruption in Autism Spectrum Disorders. The conference will be webcast from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Eastern time.

Exposure to road traffic and railway noise and associations with blood pressure and self-reported hypertension: a cohort study.

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:42:59 -0700

While exposure to road traffic noise was associated with systolic blood pressure in subgroups, we were not able to identify associations with hypertension. Environmental Health.

Study: marijuana use causes chaos in the brain.

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:40:57 -0700

They found that brain activity becomes highly uncoordinated, erratic, and inaccurate while the user is under the influence. Environmental News Network.

EPA launches Spanish version of MyRTK application.

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:38:47 -0700

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making it easier to find information on toxic chemical releases in communities by making the "My Right-to-Know" (myRTK) application available in Spanish.

A particulate threat to diabetics.

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:29:23 -0700

In a new study of people with diabetes, blood pressure rose in rough lockstep with short-term increases in soot and other microscopic air pollutant particles.
[See other articles about air quality: Air pollution in relation to U.S. cancer mortality rates: an ecological study; likely role of carbonaceous aerosols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and Air pollution tied to lung cancer in non-smokers]

Ambitious plan set for clean water.

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:18:24 -0700

China has pledged to make all its underground drinking water safe, and to significantly improve the overall quality of groundwater by 2020 -- a goal that even some senior environmental officials say will be difficult to achieve. China Daily.

Program in Kentucky urges smokers switch to smokeless tobacco.

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:15:15 -0700

In the smoker-heavy state of Kentucky, a cancer center is suggesting something that most health experts won’t and the tobacco industry can’t: if you really want to quit, switch to smoke-free tobacco. Associated Press.

Monitoring shows contaminants still pollute the Arctic.

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:06:49 -0700

Since the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants banned the use of worldwide use of DDT and 11 other of worst pollutants in 2004, there are fewer traces of these in the Arctic. But other pollutants such as PFCs and Endosulfan are new research subjects. Nunatsiaq News, Nunavut.

Critics take on methyl iodide in Salinas Valley, California.

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:01:54 -0700

Methyl iodide is toxic and a potential carcinogen. But it's also a critical pesticide that could keep California's $2 billion-a-year strawberry crop bringing in the revenue. The public debate has led to intense scrutiny and a lawsuit over California's relatively rigorous pesticide registration process, as well as generated unanswered questions about how much risk is too much risk. Salinas Californian, California.

Water-safety arguments on tap.

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:56:42 -0700

A lawsuit alleging harm from the chemical atrazine will hinge, in part, on the release of documents that Syngenta Inc. wants to keep confidential. Alton Telegraph, Illinois.

Online calendar: events, calls for proposals, calls for abstracts, job openings and more.

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:36:48 -0700

CHE's searchable online calendar is updated several times each week. Submissions of items related to environment and human health are welcome.

Special journal issue on cumulative health risk assessment.

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:34:51 -0700

The deadline for submissions to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has been extended to January15, 2012.

Hormone replacement therapy and the risk of breast cancer.

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:34:03 -0700

In evaluating a woman who is considering HRT, factors that have been associated with an increased risk include the initiation of hormone use immediately after menopause, a lean body mass and high mammographic breast density. Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology.

Report: industry decides US food ingredient safety.

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:30:56 -0700

Thousands of ingredients that go into food have been classified as safe by private industry alone, without any U.S. government oversight, according to a new report published Wednesday. Associated Press.

Environmental toxin bisphenol A (BPA) can affect newborn brain, mouse study shows.

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:14:35 -0700

Newborn mice that are exposed to bisphenol A develop changes in their spontaneous behavior and evince poorer adaptation to new environments, as well hyperactivity as young adults, according to researchers at Uppsala University. ScienceDaily.
[See another article about BPA: Multnomah County becomes first jurisdiction in the state to ban BPA in certain products]

Long-term aspirin lowers hereditary cancer risk by over 60%.

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:09:30 -0700

A study that looked at aspirin's preventive benefits against heart attack and stroke eventually showed that participants had a much lower risk of developing cancer. Medical News Today.

Cell phone warnings blocked in San Francisco.

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:48:43 -0700

A U.S. judge blocked most of a San Francisco ordinance on Thursday that required warnings about cell phone safety risks, saying it violated the First Amendment. Reuters.

Poisoned parks: wooden play places may be hurting children.

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:07:19 -0700

Could the wooden play structure in your neighborhood park be toxic? Many parks use a chemical preservative to protect the wood from insects and rotting, called chromated copper arsenate, which contains arsenic. Lansing WLNS TV, Michigan.

In utero exposure to bisphenol-A and anogenital distance of male offspring.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:28:57 -0700

Our findings provide the first epidemiologic evidence that in utero BPA exposure may adversely affect male genital development. Birth Defects Research. Part A, Clinical and Molecular Teratology.

New video: Early Exposures to Hazardous Pollutants/Chemicals and Associations with Chronic Disease - A Scoping Review.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:22:00 -0700

This 30-minute video presentation by Katherine Cooper, senior researcher with the Canadian Environmental Law Association, discusses the developmental origins of chronic disease scoping report.

Special journal issue: New Solutions.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:20:16 -0700

The issue advances a vision and approach to solving the problem of toxic chemicals and their adverse impacts. Leading voices from academia, labor, environmental and public health organizations, and businesses, the authors illustrate how forward-thinking organizations are already successfully working toward this objective by changing policy, shifting markets, building new coalitions, and transforming science.

Are teens who drink pop more apt to be violent?

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:19:54 -0700

Children and teens who drink a lot of soda pop are twice as likely to steal, beat someone up or bring a weapon to school compared with peers who don't drink it, according to a new review of Minnesota student survey data. Experts caution new data likely reflect other factors, not a direct link. Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune, Minnesota.

Vitamin D can lower breast cancer risk.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:54:19 -0700

Laboratory studies have shown that vitamin D can regulate the growth of breast cancer cells grown in the laboratory. Cincinnati.com.

UCLA Law report says cool roofing material could reduce air pollution, energy costs in L.A.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:51:56 -0700

A new report by UCLA School of Law's Emmett Center on Climate Change and the Environment recommends the widespread use of cool roofing material to reduce air pollution and energy costs in Los Angeles and to combat climate change. Health Canal.

EPA delays rule on fracking emissions by a month.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:33:53 -0700

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it will delay by a month final standards on emissions from hydraulic fracturing, its third postponement of air pollution rules since early September. Reuters.
[See related articles: DeGette to EPA: Companies used 500,000 gallons more diesel fuel in fracking than first reported and Fracking fluid disclosure pushed]

Study finds high levels of toxic metals in root vegetables.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:32:41 -0700

Vegetables being grown and sold in certain parts of Karachi contain very high levels of toxic metal content, posing a serious health risk to consumers, according to the findings of a three-year research effort. Karachi Herald, Pakistan.

Childhood poverty leaves its mark on adult genetics.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:30:16 -0700

Genes can be reset during early life in profoundly different ways depending on whether children grow up in privileged or deprived households, a landmark study has shown. New Scientist.

US to study cancer risks near nuclear sites.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:02:00 -0700

As the nation explores whether to invest more in nuclear energy, the National Academy of Sciences has begun a study of cancer risks faced by people living near nuclear facilities -- a study it admits is worrisome. USA Today.

Hair reveals source of people’s exposure to mercury.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:57:58 -0700

Determining the source of a person’s exposure to mercury could become simpler thanks to the development of isotopic measurements of the metal in human hair. Chemical & Engineering News.
[See a journal article about mercury: Environmental mercury release, special education rates, and autism disorder: an ecological study of Texas]

How Chinese babies pay the price for Chinese pollution.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:54:20 -0700

There are about 3,000 babies born in the U.S. with neural tube defects each year, or about .75 for every thousand live births. The numbers are much grimmer in China, particularly in the Shanxi province, where there are roughly 14 neural-tube defect babies born per thousand. The Shanxi province is also flat-out filthy. Time Magazine.

Yukon delivers a plug of mercury in response to a changing climate.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:38:54 -0700

The Yukon River is delivering upwards of five tons of mercury a year to the Arctic environment, likely in response to a warming climate, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey announced Tuesday. The Daily Climate.

Health risks of limited-contact water recreation.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:21:06 -0700

Limited-contact recreation, both on effluent-dominated waters and on waters designated for general use, was associated with an elevated risk of gastrointestinal illness. Environmental Health Perspectives.

EPA to host children's health disparities forum on Oct. 27.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:17:44 -0700

In recognition of Children’s Health Month, EPA Region 7 will hold a forum on Thursday, Oct. 27, in Kansas City, Kan., regarding children’s health disparities and the local efforts underway to address them. The forum will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the EPA Regional Office, Room 2240, 901 N. 5th Street, Kansas City.

Forum shows gains in public awareness about health risks posed by woodsmoke in Fairbanks.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:11:57 -0700

The forum, which included presentations by experts form the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with state and local officials, answered questions largely about preventative measures for homes, schools and for individuals working outside. Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Alaska.

Texans Together study shows San Jacinto River fish risks.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:10:31 -0700

Armed with independent research into the levels of dioxin in San Jacinto River fish, the advocacy group Texans Together calls for a study of the incidence of cancer and of other diseases among residents who live near the river and Galveston Bay. Houston News, Texas.

Penn State study finds bromide -- but no fracking impacts -- in water after drilling.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:57:01 -0700

The recent study found that bromide increased in drinking water supplies after nearby Marcellus Shale drilling. Its authors suggest tripling the current distance around a natural gas well where drillers are presumed responsible for contamination. Scranton Times-Tribune, Pennsylvania.

UK scientists grow super broccoli.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:54:45 -0700

The new broccoli was specially grown to contain two to three times the normal amount of glucoraphanin, a nutrient believed to help ward off heart disease. Associated Press.

Tanning bed use linked to melanoma, basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:53:43 -0700

The more you use a tanning bed, the higher your risk of deadly skin cancers, according to research presented at an international cancer conference this week. Los Angeles Times, California.

Chemical weapon stockpile destroyed at Oregon's Umatilla site.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:52:24 -0700

The last of the chemical weapons stockpile at the U.S. Army's Umatilla Chemical Depot has been incinerated. For nearly 50 years, it was the deathtrap next door: 3.7 tons of nerve gas and blister agent stored at a depot near the little town of Hermiston, Oregon. Los Angeles Times, California.

Lack of outdoor play linked to short-sighted children.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:39:41 -0700

The time children spend outdoors could be linked to a reduced risk of being short-sighted, research suggests. Exposure to natural light and time spent looking at distant objects could be key factors, researchers said. BBC.

Conflicting studies fuel arsenic debate.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:37:38 -0700

It is often called the largest mass poisoning in human history. Yet more than a decade after the discovery that drinking-water wells in Bangladesh are contaminated with naturally occurring arsenic, researchers are still struggling to understand the environmental crisis that affects more than 60 million people in the Bengal Basin. Nature.

Study on BPA and behavior & energy cooperatives.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:57:21 -0700

There have been a few studies of BPA in humans... including a study just published in the journal Pediatrics. Joe Braun is a research fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health. His team has been following a group of more than 240 mothers and their children for the past five years. Environment Report.

Idling longer than 2 minutes now illegal in Salt Lake City.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:02:42 -0700

The goal, city leaders said, is to improve air quality in the Salt Lake Valley, where more than 50 percent of air pollution comes from vehicle exhaust. Salt Lake City KSL Radio, Utah.

Warning: Halloween makeup kits may be hazardous.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:01:12 -0700

It's as Halloween as candy and plastic pumpkins, but the makeup that transforms your little one into a vampire or kitty cat may contain unsafe levels of cadmium, according to an environmental group in Ann Arbor. Detroit Free Press, Michigan.

Renal function after reduction in cadmium exposure: an eight-year follow-up of residents in cadmium-polluted areas.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:43:57 -0700

Results suggest that a Cd-mediated increase in urinary albumin excretion is reversible upon substantial reduction of exposure. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Prenatal concentrations of PCBs, DDE, DDT and overweight in children: a prospective birth cohort study.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:40:35 -0700

This study suggests that prenatal OC exposures may be associated with overweight in children and that sex and high-fat intake may influence susceptibility. Environmental Health Perspectives.

High-dose vitamin D no help in MS.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:34:32 -0700

Supplementation with high-dose vitamin D failed to reduce the number or volume of MRI lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), a small randomized trial found. MedPage Today.

Persistent organochlorine pollutants and menstrual cycle characteristics.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:32:54 -0700

Select POPs were associated with changes in menstruation underscoring the importance of assessing chemical mixtures for female fecundity. Chemosphere.

Job opening: Washington, DC.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:04:52 -0700

Global Health Fellows Program II is seeking an Environmental Health Advisor to serve on the Environmental Health Team within the Maternal and Child Health Division of the Office of Health, Infectious Disease and Nutrition in the Bureau for Global Health. The MCH Division supports strategic planning, innovative program design, and monitoring and evaluation in maternal, newborn, child and environmental health programs globally and with USAID Missions. All online applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time November 15, 2011.

New report: Social and Economic Costs of Violence - Workshop Summary.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:01:53 -0700

April 28-29, 2011, the IOM’s Forum on Global Violence Prevention held a workshop to evaluate the social and economic costs of violence. The workshop was designed to examine cross-cutting public health approaches to violence prevention from multiple perspectives and at various levels of society. Participants focused on exploring the successes and challenges of calculating direct and indirect costs of violence, as well as the potential cost-effectiveness of intervention. Speakers discussed social and economic costs of violence at four levels: individual, family, community, and societal. This document is a summary of the workshop.

On edge of paradise, Coachella workers live in grim conditions.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:54:08 -0700

In the tumbledown warrens of America’s pre-fab favelas -- California’s Third World -- the 20th century is a dim memory. Basic needs like potable water, safe and reliable electricity, rudimentary sanitation, and clean air can go unmet. California Watch.

At the clinic, care ... and infection.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:48:30 -0700

As hospitals get better at keeping serious infections from spreading to patients, a new source of worry is emerging: outpatient clinics, where reports of dangerous transmissions of bacteria and viruses have been on the rise. Wall Street Journal.

Doctors didn't disclose spine product cancer risk in journal.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:47:51 -0700

Doctors paid millions of dollars by Medtronic failed to identify a significant cancer risk with the company's spine surgery product in a 2009 paper about results of a large clinical trial. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin.

EPA sued for release of toxic rankings.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:46:30 -0700

A environmental group has sued the federal Environmental Protection Agency for the release of detailed scoring and ranking information used to determine if contaminated sites in New Jersey should be added to the Superfund cleanup list. Bergen County Record, New Jersey.
[See another article about a lawsuit against EPA: Lawsuit demands EPA reduce PCBs in Spokane River]

Arsenic in Indian water tables can cause diabetes, other illnesses.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:45:23 -0700

Arsenic, even for a poison, is one nasty brew. Long-term ingestion of the metallic substance can result in thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness in hands and feet, partial paralysis and blindness. Indian Country Today.

Study verifies link between pregnant moms' antidepressants and autism in children.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:41:12 -0700

Rats exposed to antidepressants just before and after birth manifest behaviors which mimic the symptoms of autism, according to a new study that was partially funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. International Business Times.

Provision immunizing landlords from lead-paint liability unconstitutional.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:52:36 -0700

Maryland’s top court Monday unanimously struck down as unconstitutional a statutory provision that immunized landlords from liability if they registered their property with the state environmental agency and offered payments of $17,000 to children at risk of lead poisoning. Baltimore Daily Record, Maryland.

Call for comments: Inorganic Arsenic Standard; extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval of information collection (paperwork) requirements.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:40:35 -0700

OSHA solicits public comments, which must be submitted (postmarked, sent, or received) by December 19, 2011.

CDC National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry public meeting.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:32:26 -0700

This meeting on November 3 - 4, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia, will include NCEH/ATSDR Office of the Director updates on topics, such as ATSDR and NCEH reorganization; asthma, lead and Healthy Homes Program; environmental health tracking; global health (indoor air pollution and health and lead in Nigeria). The meeting will also include presentations on public health prioritization at ATSDR, hydraulic fracking, and more. The deadline for notification of attendance is October 27, 2011.

Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT) trainings.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:11:43 -0700

These three training sessions are designed to assist users in easily and effectively using CREAT to access region-specific climate information and to conduct a climate risk assessment that will inform decision making at water and wastewater utilities. Webinars are being held at various times in October and November.

Exposure to the common food additive carrageenan leads to glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and inhibition of insulin signalling in HepG2 cells and C57BL/6J mice.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:58:40 -0700

This is the first report of the impact of carrageenan on glucose tolerance and indicates that carrageenan impairs glucose tolerance, increases insulin resistance and inhibits insulin signalling in vivo in mouse liver and human HepG2 cells. Diabetologia.

Federal government releases environmental, health, & safety research strategy for nanotechnology.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:47:28 -0700

The 2011 NNI Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Research Strategy provides an integrated research framework to guide all Federal agencies participating in the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI).

Bagged spinach, salad recalled.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:42:27 -0700

Bagged spinach and salad products from a Salinas company have been recalled after a positive test for salmonella, state health officials said Friday. San Francisco Bay Citizen, California.

Supreme Court: case to test California's meat law.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:40:41 -0700

Nearly four years after the mistreatment of cows at an Inland slaughterhouse triggered the largest beef recall in history, the U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to weigh in on a controversial California law that arose from the scandal. Riverside Press-Enterprise, California.

BPA in pregnant women may cause behavior problems in girls.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:32:34 -0700

When pregnant women eat foods that are stored in cans or packing containing BPA, their unborn child's exposure to the chemical could lead to behavioral problems by age 3, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics on Monday. CNN.

Farm life linked to reduced asthma rates.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:31:23 -0700

Children who grow up on a farm with pigs or cattle are only half as likely to develop asthma or allergies compared to those who grow up in a city, according to a new study. Copenhagen Post, Denmark.

Animal production practices create antibiotic resistance.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:00:01 -0700

Modern animal production methods are virtually designed to create antibiotic resistant bacteria. We produce nine billion food animals in the United States every year. And most of these animals are fed antibiotics throughout their life. Scientific American.

Early childhood conditions help shape DNA.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:58:33 -0700

Early childhood living conditions provoke biological changes in genes leading to DNA "memory" that can last a lifetime, an international study has found. Postmedia News.

Magda Havas -- the biological effects of electromagnetic pollution -- October 20, 2011.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:10:39 -0700

Magda Havas is associate professor of Environmental & Resource Studies at Trent University where she teaches and does research on the biological effects of environmental contaminants. She was interviewed by Patrick Timpone. One Radio Network.

Autism: Medical/Biomedical Seattle Conference.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:06:10 -0700

This October 30th conference offers a one-day overview of biomedical treatments featuring three experts in cutting edge treatments.

House bills would undermine EPA.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:04:46 -0700

The House of Representatives approved a pair of bills that are the latest in a series of Republican-sponsored drafts aimed at delaying or blocking the Environmental Protection Agency’s pollution rules. Chemical & Engineering News.

UN close to ban on West's toxic waste exports.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:03:51 -0700

One of the most persistent and insidious pollution problems visited by the West on the developing world has taken a huge step towards a permanent solution this weekend with a UN agreement to accelerate a global ban on dumping electronic and other hazardous waste in poor countries. London Independent, United Kingdom

Little women.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:02:42 -0700

By the 1980s, the onset of puberty, if not actual menstruation, had gone into free fall--a change so sudden and pronounced that something more than normal evolution must have been at work. There is no shortage of theories about what's causing this to hapen. Obesity, exposure to endocrine disruptors like BPA, even social factors like TV and the internet have been invoked. Time Magazine.

Draft government report links low-level lead exposure to negative health effects.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:55:17 -0700

Blood lead concentrations less than the federally established level of concern are associated with adverse health effects, a draft assessment by the National Toxicology Program concludes. Chemical & Engineering News.
[See related articles: 40,000 Dallas-Fort Worth children under 6 have lead in blood, data shows; Steel workers warned of lead poisoning; Ethics in research: Baltimore lead and State offers free household lead test for families of babies born in 2010]

Look who's polluting: Sydney Water's shame.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:54:05 -0700

Untreated sewage and heavy metals from the nation's biggest water utility are contaminating some of Sydney's most picturesque waterways and posing potentially widespread health risks -- but the extent of the problem has been kept quiet. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia.
[See another article about water pollution: Plant begins treating water on Hanford reservation]

Hudson River heart disease data studied for PCB link.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:53:13 -0700

Even as the second season of PCB dredging in the Hudson River comes to an end, emerging research points to links between the pollutant and heart disease. Lower Hudson Valley Journal News, New York.

Autism diagnoses growing by 10 to 17 percent annually.

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:52:31 -0700

The figure is so astounding it appears to be a misprint at first glance. One in 110. That's the number of American children living with an autism spectrum disorder, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Countless studies are investigating a number of potential environmental contributors. Scranton Times-Tribune, Pennsylvania.

The causality analysis of climate change and large-scale human crisis.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:31:50 -0700

Our findings indicate that climate change was the ultimate cause, and climate-driven economic downturn was the direct cause, of large-scale human crises in preindustrial Europe and the Northern Hemisphere. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

How economic inequality is (literally) making us sick.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:30:05 -0700

A growing body of research suggests that such inequality -- more so than income or absolute wealth alone -- has a profound influence on a population's health, in every socioeconomic group from rich to middle class to poor. Time.

New report: Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols: Promoting Healthier Choices.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:24:02 -0700

A first report analyzed the nutrition rating systems and the scientific research that underlies them and was released in 2010. This second report delves into consumer use and understanding of front of package systems.

Environmental Health Perspectives new issue.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:20:17 -0700

Articles on a wide variety of topics are now posted ahead of print.

New issue online: Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:01:25 -0700

The November/December issue includes articles on measuring exposures via house dust, food, personal care products and contaminated sites, plus more.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23-29.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:58:17 -0700

This year's NLPPW theme, Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future, underscores the importance of testing your home and your child, and getting the facts about how to prevent serious health effects.

EPA announces schedule to develop natural gas wastewater standards.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:57:09 -0700

Over the coming months EPA will begin the process of developing a proposed standard with the input of stakeholders -- including industry and public health groups.

California adopts extensive 'cap-and-trade' plan.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:54:30 -0700

California formally adopted the nation's most comprehensive so-called "cap-and-trade" system Thursday, an experiment by the world's eighth-largest economy that is designed to provide financial incentives for polluters to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Associated Press.

Nigerians seek $1 billion from Shell for oil spills.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:48:22 -0700

A Nigerian tribal king filed a lawsuit in a US court seeking $1 billion from Royal Dutch Shell to compensate for decades of pollution that sickened his people and damaged their lands, his lawyer said Thursday. Agence France-Presse.

San Francisco delays start of cellphone law.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:46:40 -0700

San Francisco's attempt to wade into the hotly debated relationship between cell-phone use and long-term health effects was delayed for at least a week Thursday -- and possibly much longer. Associated Press.

Talk of treaty ban on mercury concerns scientists.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:42:50 -0700

Scientists are warning officials negotiating a global treaty on mercury that banning the deadly chemical completely would be dangerous for public health because of the chemical's use in vaccines. Associated Press.

New health study comes to area.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:41:42 -0700

East Liverpool will study the "smoke stack effect:" the biological effects manganese exposure from local air pollution has on the development of area children. East Liverpool Review, Ohio.

Study links pollutants to a 450 percent increase in risk of birth defects.

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:42:32 -0700

Pesticides and pollutants are related to a 450 percent increase in the risk of spina bifida and anencephaly in rural China, according to scientists at The University of Texas at Austin and Peking University. University of Texas News.

Ecology starts dialogue about reducing toxic chemicals in fish to better protect public health.

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:27:09 -0700

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) wants Washingtonians to take part in a statewide effort to update environmental standards that will safeguard people who eat fish and shellfish from the state’s waters. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. December 30, 2011.
[See a related announcement from Oregon: EPA approves revisions to the human health criteria for toxics in Oregon's water quality standards]

Job opening: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:13:40 -0700

Environmental Health Services has an opening for a Healthy Homes Program Manager to direct the planning, development, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of the program. This is a temporary two-year position contingent on the availability of continued grant funding.

Human biomonitoring of environmental chemicals-Early results of the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey for males and females.

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:42:08 -0700

Human biomonitoring is an important indicator and measure of exposure to environmental chemicals and provides information to support health protection policies and programs. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health.
[See another article about biomonitoring: Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in plasma of older Canadians]

Job opening: Tacoma, Washington.

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:38:55 -0700

The Environmental Health Division of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is recruiting for a Regular, full-time Environmental Health Assessment Specialist to work with Department colleagues and external stakeholders to create and manage environmental health databases for effective decision making. Applications are due by October 24th.

Help your descendants live longer... eat well now: How a healthy diet could see your great-grandchildren benefit.

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:16:22 -0700

It is already known that the environment, including what we eat and the toxic compounds we are exposed to, has an impact on our own longevity. Now researchers from Stanford University believe they have found that this also effects the longevity of our descendants. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Millions 'face environment hazards.'

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:15:07 -0700

Millions of people will be "trapped" in areas at increasing risk from environmental hazards, such as flooding, around the world, a report into future migration warned on Thursday. Australian Associated Press.

Poor neighborhoods may contribute to poor health.

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:11:41 -0700

An urban housing experiment that tracked low-income residents in five major cities, shows that health is closely linked to the environments people live in -- and changing those environments or moving people out of blighted areas could be a key tactic in fighting the "diabesity" epidemic. Los Angeles Times, California.

Study rules out cancer link to mobile phones.

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:05:34 -0700

The largest study of its kind found no link between long-term use of mobile phones and increased risk of brain tumours, the British Medical Journal reported. The study could not rule out the possibility of a "small to moderate increase in risk" for very heavy users, or people who have used cellphones for longer than 15 years. Agence France-Presse.
[See a critique of the study: British Medical Journal's upcoming cell phone study deeply flawed, say experts and another article related to radiation: Wireless group seeks to block San Francisco phone radiation warning law]

BPA again tied to diabetes risk.

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:04:58 -0700

Adding to the mixed bag of research on bisphenol A and diabetes, a new study suggests that people with higher urinary levels of the controversial chemical do have a higher risk of diabetes. Reuters.

Lawsuit: Railroad pollution making kids sick in Long Beach.

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:02:03 -0700

An environmental group is suing two major railroad companies in Southern California, accusing them of producing harmful levels of pollution. KTLA TV, California.

New CHE call October 27th: New Frontiers in Cancer Research.

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:51:08 -0700

Widely-noted research published recently indicated that the presence of chemicals like BPA and methylparaben can interfere with commonly-used breast cancer therapies. This call will feature the lead author of that study, William Goodson, MD as well as Mhel Kavanaugh-Lynch, MD, MPH, who will discuss health policy opportunities based on this research and other studies associating chemical exposures with breast cancer.

Radiation from cellphone antenna boosts brain activity, study finds.

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:37:14 -0700

The electromagnetic radiation emitted by a cellular phone's antenna appears to activate nearby regions of the brain to unusually high levels, according to a study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. Los Angeles Times, California.

'Natural' deli meats may not be as healthy as you think.

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:31:47 -0700

Bacon, hot dogs, deli meats and other processed meats have long been considered guilty-pleasure foods that contain unhealthy preservatives, additives and any number of chemical ingredients. Toronto Globe and Mail, Ontario.
[See other articles about food: Food-borne illness outbreaks have NJ consumers shopping local and Environmental group to rate the safety of 10,000 foods]

New legislation and occupational asthma in Australia.

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:24:43 -0700

One aspect of workplace safety can be easily overlooked because we can't see it: air quality. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that between 9-15% of all adult-onset cases of asthma can be attributable to exposures at work. International Business Times.
[See another article about asthma: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows disease on the wane]

California valley study links ER visits with bad air days.

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:22:28 -0700

Children's asthma-related emergency room visits rise in the San Joaquin Valley at a similar rate as fine particulate levels do -- even on days where air quality is considered in the moderate range. Bakersfield Californian, California.
[See another article about air quality: Expert studies blast government’s heavy fuel choice]

Attractions, other sites at Disneyland expose visitors to lead, group says.

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:28:06 -0700

Dozens of leaded-glass windows and brass rail chains, door knobs and drinking water fountains at some of Disneyland's most popular attractions expose children to high levels of lead, according to an environmental group. Los Angeles Times, California.

Officials hail benefits of toxic emissions law.

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:24:36 -0700

Releases of toxic pollutants into the air, water and soil have fallen 76 percent nationally and 94 percent in New Jersey in the 25 years since a federal law was passed requiring companies to report emissions, U.S. officials said Monday. Bergen County Record, New Jersey.

Health impacts of the built environment: within-urban variability in physical inactivity, air pollution, and ischemic heart disease mortality.

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:15:43 -0700

Our results suggest that differences in population health impacts between neighborhoods are similar in magnitude for air pollution and physical activity. Thus physical activity and exposure to air pollution are critical aspects of planning for cleaner, health-promoting cities. Environmental Health Perspectives.

New report: The Blame Game.

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:10:46 -0700

This report details how the U.S. legal system and TSCA itself have helped the chemical industry to be effective in its efforts to delay regulations.

Da Nang International Airport -- Agent Orange and the removal of dioxin: status.

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:19:23 -0700

The Da Nang Airbase has dioxin contamination up to 350 times higher than international recommendations for action. The contaminated soil and sediment continue to affect the citizens of Vietnam, poisoning their food chain and causing illnesses. Salem News, Oregon.

Metal poisoning scandals raise land pollution concerns.

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:18:07 -0700

China needs to strike a balance between economic growth and safety, experts said following a spate of metal pollution scandals around the country that roused public anger. Xinhua News Agency, China.

Jackson, Sebelius tout health efforts.

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:12:20 -0700

The women argue that environmental pollution takes its toll in dramatic ways -- seriously affecting children’s health and costing billions each year. Politico.

In utero exposures, infant growth, and DNA methylation of repetitive element and developmentally related genes in human placenta.

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:06:30 -0700

Our results suggest that epigenetic alterations in repetitive element methylation markers, most notably AluYb8 methylation, may be susceptible to the intrauterine environment, play a critical role in mediating placenta function and ultimately inform on the developmental basis of health and disease. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See another article about effects on DNA: Increased mitochondrial DNA copy number in occupations associated with low-dose benzene exposure]

Health study is part of Navajo cleanups.

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:35:33 -0700

Just as crews complete the cleanup of the Skyline Mine, a group of health scientists is preparing to launch a sweeping study of how the uranium legacy continues to affect the health of the youngest Navajos. Salt Lake Tribune, Utah.

Welcome, fans, to the pinking of America.

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:32:32 -0700

In case you haven’t noticed, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when the entire nation gets painted pink. Critics of Big Pink say some charities spend millions more on promoting the medical status quo -- annual mammography screening, that is -- than they do on financing research into the causes and prevention of the disease. New York Times.

Kids twice as sensitive to cellphone radiation: study.

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:26:31 -0700

Kids' brains absorb twice as much cellphone radiation than adults, according to a new scientific report published in a medical journal and released exclusively to QMI Agency. Toronto Sun, Canada.
[See other articles about children and phones: Kids start using cell phones at younger ages and FCC test to measure cellphone radiation flawed, group says]

Govt. decides to crack down on toxic sindoor.

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:30:36 -0700

The sacred sindoor (vermilion), a symbol of married Hindu women and also liberally used at Hindu shrines, will have to comply with safety standards. New Delhi Times of India, India.

Smoking linked to earlier menopause.

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:26:35 -0700

Women who smoke may hit menopause about a year earlier than those who don't light up, according to a new look at past research. Both early and late menopause have been linked to health risks. Reuters.

Dump fires 'may cause killer diseases.'

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:21:40 -0700

Independent report confirms toxins released by endless bonfires may indeed trigger cancer, leukaemia and heart disease. Turks & Caicos Weekly News.

Chemical factors in obesity examined.

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:04:25 -0700

Recent advances in developmental biology and a better understanding of human development have helped researchers argue that chemicals they call "obesogens" can be an important factor in contributing to fat-related health conditions. Colby News.
[See a related article: Obesity can begin in the womb, doctor says and others about obesity: Obesity 'worse for teen girls' blood pressure' and Science note/fat mice get thin]

Rochester’s lead law: evaluation of a local environmental health policy innovation.

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 22:40:51 -0700

Although many uncertainties remain, our analysis suggests that the lead law has had a positive impact on children’s health. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Vitamin D crucial in human immune response to tuberculosis, scientists find.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:20:24 -0700

Vitamin D is not just important for building strong bones -- it also plays an essential role in the body's fight against infections such as tuberculosis, an international research team including UCLA scientists has found. ScienceDaily.

Pesticide pollution in European waterbodies: list of chemicals to be monitored should be updated immediately, experts urge.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:19:10 -0700

Pesticides are a bigger problem than had long been assumed. This is the conclusion of a study in which scientists analysed data on 500 organic substances in the basins of four major European rivers. ScienceDaily.

Fight on to prevent childhood lead poisoning in Wisconsin.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:15:24 -0700

The rate of childhood lead poisoning in the Badger State is more than double the national average, according to a 2010 report from the state Department of Health Services. Green Bay Press-Gazette, Wisconsin.

Smoking moms' offspring more likely to be treated for mental problems.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:11:46 -0700

Children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy were more likely than those born to nonsmoking moms to take medications that treat mental disorders, suggests a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology. The most common prescriptions were for antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs. Environmental Health News.
[See another article about smoking and health: Do hospitals do enough to help smokers quit?]

Heavy vehicle traffic is related to wheeze among schoolchildren: a population-based study in an area with low traffic flows.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:04:57 -0700

This study showed that already at low levels of exposure, vehicle traffic is related to an increased risk of wheeze among children. Thus, the global burden of traffic air pollution may be underestimated. Environmental Health.

Natural processes can limit spread of arsenic in water, says study.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:02:42 -0700

William Suk, director of the Superfund Research Program, said the research "carries far-reaching public health significance, not just for the people of Bangladesh but for those affected globally by arsenic exposure, including Americans." NIH News.

Inefficient developing world stoves contribute to 2 million deaths a year.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:52:26 -0700

An international effort to replace smoky, inefficient household stoves that people commonly use in lower and middle income countries with clean, affordable, fuel efficient stoves could save nearly 2 million lives each year, according to experts from the National Institutes of Health. NIH News.
[See a related article: To push clean cookstoves, involve the cooks, report says]

EPA chief: Great Lakes harbor cleanups planned.

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:14:56 -0700

Nine river mouths and harbors contaminated with industrial chemicals will be targeted for accelerated cleanups under an Obama administration program to deal with festering problems in the Great Lakes, US Environmental Protection Agency chief Lisa Jackson said Wednesday. Associated Press.

Panel votes against adding fluoride to California's Prop. 65 carcinogen list.

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:11:57 -0700

Fluoride is in the drinking water and in your toothpaste to help fight tooth decay. But armed with studies that conclude fluoride can cause osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, concerned groups had asked the state to list it as a carcinogen. San Francisco KGO TV, California.

Hospitals, health groups use purchasing power to push for greener medical products.

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:10:55 -0700

Hospitals and health systems are organizing the industry’s vast purchasing power to push manufacturers of medical products to make them with safer chemicals and to be more environmentally friendly. Washington Post.

New brominated chemicals detected in gull eggs.

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:09:40 -0700

Although designed to be more environmentally friendly, new polybrominated flame retardants may accumulate in living tissues just like older ones, according to a new study. Chemical & Engineering News.

Moms and POPs: Birth defects linked to persistent organic pollutants.

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:01:39 -0700

A variety of chemicals known as POPs that are found in pregnant women are associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects in their babies, reports a study of Chinese women. Environmental Health News.

Corbett, other GOP governors, want emissions proposals withdrawn.

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:59:28 -0700

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett is one of 11 Republican governors who have signed a letter to President Barack Obama, asking him to withdraw proposed rules that would reduce toxic pollutant emissions from coal-burning power plants. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pennsylvania.

Prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and birth weight: a meta-analysis within 12 European birth cohorts.

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:53:30 -0700

The findings suggest that low-level exposure to PCB (or correlated exposures) impairs fetal growth, while p,p'-DDE exposure does not. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Integrating climate change adaptation into public health practice: using adaptive management to increase adaptive capacity and build resilience.

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:51:49 -0700

Increasing public health capacity will be necessary for certain climate-health threats. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Genetic risk for cardiovascular disease may be modified by diet.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:14:57 -0700

These findings suggest that gene-environment interactions are important drivers of cardiovascular disease and raise the possibility that a sound diet can mediate the effects of 9p21 SNPs. EurekAlert!
[See another article about diet and health: High levels of exercise, polyunsaturated fat linked to earlier menopause]

Job opening: Seattle, Washington.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:09:43 -0700

The Washington Toxics Coalition is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, highly organized, and self-motivated full-time Field Organizer to continue the growth and success of their organizing program. Preference will be given to applications received by Wednesday October 19th.

Vitamin E boosts prostate cancer risk, study finds.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:37:24 -0700

Large daily doses of Vitamin E, long touted as a virtual wonder drug that could protect against cancer, heart disease, dementia and other ailments, actually increase the risk for prostate cancer among middle-aged men, according to a large federal study released Tuesday. Washington Post.
[See another article about nutrients: Why broccoli health benefits require the whole food, not supplements]

Groups sue after EPA fails to shift ozone rules.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:33:57 -0700

Five health and environmental groups sued the Obama administration on Tuesday over its rejection of a proposed stricter new standard for ozone pollution, saying the decision was driven by politics and ignored public health concerns. New York Times.
[See a related article: Before Obama retreat on ozone, EPA chief fretted over likely illnesses and deaths]

California lists flame retardant as a carcinogen.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:58:34 -0700

The action does not ban chlorinated Tris (TDCPP), which is found in foam furniture cushions, auto seats and a variety of baby products, but it will require warning labels that the products contain carcinogens. Los Angeles Times, California.

Global meat production and consumption continue to rise.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:57:08 -0700

Global meat production and consumption have increased rapidly in recent decades, with harmful effects on the environment and public health as well as on the economy, according to research done by Worldwatch Institute's Nourishing the Planet project. Worldwatch Institute.

Chronic oral exposure to bisphenol A results in a non-monotonic dose response in mammary carcinogenesis and metastasis in MMTV-erbB2 mice.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:50:51 -0700

Low, but not high, BPA doses significantly accelerated mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis in MMTV-erbB2 mice. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Mercury concentrations in fish jerky snack food: marlin, ahi, and salmon.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:46:11 -0700

This study found that mercury concentrations in some fish jerky can often exceed the FDA's allowable mercury limit and could be a significant source of mercury exposure. Environmental Health.
[See another article about seafood: Seafood contamination after the BP Gulf oil spill and risks to vulnerable populations: a critique of the FDA risk assessment]

EPA seeks public comment on the proposed plan for the Chemfax, Inc. Site in Gulfport, MS.

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:43:39 -0700

The 2002 selected remedy for groundwater was pump and treat with physical and/or chemical treatment. The 2002 groundwater remedy is being proposed for amendment as part of this document.

Mercury pollution in the Great Lakes region -- nearly forgotten, but not gone.

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:06:51 -0700

The scope and intensity of mercury pollution in the Great Lakes region is much greater than previously reported, but additional mercury controls should bring needed improvement, according to a new summary of scientific research on the subject. EurekaAlert!

Multivitamins no fountain of youth for women

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:55:20 -0700

Women taking multivitamins don't live longer than those who get their nutrients from food alone, a new U.S. study shows. Reuters.
[See another article about nutrition: Chocolate may cut women's stroke risk, study says]

Molasses used in cleanup of polluted sites.

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:42:06 -0700

In a relatively new process called enhanced anaerobic bioremediation, the diluted molasses provides a food source for microbes that occur naturally in the soil. The microbes multiply, then use the solvents the way humans use oxygen, breaking them down into non-toxic byproducts, such as carbon dioxide. Bergen County Record, New Jersey.

Two new reasons to worry about air pollution: obesity and diabetes.

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:36:20 -0700

Research is continuing to pile up suggesting that air pollution is very much a public health issue, contributing to some of this country's most pressing and expensive health epidemics. Forbes.
[See another article about air pollution: Dirty air or not, urban biking not an exercise in futility]

Ammonia gets overdue overview.

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:26:12 -0700

Motor vehicles and industry are primary producers of ammonia in Houston's atmosphere, and cars and trucks appear to boost their output during the winter, according to a new study by researchers at Rice University and the University of Houston. Health Canal.

Environmental justice strategy aims to address inequities among low-income, minority and tribal groups.

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:55:12 -0700

The new agreement to deal with the waste, reached between the federal government and one of the world's largest mining companies, comes after decades of ongoing concern over the inactive uranium mine's threats to tribal and environmental health. Huffington Post.

Circulating levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and carotid atherosclerosis in the elderly.

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:46:31 -0700

Circulating levels of PCBs were associated with atherosclerotic plaques and echogenicity of the intima-media complex, independently of cardiovascular risk factors, including lipids. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Washington Tracking Network survey.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:20:04 -0700

The Washington Department of Health is evaluating ways to improve the Washington Tracking Network website. To help with this effort, they are conducting a brief survey asking for input. Please take a few minutes to complete an online survey.

Smart Growth opportunity for free technical assistance.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:52:19 -0700

Through a grant from the US EPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities’ Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program, Smart Growth America is pleased to offer free technical assistance to help communities implement smart growth strategies to build stronger economies while protecting human health and the environment. The deadline for applications is October 26th.

New website: SourceWaterCollaborative.org.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:46:29 -0700

SourceWaterCollaborative.org, is a web forum about where America’s safe drinking water begins -- the lakes, streams, rivers and aquifers we tap for public water systems.

New report: Environmental Improvements for Children’s Asthma.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:42:47 -0700

The evaluation of Environmental Improvements for Children with Asthma (EICA) indicated significant improvement on asthma-related health service utilization, quality of life outcomes, and return on investment.
[See a news article about asthma: Obese mothers put children at higher risk of asthma]

'Food deserts' targeted by $3 million federal grant.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:37:24 -0700

The ASI Federal Credit Union will soon start making loans to launch grocery stores and other healthful food businesses in low-income communities after winning a $3 million federal grant for a revolving loan fund. New Orleans Times-Picayune, Louisiana.

Cancer chemical in paper tissues.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:26:53 -0700

A whitening agent that could cause cancer has been found in tissues produced in underground factories in southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. If absorbed by the human body, the agent is difficult to resolve and long-time exposure can lead to cancer, China Central Television reported. Shanghai Daily, China.

California governor signs slate of clean drinking water bills.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:21:32 -0700

From arsenic to E. coli bacteria, contaminants flow from the water taps of hundreds of communities across the state. But seven bills signed into law Friday by Gov. Jerry Brown seek to improve access to clean drinking water in California, particularly for residents in rural and disadvantaged communities. California Watch.

Microbes may play crucial role in human health.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:05:46 -0700

The average person’s body contains about 100 trillion cells, but only maybe one in 10 is human. A growing body of evidence indicates that the microbial ecosystems that have long populated our guts, mouths, noses and every other nook and cranny play crucial roles in keeping us healthy. Washington Post.

Japan studies radiation effects on children.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:04:50 -0700

In a bid to track the long-term health effects of the nuclear disaster at Fukushima, Japan has begun a long-term survey of local children for thyroid abnormalities, a problem associated with exposure to radiation. New York Times.

In California, no more tanning beds for under-18 crowd.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:41:21 -0700

California girls who dream about the sun-kissed skin glorified in song by Katy Perry will have to wait until they turn 18 before they can get the effect from tanning beds under a new first-in-the-nation law that is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2012. Associated Press.

Bringing mercury pollution to light: Scientist creates faster, cheaper way to measure mercury.

Sun, 9 Oct 2011 22:49:06 -0700

Holding a special handheld photodetector, Zang holds a vial of liquid up to it. The liquid emits a strong fluorescent green glow, which tells Zang that the water has very little mercury. The fainter the glow, the more mercury. Salt Lake Deseret Morning News, Utah.

Air pollution from traffic impairs brain.

Sun, 9 Oct 2011 22:45:31 -0700

Scientists report that people older than 51 who had lived in areas with high levels of traffic pollution had lower cognitive scores than those who had been exposed to lower levels of pollution during their life time even after their results had been adjusted for social and educative status. London Daily Telegraph, United Kingdom.

BPA no longer used in bottles, say chemical makers.

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 20:21:49 -0700

Makers of the controversial chemical bisphenol-A have asked federal regulators to phase out rules that allow its use in baby bottles and sippy cups, saying those products haven't contained the plastic-hardening ingredient for two years. Associated Press.

Serum concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and growth among Russian boys.

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 20:14:25 -0700

Serum OCP concentrations measured at age 8 to 9 years were associated with reduced growth, particularly reduced BMI, during the peri-pubertal period, which may impact attainment of optimal adult body mass and height. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Kids who watch more TV have poorer diabetes control.

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 14:36:08 -0700

Kids with type 1 diabetes who spend hours in front of a TV or computer each day may have poorer blood sugar control, a new study suggests. Reuters Health.

Canada won't issue Wi-Fi warning: Health Minister.

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 14:32:43 -0700

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq says more research is needed before Canada considers issuing an alert on the possible risks linked to wireless Internet. Edmonton Sun, Alberta.

Peril in the West.

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 14:24:29 -0700

After three decades, erionite remains a word most Americans -- and many environmental officials -- have never heard, even though it causes mesothelioma, a rare and lethal form of cancer once thought to be caused only by inhaling asbestos fibers. Erionite deposits are present at scores of sites in at least a dozen western U.S. states. Fair Warning.

Judge rules in favor of coal in Obama mine crackdown.

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 14:18:14 -0700

A federal judge dealt a blow Thursday to the Obama administration's crackdown on mountaintop removal coal mining, ruling that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's more detailed permit reviews overstepped the agency's Clean Water Act authority. Charleston Gazette, West Virginia.

Doctors ask New York to study health impacts before allowing fracking.

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 13:58:38 -0700

In a letter sent Wednesday to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the group said New York's plan for regulating fracking ignores growing evidence that gas drilling harms public health. ProPublica.

NIH launches research program to explore health effects from climate change.

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 13:34:22 -0700

Led by NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the program will research the risk factors that make people more vulnerable to heat exposure; changing weather patterns; changes in environmental exposures, such as air pollution and toxic chemicals; and the negative effects of climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Traffic-related air toxics and preterm birth: a population-based case-control study in Los Angeles County, California.

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 13:23:14 -0700

These latest analyses provide additional evidence of traffic-related air pollution's impact on preterm birth for women living in Southern California and indicate PAHs as a pollutant of concern that should be a focus of future studies. Environmental Health.

Baby formula: inflammatory food toxins found in high levels in infants.

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 14:10:03 -0700

from Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found high levels of food toxins called Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) in infants. Excessive food AGEs, through both maternal blood transmission and baby formula, could together significantly increase children's risk for diseases such as diabetes from a very young age. ScienceDaily.

Anti-asbestos on lineup at meeting.

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 14:01:27 -0700

A Halifax symposium today on Asian trade will get a lesson on the breadth of the anti-asbestos lobby in Canada. Halifax Chronicle Herald, Nova Scotia.

Wi-Fi making kids, teachers sick?

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 13:49:53 -0700

A growing number of Canadian students and teachers are convinced wireless Internet at school is making them sick and they're wondering why Health Canada has remained silent about the potential risks linked to Wi-Fi. Toronto Sun, Ontario.
[See another article related to radiation exposure: No need to panic over cellphone use by kids, expert says]

Antioxidants: misunderstood and overhyped?

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 13:48:26 -0700

Scientists haven't determined how antioxidants work in our bodies; it's also unclear whether dietary supplements have any beneficial effect. In some cases, studies suggest antioxidants may cause more harm than good. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.

Fluoride safety debate bubbles up once again.

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 13:46:29 -0700

Consumers hearing that some U.S. communities are no longer adding flouride to their drinking water, such as Florida's Pinellas County, may wonder whether this cavity fighter is safe. USA Today.

The ethnic health advantage.

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 13:42:10 -0700

For decades scholars and public health officials have known that people with greater income or formal education tend to live longer and enjoy better health than their counterparts who have less money or schooling. Yet two populations in the U.S. tend to outlive their often richer neighbors. This paradox may finally be explained. Scientific American.
[See a related article: Place, not race, may be a larger determinant of health disparities]

Risky pregnancy drug raised daughters' cancer odds.

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 13:35:36 -0700

Diethylstilbestrol, or DES, a drug that millions of pregnant women took decades ago to prevent miscarriage and complications, has put their daughters at higher risk for breast cancer and other health problems that are showing up now, a new federal study finds. Associated Press.
[See other articles about breast cancer: Perfluorinated compounds are related to breast cancer risk in Greenlandic Inuit: A case control study and American Cancer Society report finds burden of breast cancer deaths shifts to poor]

Environmental health conference set.

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 13:27:35 -0700

A one-day conference, "Chemicals, Obesity and Diabetes: How Science Leads Us to Action," will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at Colby College's Diamond Building. Waterville Morning Sentinel, Maine.
[See CHE's searchable online calendar of events, calls for proposals and abstract deadlines related to environmental health.]

EPA launches new website to protect wetlands; urges public to report any violations of the law.

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 13:03:44 -0700

Members of the public can help the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency protect these vital areas by reporting suspected violations of the federal laws that protect wetlands in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the areas that comprise EPA Region 2.

EPA announces public comment period on proposal to ban dumping sewage from boats into Lake Ontario.

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 12:58:02 -0700

The no-discharge zone proposed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation means that boats are completely banned from discharging sewage into the water. EPA is encouraging public comment on its proposed approval until November 4, 2011.

Request for comments: Draft NTP Monograph on the Health Effects of Low-Level Lead.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 14:08:30 -0700

The Draft NTP Monograph on the Health Effects of Low-level Lead will be peer-reviewed by an NTP Peer Review Panel at a meeting on November 17-18, 2011. The meeting is open to the public with time scheduled for oral public comment. The NTP also invites written comments on the draft monograph.

Genes change message after newborn rats given BPA.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 13:56:49 -0700

Bisphenol A (BPA) can alter the way genes are read in male rats exposed to the chemical as newborns. The so-called epigenetic changes had lasting effects on reproductive hormone signals into adulthood that may partially explain reported effects of the chemical on male fertility. Environmental Health News.
[See another article about BPA: Gov. Jerry Brown bans BPA from baby bottles and cups]

Toxic chemical problem deeper than expected in Great Lakes ship canal.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 13:52:26 -0700

A Great Lakes shipping canal scheduled to be dredged next spring has toxic chemicals deep below the surface, according to a recent study. Great Lakes Echo, Michigan.

Pinellas County Commission votes to stop putting fluoride in water supply.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 13:51:36 -0700

Pinellas County will stop adding fluoride to its drinking water, ending a cavity-fighting effort that riled critics of Big Brother government despite decades of advocacy by dental and medical experts. St. Petersburg Times, Florida.

The rotten truth: Why 'fruit sugar' is one of the most damaging ingredients in our food.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 13:10:37 -0700

Sweet, cheap and natural -- fructose sounds like the ideal "healthy" sweetener. However, the sugar, which is found naturally in fruit but is now added to many processed foods, may hide a range of deadly secrets. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

Tainted seafood reaching U.S., experts say.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 13:07:11 -0700

Filthy seafood infected with bacteria or tainted with drugs and antibiotics banned in the U.S. is finding its way onto the plates of Americans, according to state and federal officials, consumer advocates, academics and food safety experts. News21.

Chemical concerns should steer families toward organic food.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:59:56 -0700

A growing body of research is backing up a mother's concerns about pesticides. A study published in the journal Pediatrics looked at the connection between prenatal pesticide exposure and a child's size at birth, amongst other issues. Portland Press-Herald, Maine.

Parents should 'encourage' kids to limit cellphone use: Health Canada.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:56:05 -0700

Parents should encourage kids under 18 to limit the time they spend talking on cellphones, Health Canada said Tuesday in new advice on mobile phone usage. Canadian Press.
[See related articles: San Francisco cellphone retailers must issue warnings and Wireless group opposes health disclosure ordinance]

Birth defects in China jump 70 percent in 15 years.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:53:25 -0700

In China the birth defect rate has jumped from 8.77 per 1,000 in 1996, to 15 per 1,000 in 2010, according to Report on Women and Children’s Health Development published on Sept. 21. Experts attributed the 70.9 percent surge to environmental pollution. Epoch Times.

Car exhaust link to low baby weights in Perth.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:53:03 -0700

Car fumes in Perth suburbs are affecting the growth of unborn babies and making them smaller at birth than expected, a new study reveals. Perth West Australian, Australia.

The LA Times exposes breast cancer's challenge to epidemiology.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:50:03 -0700

Exposures at crucial times in life, not just the womb but also during other periods when tissues and organs are maturing, such as during puberty, appear to be windows of vulnerability. Environmental Health News.

Maternal pregnancy levels of trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane and prevalence of cryptorchidism and hypospadias in male offspring.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:11:49 -0700

The results do not support an association between chlordane levels and cryptorchidism or hypospadias. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Exercise and arthritis.

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:01:15 -0700

Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have found that physical activity improves arthritis symptoms - even among obese mice that continue to eat a high-fat diet. Environmental News Network.

Researchers call for more awareness of male breast cancer as cases rise.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 19:48:51 -0700

Awareness of male breast cancer is low and most men do not even know they are at risk despite an increase in cases, reveals new research from the University of Leeds. EurekAlert!

Mom’s diet tied to birth defects in new study.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 19:34:43 -0700

Healthier dietary choices by pregnant women are associated with reduced risks of birth defects, including neural tube defects and orofacial clefts, according to a study published Online First by the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Stone Hearth News.

Affordable Care Act helps improve the health of the American workforce, increase workplace health programs.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 17:34:43 -0700

Last week Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced awards of approximately $9 million for comprehensive workplace health programs across the nation. The initiative, funded by the Affordable Care Act, aims to help workplaces support healthy lifestyles and reduce risk factors for chronic diseases in order to improve the health of American workers and their families.

Children’s Health Month.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 17:20:23 -0700

This October, in honor of Children’s Health Month, the EPA has highlighted activities to promote healthy school environments and has put together indoor air quality (IAQ) tools to help spread the word about the importance of indoor environments in schools and mobilize communities to make specific, actionable plans.

Florida bans the sale of tobacco in prisons.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 17:12:20 -0700

Florida joins 25 other states that have banned smoking in prison. More than 100,000 prisoners in Florida are no longer able to light up, saving millions of dollars in hospital bills for smoking-related illnesses. MarketPlace.

Water pollution blow for fishermen.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 17:02:45 -0700

Excessive emissions of contaminated water in the Pearl River Delta in southern China has "severely polluted" fishing ports and seafood in the area, experts said. Shanghai Daily, China.

Bisphenol A is ubiquitous in receipts.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 11:04:55 -0700

People are routinely exposed to BPA through their skin, albeit at levels lower than through diet, according to research which shows that the hormone-mimicking chemical bisphenol A is ubiquitous in cash-register receipts and other paper products such as envelopes and newspapers in the United States. Chemical & Engineering News.

Chemicals in the womb linked to hearing loss in adult rats.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 11:03:48 -0700

Rats born to mothers exposed to mixtures of PCBs and PBDEs found in the environment during pregnancy and nursing had deficits in cochlear function larger than each alone at the lowest doses tested. Environmental Health News.

Some cases of Alzheimer's may be transmitted.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 11:02:42 -0700

Some cases of Alzheimer’s disease may be transmitted similar to other infectious illnesses, according to a new study. All Headline News.

U.S. touts fruit and vegetables while subsidizing animals that become meat.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 11:00:16 -0700

U.S. farm policy grew out of the economic hardships suffered by Midwestern farmers in the 1930s due to unpredictable swings in agricultural markets and the desire to protect the national food supply. Many critics feel the policy is no longer relevant and should be redesigned to promote healthful eating. Washington Post.
[See another item about food: FDA sets action plan for retail food safety initiative, announces new food code supplement and cooperative Agreement with NACCHO]

The 10 most air-polluted cities in the US.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 10:50:28 -0700

If the residents of Bakersfield and the rest of Southern California ever want to experience truly clean air, they're going to need to look to innovative solutions: electric cars, public transit and maybe even the occasional walk.Time Magazine.
[See other articles about air pollution: Carbon monoxide study delivers a surprise and U.S. EPA approves South Coast, San Joaquin Valley plans for particle pollution]

Feds commit $500M to hazardous chemical research.

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 10:44:44 -0700

The project, overseen by Health Canada and Environment Canada, will study the potential risk to human and environmental health in 500 chemicals found in common household products. Toronto Sun.

Shift work at young age associated with elevated long-term cortisol levels and increased BMI.

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 10:47:15 -0700

Shift work at a young adult age is associated with elevated long-term cortisol levels and increased BMI. Elevated cortisol levels and BMI may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk found in shift workers. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Giant ozone hole opens over Arctic, scientists say.

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 10:20:07 -0700

An ozone hole five times the size of California opened over the Arctic this spring, matching ozone loss over Antarctica for the first time on record, scientists say. Agence France-Presse.

It's elemental: Many private wells across U.S. are contaminated with arsenic and other elements.

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 10:17:54 -0700

In Nebraska, along the Platte River, it’s uranium. In Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, it’s arsenic. In California, boron. And in the Texas Panhandle, lithium. Throughout the nation, metals and other elements are tainting private drinking water wells at concentrations that pose a health concern. Environmental Health News.
[See a related article: Thousands of Californians fear the tap]

Battery-powered energy creates health risks overseas.

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 10:12:41 -0700

The global proliferation of green technologies, including electric bicycles and solar panels, has been touted as good environmental news, but it also has some nasty side-effects, according to a recent study of lead issues related to the solar industry. Knoxville News Sentinel, Tennessee.

Major rivers have enough water to sustain growing populations.

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 10:10:40 -0700

A new study says the world’s major river systems contain more than enough water to meet global food production needs in the 21st century. Environmental News Network.

Cigarette vending machines banned in England.

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 20:53:22 -0700

Cigarette vending machines were banned in England on Saturday -- a move the government hopes will cut the numbers of children smoking. BBC News.

New radiation limits demanded for children.

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 20:51:25 -0700

The threat of radioactive contamination faced particularly by children after the Mar. 11 nuclear disaster in Japan has touched the heart of the Japanese public, and become a major political and social issue. Inter Press Service.

Job opening: Seattle, Washington.

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 10:38:20 -0700

Public Health - Seattle & King County has an opening for a CDIP Community Health Worker Unit manager to be responsible for the management and monitoring of multiple federally funded research grants related to community health worker interventions. The closing date is October 10th.

Dietary omega-3 fatty acids and fish consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes.

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 09:36:05 -0700

Our data suggest an increased risk of T2D with the intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, especially with higher intakes (≥ 0.20 g omega-3/d or ≥ 2 servings of fish/d). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
[See related articles: Omega-3 fatty acids and incident type 2 diabetes: the Singapore Chinese Health Study and Fish, shellfish, and long-chain n-3 fatty acid consumption and risk of incident type 2 diabetes in middle-aged Chinese men and women]

New research tool: Database of Tissue Properties.

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 09:30:45 -0700

The IT'IS material parameter database aims at providing the values of EM and thermal material parameters of biological tissues to the modeling community in a free, easily accessible, and dynamically evolving manner.

EMF recommendations specific for children?

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 09:25:10 -0700

The paper points out relevant aspects of risk communication regarding EMF and children and suggests how recommendations for children might be designed. Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology.
[See a related article: Mobile phones, radiofrequency fields, and health effects in children -- epidemiological studies]

Chemicals in dry cleaned clothes.

Sat, 1 Oct 2011 14:25:21 -0700

There are federal standards for work place exposures to the chemicals that are used, but none for the residues that might linger on our clothes, because no one measured what might remain when they come back from the dry cleaner until Alexa Dantzler. Living On Earth.

BPA chemical ban takes effect Saturday.

Sat, 1 Oct 2011 14:22:21 -0700

The law is the first of its kind in the nation to ban products containing bisphenol A, or BPA, which is used to harden plastic. The chemical can no longer be used in reusable food and beverage containers, including containers of infant formula and baby food, reusable spill-proof cups, plastic sports bottles, and Thermoses. Hartford Courant, Connecticut.
[See another article about BPA: BPA exposure in utero may increase predisposition to breast cancer]

Lettuce recall expanded: FDA investigators inspecting Watsonville field, San Juan Bautista processing facility.

Sat, 1 Oct 2011 14:18:24 -0700

True Leaf Farms has expanded its voluntary recall of romaine lettuce from 90 to 2,498 cartons due to possible listeria contamination. The chopped and bagged lettuce was grown in Watsonville and processed in San Juan Bautista. San Jose Mercury News, California.

Breast cancer: pollution link remains hazy.

Sat, 1 Oct 2011 14:11:02 -0700

The notion that chemicals used in manufacturing and agriculture and created as the byproducts of modern life contribute to breast cancer comes from studies of animals. Los Angeles Times.

Darryl C. Zeldin named National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences scientific director.

Sat, 1 Oct 2011 14:09:42 -0700

Effective Oct. 23, Zeldin will lead and manage a $114 million biomedical research program focused on discovering how the environment influences human health and disease.

EPA launches new mapping tool to improve public access to enforcement information.

Sat, 1 Oct 2011 14:05:40 -0700

As part of EPA’s ongoing effort to improve transparency, the EPA and State Enforcement Actions Map will allow the public to access federal and state enforcement information in an interactive format and to compare enforcement action information by state. The map will be refreshed monthly to include up to date information about the enforcement actions taken to address violations of air, water, and waste laws.

Course on electrosmog and electrosensitivity.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:14:01 -0700

Dr. Magda Havas is considering giving a course on "Electrosmog and Electrosensitivity" in a weekend-end (3 day) or 5-day format and need to know how many people would be interested in taking this course, what specifically they would like included, when they would be available, etc. An online survey is open until January 31, 2012.

Smoking still high in US mining, food service.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 21:51:29 -0700

Cigarette smoking remains stubbornly high among workers in the mining, food services and construction industries despite dramatic overall declines in the United States in recent decades, a federal study released on Thursday showed. Reuters.

EPA holds hearing in Texas on natural gas drilling.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 21:46:43 -0700

Environmentalists and advocates for drilling companies faced off Thursday at a public hearing in Arlington on the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed rules aimed at limiting pollution at oil and gas wells. Associated Press.
[See another article about a similar meeting in Colorado: Air emissions from gas fracking operations take center stage at EPA hearing in Denver]

Military failed to respond quickly to health risks posed to soldiers, report says.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:39:37 -0700

The Defense Department and contractor Kellogg, Brown & Root failed to act as quickly as they should have to protect those exposed to a carcinogenic chemical, sodium dichromate, at an Iraqi water treatment plant in 2003, a new report by the Defense Department's Inspector General finds. Portland Oregonian, Oregon.

The mystery of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:37:03 -0700

Scientists have speculated that the chain of events that leads to this prolonged immune disorder begins when someone is exposed to a triggering agent -- a toxic chemical, for instance, or a bacterial or viral infection. But identifying such an agent has proved difficult. Los Angeles Times, California.

Epigenetic clue to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:33:50 -0700

Twin studies have shown that people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have changes in gene activity caused by their environment. The finding provides the strongest evidence yet that such gene changes might cause the conditions. New Scientist.

Concerns mounting over strawberry pesticide.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:01:37 -0700

Concerns are mounting over what some people consider a dangerous pesticide that could end up on Central Coast agriculture fields. Methyl iodide is often used on strawberries. The state approved it in December of last year, but a lot of people are fighting to keep it away including a local lawmaker. Salinas KCBA TV, California.

Tennesseans to travel with GPS monitors in unusual study on transportation, health.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:00:58 -0700

Hundreds of Middle Tennesseans will soon be asked to wear GPS monitors to record their travel, and accelerometers to measure physical activity, as part of a unique study of connections between transportation and health, officials said. Nashville Tennessean, Tennessee.

Early influences on mammary gland development, with Suzanne Fenton.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:22:39 -0700

In this podcast, host Ashley Ahearn discusses with researcher Suzanne Fenton how research on environmental exposures and mammary gland development in rodents might be used to assess risks for humans. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Educational module for grades 6-12: What’s All the Buzz About? Vector-Borne Diseases and Climate Change.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:20:20 -0700

Students read the EHP article Climate Change and Infectious Disease: Is the Future Here? to learn about vectors and spread of infectious diseases. They perform an experiment to model transmission of vector-borne diseases and discuss how climate change may impact the spread of such diseases.

Indoor PM pollution and elevated blood pressure: cardiovascular impact of indoor biomass burning.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:17:30 -0700

There was a significant association between increasing PM2.5 exposure and elevated blood pressure in women over age 50. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Children's exposure to PBDEs: binational comparison highlights dramatic differences.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:16:18 -0700

The California children’s PBDE levels were, on average, 7 times higher than those of the Mexican children. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Advising parents in the face of scientific uncertainty: an environmental health dilemma.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:39:36 -0700

Patrice Sutton, a research scientist at PRHE, and her PRHE colleagues therefore seek to provide evidence-based information in a responsible manner to doctors and other clinical practitioners who serve as a frontline for pregnant women and other patients concerned about exposure to environmental chemicals.

Stress-pollution interactions: an emerging issue in children’s health research.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:36:19 -0700

A small but growing number of scientists are pushing the envelope by investigating whether chronic psychological stress might be one of those factors, enhancing a child’s vulnerability to certain chemical exposures and contributing to effects that later show up as asthma, neurodevelopmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, and other problems. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Planting healthier indoor air.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:31:30 -0700

In addition to basic photosynthesis that removes carbon dioxide and returns oxygen to the air, plants can remove toxicants from air, soil, and water in at least two ways. Environmental Health Perspectives.

The launch of the International Society for Children's Health and the Environment (ISCHE)

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:28:15 -0700

ISCHE is dedicated to providing a professional home for those with scientific, policy analysis, educational, and clinical interests in children’s environmental health. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Prenatal exposure to phthalates and infant development at 6 months: prospective Mothers and Children’s Environmental Health (MOCEH) Study.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:23:12 -0700

The results suggest that prenatal exposure to phthalates may be inversely associated with the Mental and Psychomotor Developmental Indices (MDI and PDI) of infants, particularly males, at 6 months.

Lecture and discussion: Who Has the Right? Expanding the Rights of Individuals, Communities, and Nature.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:46:51 -0700

Given the past successes of movements to expand human rights in achieving social progress, should we consider establishing the rights of people to an unpolluted body, the right to a healthy environment, the rights of local governments to prevent corporations from operating polluting or damaging businesses in their communities, and the rights of nature? Tuesday October 4th in Seattle.

Metals alone -- not together -- lower child IQ in Bangladesh.

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 22:05:39 -0700

Arsenic and manganese both affect children's IQ, but a recent study suggests that when they occur together in drinking water, they do not interact to lower IQ further. The results support prior studies that found the two substances impact children's IQ, as measured by test scores. Environmental Health News.

Toxins all around us.

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 22:04:29 -0700

Scientists have become increasingly worried that even extremely low levels of some environmental contaminants may have significant damaging effects on our bodies—and that fetuses are particularly vulnerable to such assaults. Scientific American.

Are flame retardants safe? Growing evidence says 'no.'

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:59:28 -0700

Health experts are now calling for more aggressive action to limit these chemicals, including cutting back on highly flammable, petroleum-based materials used in many consumer products. Yale Environment 360.

Respiratory hazards for city bicyclists.

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:24:24 -0700

City cyclists are at a higher risk simply because they are breathing heavier in a relatively polluted environment. Environmental News Network.

EPA releases final health assessment for TCE.

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:11:16 -0700

The final assessment characterizes the chemical as carcinogenic to humans and as a human noncancer health hazard.

Chronic consumption of farmed salmon containing persistent organic pollutants causes insulin resistance and obesity in mice.

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:17:20 -0700

Marker for Alzheimer's disease rises during day and falls with sleep.

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:55:19 -0700

The pattern is strongest in healthy young people and reinforces a link between increased Alzheimer's risk and inadequate sleep that had been discovered in animal models. ScienceDaily.

Canada unveils larger, graphic anti-smoking labels.

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:11:28 -0700

Canada unveiled some of the world's largest and most graphic anti-smoking labels on Tuesday on the grounds that smokers were starting to ignore existing warnings on cigarette packs. Reuters.

Mercury in fish harms immune system.

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:10:42 -0700

Adults exposed to methylmercury through a fish diet have immune system changes similar to those seen in more highly exposed gold mine workers, according to a study of Brazilians living in the Amazon River Basin. Environmental Health News.

Some pediatricians refuse to treat children whose parents oppose immunizations.

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:08:40 -0700

When repeated efforts to educate parents about the safety of immunizations have failed, some pediatricians are taking action: They’re refusing to treat children unless their parents agree to have them vaccinated according to guidelines set by the CDC. Washington Post.

How mother's job can increase danger of asthma for unborn baby.

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:07:56 -0700

A pregnant woman's job can give asthma to her unborn baby, researchers say. Women exposed to certain chemicals and natural substances are known to be at risk of developing the breathing condition. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.

How lobbyists are spinning weak science to defend BPA.

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:29:47 -0700

Lobbyists are arguing that a recent study shows canned foods to be safe, even when lined with BPA. The problem? The study shows nothing of the kind. The study's major flaw is that it did not measure how much BPA was in the food the subjects ate. Without diet information, it can't reach conclusions about how people process bisphenol A. Atlantic Monthly.

EPA proposes changes to FMC Superfund site cleanup plan, seeks comments from the public.

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:23:09 -0700

The public is invited to submit comments on EPA’s proposed changes until October 26, 2011.

Health and climate change: 7 ways you are being harmed.

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:10:34 -0700

From the increase in frequency of heatwaves to the spread of infectious diseases, changing weather patterns are already affecting us all. The Atlantic.

Caffeine's buzz chases away women's depression.

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:08:30 -0700

In the back-and-forth world of research on caffeine’s effects, the latest study suggests that women who get several jolts of java a day may do more than get a quick boost: their mental health may see sustained improvement even as the physical stresses of aging accumulate. Los Angeles Times, California.

Pregnant women who exercise protect their offspring against long-term neurodegenerative diseases.

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:05:08 -0700

New research in the FASEB Journal suggests that prenatal exercise improves brain plasticity, decreases toxic protein deposits, inflammation and oxidative stress, which wards off Alzheimer's and other diseases. EurekAlert!

After illness outbreak, FDA warns of oysters distributed to 23 states.

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:51:30 -0700

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday afternoon warned consumers not to eat oysters harvested from Washington state's Hood Canal Area 4 between Aug. 30 and Sept. 19. Los Angeles Times, California.

Jewelers want states to replace limits on cadmium.

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:50:29 -0700

The U.S jewelry industry wants states to overturn laws that limit the toxic metal cadmium in children's trinkets and adopt new voluntary guidelines it helped create, saying stricter rules in several states create chaos for manufacturers and importers. Associated Press.

Panel finds no link between C8 and negative pregnancy effects.

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:20:03 -0700

The C8 Science Panel announced that it has found no overall link between elevated PFOA (C8) exposure and negative impacts on pregnancy, according to a report released Sept. 23. Wheeling WTRF TV, West Virginia.
[See a related article: C8 Science Panel meets with public]

Pools, play-in fountains spread diarrheal disease, CDC says

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:04:09 -0700

The ground-level fountains so popular with the grade-school set can also be founts of a rather nasty diarrheal disease caused by the microscopic parasite cryptosporidium. USA Today.

Diesel exhaust linked to childhood wheezing.

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:57:40 -0700

Infants and very young children in Tucson exposed to high levels of vehicle diesel pollution are more likely than other kids to suffer from early childhood wheezing, a potential asthma indicator, according to a new University of Arizona study. Tucson Arizona Daily Star, Arizona.

Association between prenatal lead exposure and blood pressure in female offspring.

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:43:54 -0700

Maternal tibia lead, which reflects cumulative environmental lead exposure and a source of exposure to the fetus, is a predisposing factor to higher blood pressure in female, but not male, offspring. Environmental Health Perspectives.
[See a news article about lead exposures: Houston's older homes to be treated for lead]

Canadians breathe some of world's cleanest air:

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:39:28 -0700

On Monday, the international public health authority launched its first Air Quality database, which covers almost 1,100 cities in 91 countries, revealing the world's "hot spots" for air pollution as well as regions with the highest health burden due to poor air quality. Postmedia News.

Jewelry industry to self-regulate on toxic cadmium.

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:37:17 -0700

Hammered by more than a year of recalls and legal setbacks, the U.S. jewelry industry has agreed to voluntarily limit the toxic metal cadmium in children's trinkets , and, in the process, has helped write what amounts to new federal regulations of its products. Associated Press.

Wangari Maathai: Death of a visionary.

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:36:22 -0700

Wangari Maathai's unique insight was that the lives of Kenyans -- and, by extension, of people in many other developing countries -- would be made better if economic and social progress went hand in hand with environmental protection. BBC.

Kohl makeup linked to behavioral problems.

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:34:20 -0700

Researchers into behavioural disorders among the Gulf region's children are beginning to wonder if traditional forms of the eye make-up called kohl are part of the problem. Some types of kohl contain about 85% lead. Abu Dhabi National, United Arab Emirates.

Asbestos, despite the ban, is killing people more than ever.

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:32:47 -0700

Egypt's asbestos factories were officially closed down in 2005, and yet the impact of this extremely dangerous material is being felt more vividly than ever today. Al-Masry Al-Youm, Egypt.

A Closer Look: Setting a 'safer' ozone level.

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:12:11 -0700

The Obama administration recently pulled the plug on lowering EPA limits. It seems clear, though, that the lower the level, the fewer effects on health. Los Angeles Times, California.

OEHHA posts comments on revised proposed regulation for hazard traits and environmental and toxicological endpoints.

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:05:36 -0700

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has posted comments received on its July 29, 2011, revised proposed regulation concerning the specification of hazard traits, environmental and toxicological endpoints, and other relevant data that are to be included in California's Toxics Information Clearinghouse. Nanotechnology Now.

Air pollution 'takes up to eight months off life.'

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:39:18 -0700

Air pollution is estimated to reduce life expectancy in the UK by an average seven to eight months, according to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH). Belfast Telegraph, Ireland.

Request for proposals: Agriculture and Food Research Initiative: Agriculture and Natural Resources Science for Climate Variability and Change.

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 22:39:19 -0700

This request focuses on the societal challenge to adapt agroecosystems and natural resource systems to climate variability and change and implement mitigation strategies in those systems. There are multiple deadline dates occurring throughout FY 2012 and beginning January 13, 2012.

Request for proposals: Centers for Oceans and Human Health.

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 22:27:03 -0700

NIEHS and NSF solicit grant applications that address research approaches to problems that are relevant to oceans and human health. The proposal deadline is November 22nd.
[See a similar request for proposals: Oceans, Great Lakes and Human Health]

Job opening: Boston, Massachusetts.

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:21:44 -0700

Clean Water Fund is hiring an Online Communications Organizer to support two of Clean Water’s core campaigns: a new Massachusetts-based initiative to combat global warming, and an award-winning national environmental health campaign called the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

A graphic look at obesity--inside and out.

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:29:11 -0700

As obesity becomes a global health threat, scientists are discovering new details about how this complex affliction affects the body--and about the many factors that bring it on. Scientific American.

House passes bill forcing analysis, delay of pending EPA rules.

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:21:39 -0700

The House on Friday approved legislation that would set up an interagency committee charged with assessing the impact of Environmental Protection Agency rules on U.S. economic competitiveness, and also delay two EPA rules until several years that analysis is complete. The Hill.
[See other articles about air quality: Californian cities revealed to be America's smoggiest with dangerous levels of air pollution and Air pollution in the gas fields]

Cantaloupe recall widens to include Kansas firm.

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:17:50 -0700

A Kansas food processor is recalling nearly 600 pounds of fresh-cut cantaloupe because of potential contamination with listeria linked to a deadly outbreak of food poisoning, federal Food and Drug Administration officials announced Friday. MSNBC.

Associations between respiratory illnesses and secondhand smoke exposure in flight attendants: a cross-sectional analysis of the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute Survey.

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:15:42 -0700

The frequency of symptoms of nasal congestion, throat or eye irritation is associated with occupational SHS exposure in the pre-smoking ban era. Environmental Health.

Twin study reveals epigenetic alterations of psychiatric disorders.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:40:44 -0700

In the first study to systematically investigate genome-wide epigenetic differences in a large number of psychosis discordant twin-pairs, research at the Institute of Psychiatry (IoP) at King's College London provides further evidence that epigenetic processes play an important role in neuropsychiatric disease. ScienceDaily.

Webinar recording online.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:41:06 -0700

Dr. William Mundy explained EPA's efforts to speed up testing of possible developmental neurotoxicants in a webinar from AAIDD on September 20th. The presentation is now available online.

Food pantries offering more fresh vegetables as diabetes, obesity rises.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:21:14 -0700

Fresh vegetables are expensive at the store, but crucial to battling chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, which run rampant in cities with high poverty rates. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin.

UN meeting attendees say New York City is health-policy model.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:18:58 -0700

Delegates at a high-level United Nations meeting on chronic diseases were in awe of the Big Apple’s triumphs over smoking, artificial trans fats, and other bad actors in the war on heart disease, cancer and other illnesses. Wall Street Journal.

FDA warns company about deceptive supplement claims.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:13:27 -0700

A company that sells services and products to people chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder has been warned by the Food and Drug Administration to correct numerous false claims on labels and misleading health claims posted on its Web site. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.

Baltimore, Washington fail smog test.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:01:59 -0700

Baltimore is No. 1 on the East Coast -- for smog. That is according to a new report from the nonprofit organization Environment Maryland, which is part of a national group that released a number of U.S. smog reports Wednesday. Gaithersburg Gazette, Maryland.
[See a related article: Smog on rise in Chicago area]

In utero, BPA no harm to male mice testes.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:55:37 -0700

Mothers of mice exposed to high doses of Bisphenol A while pregnant had male offspring that developed no signs of harm to their testes, U.S. researchers say. United Press International.

FDA bans chlorofluorocarbons in metered-dose asthma inhalers.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:51:38 -0700

Health officials are banning the only asthma inhaler sold over the counter in the United States starting from next year to prevent the use of products that harm the environment. Reuters.

Risks and benefits of consumption of Great Lakes fish.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:44:58 -0700

There are critical gaps in our knowledge of Great Lakes fish, particularly with regard to the benefits of consumption. Environmental Health Perspectives.

Summary for Patients: Does the Plastic Chemical Bisphenol A Contribute to Type 2 Diabetes?

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:12:51 -0700

Summaries for Patients are a service provided by Annals to help patients better understand the complicated and often mystifying language of modern medicine. Annals of Internal Medicine.

New report: Chemicals of Emerging Concern in the Great Lakes Region.

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:01:39 -0700

The chemicals identified as emerging chemicals are synthetic musks, fluorinated surfactants, brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, alkylphenol-ethoxylates, short chain chlorinated paraffins, phthalates, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, pesticides and hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). International Joint Commission.

Challenges and approaches for mixtures in risk assessment.

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:57:33 -0700

This video explains the differences between the mainstream proposals for cumulative risk assessment, the attempt to assess the risk to human health and the environment posed by simultaneous exposure to multiple chemicals. Health & Environment.

Car fumes 'raise heart attack risk for six-hour window.'

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:55:30 -0700

Heart attack risk is raised for about six hours post-exposure and goes down again after that, researchers found. BBC News.

A Wi-fi way to measure the breathing of surgery patients.

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:38:53 -0700

Patwari's new study points out pros and cons of adding wireless detection of breathing to the motion-detecting capability. Science Codex.

One size doesn't fit all for vitamin D and men: African-american men in northern regions especially need high doses of supplements.

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:35:56 -0700

African-American men living in areas with low sunlight are up to 3.5 times more likely to have Vitamin D deficiency than Caucasian men and should take high levels of Vitamin D supplements, according to a new study from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. ScienceDaily.

Carbon nanotubes impale compulsive cells.

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:35:56 -0700

Asbestos skewers cells, setting off chemical reactions that lead to inflammation, DNA damage and cell death. Some studies have suggested carbon nanotubes might have similar effects--because they're long and spiky, like asbestos. Scientific American.

Critics of energy 'fracking' raise new concern: sand.

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:31:19 -0700

If inhaled, crystalline silica, a building block in so-called frac sand, is a potential carcinogen and can cause lung and other diseases, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Reuters.
[See another article about controversy over mining: Vast reserves of shale gas revealed in UK]

Emission rules get tougher.

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:28:18 -0700

Thermal power plants will soon operate under tighter emission controls, with mercury output monitored for the first time, under new standards released on Wednesday to tackle worsening pollution. China Daily.

Bombs' hidden impact on the brain.

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:27:17 -0700

Wartime explosions may be creating an epidemic of brain damage -- and a major challenge for scientists. Nature.

Smokers could lose one third of their everyday memory, warn experts.

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:26:29 -0700

A study by a team at Northumbria University has shown that smokers lose more of their memory when compared to non-smokers. And the research also found that those who kicked the habit saw their ability to recollect information restored to almost the same level as non-smokers. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom.
[See other articles about tobacco use: Cigarette makers, FDA clash over new graphic ads; A global push for a smoke-free workplace and Chinese primary schools sponsored by tobacco firms]

Researchers to map human toxic pathways.

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:24:19 -0700

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, have now won $6 million from the National Institutes of Health to begin an ambitious project to develop an alternative testing approach that does not use animal experiments. Nature.

How safe is your indoor swimming pool?

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:21:17 -0700

"It's a public education thing," Blatchley said. "Swimmers and the general public need to recognize that there's a link between their hygiene habits and the health of everyone who uses the pool." CNN.

The invisible illness.

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:16:35 -0700

Believed to be initially triggered by an infection, virus, vaccination, parasitic infection or reaction to environmental toxins, CFS/ME is more or less a dramatic overreaction by the body that puts it into a state of constant over-vigilance. Vancouver Sun. British Columbia.

Nanoparticles cause brain injury in fish.

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:31:52 -0700

Scientists at the University of Plymouth have shown, for the first time in an animal, that nanoparticles have a detrimental effect on the brain and other parts of the central nervous system.

Epigenetic changes often don’t last, probably have limited effects on long-term evolution, research finds.

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:30:49 -0700

The first comprehensive inventory of epigenetic changes over several generations shows that these often do not last and therefore probably have limited effects on long-term evolution, according to scientists in Germany. ScienceDaily.

Lead poisoning cases decline in Maryland, but gaps remain.

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:29:01 -0700

Lead poisoning among young children continues to decline in Baltimore and the rest of Maryland, but officials say they're concerned that a growing percentage of new cases in the state are occurring in owner-occupied and newer rental housing not covered by the state's lead-paint hazard reduction law. Baltimore Sun, Maryland.

China’s solar technology pollutes local ecology.

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:27:36 -0700

A four-day protest outside a solar manufacturing plant in a small Chinese township illustrates the harsh realities of China’s green energy manufacturing boom. Epoch Times.

Gas firm denies drilling method will cause cancer and pollution.

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:27:00 -0700

A company planning to build as many as 500 gas wells on thousands of acres in the north-west denied yesterday it will use chemicals linked to cancer and tap water pollution. Dublin Irish Independent, Ireland.

Smoking in films 'encourages teenagers to take it up.'

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:23:03 -0700

Teenagers who watch films showing actors smoking are more likely to take it up, new UK research suggests. The Bristol University investigators say a precautionary approach is needed. But pro-smoking choice campaigners say this is unjustified and nonsensical. BBC.

Group: Air here still dirty.

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:21:45 -0700

Despite continuing air-quality improvements Lancaster was the 10th-smoggiest midsize metropolitan area in the United States during 2010 according to a report. Penn-live.com.

Report: Hispanics disproportionately impacted by air pollution.

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:20:47 -0700

Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in the nation and many are living in or near urban areas, which makes them disproportionately impacted by air pollution, a national report released Tuesday states. Bergen County Record, New Jersey.
[See a related article: Is Seattle creating ghettos of poverty and pollution?]

BPA in canned foods: should you worry?

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:18:25 -0700

A new report from the Breast Cancer Fund reveals 12 canned soups and pastas popular among kids found to contain BPA, an estrogen-like chemical raising concern among experts for its potential health effects in children, infants and fetuses. ABC News.

Fetal origins: How adult disease risk takes shape before you are born.

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:17:50 -0700

Deprivation of nutrients during a baby's development in the womb can produce long-lasting changes in organs and metabolism. In adulthood, the changes can make you vulnerable to heart disease and other chronic killers. Portland Oregonian, Oregon.

EPA to hold public meeting regarding Triangle Pacific Site, Elizabeth City, NC

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:14:01 -0700

EPA, the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR) and Environmental Consultant, O’Brien & Gere, will provide information about the environmental investigation that will take place at the Triangle Pacific Superfund site. Tuesday, September 27, 2011 regarding the Triangle Pacific Site in Elizabeth City, NC