These bulletins are archived and searchable on the CHE-WA website: http://washington.chenw.org/bulletins.html If you would like to join the Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE) and the CHE-Washington regional group, please complete the application on the CHE website: http://www.healthandenvironment.org/application Joining CHE means receiving up to four email messages a month from the CHE National listserv. CHE costs nothing to join and the benefit is shared information and opportunities for further engagement, if you choose. Be sure to mark that you want to join the Washington State Regional Group at the bottom of the application.
Companion bulletins are available for different audiences:
While there is overlap with this bulletin, there are some events and announcements unique to those bulletins.
The Children's Environmental Health Working Group, CHE-WA's newest group, now has a web page on the CHE-WA website: http://washington.chenw.org/CEHgroup.html In addition to contact information and the group's mission statement, the page includes meeting schedules and notes, subcommittee group information and a Resources section.
Online Calendar. With a large number of events listed in the coming month, you may prefer to use our online calendar to search by type of event and by other criteria: http://www.chenw.org/cgi-bin/searchevents.cgi Upcoming events extending more than one month in the future are also listed.
Four Tuesdays from September 16 through October 14, 2008
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Eastern time
Sponsor: National Collaborative Work Group on Green Cleaning and Chemical Policy Reform in Schools; for a list of all sponsors, please see the web address below
The four presentations are targeted at different audiences: all audiences, parents and communities, schools, and workers.
Price: free
Website: http://www.cleaningforhealthyschools.org/documents/training_schedule.pdf
Thursday and Friday, October 9 - 10, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
at the Entrix Inc. Conference Room, 200 First Avenue West, Suite 500
Sponsor: The Northwest Environmental Training Center
There is a growing trend of governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations issuing triple bottom line reports. Accountability for environmental, social and economic impacts of a company is increasingly becoming a part of every manager or governmental official's job. However, there is much uncertainty and inconsistency in the field. Triple bottom line reporting is emerging as an important and necessary part of an organization's disclosure. Two main issues addressed are 1) what a triple bottom line report is and 2) the areas addressed in a triple bottom line report. The first issue involves establishing an understanding of the triple bottom line and a structure for accountability. The second issue deals with identifying boundaries, a methodology for reporting and development of an understanding of the issues around subject areas in reporting. Continuing education credits are available.
Price: $320 business rate, $275 government rate, $220 reduced tuition is available for those who qualify
Website: http://www.nwetc.org/sust-404_10-08_seattle.htm
Contact: Northwest Environmental Training Center, 206-762-1976 or info@nwetc.org
Saturday October 11, 2008
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Portland, Oregon
at Collins Hall, First United Methodist Church, 1838 SW Jefferson
Sponsor: Rachel's Friends Breast Cancer Coalition
The keynote speaker will be Nena Baker, author of The Body Toxic: How the Hazardous Chemistry of Everyday Things Threatens our Health and Well-being.
Price: unknown
Website: http://www.rachelsfriends.org:80/events.html
Contact: Diane Lund-Muzikant at 503-869-7225 or muzikant@aol.com
Wednesday October 15, 2008
6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
at Gilda's Club Seattle, 1400 Broadway
Sponsor: Breast Cancer Fund Washington and Gilda's Club Seattle
Food should be full of nutrients, not pesticides and hormones. Learn about healthy food choices, and tips for food preparation and storage. This is the second in a series of interactive workshops looking at toxic chemicals in our indoor and outdoor environments and how to make healthier choices for ourselves and our families. A light dinner will be provided; please register beforehand at the website listed below.
Price: free
Contact: Breast Cancer Fund Washington, 206-524-4405
Friday through Sunday, October 17 - 19, 2008
Redmond, Washington
at Redmond Marriott Town Center, 7401 164th Avenue NE
Sponsor: La Leche League of Washington
Billed as "a breastfeeding and parenting conference for families and health-care professionals," this conference will feature a keynote by with Mary Sheedy Kurcinka on "Choosing to Connect Even during the Tough Times."
Price: see http://www.lllwaconf.org/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=8&Itemid=51
Website: http://www.lllwaconf.org
Friday through Sunday, October 17 - 19, 2008
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, 800 Convention Place
Sponsor: Northwest Environmental Education Council
Now in it's 19th year, Bioneers brings together some of the world's most renowned and innovative people to present their ideas and experiences. They speak to a well-educated, interested and progressive audience willing to discuss solutions to current environmental and social-justice issues. This conference features a live satellite downlink of the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, California, for each of the morning plenary sessions.
Price: see http://nweec.org/seattlebioneers/register.php?form=attend
Website: http://nweec.org/seattlebioneers/about-seattle_bioneers.php
Contact: Northwest Environmental Education Council, 206-923-1980
Monday October 20, 2008
10:00 a.m. Pacific time, 1:00 p.m. Eastern time
Sponsor: Collaborative on Health and the Environment
Are environmental factors affecting the way we age? Leading scientists say yes. The science of chronic diseases associated with aging, particularly Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, shows that they are related to a number of features of modern society. A new report, "Environmental Threats to Healthy Aging," put out by Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and Science and Environmental Health Network, exposes the lifetime influences of environmental risk factors such as socioeconomic status and exposures to environmental chemicals on those diseases and their underlying pathologic mechanisms. Featured speakers will be Jill Stein, MD, president of Massachusetts Coalition for Healthy Communities; Ted Schettler, MD, MPH, science director of Science and Environmental Health Network; and Peter Whitehouse, MD, PhD, professor of neurology at Case Western Reserve University and author of The Myth of Alzheimer's.
Price: free
Website: http://www.healthandenvironment.org/partnership_calls/4490
Tuesday October 21, 2008
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Pacific time
Sponsor: Northwest Center for Public Health Practice
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem that can result in treatment failure, higher morbidity and mortality, and increased healthcare costs. CDC has a campaign called Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work to address the factors that contribute to inappropriate antimicrobial use. This online, interactive session will show how public health practitioners can take action at the community level. Lauri Hicks, DO; Darcia Johnson; Alison Patti, MPH; and Karen Werner, PhD, of the Get Smart Program will present.
Price: unknown
Website: http://www.nwcphp.org/training/hot-topics/2008-hot-topics/get-smart-antimicrobial-resistance
Contact: NWCPHP, 206-685-1130 or nwcphp@u.washington.edu
Wednesday October 22, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Portland, Oregon
at the Audubon Society of Portland, 5151 Northwest Cornell Road, Heron Hall
Sponsor: Northwest Environmental Training Center (NWETC)
This course provides participants with an overview of key chemistry concepts associated with environmental contamination and provides a foundation for understanding contaminant transport and fate. This material is intended for environmental professionals who are not chemists but who require a fundamental understanding of chemistry principles for their work. This course is recommended for all environmental professionals working with contaminated soil and water with minimal formal training in the subject. It is also recommended for project managers seeking a review of the subject. Continuing education credits are available.
Price: $250, $195 reduced tuition is available to those who qualify.
Website: http://www.nwetc.org/chem-403a_10-08_portland.htm
Contact: Northwest Environmental Training Center, 206-762-1976
Saturday October 25, 2008
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tacoma, Washington
at the University of Washington -- Tacoma Room GWP 320 (Tacoma Room), 1900 Commerce Street
Sponsor: Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility in collaboration with Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
"Preventing Chemical Threats" examines the latest science on toxic chemical exposures and children's development and health. The training focuses on science and health impacts related to exposures to lead, PVC/DEHP, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), bisphenol A (BPA) and mercury. The program addresses potential trends in rising incidence of disease linked to environmental factors, ramifications of developmental disabilities, health effects linked to toxic exposures, and the latest scientific research. Clinical tips for diagnosis and prevention will also be discussed, as well as discussions on chemical policy reform, energy conservation and sustainable foods in healthcare. Training includes selected provider and patient materials in English and Spanish from the Pediatric Environmental Health Toolkit, endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This training is relevant to physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, students, other health-care professionals and child-health advocates. It is also relevant as an educational tool for media, policymakers, and laypersons concerned with public health and links between toxic exposures, child development and health. Four hours of Category II CME (continuing education) credits will be offered through Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle. The training includes a continental breakfast and light lunch.
Price: $15
Website: http://www.wpsr.org/
Contact: Cherie Eichholz, 206-547-2630 or cherie@wpsr.org
Wednesday October 29, 2008
6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
at Gilda's Club Seattle, 1400 Broadway
Sponsor: Breast Cancer Fund Washington and Gilda's Club Seattle
Toxic chemicals in your lotion and shampoo? Learn about safer choices for yourself and your family. Also learn the latest on how to dispose of unwanted medicines. This is the third in a series of interactive workshops looking at toxic chemicals in our indoor and outdoor environments and how to make healthier choices for ourselves and our families. A light dinner will be provided; please register beforehand at the website listed below.
Price: free
Contact: Breast Cancer Fund Washington, 206-524-4405
Monday November 3, 2008
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Lacey, Washington
at the Lacey Community Center, Woodland Creek Community Park, 6729 Pacific Avenue Southeast
Sponsor: Northwest Environmental Training Center (NWETC)
This course provides participants with an overview of key chemistry concepts associated with environmental contamination and provides a foundation for understanding contaminant transport and fate. This material is intended for environmental professionals who are not chemists but who require a fundamental understanding of chemistry principles for their work. This course is recommended for all environmental professionals working with contaminated soil and water with minimal formal training in the subject. It is also recommended for project managers seeking a review of the subject. Continuing education credits are available.
Price: $250, $195 reduced tuition is available to those who qualify.
Website: http://www.nwetc.org/chem-403a_11-08_lacey.htm
Contact: Northwest Environmental Training Center, 206-762-1976
Thursday and Friday, November 6 - 7, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Lacey, Washington
at the Lacey Community Center, Woodland Creek Community Park, 6729 Pacific Ave SE
Sponsor: Northwest Environmental Training Center
This course provides participants with an overview of the science and best practices for implementing monitored natural attenuation. The course sections focus specifically on monitored natural attenuation of petroleum hydrocarbons, fuel oxygenates and chlorinated hydrocarbons in soil and groundwater. Software tools for natural attenuation analysis and methods for enhancing natural attenuation will also be discussed. Continuing education credits are available.
Price: $495, $395 reduced tuition is available for those who qualify.
Website: http://www.nwetc.org/ghyd-410_11-08_lacey.htm
Contact: Northwest Environmental Training Center, 206-762-1976
Most of the articles below come from Environmental Health News, http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/
Job opening, Seattle, Washington. Sightline Institute, the Northwest's sustainability think tank, has an opportunity for a full-time news editor to manage our online Northwest news service, Sightline Daily. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of professional editing and reporting experience, solid news judgment, a thorough knowledge of Pacific Northwest issues, and a talent for turning policy issues into compelling prose. Ideally, she or he would also have experience working in an online news environment and be tech-savvy. The position is open until filled.
http://www.sightline.org:80/get_involved/jobs-internships/news-editor
Job opening, Seattle, Washington. The Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition (DRCC) is seeking an experienced and creative leader to fill the position of Coordinator (equivalent to Executive Director). The candidate must have at least five years of nonprofit or similar experience, strong leadership skills, knowledge of technical aspects of contamination, commitment to environmental justice, demonstrated fundraising skills, a strong grasp of fiscal management, and excellent writing and speaking skills. Applications are due by October 31, 2008.
http://www.duwamishcleanup.org/uploads/coordinator.pdf
Win a visit from the Toxic Truth Sleuths. Washington Toxics Coalition has launched a contest to give away four comprehensive in-home toxic-chemical surveys that include testing products with an XRF analyzer. To enter the contest, submit a compelling story (either written or video) through the website. Entries are due by 5:00 p.m. Pacific time on October 20th, 2008.
http://watoxics.org/official-rules-washington-toxics-coalition-201ctoxic-truth201d-contest
Call to action: Restore pesticide data collection. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is terminating the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), which collects data on the use of agricultural chemicals, including pesticides, and discloses this information to the public. The Union of Concerned Scientists has an online form for visitors to send a message to USDA Secretary Ed Schafer requesting that he immediately restore the NASS program and make information available to the public at no cost.
http://ucsaction.org/campaign/08_27_08_pesticide_data
[Editor's note: See a related article from September 27th below.]
CR issues consensus statement on the control of pesticides in the EU: a call to action to protect human health. The brief position paper, which urges the EU to adopt strong legislation to protect public health and the environment against adverse effects of pesticides, has been sent to Members of the European Parliament and government representatives currently debating a proposed Regulation on the placing of plant protection products on the market.
http://www.collegiumramazzini.org/download/13_ThirteenthCRStatement(2008).pdf
submitted to this bulletin by Génon K. Jensen
Request for proposals. The US Environmental Protection Agency plans to award in early 2009 a total of $200,000, $100,000 each for two grants that 1) train older adults to be environmental leaders and 2) demonstrate how greenways and sustainable streets can improve the environment, human health and the quality of life. Letters of intent are encouraged by October 24, 2008, and proposals must be submitted by November 21, 2008.
http://epa.gov/aging/grants/grant-list/2008_11_21_rfp-epa-ao-ochp-08-01-fnl-rev-9-24.htm
submitted to this bulletin by Marnie Boardman
Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute accepting applications. Through October 31, 2008, CDC's Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute (EPHLI) will accept applications for the class of 2009–2010. EPHLI strengthens the country's environmental public health system by enhancing the leadership capabilities of state, local and tribal environmental public health professionals.
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/EPHLI/application.htm
Public health conference support program. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are requesting applications for their Public Health Conference Support Program with the purpose to provide partial support for specific non-federal conferences in the areas of health promotion and disease prevention, educational programs and applied research.
https://www.employeeexpress.gov/DefaultLogin.aspx
EPA highlights 2008 efforts to protect children. EPA released its annual report outlining national efforts to protect children from environmental risks. EPA's Children's Environmental Health: 2008 Highlights is the eighth in a series of reports describing work done by EPA to protect children where they live learn and play.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/2008_highlights.htm//OCHP_2008_Highlights_508.pdf
Depressed by pesticides. A study of farmers finds that high pesticide use over a lifetime is associated with clinical depression. Environmental Health News, 8 October 2008.
http://fellows.environmentalhealthnews.org/newscience/depressed-about-pesticides/
Fan in room seems to cut infants' risk of crib death. Sleeping in a room with a fan lowers a baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome by 72 percent, a new study has found. New York Times, 7 October 2008.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/health/research/07sids.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Household chemicals may harm unborn babies. Pregnant women are exposing their babies to household chemicals that may be damaging lung development and causing asthma, a Perth scientist has warned. Perth Sunday Times, Australia, 7 October 2008.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24458542-2,00.html
Fuming over formaldehyde. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed to act for at least a year on warnings that trailers housing refugees from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita contained dangerous levels of formaldehyde, a House subcommittee report found. Los Angeles Times, California, 7 October 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-sci-formaldehyde7-2008oct07,0,447414.story
[Editor's note: see a related article about a judgment that FEMA is not immune from toxic trailer suits: http://www.kansascity.com/811/story/825863.html ]
Tracking toxic textiles. To the litany of tainted products from overseas -- milk powder, toothpaste, dog food and toys -- now add textiles. Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania, 6 October 2008.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20081006_Tracking_toxic_textiles.html
Study: Waterproof, greaseproof, non-stick chemical not linked to developmental problems. PFOAs are not associated with delayed early development in babies, finds a Danish study funded by 3M and published in the October issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. USA Today, 6 October 2008.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/betterlife/2008/10/study-waterproo.html
New PCB chemical found in the air. A potentially toxic chemical called PCB-11 has been found all over the air in Chicago. That's surprising, because people thought the chemical hadn't been used in years. Great Lakes Radio Consortium, Michigan, 6 October 2008.
http://www.environmentreport.org/story.php3?story_id=4190
Ozone issue needs its own 'Kyoto.' The world needs an international agreement like the Kyoto protocol to reduce levels of ozone pollution which harm human health and crop yields, according to a report from senior scientists. London Guardian, United Kingdom, 6 October 2008.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/oct/06/ozone.pollution
Creating a new climate for action -- campaign provides tools for students to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To honor Child Health Day, EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education is launching a campaign to educate middle and high school students about climate change, its effects on children's health, and actions teens can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become Climate Ambassadors in their communities. US Environmental Protection Agency, 6 October 2008.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/6D2E8C2E1D5BDCB1852574DA0064E3E3
Dietary responses for ADD/ADHD. Although attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been studied for a number of years, there are still many questions as to what causes it and what the best approaches to treating it might be. Exeter Hampton Union, New Hampshire, 5 October 2008.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20081005-LIFE-810050304
Tests find toxic toys in stores across GTA. Young children in the Greater Toronto Area are being sold toys, knick-knacks and glittering jewelry laced with dangerously high levels of lead. Toronto Star, Ontario, 4 October 2008.
http://www.parentcentral.ca/parent/article/511758
U.S. to start $3.2 bln child health study in January. A study that will cost $3.2 billion and last more than two decades to track the health of 100,000 U.S. children from before birth to age 21 will be launched in January, U.S. health officials said on Friday. Reuters, 4 October 2008.
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE4926V120081003?sp=true
Nine ways to avoid household toxins. To help cautious consumers navigate all the confusing warnings and advisories, Nena Baker -- author of "The Body Toxic" -- offers her tips for reducing your exposure to everyday toxins. Newsweek, 4 October 2008.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/161841
Even tiny lead levels endanger kids. Children with any amount of lead in their blood may suffer irreversible health effects, a fact that underscores the need to keep kids from coming in contact with the toxic metal, according to an expert on the subject. Muskegon Chronicle, Michigan, 4 October 2008.
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/10/expert_even_tiny_lead_levels_e.html
[Editor's note: see a related article about symptoms of lead poisoning in children: http://www.parentcentral.ca/parent/article/511759 ]
Study finds older school buses are highly toxic. The Environmental Defense Fund said the air inside older diesel school buses can be up to five times as toxic as the air outside the bus. NY 1 TV, New York City, New York, 4 October 2008.
http://www.ny1.com/printarticle.aspx?ArID=86686
Pesticide exposure during pregnancy increases chances of reproductive disorders in sons. Sons of pregnant women who worked at a greenhouse in Denmark while pregnant had a higher incident of undescended testicles than previously reported and blood hormone levels that differed significantly from normal. Environmental Health News, 4 October 2008.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/pesticides-exposure-increase-risks-of-male-reproductive-disorders/
What goes down comes around. Americans flush much more medication down the toilet than previously thought -- a quarter of a billion pounds of drugs and contaminated packaging -- and it's turning up in our drinking water. Living On Earth, 4 October 2008.
http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.htm?programID=08-P13-00040&segmentID=4
[Editor's note: See a related article at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1064203/Is-water-poisoned-cocktail-drugs.html ]
Boy's mom thinks Singulair sales should be suspended during probe. Doctors are still prescribing a popular drug despite the possibility of adverse side effects that could put patients' lives at risk. Springfield KY3 TV, Missouri, 3 October 2008.
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/30203379.html
FDA will rewrite rules for marketing for children. The Food and Drug Administration will rewrite decades-old federal regulations governing how over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are marketed to children -- amid concerns over whether the products are safe and effective. Wall Street Journal, 3 October 2008.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122295403205798163.html
Exposure to some plastics may hit men where it hurts. The latest studies, published in a special section of the journal Environmental Research, links bisphenol A, phthalates and the flame retardants known as PBDEs with reproductive and behavioral effects. The Daily Green, 3 October 2008.
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/phthalates-47100205
Persistent free radicals: discovery and mechanisms for health impacts. Free radicals that piggyback on particles formed during combustion processes hang around -- and may be the source of carcinogenic characteristics of secondhand smoke and other ultrafine emissions. Environmental Science & Technology, 3 October 2008.
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/sample.cgi/esthag/asap/html/es802580c.html
Contaminants in human milk: Weighing the risks against the benefits of breastfeeding. Given the tendency for contaminants to accumulate in human milk, researchers and parents alike are asking whether the nursling's exposure to these pollutants might reduce or even override the health benefits. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2 October 2008.
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2008/116-10/focus.html
Where you live could affect life and life span. People living at or below the poverty line here are more likely to have diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, according to Public Health Management Corp.'s community health database. Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania, 2 October 2008.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/health_science/daily/20081002_Where_you_live_could_affect_life_and_life_span.html
Improving your indoor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency says indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks. Fort Myers WZVN TV, Florida, 1 October 2008.
http://www.abc-7.com/articles/readnews.asp?articleid=21926&z=2
The case for 'green' bullets. Recent research has shown lead bullet fragments in big game meat subsequently eaten by hunters, their families and guests. Earlier this year, in North Dakota, ground venison was cleared from the freezers of soup kitchens after the discovery of lead contamination in the majority of the samples tested. Denver Rocky Mountain News, Colorado, 1 October 2008.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/oct/01/pauli-and-buskirk-case-green-bullets/
Country of origin labels coming to the grocery store. Beginning September 30, 2008, a new rule will require fresh meat, seafood and produce to carry a Country of Origin label. The federal law was passed in 2002, but it's taken six years to fully implement. Minnesota Public Radio, Minnesota, 30 September 2008.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/09/24/cool/
Smog: It's not all cars' fault. When most of us see hazy skies, we think tailpipes. But a new study reveals that cars are a smaller part of the problem than previously thought: Vapors from paint, fumes from outdoor barbecues, and even the fresh scent emitted by trees may contribute to the majority of urban air pollution. Science, 30 September 2008.
http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2008/930/1
The smart thinking on exercise? It helps kids learn. Data from scientists, teachers and the real-life experience of parents provide growing evidence that physical activity influences the brain. Orange County Register, California, 30 September 2008.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/exercise-physical-children-2173809-activity-brain
Babies who eat fish lower eczema risk. Babies who start eating fish before the age of 9 months have a lower risk of developing eczema, new research shows. Karachi News International, Pakistan, 29 September 2008.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=138595
Perchlorate, pregnancy, and politics. Perchlorate is a chemical in rocket fuel that has been found in some drinking water supplies. It's been linked to thyroid problems in pregnant women and babies. Great Lakes Radio Consortium, Michigan, 29 September 2008.
http://www.environmentreport.org/story.php3?story_id=4178
Women using talcum powder every day 'are at risk' for cancer, says study. Scientists fear powder particles applied to the private parts may travel to the ovaries and trigger a process of inflammation that allows cancer cells to flourish. London Daily Mail, United Kingdom, 27 September 2008.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1063040/Cancer-alert-talc-Women-using-powder-day-risk.html
Citing cost, USDA kills pesticide-testing program. In a decision that could make it harder to protect consumers, the Bush administration abruptly halted a government program that tests levels of pesticides in fruits, vegetables and field crops--arguing that the $8 million-a-year program is too expensive. Chicago Tribune, Illinois, 27 September 2008.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-pesticidessep28,0,6191823.story
For Barnett, going green is a family issue. Sloan Barnette's experience with her son's asthma motivated her to write her first book, which is about body burden and green living. San Francisco Chronicle, California, 27 September 2008.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/26/LV031338AK.DTL
Plastics in our diet: the need for BPA regulation. We do not have to give up plastics. Not all synthetic chemicals are endocrine disruptors. But when we find substances that are, we have to ensure that they are kept out of our food and water. Scientific American, 27 September 2008.
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=plastics-in-our-diet
House OKs bill to study environmental causes of breast cancer. Legislation that would require the federal government to investigate possible links between environmental factors and breast cancer won approval in the House yesterday by voice vote. E&E Daily, 26 September 2008 (registration required).
http://www.eenews.net/eed/2008/09/26/
submitted to this bulletin by Jim DiPeso
Nuts! Allergy advice feeding crisis. Stopping young children from eating foods such as eggs, shellfish and peanuts may not prevent them developing allergies and might even be responsible for a dramatic increase in severe food reactions, say leading specialist doctors. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia, 26 September 2008.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/life--style-home/health/allergy-advice-flaws/2008/09/25/1222217431065.html
Antidepressants 'may harm sperm.' Drugs taken by millions of men to alleviate depression may affect their fertility, say US scientists. BBC, United Kingdom, 25 September 2008.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7633400.stm
Consumer groups fret over chemicals in teen cosmetics. Teenagers may be contaminated with potentially risky chemicals from cosmetics, according to a small study released Wednesday from the Environmental Working Group. USA Today, 25 September 2008.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2008-09-24-cosmetics-chemicals_N.htm
Drinking-water analysis turns up even more toxic compounds. The chronic presence of genotoxic compounds at low levels in U.S. drinking water could present a conflict for water utilities seeking the best technique for disinfecting drinking water. Environmental Science & Technology, 25 September 2008.
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/sample.cgi/esthag/asap/html/es802584a.html
A new study from China indicates that reducing air pollution from coal-burning power plants may improve children's ability to learn. Children living near a recently closed coal-burning power plant performed better in a neurological development test compared to children living in the area three years prior when the plant was still in operation, 25 September 2008.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/closure-of-coal-burning-plant-leads-to-improvement-in-local-childrens-brain-development/
Swimming in chlorinated pools 'increases asthma risk five-fold.' Children who swim regularly in chlorinated pools are five times more likely to develop asthma, research has found. London Daily Telegraph, United Kingdom, 25 September 2008.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/health/3073002/Swimming-in-chlorinated-pools-increases-asthma-risk-five-fold.html
State sues over crib, changing table warnings. Some baby furniture manufacturers aren't warning consumers about the dangers of a toxic gas emanating from cribs and changing tables. San Francisco Chronicle, California, 25 September 2008.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/25/BAV7134EVH.DTL
Northeastern, West Coast women have high mercury levels. Women in the Northeast are contaminated with the highest concentrations of mercury in the United States, with one of every five exceeding levels considered safe for fetuses, according to a new national study. Environmental Health News, 24 September 2008.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/northeastern-pacific-coast-women-have-highest-mercury-levels
Hyperactivity drug ritalin 'should not be given to children.' Ritalin should not be prescribed to children under five and used for older children only when they have severe ADHD or as a last resort, the guidance says. Sky News, United Kingdom, 24 September 2008.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Health/Hyperactivity-Drug-Ritalin-Should-Not-Be-Given-To-Children-New-Guidelines-From-NICE-say/Article/200809415105539?lpos=Health_Second_UK_News_Article_Teaser_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15105539_Hyperactivity_Drug_Ritalin_Should_Not_Be_Given_To_Children%2C_New_Guidelines_From_NICE_say
EPA presents cleanup plan. Kelley Chase, a remedial project manager with the EPA, presented a preliminary proposal Tuesday to utilize soybean oil and microorganisms to purify groundwater heavily contaminated by trichloroethylene and other volatile organic compounds. Lansdale Reporter, Pennsylvania, 24 September 2008.
http://www.thereporteronline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20134984&BRD=2275&PAG=461&dept_id=466404&rfi=6