Boxer and Clinton call on EPA to maintain child health protections in controlling cancer risks: current EPA proposal weakens safeguards for children
(From Yubanet.com) WASHINGTON, DC Feb. 20, 2008 - Senator Barbara Boxer, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Chair of the EPW Subcommittee on Superfund and Environmental Health, today called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reverse its plan to weaken safeguards for children when the agency uses its Cancer Risk Guidelines, even though children often face greater risk of adverse health impacts from cancer-causing toxins. In a letter to EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson, Boxer and Clinton underscored that EPA's proposed plans go against the recommendations of its independent scientific advisors, its children's health advisory committee, and other scientific and health experts.
"It is unconscionable that the EPA would even consider lowering safeguards that protect children from dangerous carcinogens. Protecting children's health must be paramount and we urge the EPA to stop this shortsighted plan," said Senator Clinton.
View the full article here.
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Consumers' concern about toy safety causes some manufacturers to ban phthalates from their products
Toy manufacturers are beginning to respond to consumers' concerns about the safety of children's toys by manufacturing phthalate-free toys. Studies have linked phthalates to reproductive birth defects and cancer in laboratory animals, and although the results are inconclusive, California and the European Union have enacted partial bans on phthalates. See the full article and video from the CBS Evening News at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/18/eveningnews/main3842856.shtml.
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U.S. moving toward ban on new coal-fired power plants
An update from the Earth Policy Institute discusses how environmental, health, farm, and community organizations and a fast-growing number of state governments are demonstrating increased resistance to the use of coal-fired power in the United States. Read the full article here: http://www.earthpolicy.org/Updates/2008/Update70.htm.
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Popular home remedies contain lead
(From khou.com) HOUSTON -- The main ingredient in some home remedies is a substance that can leave those who take it with irreversible brain damage. In Houston neighborhoods, little children are at risk from killers that don't look dangerous. They are poisonous powders. One of the most common is called greta, given for years by Latina mothers to their children.
They are mothers with the best of intentions, trying to bring comfort to a colicky baby or to a first-grader with a stomachache. But the home remedies they're using contain something that is the last thing you'd want to give to a child.
"Eighty to 90 percent of that powder is lead," nurse Judy Zoch said. She works for the Harris County Health Department. She wouldn't touch a tube of greta without putting on her gloves - it's that dangerous. The orange powder, what some consider a cure for stomach trouble and have given their children, is almost pure lead. "They are treating their child with something that they've been told cures what ails them," she said. "And it does cure what ails them, but it leaves them with something far worse."
Read the article and access resources from the CDC about home remedies here.
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Study shows emergence of methylmercury toxicity long after perinatal exposure in mice
A study published in the February 26 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives shows that mice with perinatal exposure to methylmercury showed toxicity long after the exposure, indicating the possibility of a long latency period between exposure and toxicity. Read the full study here.
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Environmental agents and neurodevelopmental disorders: scientific consensus statement
February 20, 2008, Seattle, WA. The Collaborative on Health and the Environment's Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative published today the Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. This statement, signed by more than 50 scientists and health professionals nationally and internationally, summarizes the latest science about environmental contaminants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. The statement was drafted and reviewed by a prestigious committee of scientists and health professionals based in North America. To view the report and complete press release, visit http://www.iceh.org/LDDI.html.
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CleanMed 2008, the Global Conference on Environmentally Sustainable Health Care: May 20-22; Pittsburgh, PA
CleanMed is more than a conference and exhibition - it is the sharing of best practices, lively discussion on industry trends, and a social forum for networking. CleanMed attendees engage in dialogue and share insights and successful strategies on implementing environmentally preferable purchasing initiatives at their facilities.
CleanMed is a must-attend conference for those seeking the latest information on environmentally preferable products and services. CleanMed is designed by and for healthcare professionals.
For more information and to register, visit http://www.cleanmed.org/2008/.
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The American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) upcoming teleconference: March 11
AAIDD's Environmental Health Initiative is proud to announce the next teleconference in our Research and Science Teleconference series, sponsored by the John Merck Fund, entitled "Environmental Injustice: Focus on Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Disorders" with Lawrence D. Rosen, MD. Please contact Laura@aaidd.org with any questions. The PowerPoint will be available to view or print the week of the teleconference, and more information is available at www.ehinitiative.org.
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Position announcement: Executive Director, Washington Toxics Coalition; Seattle, WA
From the website: "ashington Toxics Coalition is seeking a dynamic, resourceful, proven leader to guide this highly effective nonprofit towards achieving its ambitious mission to protect public health and the environment by eliminating toxic pollution. The Executive Director must be a highly strategic thinker with a strong capacity to guide staff in managing and implementing programs, while building upon the entrepreneurial, bold and fast-paced nature of the organization’s work." For more info, visit http://www.watoxics.org/about/employment/executive-director-job-announcement.
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Position announcement: Community Organizer, Center for Health, Enviornment and Justice: Florida
The Center For Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) is currently seeking a full-time experienced community/coalition organizer to help develop and implement a strategy for community engagement and leadership to win justice for communities across the state of Florida. CHEJ has established relationships working with groups from faith, organized labor, school and community based issue. Our community organizer would advanced this work and create new exciting statewide efforts to prevent harm and win justice in Florida.
For more information, contact akash@chej.org.
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View slideshow about sustainable food
View a simple and interesting slide show about sustainability at http://www.slideshare.net/chrislandry/sustainable-food-lab.
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