In order to help you find topics that interest you, this week’s news articles are categorized under:
- Disease and Medical
- Environmental Contaminants
- Environmental Health
- Food
- Gulf Oil Spill
- H1N1
- Water
- Work Place Health and Safety
California, USA: Whooping cough still with us, still dangerous (31 May 2010) Health, Los Angeles Times.
By: R. Lin II. Read article at : http://www.latimes.com/news/health/la-he-whooping-cough-20100531,0,7936807.story?page=1. Cited 2010 May 31.
Whooping cough or Pertussis is often misdiagnosed at its early stage. “Four newborns, all younger than 3 months, have died in California so far this year, an alarming number to health officials because it already exceeds last year’s total of whooping cough-related deaths. Dr. James D. Cherry, a UCLA pediatrics professor and a pertussis expert says that “Newborns, or infants younger than 3 months, can have deceptively mild pertussis symptoms: a runny nose, an undetectable or mild cough, and generally no fever”. “They can begin to cough so much that they fail to get enough oxygen. Pneumonia can set in. The bacterium itself releases a toxin that can raise white blood cell levels so high that they begin to clog blood vessels, interfering with the body’s ability to bring oxygen into the blood”. ” The organs can then start to fail”. “Most infants contract the disease from family members, usually the mother, health experts say. But the disease is frequently missed in adults. Many doctors have the mistaken belief that grownups simply don’t have whooping cough….”
USA: Study finds indoor tanning raises melanoma risk (31 May 2010) The Philadelphia Inquirer.
By: McCullough, M. Read article at: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/health_science/weekly/20100531_Study_finds_indoor_tanning_raises_melanoma_risk.html#axzz0phomG9F5. Cited 2010 Jun 02.
Critics ranging from the World Health Organization to municipal health departments decry indoor tanning as harmful. Indoor tanning raises the risk of malignant melanoma by 75 percent. University of Minnesota epidemiologist DeAnn Lazovich, lead author of the study feels that the time as come to view indoor tanning has a risk factor….
Arizona, USA: Phoenix-area hospitals fight toxic ’supergerm’ (01 Jun 2010) Casa Grande Dispatch.
Read article at: http://www.trivalleycentral.com/articles/2010/06/01/casa_grande_dispatch/around_arizona/doc4c054e0d1b911992428590.txt. Cited 2010 Jun 02.
Clostridium difficile appears to have become more virulent than before. It now carries at least 20 times as much toxin as the original strain and is resistant to antibiotics. Hospitals and other health care facilities in the Phoenix metro area, Maricopa County health are concerned….
Kansas USA: Lead-based paint’s health threat prompts strict new regulations (01 Jun 2010) LJWorld.com
By: Freed, T. Read article at: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/jun/01/lead-based-paints-health-threat-prompts-strict-new/?city_local. Cited 2010 Jun 02.
As of April 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency has new regulations regarding renovations on buildings that might contain lead-based paint especially if they were built prior to 1978. Contractors, landlords or anyone else who works on an older structure must now be trained and licensed to handle lead-based paint. This will impact renovation business as well as increase rental fees. This new regulation will impact about 80 percent of dwellings. It will take a year to make sure that everyone who needs to know about the rules are notified….
USA: 5 toxics that are everywhere: Protect yourself (31 May 2010) CNN Health.
By: Martin D.S., Read article at: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/31/chemical.dangers/?hpt=Mid. Cited 2010 Jun 02.
5 chemicals people encounter every day cause cancer, sexual problems and behavioral issues. They are bisphenol A (or BPA), phthalates, PFOA, formaldehyde and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (or PDBEs). This article examines these chemicals and lists for each: use, where they are found, how we are exposed, health effects, EPA regulations and how to reduce exposure.
Australia: Radiation unsafe at BHP’s Olympic Dam: whistleblower (04 Jun 2010) The Sidney Morning Herald
Read the article at: http://www.smh.com.au/business/radiation-unsafe-at-bhps-olympic-dam-whistleblower-20100604-xjk7.html. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
A company Whistleblower produced documentary evidence that workers at Roxby Downs were being exposed to unsafe levels of polonium-210, a toxic by-product of uranium production. The document mentions that BHP Billiton, the owner of Roxby Downs, has manipulated averages and distorted sampling results. “…[A]ccording to South Australian Upper House Greens MP Mark Parnell, the company has failed to take action. BHP Billiton, however, says that they “complied with the most stringent radiation protection limits set by international organisations and national and South Australian legislation” and that radiation protection is very important to the company.
USA: Toxic chemicals finding their way into the womb (03 jun 2010) CNN Health
By: Smith, S. : http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/06/01/backpack.cord.blood/?hpt=Sbin. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
“Toxic America,” a special two-night investigative report with Sanjay Gupta, M.D., June 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. ET on CNN.
“Toxic America “, is a two part special broadcast on CNN that aired on June 2 and 3. It paints a bleak picture of babies’ exposure to chemicals in the environment. Dr. Frederica Perera, director of the CCCEH and professor at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health is quite concerned over moms’ exposure while being pregnant and the risk to their babies.
The article gives readers access to a link that provide ways to decrease exposure to dangerous chemicals.
Canada: Rat and mouse BPA science (02 Jun 2010) National Post.
By: Corcoran, T. Read the article at: http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2010/06/02/rat-and-mouse-bpa-science/. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
“Junk-science battle over BPA continues, despite evidence of safety”
Health Canada just released their findings on Bisphenol-A (BPA). They concluded that the minuscule levels of BPA in cans of tuna, soup, tomato paste and other products “do not represent a human health concern.” More and more contradicting information is coming out on the effects of BPA, causing a wide range of junk science and chemophobia.
USA: Major retailers agree to limit lead in handbags (03 Jun 2010) Associated Press
By: Chea, T. Read the article at: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jsTOHP-a8VF4-PO3StnijI8ZhFmwD9G3DC3G1. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
Major retailers agree to limit lead in handbags. This decision was taken after 40 major retailers and apparel makers agreed to settle a lawsuit filed against them last year by the Oakland-based Center for Environmental Health. This means that “millions of women no longer need to fear that their purse may pose a threat to their health or the health of their children”.
California, USA: Pescadero labor camps have remained open despite decades of health violations (01 Jun 2010) MercuryNews.com
Scott, J. Read article at: http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15203482?nclick_check=1. Cited 2010 Jun 02.
“Workers and families residing in farm labor camps run by Marchi’s Central Farm have been living in dangerous and substandard housing for years, and San Mateo County’s housing inspection system has failed to address the problem, according to an investigation by the San Mateo County Times.
Housing inspection reports and correspondence obtained from the county Environmental Health Division show a pattern of repeated violations dating back to the late 1970s.
Two out of three of Marchi’s housing camps were red-tagged and had their housing permits revoked this month after county officials discovered nitrates in drinking water at levels six times higher than those allowed by federal public health standards. But the camps are still occupied by local farm workers and their families, who are being provided clean water for drinking and cooking…..”
USA and Canada: UPDATE 5-McDonald’s recalls 13.4 mln ‘Shrek’ drinking glasses (04 Jun 2010) Reuters
By: Klayman, B. Read the article at: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0413364920100604. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
Cadmium was found in the painted designs on promo glasses for “Shrek Forever After”. Cadmium levels are slightly above safe levels. The precautionary recall was issued for both the United States and Canada. McDonald’s recommended customers visit their company website at www.mcdonalds.com/glasses or call 800-244-6227 for instructions on how to return the glasses and get a refund.
Washington, USA: Supermarkets study reveals public health’s close ties to the economy (02 Jun 2010) Health, Justmeans.
Read the article at: http://www.justmeans.com/Supermarkets-study-reveals-public-health-s-close-ties-economy/16846.html. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
There is a debate at the moment over consumers’ ability to buy nutritionally wholesome foods and providing healthier food options. “Access to affordable healthy food is vital to creating healthy communities” — these are the conclusions of a study done in the Seattle area. Lower prices are important. This means that “public health is intricately tied to economics”.
USA: Is milk from grass-fed cows more heart-healthy? (28 May 2010) Reuters.
By: Peeples, L. Read article at: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64R5GY20100528. Cited 2010 May 31.
“Earlier experiments have shown that cows on a diet of fresh grass produce milk with five times as much of an unsaturated fat called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than do cows fed processed grains. Studies in animals have suggested that CLAs can protect the heart, and help in weight loss”. “Hannia Campos of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and her colleagues found, in a study of 4,000 people, that people with the highest concentrations of CLAs — the top fifth among all participants — had a 36 percent lower risk of heart attack compared to those with the lowest concentrations”. Dr. Campos feels that cows grazing in pasture should be given more emphasis…”
North Carolina, USA: The Green Scene: North Carolina’s in the can (02 Jun 2010) Mountain Xpress.
By: Williams, M. Read article at: http://www.mountainx.com/features/2010/060210the_green_scene_north_carolinas_in_the_can. Cited 2010 Jun 02.
“Searching for bisphenol A
Cans of green beans, peas and chicken-noodle soup from our state have been sent to a research lab for testing, the North Carolina News Service reports.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences near Raleigh is using a federal stimulus grant to do more research on the possible health effects of bisphenol A, a chemical often used to line cans to keep foods fresher longer. Researcher John Bucher says the study focuses on kids, who likely face the highest risk. “We found that the ability of the body to metabolize and eliminate bisphenol A is much greater in adults than it is in infants and children,” he explains. Canned goods (including sodas) from 19 states were tested for the report. Six states currently ban BPA in food containers.
Canned: he National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences near Raleigh is using a federal stimulus grant to do more research on the possible health effects of bisphenol A, a chemical often used to line cans to keep foods fresher longer. Photo by Kim Gongre
North Carolina doesn’t.
Results indicate that the chemical leaked into foods in 90 percent of the canned goods tested, with varying levels that could not be predicted…..”
USA: Officials ask BP to protect health of workers cleaning up oil spill (28 May 2010) The Washington Post.
By: Stein, R. Read article at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/28/AR2010052803872.html. Cited 2010 May 31.
There are scattered reports that a number of workers involved with the oil spill clean-up have become ill. “We’re very concerned about the impact of disaster on the public health of people in gulf region,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, adding that she had sent a letter to BP Chairman Lamar McKay urging the company “to take responsibility for the health consequences of the disaster”.
” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring poison centers and other reporting systems for signs of any emerging medical problems, Sebelius said. The Environmental Protection Agency had tested more than 15,000 air samples from Venice, La., to Pensacola, Fla., and had not yet not yet detected dangerous substances at hazardous levels, she said. More than 500 water and soil samples had also been tested, she said”. “The National Disaster Medical System has been activated to provide any needed additional medical care for the five gulf states, and a federal mobile medical unit was being sent to Louisiana to help assess anyone complaining of illness, Sebelius said…”
USA: Experts weigh risks of chemical ammo against oil in Gulf (1 Jun 2010) USA Today.
By: Weise, E. Read article at: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-05-31-oil-dispersants_N.htm. Cited 2010 Jun 02.
Oil leaking from the well in the Golf of Mexico is more toxic than the dispersants. This is a conclusion from LuAnn White of the Tulane University Center for Applied Environmental Health in New Orleans. Gina Solomon of the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) suggests that the fisherman who became sick last week may have inhaled oil mist and that the dispersant may have contributed to the oil to become a breathdable during high wind, though there was no wind when the fishermen took ill. Capt. Meredith Austin A Coast Guard spokeswoman disagree citing fatigue, heat and the smell of petrolium has the culprit….
USA: Safety Violations and Fines Did Not Deter BP and Massey Disasters (02 Jun 2010) Truthout
By: Frank, J. Read the article at: http://www.truthout.org/safety-violations-and-fines-did-not-deter-bp-and-massey-disasters59953. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
Massey Energy and British Petroleum are two industry giants which accept that safety violations occurs in the process of creating a commodity. Although both companies are paying heafty finds, it is business as usual. One consumer advocate is proposing to charge these companies with involuntary manslaughter.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Low H1N1 vaccination rate alarms health experts (28May 2010) The Globe and Mail.
By: Weeks, C. Read article at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/low-h1n1-vaccination-rate-alarms-health-experts/article1583841/. Cited 2010 May 31.
Less than one-third, or 28%, of Torontonians received the H1N1 vaccine, far below national estimates from the Public Health Agency of Canada that indicates nearly half of the country’s population received the shot. The rate is also lower than the 40 per cent that Ontario typically immunizes against seasonal flu. Earl Brown, professor in the biochemistry, microbiology and immunology department at the University of Ottawa feels that this result “signals serious problems that need to be addressed across the system”. “Vaccine programs in Toronto and elsewhere were dogged by inconsistent communication from the government over the availability of the vaccine and who should receive it first, as well as problems with vaccine supply and the prominence of anti-vaccine advocates who spread myths about immunization risks, Prof. Brown said…”
UK: Drinking fountains shortage ‘bad for child health’ (31 May 2010) The Guardian.
By: Williams, R. Read article at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/may/31/drinking-fountains-campaign. Cited 2010 May 31.
Public drinking fountains used to be a common feature of cities, now they are slowly disapearing. “Researchers for the Children’s Food Campaign, part of the Sustain alliance, say just 11% of 140 parks visited had a drinking fountain; of those only two-thirds had fountains that were working and just eight had all their fountains in operation. Yet the survey found a majority of people happy to use drinking fountains”. The availability of drinking fountains decrease the need for bottled water and the amount of plastic bottle being trown out. “Backed by Friends of the Earth, the BMA, and the National Union of Teachers, the group is calling on local authorities to install and repair fountains”. “Peter Brown, chair of the Fountain Society, put the demise of fountains down to the cost of their maintenance and a mistaken belief, begun when bottled water first arrived about 20 years ago, that drinking water was less safe. Both these notions had to be overcome as climate change became an increasingly pressing issue, he said. “The Victorians had it absolutely right. The obvious answer is to have more drinking fountains….”
UK: Good Beach Guide: More ranked ‘excellent’ for water (28 May 2010) BBC News
Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/10176940.stm. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) rated 421 of 769 UK beaches as excellent but also notes an increase in water pollution since 2006 caused by three consecutive wet summers. MCS grades beaches into four categories. Results are listed in the annual Good Beach Guide. Stricter EU regulations, which come into force in 2015, will see an increase in failed beaches where minimum bathing requirements are not met.
India: Water for Agriculture: A Limited Resource (03 Jun 2010) The Pump Handle.
By: Borkowski, L. Read the article at: http://scienceblogs.com/thepumphandle/2010/06/water_for_agriculture_a_limite.php. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
On average, 70% of the world’s water use is used for agriculture. In the US, 41% of water goes to agriculture, while in India, the number is close to 90%. Groundwater is India is being depleted at an alarming rate due to electric pumps and the monsoons only provide a 12 % recharge. The solution ? — better management of the available water and better selection of crop based on the available water.
Ontario, Canada: Is your business ready for new harassment and violence legislation? (28May 2010) CBC News.
By: Heeney, J. Read article at: http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2010/05/28/f-james-heeney-workplace-harassment.html. Cited 2010 May 31.
Bill 168 comes into force in Ontario on June 15, 2010. This bill will provide new protection for employees against workplace violence and harassment. Employers will be required to meet the legal requirements set out in the Act regardless of the size of the company. “The Occupational Health and Safety Act indicates that corporations that are in non-compliance will face penalties, including significant fines. Programs are already in place to audit workplaces in Ontario to determine compliance”. The author then provides five important suggestions for smaller businesses in order to make the transition before June 15….”
USA: Shipbreaking Involves Specific Asbestos Exposure Risks for Workers (01 Jun 2010) AboutMesothelioma.Net.
By: Rawlins, W. Read article at: http://www.aboutmesothelioma.net/2010/06/shipbreaking-involves-specific-asbestos-exposure-risks-for-workers.asp. Cited 2010 Jun 02.
Shipyard workers are at high risk of developing mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos and other hazardous material, especially if they work with older ships. Shipbreaking is expanding in the USA since the federal government stopped exporting ships to foreign countries in the late 1990s due to environmental concerns. Obsolete U.S. Navy and Maritime Administration ships as well as commercial vessels and offshore drilling rigs are first cut in sections and then sent ashore to be dismantled further. OSHA guidelines say asbestos-containing material should be removed from all areas that are readily accessible. Many states require, and OSHA recommends that an asbestos inspector identify all asbestos materials prior to the start of shipbreaking.
Ontario, Canada: Sexual Harassment Awareness Week June 1-7, 2010 (31 May 1010) OPSEU Region 3
Read article at: http://opseuregion3.wordpress.com/2010/05/31/sexual-harassment-awareness-week-june-1-7-2010/. Cited 2010 Jun 02.
Bill 168, Violence and Harassment in the Workplace, was drafted after two women were murdered by their boss and ex-boy friends. The Occupational Health & Safety Act now defines workplace violence as a hazard.
The new legislation gives workers the right to refuse work if they believe they are at risk due to violence; employers must also take precautions to protect workers from domestic violence if it crosses into the workplace.
USA: Army implements strategic plan to improve safety (01 Jun 2010) WWW.Army.Mil.
By: Lopez, T. Read the article at: http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/06/01/40058-army-implements-strategic-plan-to-improve-safety/. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
The Army Safety and Occupational Health Strategic Plan will now incorporate safety and occupational health into Army culture. This decision was brought on by an increase in complacency. The Army wants to achieve increased awareness of risks and proactive measures to reduce accidental fatalities amongst serving members.
California, USA: Diesel Smoke Is Biggest Issue In Firehouse Safety (03 Jun 2010) Ermabramlett
Read the article at: http://jilele.com/ermabramlett/2010/06/03/diesel-smoke-is-biggest-issue-in-firehouse-safety/. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
The state of California has listed diesel smoke has a cancer causing chemical since 1990. This is a concern in fire stations as diesel fuels much fire fighting equipment and many vehicules. Fire departments have so far failed to protect firefighters from these fumes. Soot released during combustion is not removed by the drop hose capturing system and alternatives such as diesel particulate filters are limited in their ability to capture diesel smoke. Proactive steps such has new less-polluting fire apparatus are needed to decrease expose to diesel smoke in firehouses.
Canada: Do you restrict the use of perfumes or fragrances in your workplace? (04 Jun 2010) HRinfodesk
By: Saint-Cyr, Y. Read the article at: http://www.hrinfodesk.com/preview.asp?article=33121&title=Do%20you%20restrict%20the%20use%20of%20perfumes%20or%20fragrances%20in%20your%20workplace. Cited 2010 Jun 04.
A poll conducted on the issue of strong scents in the worplace produced interesting results; 60% of the respondents felt that it was not necessary to ban fragrances at the workplace. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety estimates that up to a third of Canadian workplaces do restrict scents worn by employees.
Information on what to do when faced with fragrant-sensitive employees can be found in the “HRinfodesk” database.
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