By: Rosemary Stephen PMed, (cert) EOH, IPM, Elements: Environmental Health Intelligence

Darryl Carpenter, the VP of Florida-based CW Roberts Contracting, and sub-contractor Otis Goodson found that some types of hay have the ability to bind oil like a sponge [1]. These men may have the most ecologically viable way of dealing with the oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico.

YouTube carries a video of Carpenter and Goodson demonstrating the binding abilities of hay to BP executives and the US Coast Guard [2]. It is a small scale demonstration using Coastal Bermuda grass hay and Bahia grass hay to pick up motor oil from a bowl of potable water. BP appeared interested at first, but when Carpenter approached BP again, the company only gave a generic response [3] [ 4]. Undaunted, Carpenter and Goodson repeated their demonstration, but this time in the Gulf of Mexico [5]. In the second demonstration, Coastal Bermuda grass hay and Bahia grass hay were used to soak up crude oil from seawater. Currently, Walton County is the only place in Florida’s Panhandle area which has agreed to use this technology to protect their coast line [6].

Are these the best plants and are there other plants that could be used to clean up an oil spill?

Approximately 33 percent of all green plant matter consists of the structural component called cellulose. Cellulose is the main component that allows plant stems to stand erect; it also helps plants resist drought. Other plant components include hemi-cellulose, lignin, waxes and most importantly for the oil cleanup process, a rigid, non-collapsing lumen. The lumen is a cavity that is bounded by a plant cell wall; the lumen provides large gaps where the oil collects and becomes trapped. These gaps exert capillary action and surface tension on crude oil similar to a sponge [7]. The presence of cellulose, waxes and noncolapsing lumen gives plants hydrophobic and oleophilicity abilities even in salt water [8] [9].

Plants that can be used in oil clean-up must have a high cellulose content, hydrophobic and oleophilicity abilities, good absorption capabilities, buoyancy even when saturated with oil, be resistant to wave action [10] and have the ability to be wrung out and reused to soak up more oil. Searching the web, I discovered that grass hay is not the only plant with such absorbent capabilities. Surprisingly, Coastal Bermuda Grass Hay (Cynodon dactylon x C. Transvaalensis ) and Pensacola Bahiagrass (P. notatum var.saurae Parodi), the two plants put forward by by Carpenter and Goodson, have some limitations. Although both plants have a high cellulose content, they do poorly in buoyancy. This means that they have the ability to pick up oil, but when they become oil saturated they will sink, usually in less than five minutes. This characteristic means these two plants should only be used for shore-side or beach oil clean-up operations [11]. See Table I for details.

Table I: Plants proposed by Darryl Carpenter and Otis Goodson

Curious about this possible clean-up solution, I searched for other plants that could meet the oil absorption criteria laid out above; these plants are listed in Table II. They include: untreated Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Kenaf core fibers (Hibiscus cannabinus L), Wheat straw (Triticum aestivum L.) and untreated Kapok (Ceiba pentandra).

Table II: Best plants to clean an oil spill

There are also other plants, listed below in Table III, that do not have good hydrophobic and/or oleophilicity characteristics in their natural state, but could be treated and/or used as a composite fiber to improve their viability; a good example is Sugar cane bagasse [12]. It has a good absorption capacity once treated to remove its natural sugar. Sugar cane bagasse would also have to undergo chemical processes to gain in hydrophobic, oleophilicity and buoyancy capabilities. Wood chips may also be a possible sorbent. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are, at the moment, doing a technical review on the ability of wood chips to soak up oil [13] and their application in booms.

Information on other plants such as Hemp (Cannabis spp.), Corn stalks (Zea mays) and Pasture grass suggests they absorb water into their fibers too quickly and trap oil too poorly to be useful in general oil absorption or in booms.

Table III: Plants improved through composite processes

There are other plants with high cellulose contents and available in large quantities that may have some potential for oil spill cleanup, including Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.) [14] at 50% to 60% cellulose, Reed (Phragmites communis) [15] at 44% to 46 % [16], Soybean stover (Glycine max) [17] at 39.2% [18], Sorghum stover (Sorghum spp. ) at 31% [19] and Alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) [20] at 24% [21]. There was, however, not enough information on the web on their hydrophobic, oleophilicity and buoyancy capabilities for me to come to any definite conclusions.

How much plant material would be needed to clean up an oil spill?

Donald Sensing’s article “Hay for oil spill is no plan” estimates that 2 ounces (56.7 g) of hay per sq. ft. of oil is required for proper clean-up. Using the Gulf spill as an example, Mr Sensing says that the actual oil spill is “Six thousand sq. miles of oil or 172,232,755,200 square feet (16,000,422,958,08 square meters). That will require 21,529,094,400 pounds (9,785,952,000 Kg.) of hay to absorb [22]. ”

Using Table II and assuming the same plant material to sq. ft of oil ratio is required, we can substitute other plant fibers for hay –

• a round bale of cotton weighs approximately 480 pounds (217.72 kg)
• a round bale of milkweed weighs about 200 lbs (90.9 kg) [23]
• a standard bale of Kenaf (80cm x 40cm x 35cm or 31.5 in x 15.7 in x 13.7 in) weighs 18kg (39.6 lbs) [24]
• a bale of Kapok (60 x 70 x 90 cm or 23.6 x 27.5 x 35.4 in) weighs approximately 50 to 54.5 lbs (110-120 kilos) [25]
• a wheat straw bale measuring 5′ X 6′ (1,524m x 1.828m ) weighs between 1,100 lbs (500 kg) to 1500 lbs (700 kg) [26] [27]

If untreated cotton was used to soak up the oil, it would require 44,852,280 bales; milkweed would require 107,645,572 bales; Kenaf would require 543,664,000 bales; Kapok would require 430,581,888 to 395,029,255 bales and wheat straw would require 14,352,730 to 19,571,904 bales. These numbers could, however, be lower if less material was needed per sq. ft of oil. A good example is untreated cotton which can to soak up 40 times its weight [28].

The Logistics of Using Natural plant fibers in oil spill clean-up

Cleaning an oil spill the size of the Gulf oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon with plant materials has vast logistical issues requiring planning and proper infrastructure to manage all those bales, both before and after use. Storage itself is an issue. Large storage facilities and staging areas would be required. Round bales are awkward to maneuver and require special machinery to move them into storage facilities or onto flatbed transportation trucks. The bales would need to be wrapped in netting, twine or wire to hold their shape and be placed on a foundation of crushed-rock, on wooden pallets or on tires, never in direct contact with the soil or concrete. The moisture from the ground would eventually enter the plant fibers causing rot and reducing their absorbent abilities [29].

An integrated pest management plan would also be necessary to prevent rodent and wildlife infestation. The plan would include routine inspection and maintenance of storage facilities [30]. Myron Sullivan II, who developed the AEROS system and started Global Response Group (GRG) based in Vancouver, Canada, suggest that “In a proper response situation large amount of plant fiber material will have to be stored in close proximity to offshore rigs” [31]. If this is the case, more specialized equipment would be required to move plant fibers from the storage facilities and trucks to water craft. Once at sea, blowers can be used to spray the plant fibers over deep or shallow oil-covered water. Aircraft can also be used to spread the plant fibers, in this case, round bales must be unraveled and parachuted over the spill.

Occupational Health and Safety issues

Responding to an oil spill like the Gulf of Mexico requires proper planning to avoid unsafe situations; an emergency preparedness plan must be in place and there must be easy access to first aid and hospital services. If natural fibers are used as absorbents, the dust generated may cause allergies while the molds they are likely to contain may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis [32] also called Farmer’s Lung [33]. Appropriate PPEs, specifically design for lung protection would be required.

Mr. Sensing, in his article entitled “Hay for oil spill is no plan” states that “simply carrying the hay to the spill appears to pose little logistic problem, but recovering it from the sea is an enormous problem since cargo vessels are entirely unequipped to do so [34].” If this is the case, than manual labor to remove oiled sorbent would require training and safety briefings that emphasize good work practices in handling heavy loads and in ergonomic methods of retrieving soiled fibers. If natural plant fibers are wrung out and reused, special PPEs such as body suites, gloves, and eye and lungs protection must be available to cleanup workers. The crew responsible for the handling and transportation of bales must also be certified on all the necessary machinery such has forklifts, tractors, blowers etc [35].

Waste Management

What do we do with all those oil soaked plant fibers? How and where will they be disposed – can they be recycled or must they be buried in special land fills ? Will disposal result in soil contamination that lasts for years, causing health and environmental worries? If faced with a major oil spill like the Gulf of Mexico, we would need 3,953,920 acres (1,600,094 hectares) of land to compost this waste [36]. It is not simply a matter of spreading truckload of oil soak plant fibers on farm soil and letting nature take over, it is instead a long process of managing the composting process through soil preparation.

The proper temperatures, an adequate supply of essential nutrients and the availability of oxygen is required in order to achieve high rates of decomposition of petroleum hydrocarbons imbedded in plant fibers [37]. Once land is available, the first step in site preparation is to remove any brush and rocks 6 inches (15 cm) or more in diameter. Leaving them will inhibit proper soil/oil mixing.

The second step is to level the site to a one percent to two percent grade to allow for proper drainage. The third step is to scarify the soil one (2.5 cm) to two inches (5 cm) deep in a cold climate, or three to four inches (7.6 to 10 cm) in warm climates. The oil-soaked fiber waste should be spread to a maximum of 5 inches (12.7 cm) thick. Once the waste has been laid down, the forth step will be the addition of soil nutrients through fertilizers to help support the growth of hydrocarbon-consuming bacteria [38].

Rototilling or harrowing is used mix the oily debris and soil to depths of 4 to 5 in (10 to 12.7 cm). Periodic mixing then helps to aerate the material and induce biodegradation. Depending on the site, plowing every 2 to 4 months can be required. The bioremediation process is completed when there is no traces of oil after remixing. This composting process take about two years to complete. Once completed, the land can now be used for revegetation [39].

Conclusion

Darryl Carpenter, the VP of Florida-based CW Roberts Contracting and sub-contractor Otis Goodson saw the potential of using hay to bind oil to its stalk. These men believe it is an ecological way to clean the spill at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Although this process has not selected to control the oil spill, it did pave the way to look at green solutions to an unprecedented pollution problem.

In this blog we have proposed a number of plants that have interesting potential, and others that although, not the best at soaking up the oil, could be used in a composite form increasing hydrophobic and oleophilicity abilities, absorption capabilities, buoyancy and their resistance to wave actions.

The sheer size of the Gulf oil spill makes it necessary to look closely at the logistics of using plant fibers as sorbent. It would be necessary to plan for and secure the required amounts plant fibers, set up how and where they would be stored, set up transshipment of the fibers to the spill site and manage the resulting waste. Integrating plant fibers into an emergency response plan that includes Occupational Health and Safety, Integrates Pest Management and Land Management for composting could, however, succeed in creating a green solution to oil spills.

Rosemary Stephen PMed, (cert) EOH, IPM (2010). Green Oil Spill clean-up ? Elements: Environmental Health Intelligence

End Notes

Cellulose is an organic compound and a structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants. It is crystalline in structure, strong, and resistant to hydrolysis

Hay (2010) Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (On-line) Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

Hemicellulose in contrast to cellulose, hemicellulose has a random, amorphous structure with little strength

Hemicellulose (2010) RPI Educ. (On-line) Available: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/chem-eng/Biotech-Environ/FUNDAMNT/hemicel.htm. Cited 2010 Jul 08.

Lignin is a complex chemical compound most commonly derived from wood, and an integral part of the secondary cell walls of plants and some algae.

Lignin (2010) Wikipedia the free encyclopedia. (On-line) Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lignin. Cited 2010 Jul 08.

Lumen is the cavity bounded by a plant cell wall.

Lumen (2010) The Free Dictionary. (On-line) Available: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lumen. Cited 2010 Jun 15.

Capillary action: The ability of a narrow interstice to draw a liquid upwards against the force of gravity due to surface tension. The siphoning of liquid into a joint or void between two adjacent surfaces.

Capillary action (2010) Wiktionary. (On-line) Available: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/capillary_action. Cited 2010 Jun 15.

Surface tension: The attraction of a liquid for any material with which it has contact. A high surface tension means low attraction and a low surface tension means a high degree of attraction.

Nevins, J. Glossary of Terms (2001) Inkjet Glossary. (On-line) Available: http://www.jnevins.com/inkjetglossary.htm. Cited 2010 Jun 15.

Hydrophobic: relating to, or having a lack of affinity for water.

Hydrophobic (2010) Merriam-Webster. (On-line) Available: http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/hydrophobic. Cited 2010 Jul 08.

Oleophilicity: having a strong affinity for oils rather than water.

Oleophilic (2010) WordNet Search. (On-line) Available: http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=oleophilic. Cited 2010 Jul 08.

Buoyancy: the tendency or capacity to remain afloat in a liquid or rise in air or gas.

Buoyancy (2010) Answer.com. (On-line) Available: http://www.answers.com/topic/buoyancy. Cited Jul 08.

Scarify: to loosen the soil with a cultivator.

Scarify (2010) Dictionary.com. (On-line) Available: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/scarify. Cited 2010 Jul 08.

References:

[1] Parks, A., The Gulf Oil Spill Needs a Hero (10 May 2010) The Huffington Post. (On-line) Available: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alexia-parks/the-gulf-oil-spill-needs_b_568562.html. Cited 2010 Jun 15.

[2] CW Roberts Presentation 2.wmv (05 May 2010) YouTube. (On-line) Available: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5SxX2EntEo. Cited 2010 Jun 10.

[3] Elder, J. Hay: A Common-Sense Solution to BP Oil Clean-Up? (16 may 2010) Triplepundit. (On-line) Available: http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/05/hay-solution-bp-oil-spill-clean-up-florida/. Cited 2010 Jun 10.

[4] Lee, B.G, Han, J.S. and Rowell, R.M. Chapter 35, Oil Sorption by Lignocellulose Fibers (1999) Mississippi State University, Ag & Bio Engineering. (On-line) Available: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf1999/lee99a.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

[5] Bevis, B. Hay Isn’t Just For Horses, It Could Be Used to Soak Up Gulf Oil Spill (10 Jun 2010) The EquineChronicle. (On-line) Available: http://www.equinechronicle.com/lifestyle/hay-isnt-just-for-horses-it-could-be-used-to-soak-up-gulf-oil-spill.html. Cited 2010 Jun 23.

[6] Ibid. Cited 2010 Jun 23.

[7] Wilson, C. What polymers can absorb oil (2002) MadSci Network: Chemistry. (On-line) Available: http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2002-02/1014657853.Ch.r.html. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

[8] Choi, H.M. and Cloud, R.M. Natural Sorbents in Oil Spill Cleanup (1992) Environmental Science and Technology. (On-line) Available: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es00028a016. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

[9] Sayed, S. A., El Sayed, A. S., S. M. and Zayed, A. M. Oil Spill Pollution Treatment by Sorption on Natural Cynanchum Acutum L. Plant (2003) Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management. (On-line) Available: https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/retrieve/4695/ja03022.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

[10] Lee, B.G, Han, J.S. and Rowell, R.M. Chapter 35, Oil Sorption by Lignocellulose Fibers (1999) Mississippi State University, Ag & Bio Engineering. (On-line) Available: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf1999/lee99a.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

[11] Design Guide for Oil Spill Prevention and Control at Substations (2008) Bulletin 1724E-302. Rural Development Utilities Programs, United States Department of Agriculture. (On-line) Available: http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric/pubs/1724e302.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 18.

[12] Jayasuriya, M.C.N. The use of fibrous residues in South Asia (2010) Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. (On-line) Available: http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/80362e/80362E06.htm. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

[13] Wood chips reviewed to absorb oil (17 May 2010) 2theadvocate. (On-line) Available: http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/93959229.html. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

[14] Regenerated Cellulose Fabrics: Facts Behind the Fibers (2008) Organic Clothing Blogs.com. (On-line) Available: http://organicclothing.blogs.com/my_weblog/2008/07/regenerated-cellulose-fabrics-facts-behind-the-fibers.html. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

[15] Rowell, R. M. Composite Materials from Agricultural Resources (1995) Composite Materials from Agricultural Resources. (On-line) Available: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf1995/rowel95e.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 28.

[16] Han, J.S. Properties of Nonwood Fibers (1998) USDA Forest Service. (On-line) Available: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf1998/han98a.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 28.

[17] Appendix E, Scientific and Common Names, Genetically Modified Pest-Protected Plants: Science and Regulation (2000) The National Academies Press. (On-line) Available: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9795&page=247. Cited 201 Jun 28.

[18] Soofi, R. and al. Digestibilities and Nutrient intake by sheep fed mixtures of soybean stover and alfalfa (2010) University of Illinois. (On-line) Available: http://jas.fass.org/cgi/reprint/54/4/841.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 28.

[19] Jayasuriya, M.C.N. The use of fibrous residues in South Asia (2010) Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. (On-line) Available: http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/80362e/80362E06.htm. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

[20] Ibid. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

[21] Ibid. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

[22] Sensing, D. Hay for oil spill is no plan. (09 May 2010) Sense of Events. (On-line) Available: http://senseofevents.blogspot.com/2010/05/hay-for-oil-spill-is-no-plan.html. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

[23] Plant of the week, Milkweed (2010) Cooperative Extension Services, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas. (On-line) Available: http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/plantoftheweek/articles/Milkweed.htm. Cited 2010 Jul 06.

[24] Kenaf (2008) Living Green Enterprises Inc. (On-line) Available: http://www.living-green.ca/kenaf.html. Cited 2010 Jul 06.

[25] Kapok (2010) C.V. Randu Sari. (On-line) Available: http://www.commerce.com.tw/modules.php?modules=products&action=detail&ID=E0187780&no=126016. Cited 2010 Jul 06.

[26] How much does a round straw bale wheat straw weigh? (2010) WikiAnswers, Answers.com. (On-line) Available: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_does_a_round_straw_bale_wheat_straw_weigh. Cited 2010 Jul 06.

[27] Rowlett, R. How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement (2001) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (On-line) Available: http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/dictB.html. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

[28] Davis, J. Cotton Could Serve as Cleanup Medium for Oil Spill: Researchers (17 May 2010) Phyorg.com. (On-line) Available: http://www.physorg.com/news193336738.html. Cited 2010 Jun 23.

[29] Shemaker, G. E. and al. Alfalfa, The high-quality hay for horses.(2010) Universities of Idaho, Wisconsin and Kentucky. (On-line) Available: http://www.alfalfa.org/pdf/Alfalfa%20for%20Horses%20%28low%20res%29.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

[30] Design Guide for Oil Spill Prevention and Control at Substations (2008) Bulletin 1724E-302. Rural Development Utilities Programs, United States Department of Agriculture. (On-line) Available: http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric/pubs/1724e302.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 18.

[31] Harris, M. Oil Spill Update: Can Kevin Costner – Or Anyone Else – Clean Up this Mess? (25 May 2010) The faster Times. (On-line) Available: http://thefastertimes.com/energy/2010/05/25/got-a-suggestion-for-the-oil-spill-bps-listening/. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

[32] Demirjian, N. MD. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (19 May 2010) eMedicine. (On-line) Available: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/299174-overview. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

[33] What is Farmer’s Lung? (2008) Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (On-line) Available: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/farmers_lung.html. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

[34] Sensing, D. Hay for oil spill is no plan. (09 May 2010) Sense of Events. (On-line) Available: http://senseofevents.blogspot.com/2010/05/hay-for-oil-spill-is-no-plan.html. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

[35] Design Guide for Oil Spill Prevention and Control at Substations (2008) Bulletin 1724E-302. Rural Development Utilities Programs, United States Department of Agriculture. (On-line) Available: http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric/pubs/1724e302.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 18.

[36] Sensing, D. Hay for oil spill is no plan. (09 May 2010) Sense of Events. (On-line) Available: http://senseofevents.blogspot.com/2010/05/hay-for-oil-spill-is-no-plan.html. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

[37] Use of Reclaimed Water and Sludge in Food Crop Production (1996) Public Health Concerns About Chemical Constituants in Treated Wastewater and sludge, Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources. (On-line) Available: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5175&page=102. Cited 2010 Jun 25.

[38] Ibid. Cited 2010 Jun 25.

[39] Ibid. Cited 2010 Jun 25.

Table References

[I] Wilson, C. What polymers can absorb oil (2002) MadSci Network: Chemistry. (On-line) Available: http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2002-02/1014657853.Ch.r.html. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

[II] Rymsza, T. Agricultural Residues in Pulp and Paper Discussion Paper (2010) Vision Paper. (On-line) Available: http://www.visionpaper.com/PDF_speeches_papers/Agricultural%20Residues%20in%20Pulp%20a.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

[III] Jayasuriya, M.C.N. The use of fibrous residues in South Asia (2010) Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. (On-line) Available: http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/80362e/80362E06.htm. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

[IV] Balasubramanya, R. H. Dr. and al. UTILISATION OF COTTON PLANT BYPRODUCE FOR VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS (2007) Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology. (On-line) Available: http://www.ecocoboard.net/dwnloads/Presentations%20workshop/Balasubr_Alternative%20building%20panels.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

[V] Gettman, J. Hemp and the new energy technologies (2010) The UK Cannabis Internet Activists (UKCIA. org). (On-line) Available: http://www.ukcia.org/research/HempAndTheNewEnergyTechnologies.php. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

[VI] Harcourt-Brown, F. Diet and Husbandry (2002) Textbook of Rabbit Medicine, Reed Educational and professional Publishing Ltd. (On-line) Available: http://books.google.ca/books?id=pv8Ss20uQuYC&pg=RA1-PT21&lpg=RA1-PT21&dq=cellulose+content+of+hay&source=bl&ots=IKIKVzljT9&sig=kBBejQJkrMPY1ArwMojiJRsXkLM&hl=en&ei=JLsXTKLoBJO6Nty0hbYL&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CDkQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=cellulose%20content%20of%20hay&f=false. Cited 2010 Jun 15.

[VII] Bioremediation Via MICROBES Can Clean The Oil Spill! (2010) Facebook. (On-line) Available: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124237440942194. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

[VIII] Extraction and characterization of natural cellulose fibers from common milkweed stems (2010) The Free Library. (On-line) Available: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Extraction+and+characterization+of+natural+cellulose+fibers+from+…-a0211808191. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

[IX] Choi, H.M. and Cloud, R.M. Natural Sorbents in Oil Spill Cleanup (1992) Environmental Science and Technology. (On-line) Available: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es00028a016. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

[X] Sayed, S. A., El Sayed, A. S., S. M. and Zayed, A. M. Oil Spill Pollution Treatment by Sorption on Natural Cynanchum Acutum L. Plant (2003) Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management. (On-line) Available: https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/retrieve/4695/ja03022.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

[XI] Lim T.T. and Huang, X. Evaluation of hydrophobicity/oleophilicity of kapok and its performance in oily water filtration: Comparison of raw and solvent-treated fibers (2007) Science Direct. (On-line) Available: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T77-4NFXG8K-1&_user=10&_coverDate=08%2F31%2F2007&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1373056717&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=dfd1c6e40ee3194a1b5b71ab1ecd1164. Cited 2010 Jun 17.

[XII] Mwaikambo, L. Y. and Ansell. The determination of porosity and cellulose content of plant fibers by density methods. (2001) SpringerLink. (On-line) Available: http://www.springerlink.com/content/g5un137685g24866/. Cited 2010 Jun 17.

[XIII] Rymsza, T. A. Kenaf and Hemp Identifying the Differences (2010) Vision Paper. (On-line) Available: http://www.visionpaper.com/speeches_papers/Rymkenafhemp.html. Cited 2010 Jun 17.

[XIV] About the Kenaf Plant (2005) Vision Paper. (On-l;ine) Available: http://www.visionpaper.com/kenaf2.html. Cited 2010 Jun 17.

[XV] Wood, K. Researchers nano-enhance natural fiber (2009) Composites World. (On-line) Available: http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/researchers-nano-enhance-natural-fiber. Cited 2010 Jun 17.

[XVI] Kenaf (2008) Living Green Enterprises Inc. (On-line) Available: http://www.living-green.ca/kenaf.html. Cited 2010 Jun 17.

[XVII] Fischer, K., O., P. Oil absorbent cellulosic material, especially material derived from bagasse, and methods of preparation and use thereof. (2010) Free Patent online. (On-line) Available: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/EP0002070.html. Cited 2010 Jun 17.

[XVIII] Design Guide for Oil Spill Prevention and Control at Substations (2008) Bulletin 1724E-302. Rural Development Utilities Programs, United States Department of Agriculture. (On-line) Available: http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric/pubs/1724e302.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 18.

[XIX] Lindsay B. Can the Buoyancy of Fiber-Filled Personal Flotation Devices Be Improved? (1999) Eight grade Science Project. (On-line) Available: http://www.selah.k12.wa.us/JHS/Brown/LINDSAYBSciProj.html. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

[XX] Facts and Folklore, Common Milkweed (2010) The Ohio State University. (On-line) Available: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/singlerecord.asp?id=580. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

[XXI] Hopkins, J.F. A history of the hemp industry in Kentucky Chapter II (1998) United Press of Kentucky. (On-line) Available: http://books.google.ca/books?id=Cd1LhZs_ZlgC&pg=PA56&lpg=PA56&dq=Buoyancy+of+hemp+stalks&source=bl&ots=EdCmTiTWMv&sig=218PmlhLR7-LCgg0TpqXAE7u3vE&hl=en&ei=ZvUgTIynNMmUnQfogo1P&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CCoQ6AEwBzgU#v=onepage&q&f=false. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

[XXII] Lee, B_G, Han, J.S. and Rowell, R.M. Chapter 35, Oil Sorption by Lignocellulose Fibers (1999) Mississippi State University, Ag & Bio Engineering. (On-line) Available: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf1999/lee99a.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

[XXIII] Davis, J. Cotton Could Serve as Cleanup Medium for Oil Spill: Researchers (17 May 2010) Phyorg.com. (On-line) Available: http://www.physorg.com/news193336738.html. Cited 2010 Jun 23.

[XXIV] Drake, J. Pitt County crop might help soak up oil spill in Gulf ( 03 Jun 2010) Reflector.com. (On-line) Available: http://www.reflector.com/news/pitt-county-crop-may-help-oil-spill-37229. Cited 2010 Jun 23.

[XXV] Hussein, M. Amer, A.A. and Sawsan Is.Ib. Oil Spill Sorption Using Carbonized Pith Bagasse. Application of Carbonized Pith Bagasse as Loose Fiber (2008) Global Nest. (On-line) Available: http://www.gnest.org/Journal/Vol11_no4/440-448_539_Amer_11-4.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 23.

[XXVI] Stallcup, O.T. Composition of Crude Fiber in Certain Roughages (2010) Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Fayetteville. (On-line) Available: http://jds.fass.org/cgi/reprint/41/7/963.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

[XXVII] Manal, N. Planting Bahia Grass (2010) eHow. (On-line) Available: http://www.ehow.com/way_5382456_planting-bahia-grass.html. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

[XXVIII] 66 Coastal Bermuda (hay), Complete Crop & Plant List. (2010) Spectrum Analytic. (On-line) Available: http://www.spectrumanalytic.com/support/crops/croplist-sci.html. Cited 2010 jun 24.

[XXIX] Table I, 055 Bahiagrass, United States-Canadian Tables of Feed Composition: Nutritional Data for United States and Canadian Feeds, Third Revision (1982) Board of Agriculture. (On-line) Available: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=1713&page=10. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

[XXX] Tischler, C.R. and Burson, B.L. Evaluating Different bihia cytotypes for heat tolerance and leaf epicuticular wax content.(1995) Springer Link. (On-line) Available: http://www.springerlink.com/content/j834184561250m33/. Cited 2010 Jun 25.

[XXXII] Thomsen, A.B. and al. Hemp raw materials: The effect of cultivar, growth conditions and pretreatment on the chemical composition of the fibres (2005). (On-line) Available: http://130.226.56.153/rispubl/BIO/biopdf/ris-r-1507.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 28.

[XXXIII] Wood chips reviewed to absorb oil (17 May 2010) 2 theadvocate. (On-line) Available: http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/93959229.html. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

[XXXIV] Ansari, I. A., East, G. C. and Johnson, D. J. Structure-Property Relationships in Natural Cellulosic Fibres: Part III: Flax—an Oil Sorbent (2003) Informaworld. (On-line) Available: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a910030882. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

[XXXV] Linaceae- Flax Family (2010) Montana Plant life. (On-line) Available: http://montana.plant-life.org/families/Linaceae.htm. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

[XXXVI] Rho, D. And al. Processing of flax fibers for biocomposites – using of a thermostable pectate lyase. (2008) Biotechnology Research Institute. (On-line) Available: http://www.saskflax.com/documents/presentations/13A_Rho.pdf. Cited 2010 jun 30.

[XXXVII] Jute (2010) Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (On-line) Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jute .Cited 2010 Jun 30.

[XXXVIII] Hydrophilic Character of Natural Fibers, Pretreatments of natural fibers and their application as reinforcing material in polymer composites–a review.(Technical report) (2009) HighBeam Research. (On-line) Available: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-203766365.html. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

[XXXIX] Jute (2010) Tharsport Information Service. (On-line) Available: http://www.tis-gdv.de/tis_e/ware/fasern/jute/jute.htm. Cited 2010 Jul 05.

In order to help you find topics that interest you, this week’s news articles are categorized under:

• Environmental Health and Safety
• Public Health
• Work Place Health and Safety

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH and SAFETY

• USA: FACTBOX-Report targets 20 possible causes of cancer (15 Jul 2010) Reuters Africa. Read at: http://af.reuters.com/article/metalsNews/idAFN1523048020100715. Cited 2010 Jul 16.

The American Cancer Society, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or NIOSH, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Cancer Institute named 19 chemicals and shift work as potential causes of cancer that deserve more investigation.

• USA: Nitric Oxide correlates increased risk of asthma (16 Jul 2010) EmaxHealth. By Sedlock,H. Read at: http://www.emaxhealth.com/3275/nitric-oxide-correlates-increased-risk-asthma. Cited 2010 Jul 16.

Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of University of California (USC) have established a link between exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and an increased risk of asthma in children.

• California, USA: Calif reaches settlement to remove lead from turf (16 Jul 2010) USA Today. Read at: http://www.cnbc.com/id/38284388. Cited 2010 Jul 19.

In 2008, Oakland-based Center for Environmental Health found lead levels in artificial turf that were more than 10 times higher than allowed under state and federal guidelines for children’s products. Beaulieu LLC and manufacturer FieldTurf USA have now agreed to reduce lead to safe amounts and to pay for lead tests at daycare centers, schools and playgrounds that purchased turf after October 2004.

• USA: Panel: Environmental Working Group plays dirty with list (16 Jul 2010) The Packer. By: Karst Tom. Read at: http://thepacker.com/m/default.asp?contentid=1162257&FeedId=0&PageTitle=Panel:%20Environmental%20Working%20Group%20plays%20dirty%20with%20list. Cited 2010 Jul 19.

The Environmental Working Group has published a list entitled “The Dirty Dozen” which identifies fruits and vegetable with pesticide residues. This has prompted the Alliance for Food and Farming to commission five experts in toxicology and nutrition to address the scientific basis of the Dirty Dozen ranking.

• Florida USA: Health inspectors no longer check some kitchens (16 Jul 2010) Sun Sentinel.com. By: Washma, C. Read at: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-health-inspections-20100716,0,7386184.story. Cited 2010 Jul 19.

Health departments stopped checking kitchens at day-care centers, hospitals and nursing homes this month under a new law designed to spare business owners the expense of multiple state inspections. The House Health Care Appropriations Committee feels that there is a duplication of work.

• Europe: No Scientific Definition for the Unexpected Heat Wave in Summer Months (18 Jul 2010) Networking for Health, MeD India. By: Mupalla, S. Read at: http://www.medindia.net/news/No-Scientific-Definition-for-the-Unexpected-Heat-Wave-in-Summer-Months-71475-1.htm#ixzz0u8qbVcqD. Cited 2010 Jul 19.

A newly formed definition of a ‘heat wave’ is a period of at least two days when ‘Tappmax’, an interaction between maximum air temperature and humidity is among the highest monthly 10%, or when the minimum temperature is among the highest 10% with Tappmax above the average.

• Northern Kosovo: Hindus ask world to wake up to continual lead poisoning of Roma in Kosovo (18 Jul 2010) Sify News. Read at: http://sify.com/news/hindus-ask-world-to-wake-up-to-continual-lead-poisoning-of-roma-in-kosovo-news-international-khsvkfffgef.html. Cited 2010 Jul 19.

In 1999 the United Nations temporarily relocated the population of Roma into camps located near a lead smelter in Mitrovica; they, however, are still there. The ground is highly contaminated with lead, zinc, arsenic and other metals. This article exhorts the United Nations, European Union, Kosovo Government and World Health Organization to relocate the people of Roma.

• USA: American Cancer Society Calls for Further Study of Perc ( 19 Jul 2010) American Drycleaner crain. By: Murphy, I.P. Read at: http://www.americandrycleaner.com/article.cfm?articleID=18176. Cited 2010 Jul 21

A new report from the American Cancer Society and other world health groups entitled “Identification of research needs to resolve the carcinogenicity of high-priority IARC [International Agency for Research on Cancer] carcinogens”  has identified “gaps in research” for 20 suspected carcinogens including perchloroethylene. The report will help to identify research gaps and prioritization of these 20 agents.

• USA: The War Over Raw Milk: A Battle Heats Up (20 Jul 2010) Daily Finance. By: Gilbert, S. Read at: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/the-war-over-raw-milk-a-battle-heats-up/19444343/. Cited 2010 Jul 21.

On June 30, Los Angeles police officers, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Food & Drug Administration and at least one Canadian agency knocked on the door of Rawesome food buying club with guns drawn. As the FDA sees it, the most important benefit of pasteurization is the virtual elimination of the dangers of bacterial infections. Raw milk advocates beleive that enzymes and bacteria have been shown to strengthen the immune system, develop healthy bacteria in the intestines and reduce the chances of everything from respiratory disease to obesity. The battles is on.

• New Jersey, USA: Research Links Phthalates in Plastics with Inflammation in At-Risk Babies (20 Jul 2010) Newswise. Read at: http://www.newswise.com/articles/umdnj-research-links-phthalates-in-plastics-with-inflammation-in-at-risk-babies. Cited 2010 Jul 21.

Researchers at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) have identified a direct link between phthalates, the substances that make plastics more pliable and durable, and inflammation in newborns – and are encouraging more limited use of the plasticizers.

• USA: Can Cell Phones Cause Another Kind of Ringing? (19 Jul 2010) Health, U.S. News. By: Reinberg, S. Read at: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/articles/2010/07/19/can-cell-phones-cause-another-kind-of-ringing.html. Cited 2010 Jul 21.

The Institute of Environmental Health at the Medical University of Vienna, said “high intensity, long duration of mobile phone use might be associated with occurrence of tinnitus.

• USA: How Safe Are Cosmetics? New Bill Wants to Find Out (21 Jul 2010) AOL News. By: Schneider, A.Read at: http://www.aolnews.com/article/how-safe-are-your-cosmetics-new-bill-wants-to-find-out/19562564. Cited 2010 Jul 22.

Two Democratic lawmakers have introduced the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010. The public health community hopes that, if the bill is passed, the legislation will prevent the cosmetic industry from using the “confidential business information” exclusion which has allowed companies to refuse giving regulators information about product ingredients.

• North Carolina, USA: NC scientists preparing for the possibility of Gulf oil spill fallout (21 Jul 2010) Examiner.com. By: Fish, C. Read at: http://www.examiner.com/x-42126-Charlotte-Fish-and-Wildlife-Policy-Examiner~y2010m7d21-NC-scientists-preparing-for-the-possiblity-of-Gulf-oil-spill-fallout. Cited 2010 Jul 22.

North Carolina fisheries scientists are collecting samples of untainted fish and shellfish to use for baseline comparisons in case the state’s seafood harvest becomes compromised.

• Kansas City, Kansas, USA: EPA says TransCanada’s environmental report doesn’t address key concerns (21 Jul 2010) Science News. By: Fisher, M.S. Read at: http://blog.taragana.com/science/2010/07/21/epa-says-transcanadas-environmental-report-doesnt-address-key-concerns-18934/. Cited 2010 Jul 22.

The Environmental Protection Agency said the draft environmental impact study for TransCanada Corp.’s proposed oil pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico is inadequate and should be revised.

• Illinois, USA: Research links recreational pool disinfectants to health problems (21 Jul 2010) EurekAlert. By: Shike, J. Read at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-07/uoic-rlr072110.php. Cited 2010 Jul 22.

The data suggest that brominating agents should be avoided as disinfectants for recreational pool water. The best method to treat pool water is a combination of UV treatment with chlorine as compared to chlorination alone.

• California, USA: New study gives first indication that smog might trigger cell death in the heart (21 Jul 2010) EurekAlert. By: Astle, K. Read at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-07/aha-nsg071210.php. Cited 2010 Jul 22.

Researchers reported at the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2010 Scientific Sessions that exposure to ground-level ozone over several weeks increased the activity of a substance that triggers cell death in the heart.

PUBLIC HEALTH

• Louisiana, USA: Preparing for emergencies with Google Earth Enterprise (15 jul 2010) Google Enterprise Blog. By: Wyatt, N. Read at: http://googleenterprise.blogspot.com/2010/07/preparing-for-emergencies-with-google.html?utm_source=entblog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OfficialGoogleEnterpriseBlog+%28Official+Google+Enterprise+Blog%29. Cited 2010 Jul 16.

The state of Louisiana Department of Homeland Security has launched the first public version of a Google Earth Enterprise platform. Part of “Get a Game Plan” campaign, this site will assist citizens to create evacuation plans as well as post information about emergencies, hurricanes and natural dissasters.

• South Korea, Taiwan and USA: Air pollution could increase risk of suicide (15 Jul 2010) NewScientist. By: Aldhous, P. Read at: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19180-air-pollution-could-increase-risk-of-suicide.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news. Cited 2010 Jul 16.

A new study in seven cities across South Korea has uncovered a clear association between suicide and spikes of particulate pollution.

• USA: Oil Spill Raises Public Health Concerns (15 Jul 2010) VOANews.com. By: Skirble, R. Read at: http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/usa/Oil-Spill-Raises-Public-Health-Concerns-98512884.html. Cited 2010 Jul 16.

The Center for American Progress, an independent policy research group, has examined the potential health risks associated with the spill. The toxin found in the environment could produce respiratory problems, excess cancers, endocrine and fertility issues, problems with contaminated seafood and post traumatic stress syndrome.

• USA: US surgeon general in Panhandle for oil spill (15 Jul 2010) Chrom |AP Texas News. By: Nelson, M. Read at: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/7110383.html. Cited 2010 Jul 16.

The U.S. Surgeon General states that the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has taken a mental and public health toll. The government is now studying public health concerns over the millions of gallons of chemicals being used to break up the oil. The government has also asked local physicians to document any dispersant-related issues. Federal officials have been hearing from local doctors about migraines, stomach problems, insomnia or drug and alcohol problems.

• Australia: Public health scare campaigns do not help obese, research finds (17 Jul 2010) Heraldsun.com.au. By: If, H. Read at: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/shame-game-blasted/story-e6frf7l6-1225893036996. Cited 2010 Jul 19.

Interviews with 142 obese adults found many felt stigmatised, shamed and blamed by government health campaigns.

• USA: CDC errs in level of dengue cases in Key West (17 Jul 2010) KeysNet.com. By: Kinney, S. Read at: http://www.keysnet.com/2010/07/17/239503/cdc-errs-in-level-of-dengue-cases.html. Cited 2010 Jul 19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is blamed for inacuracy of information in the number of Dengue Fever cases which caused the national media to inferences a false picture of the situation in Key West.”

• Okland, California, USA: Oakland plan for marijuana production plants worries “mom and pop” growers (19 Jul 2010) Denverpost.com. By: Leff, L. Read at: http://www.denverpost.com/frontpage/ci_15547589. Cited 2010 Jul 19.

With words such as “Wal-Marting” of weed and McDonald’s-ization of cannabis, the move by the Oakland City Council on Tuesday to look at four production plants where pot would be grown, processed and packaged into items ranging from baked goods to body oil is critisized.

• Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA: Oversight of New Jersey’s shellfish industry lacking, group finds (19 Jul 2010) PressofAtlanticCity.com. By: Miller, M. Read at: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/top_three/article_a75b0c64-9296-11df-820b-001cc4c03286.html. Cited 2010 Jul 19.

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, or PEER, a nonprofit group based in Washington, D.C., last week said cutbacks in inspections and patrols of closed fishing grounds because of budget cuts is puting the public health at risk.

• USA: The Greatest Failure of the Medical and Public Health Professions (20 Jul 2010) The Huffington Post. By: Califano Jr,. J.A. Read at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-a-califano-jr/the-greatest-failure-of-t_b_652562.html. Cited 2010 Jul 21.

Most Americans don’t consider addiction to alcohol or illegal or prescription drugs a disease, but the author feels that “Addiction to alcohol and other drugs is a disease, and we are going to accord it the same medical attention we accord other chronic diseases.” “This decision will sharply reduce the consequential crime, health care costs and other social ills.”

• Vienna, Austria: Guidelines Issued to Shield Babies from AIDS (21 Jul 2010) Health, The Wall Street Journal. By: Winslow, R. Read at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704723604575379341593141492.html. Cited 2010 Jul 21.

The World Health Organization issued new guidelines aimed at strengthening efforts to prevent pregnant women from transmitting the AIDS virus to their babies and improving care for infants who are born with the infection.

• Santa Clara County, California, USA: Mixed results in new SC County health profile (20 Jul 2010) Palo Alto Online News. Read at: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=17628. Cited 2010 Jul 22.

Fewer residents in Santa Clara County are smoking and teen birth rates are declining, but access to health care has also declined while obesity for both children and adults and diabetes are on the rise, according to a new health report released Tuesday 20 Jul 2010.

• Vienna, Austria: Drug War Statement Upstaged at AIDS Gathering (22 Jul 2010) Health, The New York Times. By: McNeil, D.G. Jr. Read at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/23/health/23aids.html?_r=1. Cited 2010 Jul 23.

Some of the world’s top AIDS experts issued a radical manifesto this week at the 18th International AIDS Conference. They declared the war on drugs to be a 50-year-old failure and called for it to be abandoned.

• Baltimore, Maryland, USA: Md. infant mortality rate hits new low, but racial disparities remain (21 Jul 2010) The Baltimore Sun. By: Kay, L. F. Read at: http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/family/bs-hs-infant-morality-rate-drops-20100721,0,6119120.story. Cited 2010 Jul 23.

Maryland’s infant mortality rate dropped to its lowest point in 2009, according to preliminary statistics, but state public health officials say there is still need for improvement as the rate of infant mortality increased slightly among black families to 13.6 from 13.4 in 2008.

WORK PLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: The young and their missing workplace rights (17 Jul 2010) The Telegram. By: Payne, L. Read at: http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=346771&sc=86. Cited 2010 Jul 19.

The lure by a summer job keeps many young people from complaining about wortking conditions. Every new employee should be given a copy of their workplace rights.

• New Mexico, USA: Artesia blast part of national pattern of fatal oil refinery accidents (20 Jul 2010) The New Mexico Independent. By: Furlow, B. Read at: http://newmexicoindependent.com/59553/artesia-blast-part-of-national-pattern-of-fatal-oil-refinery-accidents. Cited 2010 Jul 21.

Nationwide reports suggest that at least 15 refinery workers have been killed since the start of 2010.

• New Delhi, India: India’s expanding use of asbestos brings dire warnings (21 Jul 2010) McClatchy. By Krishnan M. and Guha Ra, S. Read at: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/07/21/97621/indias-expanding-use-of-asbestos.html. Cited 2010 Jul 21.

Thousand of Indian workers are exposed to asbestos fibers while dismantling ships laden with the fibers; the Indian government is aware of the health risks, but the economy and poor job availability drive the market. Asbestos use in India has risen by 83 percent since 2004.

• Washington USA: House panel approves sweeping mine safety law (21 Jul 2010) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. By: Malloy, D. Read at: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10202/1074295-100.stm. Cited 2010 Jul 22.

House of Representatives committee yesterday approved mine safety legislation crafted in response to the Upper Big Branch coal mine disaster. It gives the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration additional power to shut down mines that display a pattern of safety violations.

• New York, USA: Teamsters, Safety and Health Activist Groups Protest Toys R Us’ Failure to Phase Out PVC, the Poison Plastic (22 Jul 2010) PR Newswire. Read at: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teamsters-safety-and-health-activist-groups-protest-toys-r-us-failure-to-phase-out-pvc-the-poison-plastic-99027094.html. Cited 2010 Jul 23.

The Teamsters Union, the Center for Health, Environment & Justice, Clean New York, WEACT for Environmental Justice, the Lower Eastside Girls Club, concerned parents and consumer activists protested poisonous PVC plastic used in toys at the Toys R Us flagship store in Times Square. The demonstrators asked Toys R Us to “end the toxic toy story” by labeling PVC presence on all toys and agreeing to a complete phase-out.

• USA: Senators Rap BP Official for Record of OSHA Violations (22 Jul 2010) Energy and Environment, The New York Times. By; Schor, E. Read at: http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/07/22/22greenwire-senators-rap-bp-official-for-record-of-osha-vi-47836.html. Cited 2010 Jul 23.

A top safety official at BP PLC today defended the company’s industry-leading string of federal safety violations before a group of skeptical senators, vowing to make progress on worker protection despite the oil giant’s ongoing dispute with the Obama administration over fines at its Texas City refinery.

In order to help you find topics that interest you, this week’s news articles are categorized under:

• Environmental Health
• Gulf Oil Spill
• Public Health
• Water
• Work Place Health and Safety

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

• St. Louis Park, Minnesota, USA: Sen. Klobuchar celebrates new formaldehyde use law (09 Jul 2010) HometownSource.com. Read at: http://www.hometownsource.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14288:sen-klobuchar-celebrates-new-formaldehyde-use-law&catid=13:capitol-news&Itemid=29. Cited 2010 Jun 12.

A new law will see a restriction of formaldehyde use in wood products. The “Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act” is designed to protect consumers from the harmful chemical and ensure a “level playing field” between domestic and foreign producers.

• USA: Safety standards involve all food producers (10 Jul 2010) Natural Resource Report. Read at: http://naturalresourcereport.com/2010/07/safety-standards-involve-all-food-producers/. Cited 2010 Jul 12.

The Food Safety Working Group recommended a public health-focused approach to food safety based on three core principles: prioritizing prevention, strengthening inspections and enforcement and improving response and recovery. Progress in first year of implementing Food Safety Working Group recommendations is discussed.

• Washington, USA: Climate Change Means More Heatwaves, Premature Deaths, Scientists Warn (10 Jul 2010) Common dreams.org. By: Environment News Service (ENS). Read at: http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/07/10 . Cited 2010 Jul 12.

Climate change models show that the kind of heat waves some parts of the country have been suffering through in recent weeks will occur more often and last longer. It would even make regions of the Earth uninhabitable.

• USA: Lifesaving drugs may be killing health workers (10 Jul 2010) The Seattle Times. By: Smith, C. Read at: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012327665_chemo11.html. Cited 2010 Jul 12.

Despite multiple studies that indicate the drugs actually may cause cancers, the federal government does not require safeguards on the job. OSHA lacks have the resources to regulate workplace-drug exposures, although it is concerned about the issue. OSHA inspectors are only able to warn an employer if they see something that concerns them.

• Ohio, USA: Ohio River study finds drugs, chemicals that slip through waste treatment (12 Jul 2010) Courier-Journal.com. By: Bruggers, J. Read at: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100712/NEWS01/7120304. Cited 2010 13.

Dozens of chemicals and pharmaceuticals — antidepressants, veterinary hormones, even cocaine — have been detected at extremely low concentrations in the Ohio River upstream and downstream from Louisville.

• USA: Dioxon -Scientific Analysis (12 Jul 2010) Environmental Working Group. By: Houlihan, j. MSCE and Naidenko, O.V. PhD. Read at: http://www.ewg.org/dioxin/analysis. Cited 2010 Jul 14.

This is an open letter that disucsses the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) reluctance to establish a safe, daily dose for human exposure to the potent chemical dioxin.

• Martinique and Guadeloupe: Pesticide threat looms over French West Indies (13 Jul 2010) The Guardian Weekly. By: Benkimoum, P. and Nedelkovsi, E. Read at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/13/france-pesticide-health-scandal-chlordecone. Cited 2010 Jul 14.

A study published last month in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in Martinique and in Guadeloupe confirms that chlordecone, which disrupts the endocrine system, is responsible for a significant increase in the risk of prostate cancer, and is the likely cause of half the cancers detected on the two islands.

• USA: Nanomaterials in the construction industry and resulting health and safety issues (13 Jul 2010) Nanowerk. By: Berger, M. Read at: http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=17138.php. Cited 2010 Jul 14.

A team professor of Engineering at Rice University compiled a list of current use of nanomaterials in various building applications and also highlighted potential and promising future uses. The authors point out that manufactured nanomaterials, in particular synthesized nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, may be accidentally or incidentally released to the environment at different stages of their life cycle.

• USA: Another cadmium jewelry recall _ 137K Tween pieces. (13 Jul 2010) Associated Press. By: Donn,J. Read At: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jVwU1ju0oUHJIcQI9t7NyTLkBZcAD9GUCPFO2. Cited 2010 Jul 14.

High levels of cadmium were found in imported children’s jewelry sold at two stores — Justice and Limited Too . The voluntary recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, was the sixth callback since The Associated Press first released findings of an investigation into cadmium in children’s jewelry.

• USA: Antibiotics in agriculture are essential for animal and human health (13 Jul 2010) The Hill. By: Silley, P, PhD. Read at: http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/108463-antibiotics-in-agriculture-are-essential-for-animal-and-human-health. Cited 2010 Jul 14.

This week’s Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, “Antibiotic Resistance and the Use of Antibiotics in Animal Agriculture,” will further examine how these products are used in agriculture and their impact on human health. Policy decisions about the use of antibiotics must be made on the basis of careful, data-driven science, rather than on emotion. FDA suggests, the continued availability of effective antimicrobial drugs is critically important for combating infectious disease in both humans and animals.

• California, USA: Seal Beach BP/ARCO Gas Station Cleanup – OC Environmental Head Says No More Corrective Action Plans (14 Jul 2010) www.OC1News.com. By: Barr, D. Read at: http://www.oc180news.com/article/West_Orange_County_Features/Current_Interest/Seal_Beach_BPARCO_Gas_Station_Cleanup_OC_Environmental_Head_Says_No_More_Corrective_Action_Plans/18932. Cited 2010 Jul 15.

The director of Orange County Environmental Health is hoping to find out how BP/ARCO will clean up contamination at a gas station located at Seal Beach City. BP/ARCO have proposed a revised corrective action plan (CAP). The Orange County Health Care Agency stressed to BP/ARCO that they need to “follow” the contamination and remove it, as is standard practice for soil remediation projects.”

• USA, Canada and Mexico: Gaps give incomplete picture of North America’s environmental health: Study (14 Jul 2010) Canada.com. By: Iype,M. Read at: http://www.canada.com/business/Gaps%20give%20incomplete%20picture%20North%20America%20environmental%20health%20Study/3276518/story.html. Cited 2010 Jul 15.

The Commission for Environmental Co-operation — the international body tasked with monitoring the environment in North America — reports that the exact amount of pollution generated and managed by North American industry remains a mystery because barriers prevent the compilation of accurate data.

• Canada: Environment, sovereignty focus of new Arctic marine rules (22 Jun 2010) Canada.com. By: Boswell, R. Read at: http://www.canada.com/business/Environment+sovereignty+focus+Arctic+marine+rules/3188187/story.html. Cited 2010 Jul 15.

The Canadian government will require a mandatory registration for ships of 300 tonnes or more, for tugs with a two-ship weight of 500 tonnes or more and for any vessel carrying dangerous goods or potential pollutants. This will help the coast guard and other federal agencies to respond quickly to oil spills, search-and-rescue requests and other northern emergencies. The U.S. have mixed views about the decision.

• Alaska, USA: OPINION: High school students aid air quality in rural Alaska (14 Jul 2010) The Bristol Bay Times. By: Ritter, T. Read at: http://thebristolbaytimes.com/article/1028high_school_students_aid_air_quality_in_rural. Cited 2010 Jul 15.

This fall, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the University of Montana will launch a program that will look at improving the air quality in Alaska’s rural communities.Seven rural Alaska pilot communities have been selected to participate in the program. The Air Toxics under the North Star program will teach high school juniors and seniors to perform air quality sampling in their own communities. The hope is that program activities will inspire participating students to pursue careers in air quality and environmental health.

GULF OIL SPILL

• Florida, USA: Walton County TDC Member Upset with Health Dept. over Oil Notices (10 Jul 2010) News Channel 7. By: O’Halloran, M. Read at: http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/98144204.html. Cited 2010 Jul 12.

Walton County Environmental Health officials are posting oil impact health notices along all 26 miles (41.8Km) of South Walton’s beaches instead of the specific advisories where tarballs have come ashore. This has upset the tourism leaders. They fear that this approach is scaring tourists and effecting business.

PUBLIC HEALTH

• Colorado, USA: Adding PTSD to the Medical Marijuana Mix (09 Jul 2010) The Wall Street Journal. By: Wang, S.S. Read at: http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2010/07/09/adding-ptsd-to-the-medical-marijuana-mix/. Cited 2010 12.

Should marijuana be used to treat psychological pain such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Only New Mexico specifically allows for marijuana to treat PTSD. Earlier this week, a medical marijuana advocacy group Sensible Colorado submitted a petition to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to add PTSDto the medical marijuana list.

• Global: New World Bank AIDS Chief Says Prevention Challenges Remain (09 Jul 2010) VOVNewsRoom.com. By DeCapua, J. Read at: http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/decapua-world-bank-aids-chief-9jul10-98120304.html. Cited 2010 Jul 12.

The new head of the World Bank’s Global HIV/AIDS Program says much more needs to done to lower infection rates. The 18th International AIDS Conference – the world’s largest AIDS gathering – will be held in Vienna from July 18th through the 23rd and will place an emphasis on the epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

• United Kingdom: Health reform sparks fears of cuts by stealth (11 Jul 2010) The Independent. By: Lakhani, N. and Brady, B. Read at: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/health-reform-sparks-fears-of-cuts-by-stealth-2023807.html. Cited 2010 Jul 12.

Nurses, charities and public health doctors are fearfull that the coalition’s NHS White Paper will be handing over too much power and monetary control to Gps, giving them control over 80 per cent of health frontline services. Similar plans under the previous Tory government during the 1990s reduced waiting times and widened the range of health services available, but failed to reduce costs as expected and patient satisfaction declined.

• United Kingdom: Food Standards Agency to be abolished by health secretary (12 Jul 2010) Gardian.co.uk. By: Ramesh, R. Read at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jul/11/food-standards-agency-abolished-health-secretary. Cited 2010 Jul 12.

The Food Standards Agency is to be abolished and its responsibilities will be rassigned to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This move has raised questions whether the health secretary wants to protect the public health or promote food companies.

• California, USA: Vaccination Rate Lags As an Epidemic Spreads (09 Jul 2010) The New York Times. By: Mieszkowski, K. Read at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/us/11bcwhooping.html. Cited 2010 Jul 13.

Marin County, the wealthiest and healthiest county in the state, currently has 15 percent of all reported whooping cough cases in California. It also ranked seventh in parents’ choosing not to innunize their children.

• Atlanta, Georgia, USA: Salsa and guacamole increasingly important causes of foodborne disease (12 Jul 2010) EurekAlert. By: Sliwa, J. Read at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-07/asfm-sag071210.php. Cited 2010 Jul 13.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the results of a study yesterday at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases. They found that between 1998 and 2008, nearly 1 out of every 25 restaurant-associated foodborne outbreaks were caused by contaminated salsa or guacamole.

• Global: Scientists Quantify Global Warming’s Threat to Public Health (12 Jul 2010) Scientific American. By: Fischer, D. Read at: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=scientists-quantify-global-warmings-threat-to-public-health. Cited 2010 Jul 13.

Researchers have quantified global warming’s threat to public health using high resolution computer modeling.  They were able to simulate daily temperatures across small sections of the United States. Results indicate that heat waves which killed tens of thousands in Europe in 2003, are likely to be the new norm.

• New Zealand: Yuck: Few people correctly cover coughs, sneezes (12 Jul 2010) Associated Press. By: Stobbe, M. Read at: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gs63C7PtEWfMaIi6HAk5UABCshxQD9GTJTIG0. Cited 2010 Jul 13.

Medical students secretly watched hundreds of people cough or sneeze at a train station, a shopping mall and a hospital in New Zealand. The study took place in the capital city of Wellington over a two week period last August, at the tail end of a worrisome but fairly mild wave of swine flu. The study was presented Monday at an infectious diseases conference in Atlanta.

• USA: Obama’s HIV/AIDS policy hailed for targeting spread of disease (14 Jul 2010) Los Angeles Times. By: Levey, N.N. Read at: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-aids-20100714,0,7538999.story. Cited 2010 Jul 15.

Despite gains in treatment, the annual number of new infections in the U.S. has stayed about the same. The new White House plan aims to change that. Part of the plan will includes new standards for assessing prevention programs, new education campaigns for ethnic communities and increased screening of federal prisoners.

• United Kingdom: Anti-smoking law may be overturned in government review (14 Jul 2010) Guardian.co.uk. By: Ramesh, R. Read at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jul/14/anti-smoking-law-government-review. Cited 2010 Jul 15.

Labour’s legislation to ban cigarette vending machines from pubs and remove tobacco displays from shops and supermarkets could be scrapped by the coalition government. Groups such as Cancer Research UK view this as a governmental ‘cave in’ to the tobacco lobby.

WATER

• USA: Waterborne diseases could cost over $500 million annually in US (14 Jul 2010) EurekAlert. By: Sliwa, J. Read at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-07/asfm-wdc071310.php. Cited 2010 Jul 15.

The International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases presented a study yesterday where the cost to the health care system from waterborne diseases is numbered in millions annually. They use data from a large insurance claims database between 2004 and 2007.

• Delaware, USA: Water draws residents’ attention (10 Jul 2010) The Columbus Dispatch. By: MaGlade, C. Read at: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/07/10/water-draws-residents-attention.html?sid=101. Cited 2010 Jul 12.

Drinking-water quality tops the list of environmental concerns in the Delaware General Health District at the halfway mark of a two-year survey of residents. The survey was mailed to homes in March and asked residents to prioritize which aspects of their environment need more attention.

WORK PLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

• USA: News Briefs: Occupational Safety News and EPA’s Collaborative Web Site Launched (09 Jul 2010) Safetec. By: Mariec, J. Read at: http://www.safetec.net/blog/2010/07/news-briefs-occupational-safety-news-and-epas-collaborative-web-site-launched.html. Cited 2010 Jul 12.

The EPA has launched a Collaborative Web Site for Integrated Environmental Modeling. It is a new on-line tool for scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing that was built by Purdue University.

• Ontario, Canada: Do You Have Your Workplace Violence And Harassment Policies In Place? (13 Jul 2010) Northumberland View.ca. Read at: http://www.northumberlandview.ca/modules.php?op=modload&name=PagEd&file=index&topic_id=5&page_id=3706. Cited 2010 Jul 14.

Bill 168 – otherwise known as the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace), 2009, came into force on June 15, 2010. This article and attached video provide a quick introduction of the policy.

• United Kingdom: India’s asbestos time-bomb (13 jul 2010) TribuneMagazine.co.uk. By: Hodge, N. Read at: http://www.tribunemagazine.co.uk/2010/07/13/india%E2%80%99s-asbestos-time-bomb/. Cited 2010 Jul 14.

India is one of the world’s major users of chrysotile (white) asbestos. The Indian government has done little to change working conditions in the mines because there is no effective enforcement of health and safety legislation and no real recognition of the scale of the health risks surrounding the use of asbestos.

• Malta: Hand injuries most common injuries at work (15 Jul 2010) The Malta Independent Online. By: Bonello, C. Read at: http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=108996. Cited 2010 Jul 15.

This leaflet, prepared by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) and the Occupational Therapy Department, aims to highlight how important hands are, and to outline the possible consequences of a hand injury.

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
• Water
• Work Place Health and Safety

DISEASE AND MEDICAL

• Global: Bird flu: New mechanism of circulation and transmission found (20 Jul 2010) Vetsweb.com. Read at: http://www.vetsweb.com/news/bird-flu-new-mechanism-of-circulation-and-transmission-found-1244.html. Cited 2010 Jul 09.

An international team of scientists reports discovery of a new mechanism of avian influenza virus circulation and transmission in nature.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS

• Delaware, USA: Josh Fox: Living In The Middle Of A ‘Gasland’ (10 Jun 2010) NPR. By: Fox, J. Read at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127593937. Cited 2010 Jul 05.

Josh Fox traveled around the country to see how the process of natural gas drilling affects communities and homeowners.

• Global: Researchers ask Canada to ban asbestos (01 Jul 2010) The Globe and Mail. By: Steenhuysen, J. Read at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/researchers-ask-canada-to-ban-asbestos/article1625512/. Cited 2010 Jul 05.

An international group of researchers is renewing its call for a global ban on the mining and use of asbestos…

• Montana, USA: Mont. delegation pushes EPA on asbestos cleanup (05 Jul 2010) Associated Press. By: Brown, M. Read at: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gF8vEIxh6DYIAWEA7_pwBVyNthlAD9GP67300. Cited 2010 Jul 06.

An estimated 400 people died in the rural community of Libby Montana contamination caused by a now-closed W.R. Grace vermiculite mine. Resident fear EPA is rushing to finish clean-up work on the site, leaving the town at risk.

• The Netherlands: On the road to cleaner air with air-purifying concrete (07 Jul 2010) Gizmag. By: Quick, D. Read at: http://www.gizmag.com/air-purifying-roads/15638/. Cited 2010 Jul 07.

Air-purifying concrete contains titanium dioxide, a photocatalytic material that removes the nitrogen oxides from the air and converts them into harmless nitrate with the aid of sunlight; NOx content measures 25 to 45 percent lower than that over an area paved with normal concrete.

• Washington DC, USA: Americans Win Protection from Toxic Air Pollution (06 Jul 2010) Earthjustice. Read at: http://www.earthjustice.org/news/press/2010/americans-win-protection-from-toxic-air-pollution.html. Cited 2010 Jul 07.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to review and update hazardous air pollution rules covering 28 types of industrial facilities, including pesticide production operations, lead smelters, aerospace facilities and pharmaceutical plants.

• USA: Breathing the filth (08 Jul 2010) Los Angeles Times. By: Palakovic, G.Read at: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-polakovic-20100708,0,1277509.story. Cited 2010 Jul 09.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the US disgorges about 126 million gallons of hydrocarbon pollution to the air every 10 days; a recent study by researchers at Cal State Fullerton indicated that at least 3,860 people die annualy from smog in California.

• New Orleans, USA: Lead levels decline in soil, blood in post-hurricane New Orleans. (08 Jul 2010) Environmental Health News. By: Zota, A. Sc.D. Read at: http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/soil-blood-lead-levels-decline-after-hurricanes. Cited 2010 Jul 09.

A new study finds that the flooding of New Orleans from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita may be responsible for declines in soil lead levels, and consequently, declines in children’s blood lead levels. The flooding altered the soil lead conditions, thereby lowering children’s exposure to the neurotoxin.

• USA: Weighing Safety of Weed Killer in Drinking Water, EPA Relies Heavily on Industry-Backed Studies (08 Jul 2010) The Huffington Post Investigative Fund. By: Ivory, D. Reat at: http://huffpostfund.org/stories/2010/07/weighing-safety-weed-killer-drinking-water-epa-relies-heavily-industry-backed-studie. Cited 2010 Jul 09.

EPA records show that companies with a financial interest in a weed-killer paid for thousands of studies federal regulators are using to assess the herbicide’s health risks while some independent studies documenting potentially harmful effects on animals and humans are not included in the research the EPA deems relevant to its safety review.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

• Global: Health Benefits of Urban Cycling Outweigh Risks (28 Jun 2010) Newswise. Read at: http://www.newswise.com/articles/health-benefits-of-urban-cycling-outweigh-risks. Cited 2010 Jul 05.

Research shows that in The Netherlands the health benefits of cycling are at least nine times greater than the hazards…

• USA: What We Still Don’t Know About Sunscreens (05 Jul 2010) The New York Times. By: The Editors. Read at: http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/05/what-we-still-dont-know-about-sunscreens/. Cited 2010 Jul 06.

The Food and Drug Administration is being asked to investigate reports suggesting a possible link between skin cancer and retinyl palmitate, an ingredient found in many sunscreen products.

• Hannibal, Montana, USA: Bed bugs catch Washington’s eye (05 Jul 2010) Hannibal Courier-Post. By: Henley, D. Read at: http://www.hannibal.net/news_state/x1237307517/Bed-bugs-catch-Washington-s-eye. Cited 2010 Jul 06.

A bill called “Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite Act,” was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Financial Services. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has seen a 71 percent increase in bed bug infestations since 2001.

• Barcelona, Spain: Study: Women Live Longer, But Not Well (O6 Jul 2010) WXII12.com. Read at: http://www.wxii12.com/health/24153258/detail.html. Cited 2010 Jul 07.

According to the new study, published in the Journal of Women’s Health, women have a more than 20 percent greater chance of suffering from bad health in their old age.The double burden of work (domestic work and work outside the home) is a key factor in explaining this difference.

• USA: How to Exhume a Body, Bobby Fischer’s or Otherwise (06 Jul 2010) AolNews. By: Drummond, K. Read at: http://www.aolnews.com/article/how-to-exhume-a-body-bobby-fischers-or-otherwise/19543297. Cited 2010 Jul 07.

This article examines the process of exhumation and reburial. It is rare, and legally difficult, to gain permission to exhume a body in order to collect DNA evidence; paternity is one of the few instances.

• Southeastern United States: Invasive “polluting plant” contributes to ozone levels (01 Jul 2010) Environmental Health News. By: Ryan, P.H. and Hessler, W. Read at: http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/invasion-of-kudzu-may-increase-ozone-levels/. Cited 2010 Jul 09.

Kudzu, a vine native to Asian, is now being accused of contributing to the production of ozone. Kudzu releases two key ingredients – nitric oxide and isoprene – that are important to making ozone.

FOOD

• Longmont, Colorado: Raw-milk illnesses jump to 26 (03 Jul 2010) TimesCalkl.com. By: Fryar, J. Read at: http://www.timescall.com/news_story.asp?ID=22591. Cited 2010 Jul 05.

Boulder County Public Health officials said on Friday that they had identified at least 26 cases of people who said they became ill after drinking raw milk from Billy Goat Dairy.

• USA: Antibiotics and meat don’t mix (06 Jul 2010) Los Angeles Times. Read at: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-fda-20100706,0,4692199.story. Cited 2010 Jul 07.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has finally acknowledged that extensive use of antibiotics in livestock has resulted in the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

GULF OIL SPILL

• USA: Banned Trailers Return for Latest Gulf Disaster (30 Jun 2010) The New York Times. By: Urbina, I. Read at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/01/us/01trailers.html?_r=1. Cited 2010 Jul 05.

FEMA trailers originally used during Hurricane Katrina to house families displaced but banned because they contained formaldehyde are now being used to house workers involved with the cleanup of the Gulf oil spill….

• Ecuador and USA: Delegation from oil-afflicted Amazon visits Louisiana tribes hit by BP disaster (01 Jul 2010) Facing South. Read at: http://www.southernstudies.org/2010/07/delegation-from-oil-afflicted-amazon-visits-louisiana-tribes-hit-by-bp-disaster.html. Cited 2010 Jul 05.

A delegation of indigenous and community leaders from Ecuador is visiting Louisiana this week at the invitation of the United Houma Nation, a tribe in coastal Lafourche and Terrebone, in order to share their experiences with oil spills in the Amazon.

• Louisiana, USA: Oil Spill Fuels Concern in Louisiana (05 Jul 2010) Nurse.com. By: Stringer, H. Read at: http://news.nurse.com/article/20100705/NATIONAL01/107050001/-1/frontpage. Cited 2010 Jul 06.

Experts from throughout the country convened in New Orleans from June 22nd to June 23rd, for a workshop hosted by the Institute of Medicine to discuss the potential health impact of the BP oil spill.

• USA: Group Demands BP Provide Cleanup Workers With Respirators (Update) » (08 Jul 2010) NYDailyNews.com. By: Bazinet, K.R. Read at: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/2010/07/group-demands-bp-provide-clean.html#ixzz0tBtNd7cT. Cited 2010 Jul 09.

Numerous group are putting pressure on the President, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the federal government to demand that BP allow every clean-up worker who wants to wear respiratory protective equipment to do so.

WATER

• Africa: Real-world proof of hand washing’s effectiveness (30 Jun 2010) EurekAlert. By: Bernstein, M. Read at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/acs-rpo063010.php. Cited 2010 Jul 05.

Reducing “fecal contamination on hands should be investigated as a strategy for improving stored drinking water quality and health among households using non-networked water supplies”….

• Global: Children should be educated on not turning into critical mass for wasting, mismanaging and misusing water (04 Jul 2010) Habib Toumi. Read at: http://www.habibtoumi.com/2010/07/05/children-should-be-educated-on-not-turning-into-critical-mass-for-wasting-mismanaging-and-misusing-water/. Cited 2010 Jul 06.

Studies have proven that children and young adults are the greatest water wasters.

• Lansing, Michigan, USA: Groups Say Law Protecting Great Lakes Health a “Dead Fish” (06 Jul 2010) Public News Service. By Miller, A. and Thornquist, L. Read at: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/14775-1. Cited 2010 Jul 07.

Advocates for children’s health are pushing for revision of the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976; the Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan and the Michigan Network for Children’s Environmental Health, among others, say the antiquated federal law does little to protect consumers.

WORK PLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

• USA: Twin BP Disasters Complicate Push for Safety (02 Jul 2010) Energy and Environment, The New York Times. By: Schor, E. Read at: http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/07/02/02greenwire-twin-bp-disasters-complicate-push-for-safety-59116.html?pagewanted=2. Cited 2010 Jul 05.

Eight months after its slap from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, BP has yet to pay the new penalties or set a deadline to correct problems identified by the agency.

• Ontario, Canada: Ontario unleashes OHS enforcement blitz (05 Jul 2010) Canadian Safety Reporter. By: Guilbert, S. Read at: http://www.safety-reporter.com/articleview.aspx?l=1&articleid=8012. Cited 2010 Jul 06.

A four month workplace safety enforcement blitz which started in May 2010 focuses on enhancing productivity, reducing workers’ compensation costs and reducing the strain on the health-care system.

• Minnetonka, Minnesota , USA: Emitted Mercury Vapor From Fluorescent Lamps Threatens Occupational Health and Safety (06 Jul 2010) 24-7 Press Release. Read at: http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/emitted-mercury-vapor-from-fluorescent-lamps-threatens-occupational-health-and-safety-157020.php. Cited 2010 Jul 06.

A broken 4-foot fluorescent lamp in a small room or vehicle can release enough mercury vapor to exceed the OSHA mercury exposure 8-hour limit–posing a significant occupational health risk.

• United Kingdom: 3M UK champions the use of reusable respirators (06 Jul 2010) The Engineer. Read at: http://www.theengineer.co.uk/mwp/news/3m-uk-champions-the-use-of-reusable-respirators/1003359.article. Cited 2010 Jul 07.

Reusable respirator are part of PPEs but if they are not cared for, they become less effective. This article looks at how to care for reusable respirators and how to record maintenance requirements.

• Arizona, USA: UA first to study contaminants in dust and water (08 Jul 2010) KVOA.com, Tucson and Southern Arizona News. By: Wing, T. Read at: http://www.kvoa.com/news/ua-first-to-study-contaminants-in-dust-and-water/. Cited 2010 Jul 09.

Groundbreaking research is underway at the University of Arizona studying the health effects of metal-laden dust created by mining.

• Alberta, Canada: Health hazards: Safety always comes first (08 Jul 2010) WorldPoultry.net. By: Yegani, M. Read at: http://www.worldpoultry.net/background/health-hazards-safety-always-comes-first-7676.html. Cited 2010 Jul 09.

The main objective of this article is to re-emphasise the crucial importance of minimising health hazards for employees in commercial poultry production settings.

• South Africa: Health and Wage Laws ‘Breached by Farmers’ (09 Jul 2010) AllAfrica.com. By: Chilwane, L. Read at: http://allafrica.com/stories/201007080752.html. Cited 2010 Jul 09.

Labour inspectors visited 100 farmers in the Western Cape last month and found that about 46% were not complying with health and wage laws.

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
• Water
• Work Place Health and Safety

DISEASE AND MEDICAL

UK: Spotlight on health (27 Jun 2010) The National

By: al Hassani, Z. Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100628/LIFE/706279947/1196. Cited 2010 Jun 28.

Whenever a celebrity goes public with their personnel health conditions, there is a positive effect on the population. Women are looking more closely at being vigilant about their health and screening increases by more than 20 per cent. But celebrities can also create negative reactions. Eight in 10 cases of breast cancer occur in women over the age of 50, but when celebrities are younger than 50, it can cause young women to worry unnecessarily, and may also mislead older women to think that ageing is not a factor in breast cancer. As for cervical cancer, even in the wake of Jade Goody’s diagnosis and subsequent death, the number of smear tests have fallen.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS

Australia: US bans health risk pesticide: endosulfan (26 Jun 2010) The Australian.

BY Dayton, L. Read more: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/us-bans-health-risk-pesticide-endosulfan/story-e6frg8y6-1225884027864. Cited 2010 Jun 28.

The EPA is in discussions with the manufacturer of endosulfan, Makhteshim Agan of North America, to “voluntarily terminate” all uses of endosulfan. The pesticide is known to be highly toxic and builds up in animals. Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority disagree with the ban and is supported by Growcom, the Queensland horticulture industry body, stating that “the scientific evidence suggested that endosulfan registrations are appropriate given the regulatory controls on use that are in place.”

California, USA: A Closer Look: Pesticides in strawberry fields (28 Jun 2010) Los Angeles Times

By: Adams, J. U. Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/health/la-he-closer-strawberries-pesticide-20100628,0,1359173.story. Cited 2010 Jun 28.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Methyl iodide, a soil fumigant, to be used in strawberry fields. The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) settled on 0.8 parts per billion as an acceptable exposure level of methyl iodide. The Pesticide Action Network feels that the fumigant is so toxic that it should not be registered for agricultural use.

USA: Why mercury is more dangerous in oceans (27 Jun 2010) Physorg.com

By: Hsu-Kim, H. Read more: http://www.physorg.com/news196856415.html. Cited 2010 Jun 28.

Duke University researchers have found that mercury Methylmercury tends to to latch onto chloride, the salt, in seawater. It also does not degrade easily and it is ingested by marine animals. Because fish and shellfish have a natural tendency to store methylmercury in their organs, they are the leading source of mercury ingestion for humans. Up 8 percent of American women have mercury levels higher than national guidelines.

Afghanistan: The New Agent Orange? Scientists Sound Alarm on Toxic Sand in Afghanistan (27 Jun 2010) The Huffington Post

By: Levine, A. Read More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/art-levine/the-new-agent-orange-scie_b_626904.html. Cited 2010 Jun 28.

Is toxic sand affecting the brains of soldiers causing memory imparment and concentration loss? The Navy said the findings are preliminary and that so far no definitive link has been found. The Afghanistan sand contains manganese (a potent neurotoxicant capable of damaging the brain and causing Parkinsons-like symptoms), silicon, iron, magnesium, aluminum, chromium and trace elements. There is a lot of controversy about possible effects and whether these cognitive symptoms are related to central brain problems, mental and emotional health problems, or a combination.

Nigeria: Oil Spill: Environment Practitioners Want Compensation from Shell (30 Jun 2010) This Day, African views on global news

By: Ezigbo, O. and Bassey, A. Read more: http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=177079. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

The leadership of Environmental Health Service Providers Association of Nigeria has asked the Anglo-Dutch oil exploration giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company to commence the process of remediation of all areas affected by its operations and to also ensure that the affected communities are adequately compensated. This decision was taken when The USA asked BP to pay compensation totalling about $20 billion.

Uganda: Lead poisoning highly prevalent among school-aged children in Uganda (29 Jun 2010) EurekAlert

Read More: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/tmsh-lph062910.php. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found that children living near the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala, Uganda, have blood lead levels nearly 20 times as high as the typical lead level found in U.S. children. Elevated blood lead levels (EBLL) are low for families that owned more household items and dug wells for their water supply and the population with higher socioeconomic status, but high for families that consumed more canned food and in children living within a half mile of the landfill.

USA: The Return of Superfund (27 Jun 2010) The New York Times

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/28/opinion/28mon2.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

The Environmental Protection Agency has now asked Congress to reinstate Superfund taxes. A bill introduce recently would see oil producers, refineries, chemical manufacturers and a few other industries being imposed excise taxes. The industry will fight the bill. There are now about 1,200 sites waiting to be cleaned up, of which roughly half are ‘orphan’ where sites have changed owners.

Germany and USA: At German Airports, Bees Help Monitor Air Quality (28 Jun 2010) The New York Times

By Mohn, T. Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/29/business/29airports.html?src=busln. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

Düsseldorf International Airport, along with seven others, are using bees as ‘biodetectives’, their honey regularly tested for toxins. Preliminary results showed the honey “was comparable to honey produced in areas without any industrial activity. A much larger data sampling over more time is needed for a definitive conclusion. Airport air quality has improved since more stringent standards and improved monitoring techniques have been initiated. The population in general, however, is not convinced that air quality has improved.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

London, UK.: British Gas to Give 15 Million Pounds Sterling of Free Solar Panels to British Schools (30 Jun 2010) Digital Journal

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/66518. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

British Gas today unveiled an unprecedented 15 million pounds Sterling investment in solar technology. The money will be use to equip 750 schools with solar panels. Each school will be able to generate its own free, green electricity, cutting as much as 20% off its annual electricity bill. The schools receiving solar panels will receive a British Gas smart meter, offering real time information so pupils can see the difference their solar panels are making. Specially created Generation Green lesson plans will help teachers engage their pupils in learning about renewable energy, and schools will be able to track their performance against others and share tips and advice via a specially designed website.

USA: Taking Public Transit Might Help You Stay Slim (29 Jun 2010) Bloomberg Businessweek

By: Reinberg, S. Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/640612.html. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

The Urban Environmental Studies Program at Drexel University in Philadelphia found that, on average, a typical 5-foot-5 commuter who used light rail transit (LRT) to get to and from work lost an average of 6.45 pounds over 12 to 18 months. Moreover, people who used the LRT had an 81 percent lower risk of becoming obese than people who did not use the system. More information is published in the August issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

USA: Exercise: Bicycling to Keep Off Extra Pounds (28 Jun 2010) The New York Times

By: Rabin, R. C. Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/29/health/research/29exer.html. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

Brisk walking helps obese women to loose weight. A new analysis, published in the June 28 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, looked at weight change and behavior from 1989 to 2005. They found that women who increased physical activities like brisk walking and bicycling by 30 minutes a day during the 16-year period maintained their weight and even lost a few pounds.

FOOD

USA: Americans taking too much salt (25 Jun 2010) The Money Times.

By: Sehgal, S. Read more: http://www.themoneytimes.com/featured/20100624/americans-taking-too-much-salt-id-10118598.html. Cited 2010 Jun 28.

Ten percent of the dietary sodium comes straight from the shakers, while a significant 77 percent of it comes from processed or restaurant foods. Salt intake should be no more than 1,500mg par day.

Canada: Canadians eat 50 percent too much salt (20 Jan 2010) Healthzone.ca

By: Creighton, J. Read More: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/dietfitness/article/752848–canadians-eat-50-percent-too-much-salt Cited 2010 Jun 28.

Health Canada studies indicate that 50 percent of Canadians are consuming too much sodium. Fast foods, processed foods and even in over-the-counter medications and prescriptions are the culprits. Health Canada recommends Canadians avoid or limit seasonings that are high in sodium, such as soy sauce, chili sauce, steak spice/sauce, salsa, meat tenderizer, bouillon, barbecue sauce, mustard and ketchup. Always compare labels and portion sizes, especially with cheeses, cereals, canned and frozen products, breads and crackers.

USA: FDA: Antibiotics in meat a ’serious’ public health threat (29 Jun 2010) Examiner.com

By: Adams, J. Read More: http://www.examiner.com/x-8543-SF-Health-News-Examiner~y2010m6d29-FDA-Antibiotics-in-meat-a-serious-public-health-threat. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

The FDA now recommends that producers use antibiotics only when medically necessary, and only under the supervision of a veterinarian. This will reduce the chances of creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can infect humans who consume the meat. Numerous meat producers use antibiotics on healthy animals to speed growth and reduce feed costs. The FDA expects to issue more specific guidelines in the near future.

GULF OIL SPILL

USA: The Oil Spill and Human Health: More Questions Than Answers (26 Jun 2010) DailyFinance.com

By Alazraki, M. Read more: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/health-effects-of-oil-spills-on-humans-more-questions-than-an/19530364/. Cited 2010 Jun 28.

As of Friday 25 Jun, 453 oil exposure complaints had been reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Of the total, 174 calls came from Louisiana, 111 from Florida, 95 from Alabama, and 38 from Mississippi. Gulf residents and cleanup workers exposure via inhalation, though skin contact is also common. The EPA has observed odor-causing pollutants associated with oil on the shore in the Gulf region at low levels. Questions have not been answered about exposure to dispersants and if the chemicals could cause cancer. The nunber of mental health cases have also increased.

USA: Public health risks of oil dispersants: Do we have a right to know? (29 Jun 2010) Justmeans

Read More: http://www.justmeans.com/Public-health-risks-of-oil-dispersants-Do-we-have-a-right-know/20879.html. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

Nalco, has refused to tell what active ingredients are in their product, making it impossible to assess what potential public health and environmental harms may result. The dispersant Corexit in use in the the Gulf of Mexico is described as being a “clear, hazy amber” with the smell of “hydrocarbon.” Company data sheets proclaim that “the potential human hazard is: Moderate”, and “the potential environmental hazard is: Low.” They do recommend protective clothing when working with the substances, the fumes alone appear to irritate sensitive mucus membranes such as nose, eyes, and throat, and cause gastrointestinal distress.

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: Gulf oil spill poses unique health challenges (28 Jun 2010) NewScientist

By: Stier, C. Read more: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19099-gulf-oil-spill-poses-unique-health-challenges.html. Cited 28 Jun 2010).

The results from last week’s meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana indicated that exposure to oil can make people sick, but over time the negative health effects are generally reversible. Crude oil contains has a complex chemical profile that constantly evolves as it ages and moves from the deep sea to the shoreline. At the moment, clean-up workers, especially volunteers, who may have inadequate training are at risk of developping health issues. Little is known about long-term health risks, but a public health researcher at the University of Coruña in Spain, has observed DNA changes in people exposed to the 2002 Prestige oil spill off the Galician coast. Increases in domestic violence, depression and drug abuse was observed after the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska. Pre-existing health problems, such as limited access to healthcare and poverty, further complicate this picture of the oil spill.

WATER

Oklahoma, USA: Curbing runoff sea pollution requires everyone’s efforts (2010) WaterWorld

Read more: http://www.waterworld.com/index/display/news_display/1212648112.html. Cited 2010 Jun 20.

The Ventura County Environmental Health Division and the Watershed Protection District joined together in 1992 to create a program called the Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program. Their mission is to protect beachgoers from poor ocean water quality by reducing polluted storm runoff. The environmental organization ‘Heal the Bay’ presented the results of their report and found that Ventura County Ventura County beaches earned straight A’s during dry weather and with all but two earning a B or higher in wet weather.

WORK PLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

Ontario, Canada: Taxi Drivers Should Be Declared “Workers” in Ontario (29 Jun 2010) Digital Journal

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/65919. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

Ontario Taxi Drivers from both Hamilton and Toronto presented proposals today to the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Panel. Jaswinder Bedi of the Ontario Taxiworkers Union called on the Ontario Government to recognize taxi drivers as workers covered under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Over 80% of current drivers are from racialized groups and are exposed to racial harassment and attacks. Taxis should be inspected regularly, and drivers should be trained. Too often brokers use illegal cabs and drivers who don’t hold licences to do trips for WSIB patients, ODSP clients and school children for the education boards.

California, USA: Porn stars protest proposed tougher rules requiring condom use on sets (30 Jun 2010) Los Angeles Times

By: Lin II, R-G. Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/scimedemail/la-me-porn-condoms-20100630,0,4035754.story. Cited 2010 Jun 30.

Porn actors and actresses on 29 Jun protested the possible strengthening of rules requiring condom use in adult movies at a California occupational health and safety hearing in downtown Los Angeles. They feel that screening for some sexually transmitted diseases monthly, were enough to protect them. Los Angeles County public health officials said on 29 Jun that condom use needs to be enforced on porn sets. The additional regulations being considered by Cal/OSHA would be written specifically for the porn industry. No decision were made at the meeting. Another hearing is scheduled for later this year in San Francisco.

USA: Democrats Draft Measure to Tighten Coal-Mine Safety (29 Jun 2010) Bloomberg Business Week

By: Rosenkrantz, H. Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-29/democrats-draft-measure-to-tighten-coal-mine-safety.html Cited 2010 Jun 30.

Democrats in Congress are drafting legislation that would make it easier to shut mines with repeated safety violations. This decision follows Massey Energy Co. coal mine where 29 men died in the 05 April explosion. The bill would boost penalties for some types of violations and add protections for whistleblowers who report safety lapses. There will also be pay protection for miners who are out of work when violations lead to a mine being shut. Massey is challenging the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for having rejected a proposed ventilation system. Regulators are seeking to change a system in which Massey and other mining companies appeal safety violations to delay or avoid safety enforcement actions.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Ontario Health Care System Lags Far Behind in Occupational Health & Safety: RNs make 58 recommendations for improvement (28 Jun 2010) Ontario Nurses’ Association

Read more: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2010/28/c8738.html. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

Representatives from the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) met on 28 Jun at the Centre for Health and Safety. They presented 58 recommendations to the Expert Advisory Panel to Review Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety System. Ontario health care facilities lag decades behind the rest of the workforce and fail to meet even the minimum health and safety standards.

USA: Respiratory Protection For Healthcare Workers – Comply With The OSHA Regulation (2010) Osha safety and health

Read more: http://www.ontariofiresafety.com/815-respiratory-protection-for-healthcare-workers-comply-with-the-osha-regulation.html. Cited 2010 Jun 29.

“The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor has published OSHA 3328-05, 2007 “Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers”. Among other things the Guidance directly addresses the need for healthcare employers to establish a comprehensive respiratory protection program that includes all of the elements specified in 29CFR 1910.134. Although, the Guidance does not technically carry the weight of a regulatory standard, OSHA may use its enforcement authority under the General Duty Clause, (Section 5(a) (1) since a pandemic has been declared…..”

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
• HIV / Aids
• Water
• Work Place Health and Safety

DISEASE AND MEDICAL

California, USA: Whooping cough now an epidemic in California (23 Jun 2010) Blogs/Bad AstronomyDiscover

By: Plait, P. Read more: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2010/06/23/whooping-cough-now-an-epidemic-in-california/. Cited 2010 Jun 25.

The California Department of Public Health are aware of over 900 cases of pertussis in that state this year, over four times as many as this time last year (and 600 more suspected cases are being investigated). There have been five deaths this year from pertussis as well, all babies under three months of age. Unfortunately, infants are only protected when they have completed the first schedule of vaccinations, when they reach 6 months. It appear that antivaccination activists have allowed a resurgence of pertussis, measles, rubella, and even polio.

USA: President Obama Takes Fitness, Sports and Nutrition to the Next Level (23 Jun 2010) The Huffington Post

By: Ross, R. and Washington, D. Dr. tread more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-ross/president-obama-takes-fit_b_622774.html. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

On June 24, President Obama announced his “Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.” He used contemporary sports heroes and industry leaders in areas of healthy living, cooking, coaching and nutrition from a diversity of backgrounds, each with an incredible personal story to give a powerful message for the young. Something as simple as changing the name of the Council — which previously was predominantly focused on sports and fitness — to include nutrition, is a sea change that should not be overlooked. the President even put some chefs on the team, and not just any old line cooks, we’re talking high-caliber chefs on par with some of the world’s best athletes.

UK: Cell Phone Towers Aren’t Linked to Cancer Study Shows Kids Don’t Face Cancer Risk if Moms Lived Near Towers During Pregnancy (23 Jun 2010) WebMD

By: Hendrick, B. Read more: http://children.webmd.com/news/20100623/cell-phone-towers-arent-linked-to-cancer. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

The researchers say this is the first study to look at cell phone towers, known as base stations, and the possible effects of living near these towers. The researchers found no correlation, though they concede that their focus was on early childhood cancers and did not include longer-term effects or other potential effects on health that have been associated with the use of cell phones.

USA: Vitamin D Health: Why You Shouldn’t Shun the Sun (22 Jun 2010) The Huffington Post

By: Lipman, F. Dr. Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-frank-lipman/vitamin-d-health-why-you_b_619558.html. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

Is sunlight really that dangerous? How come we, in the western world suffer from vitamin D deficiency and high rate of cancer? Humans can prevent 16 types of cancer by exposing themselves to the sun in a safe, smart way and by getting unprotected sun exposure. This article provides 10 tips on how to get this a healthy sun exposure and optimizing your vitamin D levels.

USA: Should Church control access to health care? (21 Jun 2010) The Washington Post ON Faith

By: Northup, N. Read more: http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2010/06/should_church_control_health_care.html. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

This article looks at what happens when the Catholic Church interferes with reproductive health. The case is based on a nun who was excommunicated and demoted for having shown compassion to a critically ill young woman who was seeking an abortion.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS

California, USA: State launches Kettleman City environmental probe (17 Jun 2010) Central Valley Business Times

Read more: http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=15497. Cited 2010 Jun 18.

Scientists from the California Air Resources Board, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the State Water Resources Control Board are participating in the environmental investigation in to an unusual number of birth defects reported by the residents of Kettleman City. The investigation will last 10 weeks and will include air and water sampling, soil testing. The California Department of Public Health will release a draft of the results early next fall.

USA: Roundup resistant weeds pose environmental threat (21 Jun 2010) Associated Press

By: Mercer, D. Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jhIU9-B0h4pfKJVJDadwRUYkY_wgD9GFT01G0. Cited 2010 jun 22.

Roundup (glyphosate) has become unreliable in killing at least 10 weed species. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers Roundup to have little toxicity to people and animals so the herbicide can be apply on emerging crops. But 10 years ago in Delaware, Roundup tolerant weeds began to thrive. Now companies are looking at creating new seeds resistant to older weed killers Dicamba and 2,4-D, driving up the reliance on herbicides. Dicamba and 2,4-D when applied drift fairly easily possibly affecting neighboring crops and wild plants as well as threatening wildlife. A Better weed control options, such as planting so-called cover crops, need to be considered.

USA: 137Cesium Exposure and Spirometry Measures in Ukrainian Children 
Affected by the Chernobyl Nuclear Incident

By Svendsen, E. R. and al. Read more: http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.0901412. Cited 2010 Jun 25.

The long-term health and environmental consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe are not yet fully known despite 23 years of research and considerable disagreement among government agencies, health professionals, and scientists. A “natural experiment” approach and a longitudinal prospective cohort study design, investigated the association of soil 137Cs and spirometry measures for 415 children using 1,888 repeated measurements from 1993 to 1998. The results indicated that chronic exposure to low-dose radioactive contaminants found downwind of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant was associated with airway obstruction and restriction in children living in the Narodichesky region.

USA: Moldy homes a serious risk for severe asthma attacks in some (24 Jun 2010) EurekAlert

By: Savoie, K. Read more: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/ats-mha062110.php. Cited 2010 Jun 25.

Research published online on the American Thoracic Society’s journal Web site ahead of the print edition of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that the interaction between environmental mold exposure and certain variants of chitinase genes were positively associated with severe asthma exacerbations requiring hospitalization. Researchers found that certain variants of the chitinase gene CHIT1, in conjunction with high mold exposure, were associated with increased risk of severe asthma attacks.

USA: Update: 1-Lawmakers ask USDA to deny Monsanto GMO alfalfa (24 Jun 2010) Reuters

By Gillam, C. Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2326472520100623. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

U.S. lawmakers call for a continued ban on biotech alfalfa despite a Supreme Court ruling this week that cleared the way for limited planting pending environmental reviews. Called “Roundup Ready” alfalfa, it was created to tolerate Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide. The lawmakers cited contaminations in several fields during the two years that the biotech alfalfa was grown commercially despite the fact that those conventional fields were far from the biotech fields. Monsanto is impatient and wants to sell their seed as soon as possible.

World wide: Use of BPA must be limited, say scientists (23 Jun 2010) The Independent

By: Hickman, M. Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/use-of-bpa-must-be-limited-say-scientists-2007841.html. Cited 2020 Jun 23.

A group of 60 scientists backed by environmental, health and women’s organisations from around the world are now calling into question the safety of BPA. France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden have taken precautionary action to limit the use of BPA, however, the UK Food Standards Agency believes that BPA is safe. New research, such as that conducted by Yale University into breast cancer, indicated that BPA was a real and present danger to health.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

China: Interview in The Diplomat on Environmental Health in China (May 2010) (04 Jun 2010) China Environmental Health Project

By: Kreitzer, L. Read more: http://www.wku.edu/cehp/?p=509. Cited 2010 Jun 18.

China is facing environmental challenges in terms of both air and water pollution. In the rural south-west provinces of the country, agricultural contaminants, including pesticides and chemical fertilizers are present in low concentrations in drinking water. The southwest karst region which covers about 500,000 square kilometres, has limited water resources because of the land formation; resident have to walk long distances to collect water. The Ministry of Land and Resources and the Ministry of Science and Technology are providing large grants and other support to enhance water research.

USA: Why Skin Cancer Is on the Rise (21 Jun 2010) Health and Cancer, Fox News

By: Fox, St. Read More: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,594983,00.html. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

Since the invention of the tanning bed, melanoma rates have increased by 2 percent in the general population especially in young women. Endorphins produced during tanning give users an addictive sense of joy and pleasure. The increase in melanoma and the addictive quality of tanning has caused tanning beds to be tagged as a public health hazard

Madrid, Spain: Harmful bacteria carried by pigeons (21 Jun 2010) EuekAlert

By: Baldwin, G. Read more: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/bc-hbc061810.php. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

Researchers in Madrid Spain have found that Chlamydophila psittaci and Campylobacter jejuni, two zoonotic pathogens in feral pigeons, are highly prevalent in their bird population. These birds may pose a public health risk from their excrement as well as by direct contact or indirect contact through food and water contamination. Campylobacter jejuni infection causes more cases of acute diarrhea in countries such as England and Wales, Canada, Australia and New Zealand than Salmonella species.

North Carolina, USA: Heat Sprawl Study Suggests Sprawling Cities Experience More Extreme Heat in Summer (23 Jun 2010) Environmental Health Perspectives (NIEHS), YubaNet. com

Read More: http://yubanet.com/enviro/Heat-Sprawl.php. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

A study examining the number of very hot days in 53 U.S. metropolitan regions between 1956 and 2005 indicated that the number of very hot days is increasing worldwide, but the rate of increase is more than double in the most sprawling metropolitan regions compared with more compact cities. This was true regardless of the urban regions’ climate zone, population size, or rate of growth. Sprawl and land-use regulations appear to influence the frequency of very hot days. Deforestation and loss of vegetative cover are the main reasons that cities become much hotter than surrounding areas.

Newark, New Jersey, USA: Passengers’ hot, dark hours stranded on plane in Conn. renew debate about tarmac time limit (23 Jun 2010) International Breaking News, Brandon Sun

By: Porter, D. Read more: http://www.brandonsun.com/world/breaking-news/passengers-on-virgin-atlantic-flight-say-they-were-kept-on-hot-jet-for-hours-at-us-airport-96969354.html?thx=y. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

300 passengers were marooned in plans left standing on the tarmac between late 22 June and early 23 June at Bradley International Airport outside Hartford. An unknown number of passengers felt ill from the heat that built up inside the cabins of the stranded aircraft. A federal three-hour limit on tarmac strandings went into effect in April this year, but the limit does not apply to international flights and overseas airlines. Consumer advocates have pleaded with the Transportation Department to include international flights in the three-hour limit, but they were told that it was not possible because the department did not have data to support such a move.

Ghana: Social AMA Prosecutors AMA Sanitation Prosecutors cautioned not to comprise their position (21 Jun 2010) GhanaWeb

Read more: http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/regional/artikel.php?ID=184619. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) Public Health Unit, has trained 20 prosecutors for the Environmental Sanitation Courts to be operational in July 2010. They are asked not to compromise their positions by bending the law in the course of rendering services to the state but ensure fairness to all. Bending the law has, in the past, caused poor waste management and lack of sanitation in the metropolis of Accra.

FOOD

Anchorage, Alaska USA: 2nd person suspected of shellfish poisoning dies (22 Jun 2010) Associated Press, The Las Vegas Sun

By: Pemberton, M. Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jun/22/2nd-person-suspected-of-shellfish-poisoning-dies/. Cited 2010 Jun 23.

Anchorage has seen a second suspected case of paralytic shellfish poisoning in less than a week. The crab he ate was caught in front of Jenkins Rock near the Chilkat Inlet of Lynn Canal in Haines. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has posted warning signs about the danger of paralytic shellfish poisoning at suspect locations. So far a total of five cases of suspected paralytic shellfish poisoning have been reported in the past two weeks. This could be due to several very low tides that brought out recreational and subsistence clammers and crabbers.

Burlington, North Carolina, USA: Health officials scrutinize roadside food stands (21 Jun 2010) News 14 Carolina

By: Costner, B. Read more: http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/triad/627337/health-officials-scrutinize-roadside-food-stands. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

The Alamance Health Department have shut about a dozen unpermitted food stands after an increased number of customers complained to the health department.

Springfield, Illinois, USA: State health department takes additional steps to protect the public against Salmonella outbreak (21 Jun 2010) CantonDailyLedger.com

Read More: http://www.cantondailyledger.com/news/x1353755691/State-health-department-takes-additional-steps-to-protect-the-public-against-Salmonella-outbreak. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

“SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — To help prevent a secondary outbreak of Salmonella serotype Hvittingfoss associated with SUBWAY® restaurants in the state, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is requiring food handlers in 46 restaurants currently linked to the outbreak, to have two consecutive test results that are negative for Salmonella serotype Hvittingfoss before being allowed to return to work. Food handlers infected with salmonellosis (illness caused by Salmonella bacteria), can inadvertently pass the bacteria to restaurant patrons, causing them to become sick….”

GULF OIL SPILL

USA: BP Should Stand For Big Problems (17 Jun 2010) Triplepundit

By: Cheeseman G. M. Read more: http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/06/bp-should-stand-for-big-problems/. Cited 2010 Jun 18.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee Congressional investigators found BP ignoring recommendations on well design, cementing, drilling, and the installation of safety devices. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) went further by accusing BP of indifference toward their employee safety.

USA: BP Agrees To Create Payout Fund (17 Jun 2010) Red Orbit

By Red Orbit Staff & Wire Reports. Read more: http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1880387/bp_agrees_to_create_payout_fund/. Cited 2010 Jun 18.

BP agreed on 16 Jun to put $20 billion over a four-year period into a fund to meet growing oil spill claims. The company will establish a $100-million foundation to assist unemployed rig workers. BP will not be granted the $75 million federal liability cap. Health concerns for BP employee working close to the sunken rig and residents on the Louisiana coast were raised. Air sampling results released last week showed air contaminant level to exceed those recommended by the National Institute of Occupational Health and Exposure.

USA: Gulf Cleanup Training Ignores Advice From Health Agency, Official Says (18 Jun 2010) Pro Publica

By: Chavkin, S. Read more: http://www.propublica.org/feature/gulf-cleanup-training-ignores-advice-from-health-agency-official-says. Cited 2010 Jun 18.

The current four hour course on health and safety risk does not provide the necessary training for the booming and skimming workers.Gulf cleanup training ignores the health effects of chemical inhalation, dispersants, and the risks of direct contact with weathered crude oil. OSHA is working with BP to develop a new eight-hour curriculum.

New Orleans, USA: Oil spill stirs study, debate over health impacts (21 Jun 2010) Associated Press

By: Stobbe, M. Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hILBrQ487ULtAlNOHJgIACZZysGgD9GFOOAO0. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

Public health officials and scientists discuss the health impacts of the Gulf oil spill at a two-day meeting beginning on 22 Jun in New Orleans. They will also look at how best to watch for potential problems as well as illnesses arising from the oil spill due to air quality, exposure to oil residue on beaches, beach safety, the safety of seafood and possible long term health effects.

USA: BP Continues to Use Surface Dispersants in Gulf Despite EPA Directive (24 Jun 2010) The New York Times

By Schor, E. Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/06/24/24greenwire-bp-continues-to-use-surface-dispersants-in-gul-80293.html. Cited 2010 Jun 25.

Dispersants could cause unknown health risks to human and marine life which prompted EPA to direct the company to stop using the chemicals, except “in rare cases”. There is a specific concern for workers exposed to dispersants spread aerially by planes; it seems that workers have been sprayed [by dispersant], but are afraid to seek medical attention because they fear the loss of their jobs. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), however, affirm that its tests show no risk of unsafe chemical exposure among responders to the spill.

USA: Mental Health Fallout From Oil Spill Just Beginning (23 Jun 2010) Fox News

By: Pouliot, K. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,595202,00.html. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed they are investigating the deaths of two men who were hired by BP as clean-up workers, one a boat captain, who become so despondent over the situation he took his own life. A panel of experts at a hearing in New Orleans, La. expressed their growing concerns over the long-term effects of exposure to the toxic chemicals in the oil, highlighting the fact that so little research has been done in this area to predict what lies ahead for those affected by the spill.

New Orleans, USA: Environmental & Occupational Health Expert Available to Discuss Potential Health Effects of Gulf Oil Spill on Clean-up Workers, Volunteers (23 Jun 2010) Newswise

Read More: http://www.newswise.com/articles/umdnj-environmental-occupational-health-expert-available-to-discuss-potential-health-effects-of-gulf-oil-spill-on-clean-up-workers-volunteers. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

A University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) environmental and occupational health expert on human exposure to toxic substances has recommended strategic training and monitoring of workers and volunteers exposed to the Gulf oil spill to identify, and possibly mitigate, human health risks. Since the oil spill situation changes daily, reviews of Occupational Health and Safety must change too.

USA: Health Data Gaps, BP Suspicions Worry U.S. Panelists (22 Jun 2010) Bloomberg Businessweek

By Wechsler P. and Gross N. Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-22/health-data-gaps-bp-suspicions-worry-u-s-panelists.html. Cited 2010 Jun 23.

The Institute of Medicine convened a workshop and asked panel members to supply guidance on what types of programs the agency should consider funding. The National Institutes of Health have set aside $10 million to study the the impact of the oil spill on workers and residents. A toxicologist at the Universidad de A Coruna in Spain, will inform the panel about the results of research done on workers who helped clean up after the 2002 Prestige Oil spill. They have found genotoxicity biomarkers on workers, coastal residents and fishermen, placing these people into an increase risk of developing cancer later on in their life.

USA: Health impact of oil murky — and mild — so far (22 Jun 2010) Msnbc.com

By: Aleccia J. Read more: http://fieldnotes.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/06/22/4544388-health-impact-of-oil-murky-and-mild-so-far. Cited 2020 Jun 23.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals have only had 143 reported cases of oil-related illnesses as of this week out of the 33,000 workers and volunteers involved in cleaning up the spill. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will be monitoring workers to see if they will develop any medical condition from the oil spill exposure. So far 14,664 workers have volunteered for the study.

New Orleans, USA: Gulf oil spill puts mental health at risk, too (21 Jun 2010) USA Today

By: Weise, E. Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-06-22-oilhealth22_ST_N.htm. Cited 2010 Jun 22.

Experts who spoke at an Institute of Medicine workshop pooled their findings; what they discovered is that after the sinking of the Prestige oil tanker in 2002 off the Galician coast of Spain, only about half people who were exposed to oil during the cleanup wore protective masks. These exposed workers have a higher risk of DNA damage and a decrease in blood zinc levels from exposure to heavy metals. As for mental health, results from hurricanes Katrina and Gustav indicated that people are drinking more and prone to increased domestic conflict.

HIV / AIDS

Baltimore, Maryland, USA: Take the Test, Take Control on June 27 National HIV Testing Day (22 Jun 2010) My Fox

Read more: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/maryland/take-the-test-take-control-on-june-27-national-hiv-testing-day-062210. Cited 2020 Jun 23.

Since the state of Maryland ranked second among U.S. states and territories in the rate of AIDS diagnoses during 2008, HIV testing in the state will be free. This is a way to reach a segment of the population who are living with HIV, but who are unaware of their condition.

WATER

Bangladesh: New study links 1 in 5 deaths in Bangladesh to arsenic in the drinking water (23 Jun 2010) EurekAlert

By: Berger S. Read more: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/cums-nsl062310.php. Cited 2010 jun 25.

A prospective, longitudinal study involving 12,000 people in Bangladesh tracked for over a decade indicated that one in five deaths in Bangladesh (population: 125 million) is associated with exposure to water from wells with arsenic concentrations greater than 10 micrograms per liter. The high mortality rates associated with arsenic exposure began with the widespread installation of tube wells throughout the country 30 years ago—a measure intended to control water-borne diseases. The mass poisoning in Bangladesh was a result of well-intentioned efforts on the part of aid and development agencies in the 1970s. Digging deeper wells is the solution.

Worldwide: Report offers first worldwide estimate of investments in combating water pollution (22 Jun 2010) EurekAlert

By: Dold, M. Read more: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/bc-rof062110.php. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

Like carbon trading, water trading allows polluters to meet a mandated limit, either by reducing their discharges or by purchasing a credit tied to a reduction achieved elsewhere in the watershed, such as by a farmer, forest owner, or waste water treatment plant. Most of the 72 trading programs studied in the report are located in the US, but they also can be found in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.Global beverage companies such as Coca-Cola and SAB Miller have been engaged in watershed protection programs for the past several years. And Nestlé in France has paid farmers to manage animal waste and reforest sensitive areas to protect the mineral water used in its Vittel line of bottled water since the mid 1990s. Latin America has emerged as the global leader in innovative market-based clean water programs.

WORK PLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

Saskatchewan, Canada: City of Saskatoon pleads guilty under Saskatchewan’s Occupational Health and Safety regulations (17 Jun 2010) Oye! Times

By:Menon, T. Read more: http://www.oyetimes.com/news/45-canada/3815-city-of-saskatoon-pleads-guilty-under-saskatchewans-occupational-health-and-safety-regulations. Cited 2010 Jun 18.

The city of Saskatoon pleads guilty to charges which arose after an Occupational Health Officer conducted a routine inspection of a work site in early September. The city was found guilty of failing to ensure workers were protected from trench cave-ins.

California, USA: Whistleblowers left hanging in Golden State (23 Jun 2010) Southern California Public Radio

By: Levin, M. Read more: http://www.scpr.org/news/2010/06/23/whistleblowers-left-hanging-golden-state/. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act protects wistleblowers against discrimination, but in California, it is different. California ranked last or next to last among 24 states in the amount of time it took to complete investigations — averaging of 484 instead of the maximum of 90 days. California success rates at resolving cases in such cases most years stands at 15 percent or less, according to U.S. figures. The main reason cited for investigations to drag is that there are only five investigators to clear a large backlog and handle new complaints. The California Department of Industrial Relations mentions that they have implemented changes that are resulting in measured improvements.

USA: MMS Moving to Mandate Safety Standards for Rig Workers (23 Jun 2010) Energy and Environment, The New York Times

BY: Schor, E. Read More: http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/06/23/23greenwire-mms-moving-to-mandate-safety-standards-for-rig-57025.html. Cited 2010 Jun 24.

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) is looking at turning the recommended worker safety guideline, drafted with the American Petroleum Institute, into a mandatory program. Lawmakers on both sides raised questions about which agency should lead safety inspections of offshore rigs. OSHA has authority over worker safety on land and up to 3 miles offshore. The Coast Guard jurisdiction extends over offshore rigs, but now, MMS have been delegated some safety inspection responsibilities.

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
• HIV / Aids
• Nanotechnology and Environmental Health
• Water
• Work Place Health and Safety

DISEASE AND MEDICAL

California, USA: No changes in restrictions on gay blood donors (12 Jun 2010) Los Angeles Times

By: Zajac, A. Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-blood-gays-20100612,0,5423475.story. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

A high-level federal public health committee voted 9 to 6 against to making changes to the restrictions imposed in 1983 on blood donations by gay men. The panel is now proposing to improve blood safety by creating a protocol of prescreening to identify gay men who are not high risk, as well as heterosexuals who are high risk and not weeded out by the current system.

USA: Those who eat brown rice may have less diabetes (14 Jun 2010) Reuters

By Brooks, M. Read More: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65D5DY20100614. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

Rice consumption has increased by threefolds since 1930s. Unfortunatly, white rice, being refined, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Brown rice has fiber, vitamins and minerals that lower the risk of diabetes by 11 percent if eaten two or more servings each week.

UK: Mobile phone users face ‘brain tumour pandemic’, say campaigners (15 Jun 2010) Telegraph.co.uk

By: Beckford, M. Read More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7826920/Mobile-phone-users-face-brain-tumour-pandemic-say-campaigners.html. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

Cancer charities said the new claims from the results of a decade-long Interphone study were “overblown”. This study came from an agency of the UN’s World Health Organisation and was carried out in 13 countries. The conclusion states that making calls for more than half an hour a day could increase users’ risk of developing brain cancer by as much as 40 per cent, but these results may have been affected by statistical error or bias.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS

Tila Byehta, India: Recycling India’s e-waste brings jobs to poor — and health, environmental fears (12 Jun 2010) The Washington Post.

By: Lakshmi, R.  Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/11/AR2010061106103.html. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

Obsolete computer and cellphone recycling is exposing men, women and children to toxic elements when they retrive copper wireing. Old computers are given to India from developping countries as charity and as educational tools. Now, however, the government feels that India is being used as a dumping ground for old electronics. The country is looking at banning the importation of used computers and at building licensed recycling plants.

South Africa: Researchers throw light on asthmatic kids (13 Jun 2010) Times Live.

By: Pillay, S.  Read more: http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article500463.ece/Researchers-throw-light-on-asthmatic-kids. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

A team of seven researchers have release a report entitled “The relationship between asthma and ambient air pollutants among primary school students in Durban, South Africa”. Asthma was prevalent in 52% of a sample group from the Durban South Basin (SDB) school.

USA: Washington Digest: Senate backs EPA on greenhouse gases (13 Jun 2010) Las Vegas Review-Journal.

By: Tetreauly, S. Read more: http://www.lvrj.com/news/washington-digest-senate-backs-epa-on-greenhouse-gases–96240114.html. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

A Senate vote last week allowed the Environmental Protection Agency to move forward with new rules to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The debate, however, caused a Senate split over how to proceed on climate change.

Salt Lake City, Utha, USA: Residents to Chevron: Clean up the mess (12 Jun 2010) The Salt Lake Tribune.

By: Alberty, E.  Read more: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_15284499?source=most_viewed. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

“A leak from Chevron’s underground oil pipeline may have gone undetected for hours as it spilled 50 gallons of crude a minute Saturday into Salt Lake City’s Red Butte Creek.” The leak affected residents along a 6 mile stretch of the line. Wildlife was also affected; 150 birds mostly Canada geese and Mallard ducks were sent to Hogle Zoo for clean up. “We will get to the bottom of how this happened,” Becker vowed. “And we will address necessary measures to make sure the community continues to be protected in the future. We are not going to rest until we see the cleanup complete. We will obviously work with Chevron but we’re not going to leave this to Chevron.”

USA: New link between pollution, temperature and sleep-disordered breathing (14 Jun 2010) EurekAlert

By: Savoie, K. Read more: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/ats-nlb061410.php. Cited 2010 Jun 15.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects up to 17 percent of U.S. adults. Elevation in ambient air pollution would be associated with an increased risk of SDB and nocturnal hypoxia, as well as with reduced sleep quality. Other research has found an association between elevation in pollution and increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In the summer, increases in PM10 (particulate matter) were also associated with an increase in the Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI).

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA: Davis County plants booms to prevent oil leak (14 Jun 2010) Standard-Examiner.

Read More: http://www.standard.net/topics/events/2010/06/14/davis-county-plants-booms-prevent-oil-leak. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

An estimated 33,000 gallons of crude oil from a Chevron pipe rupture is being retained by booms on the Jordan River. So far only a small amount of cride oil has leaked through the booms. Environmental health officials will check the booms twice a day. The Department of Environmental Quality has staff monitoring the water quality.

USA: Endosulfan to be banned, poses ‘unacceptable risks’ to farm workers and wildlife, EPA says (10 June 2010) Environmental Health News

By Cone, M. Read More: http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/endosulfan-ban. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

The last organochlorine pesticides still used in the United States will be banned. The Environmental Protection Agency made this announcement after declaring that the insecticide Endosulfan, used on vegetables, apples and cotton,”“poses unacceptable risks” to farm workers and wildlife. Tests on lab animals prove that endosulfan is toxic to the nervous system and can damage the kidney, liver and male reproductive organs.

Boise, Idaho, USA: EPA: Company must halt poison gas at SE Idaho site (15 Jun 2010) Bloomberg Businessweek

By: Miller, J. Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9GBMPA06.htm. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

On June 14th, the Environmental Protection Agency ordered Philadelphia-based FMC Corp to halt toxic, explosive gases leaking from a plant that closed in 2001 and is now a southeastern Idaho Superfund; capped ponds still continue to produce phosphine gas. Pond 15S is now considered an health hazard to anyone in close proximity especially workers, visitors and potential trespassers. FMC Corp will have to extract and treat hazardous gases from other ponds on the site as well.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Nigeria: NEHRC to Establish Institute in Bauchi, Oyo (11 Jun 2010) All Africa.com

By: Edeh, S. Read more: http://allafrica.com/stories/201006110894.html. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

The National Environmental Health Regulatory Council, or NEHRC, in Nigeria has selected Bauchi and Oyo states for the establishment of an Environment Institute which specializes in post-graduate degrees. It will be the first of its kind in West Africa.

UK: Study shows unhealthy Scots live dangerously (11 Jun 2010) Reuters

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/11/AR2010061101304.html. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

Researchers from Glasgow studied the data from a Scottish Health Survey carried out in 2003. What they found is that 97.5 percent of adults have habits or lifestyles that are dangerous to health. These habits may be caused by poor education and low income. Researchers suspect similar trends in the rest of the UK.

Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA: Study scrutinizes use of ingredient in sunscreen (14 Jun 2010) FortWayne.com

By: Boen, J. L. Read more: http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100614/LIVING/6140304. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is worried about a vitamin A derivative called retin-A found in sunscreens. The Food and Drug Administration is concerned that this anti-aging vitamine may in fact help the development of skin cancer but the EWG feels that the FDA failed to issue regulations on sunscreen labeling to manufacturers…

FOOD

California, USA: Lead Found in Children’s Foods and Baby Foods; Legal Notices Sent to Law Enforcement (09 Jun 2010) Environmental Law Foundation

Read more: http://www.envirolaw.org/documents/FINALNewsRelease.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 15.

Read more: http://www.envirolaw.org/documents/ProductsTestedforLeadFINAL.pdf. Cited 2010 Jun 15.

The Environmental Law Foundation (“ELF”) filed Notices of Violation of California Proposition 65 Toxics Right to Know law. These notices were sent to law enforcement officials, including the California Attorney General and 58 county District Attorneys. These notices ask companies to be complient within 60 days from the date of reception by either reducing or eliminating the lead or by placing “clear and reasonable warnings” on the food packages.

USA: Panel calls for foodmakers to change to fight U.S. Obesity (16 Jun 2010) USA Today

By: Hellmich, N. Read More: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2010-06-16-dietaryguidelines16_ST_N.htm. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services will release the final 2010 dietary guidelines at the end of June. Part of these guidelines will “encourage restaurants and the food industry to offer health-promoting foods that are low in sodium; limited in added sugars, refined grains and solid fats; and served in smaller portions”. Americans will be encouraged toshift to a more plant-based diet, reduce intake of food and increase physical activities.

New York City, New York, USA: Removing Mysterious Sell-By Date From Milk Cartons (15 Jun 2010) City Room

By: Hager, E.B. Read More: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/15/removing-a-mysterious-sell-by-date-from-milk-cartons/. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

An old regulation where two expiration dates had to be placed on milk container will be a thing of the past. The city’s Board of Health voted to eliminate the New York City date, and keeping the industry’s recommended date, set to 15 days after pasteurization. “The change awaits a 30-day public comment period and a final vote, but it is expected to be adopted”.

GULF OIL SPILL

USA: BP’s plan to protect spill workers inadequate, experts say (09 Jun 2010) The Miami Herald, Politics AP

By: Taylor, M. Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/09/1672293/bps-plan-to-protect-spill-workers.html. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

Since federal regulations do not specify safety thresholds for volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, BP is not required to protect oil spill workers in anyway until conditions become more dangerous. Air monitoring carried out by Occupational Safety and Health Administration and BP indicated that the air offshore meets federal standards. A BP spokesman has stressed that workers who are burning off the oil, applying the dispersant, drilling the relief wells and performing other operations near the source of spill are protected. BP’s occupational health and safety plan is being managed by professionals. Expert disagree. Workers are exposed to VOCs more than eight hours a day. OSHA specifiied that its agency jurisdiction only applies as far as three miles off shore.

USA: Is It Safe to Go in the Gulf Coast’s Water? (10 Jun 2010) Bloomberg BusinessWeek

By: Goodwin, J. Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/639992.html. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

Experts are divided over the possible health risks to beachgoers. The health risks are from volatile compounds which cause dizziness, nausea, headaches and cough. There is also the presence of toxic and cancer-causing chemicals which tend to persist in the environment. Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) have confirmed that the data provided by BP is correct and that cleanup crews have not been exposed to harmful levels of toxins. Beachgoers should check with local or state authorities before heading to the beach.

USA: Risk of gulf oil spill health problems have CDC on alert (10 Jun 2010) AboutLawsuits.com

Read more: http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/gulf-oil-spill-health-risks-cdc-10694/. Cited 2010 Jun14.

The U.S. Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced on 07 Jun that 132 federal investigators and health experts were dispatched on site “to watch for and respond to potential oil spill health problems”. The CDC is providing information “to oil industry workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and other volunteers, state and federal workers in the area”. The CDC feels that pollutants may cause temporary irritation, but no long term side effects.

USA: Gulf Coast States Tally Oil Spill Illnesses (10 Jun 2010) NewsInferno

Read more: http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/21096. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

Health officials in Louisiana are aware of 71 cases of oil spill-related illness. Of that number, fifty are oil rig workers or cleanup workers and the rest are cases affecting the general public,including eight were fishermen. Symptoms reported are typical of oil vapors inhalation.

USA: Plan to burn excess oil from BP well raises health questions (11 Jun 2010) Gulf Oil Spill.

By: Schoof, R. and Taylor, M. Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/11/1676006/plan-to-burn-excess-oil-from-bp.html. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

The planned burn would see 10,000 barrels, or 420,000 gallons, a day go up in smoke. It is the magnitude of the burn that concerns health authorities. There is a strong possibility that workers may experience symptoms such has severe respiratory irritation, asthma attacks and inflamed airways from sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs and volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as benzene toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. So far 90,000 barrels of oil have been burned since the well explosion 53 days ago.

Bay Jimmy, Louisianna, USA: Cleanup crews must battle oil and heat, humidity (15 Jun 2010) Associated Press

By: Foster, M. Read More: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gkIuNgDbaQ5K4XavPrUxlcd7bAZwD9GBKLDO0. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

Cleanup crews are following Occupational Health and Safety PPEs requirements, but working conditions are exposing workers to heat illness. The heat index is approaching 110 degrees F (43.3 Celsius). Heat issues are reviewed every morning, said BP. People living in warmer states are somewhat already acclimatized, but people from colder areas will have to be checked closely. Generators power large fans and water helps cool workers, but heat becomes a problem again soon after they continue heavy physival work. Workers not wearing the Tyvek suits work 40 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Workers in the suits work 20 minutes on, 40 off.

Washington, USA: BP’s records on ill workers tell only part of the story (15 Jun 2010) Politics AP

By Taylor, M. Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/15/1682561/bps-records-on-ill-workers-tell.html#ixzz0r2G8×0Nb. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

BP and Louisianna state records of the number of cleanup crew injuries differ. This “gap reflects the difficulty in tracking the health effects of toxins from the oil spill. It also raises questions about whether the federal government can rely on BP to determine whether conditions remain safe for the more than 27,000 workers”. Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations only require BP to record illnesses and injuries that require more than simple first aid. BP has complied with regulations.

N1N1

USA: 2009 H1N1 vaccine protects against 1918 influenza virus (15 Jun 2010) EurekAlert

By: Mount Sinai Press Office. Read More: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/tmsh-2hv061510.php. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

Research done at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and published in the current issue of Nature Communications indicates that people immunized against H1N1 are possiblyalso protected against the lethal 1918 Spanish influenza virus.

HIV / AIDS

California USA: Report cites progress on HIV/AIDS (11 Jun 2010) Santa Monica Daily Press

By: Daily Press Staff. Read more: http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2010-06-10-69784.113116_Report_cites_progress_on_HIVAIDS.html. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

For the first time since 1999, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports that no infants were diagnosed with HIV in 2009. “The 2009 Epidemiologic Profile of HIV and AIDS in Los Angeles County,” study feels that education about HIV, access to free HIV testing, treatment, medication and care is available and must continue because the number of people living with HIV/AIDS is still increasing.

NANOTECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

USA: Greenberg Traurig Comprehensive Report’s Focus is on Nanotechnology, Health and the Environment: Greenberg Traurig and Intertox to Present (11 Jun 2010) PR Newswire

Read more: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comprehensive-reports-focus-is-on-nanotechnology-health-and-the-environment-greenberg-traurig-and-intertox-to-present-96172774.html. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

A comprehensive report entitled “Nanotechnology, Health and the Environment,” will be presented at the Nano Science and Technology Institute’s Nanotech Conference and Expo 2010 in Anaheim, CA, June 21-24, 2010. According to the authors, risks associated with nanotecnology are considered remote, speculative, and manageable, and will improve human health and the natural environment.

WATER

San Mateo , California, USA: Dangerous levels of E. coli also found in Pescadero water supply (11 Jun 2010) MercuryNews.com

By: Scott J. Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_15282300?source=most_viewed. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

The Department of Environmental Health Services has found the spring water that illegally fed trailers and barracks at two labor camps to be contaminated with E.coli. Samples taken May 24 indicated the presence of certain strains of E. coli associated with gastrointestinal problems, rashes and respiratory problems.

Madison, Wisconsin, USA: Does pasture irrigation increase groundwater contamination? (14 Jun 2010) EurekAlert

By: Uttech, S. Read more: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/asoa-dpi061010.php. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

“Concern about microbial contamination of groundwater from foraging dairy cows has increased as spray irrigation practices in New Zealand have increased over the years. Bacteria capable of living in both animals and humans are commonly found in cow manure. Addressing the lack of research on the topic, a team of New Zealand researchers studied the transport of microbes from two spray irrigated dairy pastures into groundwater supplies….”

WORK PLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

Canada: Poor follow-up led to inaccurate numbers, AG says (11 Jun 2010) CBC News.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2010/06/11/edmonton-auditor-general-record-keeping-failure.html#ixzz0qwlvDcto. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

The failure of provincial safety officers to update their records led Auditor General Merwan Saher to overstate the number of unsafe workplaces in his spring report, he said Friday.

The report made headlines in April for stating that 63 Alberta employers ignored safety orders issued by Occupational Health and Safety for more than a year.

But last week, Saher told CBC News that the numbers were “overstated”….

Alberta, Canada: New safety devices to replace ’sharps’ in Alberta (16 Jun 2010) National Union of Public and General Employees

Read more: http://www.nupge.ca/content/3333/new-safety-devices-replace-sharps-alberta. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

“All ’sharps’ including IVs, scalpels and hypodermic needles, must be replaced with alternate safety devices by all health care providers as of July 1 in Alberta”.

Canada: The Needle and the Damage Done? (12 Jun 2010) I used to be disgusted, but now I try to be amused

By: Bleeding Heart. Read more: http://theblogofbleedingheart.blogspot.com/2010/06/needle-and-damage-done.html. Cited 2010 Jun 14.

“One of the most onerous tasks lately as department head (or site leader as we say in newspeak) has been the implementation of what our leaders call “Safety Engineered Devices”. These are essentially needles that cap or blunt themselves automatically to prevent needle-stick injuries…..I like to protect myself and don’t really like the needle-stick experience I seem to get every couple of years with its paperwork and blood drawing. Worse I would hate to have a nurse or other colleague stabbed by one of my needles. I wish that this whole initiative was driven by a concern by worker safety but I think it is being driven by an occupational health and safety industry that is farther and farther removed from the realities of the workplace…”

Pennsylvania, USA: NIOSH advances research on mine seals at site near Morgantown (14 Jun 2010) West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

By Adducchio, B. Read more: http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=15293. Cited 2010 Jun 15.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NOISH) is now using a former limestone mine to study coal mine seals. NIOSH is also partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Naval Research Lab to “expand its research on explosions in coal mines and develop designs for mine seals that can resist or contain the explosion pressures”.

UK: What has health and safety ever done for us? (15 Jun 2010) The Independent

Read More: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/what-has-health-and-safety-ever-done-for-us-2000529.html. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

The UK has seen a dramatic 70 percent fall in the number of serious injuries in the last 30 years, but there is still a great deal to be done. In a review of global health and safety, Britain was ranked 20th out of 30 countries. Some find that the Health and Safety at Work Act is too demanding and should be downgraded, but other disagree. A campaigned was launch on 14 june to decrease injury rates in workers under 19.

Ontario, Canada: Ontario employers beware: vexatious comments in your workplace now against the law (Jun 2010) CanadaOne

By: CO Staff. Read More: http://www.canadaone.com/ezine/briefs.html?StoryID=10Jun15_1. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

Amendments to Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) came into force on 15 June 2010. Now  “Employers must develop policies, educate employees and put in place programs to ensure that policies are followed. They will also need to create a way for employees to report incidents of violence or harassment and a process for investigating and dealing with any incidents or complaints”.

Alberta, Canada: Track injuries better, deal with problem employers: Alberta opposition (15 Jun 2010) Canadian Safety Reporter

By Hemeda, Y. Read More: http://www.safety-reporter.com/ArticleView.aspx?l=1&articleid=7960. Cited 2010 Jun 16.

Merwan Saher, the province’s acting auditing general, deliberatly overstated the number of unsafe workplaces in his report because of the failure of provincial safety officers to update their records. The Department of Employment and Immigration had to conceed that their records were inaccurate because of administrative errors. This has prompted the Opposition to request the name of unsafe employers. The Minister of Employment and Immigration will comply “once he determined no privacy laws would be broken”.

]]> http://www.elementshealthspace.com/2010/06/19/the-week-in-environmental-health-news-june-14-to-june-18-2010/feed/ 0 http://www.elementshealthspace.com/2010/06/14/the-week-in-environmental-health-news-june-07-to-june-11-2010/ http://www.elementshealthspace.com/2010/06/14/the-week-in-environmental-health-news-june-07-to-june-11-2010/#comments Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:03:14 +0000 admin http://www.elementshealthspace.com/?p=3225

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

DISEASE AND MEDICAL

U.S.A: Study is first to find that CPAP therapy restores brain tissue in adults with sleep apnea (07-June-2010) EurekAlert.

Contact: Kathleen McCann, kmccann@aasmnet.org, American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Read more at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/aaos-sif052410.php Cited 08-June-2010.

“WESTCHESTER, IL – Obstructive sleep apnea patients had reductions of grey-matter volume at baseline but showed significant grey-matter volume increase after three months of CPAP therapy, according to a research abstract that will be presented Monday, June 7, 2010, in San Antonio, Texas, at SLEEP 2010, the 24th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC…”

U.S.A.: UCSF analyses detail tobacco industry influence on health policy (27-May-2010) EurekAlert

Contact: Karin Rush-Monroe, karin.rush-monroe@ucsf.edu, University of California – San Francisco.  Read more at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-05/uoc–uad052710.php. Cited 08-June-2010.

“Three new UCSF studies describe the wide reach of the tobacco industry and its influence on young people, military veterans and national health care reform.

The analyses will be published in a special July edition of the American Journal of Public Health titled “Modeling to Advance Tobacco Control Policy.”

Findings are available online at http://www.ajph.org/first_look.shtml and coincide with a global event designed to heighten awareness of tobacco use and its negative health effects: World No Tobacco Day on Monday, May 31….”

Mauritius: Interview with Véronique Le Clézio President of Association Visa (05 Jun 2010) Lexpress.mu, All Africa.com.

By: Prayag, T. Read more: http://allafrica.com/stories/201006040731.html. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

Véronique Le Clézio is an active anti-tobacco lobbyist. In this interview, she talks about progress made against tobacco smoking. The Ministry of Health is involved in the fight to reduce the tobacco epidemic, but the Ministry of Finance needs convincing as they collect money from taxes on tobacco products. The tobacco industry is also trying to weaken advertizing laws, create loopholes and target women and children by using “liberation” symbolism.

California, USA: Recession takes bite out of mosquito programs (08 Jun 2010) USA Today

By: Loznak, R.  Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/2010-06-08-mosquitoes_N.htm?csp=34news. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

San Luis Obispo County no longer has a mosquito control program. The program lost its funding in a public ballot in a 2-1 vote against funding. The public is not interested in funding mosquito control because West Nile fatalities have been declining. Budget cuts are shifting funds to more pressing issues.

USA: Study correlates sexual orientation and health disparities (09 Jun 2010) News @ Northeastern

Read more: : http://www.northeastern.edu/news/stories/2010/06/ConronHealthDisparities.html. Cited 2010 Jun 10.

Kerith Conron led a recent study conducted by Northeastern University’s Institute on Urban Health Research. They “found a significant number of health disparities in Massachusetts between heterosexual adults and gay, lesbian and bisexual adults.” Conron notes that “What is very clear from this data is that risk factors for chronic health problems are prevalent among sexual minorities and need to be added to our list of concerns…” and …”clinicians and public health agencies need to collaborate and implement culturally appropriate health interventions”.

Baltimore, Maryland, USA: Environmental Nurses Hold First U.S. Conference at the UM School of Nursing (10 Jun 2010) University of Maryland, Baltimore

Read more: http://www.oea.umaryland.edu/communications/news/?ViewStatus=FullArticle&articleDetail=9615. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

The conference, held June 7-8 at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), emphasized the role of nurses in “green” health care institutions”. Hospital based nurses, school nurses, public health nurses, and many others were encouraged to engage in efforts that will help eliminate the growing burden of environmentally related diseases.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS

U.S.A.: New Studies Prove BPA Can Cross the Placenta From Mom to Fetus (08-June-2010) Inhabitots.

By Julie Knapp. Read the article at: http://www.inhabitots.com/2010/06/08/new-studies-prove-bpa-can-cross-the-placenta-from-mom-to-fetus/ Cited: 08-June-2010.

Two new studies show that BPA crosses the placenta from pregnant mother to fetus freely….

Nigeria – lead poisoning kills 100 children in north (04-June-2010) BBC News.

Read more at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/africa/10241647.stm. Cited 07-June 2010.

More than 100 children have died of lead poisoning in Nigeria in recent weeks, health officials say….

Wisconsin, USA: City panel asks for study on environmental impact of fireworks (05 Jun 2010) Wisconsin State Journal

By: Simms, P. Read more: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_33f4f240-7053-11df-8439-001cc4c03286.html. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

“The city’s Committee on the Environment is asking the health department to recommend whether the city should test the soil, vegetation and water before and after the massive daylong event,”. They fear that salts derived from perchloric acid (HClO4) may pose an health risk. This chemical creates the combustion needed for the explosion and the coloration. Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association in Bethesda, Md. considers this request as being based on hype versus actual facts. Traces of perchloric acid was found two years ago in lake water in Ada, Okla whoch increase after the fireworks and took 20 and 80 days to return to normal.

Tennessee, USA: So far, fish appear to be healthy after fly ash spill (09 Jun 2010) EurekAlert!

By: Freeman, K. Read more: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/drnl-sff060910.php. Cited 2010 jun 10.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in collaboration with TVA, are pleased to announce that bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie and gizzard shad collected downstream and upstream from the site of the Tennessee Valley Authority coal ash spill were not affected as expected. This conclusion was reached when comparing results to historical records of regional conditions prior to the spill. The second phase of their study, which began in May and will extend through the summer, looks at selenium and longer-term environmental impacts of the spill. The aim of this study is to determine the ecological risks of fly ash exposure.

USA: Do Green Building Standards Minimize Human Health Concerns? (07 Jun 2010) Scientific American

By: Fischer, D. Read more: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=do-green-building-standards-minimize-health-cooncerns. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

Green buildings that use the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standard, or LEED, may put more empasis on energy efficiency and less on human health. LEED neither restricts the use of bisphenol-A, polyvinyl chloride, plastic additives know as phthalates and many of the chemicals found in rubber infill used in artificial turf, nor awards credits for projects that avoid these chemicals, improve drinking water quality and establishes no goals for testing or filtration. “Some designers caution that LEED is simply a tool. It has, they note, pushed the building industry in important directions and raises the bar for designers and builders”.

USA: The Search for Environmental Influences on Autism Risk Expands at IMFAR 2010 (10 Jun 2010), Autism Speaks Official Blog

Read more: http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2010/06/10/the-search-for-environmental-influences-on-autism-risk-expands-at-imfar-2010/. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

This year the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) focused on the role for environmental factors in autism. Research has identified gestational diabetes in pregnancy and medical interventions related to assisted reproductive technology as the two main links associated with autism. The meeting saw for the first time the coming together of researchers and the National Institute of Environmental Health Science. One presentation focused on the role of flame retardants and the development of autism.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

U.S.A.: Taking the guesswork out of soil classification (07-June-2010) EurekAlert.

Contact: Curt Wohleber, wohleberc@missouri.edu, University of Missouri-Columbia. Read the Alert at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-06/uom-ttg060710.php. Cited 08-June-2010.

“COLUMBIA, Mo. – A University of Missouri doctoral student has developed a technique that uses digital imaging of soil samples to take some of the guesswork out of wetland identification….”

Venezuela: Malaria epidemic hits southern Venezuela (5 Jun 2010) Associated Press

By: James, I. Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i9pKE1ZEmW-qiSkGuOkI8B6vCzxgD9G4NFLG0. Cited 07 Jun 2010.

The southern region of Venezuela, more specifically the southern Bolivar state, as seen a dramatic increase in the number of reported case of malaria. From the period of January to May 22, 19,750 were diagnosed with the disease. The he higher number of malaria cases can be attributed to illegal gold miners, who leave numerous pools of contaminated water. The government is now cracking down on these illegal miners.

Ghana: Pan latrines to be outlawed in Ho municipality by September (06 Jun 2010) Adomonline

By: Yirenkyi, S. Ghana: . (On-line) Available: http://www.adomonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1126:-pan-latrines-to-be-outlawed-in-ho-municipality-by-september&catid=25:general&Itemid=233. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

The Ho Municipal Environmental Health Office has issued a letter to landlords including government institutions and tenants, instructing them to stop the use of pan latrines by the end of September 2010. Residents either bury their human wastes in their backyards or pay someone to dump waste in open drains and rivulets contaminating surface water and allowing disease vectors to multiply.  The transition from pan latrines to toilets is, however, proving to be a nightmare. The Municipal Assembly is now looking at dry toilet systems and using human waste has manure.

USA: Bad medical writing hurts public health (08 Jun 2010) CNN Opinion

By: Brawley, O. Dr. Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/06/08/brawley.medical.writers/. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

Each Spring there are medical meetings where doctors meet and exchange knowledge about medicine. Unfortunatly, these events have increasingly venues for drug companies and medical device manufacturers to tout their wares. “…Recently, the economic crisis in the media has led to the disappearance, through layoffs or by choice, of some wonderful, skilled and seasoned science writers. And with that comes genuine concern. The veterans have been replaced by mostly young, inexperienced writers who suddenly find themselves under pressure to turn out compelling stories about difficult scientific medical studies that are all too easy to oversimplify and misinterpret….” When information is not well researched, it may mislead the public or create mistrust between the medical profession and the public.

FOOD

USA: Health Advisory Panel Urges FDA To Check Food Safety Problems (09 June, 2010) USA News Week

Read more: http://www.usanewsweek.com/news/Health-Advisory-Panel-Urges-FDA-To-Check-Food-Safety-Problems-1276096637/. Cited 2010 Jun 10.

The Institute of Medicine advisory panel released their report on 08 Jun 2010, advising the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create a proactive plan by pooling food safety information into a master database. The panel also recommended that food safety be put under one regulatory roof.

GULF OIL SPILL

U.S.A.: BP oil spill spreads to the beaches of Florida – the health risks for women (04 Jun 2010) Examiner.com

By: Falsetto, S. Read more: http://www.examiner.com/x-20361-Womens-Health-Examiner~y2010m6d4-BP-oil-spill-spreads-to-the-beaches-of-Florida—the-health-risks-for-women-photos. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

The oil spill is now affecting pristine beaches in Florida. Pregnant women are more at risk from exposure to toxic chemicals. Babies born of exposed mothers may “be born with birth defects, deformities or endocrine problems”.

USA: Gulf oil spill: human health effects debated. (09 Jun 2010) Greenspace.

Read more: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2010/06/experts-speculate-on-likely-human-health-effects-of-oil-spill.html. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

60 exposure-related complaints have been filed with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals so far. People who are affected complain about headaches and breathing problems. Recently complaints of flu-like symptoms from cleanup workers were dismissed as caused by heat, fatigue or food poisoning, but Dr. Cyrus Rangan, assistant medical director for the California Poison Control System feels that they should not be dismissed. Looking at previous oil spills such as the one off the coast of Galicia, Spain which occured in 2002, indicated that some cleanup workers experienced respiratory symptoms one to two years after exposure. Regional and national public health agencies are pooling resources to assess the health impact.

USA: The Gulf Oil Spill: Crisis of Unfathomable Consequences (09 Jun 2010) Worldpress.org.

By: Schure, T.  Read more: http://www.worldpress.org/Americas/3566.cfm. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

This is a vivid account of the situation in the Gulf of Mexico and the disastrous consequences the oil spill will have on the ecology of the United States as well as other countries. Lawmakers saw no changes to the $75 million liability cap which was enacted in 1990 as part of the Oil Pollution Act following the Exxon Valdez spill, but BP will not seek protection under this cap. It appears that Transocean, the company that owns the drilling rig has filed to limit any liability to $26 million. This article exposes all the loopholes in the law that are now being made public.

USA: BP’s plan to protect spill workers inadequate, experts say (09 Jun 2010) The Miami Herald, Politics AP

By: Taylor, M. Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/09/1672293/bps-plan-to-protect-spill-workers.html. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

Since federal regulations do not specify safety thresholds for volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, BP is not required to protect oil spill workers in anyway until conditions become more dangerous. Air monitoring carried out by Occupational Safety and Health Administration and BP indicated that the air offshore meets federal standards. A BP spokesman has stressed that workers who are burning off the oil, applying the dispersant, drilling the relief wells and performing other operations near the source of spill are protected. BP’s occupational health and safety plan is being managed by professionals. Expert disagree. Workers are exposed to VOCs more than eight hours a day. OSHA specifiied that its agency jurisdiction only applies as far as three miles off shore.

USA: Risk of gulf oil spill health problems have CDC on alert (10 Jun 2010) AboutLawsuits.com

Read more: http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/gulf-oil-spill-health-risks-cdc-10694/. Cited 2010 Jun11.

The U.S. Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced on 07 Jun that 132 federal investigators and health experts were dispatched on site “to watch for and respond to potential oil spill health problems”. The CDC is providing information “to oil industry workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and other volunteers, state and federal workers in the area”. The CDC feels that pollutants may cause temporary irritation, but no long term side effects.

USA: Gulf Coast States Tally Oil Spill Illnesses (10 Jun 2010) NewsInferno

Read more: http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/21096. Cited 2010 Jun 11.

Health officials in Louisiana are aware of 71 cases of oil spill-related illness. Of that number, fifty are oil rig workers or cleanup workers and the rest are cases affecting the general public,including eight were fishermen. Symptoms reported are typical of oil vapors inhalation.

N1N1

Europe: Report: WHO created ‘distortion of priorities’ over swine flu (5 Jun 2010) Digital Journal

By: Hermann, L. Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/292992. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

The WHO is again being accused of having created “unjustified scares” over H1N1. These accusations are detailed in a report from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). It appears that confidence in the WHO has been eroded and the competency of European Union and national health authorities are being questioned. The belief is that fears about H1N1 were exaggerated even after a number of experts felt that H1N1 would not be that harmful. WHO’s escalation of the pandemic to Phase 6 is being criticized. The WHO is even accused of conflict of interest, its governing bodies having ties with the pharmaceutical industry.

WATER
Australia: Concern unsafe water linked to sewage plant (07 Jun 2010) ABC News

By: Bardon, J.. (On-line) Available: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/07/2919877.htm. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

Ludmilla sewage treatment plant is suspected of causing high levels of E.coli in seawater at Darwin beaches. The Department of Health put up signs on the 6th of June to alert bathers not to swim in or eat seafood from the area. Health Minister Kon Vatskalis says it is unlikely that human waste is the cause of an E.coli outbreak, but Darwin’s Mayor is concerned their may be a link to the outbreaks the the sewage treatment plant. More rigorous water monitoring has been proposed.

USA: Bottled and Sold, a book about the bottled water industry (7 Jun 2010) BoingBoing.

By: Katayama,L.  Read more: http://www.boingboing.net/2010/06/07/bottled-and-sold-a-b.html. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

A review of a new book written by Peter Gleick, and titled “Bottled & Sold: The Story Behind Our Obsession with Bottled Water” tackles the bottled water industry. The book looks at lack of frequent water quality testing, industry rules and regulations and the lack of available public information.

Alberta, Canada: Pine beetle may affect drinking water, experts say (09 Jun 2010) Vancouver Sun

By: Cuthbertson, R of the Calgary Herald. Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/thewest/Pine+beetle+affect+drinking+water+experts/3130542/story.html. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

Pine beetles kill healthy trees that play a role in the water cycle; trees are responsible for absorbing large quantities of water through Spring to October, which reduces run-off. This means that water in affected areas will be of poor quality and full of sediments. The water will require more treatment. Possible solutions include aggressive integrated pest management and reforestation.

WORK PLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

New South Wales, Australia: DIY renovators under hammer with new rules (06 Jun 2010) Business Day, The Sidney Morning Herald

By: Singer, M. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/property/diy-renovators-under-hammer-with-new-rules-20100605-xlt3.html. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

Home renovations done either by the homeowner or by a contractor will require a building permit and a 700-page course. This was brought on from health and safety concerns over three owner-builder deaths in 2008 and one in 2009. The revovation industry argues that the government overreacted and this will increase the price of permits. The Master Builders Association NSW’s executive director agrees with tougher regulations and cites accident statistics as the reason.

Australia: Why making your staff eat lunch could be good for your business (07 Jun 2010) Smart Company

By: Stafford, P. Read more: http://www.smartcompany.com.au/legal/20100607-why-making-your-staff-eat-lunch-could-be-good-for-your-business.html. Cited 2010 Jun 09.

The research firm McCrindle Research released a report that “shows 28% of employees eat lunch at their work desks, with only 14% eating outdoors during designated breaks. One in six don’t eat lunch at all”. This could be a sign that employees are stressed and overworked. These findings could improve if kitchen areas and designated eating areas were provided.

South Africa: Protect against vuvuzela damage (09 Jun 2010) Money Web

By: Benrisk Consulting. Read more: http://www.moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page295023?oid=490961&sn=2009+Detail&pid=287226. Cited 2010 Jun 10.

On the eve of the FIFA world cup soccer, this article identifies ‘vuvuzela’ and other horn noise-makers as a source of excessive noise that may induce hearing loss. Since each game lasts around 1.5 hrs, they exhort participant to wear hearing protection.

]]> http://www.elementshealthspace.com/2010/06/14/the-week-in-environmental-health-news-june-07-to-june-11-2010/feed/ 0 http://www.elementshealthspace.com/2010/06/07/the-week-in-environmental-health-news-may-31-to-june-04-2010/ http://www.elementshealthspace.com/2010/06/07/the-week-in-environmental-health-news-may-31-to-june-04-2010/#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:00:07 +0000 admin http://www.elementshealthspace.com/?p=3165

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

DISEASE AND MEDICAL

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….

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS

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”.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

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”.

FOOD

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…..”

GULF OIL SPILL

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.

N1N1

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…”

WATER

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.

WORK PLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

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.

By: Rosemary Stephen PMed, (cert) EOH, IPM, Elements: Environmental Health Intelligence

I received an interesting e-mail from a reader with a link to a short, on-line article by Casey Johnston entitled “Much slower travel couldn’t contain influenza even in 1889″ [1]. This article looks at the Russian flu pandemic (aka Asiatic flu) that predates the Spanish flu of 1918; once I read the article, I wanted to know more.

The article discussed conclusions drawn by Russian scientists based on new data gathered on an influenza pandemic that started in 1889. The scientists were able to follow the spread of the virus across the globe using medical records from various European armies. These records indicate that the virus spread at an amazing rate, moving from Russia, through Europe and over to North America in only 4 months. In other words, the Russian scientists found that “the virus was able to spread rapidly across the ocean despite the limited travel of that era” and “despite much slower travel in the 19th century, the flu was able to spread almost as quickly as it can today, suggesting that there is a trade-off related to how quickly people move around. Someone carrying the virus can infect fewer people in many places, or many people in fewer places; either way, the virus spreads at more or less the same rate” [2]. Extrapolating from this new data, the Russian scientists in turn concluded that the public health measures we use today should be refocused. “To contain influenza, researchers suggest that we would do better to tailor our methods to the population profile of individual cities, rather than trying to lock them down” [3].

This conclusion was reinforced by a second article I found that discusses the work of French epidemiologist Alain-Jacques Valleron from the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale in Paris. In this related article by A. Madrigal entitled “1889 Pandemic Didn’t Need Planes to Circle the Globe in 4 Months” [4], Valleron concluded that “[t]he rapid progression of the 1889 pandemic demonstrates that slower surface travel, even with much smaller traveler flows, sufficed to spread the pandemic across all of Europe and the United States in ~4 months…” “This observation supports mathematical model results, which anticipated that restricting air transportation would have little, if any, effect. One possible hypothesis is that the important predictor of the speed of the pandemic is not the absolute numbers of passengers traveling between cities but the connectedness of the network of cities…. The French researchers found that the mortality of the 1889 pandemic was about the same as the flu outbreaks of 1947, 1957, 1968, and 1977-1978, and (so far) 2009-2010…” [5].

I then read the comments section under Mr. Johnston’s article. I was especially interested in a couple of comments about the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889 and its possible contribution to the spread of the Russian pandemic. The possibility intrigued me, so I looked in to this as well…..

In 1889, Oklahoma opened a large area of land for settlement on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each settler could claim up to 160 acres and then receive title to the property if they lived on the land and improved it significantly [6]. People from all over America, Russia and Europe gathered at the Kansas border to claim land in Oklahoma. The rush started on the 22nd of April, 1889 “…at high noon…, with an estimated 50,000 people lined up for their piece of the available two million acres (8,000 km²)” [7] [8].

I wanted to know if there really was a correlation between the land rush and the wide spread of the flu. Searching the web, I came across the Classic Encyclopedia which republishes earlier data, in this case information from the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica. According to this source, “only 55 deaths were ascribed to this cause (Influenza)” in the winter of 1888-1889 [9] . Reading further, I found a study by Dr H. Franklin Parsons compiled at the time of the pandemic. He wrote a detailed account of the impact of the Russian flu and how it spread throughout the world. According to Dr. Parsons, the onset of the Russian pandemic occurred in May of 1889, appearing simultaneously in three locations: in Bokhara in Central Asia, in Athabasca in the north-west Territories of Canada and in Greenland [10]. It seems from Parsons’ work that the flu actually did not reach the USA until later in December 1889 [11] so the land rush could not be associated with the spread of the Russian pandemic.

I was still curious about the pandemic – I wanted to find out what type of influenza it was. Mr. Johnston’s description of the Russian flu and its mortality rates [12] reminded me of our current pandemic, so I wondered — could the 1889 flu have been A/H1N1 ? Researching this theory, I found an article entitled “The Last Great Uncontrolled Plague of Mankind” [13] that states that the virus responsible for the Russian Flu Pandemic was likely Influenza A/H2N8, a type of human influenza with a very high attack and mortality rate [14]. This strain of the virus has killed at least 250,000 in Western Europe and about two to three times that number around the world [15] [16]. The evidence is, however, not conclusive and there is also speculation that the 1889 strain could have been A/H2N2 [17].

I highly recommend that you read Johnston’s article “Much slower travel couldn’t contain influenza even in 1889”, Madrigal’s article “1889 Pandemic Didn’t Need Planes to Circle the Globe in 4 Months”, as well as the reader comments and my other references. The data from the spread of the 1889 pandemic suggests that we need to look at different ways to curb the spread of pandemics and that the strong quarantine measures currently in use may be ineffectual. These studies of the Russian pandemic also peaked my curiosity and served as a starting point for me to look into other aspects of influenza. Maybe you will read something here that will start you on your own quest.

References:

[1] Johnston, C. Much slower travel couldn’t contain influenza even in 1889 (28 Apr 2010) Ars Technica Science News. (On-line) Available: http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2010/04/much-slower-travel-couldnt-contain-influenza-even-in-1889.ars?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss. Cited 2010 Apr 29.

[2] Ibid. Cited 2010 Apr 29.

[3] Ibid. Cited 2010 June 02.

[4] Johnston, C. 1889 Pandemic Didn’t Need Planes to Circle the Globe in 4 Months (26 Apr 2010), Wired Science. (On-line) Available: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/04/1889-russian-flu-pandemic/. Cited 2010 June 02.

[5] Ibid. Cited 2010 June 02.

[6] Land Run of 1889 (2010) Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (On-line) Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Run_of_1889. Cited 2010 Apr 29.

[7] Land Run of 1889 (2010) Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (On-line) Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Run_of_1889. Cited 2010 Apr 29

[8] On This Day, April 22, 1889, The New York Times. (On-line) Available: http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0422.html#article. Cited 2010 May 31.

[9] Influenza (2006) 11th Edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica pub. 1911, Classic Encyclopedia. (On-line) Available: http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Influenza. Cited 2010 Apr 29.

[10] Ibid. Cited 2010 Apr 29.

[11] Ibid. Cited 2010 Apr 29.

[12] “While the infection speeds were the same and the mortality rates were different, that says nothing about the total amount of people affected or the length of proliferation. The 1918 pandemic infected 500 million and killed 50 million. The 1889 pandemic only infected 50 million people…(About 1 million people died during the Russian flu pandemic )… So while there were fewer deaths, there were also far fewer opportunities for death..”

from: Johnston, C. Much slower travel couldn’t contain influenza even in 1889 (28 Apr 2010) Ars Technica Science News. (On-line) Available: http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2010/04/much-slower-travel-couldnt-contain-influenza-even-in-1889.ars?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss. Cited 2010 Apr 29.

[13] Garmaroudi, F.S. The Last Great Uncontrolled Plague of Mankind (2009) The Science Creative Quarterly. (On-line) Available: http://www.scq.ubc.ca/the-last-great-uncontrolled-plaque-of-mankind/. Cited 2010 Apr 29.

[14] Ibid. Cited 2010 Apr 29.

[15] The Worst Outbreaks of Disease (2009) Epic Disasters. (On-line) Available: http://www.epicdisasters.com/index.php/site/comments/the_worst_outbreaks_of_disease/. Cited 2010 May 06.

[16] Epidemics and Pandemics (2010) Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion. (On-line) Available: http://www.immunize.cpha.ca/en/specific-groups/childactivities/influenza/epi.aspx. Cited 2010 May 06.

[17] Influenza A virus subtype H2N2, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (On-line) Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza_A_virus_subtype_H2N2. Cited 2010 June 01.