These bulletins are archived and searchable on our website: http://www.iceh.org/LDDIbulletins.html If you would like to join the Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE) and the LDDI Working Group, please complete the application on the CHE website: http://www.healthandenvironment.org/application Joining CHE means receiving up to four email messages a month from the CHE National listserv. CHE costs nothing to join and the benefit is shared information and opportunities for further engagement, if you choose. Be sure to mark that you want to join the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative Working Group at the bottom of the application.
1) Parkinson's Disease consensus statement published. The Parkinson's Disease Working Group of CHE has published its consensus statement, Parkinson's Disease and the Environment. A collaborative effort of disease researchers, clinicians, representatives from advocacy organizations and people living with PD, the statement provides a scientific road map of where we've been and where we need to go in the future to stop PD. For more information, please visit the PD Working Group website: http://www.healthandenvironment.org/wg_parkinsons_news/4661
2) The Learning Disabilities Association of America's Healthy Children Project (HCP) is gearing up for a new year of "mini-grants" to LDA state and local affiliates interested in getting involved with children's environmental health issues related to learning disabilities. The deadline for applying is November 14th. Funding is earmarked each year as part of the John Merck Fund's grant to the HCP. Please contact Maureen Swanson at mswanson@ldaamerica.org for more information.
3) NADD is holding its 25th annual conference entitled: "A Quarter Center of Awareness: Assessment, Treatment and Policy Advances" on November 12 - 14, 2008, at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. LDDI members -- AAIDD, LDA and ICEH -- will have representatives presenting on environmental health at the conference. For more information, please see http://www.thenadd.org/pages/conferences/25th/index.shtml or contact Robert Fletcher at rfletcher@thenadd.org
4) AAIDD, LDA and ASA members in Minnesota are co-sponsoring a forum on environmental contributors to disabilities on Saturday November 15th in Minneapolis. For more information, please contact Maureen Swanson at mswanson@ldaamerica.org or Laura Abulafia at Laura@aaidd.org
Online Calendar. With a large number of events listed in the coming month, you may prefer to use our online calendar to search by location, by type of event and by other criteria: http://www.iceh.org/cgi-bin/searchevents.cgi Upcoming events extending more than one month in the future are also listed.
Friday October 24, 2008
Vancouver, Canada British Columbia
at the Killarney Secondary School, 6454 Killarney Street
Sponsor: Learning Disabilities Association of British Columbia, Vancouver Chapter
Join special guest Danny Glover and others and stay for a presentation on types of learning problems children face, the latest research, and its implications on effective instructional practices being used in classrooms today.
Price: $45, scholarships are available
Website: http://www.ldav.ca/
Contact: Learning Disabilities Association of Vancouver, 604-873-8139 or info@ldav.ca
Friday October 24, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Warwick, Rhode Island
at the Radisson Airport Hotel, 2081 Post Road
Sponsor: Childhood Lead Action Project
The conference, which coincides with National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, will bring together all sectors of the community to share strategies for eliminating lead poisoning through collaboration, education and public policy change. Parents, lead inspectors, contractors, lawyers, social workers, public health officials, health providers, advocates and elected officials will engage in workshops and panel discussions on best practices for lead poisoning prevention.
Price: $90 all day, $50 half day. Scholarships are available.
Contact: Sojaili Gomez, 401-785-1310 or Sojaili@leadsafekids.org
Saturday October 25, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tacoma, Washington
at the University of Washington -- Tacoma Room GWP 320 (Tacoma Room), 1900 Commerce Street
Sponsor: Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility in collaboration with Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
"Preventing Chemical Threats" examines the latest science on toxic chemical exposures and children's development and health. The training focuses on science and health impacts related to exposures to lead, PVC/DEHP, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), bisphenol A (BPA) and mercury. The program addresses potential trends in rising incidence of disease linked to environmental factors, ramifications of developmental disabilities, health effects linked to toxic exposures, and the latest scientific research. Clinical tips for diagnosis and prevention will also be discussed, as well as discussions on chemical policy reform, energy conservation and sustainable foods in healthcare. Training includes selected provider and patient materials in English and Spanish from the Pediatric Environmental Health Toolkit, endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This training is relevant to physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, students, other health-care professionals and child-health advocates. It is also relevant as an educational tool for media, policymakers, and laypersons concerned with public health and links between toxic exposures, child development and health. Four hours of Category II CME (continuing education) credits will be offered through Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle. The training includes a continental breakfast and light lunch.
Price: $15
Website: http://www.wpsr.org/
Contact: Cherie Eichholz, 206-547-2630 or cherie@wpsr.org
Saturday October 25, 2008
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Portland, Oregon
in the IRCO Community Room, 10301 NE Glisan Street
Sponsor: Portland Water Bureau & Bureau of Housing and Community Development
Presented by the Josiah Hill III Clinic, this family-friendly fair will help families learn about lead and ways to protect your family from lead hazards. Features include blood-lead testing for children, lead-free toy giveaways, kids' games and activities, lead screening for toys, dishware and/or pottery (four items per family), lead-poisoning prevention workshop with free kits for eligible households, tenants-rights workshop and booth and healthy food and beverages.
Price: free
Website: http://www.jhillclinic.org:80/lead-safe-kids-fair.html
Contact: 503-802-7389
Saturday through Wednesday, October 25 - 29, 2008
San Diego, California
at the San Diego Convention Center, 111 West Harbor Drive
Sponsor: American Public Health Association
This is the oldest and largest gathering of public health professionals in the world, attracting more than 13,000 national and international physicians, administrators, nurses, educators, researchers, epidemiologists and related health specialists. American Public Health Association's meeting program addresses current and emerging health science, policy and practice issues in an effort to prevent disease and promote health.
Price: see http://www.apha.org/meetings/registration/reg_fees.htm
Website: http://www.apha.org/meetings/
Contact: American Public Health Association, 202-777-2478
Thursday and Friday, October 30 - 31, 2008
Austin, Texas
at Barr Mansion
Sponsor: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; Southwest Center for Pediatric Environmental Health; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas; Habitat Suites; Healthy Child Healthy World; Austin Children in Nature Community; and Physicians for Social Responsibility, Austin
The conference theme is "Blueprint for Children's Health and the Built Environment." Presented by the Children's Environmental Health Institute, the purpose is to address how environmental influences in the built environment are contributing to health risks for children and compromising the health of future generations. The symposium will provide the latest evidence-based information needed to understand, recognize and prevent children's exposure to environmental toxicants and other health hazards where they live, learn and play.
Price: see https://payments.auctionpay.com/ver3/?id=w012494
Website: http://www.cehi.org/
Contact: janie.fields@cehi.org
Thursday November 6, 2008
New York, New York
at Columbia University, Lerner Hall, 2920 Broadway
Sponsor: Birch Family Services
The theme for this year's conference is "Getting the Social Stuff Right." The conference is geared toward professionals, parents and other family members working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Presenters will address triumphs and challenges with helping individuals with ASD understand and maneuver social interaction with others. Information will be presented regarding working with children, adolescents and adults with ASD.
Price: $145, $160 after September 17th
Website: http://www.birchfamilyservices.org/conference/index.html
Contact: Birch Family Services, 212-616-1800
Wednesday through Friday, November 12 - 14, 2008
Reston, Virginia
at the Hyatt Regency Reston
Sponsor: Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT)
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is a major issue in children's health worldwide. The developing human nervous system is susceptible to many toxicants, and chemical exposure during development may cause lasting neurological deficits. CAAT's first TestSmart DNT meeting, held in March 2006, sought to identify the concerns relating to the science and policy of DNT and to developing alternative testing methodologies. DNT2 will assess progress made in developing DNT alternatives, reassess the priorities and recommendations established at DNT1, and establish ways to use in vitro data in decision making.
Price: see http://caat.jhsph.edu/dnt2/register.htm
Website: http://caat.jhsph.edu/dnt2/
Friday November 14, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
at Antioch University Seattle Denny Building, Room 250B, 2200 Sixth Avenue
Sponsor: Antioch University Seattle
These disorders, although differentiated, are grouped together in the DSM-IV TR because individuals with these diagnoses are developmentally affected in three common areas: communication, both verbal and non-verbal; social interaction; and repetitive and/or perseverative behavior. Although researchers agree the deficits are genetic, biological and neurological, they are defined by symptoms. Certain interventions and strategies can effectively reduce the symptoms and enable these individuals to develop self-regulatory skills. Participants will develop a practical definition of the three areas of development affected by these disorders and the challenges they present, examine self-regulation, learn "The Four A's" and the strategies to address them, understand how executive functioning deficits impact these individuals, learn techniques to overcome them and discuss the impact of these disorders on families and the way providers can assist them. The speaker will be Pat Martinelli, MS, LMHC, CMHS, program manager for the Children's High Intensity Treatment Program at Compass Health.
Price: $120.00 for Antioch alumni, staff and faculty; $130.00 for the general public
Website: http://www.antiochseattle.edu/events/index.html
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
9:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Columbus, Ohio
at the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC), 400 North High Street
Sponsor: Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs (NATTAP), Autism Society of America (ASA), and Autism Pro
NATTAP is pleased to present full-day pre-conference sessions from recognized leaders in the field. Take advantage of their expertise and experiences through sessions designed to immerse you in a full day of idea and practice exchange.
Price: $100
Website: http://www.nattapconference.org/view.php?nav_id=68
Contact: 2008 NATTAP Conference, 866-886-2254
Wednesday through Friday, November 18 - 20, 2008
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Denver, Colorado
at the Carl Park Community Center, 5401 Meade Street
Sponsor: The Northwest Environmental Training Center
This course provides an overview that will cover the basic terms, concepts, and logic that underlie modern scientific sampling. Much of the class will be devoted to the understanding of how to apply the basic concepts of probability to sampling problems and how to use probability to measure the effectiveness of the sampling process. We will discuss the difference between purposive and random sampling and discuss why random sampling (and its many variations) is so frequently used in manufacturing, science and government. Continuing education units are available.
Price: $595, $495 reduced tuition is available for those who qualify.
Website: http://www.nwetc.org/stat-403_11-08_denver.htm
Contact: Northwest Environmental Training Center, 206-762-1976
Wednesday through Friday, November 19 - 21, 2008
Columbus, Ohio
at the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC), 400 North High Street
Sponsor: Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs (NATTAP), Autism Society of America (ASA), and Autism Pro
The second annual NATTAP Conference will gather educators, service providers and parents from across the United States and from around the globe. The objectives of the conference are to review current systems models for addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), promote use of best practices in research and intervention and provide methods for capacity building - all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for individuals ages three to 21. The 2008 NATTAP Conference will provide a forum for the continued exchange of ideas and promising practices that will provide common solutions to the common problems in ASD.
Price: see http://www.nattapconference.org/view.php?nav_id=2
Website: http://www.nattapconference.org/view.php?nav_id=1
Contact: 2008 NATTAP Conference, 866-886-2254
Most of the articles below come from Environmental Health News, http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/
New tools and resources for health professionals to encourage outdoor time for children. Recognizing the importance of outdoor play to children's health and well-being, the National Environmental Education Foundation has updated its Pediatric Environmental History Screening Form to encourage more outdoor time for children.
http://www.neefusa.org/health/PEHI/HistoryForm.htm
Call for proposals. The Northwest Environmental Health Conference Planning Team is accepting abstracts for presentations for the 1st Annual Northwest Environmental Health Conference to be held at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon, February 6th, 2009. The goal of the conference is to increase the knowledge of participants about environmental health issues; engage and activate participants; and strengthen our environmental health community through networking. A variety of leading-edge presentations addressing research, patient care, healthcare facilities and current and emerging policy issues in the field of environmental health are invited. Submissions are due November 10, 2008.
http://www.oeconline.org:80/our-work/kidshealth/healthprofessionals/the-1st-annual-nw-environmental-health-forum
Report on indoor mold released. The US Government Accountability Office released its report, "Indoor Mold: Better Coordination of Research on Health Effects and More Consistent Guidance Would Improve Federal Efforts." Recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency include guiding federal research priorities on indoor mold and helping agencies better ensure that their guidance to the public does not conflict.
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08980.pdf
Contaminated Without Consent. Produced by Sanford Lewis of Strategic Video for the Chemical Safety Workgroup, this 16-minute video is available free for use to help inform communities about the hidden risks from chemical contaminants found in our homes, workplaces, consumer products and even our bodies.
http://ej4all.org:80/contaminatedwithoutconsent/home.php
submitted to this bulletin by Dennis Weaver
2008 Children's Environmental Health Champions. The 2008 Champions were nominated by EPA staff and selected for this honor because of their tireless efforts to protect children from environmental health risks. One national, one international and 10 regional champions were named today. EPA Office of Children's Health Protection, 21 October 2008.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/2008_CEH_Awards.htm
Dentists back sealants, despite concerns. Cavities or chemicals? That's the dilemma for parents worried about a controversial substance [bisphenol A] found in the popular sealants that are painted on children's molars to prevent decay. New York Times, 21 October 2008.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/health/21well.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
10 things the food industry doesn't want you to know. Ultimately, makers of popular junk foods have an obligation to stockholders to encourage kids to eat more--not less--of the foods that fuel their profits. So can these food companies can be trusted to help combat obesity? US News & World Report, 21 October 2008.
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/10/17/10-things-the-food-industry-doesnt-want-you-to-know.html
Vitamin D: Sun can't give enough. This month, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said kids need twice the usually recommended amount of vitamin D because of evidence suggesting that it may help prevent serious diseases. Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota, 21 October 2008.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/31320469.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiU
China urges safe products for children. China on Tuesday urged greater care in the manufacture of children's products amid a tainted milk scandal and a recall of Chinese-made cribs in the United States. Associated Press, 21 October 2008.
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&date=20081021&id=9298050
[Editor's note: Read about the recall of 1.59 million cribs: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE49K08120081021 ]
Children more affected by secondhand smoke. Children may be more affected by secondhand smoke than adults, U.S. researchers said. United Press International, 21 October 2008.
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2008/10/20/Children_more_affected_by_secondhand_smoke/UPI-97441224523182/
Lead, smoke exposure in kids linked to ADHD. Individually, lead and tobacco smoke both increase a child's risk of developing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but children exposed to both are more than eight times more likely to develop ADHD than those exposed to neither. Cincinnati Enquirer, Ohio, 20 October 2008.
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081020/NEWS01/810200302
Parents asked to study perils of vaccinations. Americans have a basic right to decide whether their children should be vaccinated, a veteran crusader against government-mandated immunizations told the Holistic Moms Network fifth annual Natural Living Conference. Bergen County Record, New Jersey, 20 October 2008.
http://www.northjersey.com/health/Parents_asked_to_study_perils_of_vaccinations.html
Dirty secrets of cleaning product companies. Grades have been handed out, and four out of five major cleaning product companies are flunking, or being sent to the back of the class, at least, by Women's Voices for the Earth, a national nonprofit organization of women advocating for a healthy environment. San Francisco Chronicle, California, 20 October 2008.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/chrongreen/detail?&entry_id=31126
Get the lead out. Sixteen months ago, Toronto discovered a cancer under its streets. Old lead pipes, installed in the 1950s and earlier, were leaching the potent neurotoxin into tap water -- posing a serious health risk to pregnant women and children in particular. Toronto Sun, Ontario, 19 October 2008.
http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2008/10/19/7134591-sun.html
[Editor's note: Read a related story about Pennsylvania's observance of lead poisoning prevention week: http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2008/10/17/news/state/doc48f952820ca17618480334.txt ]
Canada says plastic chemical is toxic. Canadian health officials announced Saturday that bisphenol A is toxic and said they will ban baby bottles made with the chemical. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin, 19 October 2008.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=807630
Turf fields popular despite safety concerns. The fields are popular with cash-strapped cities because they reduce maintenance costs, and they're a hit with players because they can be used year-round, rain or shine. But not everyone is a fan. Safety concerns include questions about whether the fields emit unsafe amounts of lead and chemicals when they heat up. San Francisco Chronicle, California, 19 October 2008.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/19/BAKQ13DQ1S.DTL
Nature may ease ADHD symptoms. New research suggests that a nature stroll can also improve the attention span of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Globe and Mail, Toronto, 17 October 2008.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com:80/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081017.wladhd17/BNStory/
FDA, accused of conflict of interest, seeks BPA information. As the Food and Drug Administration seeks information about how pervasively Bisphenol-A is used, criticism is mounting about the latest perceived conflict-of-interest in the agency's controversial safety review of the chemical. The Daily Green, 17 October 2008.
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/bisphenol-a-47101605
[Editor's note: Read a rebuttal: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=807990 ]
EPA places stricter regulations on airborne lead. The EPA tightened the regulatory limit on airborne lead for the first time in 30 years -- lowering the legal maximum to a tenth of what it was on the grounds that it poses a more serious threat to young children than officials had realized. Washington Post, 17 October 2008.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/16/AR2008101601618.html
Many Aussies iodine deficient: survey. Two out of three women of child-bearing age are not getting enough of the vital mineral iodine needed for a baby's healthy brain development, Australian research shows. Australian Associated Press, 16 October 2008.
http://news.theage.com.au/national/many-aussies-iodine-deficient-survey-20081016-51q1.html
Bush signs act banning mercury exports. The United States will eventually stop all exports of elemental mercury, a neurotoxin harmful to humans, under legislation sponsored by Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama and signed into law by President Bush on Tuesday. Associated Press, 15 October 2008.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1151ap_bush_mercury_ban.html
Pretty good idea: Green beauty gets under your skin. A new book aims to explain the science behind skin care and the ingredients used in products, explaining what they do and how they can possibly harm you (everything from allergic reactions to cancer). South Florida Sun Sentinel, Florida, 15 October 2008.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sfl-fit1015prettygoodsboct15,0,10749.story
FDA will look into scientist's possible conflict. Federal health officials said Tuesday they will look into a possible conflict of interest involving a prominent toxicologist who is heading up a review of a sensitive safety issue [BPA]. Associated Press, 15 October 2008.
http://www.baynews9.com/content/85/2008/10/14/392057.html
Adding the 'Nasty Nine' to the 'Dirty Dozen.' Scientists working for the United Nations Environment Program are reviewing nine chemicals [two PBDEs, chlordecone, lindane, alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, PFOS, hexabromobiphenyl and pentachlorobenzene] that could be added to the original "dirty dozen" list of banned toxic chemicals. The Daily Green, 15 October 2008.
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/toxic-chemicals-47101403
Pediatricians group doubles recommended vitamin D dose for children. New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics call for 400 international units a day, beginning in the first few days of life, for lasting health benefits. Reuters, 14 October 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-vitamin14-2008oct14,0,6395124.story
Delaware, other states ask baby product companies to avoid BPA. Attorneys general from Connecticut, New Jersey and Delaware sent letters Friday to 11 companies that make baby bottles and baby formula containers, asking they no longer use the chemical bisphenol A in their manufacturing because they said it was potentially harmful to infants. Associated Press, 14 October 2008.
http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081013/NEWS01/81013058
Environmental illnesses are gaining attention, thanks to the 'green' movement. Going beyond just treating symptoms, environmental medicine is the study of how the reactions we have when we're exposed to certain toxins affect our immune and neuroendocrine systems. Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ohio, 14 October 2008.
http://blog.cleveland.com/health/2008/10/environmental_illnesses_are_ga.html
Healthy environment means healthy generations. More than 33 percent of diseases in children under age 5 are caused by environmental exposure, the World Health Organization reported last year, estimating that more than three million children under age 5 die each year due to environment-related causes and conditions. Yemen Times, Yemen, 13 October 2008.
http://yementimes.com/article.shtml?i=1198&p=health&a=1
Code green, stat! From biohazard waste to faxing and photocopying, leftover cups of Jell-O and disposable gowns, hospitals can be among the worst offenders when it comes to environmental stewardship. Ottawa National Post, Ontario, 13 October 2008.
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=874376
Avoid phthalates as much as possible. The Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction determined that infants' exposure to phthalates is a "serious concern." Olympia Olympian, Washington, 13 October 2008.
http://www.theolympian.com/environment/story/617615.html
Popular autism treatment often goes uncovered. Insurance industry representatives say some autism treatments aren't really medical treatments but are more educational in nature and the responsibility of public schools, not private health insurance. Tacoma News Tribune, Washington, 13 October 2008.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420ap_wa_autism_treatment.html
[Editor's note: See a related article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/health/sns-ap-med-autism-coverage,0,1504412.story ]
Do food dyes affect kids' behavior? New research suggests a link between artificial food coloring and hyperactive behavior in children. Some experts are skeptical. Los Angeles Times, California, 12 October 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-foodcolor13-2008oct13,0,6585950.story
Energy drinks: a dangerous, edgy buzz? Energy drinks are the target of many complaints: too much sugar, too much caffeine and too many herbal extracts with dubious claims. Now, researchers say the drinks may lead to drug abuse. Los Angeles Times, California, 12 October 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-closer13-2008oct13,0,1305047.story
EPA ignores the toxic threat in our drinking water. Care for a glass of rocket fuel? EPA ignores a toxic threat. Salt Lake Tribune, Utah, 12 October 2008.
http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_10697784
Bottled water versus tap: Which is safer to drink? Bottled and tap water come from essentially the same sources and are subject to the same contaminants. Los Angeles Times, California, 11 October 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-nutrition13-2008oct13,0,5771949.story
[Editor's note: See a related article about toxic byproducts in bottled water at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/15/MNGV13H0L4.DTL and also a scientist's refutation of that study at http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/yale-scientist-refutes-study-bottled/story.aspx?guid=%7B8FFAF481-233B-4DD8-BA31-D3BC1C081722%7D&dist=hppr ]
Bad air for growing brains and minds. Mexico City's air pollution may be undermining neural and mental functioning in some children. Science News, 11 October 2008.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/37515/title/Bad_air_for_growing_brains_and_minds
Review panel criticizes Great Lakes health study. Substandard science has crippled a federal agency's seven-year effort to document possible links between industrial pollution and health problems in the Great Lakes region, an independent review panel said Friday. Associated Press, 11 October 2008.
http://www.mlive.com/kzgazette/news/index.ssf/2008/10/review_panel_criticizes_great.html
Latex hides in unexpected places, experts warn. Inadvertent exposure to latex poses a "serious health risk to millions of Americans," Dr. Donald H. Beezhold, chair of the Latex Allergy Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) warns in a statement issued this month. Reuters, 11 October 2008.
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE4998Q820081010
Forum to address children's environmental health issues, link to racial disparities. A forum sponsored by the Greater Grand Rapids Children's Environmental Health Initiative will take place on Monday to address children's environmental health issues and the link to racial disparities. Grand Rapids Press, Michigan, 11 October 2008.
http://www.mlive.com/grpress/news/index.ssf/2008/10/forum_to_address_childrens_env.html
Her scientific curiosity lands teen in national competition. In the aftermath of last year's wildfires in California, Katherine Glockner wondered how the thick smoke was affecting people's ability to breathe. San Diego Union-Tribune, California, 11 October 2008.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20081011-9999-1mc11glockne.html
Throwing the switch on PCBs. Miniature capacitor models line the tables as Bonneville Power Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency celebrated the complete removal of PCB-laden capacitors from the Northwest power grid. Clark Columbian, Washington, 10 October 2008.
http://www.columbian.com/article/20081010/NEWS02/710109959
UV light fear over 'green' bulbs. Being too close to energy-saving light bulbs could cause skin reddening because of ultraviolet light emissions, health experts have warned. BBC, United Kingdom. 10 October 2008.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7661462.stm
Chemicals take toll on kids: report. Children and chemicals don't mix, says a report released Thursday by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal, Ontario, 10 October 2008.
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/top_story.php?id=139950
Free prescription drug samples pose risk to kids. Free prescription drug samples distributed to pediatric patients may be unsafe, research suggests. Nearly one-third of the most frequently distributed samples in 2004 were identified by the U.S. FDA as having significant new safety concerns. HealthDay News, 9 October 2008.
http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=620017
Drug companies: No cold medicines for kids under 4. Children under 4 should not be given over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, drug companies said Tuesday -- in a concession to pediatricians who doubt the drugs do much good and worry about risks. Associated Press, 8 October 2008.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MED_COLD_MEDICINES?SITE=DCUSN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
[Editor's note: See a related article describing the FDA's role in this issue: http://www.contracostatimes.com/health/ci_10690398?source=rss and about non-drug remedies for children: http://www.oregonlive.com/health/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1223951111174350.xml&coll=7 ]
Food: How sweet it is. Today, there are a handful of artificial offerings, sometimes called "sugar substitutes," "low-calorie sweeteners" or, even "non-nutritive sweeteners," from which to choose. Salt Lake Tribune, Utah, 8 October 2008.
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_10654037
Wisconsin's mercury rule to become law. Utilities in Wisconsin will be required to reduce mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants by 90 percent by 2015 or by the same amount by 2021 if they agree to more stringent standards for other pollutants. Daily Kenoshan, Wisconsin, 8 October 2008.
http://dailykenoshan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6879&Itemid=104