These bulletins are now 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.
Consensus Statement. LDDI is continuing to develop a policy consensus statement based on the recent scientific consensus statement on environmental agents associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. We intend to publish this by June 2008.
Teleconference Archives. AAIDD is continuing to organize and host its excellent teleconference series featuring researchers who focus on the nexus of developmental disabilities and environmental health and justice. For materials and, for some, audio recordings of past calls, please visit http://www.ehinitiative.org/Projects/tele_con.htm
Tuesday through Saturday, April 22 - 26, 2008
San Francisco, California
Sponsor: SF Environment, UC Berkeley Extension, EcoCity Builders, Blue Practice, Green Century and Helen and William Mazer Foundation
The International Ecocity Conference Series brings together the key innovators, decision makers, technologists, businesses and organizations shaping the conversation around ecological and sustainable city, town and village design, planning and development. We intend to put these issues on the economic and environmental agenda for 2008 and beyond: people, nature, sustainable development, economies & technologies, and incentives & support structures.
Price: see http://www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=130178
Website: http://www.ecocityworldsummit.org/index.htm
Contact: 510-419-0850
Thursday April 24, 2008
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto, California
at the Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road
Sponsor: Arcterra, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and the Reproductive Health Technologies Project
Part of the Palo Alto Reproductive Health and the Environment Lecture Series, this thought-provoking discussion will feature Sarah Janssen, MD, PhD, MPH, a practicing physician and science fellow with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Dr. Janssen, a new mom, is an expert in endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can detrimentally impact pregnancy, fertility and the developing fetus.
Price: free
Website: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/mar-monte/california-lecture-series-in-palo-alto.htm
Contact: Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, ehrh@ppmarmonte
Saturday April 26, 2008
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
on KOMO-TV 7
Sponsor: Autism Heroes
While the growing crisis of autism gains awareness, families facing an autism diagnosis can still feel isolated. Thirty-eight exceptionally courageous families share their stories in "Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge," by Dr. Firestone. With empathy and expertise, Dr. Firestone engages the families in candid, powerful and deeply affecting conversations about their lives, set against the backdrop of her insightful essays about dignity, hope, opportunity and love.
Price: free
Website: http://www.autismheroes.org/news.php
Contact: Kim Bouchard, 201-329-9636
Sunday April 27, 2008
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Seattle, Washington
at the Greenlake PCC Natural Market classroom, 7504 Aurora Avenue North
Sponsor: Washington Action for Safe Water
Join Washington Action for Safe Water in its efforts to educate our community about the toxicity of fluoridation.
Price: unknown
Contact: Washington Action for Safe Water, safewater@comcast.net
Monday April 28, 2008
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Pacific time
Sponsor: Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS)
Central to CHPS's mission is providing technical information to school design and maintenance professionals on techniques for creating healthier learning environments. CHPS will present their essential toolkit for school and student health advocates. Participants will learn how to use CHPS's free resources to make healthy schools a reality for all students.
Price: free
Website: http://www.chps.net/
Contact: Miranda Leonard, 415-957-9888 or miranda@chps.net
Saturday May 3, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sacramento, California
at the auditorium of the Cancer Center at the University of California at Davis Medical Center, 4501 X Street
Sponsor: Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
The meeting will seek public input on the issue of treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The meeting will consist of two panel discussions, with opportunity for public comment and dialog after each panel. The panels will be comprised of treatment researchers, clinicians, service providers and public advocacy representatives. Public comments will be summarized for consideration by the IACC during development and implementation of the strategic plan for ASD research. The meeting is open to the public; advance registration is not required. The auditorium will seat up to 175 individuals. Event parking is available in Visitor Lot 4 adjacent to the Cancer Center.
Price: unknown
Contact: Gerri Wolfle, 919-541-3267 or wolflegm@niehs.nih.gov
Wednesday May 7, 2008
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Palo Alto, California
at the Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road
Sponsor: Arcterra, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and the Reproductive Health Technologies Project
As part of the Palo Alto Reproductive Health and the Environment Lecture Series, Charlotte Brody of Commonweal and Renee Sharp from the Environmental Working Group will join Susan Kegley from the Pesticide Action Network North America to share resources that you can use to protect your family from the harmful effect of pesticides. From food shopping to household cleaning supplies to local pesticide policies, pick up some everyday tips and tools to use and share.
Price: free
Website: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/mar-monte/california-lecture-series-in-palo-alto.htm
Contact: Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, ehrh@ppmarmonte
Thursday through Saturday, May 15- 17, 2008
San Diego, California
at the Catamaran Hotel, 3999 Mission Boulevard
Sponsor: University of California at San Diego School of Medicine and California Department of Developmental Services
Experts in the field of autism will update participants on early diagnosis and management of this disorder through several lectures and an intensive workshop. In addition, the etiologies and management of early childhood hearing loss will be explored in depth by an audiologist and an otolaryngologist. Pediatric subspecialists in various disciplines, including ophthalmology, infectious diseases and dermatology, will present updates in their fields with relevance to practitioners delivering primary care to children.
Price: see http://cme.ucsd.edu/pediatrics/reg.html
Website: http://cme.ucsd.edu/pediatrics/index.html
Contact: University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 858-534-3940 or ocme@ucsd.edu
Online Calendar. Upcoming events extending more than one month in the future are listed in a searchable calendar: http://www.iceh.org/cgi-bin/searchevents.cgi
Most of the articles below come from Environmental Health News, http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/
Environmental Justice Small Grants Program. The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) established the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program (EJSG) to support and empower communities that are working on local solutions to local environmental and/or public-health issues. The EJSG Program is designed to assist recipients in building collaborative partnerships that will help them understand and address the environmental and/or public-health issues in their communities. EPA has announced the availability of funds and solicits applications from eligible entities and nonprofit organizations working on, or planning to work on, a project that addresses a local environmental and public-health issue within an affected community.
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html
Pre-drug heart tests urged for ADHD kids. Children should be screened for heart problems with an electrocardiogram before getting drugs such as Ritalin to treat hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorder, the American Heart Association recommended yesterday. Associated Press, 22 April 2008.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/health/bal-te.adhd22apr22,0,7202024.story
Consumers clean up their act. Natural, organic, hypoallergenic and biodegradable products to clean your home and your body have made their way from health food and specialty stores to mainstream retailers. Toronto Globe and Mail, Ontario, 22 April 2008.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080422.SRGREENPRODUCTS22//TPStory/Environment
Toxins in the carpet: Chemicals a threat to pets, babies. Pet owners may want to think twice before they let Fido snooze on the new couch, or sprawl on the wall-to-wall carpet. Foster's Daily Democrat, New Hampshire, 22 April 2008.
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080422/GJNEWS_01/774578135/-1/FOSNEWS
Brain damage link to cancer drug. A drug widely used to treat cancer may cause brain damage, with the effects lasting for years after the end of treatment, research suggests. The drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-RU), is used, alongside others, to treat cancers of the breast, ovaries, colon, stomach, pancreas and bladder. BBC, UK, 22 April 2008.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7360127.stm
Pesticide ban launches on Earth Day. Earth Day will be the backdrop for Premier Dalton McGuinty today as he announces long-awaited legislation to ban cosmetic use of pesticides across Ontario. Toronto Sun, Ontario, 22 April 2008.
http://www.torontosun.com/News/Canada/2008/04/22/5353601-sun.html
Bug repellent found in Chicago's drinking water. Millions of Americans cover themselves with the powerful repellent DEET as part of their summer routine. But after we shower and wash our clothes, DEET winds up in rivers and lakes -- and it's in our drinking water. Chicago Sun-Times, Illinois, 21 April 2008.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/905720,CST-NWS-water21.article
The 'green' way to dump electronic junk. Are you trying to rid your house of unwanted technology? Here's help. MSNBC, 21 April 2008.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24163506/
What do pollution numbers mean? For each company industrial site, a concerned member of the public can surf through federal data [in the Toxics Release Inventory] to determine the amount in pounds of various reportable chemicals that site releases into the air and waterways. Munster Times, Indiana, 21 April 2008.
http://nwi.com/articles/2008/04/21/special/water/doc480a92ed44f92816963445.txt
U.S. investigates artificial turf's lead levels. Artificial turf fields may be popular with players and managers. But now the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is beginning to investigate whether they contain lead that could pose health hazards. Washington Post, 20 April 2008.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/19/AR2008041901668.html
Doctors worry more child vaccine exemptions could cause health risks. Growing numbers of parents in Colorado, and across the nation, are choosing not to have their children immunized, believing that vaccines are dangerous. Denver KUSA TV, Colorado, 20 April 2008.
http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=90262
New law to make cleaning schools more environmentally friendly. The Green Clean Schools Act will soon require some Illinois schools to use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. Moline Dispatch, Illinois, 20 April 2008.
http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=383521
Study probes First Nations risks from seafood toxins. In the first major comprehensive study to look at the diet of coastal First Nations, researchers investigate the effects of pollutants in natives' traditional fish-rich diet. Victoria Times Colonist, British Columbia, 20 April 2008.
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/capital_van_isl/story.html?id=01518f34-d131-4b93-afd5-6df78d635f0c&k=21902
Lead paint, it may be closer than you think. Many people who threw away toys over fears they might be contaminated with lead paint might not realize they could be living in homes painted with similar materials. Florence Times Daily, Alabama, 19 April 2008.
http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080419/NEWS/451066635/1011
Caution needed when using pressure-treated wood. The new, arsenic-free, pressure-treated lumber presents hidden hazards that too few people realize. Edmonton Journal, Canada, 19 April 2008.
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/homes/story.html?id=23a1217b-9527-4ebb-81f1-97cf362d841d
Lack of regulation raises threats of lead, asbestos. The D.C. government's regulation of lead and asbestos removal is ineffective, insufficient and may increase health risks for District residents undertaking renovation projects, according to an alert issued by the D.C. Inspector General. DC Examiner, District of Columbia, 19 April 2008.
http://www.examiner.com/a-1349436~IG__Lack_of_regulation_raises_threats_of_lead__asbestos.html
Canada leads way with ban on baby bottles containing bisphenol A. The government announced Friday that Canada will be the first country to ban plastic baby bottles with bisphenol A after concluding the chemical is toxic. CanWest News, Canada, 19 April 2008.
http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/story.html?id=deed5ab1-c1e2-4a2f-b60c-9ae087ba3a7e&k=30469
[Editor's note: see a related article about businesses' response to BPA regulation at http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5713860.html ]
Study confirms Parkinson's-pesticides link. Results of a family-based, "case-control" study support a relationship between exposure to pesticides and the development of Parkinson's disease. Reuters Health, 19 April 2008.
http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2008/04/18/eline/links/20080418elin027.html
EU says China top source of risky goods. China is the main source of risky products in Europe and toys are the item most commonly found to pose a risk to consumers, the European Commission said Thursday. Agence France-Presse, 18 April 2008.
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/EU_says_China_top_source_of_risky_goods_999.html
Study links incontinence drugs with memory problems. Commonly used incontinence drugs may cause memory problems in some older people, a study has found. Associated Press, 18 April 2008.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/health/1500ap_incontinence_drugs_memory.html
Mapping fluoride and arsenic hot spots. New probability maps on naturally occurring fluoride and arsenic have the potential to provide red flags on contaminated drinking-water sources, particularly in developing countries where on-the-ground data are lacking. Environmental Science & Technology, 17 April 2008.
http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/esthag-w/2008/apr/science/nl_fluoride.html
Go green at home and protect the family from harmful chemicals. Nicole Brubaker, a former elementary school teacher, brings a white binder to play dates. Inside is neatly highlighted and organized pages on bisphenol A, sodium lauryl sulfate and petrolatum and the health problems they cause. Palm Springs Desert Sun, California, 17 April 2008.
http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080417/LIFESTYLES03/804170347/-1/newsfront
EPA must regulate chemicals in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency must write regulations to monitor the increasing levels of pharmaceuticals getting into the nation's drinking water supply, Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg said at a hearing Tuesday. Gannett News Service, 16 April 2008.
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080416/NEWS03/804160429/1007/NEWS03
Chemical in plastic may harm human growth. A controversial, estrogen-like chemical in plastic could be harming the development of children's brains and reproductive organs, the National Toxicology Program concluded in a report released Tuesday. Los Angeles Times, California, 16 April 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-plastic16apr16,1,2522881.story
submitted to this bulletin by Jim DiPeso
[Editor's note: see a related article titled "'Toxic' plastic could remain in use" at http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=1aaf8ca3-a969-4f41-9023-f68982899d1e&k=99266 ]
How to limit your BPA exposure. Consumers anxious to reduce their exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) following a new federal government report warning the chemical may be linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer and other health problems won't find the going easy. Washington Post, 16 April 2008.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/15/AR2008041502161.html
Iron pellets offer solution to arsenic in water. Officials at Superior Water Co., believe they have a solution to arsenic problems at one of their Pa. water wells. Pottstown Mercury, Pennsylvania, 16 April 2008.
http://www.pottsmerc.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/Daily?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_article&r21.pgpath=%2FPTM%2FHome&r21.content=%2FPTM%2FHome%2FTopStoryList_Story_1901686
Mercury emissions not tallied by state. There's no legal limit to the amount of mercury that the New York's three cement plants can eject into the air. Glens Falls Post Star, New York, 15 April 2008.
http://www.poststar.com/articles/2008/04/14/news/local/doc48039dcfbdcae728571096.txt
Sludge fertilizer program spurs concerns. Scientists using federal grants spread fertilizer made from human and industrial wastes on yards in poor, black neighborhoods to test whether it might protect children from lead poisoning in the soil. Associated Press, 14 April 2008.
http://www.examiner.com/a-1338183~Sludge_Fertilizer_Program_Spurs_Concerns.html?cid=sec-promo
[Editor's note: see related articles at http://www.examiner.com/a-1343288~NAACP_seeks_probe_into_sludge_spreading_in_black_communities.html and http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.sludge22apr22,0,3183695.story ]
Autism on the rise. Today, one in 150 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism, making it the fastest growing developmental disability, according to the Autism Society of America. Royal Oak Daily Tribune, Michigan, 14 April 2008.
http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/041408/loc_localn01.shtml
Fake Teletubbies danger alert. A warning has gone out to parents [in the UK] who may have bought counterfeit "Teletubbies" [containing potentially dangerous levels of lead and chromium]. Great Yarmouth Mercury, United Kingdom, 14 April 2008.
http://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk/content/yarmouthmercury/news/story.aspx?brand=GYMOnline&category=news&tBrand=GYMonline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED14%20Apr%202008%2013%3A49%3A52%3A830
Greener dry cleaners in North Jersey? There are no state or federal standards -- voluntary or mandatory -- that would help distinguish the truly green dry cleaners from the posers. Bergen County Record, New Jersey, 14 April 2008.
http://www.northjersey.com/environment/environmentnews/Dry_cleanings_greener_trend.html?c=y&page=1
Plastic water bottles are an ocean menace. Research shows that not only are plastic bottles bad for the environment, especially the ocean, but that they may present a health risk to the public as well. Santa Cruz Sentinel, California, 13 April 2008.
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_8909976
Wireless communication vs. health worries. The universal presence of wireless devices has carried with it a nagging concern, leaving many wondering about long-term health effects. Santa Rosa Press Democrat, California, 13 April 2008.
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/EarlyEdition/article_view.cfm?recordID=9085&publishdate=04/13/2008
Pesticide ban placed on town fields. Just in time to prevent the annual application of a toxic pesticide, Greenwich CT officials have banned the use of all such chemicals on all its athletic fields. Greenwich Time, Connecticut, 13 April 2008.
http://www.greenwichtime.com/ci_8907890
Schools commit to green building. Low gas-emitting paint and carpeting, lights tripped by motion sensors, solar roof fabric and waterless urinals are just some of the environmentally friendly staples that will be found in new Palm Beach County schools. Palm Beach Post, Florida, 13 April 2008.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/04/13/s1c_greenskuls_0413.html
Government seeks input on vaccine-safety questions. The government began an unprecedented effort yesterday to give vaccine critics a say in shaping how the nation researches safety questions surrounding immunizations. Associated Press, 12 April 2008.
http://www.philly.com/philly/health_and_science/20080412_Government_seeks_input_on_vaccine-safety_questions.html
Toxins in artificial turf prompt concern. As the use of artificial turf has increased in popularity, there is growing concern that a component in some turf might be hazardous to the health of people and the environment. Hartford Courant, Connecticut, 12 April 2008.
http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-artificial0412.artapr12,0,3110275.story
Ease up on use of plastic; activists seek changes for Earth Day. Premier Dalton McGuinty of Ontario has appointed a scientific panel to focus on toxic reduction legislation and has made the study of Bisphenol A a priority. Sarnia Observer, Ontario, 12 April 2008.
http://www.theobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=983669
FEMA sets formaldehyde limits on its trailers. FEMA is setting strict new limits on formaldehyde levels in the mobile homes it buys for disaster victims. Associated Press, 12 April 2008.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2008/04/12/fema_sets_formaldehyde_limits_on_its_trailers/
Fuss about drugs in drinking water unnecessary, scientists say. Despite the sudden clamor about contaminants in drinking water, many water-quality researchers kept doing what they had done for years: nothing. McClatchy Newspapers, 12 April 2008.
http://www.kansascity.com/news/nation/story/572522.html
Health officials warn of radon, mold. Health officials were meeting with local officials and the public Thursday to remind them of the dangers posed by radon and mold, which can contaminate the air in people's homes with potentially deadly results. Durango Herald, Colorado, 12 April 2008.
http://durangoherald.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article_path=/news/08/news080411_5.htm
Welcome for new curb on artificial food colourings. Campaigners welcomed the Food Standards Agency's decision to seek a voluntary ban on six food additives yesterday and vowed to seek a review of their use in medicines. London Guardian, England, 11 April 2008.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/apr/11/health.children
Cubist finds its antibiotic cubicin is tainted. Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. said it has warned the Food and Drug Administration that one of its antibiotic drugs, Cubicin, has been tainted with a potentially harmful industrial chemical. Wall Street Journal, 10 April 2008.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120779390778403867.html
Planes and ships really stink. The state's top environmental official said Wednesday that New Jersey must work to reduce toxic fuel emissions that are causing health problems near shipping ports and airports. Bergen County Record, New Jersey, 10 April 2008.
http://www.northjersey.com/environment/17451529.html
Infant cough medicines 'a health risk.' More than a dozen infant cough and cold medicines will be restricted to prescription-only status for children under two, after drug safety experts ruled that they did little good and might pose health risks. Sydney Australian, Australia, 10 April 2008.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23514926-23289,00.html
In wake of beef recall, more slaughterhouses found to have problems. A federal audit of slaughterhouses licensed to provide beef to the nation's schoolchildren found animal-handling problems at four of the 18 plants, including one that was shut down briefly. Riverside Press-Enterprise, California, 9 April 2008.
http://www.pe.com/politics/goad/stories/PE_News_Local_D_beef09.36b3e46.html
Group finds phthalates in children's products. The Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine has found high levels of chemicals that can cause health problems in children's toys and products. Associated Press, 9 April 2008.
http://www.wmtw.com/news/15822869/detail.html
Study: disinfection of drinking water creates toxic byproducts. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant says that the disinfection of drinking water has virtually eliminated water-borne illnesses in much of the world but that the disinfecting process has lead to its own set of concerns. Chesterton Tribune, Indiana, 9 April 2008.
http://www.chestertontribune.com/Environment/489%20study_disinfection_of_drinking_w.htm
Daily commute might be worse than you think. A recent study by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) and the California Air Resources Board found that up to half of Los Angeles residents' total exposure to dangerous air pollutants occurs while driving. Austin News 8, Texas, 9 April 2008.
http://www.news8austin.com/content/headlines/?ArID=205114&SecID=2