PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTKnet: Health

We have a right to information about threats to the health of our families, friends, coworkers, and selves.

California Proposes Adding Two Chemicals To Prop 65 List (OEHHA)

California has proposed adding two toxics to its Proposition 65 list of toxic substances. The state proposes adding acrylamide as a reproductive toxicant and the pesticide metam potassium as a carcinogen.

(10 Mar 2010)

Most Personal-Care Products are Toxic (Durango Herald)

According to the Durango Herald, "Most toothpaste, skin lotions, sunscreens, shampoos, conditioners, soaps and cosmetics contain toxic substances you do not want in your body. All of these products also end up in our waterways to affect us a second time when we use the water." More product information is available at the Cosmetic Safety Database.

(10 Mar 2010)

Coal Ash Story Belies 'Clean Coal' Myth (Associated Press)

The long and dirty story of the fate of the toxic wastes from a Tennessee Valley Authority coal ash spill in 2008 contradicts the idea that coal can be "clean." The story also shows how difficult tracking the fate of such waste can be.

(09 Mar 2010)

EPA Proposes 8 New Superfund Sites, Adds 10 Sites (U.S. EPA)

EPA is adding 10 hazardous waste sites to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL), and proposing to add an additional 8 sites. The proposed sites are in FL, MI, MO, MT, NC, NY, and TN.

(02 Mar 2010)

Slow Death by Rubber Duck (Washington Post)

"Provocative and groundbreaking, Slow Death by Rubber Duck reveals how the living of daily life creates a toxic soup inside each of us."

(02 Mar 2010)

Atrazine Causing Havoc to Aquatic Life (Washington Post)

A new study shows that male frogs exposed to the herbicide atrazine -- commonly found in U.S. rivers and streams -- can make a startling developmental U-turn, turning female so completely that they can mate with other males and lay viable eggs.

(01 Mar 2010)

EPA Considers Requiring Reporting of Toxic Hydrogen Sulfide (U.S. EPA)

After a 16-year review, EPA is recommending that it begin requiring polluters to report their releases of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide can be released from factory farms, wastewater treatment plants, oil and gas operations, and other human activities. The public may comment on the proposal here.

(01 Mar 2010)

More Time to Comment on Disclosure of Pesticide Ingredients (U.S. EPA)

In response to industry requests, the EPA has extended the public comment period on its proposal to require disclosure of pesticide ingredients, including so-called inert ingredients, until April 23, 2010. "Inert" ingredients can be extremely dangerous but are usually not dislosed on pesticide labels. Submit your comments here.

(25 Feb 2010)

Chemical Secrecy Keeps BPA in Food (Environmental Working Group)

Even makers of canned foods can’t necessarily find out if certain chemicals, including BPA, are in the liners of the cans they sell to millions of people every day.

(24 Feb 2010)

Earthjustice Fights for Disclosure of Household Toxics (Earthjustice)

A long-neglected New York state law requires household cleaning product manufacturers to disclose their chemical ingredients and information about the health risks they pose. Earthjustice attorneys are fighting in NY State Supreme Court to see the law enforced. The lawsuit impacts cleaning products sold nationwide.

(23 Feb 2010)