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.

Dry Cleaning Chemical Linked to Kidney Cancer (Journal of Environmental and Public Health)

A new study supports the hypothesis that living near a dry cleaning facility using the toxic chemical PERC increases the risk of PERC exposure and of developing kidney cancer. This study is the first to demonstrate an association between residential PERC exposure and cancer risk.

(25 Jan 2010)

Chemical Secrecy Increasing Risks to Public (OMB Watch)

Excessive secrecy prevents the public from knowing what chemicals are used in their communities and what health impacts might be associated with those substances, according to a recent analysis of government data by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG).

(25 Jan 2010)

Law Inadequate to Protect Drinking Water (NY Times)

The 35-year-old federal law regulating tap water is so out of date that the water Americans drink can pose what scientists say are serious health risks — and still be legal.

(17 Dec 2009)

CDC Report Tracks Human Exposure to Toxics (NY Times)

The CDC released its fourth biomonitoring report, the most extensive assessment to date of the exposure of Americans to environmental chemicals. The goal of the research is to determine which chemicals end up in people's bodies and at what concentrations. It is meant to help prioritize scientific work and for policymaking.

(14 Dec 2009)

"Split Estate" Exposes Damage From Gas Drilling (Split Estate)

The new documentary, Split Estate, maps a tragedy in the making, as citizens in the path of a new drilling boom in the Rocky Mountain West struggle against the erosion of their civil liberties, their communities, and their health. The film will air again on Planet Green on January 16 and 17, 2010.

(08 Dec 2009)

BPA, Toxic Chemicals Found in Infant Cord Blood (Environmental Working Group)

Laboratory tests commissioned by EWG have, for the first time, detected bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic component and synthetic estrogen, in umbilical cord blood of American infants. The report's findings constitute hard evidence that each child was exposed to a host of dangerous substances while still in its mother’s womb.

(02 Dec 2009)

Congress, GAO Scrutinize Superfund Monitoring Agency (New York Times)

"It seems to have gotten into their culture to do quick and dirty studies and to be too willing to say there are no public health consequences," said Rep. Brad Miller (D-NC), "People should be able to count on the government to tell them the truth."

(30 Nov 2009)

Nanotechnology - Sexy New Science with Lots of Unanswered Questions (Nanowerk News)

Greater transparency and public engagement about the potential opportunities and risks presented by nanotechnology is required, according to a new report by The Australia Institute, What You Should Know about Nano.

(25 Nov 2009)

Help Strengthen America's Toxic Chemicals Standards

Please take action to support legislation to protect our families from dangerous toxic chemicals.

(19 Nov 2009)

Senator Blocking EPA Research Head Has Ties To Chemical Industry (Mother Jones)

Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) is blocking Pres. Obama's nominee to run EPA's Office of Research and Development, Paul Anastas, a leading advocate for safer chemicals. Vitter's campaign has been funded by chemical manufacturers, including makers of formaldehyde.

(12 Nov 2009)