PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTKnet: Science

Protection of the environment and public health depends on scientific information that is reliable and impartial. Citizens and policy makers rely on the most current scientific knowledge and technologies to make wise decisions.

Mercury at Unsafe Levels in Half of U.S. Lakes, Reservoirs (Environmental Protection Agency)

A new EPA study shows concentrations of toxic chemicals in fish from lakes and reservoirs in nearly all 50 U.S. states. This follows a USGS study that found similar widespread contamination.

(19 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)

Webinar: Chemicals Policy Reform and its Importance for Business (Safer Chemicals Healthy Families)

On Friday, November 13 at 11:00 am PST, this webinar will provide an opportunity to understand the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and its reform as well as to hear from some leading businesses on why policy reform is important to them.

(10 Nov 2009)

Chemicals in Our Food, and Bodies (New York Times)

"More than 92 percent of Americans have BPA in their urine, and scientists have linked it — though not conclusively — to everything from breast cancer to obesity, from attention deficit disorder to genital abnormalities in boys and girls alike."

(09 Nov 2009)

EPA Orders Chemical Testing for Hormone Effects (U.S. EPA)

EPA has issued the first test orders for seven of 67 pesticide chemicals to be screened for their potential effects on the endocrine system. Atrazine, a widespread water pollutant, is included among the first seven orders.

(29 Oct 2009)

Rep. Markey Questions OMB on Endocrine Disruptor Data

In a letter to OMB, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA.) questioned recent OMB instructions to EPA regarding endocrine system disrupting chemicals. "OMB's directive may have the unintended consequence of preventing EPA from obtaining the very information it needs to make informed decisions," said Rep. Markey in his letter. The letter is available here.

(22 Oct 2009)

Toxic Chemicals Found in Doctors and Nurses (Physicians for Social Responsibility)

A new study found toxic chemicals associated with health care in the bodies of health care professionals, revealing that these professionals, particularly nurses, are at increased risk for chemical and pharmaceutical exposure - as are healthcare patients.

(19 Oct 2009)

Atrazine to Be Evaluated for Health Risks (U.S. EPA)

The EPA is launching a comprehensive new evaluation of the pesticide atrazine to determine its effects on humans. The agency will afterward decide whether to revise its current risk assessment of the pesticide and whether new restrictions are necessary to better protect public health.

(09 Oct 2009)

BPA Exposure Linked to Behavioral Problems in Girls (USA Today)

A new study links exposure to BPA among pregnant women to harmful behavior in their daughters. The Children's Health issue of Environmental Health Perspectives includes this and other studies on toxics and children's health.

(07 Oct 2009)