PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTKnet: Chemicals

explanation of types, classifications, listings, PBT, etc

BP Continues to Use Surface Dispersants Despite Directive (NY Times)

BP is still applying dispersant Corexit 9500 to the surface of the Gulf even after the EPA issued a directive ordering the company to desist. Scientists are concerned about the dispersant's impact on marine life and the health of workers who are exposed to the chemical daily. 

(25 Jun 2010)

In Fracking Debate, 'Disclosure' Is in the Eye of the Beholder (New York Times)

Environmentalists, community groups, and Democratic lawmakers are urging drilling companies to fully disclose the chemicals they are using in hydraulic fracturing at each well site. While companies claim they are in favor of disclosure, they will only provide information to state regulators and medical personnel who are willing to sign confidentiality agreements so that their alleged trade secrets are not released. According to the NRDC, "Disclosure would shine a light and encourage companies to use less toxic chemicals. It gives individuals the ability to know what's used."

(22 Jun 2010)

The Top 100 Toxic Air Polluters (The Real News Network)

Researchers at UMass Amherst released The Toxic 100 Air Polluters, which is based on TRI data. The list helps the public to better understand the impact of pollutants on their health. According to the list, the top five air polluters among large corporations are the Bayer Group, ExxonMobil, Sunoco, DuPont, and Arcelor Mittal. Co-Director Michael Ash explains, "We try to act as a bridge between the right to know...and the right to actually have clean air and clean water."

(18 Jun 2010)

C8 Exposure Linked to ADHD in Children (The Charleston Gazette)

Researchers recently found that "for every additional 1 part per billion of C8 in the blood, children faced a 12 percent increased risk of ADHD." C8, or perfluorooactonoic acid (PFOA), is widely used in nonstick coatings, food package coatings, and stain-resistant fabrics. Past studies have found a link between C8 exposure and liver damage, immune problems, developmental abnormalities, birth defects, and high cholesterol, among other health problems.

(17 Jun 2010)

Chemical Companies Set to Oppose TSCA Disclosure (ICIS.com)

Chemical companies are planning to lobby against the proposed TSCA reform to disclose chemical hazard information and chemical identities. Conversely, NRDC Senior Attorney Daniel Rosenberg asserts, “Besides the EPA not having enough information about these chemicals, the public doesn’t either."

(16 Jun 2010)

Sen. Schumer Asks FDA to Share Data On Possible Sunscreen Chemical-Cancer Link (The Washington Post)

Sen. Schumer (D-NY) asked the FDA on Sunday to disclose findings about the possible connection between retinyl palmitate and skin cancer. According to Schumer, "With the recent reports suggesting a possible link between skin cancer and a common chemical found in sunscreens, the FDA must now act to protect consumers," particularly by evaluating the scientific data and providing recommendations.

(14 Jun 2010)

The Poison Crib: When Protective Chemicals Harm (Salon.com)

Recent scientific evidence has led the EPA to propose putting a popular flame retardant, which is used in nursing pillows, cribs, and strollers, among other products, on their list of Chemicals of Concern. PBDEs, the most widely used chemical, is linked to ADD, hyperactivity, hearing problems, slow mental development, and cancer in children. According to the CDC, 97% of Americans have flame retardants in their blood.

(11 Jun 2010)

Ingredients of Controversial Dispersants Used on Gulf Spill Are Secrets No More (The New York Times)

The EPA disclosed a full list of ingredients in Corexit 9500 and 9527, the dispersants used in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY) commented, "In order to hold BP accountable and to protect our citizens, we must provide all the information to the public and independent researchers so that they can verify the unfolding situation and long-term impact."

(09 Jun 2010)

Wyoming Approves Hydraulic Fracturing Disclosure Rules (The Associated Press)

The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission approved a regulation requiring energy companies to reveal the chemicals they use in hydraulic fracturing. Energy companies were concerned that disclosing the chemicals in fracking fluid would hurt their competitiveness. However, Steven Jones of the Wyoming Outdoor Council affirmed, "It's going to be important for landowners and the public to get access to that information, to know what fluids they are using," particularly in the event of groundwater contamination.

(09 Jun 2010)

As Cleanup Nears, Neighbors of Price's Pit Superfund Site Still Worry About Long-Term Health Effects (Atlantic-City Pleasantville Brigantine)

Nearly thirty years after describing a New Jersey landfill as "the most serious environmental problem in the United States," the EPA plans to begin cleanup of the Superfund site in August. For years, local residents uknowingly consumed contaminated water and are now concerned about the link between the polluted groundwater and their health problems.

(08 Jun 2010)