Environmental Toxins: April 2007 Archives

Baghdad's Drinking Water Polluted

Because the construction of a new water treatment and distribution system in Central Iraq is not progressing at an adequate rate, many civilians are stuck drinking the highly polluted water of the Tigris River. Little is being done to increase Iraqi access to drinking water and US contractors are unwilling or unable to do much to alleviate the problem. Although some of the areas of Baghdad have access to drinking water from functional water treatment plants, millions of residents are still without a clean and reliable water source.

Pollution Chokes the Tigris, a Main Source of Baghdad’s Drinking Water

Adbul Salam Abdulali works on the river. He currently works for a company that dredges the Tigris but was recently absorbed by the Ministry of Water Resources. Abdulali says that he is "married to the water. But it is too polluted now. I wish I could eat the fish, but when I cut them open, I can smell the oil." Shopkeeper Ranzi Amher Aziz echoes these worries. "The situation here is worse now than before the war. There has been no work here by the Americans to give us clean water or fix the sewage problem." The Tigris River is polluted with pesticides, fertilizers, oil, gasoline, and heavy metals.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

EPA Proposing Lawnmower Emission Limits

The Environmental Protection Agency has created a new proposal that would apply to all lawnmowers under 25 horsepower, which are in most walk-behind and riding lawnmowers, as well as small generators and other machines.The new rule could reduce smog-forming emissions from the engines by 35 percent. Currently, walk-behind and riding mowers create up to ten percent of summertime smog-forming emissions.

EPA Proposing Lawnmower Emissions Limits

The rule would be put into place in 2011 for riding lawn mowers and in 2012 for push lawn mowers and would only apply to new engines. Placing catalytic converters in lawn mowers would make the machines more expensive. The California Air Resources Board has speculated that walk-behind lawn mowers will cost 18 percent more under the new regulations.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 08:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

EPA Disapproves of Coal-Methane Bill

The Environmental Protection Agency is concerned that Montana Governor Schweitzer's plan to coal-bed methane water to be kept in small reservoirs that are used by livestock and wildlife would have negative effects on the environment. The EPA also says that the plan would be in violation of the Clean Water Act. The plan has been supported by companies who need to dispose of poor-quality water that is produced by coal-bed methane drilling.

EPA Raises Red Flag on Coal-Bed Methane Bill

The EPA says that the wastewater contains high levels of sodium and that the contaminated water could contaminate other water bodies or overflow in the event of heavy rain or snow. If the proposal is passed by Montana's government, the EPA still can override the proposal if it will be in violation of federal regulations. The proposal currently has been approved by the state Senate and is nearing final approval by the House.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 08:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Environmental Issues Affect Us All

Many wonder why we should worry about the environment. After all, we are able to get food quickly and easily, fresh water flows from the faucets in our houses, and gasoline is easy to find and buy. From the American lifestyle, there is no immediate reminder of the toll our lifestyle takes on the environment. Society even goes so far as to encourage a wasteful and carefree lifestyle.

Kieler: Environmental Issues Affect Us Today

However, all of this is not reason enough to say that we should not be concerned about the environment. Chemical pollutants in the air can cause dangerous respiratory illnesses. Water toxins can act as carcinogens. A 2007 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that tens of millions of people will be affected by food and water shortages by 2020 because of a lack of rainfall caused by global warming. A national think tank, the CNA Corporation, says that resource shortages caused by global warming likely will cause "civil strife, genocide, and the growth of terrorism."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 01:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Study Looks At Environmental Impact of Ethanol

A new study shows that ethanol might not be the cleaner energy alternative of the future. Many say that using ethanol for fuel is better because it releases fewer pollutants than gasoline. Manoj Patil, a chemistry professor at W.I.T., says that ethanol is better because it produces "less smog, basically, because of less carbon monoxide. And it's renewable."

Study Examines Environmental Impact of Ethanol

However, the new study from Stanford professor Mark Jacobson, says that when he modeled a projection on what would happen if all cars in the United States ran on a mainly ethanol blend, there were less of some toxins, but more of many others. Most notably, acetaldehyde, a carcinogen, was produced, as was formaldehyde. Health officials say long term exposure to formaldehyde causes respiratory problems. Based on Jacobson's model, there will be higher ozone levels and about 185 more deaths a year if ethanol becomes used as a common fuel source. Senator Charles Grassley, however, isn't worried about Jacobson's findings. He says "So, when I measure 13 studies that are positive ... three that are negative... I think the weight of the argument is very much in favor of further use of ethanol."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cured Meat Can Cause Lung Damage

New research suggests that eating cured meat can cause lung damage. Those who eat a lot of bacon, ham, and salami are exposed to preservatives that significantly increase their chances of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These findings follow recent evidence that women who eat a lot of red meat increase their breast cancer risk.

Too much bacon and ham 'can harm lungs'

COPD includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema and is one of the most common lung conditions in the developed world. Researchers found that those who ate cured meat products 14 or more times a month were 78 percent more likely to develop COPD than those who ate none. Those who ate cured meat products between five and thirteen times a month increased their risk for COPD by 50 percent. Those who ate cured meat also did not do as well in lung-function tests. Lead researcher Dr. Rui Jiang, from Columbia University, said that "cured meats are high in nitrates, which are added to meat products as a preservative, an anti-microbial agent, and a color fixative. Nitrates may cause damage to the lungs."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Project Seeks to Eliminate Day Care Toxins

Vicki Zerbee , from Earth Day Clean Everyday, has announced an Earth Day Cleaner Kit Project on www.EarthDayCleanEveryday.com where families can make a contribution to make their child's day care center more environmentally friendly. Because young children often spend 10 or more hours a day at day care and research shows that young children are especially susceptible to the health effects of environmental toxin exposure, it is especially important that day care centers be environmentally safe.

$1.00 Earth Day Investment Can Eliminate Toxics in Day Care Centers

Each Cleaner Kit can reduce 108 pounds of packaging waste from landfills, eliminating 248 pounds of greenhouse gases, and planting 10 trees. Zerbee says, "This is a measurable donation, and when you multiply it out by lots of kits distributed, the environment benefits that much more, and children benefit in a healthier, safer personal environment."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 01:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Benzene, MTBE Found in Ground Water

High levels of benzene and methyl tertiary-butyl ether, also known as MTBE, have been found in the ground water under a Citgo gas station in Monrovia, Maryland. Both MTBE and benzene are gasoline additives. There is no indication that the chemicals have spread. All properties within a half-mile of the Green Valley Citgo will receive results of the sampling.

Benzene, MTBE Leak Found In Ground Water

Benzene is a known carcinogen. It was found at a level of 66 parts per billion, which is about 13 times the Environmental Protection Agency's maximum acceptable level. MTBE was found at a level of 59,000 parts per billion, which is thousands of times higher than the EPA's acceptable limit. While MTBE's effect on human health has not yet been established, it is believed to be a carcinogen.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

EPA Decides About 11 Contaminants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has decided against regulating 11 contaminants on the second drinking water contaminant candidate list. Due to a "preliminary regulatory determination" the EPA has decided that based on a review of health effects and occurrence data, specific contaminants do not occur at high enough levels to be of concern in public water systems. Two contaminants under review, perchlorate and MTBE, will require additional review in order to assess human exposure levels and the subsequent health risks.

EPA Issues Determination on 11 Contaminants

The 11 contaminants on the list include naturally occurring substances, pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals used in manufacturing. The list of 11 chemicals is as follows: boron; dacthal mono; di-acid degradates,;1,1-dichloro- 2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl ethylene (DDE); 1,3-dichloropropene,;2,4-dinitrotoluene; 2,6-dinitrotoluene; s-ethyl propyl thiocarbamate; fonofos; terbacil; 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane. More can be learned about the contaminant list on the EPA's website.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Environmental Toxins Sicken Children

A report released by the Learning Disabilities Association of New York and the Healthy Schools Network says that the recent increase in chronic illness and developmental disabilities in children is a result of environmental toxins. Consequently, the report suggests that the federal government should take a role in regulating these toxins. George Dunkel, from the America Academy of Pediatrics, says that
"Young children are uniquely vulnerable to environmental hazards because their body organs and systems are still developing. Recognizing the potentially negative impacts of pollutants on children, it is imperative that we as a society commit to protect our children from environmental hazards in our homes, schools and communities."

Toxins Sickening Kids; More Oversight Urged

Environmental toxins that can pose a threat to children range from asbestos and air pollution to lead jewelry, pesticides, and arsenic found in drinking water. If exposed to these toxins, a child's risk of developing a life-long disability increases. Childhood diseases linked to environmental toxins include asthma, cancer, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and many other developmental disabilities, such as retardation and autism.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New York's Toxic Burden Shifts to Queens

New data recently made public by the federal government shows that the amount of toxin released into the air, water, and soil by New York City industry has increased over the last few years. Toxins are most concentrated in the air and largely come from along the East River waterfront in Queens. Queens is the location of New York City's three leading industrial polluters: KeySpan Energy Ravenswood Power Station, Astoria Generating Station, and the Charles Poletti Power Project.

City's Toxic Burden Shifts to Queens, Data Show

In 2005, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the three plants released 334 tons of toxins, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides mercury. The plants led to a 9.8% increase in industrial pollution. Michael Gianaris, a Queens assemblyman, says that Queens is "called asthma alley. It just so happens that you have probably 80% of the city's electricity being generated in this area. It's a health crisis for us." Environmental toxins have been linked to heart damage and lung damage.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Environmental Toxin Can Act As Estrogen

Lorna Vanderhaeghe, a nutritionist with a bachelors degree in biochemistry, has been researching and writing about nutritional medicine for the last 25 years. Vanderhaage says that people are exposed to numerous compounds that can act as estrogens from the environment daily. Certain foods, stress, a lack of exercise, and environmental toxins can affect the way in which estrogen should act. An environmental compound known as an xenoestrogen can act as estrogen, increasing risk of certain kinds of cancer.

Nutritioinist, Biochemist Advises on Rick Reduction

Xenoestrogen overexposure is caused by exposure to pesticides in meat, poultry, and dairy products. They also can be found in plastics, fabric softeners, dry cleaned clothing, hair dyes, and perfumes. Vanderhaege says that personal products are so harmful that "by the time we leave the bathroom in the morning, we are totally toxic." Xenoestrogens are highly carcinogenic and can lead to many health problems.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Federal Regulators Urged to Limit Trans Fats

The Heart and Stroke Foundation hopes that the Canadian federal government will do something to prevent trans fats from being used in foods. The group is asking the federal government to implement new recommendations from its Trans Fat Task Force report. Recommendations from the report include limiting the trans fat content in all foods bought in restaurants or in grocery stores to five percent of the total fat content.

Feds Urged to Put Limits on Use of Trans Fats

The government has not yet formally responded to the requests. Sally Brown, the CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, says that "we urge the government not to be silent on this issue any longer. We want this toxin, which is what it is, to be removed from our food supply." The Heart and Stroke Foundation says that it is urgent that someone take action because Canadians have one of the highest trans fat intakes in the world; on average, Canadians eat 4.9 grams of trans fats a day.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hundreds Protest EPA's Plan

Hundreds of local protesters gathered to show their disapproval for the Environmental Protection Agency's plan to dump PCB-contaminated soil at a Kalamazoo landfill. While EPA representatives were in Kalamazoo to talk about the logistics of placing the toxic soil in Kalamazoo, they did not show up at the protest site. Protesters lined the entrance to the area where the EPA wants to dump more than 4,000 pounds of PCB's taken from the Kalamazoo River.

Hundreds Protest EPA Plan for Kalamazoo

Protester Jennifer Williams of Kalamazoo voiced her complaints, saying, "it's all about the money. It's all about the big dollar signs. Who cares about the people process. Who cares if the environment goes to hell? As long as they make a few bucks in the process." The EPA maintains that the plan does not endanger anyone's health, but protesters disagree. Crystal Gonder says, "it just symbolizes that our neighborhood isn't safe anymore. We soon will need to be wearing these [gas masks] because we won't be able to drink the water."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Supreme Court Rules Greenhouse Gases Must Be Considered Pollutants

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided that the Environmental Protection Agency must consider greenhouse gases to be pollutants. "Because greenhouse gases fit well within the Clean Air Act's capacious definition of 'air pollutant' we hold that EPA has the statutory authority to regulate the emission of such gases from new motor vehicles," the court said.

Government must deal with greenhouse gases: US Supreme Court

The state of Massachusetts led the initiative to determine whether the EPA has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide emissions. Judge John Paul Stevens said that he voted in favor of the EPA having some regulation over greenhouse gases because "the harms associated with climate change are serious and well recognized." A spokesman for the Sierra Club, Josh Dorner, said that the vote was "a watershed moment in the fight against global warming."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

High Beef Consumption Can Affect Sons' Fertility

Over a decade ago, researchers from Copenhagen University determined that sperm counts were falling in the West and blamed the findings on exposure to pesticides and industrial chemicals. American researchers have now released data that support the idea that women who eat a lot of beef while pregnant are more likely to have sons who suffer from poor sperm quality.

Eating beef could threaten sons' fertility

The study looked at men who were born between the years of 1949 and 1983 and found that those whose mothers had eaten seven beef meals a week had a 24 percent lower sperm count than those whose mothers who ate less beef. Additionally, research suggests that the sons of high beef consumers have a three times greater rate of sub-fertile sperm classification than those whose mothers had not eaten as much beef. A British expert said that the findings are "alarming" and another said that "don't mess with growth promoters in the obvious take home message."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 10:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

April 30, 2007

Baghdad's Drinking Water Polluted

April 27, 2007

EPA Proposing Lawnmower Emission Limits

April 26, 2007

EPA Disapproves of Coal-Methane Bill

April 25, 2007

Environmental Issues Affect Us All

April 24, 2007

Study Looks At Environmental Impact of Ethanol

April 23, 2007

Cured Meat Can Cause Lung Damage

April 20, 2007

Project Seeks to Eliminate Day Care Toxins

April 19, 2007

Benzene, MTBE Found in Ground Water

April 18, 2007

EPA Decides About 11 Contaminants

April 17, 2007

Environmental Toxins Sicken Children

April 16, 2007

New York's Toxic Burden Shifts to Queens

April 13, 2007

Environmental Toxin Can Act As Estrogen

April 12, 2007

Federal Regulators Urged to Limit Trans Fats

April 11, 2007

Hundreds Protest EPA's Plan

April 10, 2007

Supreme Court Rules Greenhouse Gases Must Be Considered Pollutants

April 09, 2007

High Beef Consumption Can Affect Sons' Fertility