News
Boys' birth defect is not increasing, raising questions about phthalate syndrome
Hypospadias, one of the most common birth defects among baby boys, apparently is not increasing in the United States, casting doubt on whether boys are harmed by phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals thought to trigger reproductive abnormalities.
The environmental toll of plastics
From cell phones and computers to bicycle helmets and hospital IV bags, plastic has molded society in many ways that make life both easier and safer. But the synthetic material also has left harmful imprints on the environment and perhaps human health, according to a new compilation of articles authored by more than 60 scientists from around the world. Evidence is mounting that the chemical building blocks that make plastics so versatile are the same components that might harm people and the environment. And its production and disposal contribute to an array of environmental problems, too. Green solutions, however, are becoming available, the scientists say.
More preemies born in neighborhoods with heavy pollution from cars, trucks
Women exposed to air pollution from freeways and congested roads are much more likely to give birth to premature babies and suffer from preeclampsia, according to a study by California scientists published Wednesday. The findings, based on births in the Long Beach/Orange County region, add to the growing evidence that car and truck exhaust can jeopardize the health of babies while they are in the womb.
Weed killer kills human cells. Study intensifies debate over 'inert' ingredients.
Used in yards, farms and parks throughout the world, Roundup has long been a top-selling weed killer. But now researchers have found that one of Roundup’s inert ingredients can kill human cells, particularly embryonic, placental and umbilical cord cells. The new findings intensify a debate about so-called “inerts” — the solvents, preservatives, surfactants and other substances that manufacturers add to pesticides. Nearly 4,000 inert ingredients are approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
New diesel trucks and buses cut soot and smog more than 90%
For decades, diesel trucks and buses have spewed large amounts of soot, smog-causing gases and carcinogens into the air. But new diesel engines are more than 90 percent cleaner than a few years ago, far exceeding the emission reductions required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to a new independent study released Thursday. Data show new diesel technologies are working even better than expected.
Mohawk men: PCBs in native foods may be reducing testosterone
For two decades, the Mohawk Nation's Akwesasne territory has been turned into a human laboratory for studying the health effects of industrial chemicals. The latest finding? Low testosterone levels in men. Researchers say the contamination of the Mohawk has universal ramifications. The study provides the first human evidence that PCBs block male hormones.
High selenium linked to diabetes; Americans should stop taking selenium supplements, research team says
Most Americans have high selenium levels in their bodies, but diabetics have even more. A new study confirms a link between selenium and the disease, suggesting that "selenium supplements should not be used in the U.S. until there is a better understanding of their potential risks and benefits," the authors say.
Special Report: Thousands of kids exposed to dangerous liquid mercury in schools, homes. Contamination can last years, and cleanups are costly
When children encounter long-forgotten stashes of liquid mercury, schools have to shut down for days or weeks and the toxic trail left in classrooms, buses, homes and communities costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to clean up. Found in many old science labs and used in some cultural ceremonies, mercury triggered more than 37,000 calls to U.S. poison control centers in a five-year period. One specialist found traces in 40% of schools tested.
DDT use should be curtailed, left only as 'last resort' in some malaria-plagued areas, scientists say
DDT should be used only 'with caution' in combating malaria, a panel of scientists reported today. People in Africa and Asia could be at risk of serious health effects from the pesticide sprayed inside their homes and authorized by the World Health Organization and U.S. aid program, they said.
Big increase in ocean mercury found; study predicts more human threat from fish
Mercury in ocean will rise by 50 percent as emissions from coal-fired power plants increase, study says. U.S. scientists document for first time how mercury from industry gets into seafood.
Sewage plants could be creating 'super' bacteria
Some bacteria at sewage treatment plants thrive, becoming extra-hardy and resistant to antibiotics, a new study shows. These "super" bugs remain in wastewater and wind up in the environment.
Scientists find 'baffling' link between autism and vinyl flooring
Children who live in homes with vinyl floors, which can emit phthalates, are twice as likely to have autism, according to a new study by Swedish and U.S. researchers. Scientists call the discovery "intriguing and baffling." Experts suspect that genetic and environmental factors combine to cause autism, which has increased dramatically in children over the past 20 years.
Food may contain environmental estrogens
A discovery that two commonly used food additives are estrogenic has led scientists to suspect that other ingredients added to the food supply may be capable of altering hormones. The FDA, however, doesn't require testing.
Nanoparticles from sunscreens damage microbes
Nanoparticles in sunscreens, cosmetics and other consumer products may pose risks to the environment by damaging beneficial microbes, scientists reported Tuesday. Nano-titanium dioxide found in personal care products reduced biological roles of bacteria after less than an hour of exposure. The findings suggest that these particles, which easily end up at sewage treatment plants after being washed off in showers, could eliminate microbes that play vital roles in ecosystems and help treat wastewater.
A toxic home on the range?
Cattle in southeast Texas have high incidence of DNA damage. Scientists have found a link to large factories that emit toxic substances.
Schools to keep bugs at bay a safer way
A new EPA plan would cut school pesticide use by 70 percent or more, but some say children and teachers should be protected by mandates, not voluntary guidelines.
Great Lakes fishermen less contaminated than a decade ago
PCBs and DDT have declined substantially in Great Lakes anglers and boat captains over the past decade, largely because they switched the fish they eat.
New x-ray machines may kill food bacteria, prevent outbreaks
Zapping nuts, spinach, lettuce and other foods with x-rays could kill more pathogens that cause nationwide disease outbreaks. Drawbacks remain, however.
Chromium carcinogenic in water; new standard in the works
Hexavalent chromium, the controversial 'Erin Brockovich' chemical, is carcinogenic in drinking water, scientists have concluded. California will soon propose a new health guideline for water supplies.
Great Lakes cleanups hampered by economic woes, bureaucratic hurdles
The poor economy has complicated the already daunting cleanup of several dozen toxic hotspots around the Great Lakes. Removing contaminated sediments will cost billions.
