Tullow builds capacity on offshore disaster preparedness Nov 14, 2009
Speaking to journalists in Accra, Mr Gordon Hanna, Environmental Health Safety Lead of TGL, said the workshop offered the company the opportunity to interact with experts in the industry in order to share experiences about mistakes and successes in the exploration and production of oil and gas in other countries and how to avert any disaster in the country. "What we are doing is to give them real scenarios in the gas and oil industry which Ghana has not seen before so that the experts in the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Billboards to pass along air quality messageDEQ will rotate signs to 13 locations through May Nov 13, 2009
Jill Aho wrote on Nov 12, 2009 4:12 PM:" To lisa: If a woodstove is the only heat source you have, you can file for an exemption from Klamath County Environmental Health. Call the air quality people at 883-5118. ". willy wrote on Nov 12, 2009 4:09 PM:" I don't mind to much about the green,yellow ,red but they need to be on the ball and call it as soon as they can,. so were not burning from a green straight in to a red like last week and then they go around and fine everyone. And if wood is all... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Switzerland sponsors accreditation of food testing labs Nov 13, 2009
General News of Friday, 13 November 2009. General News of Friday, 13 November 2009. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Africa: Continent Facing Climate Data Shortage Nov 13, 2009
Patts Odira, an environmental health engineer at the University of Nairobi, said that in Kenya, infrastructure for data-collection is dysfunctional because of neglect. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
Permit study continues Nov 13, 2009
Published: Friday, November 13, 2009 2:16 AM EST RAVENA While community members and advocacy groups review the proposed Title 5 operating permit for the Lafarge cement plant, two groups - the state Department of Health and representatives at the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard School of Public Health - are working on separate health studies relating to effects of the plant s potentially toxic emissions. Jeffrey Hammond, spokesperson for the state Department of Health, said the... (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
How to stay healthy during flu season Nov 13, 2009
Yogurt: Shift workers who consumed a drink containing Lactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic that appears to stimulate infection-fighting white blood cells, were 33 percent less likely to take sick days than those who took a placebo, according to an 80-day Swedish study published in Environmental Health. But beware, says Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of 10 books on nutrition: "Some companies make up probiotic names to put on their label." She suggests looking for yogurt that contains Lactobacillus... (MSNBC -- Health)
6Fort Hood Suspect Warned of Muslim Threat Within Military» Nov 13, 2009
" He recalled one time when his classmates were giving presentations in an environmental health class on topics like soil and water contamination and the effects of mold. When it was Hasan's turn, he said, he got up in front of the class and began to speak about his chosen topic, "Is the War on Terror a war on Islam. " Finnell says he raised his hand. "I asked the professor, "What does this topic have to do with environmental health?". (Fox News)
Lafarge plant health risk under study Nov 13, 2009
It will examine distribution of mercury, heavy metals and other pollutants, and involve chemistry, contaminant biology and spatial analyses, said Michael Bank, a research associate at the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard School of Public Health. In 2007, Bank studied mercury levels in New York's lakes for the state Energy Research and Development Authority. (Albany Times Union)
Health: Air pollution impacts young lungs Nov 12, 2009
At the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health in New York, researchers have been putting air-monitoring backpacks on pregnant women and following their babies through adolescence. The results of that study suggest that urban air pollution is affecting the expression of genes in fetuses, setting kids up to develop asthma later in life. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Brookline building commissioner accepts blame for oil spill Nov 12, 2009
One town official, Environmental Health Director Pat Maloney, initially speculated that a contractor was supposed to have drained the transformer before demolition began. But Shepard said Monday that no contractor was ever hired, even though he had assured officials and neighbors that the work had been done. (Brookline TAB, MA)
Officials discuss apartment mold problem Nov 12, 2009
Boevers also sent the information to the county health board last July, according to veteran environmental health specialist Paul Ng who confirmed the presence of mold in one unit. Ng subsequently sent letters to property manager Misty Babcock, who currently oversees the majority of units at Apache Hills, and then-property manager Stacie Anderson, to tell them that the mold would not go away by itself, and that something needed to be done about it. (Green River Star, WY -- Local)
Air quality advisory yellowOnly certified appliances may be used Nov 12, 2009
For more information, contact Klamath County Environmental Health at 883-5118. Reader Comments. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
New pollutants threaten area waters Pollutants brewing in the Potomac River basin are creating fish with both male and female characteristics, and may be playing a role in fish kills. Nov 12, 2009
John Peterson Myers, chief scientist with Environmental Health Services in Charlottesville and co-author of a book on the subject, "Our Stolen Future," said the problem extends beyond fish and aquatic life. "To put it in a broader context, first, it is clear that the patterns of contamination are important for wildlife," he said. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Chemical BPA Linked to Male Sexual Trouble Nov 12, 2009
It is unclear exactly how BPA would cause sexual dysfunction, according to Dr. Michele Marcus, a professor and interim chair in the department of epidemiology and environmental health at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. One possible explanation, she said, is that BPA, a known endocrine disruptor, can mimic estrogen and block some effects of testosterone. (ABC News)
Study links BPA in plastics to erectile dysfunction Nov 12, 2009
The study "opens a new front in [BPA] research," says Peter Myers, a BPA expert and the chief scientist at Environmental Health Sciences in Charlottesville, Virginia. "But as is absolutely necessary when a new front like this is opened up, we need to see replication.". (CNN -- US)
Benton county receives block grant for water system Nov 11, 2009
The grants awarded through this program provide funding needed to maintain and update community resources and improve the overall economic and environmental health of Tennessee, said Bredesen. I m proud the state of Tennessee can provide funding to communities to help spur economic growth and create jobs. (Camden Chronicle, TN)
H1N1 vaccination clinics draw long lines Nov 11, 2009
Though the line started forming well before dawn, Environmental Health Specialist Larry Miller said the operation was going rather smoothly. It has gone pretty well today, Miller explained, as he filled the role of gatekeeper outside the clinic. (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
Workplace BPA exposure increases risk of male sexual dysfunction Nov 11, 2009
D. of Department of Environmental Health, University of Washington, Seattle. Notes. (EurekAlert!)
Did the Army Ignore Red Flags Because of Hasan's Religion? Nov 11, 2009
"I raised my hand and asked, 'Why are you letting this go on this has nothing to do with environmental health.' The course director said, 'I'm just going to let him go.' " The topic of Hasan's presentation, the officer says, had been approved in advance by the lieutenant colonel. The officer says he and a colleague complained to staff at the Uniformed University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. (Time.com)
How did Greggs conquer the High Street? Nov 10, 2009
As a freelance environmental health practitioner I have inspected these stores all over the country and I rate them not as a bakers shop but as is quoted a 'fast food outlet' all the pies and pasties are delivered to branches frozen and regenerated on site. In my opinion the amount of saturated fat contained in these products goes no way to promoting 'healthy eating. (BBC News -- UK)
St. Lawrence Fluorspar Mine Reactivation Project - Environmental Impact Assessment Report Submitted Nov 10, 2009
TSX Venture Exchange Trading Symbol: CFI (Canada Newswire)
City shutters Jack Yee Restaurant Nov 10, 2009
Hopkins' Environmental Health Specialist Larry Myers inspected the restaurant on Aug. 17. After numerous violations were noted, Jack Yee was ordered to close until the violations were corrected. (Minnetonka Lakeshore Weekly News, MN)
Energy to burn Nov 10, 2009
"Are they really doing it for the environmental health of people, or are they really doing it for the taxes?" It's all about the environment, according to the DEP. Proposed amendments to state air-quality regulations that the DEP's Environmental Quality Board has drafted, and is currently collecting public comments on, would require all new furnaces sold to meet more stringent air emissions standards. New furnaces must also be installed at least 150 feet from the nearest property line, and must... (Erie Times-News, PA)
Versar profits cut in half Nov 10, 2009
Springfield-based Versar, which sells defense, environmental health and safety, and infrastructure revitalization services to the government and private companies, posted net income of $237,000, or 3 cents per share, in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 ended Sept. 25. That compares to $525,000 or 6 cents per share in the same period last year. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
UB School of Public Health accredited Nov 10, 2009
To be accredited, public health schools must offer Master of Public Health degree programs in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences and health services administration and three doctoral programs. UB's three doctoral programs are in biostatistics, epidemiology and community health and health behavior. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
After years of growing tensions, 7 minutes of bloodshed Nov 10, 2009
A former classmate in the master's degree program said Hasan gave a PowerPoint presentation about a year ago in an environmental health seminar titled, "Why the War on Terror Is a War on Islam." He did not socialize with his classmates, other than to argue in the hallways on why the wars were wrong ... " Around 2004, Hasan started feeling disgruntled about the Army, relatives said. He described anti-Muslim harassment and sought legal advice, possibly from an Army lawyer, about getting a... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Did the Ft. Hood Killer Go Postal or Go Terrorist? Nov 10, 2009
Since the shooting, a number of Hasans acquaintances have come forward with stories about how the major reportedly had expressed opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and gave a presentation in an environmental health seminar titled Why the War on Terror Is a War on Islam. Hasan reportedly logged onto a radical Islamist Web sites to express sympathy with suicide bombers and may have attended the same mosque as several of the 9/11 hijackers when a radical Imam, Anwar al Awlaki, was... (Slate)
Official: Contractor could be to blame for Brookline hazmat spill Nov 10, 2009
Environmental Health Director Pat Maloney said a different contracting company was preparing to demolish an old brick transformer building on Route 9 today when the fluid began leaking out of the transformer and into the town s storm-drain system, which flows into the Muddy River. Maloney said public works crews acted quickly to move floating booms in place to stop the spread of the fluid in Leverett Pond, where the storm drain empties. (Brookline TAB, MA)
Pitt project examines environmental threats Nov 10, 2009
A comprehensive environmental health risk analysis for southwestern Pennsylvania, recently started by the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Healthy Environments & Communities, aims to provide some answers to those questions and dozens more. The $250,000 project, funded by the Heinz Endowments, has begun to interview academics, government regulators and local leaders. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Lead in red wine vinegars could hurt kids Nov 10, 2009
Balsamic and other red wine vinegars often contain lead, a potent neurotoxin, and could pose a risk to children who consume it regularly, according to a new analysis by Environmental Health News ... Environmental Health News asked Paul Mushak, an internationally recognized toxics scientist, to conduct computer modeling of several scenarios of children consuming vinegar ... Bruce Lanphear, a professor of children's environmental health at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, said those... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Angle Announces 2009 Third Quarter Results Nov 10, 2009
"market" : {"NAME" : "U.S.", "ID" : "us_market", "TZ" : "ET", "TZOFFSET" : "-18000", "open" : "1257863439", "close" : "1257886839", "flags" : {}} , "STREAMER_SERVER" : "http://streamerapi.finance.yahoo.com","arrowAsChangeSign" : false,"throttleInterval": "1000". Search for share prices. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Investigation lets Chi-Chi's staff off hook Nov 10, 2009
In that outbreak, 42 people were sickened with hepatitis A -- some with symptoms that lasted for months -- but there were no deaths, said Joe Evans, director of environmental health services for the Mansfield-Richland County Health Department. Evans was one of the investigators on the outbreak until he became one of those who got sick. (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Fort Hood Shootings: What You Should Know Nov 8, 2009
Suspect Major Nidal Malik Hasan shot and killed 13 people on Thursday. " While studying at Walter Reed and receiving a fellowship in disaster and preventive psychiatry, Hasan suffered "difficulties" that required some counseling and extra supervision, according to Six months ago, he came to the attention of law enforcement officials because of Internet postings that referred to suicide bombings and other threats, including posts that equated suicide bombers to soldiers who throw themselves on... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Profile of Fort Hood suspect emerges Nov 7, 2009
Finnell says he got to know Hasan because the group of public health students took an environmental health class together. At the end of the class, everyone had to give a presentation. (MSNBC -- International)
Massacre at Fort Hood Prompts U.S. Army to Re-Examine Stress on Soldiers Nov 7, 2009
While studying for a masters degree in public health in 2007, Hasan used a presentation for an environmental health class to argue that Muslims were being targeted by the U.S. anti-terror campaign, said Val Finnell, a classmate. He was very vocal about the war, very upfront about being a Muslim first and an American second, Finnell, 41, a preventive medicine doctor in Los Angeles, said in an interview yesterday. (Bloomberg -- US)
Chinese drywall not hazardous to health, experts say Nov 7, 2009
Todays sessions focus on the exposure of humans and possible toxic effects of drywall, with a speakers from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, David Krause, toxicologist for the state health department, and others in the private sector, like Phil Goad, Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, based in Arkansas, who evaluated the toxic effects of the drywall for Knauf Tianjin, a manufacturer of the defective drywall, and found nothing. There will also be discussion of... (The News-Press -- Business)
Flu bug not the only health concern for students this year Nov 7, 2009
" ADVERTISEMENT Sometimes, pesticides are simply the most practical solution to reduce the risk of injury or illness related to pest infestations, and the control of cockroaches is generally one such case. The presence of cockroaches has been shown to cause significant health problems, especially for young children, and cockroach populations are extremely difficult to manage without the right tools for the job.In 2005, the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, a federal agency... (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Air pollution increases infants' risk of bronchiolitis Nov 6, 2009
D., professor at the School of Environmental Health at the University of British Columbia and principal investigator on the study. Dr. Karr, who is a pediatrician, also noted that the current research might help guide the conversations that doctors have with patients. (EurekAlert!)
USC study finds big air pollution impacts on local communities Nov 5, 2009
Although there has been extensive research on the effects of traffic proximity on asthma risk, this study is one of the few that has estimated the number of casesor "burden of disease"associated with traffic in specific high risk communities, says principal investigator Rob McConnell, M.D., professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and deputy director of the Children's Environmental Health Center at USC. ... The study, an international collaboration between USC,... (EurekAlert!)
Household Chemicals May Affect Cholesterol Levels Nov 4, 2009
The researchers found little evidence of a link between PFC levels and body size or insulin resistance, according to the report in the Nov. 2 issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives ... SOURCE: Environmental Health Perspectives, news release, Nov. 2, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
Could Eating Too Much Soy Be Bad for You? Nov 4, 2009
We know that too much genistein is not a good thing for a developing mouse; it may not be a good thing for a developing child, said , a developmental biologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. More definitive answers, she said, may lay ahead in future long-term human studies. (Scientific American)
Volunteers from the Rockport, Fulton and Lamar volunteer fire departments battled a stubborn fire at the Aransas County Transfer Station Sunday and Monday. Crews were called out initially around noon Sunday, and were called back at about 1 a.m. Monday when the flames jumped from a mulch pile to the brush pile. Photo by MIKE PROBST Nov 4, 2009
Published: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 12:24 AM CDT Spontaneous combustion - that s what Aransas County Environmental Health Officer James Jackson is saying most likely caused a fire at the Aransas County Transfer Station over the weekend. Volunteers from the Rockport, Fulton, and Lamar fire departments battled the stubborn blaze on and off for more than 24 hours. (Rockport Pilot, TX)
Programs in public health expanding Nov 4, 2009
As both the graduate and undergraduate programs take off, plans for the future include a doctorate in population health sciences through the medical school, a degree through the engineering school in environmental health, and a potential undergraduate major. The undergraduate minor and the MPH program are also expected to grow. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Air quality advisory is yellowOpen burn window ended Sunday Nov 3, 2009
A map of the Air Quality Zone is available by clicking on "Environmental Health" at. For more information about air quality in Klamath County, visit , or call 883-5118. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Links Between City Walkability And Air Pollution Exposure Revealed Nov 3, 2009
The study, done for the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, is the first of its kind to compare the two environmental attributes, and suggests potential environmental health effects of neighborhood location, layout and design for cities around the globe. The research study is published in the November 2009 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, the peer-reviewed journal of the United States' National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, part of the U.S. Department of Health and... (Science Daily)
Halt Hutton inquisition, urges former BBC chief Nov 1, 2009
are you a qualified environmental health officer. . (Yahoo News -- Hutton Report)
CDC and guns here it goes again! Oct 31, 2009
CDC and guns here it goes again. CDC and guns here it goes again. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
PerkinElmer Profit Tumbles on Lower Sales Oct 30, 2009
Sales in the human health division fell 8 percent, and sales in environmental health dropped 9 percent. Chairman and CEO Robert Friel said the company's end markets "are stabilizing and we are seeing some encouraging signs of sequential improvement.". (ABC News -- Wire)
Hazardous materials drill for Hawaii agencies scheduled tonight Oct 30, 2009
"It is important to maintain emergency response skills and teamwork, despite budget pressures," Laurence Lau, state Deputy Director for Environmental Health, said in a news release. "These regularly scheduled drills provide hands-on experience for hazardous materials specialists from many agencies to maintain their high level of skills.". (Honolulu Advertiser)
Energy Economics and Some Energy Myths for the 21st Century Oct 30, 2009
Regardless of the outcome of the circus that will convene in Copenhagen this December, when so-called and would-be experts from every corner of the globe assemble for the purpose of drafting resolutions for improving the world's environmental health, it would be nice if the governments of energy-intensive countries began thinking in terms of economically and technologically optimal energy sectors, instead of thermodynamic travesties like carbon sequestration, whose only merit is their popularity... (Energy Pulse, CO)
Design For County Building Narrowed Oct 30, 2009
The building will house all non-court related offices, including the commission, county clerk, assessor, collector, treasurer, recorder of deeds, health department, planning and zoning, environmental health and emergency management. Once construction is completed and the offices moved, the existing courthouse is expected to be renovated and a third courtroom will be added. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Experimental Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast Bulletin For Lake Erie Oct 29, 2009
Having a forecast bulletin for Lake Erie will allow us to study the impacts of excess nutrients on beaches and coastal waters, including impacts of harmful algal blooms, said Jill Lis, environmental health services supervisor for Cuyahoga County, Ohio s Board of Health ... Centers for Disease Control and Prevention s National Center for Environmental Health. (Science Daily)
HEAT receives semester-long suspension Oct 29, 2009
Sustainability Week included a Sustainability Forum with a guest speaker on water issues, Green Business Panel, a Green Chemistry/Toxics Use Reduction chemistry panel, Howard Lyman, the keynote speaker who talked about food production, energy, public and environmental health, as well as two musical performances by environmentally oriented bands, a bike safety forum, and several other events during the week. The Administration and Finance Sustainability subcommittee was organized to address... (Northeastern News, MA)
Watertown Middle School students come down with flu-like symptoms during D.C. trip Oct 28, 2009
The state Department of Health is no longer testing for H1N1, unless the case of flu is severe or involving people especially at risk for the illness, said Kristel Bennett, Watertown's chief environmental health officer. It could be dangerous for the individuals who are immunosuppressed, pregnant, under the age of 2, or 65 years or up, Bennett said. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
Some foods require extra care Oct 27, 2009
"We shouldn't lose sight of the fact our food is generally safe," said Carl Hedberg, professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. "If you look at the magnitude of the problem, it translates out to approximately 1 illness for every 3,000 meals eaten in this country every year.". (Florida Today)
New emergency phones needed at ETSU Oct 27, 2009
The addition would consist of a combination of both red box and blue light tower phones, said Dan O'Brien, director of environmental health and safety at ETSU.. The blue light phones are easy to spot and can be beneficial in an emergency. (East Tennessean, TN)
Feral cats dog residents Oct 27, 2009
Jerry Haruno, administrator of the department's Environmental Health Services Division, said he will review the park's history for past violations and investigate whether the state, which owns the park, is in violation ... Jerry Haruno, administrator of the department's Environmental Health Services Division, said he will review the park's history for past violations and investigate whether the state, which owns the park, is in violation. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Farm opens after E. coli outbreak Oct 27, 2009
It said: "Those areas of the site which will be open to the public, including the play areas, have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and have since been tested and been negative for E. coli. "The council's environmental health officers have also said they are satisfied with the signage and hand washing facilities. "In light of these assurances the HPA considers any risks in those areas of the farm that are reopening to the public to have been reduced to levels comparable to those generally... (BBC News -- UK)
Air quality advisory greenOpen burning allowed until 5 p.m. today Oct 27, 2009
For more information contact Klamath County Environmental Health at 883-5118. Reader Comments. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
My View: Chromium 6 still threatens California's drinking water Oct 26, 2009
The good news is that Cal-EPA's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment the public health agency that the governor tried unsuccessfully to eliminate in the last budget cycle has just come out with a proposed drinking water level that would protect Californians. The new assessment uses research from the National Toxicology Program to identify the levels of hex chrome that cause cancer and then calculates a safe level for vulnerable populations including children. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Study shows how carbon nanotubes can affect lining of the lungs Oct 26, 2009
Now a collaborative study from North Carolina State University, The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shows that inhaling these nanotubes can affect the outer lining of the lung, though the effects of long-term exposure remain unclear ... The study, "Inhaled Carbon Nanotubes Reach the Sub-Pleural Tissue in Mice," was co-authored by Bonner, Dr. Jessica Ryman-Rasmussen, Dr. Arnold Brody, and Dr. Jeanette Shipley-Phillips of NC State,... (EurekAlert!)
Juneau takes part in global petition against climate change Oct 25, 2009
Web search powered by YAHOO. How many people does it take to spell "350" with their bodies. (Juneau Empire)
Central Coast Pitches In To Clean Up Trash Oct 25, 2009
The focus goes beyond global warming, but overall environmental health picking up the trash. "[Picking it up] avoids it from going into ocean creeks, into the ocean and prevents birds from eating it," said Petti. (KSBW 8, CA)
Activists appeal Kettleman decision Oct 24, 2009
The groups claim that the Local Assessment Committee process was illegal, that the environmental health risk analysis was faulty and that the county failed to investigate the increase in birth defects and infant deaths near the landfill site. The appeal further alleges that the county refused to translate any documents into Spanish despite a 1991 court ruling that ordered it to do so in a similar matter, and that the environmental assessment failed to acknowledge the fact that radioactive... (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Report cards for restaurants now online Oct 24, 2009
"We want to make it accessible and easier, because we don't know if people feel comfortable asking for those inspection reports at the facility, which are available as required by law," said Jeff Taber, interim deputy health director of Kings County's environmental health services ... The Kings County Division of Environmental Health has received and investigated 84 foodborne-illness complaints during the last year, although not all cases were found to be valid food poisoning, officials said ...... (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
