The Weekly Toxic Times

From the Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health

News highlights from February 9 – February 15, 2008

A recap of the top stories on toxins in Michigan, National, and International news.

Michigan News

Ferndale: Free lead testing event for kids’ toys on Saturday

Detroit Free Press, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008

“Free lead testing for children's toys will be available from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Gerry Kulick Community Center, 1201 Livernois in Ferndale…”

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080214/NEWS06/
802140378/1001/NEWS

State: Some Saginaw River fish unsafe to eat

Midland Daily News, Friday, Feb. 15, 2008

“Eating some dioxin-contaminated fish from the Saginaw River represents a public health hazard, according to a final public health consultation completed by the Michigan Department of Community Health…”

http://www.ourmidland.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19299681&BRD=
2289&PAG=461&dept_id=472542&rfi=6

Allegan county approves ban on phosphorus lawn fertilizer

Kalamazoo Gazette, Friday, Feb. 15, 2008

“ALLEGAN – Starting next year, phosphorus-based lawn fertilizer will be largely prohibited on residential lawns in Allegan County…”

http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/news-
27/1203090622173820.xml&coll=7

National News

Agency misses chance to curb lead in jewelry

Wall Street Journal, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008

Article discusses lack of action by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which had been temporarily authorized by Congress to make rules about the manufacture of products with toxins. Article also discusses status of bills in the federal legislature and groups that are unhappy by CPSC’s inaction.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120278100989161035.html

Protests spur stores to seek substitute for vinyl in toys

Wall Street Journal, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008

Article discusses the actions of retailers who have pledged to rid stores of toys with PVC and the actions of toy manufactures in seeking substitute materials.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120277954938660931.html

High lead levels are found in vinyl plastic baby products

New York Times, Monday, Feb. 11, 2008

“High levels of lead were found in a handful of well-known baby products made of vinyl plastic by an environmental group based in California that spread the word about lead on vinyl baby bibs and lunchboxes. The products include a Medela-brand cooler for storing breast milk, a carrying case sold with the First Years breast pump manufactured by RC2, a Playtex baby bottle cooler and a vinyl pacifier carrying case made by Skip Hop…”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/business/11toy.html

Face to face with toy safety: Understanding an unexpected threat

Environmental Health Perspectives, Feb. 2008

Article profiles the current problem of toxins in toys.

http://www.ehponline.org/members/2008/116-2/focus.html

Perchlorate in food

Environmental Science and Technology’s Science News, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008

Article discusses a FDA study looking at the dietary intake of perchlorate and an upcoming decision by EPA about whether to regulate the chemical in drinking water.

http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/esthag-w/2008/feb/science/
rr_perchlorate.html

District connects lead with special ed

Galveston Times (Texas), Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008

Article discusses a theory of the administrators of a school district in Texas that the area’s high rates of children in special education programs is due to lead exposure.

http://www.galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=4120fd8254018abc&-session=
TheDailyNews:42F9414D05210006DEGvvp550849

Phthalates confusion

LA Times, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008

Article discusses confusion about how to tell what products are safe to use.

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-ed-sunscreen9feb09
,1,2374655.story

Bisphenol A – Is science for sale?

The Daily Green (blog), Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008

Article discusses an accusation by Bart Stupak and John Dingell, in light of discussions about Bisphenol A, that science has been manufactured to show some the products are safe.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/bisphenol-
a-47020702

City council approves a bill requiring residents to recycle electronics

New York Times, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008

“New York City is a step closer to adopting one of the toughest electronics recycling laws in the nation, despite strong objections from manufacturers and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. The City Council on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would impose a $100 fine on anyone who throws an old computer, printer or other electronic gadget into the trash…”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/nyregion/14recycle.html?_r=
1&oref=slogin

Superior to stop using TCE

Potters Merc (Pennsylvania), Friday, Feb. 15, 2008

“LOWER PROVIDENCE – Superior Tube announced plans Wednesday to completely eliminate the carcinogenic chemical TCE from its operations. The elimination is significant because Superior Tube and the Accellent tube plant in Trappe have, in recent years, been among two of the largest TCE emitters in the nation…”

http://www.pottsmerc.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/Daily;jsessionid=
KhqVH0BGF1dNvv6mbn2XvbSTYBJk5X3gt2Y9P0JyLT1MbH2hpxHh!-
366222789?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_article&r21.pgpath=%2FPTM%2FHome
&r21.content=%2FPTM%2FHome%2FTopStoryList_Story_1582180

International News

Killer whales loaded with fire retardant

Times Colonist (Canada), Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008

“They wow tourists and remind people of the mysteries and majesty of the ocean, but killer whales swimming around the waters of Vancouver Island are the most contaminated animals on Earth…”

http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/capital_van_isl/story.html
?id=032c8320-ef06-4ad6-ab6e-7f8a2b960da5&k=13123

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Articles were researched and compiled by Diane Sherman, MNCEH Intern.

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