The Weekly Toxic Times

From the Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health

News highlights from June 7 - June 14, 2008

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

Michigan News

Officials target lead levels in venison

Associated Press, Thursday, June 5, 2008

“Education could be a key to reducing any dangers from lead in venison — as well as to calming public fears — say officials from Michigan and six other Midwestern states.”
www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080605/NEWS06/80605064
/1008/news

DEQ seeks support for $1.3 billion bond

Spinal Column, Wednesday, June 4, 2008

“The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking approval for a 2008 general election ballot proposal to net about $1.3 billion in bond revenue for a statewide clean up plan aimed at contaminated land sites and water protection.”
www.spinalcolumnonline.com/Articles-i-2008-06-04-55396.113117_DEQ_seeks_
support_for_13_billion_bond.html

Dredging set to begin as workers near completion of spoils site

Bay City Times, Tuesday, June 10, 2008

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun building 14 monitoring wells around the 500-acre disposal facility in Frankenlust and Zilwaukee townships. The 15- to 20-foot wells, costing a total of $50,000, will detect whether contaminants migrate beyond the clay containment perimeter.
www.mlive.com/news/bctimes/index.ssf?/base/news-11/1213110916114870.
xml&coll=4

Efforts to close Detroit incinerator thrown a curve

The Detroit News, Thursday, June 12, 2008

The City Council's efforts to close the huge waste-to-energy incinerator were dealt a blow Thursday with revelations that its owners can continue to operate even if members vote to stop sending trash there.
www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/METRO01/806120475
/1409/METRO

National News

Wal-Mart, Toys R Us to remove products with BPA

New York Newsday, Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Even while Congress is still considering banning a controversial chemical used in producing baby cups, toys and water bottles, two major retailers are removing products containing such chemicals from their shelves.
www.newsday.com/business/ny-bzplas0612,0,4502200.story

Panel minimizes some concerns over bisphenol A

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Saturday, June 14, 2008

A scientific advisory board, charged with reviewing a federal report on the risks of a chemical found in baby bottles and aluminum cans, downgraded that report’s level of concern.
www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=762042

High levels of formaldehyde found in baby furniture

The Baltimore Sun, Wednesday, June 11, 2008

“Six of 21 cribs and other nursery products gave off formaldehyde at levels that increase the risk of asthma and respiratory problems, the group reported.”
www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.cribs11jun11,0,1063565.story

FDA Official Says Baby Bottles With Bisphenol A Safe

Associated Press, Tuesday, June 10, 2008

“Plastic baby bottles and water bottles are safe, a federal health official said Tuesday, seeking to ease public concerns about the health hazards of a chemical used in the products.”
www.wsbt.com/news/health/19751304.html

Democrats weigh banning chemical in food packaging

Associated Press, Tuesday, June 10, 2008

“Some Democratic lawmakers pushed Tuesday for a ban on a chemical used in water bottles, canned food and other household items, despite mixed opinions from government experts about the substance's possible risks.”
money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/0804e357d9cdd751939239df6
ac46697.htm

Law requires eco-friendly cleaners in schools

The South Town Star, Sunday, June 8, 2008

This article describes an Illinois Green Clean Schools Act that mandates that all cleaning supplies be toxic-free.
www.southtownstar.com/news/991266,060808aacoverstory.article

Toy industry seeks more regulation

Politico, Wednesday, June 4, 2008

“The House and Senate are currently working in a joint conference committee to overhaul the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Congress is trying to finish work on the bill by its Fourth of July break and send the bill to President Bush, who is expected to sign it.”
www.politico.com/news/stories/0608/10810.html

Lead paint poisons public safety, not just public health

NY Daily News, Wednesday, June 4, 2008

“A new study finds powerful evidence that childhood lead exposure is a strong predictor of being arrested as an adult.”
www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/06/04/2008-06-04_lead_paint_poisons_
public_safety_not_jus.html?page=0

Chemical imbalance

Colorado Springs Independent, June 12, 2008

Known as endocrine disruption, chemicals found in computers, shampoo, plastic water bottles and prophylactics are skewing our odds against cancers and causing developmental delays and reproductive roadblocks.
www.csindy.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A26500

International News

China better on toy safety: report

The West Australian, Friday, June 6, 2008

“China has taken steps to tackle toy safety concerns after a string of recalls last year, but authorities should tighten supervision of the sector further, an independent report commissioned by the EU has concluded.”
www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=488183

Asthma allergy study will track 5,000 Canadians

CBC News, Friday, June 6, 2008

“A major study on asthma and allergies is being launched to follow 5,000 Canadian children from their mother's pregnancy until the age of five. Researchers will investigate the role of environmental exposures, infections, nutrition and genetics in the development of asthma and allergies.”
www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/06/06/asthma-study.html

Cancer and households link probed

Saturday Star, South Africa. Monday, June 7, 2008

Cancer researchers have announced a massive probe into the potential risks of man-made chemicals found in some margarines, polycarbonate baby bottles and certain clingwraps in South Africa.
www.thestar.co.za/?fArticleId=4442743

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Articles were researched and compiled by Beth Kerwin and Marci Baranski, MNCEH Interns.

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