Environmental Toxins: December 2006 Archives

Americans Overwhelmingly Opposed to EPA's Plan to Cut Back Toxic Reporting

A report shows that the American public is very opposed to the Environmental Protection Agency's plan to cut back toxic chemical reporting under the Toxins Release Inventory. Sean Moulton, Director of Federal Information Policy, says that the report shows "a clear case of the agency disregarding the will of the American people. The EPA has no scientific or health data supporting the changes they want to make – nothing to assure the public will still be safe. Instead, the agency is just interested in saving polluting companies a few dollars, at the possible expense of public health."

Americans Overwhelmingly Opposed to EPA's Plans to Cut Back Toxic Reporting

According to the analysis, the EPA received comments from 122,420 people and groups. The overwhelming majority of those reporting, 99.97%, strongly opposed the changes. Support for the changes came largely from companies and industry associations.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 11:09 PM | Permalink

EPA Avoids Mercury Limits on Cement Kilns

A cement kiln in Eastern Oregon likely will not have to limit its toxic mercury releases. The Environmental Protection Agency decided that such regulation could prove too expensive a burden for cement plants nationally. The Durkee cement facility released about a ton of mercury into the air in 2004, about 10 times more than the state's next largest mercury source.

EPA to avoid mercury limits on older cement kilns

According to 2004 emissions estimates by the EPA, the Durkee cement kiln is a major mercury source; only a California cement plant and a Nevada gold mine produce more in mercury emissions. The EPA decided only to impose limits on mercury emissions from new plants because the benefits of imposing limits on existing plants would not be worth the cost. Keith Barnett of the EPA said of the decision that "we felt looking overall at the national impacts, for an average case, it was not justified."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 10:45 PM | Permalink

Asbestos Case Nets $19 k in Filing Fees

A Missouri widow who filed an asbestos lawsuit against 187 defendant corporations who she claims are to blame for exposing her husband to asbestos will help Madison County become richer. From this case alone, Madison County will make more than $19,000. Kathleen Gundlach says that her husband Gregory died from mesothelioma as a consequence of asbestos exposure during his work career. Gundlach is seeking damages in excess of $400,000 and punitive damages to punish the defendants for alleged misconduct.

Whopper asbestos case will net $19k in filing fees

The defendants include Anheiser Busch, AutoZone, Bondex, Chevron, DaimlerChrysler, Dow Chemical, Exxon, Ford Motor Company, General Electric, Goodyear, Honeywell, John Crane, Mallinckrodt, The Pep Boys, Proctor and Gamble, Sears, Western Auto and 3M. The complaint says that these companies should be held liable because "the decedent's exposure to and inhalation, ingestion or absorption of the asbestos fibers was completely foreseeable and could or should have been anticipated by the defendants." Gundlach says that the defendants were negligent in preventing employee asbestos exposure.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 09:04 PM | Permalink

Lettuce Responsible for Taco Bell E. coli?

Health officials believe that lettuce likely is responsible for the Taco Bell E. coli outbreak; however, tracing the contaminated lettuce's source likely will be difficult. 71 cases were confirmed during the outbreak, mainly in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Investigators also looked at cheddar cheese and ground beef before determining that lettuce was the culprit. While green onions initially were believed to be the E. coli source, follow up testing failed to confirm this.

Lettuce suspected in Taco Bell E. coli

Interviews with those who became sick because of E. coli exposure suggested lettuce was the likely source. Dr. Christopher Braden, a medical epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that they "still are not done with the investigation." Taco Bell's president, Greg Creed, said that "it was highly unlikely it's cheese or beef because cheese is pasteurized and the beef preparation ruled them out."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 08:55 PM | Permalink

California Construction Pollution Killed 1,100 in 2005

According to a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists, pollution related to the construction industry is to blame for the deaths of more than 1,100 people in California in 2005. The report is called "Digging up Trouble" and used statistical analysis of state data on construction, causes of death, and pollution to link mortality to construction activity in the state. The report claims to be the first to have analyzed the health and economic effects of pollution from construction equipment in California.

Calif. construction pollution killed 1,100 in '05

Approximately 70% of the heavy construction equipment used in California in 2005 was old enough not to have been subjected to any emissions control regulations, said Don Anair, a vehicles engineer for the Union of Concerned Scientists. Anair said that the lack of regulation was problematic and "is taking a heavy toll on the health of all Californians. The equipment used to build our hospitals should not be responsible for filling them." For the past two years, the construction industry has worked with state officials to make "practical and realistic" regulations, said John Hakel, the vice president of government relations for the Associated General Contractors of California.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 10:22 PM | Permalink

New York City Bans Trans Fats

A vote by the Board of Health in New York City has made the city the first in the United States to ban trans fats in restaurants. The board passed the modified ban unanimously; there had been some concern over the time frame the ban allowed restaurants to get trans fats out of foods, so the ban was adjusted to make the deadline more lenient. Restaurants will not be allowed to use frying oils containing trans fats by July and must eliminate all trans fats from their foods by July 2008.

NYC health board votes to ban trans fats

Dan Fleshler, a spokesman for the National Restaurant Association, did not approve of the ban, saying "we don't think that a municipal health agency has any business banning a product the Food and Drug Administration has already approved." The ban does still allow restaurants to serve trans fats containing products that come in the manufacturer's original packaging. New York's decision has generally been approved by health and medical groups, although the American Heart Association has expressed concern that if restaurants aren't allowed enough time to make the switch, they may end up replacing trans fats by using ingredients high in saturated fats, thereby negating many of the health benefits.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 10:47 AM | Permalink

Taco Bell E. Coli Scare

22 people in New Jersey have been sickened by E. Coli; the exposure has been linked to food from three different Taco Bell restaurants in New Jersey. 14 other E. Coli cases on Long Island may also be connected to Taco Bell. Those who were sick had eaten at the restaurants between November 17 and November 28. David Papl, director of health for Middlesex Country, said that the investigation is not complete: "We have to find the food that they all had in common."

E. coli sickens 22 in New Jersey; 14 ill in Long Island

Greg Creed, the president of Taco Bell, said that the company was sanitizing the restaurants and replacing all of their food before reopening. "Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our customers and employees," Creed said in a statement. "We are obviously very concerned about the well-being of all those who have been affected by this incident and will continue to work closely with health authorities to get to the root cause of the issue."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 11:52 PM | Permalink

18 Year Old Leukemia Patient Sues Over Benzene Poisoning

Scott Chenoweth was diagnosed with leukemia in July and subsequently filed a lawsuit against six major oil companies claiming that they are responsible for his illness. Chenoweth grew up in a Santa Maria, California neighborhood that was built over an old oil field. Before more stringent regulations were put into place, old oil fields were retired simply by filling holes and covering old oil fields with fresh dirt. Chenoweth says that he "wouldn't want anyone to go through what I go through every day."

Santa Maria Leukemia Patient, 18,
Sues Oil Companies Over Benzene Poisoning

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, long-term exposure to high levels of benzene can cause leukemia. Chevron representatives, one of the companies named in the suit, say that benzene exposure for Santa Maria residents was short term, and not of high enough concentration to have health effects. Chevron says that the Chenoweth property tested negative for benzene.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:35 PM | Permalink

Cadbury's Benzene Recall

New documents show that Cadbury Schweppes quietly removed some of its products from the market, over concerns of consumer backlash to the benzene content of the products. Cadbury Beverages withdrew its Diet Orange Crush in five regions of the United States in 1990 because tests found some products with benzene levels five times above the acceptable levels. The report was released by BeverageDaily.com.

Cadbury's secret benzene recall

Cadbury's Diet Crush contained 36 and 52 parts per billion of benzene in two samples taken by the Food and Drug Administration. Industry level for benzene typically is 10ppb, though no official maximum has been established. Lawyers investigating the matter have praised Cadbury for doing the right thing: they informed the FDA immediately upon finding high benzene and reformulated their soda. The effect of exposure to benzene in soft drinks is unknown; the FDA has said that “consumption of the contaminated beverage for relatively short periods of time would not be expected to increase detectable risk of cancer.”

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:20 PM | Permalink

High Schools find Radioactive Materials

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency began a program this month designed to help schools in the state safely dispose of radioactive materials that are used to teach students. The materials are being collected and sent to a radioactive waste disposal facility. Connecticut, Colorado, and Vermont also have similar programs. Following September 11, the federal government recommended that radioactive materials in schools, businesses, and medical facilities remove radioactive materials from their facilities.

High Schools Trying to Get Rid of Radioactive Materials

School labs have used low-level radioactive materials safely for decades. Leftover chemicals often are saved and forgotten about. In the wrong hands, some radioactive materials could be used to make dirty bombs. Randy Dwyer, principal of an Illinois high school in which radioactive chemicals were found, said of removing the materials from his school: "It wasn't something where we had a biological hazard, but any is beyond the level of safety for our school. Why have something laying around that could become a prank? We don't want to be the headline of the national news."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 11:59 AM | Permalink

EPA Will Allow Some Pesticide Use in Water Without Permit

The Environmental Protection Agency has decided to allow pesticides to be applied by farmers, ranchers, and public health officials over and near bodies of water without obtaining a permit first under the Clean Water Act. The agricultural chemical industry approves of the decision, which will allow for pesticides to be applied directly into water or sprayed nearby without a pollution permit if the application is needed to control aquatic weeds, mosquitoes, or other pests.

EPA Will Allow Some Pesticide Use In Water Without Permit

The EPA's assistant administrator for water, Benjamin H. Grumbles, says that "this clean water rule strengthens and streamlines efforts of public health officials and communities to control pests and invasive species while maintaining important environmental safeguards." The new rule is expected to clarify the permit question for public health officials and partially closes the door on lawsuits that could arise from this gray area governing pesticide use. Environmental activists worry that the new rule will lead to more toxic chemicals getting into waterways.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 11:59 PM | Permalink

Taco Bell Says Onions Responsible for E. Coli

Taco Bell has stopped serving green onions in its 5,800 restaurants around the country after an outbreak of foodborne E. coli. The outbreak led to Taco Bell closing nine of its restaurants temporarily. Preliminary tests showed that three samples of green onions were "presumptive positive" for the Taco Bell points to onions in E. coli scare

Taco Bell is a major player in the fast food market in the United States.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:31 PM | Permalink

Should the EPA Regulate Carbon Dioxide Levels?

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear the case of twelve states and a coalition of environmental groups against the Bush administration. The environmental groups argue that the Bush administration should regulate carbon emissions from cars and power plants. After Bush took office, his Environmental Protection Agency administrator came to an agreement with eight European nations to cap carbon emissions. However, the decision was soon reversed, allegedly under pressure from Republican lawmakers.

High Court to Hear Greenhouse-Gas Case

The Supreme Court will decide what the responsibilities of the EPA under the Federal Clean Air Act should be. The law requires that the EPA regulate any pollutant from motor vehicles or power plants that may be reasonably anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. However, opponents , such as Solicitor General Ted Olsen, who is representing the Aliiance of Automobile Manufactureres, argues that "we're talking about carbon dioxide. It's necessary for life. A pollutant is something that fouls the air, a contaminant. No EPA administrator in history has ever considered carbon dioxide a pollutant."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 11:37 PM | Permalink

The Search for the E. coli Source

Reports of Taco Bell-related E. coli exposure are being reported in even more states, now including New York, Delaware, South Carolina, and Utah. 169 cases now have been reported, with most on Long Island in New Jersey. Health officials in New York say that they are investigating 103 confirmed or suspected cases in 10 counties; this is up from 49 on Wednesday. In New Jersey, 12 new cases have been reported the total in that state is now 55. Federal health officials say that "the vast majority of patients reported eating" at a Taco Bell.

Reports of Illness Spread as Searchers Zero In on E. Coli Source

Investigators are looking at Boskovich Farms in Oxnard, California, who supplies Taco Bell with green onions. Rob Poetsch, a spokesman for Yum! Foods who owns Taco Bell, says that the company is "focused on working with authorities to find the root cause." The family of an 11 year old Long Island boy has already filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell for an undisclosed amount of damages.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 01:49 AM | Permalink

USDA: Bayer's GMO Rice is Safe

The U.S. Department of Agriculture formally approved a strain of genetically engineered rice, which had ended up in commercial stocks earlier this year. The presence of the GMO rice led to a food market dispute with the European Union and Japan. "The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced that after a thorough review of scientific evidence it will deregulate genetically engineered LLRICE601 based on the fact that it is as safe as its traditionally bred counterparts," USDA said in a statement.

The USDA said that there were no environmental or health concerns associated with the genetically modified rice and that they do not plan to recall or to destroy the contaminated product. The genetically engineered rice has a gene insertion called Liberty Link, which allows the rice to survive herbicide applications that kill weeds. In order for a genetically modified product to be sold commercially, the modified crop needs to be tested extensively by the manufacturer prior to review by the USDA.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 01:54 PM | Permalink

HoneyBaked Foods Recalls Meat

HoneyBaked Foods Inc. has decided to recall about 47,000 pounds of cooked ham and turkey products that could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria can cause serious of fatal infections in children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, listeria can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths. Even in healthy adults listeria can lead to fevers, severe headaches, nausea, and diarrhea.

HoneyBaked Foods recalls hams, turkeys

The ham and turkeys affects were produced between September 5 and November 13. They were sold through the company's catalog, the Internet and in Honeybaked Ham stores in the Toledo, Ohio region. Honeybaked has contacted catalog customers who purchased these products.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 10:25 AM | Permalink

New Car Smell Dangerous?

Can new car smell possibly be a signal of a toxins and carcinogenic combination of gases? Environmental groups are contending that new car interiors contain a mix of unhealthy substances that come from vinyl, flame retardants, lubricants, and hidden sealants. The Vinyl Institute says that the plastic has repeatedly proven unsafe in medical devices, children's toys, and in cars.

Automakers Clean New Car Smell

While Toyota, Ford, and Honda are making efforts to improve the quality of air inside their cars, the majority of automobile manufacturers have done little. The rankings were based on 19 factors involved in plastics and synthetics that affect cabin air quality. Claudetter Jusca, author of the report, said that “PVC is the worst plastic. With every part of its life cycle it is causing problems, from the people in manufacturing to the consumers to the general public when it reaches the end of its useful life.” PVC is not listed as an environmental or health hazard, although it is made with toxic materials like vinyl chloride.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:43 PM | Permalink

Publix Sued Over Benzene in Soda

Lisbeth Gordon, a Florida woman, has filed a class action lawsuit against Publix Super Markets Inc., saying that two of the company's store brand sodas have unsafe levels of the carcinogen benzene. Gordon said in the suit that she is a regular Publix shopper and that she frequently purchases Publix Diet Lemon-Lime and Grape sodas. Gordon's lawyer says that independent testing has verified that unsafe levels of benzene are present in the sodas.

Publix Sued Over Benzene in Soda

Publix officials declined to comment on the pending lawsuit; spokeswoman Shannon Patten said that "[Publix] wouldn't be able to comment on any pending litigation." Gordon says that "If I had known these products contained benzene, I never would have purchased them and certainly would not have given them to my children. I trusted Publix to ensure quality products for myself and my children, and they didn't." Benzene has been linked to leukemia. It can form in soft drinks made with vitamin C and sodium or potassium benzoate and light.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 12:28 PM | Permalink

Salmonella on the Rise in Chicken Meat

A type of salmonella which is typically found in eggs is increasingly being found in chicken meat. From 2000 to 2005, positive tests of salmonella enteritidis increased fourfold. The U.S. Agriculture Department says that this is a trend that needs to be reduced. Richard Raymond, of the Agriculture Department, said that salmonella "still continues to rise, even though the overall incidence of salmonella in general has fallen. It's one that we still don't have all the scientific evidence we need to know how best to attack it." The number of states with positive tests for salmonella enteritidis jumped from 14 to 24.

Salmonella on the rise in chicken meat

Salmonella sickens at least 40,000 people a year and kills 600 in the United States. Salmonella enteritidis, the type of salmonella in question, is one of the most common forms of salmonella. It can lead to fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and can be deadly in people with weakened immune systems. A recent CDC study found that the less people ate at home, the less risk they were at for salmonella exposure.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 09:02 PM | Permalink

Particles in Exhaust Damage Health

Submicroscopic particles in clouds of diesel exhaust make thousands of people sick each year, say experts. The ultrafine particles, which are 2.5 microns wide and smaller, are the invisible combustion product of diesel fuel that cause asthma attacks, respiratory problems, and lead to lost days at work.

Minuscule particles in exhaust can damage health

The small particles prove the most dangerous because they gather to form larger molecules. Bruce Hill, a senior scientist with the Clean Air Task Force in Boston, says that the macroscopic particles in exhaust that are largely dust and gas "get cleared out, so they don't have as severe health consequences. Nano-particles go directly into the blood stream. Ultrafine particles are oxidizing agents, which cause systemic inflammation of the vessels."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 08:49 PM | Permalink

EPA Says Pollutants are Down

The Environmental Protection Agency says that its enforcement of policies has generated millions of dollars in penalties and reduced pollution in the Northwestern United States by 26.4 million pounds. Elin D. Miller, the EPA administrator for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska said that the actions are "about protecting people where they live. We've found that diligent enforcement not only inspires compliance, but also levels the economic playing field for those companies who are doing the right thing environmentally."

EPA: NW enforcement numbers and penalties up, pollutants down

Penalties for those violating environmental policies have increased significantly over the last few years. Nearly half of the monetary penalties gathered were from the $1.67 million penalty assessed in Alaska on Forest Oil Corporation for violating clean water regulations.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 08:38 PM | Permalink

New York May Temper Trans Fat Ban

New York City's proposed trans fat ban is being adjusted to be more accommodating to restaurants, said Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden. Health officials will vote on the measure next month. Frieden said that the city has received hundreds of public comments and consequently is considering some changes to the proposal that would make New York City the first in the United States to banish trans fats.

NYC officials may tweak trans fat ban

The original proposal had allowed restaurants six months to replace their cooking oils and shortening and 18 months to entirely eliminate trans fats. While Wendy's and Kentucky Fried Chicken are working to entirely eliminate trans fats from their foods, McDonald's has shown less progress. McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner addressed the issue, saying that "there are transition difficulties [in changing menus and recipes] for some places and we're looking at a combination of timing issues, technical support issues and phasing issues that we think would help deal with that." Skinner said that support would not mean monetary assistance but consultants and other resources to ease the transition.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 07:27 PM | Permalink

Scientists Working on Lung Cancer Breath Test

Scientists hope to develop a simple breath test that will predict who is at highest risk of developing lung cancer. In preliminary research, the breath test was accurate in discovering cancer markers. Dr. Simon D. Spivack said that this finding was important because "lung cancer exists for a decade or two before it is diagnosed."

Scientists Developing Lung Cancer Breath Test

Lung cancer is the top killer of men and women in the United States. However, if diagnosed early, 92% of patients can expect to live 10 years. Lung cancer can be caused by smoking or by occupational exposures to substances such as asbestos. The new test asks people to breathe for 10 minutes into a device that cools the air and forms a condensed vapor. Researchers then look for chemical changes in the form of a methylated tumor-suppressor gene.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 08:54 PM | Permalink

Soil to be Removed Under Chipotle Site

Some of the soil beneath a former dry-cleaning operation in Chapel Hill still carries contaminants that will have to be removed before a Chipotle Mexican Grill can be opened there. Chipotle had planned to open by the end of the year, but the space likely will not be cleared of contaminants until May or June.

Soil must be removed beneath Chipotle site

The environmental firm Mid-Atlantic Associates of Raleigh did an assessment of the site to check for toxins and discovered dry-cleaning solvents in some of the soil and in the groundwater. Toxins discovered included tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, and vinyl chloride.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 08:30 PM | Permalink

State Ends Test to Find Poisonous Waste at Bridge Site

The South Carolina Department of Transportation stopped testing for the presence of industrial poisons at a site near the path of the Lake Marion bridge. For year, the site was used by the Safety-Kleen hazardous waste company to transfer toxic trash from rail cars to trucks for burial at the company's landfill. The site now is near the proposed site of the new $150 million road and bridge project across Lake Marion.

Toxin Hunt on Hold: State Ends Test to Find Poisonous Waste at Future Site of Controversial Bridge

The Transportation Department needs to know whether the area was tainted by environmental toxins before it can begin construction of the bridge. Safety-Kleen is not encouraging the testing the state department can issue pollution fines and require companies to pay for cleanup. "A major concern expressed by attorney Zimmerman was the possibility of exposing Safety-Kleen to DHEC if the site was found contaminated," said a memo from Transportation Department agent Mark Walker. "Additional scrutiny by DHEC is something that Safety-Kleen would not like to happen at this time."

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 03:34 PM | Permalink

Virus Linked to Cancer Caused by Asbestos

A Hawaiian cancer researcher and his team are studying why some workers exposed to asbestos develop cancer while most do not. Dr. Michele Carbone, director of Thoracic Oncology Program at the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, said that a combination of mineral fibers and viruses that are responsible for asbestos-related injury. Carbone said that the findings are important because "it opens a new area of research, because other cancers could be caused by interaction of these things."

Virus linked to cancer caused by asbestos

Malignant mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure; it is an aggressive cancer of the membranes lining the chest and abdominal cavities. People who work in shipyards have a high incidence of mesothelioma; 5% of those with more than 10 years' exposure will die of cancer. Carbone suggests that there is a link between asbestos fibers and a monkey virus called SV40.

Posted by Patricia Bowling at 02:24 PM | Permalink

December 29, 2006

Americans Overwhelmingly Opposed to EPA's Plan to Cut Back Toxic Reporting

December 28, 2006

EPA Avoids Mercury Limits on Cement Kilns

December 27, 2006

Asbestos Case Nets $19 k in Filing Fees

December 26, 2006

Lettuce Responsible for Taco Bell E. coli?

December 25, 2006

California Construction Pollution Killed 1,100 in 2005

December 23, 2006

New York City Bans Trans Fats

December 22, 2006

Taco Bell E. Coli Scare

December 21, 2006

18 Year Old Leukemia Patient Sues Over Benzene Poisoning

December 20, 2006

Cadbury's Benzene Recall

December 19, 2006

High Schools find Radioactive Materials

December 18, 2006

EPA Will Allow Some Pesticide Use in Water Without Permit

December 16, 2006

Taco Bell Says Onions Responsible for E. Coli

December 15, 2006

Should the EPA Regulate Carbon Dioxide Levels?

The Search for the E. coli Source

December 14, 2006

USDA: Bayer's GMO Rice is Safe

December 13, 2006

HoneyBaked Foods Recalls Meat

December 12, 2006

New Car Smell Dangerous?

December 11, 2006

Publix Sued Over Benzene in Soda

December 10, 2006

Salmonella on the Rise in Chicken Meat

December 09, 2006

Particles in Exhaust Damage Health

December 08, 2006

EPA Says Pollutants are Down

December 07, 2006

New York May Temper Trans Fat Ban

December 06, 2006

Scientists Working on Lung Cancer Breath Test

December 05, 2006

Soil to be Removed Under Chipotle Site

December 04, 2006

State Ends Test to Find Poisonous Waste at Bridge Site

December 01, 2006

Virus Linked to Cancer Caused by Asbestos