Healthy World Watch - June 27th

Friday, June 27, 2008
Posted by Janelle Sorensen

A look back at health news this week.  This week: updates on lead, pesticides, organic foods, allergies and pending legislation.

• The Center for Environmental Health found lead in artificial turf and outdoor carpet sold by major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware. They have filed a lawsuit in California compelling manufacturers and retailers to recall the toxic turf and stop using lead in their products.
• A little bit of pesticide can go a long way – causing genetic disruption for generations. Speaking at the Rodale Institute, Dr. Warren Porter cited growing evidence that extremely low doses of pesticides can impact gene expression that could cause multi-generational effects.
• The USDA refuses to admit what 50 million organic consumers know: organic food is healthier.  While the agencies entrusted with safeguarding our food and health pass the potato, a fast-growing body of scientific literature suggests that the connection between farm practices and the healthfulness of our foods merits attention.
• New evidence blames traffic-related pollution for increasing the risk of allergy and atopic diseases among children by more than fifty percent. What's more, the closer children live to roads, the higher their risk. You can reduce your own vehicle emissions (and save mucho dinero at the pump) by following these ten easy hypermile tricks.
• The Kids Safe Chemical Act is still being reviewed by congress. Send your legislator a quick pre-written email to urge them to support this vital legislation. Make it even more powerful by personalizing the message.