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New NRDC report, The Delay Game, documents chemical industry efforts to delay health assessments of toxic chemicals

Big business chemical industries have repeatedly blocked the Environmental Protection Agency and other government bodies from assessing the harms of hazardous chemicals. NRDC provides a meticulous accounting of the evidence behind this in The Delay Game. This new report, released today, uses three chemicals, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene (TCE) and styrene, to illustrate a larger systemic breakdown, in desperate need of a fix. Our report outlines the “Four Dog Defense” that big business has developed to defend its dangerous products, first tobacco, then asbestos, and now toxic chemicals generally: 1) My dog (product) doesn’t bite, 2) My dog bites, but it didn’t bite you, 3) My dog bit you, but it didn’t hurt you, and 4) My dog bit you, and hurt you, but it wasn’t my fault. Skeptical? You should be! FULL BLOG AND LINKS TO REPORT AT: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/jsass/new_nrdc_report_-_the_delay_ga.html

Charting the Rapids Ahead: Western Water, Climate Change & Public Health

Carpe Diem West and the Public Health Instituteʼs Center for Public Health & Climate Change talked with some of the nationʼs leading experts working in the fields of public health, water, and climate about what they see as some of the most significant areas of potential concern, with a focus on the American West. This paper highlights some of the common themes and issues that emerged from our discussions with these experts, and describes some questions for decision makers to consider as they address the potential impacts of climate change on water and health.

EDF report identifies companies in U.S. making chemicals called dangerous by EU

Hundreds of companies located in 37 of the 50 United States produce or import hundreds of chemicals designated as dangerous by the European Union (EU). As a result, these companies will be directly affected by controls imposed under the EU's new chemicals regulation, concludes Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in a report released today.

Webinar - No More Sour Grapes: Promoting Health and Equity for Agricultural Workers

As part of the GIH Social Determinants of Health Audioconference Series, this webinar will discuss concrete strategies for tackling health and equity problems in the agricultural workforce, and opportunities to connect these efforts with philanthropic initiatives designed to improve rural health care, reduce racial and ethnic disparities, increase access to healthy foods, and build strong communities. (February 9, 2012; Webinar)

California Green Chemistry Briefing with Debbie Raphael

This briefing with Debbie Raphael, Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, will discuss the state’s Green Chemistry Initiative and Safer Consumer Product Law. (February 13, 2012; San Francisco, CA)