Consuming Chemicals : Rethinking What We Heat, Serve and Eat (By Sarah (Steve) Mosko, Ph.D.)
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?5180
What do breast milk, food cans, microwave popcorn, and fast-food French fry boxes have in common with meat, fish and dairy products? They’re all avenues of human ingestion of potentially harmful chemicals associated with everyday plastics.
Although the jury is still out on what levels of exposure are unsafe, it is indisputable that we all consume chemicals from plastics on a daily basis.
Biomonitoring projects like Environmental Working Group’s 2005 BodyBurden study of cord blood in neonates and the Mind, Disrupted investigation of blood and urine in adults representing the learning and developmental disabilities community published in February 2010—consistently find neurotoxic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in common plastics among the substances routinely tainting human tissues. Although diet is not the only route of exposure, it is a major one. Read more
How Do Sinkholes Form?
http://www.livescience.com/environment/How-Do-Sinkholes-Form-100601.html
How Do Sinkholes Form?
By Stephanie Pappas, Life’s Little Mysteries Contributor
posted: 01 June 2010 12:37 pm ET
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Agatha, a 330-foot-deep sinkhole opened up in the middle of Guatemala City. Like all sinkholes, the one in Guatamala City formed when a swath of land collapsed, leaving behind a crater-like depression in the ground.
The phenomenon is most common in Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Pennsylvania, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The ground beneath these states is rich in easily dissolved rocks such as limestone, carbonates and salt beds. When groundwater flows through these rocks, it eats away at them, leaving behind subterranean holes and caverns. When the roof of one of these caverns collapses, it takes the land above down with it.
Some sinkholes give way gradually and are filled in with dirt or sand from above. Others erode from the surface when easily dissolved rocks are exposed to rain and wind.
The most dangerous sinkholes are those that collapse suddenly. In some cases, the groundwater filling the underground caverns drains away because of drought or because humans divert the flow of groundwater for mining, drinking water or irrigation. Without the water supporting the roof from below, the land above crumbles. In other cases, the roof of the cavern becomes too weak to support the weight of the soil above it.
These sudden sinkholes can swallow cars, houses and even drain entire lakes without warning. In September 1999, Lake Jackson near Tallahassee, Fla., which measured more than 6 square miles (16 square kilometers), disappeared almost completely, drained from below by a 50-foot-deep (15-meter-deep) sinkhole. But don’t worry, it’ll be back: According to the Florida Geological Survey, the lake drains and refills every 25 years.
The Lehigh Gap Nature Center is looking for some volunteers
The Lehigh Gap Nature Center is looking for some volunteers to staff our information desk in the new visitor and education center. The building is nearing completion, with a July 16 opening anticipated.
We expect to staff our information desk in the new visitor lobby with volunteer “information specialists.” The job will include greeting visitors and providing them with information and answering their questions. You will also answer the phone and staff a small sales shop.
We are planning on 3 or 4 hour shifts, and we are hoping to have plenty of volunteers so you will only need to be here once a week or less (Unless you prefer to be here more often.). There will be weekend and weekday shifts.
Many of you have expressed interest in volunteering and some cannot do some of the more physically demanding work. Here is your opportunity to fit in.
Please let me know if your are interested in volunteering for this important position. WE are setting up some training sessions so you will be comfortable when we open to the public. Thanks.
Dan
Dan Kunkle
Lehigh Gap Nature Center
P.O. Box 198
Slatington, PA 18080
ph/fax 610-760-8889
http://lgnc.org
Prenatal PBDE exposure may result in adverse neurodevelopmental
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used flame retardant compounds that are persistent and bioaccumulative. Animal studies suggest that prenatal PBDE exposure may result in adverse neurodevelopmental effects. Herbstman et al. (p. 712) initiated a longitudinal cohort following the World Trade Center attack on 11 September 2001 to evaluate associations between concentrations of individual PBDE congeners and neurodevelopmental indices. Outcomes were evaluated in approximately 100 children with PBDE concentrations measured in cord blood samples. After adjustment for potential confounders, higher concentrations of BDEs 47, 99, or 100 were associated with lower scores on tests of mental and physical development at 12–48 and 72 months. The authors conclude that developmental exposure to flame retardants following the World Trade Center disaster was associated with altered neurodevelopment of children up to 72 months of age.
Read more.
BPA in 98% of the U.S. population
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?5176
Bad News BPA
May 24, 2010
Reported by Brita Belli
More bad news is emerging about the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), found in canned food linings and much plastic food and beverage packaging. A study just published in Environmental Health Perspectives finds a significant relationship between mice exposed to BPA during pregnancy and pre-diabetes. The study finds, specifically, that exposure to BPA during pregnancy leads to increased insulin resistance and alterations in glucose tolerance in the mothers during pregnancy and later in life.
And BPA appears to affect male babies in utero, too—exposure was significantly associated with a pre-diabetic state in male offspring. These changes occurred with BPA does that were five times lower than those recommended as safe for humans.
BPA is so widespread that it’s been detected in urine samples of 98% of the U.S. population. The chemical, prone to leaching, has been associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, moderate obesity, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.
Baker proposes bills on gas drilling, drinking water
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Baker_proposes_bills_on_gas_drilling__drinking_water_05-24-2010.html
Baker proposes bills on gas drilling, drinking water
Pa. senator says protection needed to ensure drilling doesn’t contaminate water.
By Steve Mocarsky smocarsky@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
May 25, 2010
The state senator representing the Back Mountain is proposing a series of bills to protect drinking water sources from contamination associated with natural gas drilling.
Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, said on Monday that the chances of water contamination grow as drilling into the Marcellus Shale increases in Pennsylvania, and the proposed bills are in response to citizen and community concerns about the safety of water resources.
“Prevention and protection are preferable to crisis management and emergency response,” Baker said.
EnCana Oil & Gas plans to drill two natural gas wells in the Back Mountain – one each in Lehman and Lake townships – and a third in the Red Rock area in Fairmount Township, not far from Ricketts Glen State Park.
The well site in Lehman Township is less than two miles from the Huntsville Reservoir.
Although there are proposed water protection regulations moving through the approval process, Baker said state law has “more force.”
And as drilling proceeds on a larger scale, “area residents want answers that show responsibility being assured, rather than risks being assumed,” Baker said.
“Reasonable environmental protections will not discourage the development of this industry; they will help to make sure that unreasonable costs are not imposed on local communities and homeowners,” she said.
In order to protect aquifers and determine any adverse consequences attributable to drilling, one bill would require testing at three times – before drilling, at the completion of drilling, and six months afterwards – at three different depths.
A second bill would rule out drilling at sites too close to drinking water sources such as reservoirs.
A third bill would require the state Department of Environmental Protection to ensure that operators of wastewater treatment facilities are properly trained and sufficiently monitored to lessen the chances of human error creating a major problem.
Baker said some of the costs would be borne by the gas companies.
Oversight costs could be paid for through a severance tax, which is expected to be debated in the coming weeks.
She reiterated her opposition to any severance tax plan that would devote the revenue generated to filling a hole in the state budget rather than providing for community protection in drilling areas.
“The environmental and economic catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico underscores the crucial nature of taking all reasonable precautions and for being prepared for dealing with extreme situations when things go horribly wrong,” Baker said.
Steve Mocarsky, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 970-7311.
Marcellus Shale natural gas fever is here, but are you ready?
Marcellus Shale natural gas fever is here, but are you ready?
Marcellus Shale natural gas fever is here, but are you ready?
Posted By Kristy Foster On May 25, 2010 @ 8:49 am
NEW CASTLE, Pa. — The time is not to wonder if it will happen, the time is to get prepared for when the Marcellus shale gas drilling will begin.
In western Pa., drilling has already commenced in just about every county from the southern border to the New York state line, and permits have been issued in Beaver and Butler counties. There are no permits issued in Lawrence or Mercer counties yet, but many expect it won’t be long until that happens.
Ask questions first
The public crowded into the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership Building May 20 to learn more about Marcellus shale drilling at an event coordinated by Penn State Cooperative Extension.
Everyone who made a presentation at the workshop had one common statement: Hire an attorney before signing any type of agreement or lease with a gas company.
Drilling increase
The Pa. Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Oil and Gas Management, is reporting a tremendous growth in Marcellus wells across the state.
In 2008, 196 wells were drilled, and 519 wells were permitted.
In 2009, 763 wells were drilled; 1,985 were permitted.
So far in 2010, 280 wells have been drilled and 584 have been permitted.
The state of New York quit issuing permits for drilling there and that has contributed to the boom of drilling in Pennsylvania.
Marcellus shale
Jon Laughner, an educator with Penn State Extension, said the Marcellus shale is a very thin layer of earth and in most cases if the Marcellus shale is present then so is gas trapped in it.
There are now more than 60 gas companies in Pennsylvania, and some wells have began production in Washington County, the site of the first producing Marcellus well.
One thing to consider is a no surface drilling lease, the presenters said. This is especially important to keep in mind if the property is less than five acres.
A recommendation given was to have the lease stated that there will be no surface drilling and only horizontal drilling, although if the property is greater than 50 acres, it is almost impossible to get a gas company to agree to this stipulation.
Marcellus shale may not be the only thing gas companies are interested in on a property. Studies are finding that if a property has a layer of Utica, which is several thousand feet lower than the Marcellus shale, the gas companies are probably interested in that as well. Under the Utica layer is also natural gas.
Water resources
Bryan Swistock, Penn State water resources specialist, is studying connections between brine water, water used for the drilling process and drinking water supplies.
One thing he recommends is that property owners get it stated in their lease that the drill site has to be at least 500 feet from a water supply. He added Pennsylvania law states it only has to be 200 feet, but that may not be enough.
After the permit is issued, the only notice given about the commencement of drilling will be to anyone with their drinking water supply within 1,000 feet of the drilling location. They will be notified within 24 hours of the drilling to begin.
Another tip he gives homeowners is to get their water tested by a state certified water testing lab prior to drilling, even if the site is not on their property and even if they are outside of the 500-feet zone. He said that will be the only way to prove something happened to the supply during the drilling.
After the drilling is complete, get another sample taken and tested.
Brine water disposal. Swistock also talked about the use of brine water at the drilling site and storage of the liquid on the property. He said it is very important to keep it away from drinking water areas.
He said millions of gallons of water will be needed for the drilling process and it is important to plan ahead and find out where the company plans to store the fluids.
Swistock added only 30 percent of what the company uses to drill will resurface within a couple of months and not enough studies have been completed to find out when and where the remaining water will resurface in the future.
Legal issues
Kris Vanderman, farmer and an attorney in Washington County specializing in working with property owners and natural gas issues, emphasized how important it is to contact an attorney before signing anything, rather than contacting one after a problem emerges with the gas company.
His legal tips included:
• Ensure the lease states arbitration will be used to determine issues between the land owner and the gas company.
• The lease should state how the property tax dealing with agricultural use will be handled. For example, who will pay the difference if gas is found on the property, when the farm loses its CAUV, or similar ag use valuation.
• Get the lease to state what will happen to the crops that are planted on the property and how much will be given for them if they are destroyed.
• The lease should also state that the property owner gets the right to have final say on where drilling sites will be and where brine tanks will be situated on the property.
He also told the group to make sure the lease does not state “owner has reasonable” anything. He recommends removing the phrase from any clause because in a court the gas company will hire professionals to state why you are unreasonable in not wanting the drilling site to be in a particular position on the property.
He said, simply, no matter what it comes down to, the gas company will say you are unreasonable and will have a good chance at winning the argument.
Financial planning
An average property with gas lease is getting between $200 and $300 an acre. If drilling begins, the price could increase to $2,000 an acre and if gas is found then the property owner could receive as much as an 18 percent royalty and storage fees.
Ted Feitt, of Washington Financial, said he couldn’t stress enough that property owners must plan ahead. He added it is not enough to wait until the gas is found to plan.
Feitt said he has seen some property owners already go broke because they didn’t plan ahead. He compared the financial windfall for some property owners to lottery winners who have gone broke five years after the good fortune.
He said the best thing to do is to establish a plan of action and an estate plan. One thing to consider is the taxes that will need to be paid when the checks begin to roll in once gas is found.
Feitt’s advice is simple: Pay taxes and then invest, otherwise it won’t be long before the farm will be foreclosed on and the property will be sold.
Another important item to remember is for your estate. He said if money is not set aside for the estate taxes, heirs could be forced to sell the property unless a cash reserve is available or another plan is established.
One thing was made clear by the workshop: There is a host of items to consider when thinking about leasing your property to any company. But if you remember only one thing, it should be this: Consult an attorney before signing anything.
Article printed from Farm and Dairy – The Auction Guide and Rural Marketplace: http://www.farmanddairy.com
URL to article: http://www.farmanddairy.com/news/marcellus-shale-natural-gas-fever-is-here-but-are-you-ready/14991.html
COAL’S DIRTY SECRET
COAL’S DIRTY SECRET
Coal ash is one of the country’s biggest waste streams and is full of toxic substances, yet it remains virtually unregulated. Can Washington overcome the fierce opposition of energy interests to protect communities and the environment?
A special Facing South investigation by Sue Sturgis
ISS – COAL’S DIRTY SECRET
ISS – COAL’S DIRTY SECRET.
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Coal ash is one of the country’s biggest waste streams and is full of toxic substances, yet it remains virtually unregulated. Can Washington overcome the fierce opposition of energy interests to protect communities and the environment?
A special Facing South investigation by Sue Sturgis
A New Project is Underway to Draw the Connections between Toxins and Children’s Health
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?5172
Protecting Children’s Health
A New Project is Underway to Draw the Connections between Toxins and Children’s Health
By Brita Belli
The relationship between children’s health and environmental toxins is finally getting the long-term look it deserves. A recent fundraiser at the Greenwich Country Club in Connecticut featured Dr. Philip Landrigan of the Mt. Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center, who despite the celebrities in attendance (including Laurie David and Mary Richardson Kennedy) took to the podium with all the fanfare of a rock star. In health circles, he is. By connecting lead exposure with lowered IQ in children, Landrigan’s work helped end lead components in gasoline and paint—and resulted in an 88% drop in lead levels in American kids by 2005. Now Landrigan is behind The Autism and Learning Disabilities Discovery and Prevention Project just launched at Mt. Sinai which will take a comprehensive look at how environmental toxins affect children’s health up to adulthood. “If there are a few chemicals we can prove cause autism,” said Landrigan, “it opens the possibility that there are others.”
He listed some of the known chemical causes of autism—including Thalidomide (used during the ‘50s and ‘60s to combat morning sickness), Misoprostol (used to induce labor) and Valproic acid (an anticonvulsant, mood-stabilizing drug). As part of their new project, the Mt. Sinai team will be building a “biobank,” so that babies’ cord blood—collected with permission at the hospital—will be analyzed for some 200 chemicals of concern, and will undergo genetic and epigenetic analyses.
The project is a perfect complement to the National Children’s Study already underway across the U.S. That study—with a consortium of partners that includes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—was launched in January 2010 and has set out to enroll 100,000 pregnant women in 105 counties and track the babies’ development until age 21. They’re collecting hair, blood and urine samples from pregnant women, testing household dust, water and carpeting and analyzing the samples for chemicals, for genetic makeup and for infections.
It’s a mammoth undertaking, but one that researchers hope can begin to answer questions about multiple chemical impacts happening across a lifetime of exposure, rather than examining—and banning—such chemicals one by one.
“Banning chemicals can work,” Dr. Landrigan told the well-heeled attendees at the fundraiser (which netted $300,000 for his center), “but after they’re already in widespread use…it’s hugely disruptive.” What would work better, he said, was a complete overhaul—mandated testing of all old and new chemicals as has been proposed in New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg’s bill, The Kid-Safe Chemical Act. It’s a bill, that, according to Sen. Lautenberg’s website: “would ensure for the first time that all the chemicals used in baby bottles, children’s toys and other products are proven to be safe before they are put on the market.” Added Dr. Landrigan: “New science is needed, too.”
RESOURCES: Mt. Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center