Health
Hot nights in the greenhouse
Physicians have long noted that deaths spike during heat waves. Compared to periods of normal temperature, more people die of heart attack and stroke during hot periods. And hot periods are also associated with the greater formation of ozone and other air pollutants that exacerbate respiratory illnesses such as asthma and emphysema. Electricity generation for air conditioning peaks on hot summer days. [Read more…] about Hot nights in the greenhouse
Trains and oil spills
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/EW-03-11-14-Trains-and-Oil-Spills.mp3|titles=EW 03-11-14 Trains and Oil Spills]
During the past five years, U.S. domestic oil production has risen 50 percent. This surge has outpaced the pipeline infrastructure needed to move oil to consumers. [Read more…] about Trains and oil spills
Antibiotics in meat
Concerns have long been raised over the presence of antibiotics in the meat we eat. Now, a federal analysis has shown that many of those antibiotics are likely to blame for the increasing number of bacterial infections resistant to treatment in humans. [Read more…] about Antibiotics in meat
A mosquito fever expands its range
A mosquito-borne virus that causes fever, headaches, and severe joint pain has spread to the Caribbean. Experts fear it’s only a matter of time before it makes its way to the U.S. Chikungunya gets its name from an East African word meaning ‘that which bends,’ due to the posture of its sufferers. [Read more…] about A mosquito fever expands its range
Outsourced pollution
China has the unfortunate reputation of having some of the dirtiest air in the world. Much of the pollution results from the enormous amount of manufacturing that goes on there, often earmarked for countries around the world that have essentially outsourced their own pollution to China. [Read more…] about Outsourced pollution
Toxic insecticides
The European Food Safety Authority has recommended lowering acceptable human exposure levels to two insecticides — acetamiprid and imidacloprid – due to concerns over their effect on developing human nervous systems. Both are part of a class of insecticides called neonicotinoids, which have come under scrutiny before for their effect on bees. [Read more…] about Toxic insecticides
Salty streams and rivers
By the looks of it, we’re in for quite a winter this year. Here in the Northeast, we’ve seen several heavy snowfalls, freezing temperatures, and icy roads. [Read more…] about Salty streams and rivers
The answer is blowing in the wind
For some time now, scientists and medical experts have been investigating whether air pollution compromises human health, particularly cardiovascular function and respiration. And recent studies are strengthening the evidence that polluted air is bad for our health. [Read more…] about The answer is blowing in the wind
Trees and indoor pollution
Living on a tree-lined street is not just idyllic, but good for your health. New research from England has shown that the presence of street trees can mitigate indoor air pollution stemming from vehicle traffic. [Read more…] about Trees and indoor pollution
Coming from a barnyard near you
Atmospheric scientists recognize the long-distance transport of air pollutants. When we used leaded gasoline, we saw elevated levels of airborne lead in cities, but also in the Greenland ice pack, thousands of miles away. And past shutdowns of coal-fired power plants in the Midwest resulted in lower nitric oxide concentrations in the eastern U.S. [Read more…] about Coming from a barnyard near you
Exotic greenhouse gases
Most of the public believes that our climate is changing, and that we are at least partially responsible. Our activities release huge quantities of greenhouse gases, which trap heat radiation trying to leave Earth’s atmosphere. Our emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are causing the planet to warm. [Read more…] about Exotic greenhouse gases
When your sofa makes you sick
The New Year has brought a new law in California that could lessen the use of flame retardants in furniture. [Read more…] about When your sofa makes you sick
Getting toxic chemicals out of consumer products
When grocery shopping, many of us check the labels of the foods we’re buying to evaluate ingredients and nutritional information. But what about the many products we buy that contain chemicals we’re unfamiliar with – or that don’t come with labels at all? [Read more…] about Getting toxic chemicals out of consumer products
The environmental impacts of hair salons
Hair salons have a certain fragrance. You always know when you’re in one. No surprise, since nearly 5000 chemicals are listed as products for hair care, including 3300 synthetic compounds. Beyond the shampoo and conditioner, there are hair dyes, oils, propellants, and various sprays to keep hair in place. [Read more…] about The environmental impacts of hair salons
Climate injustice
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As nations around the world grapple with the challenges of climate change, traumatic events such as the devastating typhoon in the Philippines can focus our attention on the complex issue of climate injustice. [Read more…] about Climate injustice
Regulating fracking
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Hydraulic fracturing – better known as fracking – has driven a boom in natural gas production in the United States over the past decade. Fracking is also at the center of a raging controversy over its potential effects on public health and the environment. Despite these concerns, the federal government has left the issue of fracking regulation to individual states. [Read more…] about Regulating fracking
Food and climate change
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A leaked draft of a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that global warming may cause a world food shortage in coming years. [Read more…] about Food and climate change
Schools and the environment
A group of public school systems across the country has formed an alliance to make schools more environmentally responsible and to help change nutrition and sustainability policies. Known as the Urban School Food Alliance, the group includes the public schools in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Orlando. [Read more…] about Schools and the environment
Nature and allergies
