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All Documents in Health

Consequences of Global Warming
Overview: A hotter planet means dirtier air and water, more severe floods and droughts, more wildfires and other serious consequences.
Rising Tide of Illness: How Global Warming Could Increase the Threat of Waterborne Diseases
Fact Sheet: Although there is little public discussion of the problem, disease outbreaks caused by contaminated water occur regularly. Researchers estimate that, including unreported cases, between 4 and 33 million waterborne gastrointestinal illnesses occur each year in the United States. Global warming is projected to increase the risk of more frequent and more widespread outbreaks of waterborne illnesses, due to higher temperatures and more severe weather events. To help prevent increased occurrence of water-related illnesses, the CDC should improve surveillance of waterborne disease outbreaks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should improve water quality regulations, and Congress should act to limit emissions of global warming pollutants. We need to act now to protect public health today while preparing for the impacts of climate change.
Get document in pdf.
Growing Green Awards NRDC announces its second annual Growing Green Awards to honor farmers, business leaders and promoters of sustainable food News: NRDC is honoring leaders in the field of sustainable food through the Growing Green Awards. Winners will be selected by a panel chaired by Susan Clark, President of the Columbia Foundation, and honored at an NRDC benefit in San Francisco in spring 2010.
The Benefits of Organic Food Food grown without intensive use of synthetic chemicals is better for the health of people and the environment Overview: In recent years, many farmers across the United States have abandoned synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and hormones in favor of organic growing methods. The result is healthy, naturally grown food that’s better for our health and the environment.
Clean by Design Fashion Initiative NRDC and the Council of Fashion Designers of America work to reduce pollution in Chinese textile plants Overview: The massive amounts of coal burned by Chinese textile plants spread pollution across the globe. NRDC and the Council of Fashion Designers of America are working to reduce pollution by changing the way the textile industry operates and making factories cleaner.
Atrazine: Poisoning the Well How the EPA is Ignoring Atrazine Contamination in the Central United States Report: In a new report, NRDC brings together for the first time the results of surface water and drinking water monitoring required by the U.S. EPA to create a more comprehensive analysis of atrazine pollution across the Midwestern and Southern United States. We found that the U.S. EPA's inadequate monitoring systems and weak regulations have compounded the problem, allowing levels of atrazine in watersheds and drinking water to peak at extremely high concentrations.
Clearing the Waters From the Chesapeake to California, NRDC is fighting to restore America’s threatened waterways Overview: The United States has made significant progress cleaning up the nation's waterways since Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972, but much more remains to be done. Although some of the most obvious signs of contamination have disappeared, other sources of pollution persist, and water resources are frequently overtaxed, particularly in the West.
Green Eating Guide Tips for making healthy food choices for you and the planet Guide: From farm to fork, growing our food, processing it and transporting it all use tremendous amounts of energy, water and chemicals. By making just a few small changes in our eating and buying habits, we can greatly reduce this impact. When we eat green, we help the environment by reducing global warming pollution -- and help ourselves by eating fresh and healthy food.
Fever Pitch Mosquito-Borne Dengue Fever Threat Spreading in the Americas Issue Paper: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that may worsen with global warming. Dengue has increased over the past several decades, probably because of urbanization and population growth, rapid international travel and trade, and widespread poverty. By 2085, an estimated 5.2 billion people are projected to be at risk for dengue because of climate change–induced increases in temperature and humidity. This July 2009 NRDC issue paper finds that two types of mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue fever can now be found across at least 28 states. As temperatures rise, the potential for transmission of this dangerous disease may increase in vulnerable parts of the United States.
Sustainable Seafood Guide How to choose delicious seafood that’s healthy for you and the environment Guide: Eating fish can be a smart choice. It's a lean protein with great health benefits. But sometimes fish can be bad for you, and sometimes it's bad for the environment. When you're at the store or ordering in a restaurant, how do you know which seafood to choose? We’ve got advice that tells you what's OK and what to avoid
Effective and Practical Disclosure Policies NRDC Paper on Workshop to Identify Key Elements of Disclosure Policies for Health Science Journals Issue Paper: Among the editors and staff of environmental and occupational health sciences journals, there is a recognized need for disclosure policies that are simple, clear, and effective. The goal of such policies is to provide sufficient information about any existing competing interests so that readers may exercise judgment about the objectiveness of the information. This June 2009 paper outlines NRDC's recommendations for effective and practical disclosure policies. Get document in pdf.
Eat Green Our everyday food choices affect global warming and the environment Fact Sheet: What we eat matters. The food choices we make every day have a big effect on the environment. The good news is that even small changes in what we buy and eat can add up to real environmental benefits, including fewer toxic chemicals, reduced global warming emissions, and preservation of our ocean resources. Eating “green” can also mean eating fresher, healthier foods while reducing your grocery bill and supporting our farmers. Get document in pdf.
Harmful Pet Products
FAQ: Answers to questions including: How can I tell which pet products contain dangerous chemicals? Which products should I buy? How can I tell if my child or pet has been harmed by these pet pesticides?
Pet Products May Harm Both Pets and Humans Products intended to kill fleas and ticks can also poison pets and the people who handle them. News: Americans purchase and apply to their pets a vast array of toxic chemicals intended to kill fleas and ticks. Though consumers may assume that these products have been tested rigorously for safety, the truth is that the poisons in many of these products are not safe, either for pets or humans.
Poison on Pets II Toxic Chemicals in Flea and Tick Collars Issue Paper: Americans spend more than $1 billion each year on products designed to kill fleas and ticks on household pets, especially dogs and cats. While some of these products are safe, others leave harmful chemical residues on our pets' fur and in our homes. These chemicals are highly hazardous to animals and humans, can damage the brain and nervous system, and cause cancer. The April 2009 paper Poison on Pets II details a first-of-its-kind study by NRDC showing that high levels of pesticide residue can remain on a dog's or cat's fur for weeks after a flea collar is put on an animal. Residue levels produced by some flea collars are so high that they pose a risk of cancer and damage to the neurological system of children up to 1,000 times higher than the EPA's acceptable levels.
Comments on which children's products are subject to the requirements of CPSIA Section 108
Testimony: Sarah Janssen, MD, PhD, submitted these comments on which children's products are subject to the requirements of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), Section 108 to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on March 25, 2009. Get document in pdf.
Comments on which children's products are subject to the requirements of CPSIA Section 108, Phthalates in Children’s Products
Testimony: Sarah Janssen, MD, PhD, submitted these comments on which children's products are subject to the requirements of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), Section 108 to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on January 12, 2009. NRDC's comments pertain to the last two sections of CPSC's request for information: a. Toxicity of Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives and b. Exposure to Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives. Get document in pdf.
No More Mountaintop Removal
Action: Across Appalachia, mining companies are wiping out some of America’s oldest and most revered mountains -- along with all that those mountains provide to the natural systems and communities they support. Take action now!
Scenes from a Dirty Coal Disaster A coal ash spill in Tennessee shows the dangers of toxic sludge produced by coal-fired power plants Photo Album: Images from a coal ash spill in Tennessee show the dangers of toxic sludge produced by coal-fired power plants
Global Warming Health Threats Global warming is already affecting human health around the world. The impact will be widespread, and plans to cope are needed now. Overview: Global warming is already affecting human health around the world. The impact will be widespread, and plans to cope are needed now.
Deepest Cuts Repairing Health Monitoring Programs Slashed Under the Bush Administration Issue Paper: When it comes to protecting public health from dangerous contaminants, the Bush Administration has left a legacy of dismal failure. We rely on the government to monitor contaminants and hazardous residues to ensure that our food, water, air, communities, and consumer products are safe. For decades, federal agencies charged with safeguarding health and the environment have tracked pollution, required industry reporting, and monitored disease rates. These programs provide the foundation for all health and environmental protection. Without adequate monitoring, the public, the scientific community, and the government are unaware of the hazards around us. New NRDC research in this December 2008 issue paper shows that the Bush Administration has dangerously slashed federal environmental and health monitoring programs.
Health Risks to Children and Communities From Recent EPA Proposals and Decisions on Air and Water Quality
Testimony: Testimony submitted to hearings before the Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senate on February 6, 2007.
Toxic Communities: How EPA's IRIS Program Fails The Public
Testimony: Testimony of Linda Greer, PH.D Director, Health Program Natural Resources Defense Council before the U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight at hearing entitled: Toxic Communities: How EPA's IRIS Program Fails the Public.
Testimony from Jennifer Sass on EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Program
Testimony: Jennifer Sass, NRDC Public Health Program, testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Investigation and Oversight Subcommittee about EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program, September 18, 2008.
Get the Lead Out
Guide: Children across the nation face the risk of lead poisoning, but steps can be taken to protect them.
An Uneven Shield The Record of Enforcement and Violations Under California's Environmental, Health and Workplace Safety Laws Issue Paper: California leads the nation in setting standards to protect the health of families, communities and the environment. Yet too little is publicly known about how effectively these standards are enforced, or how officials respond when violations occur. This October 2008 report examines data on known violations and law enforcement responses under six critical pollution, health and workplace safety programs, and finds that enforcement of California's environmental and health laws varies widely across the state.
Toxic Trade: The Global Metallic Mercury Market
Overview: It will take an international solution to curb the world's mercury pollution problem -- and the United States should lead the way.
Temperatures Rising Global Warming Turns up the Heat on Human Health Fact Sheet: Heat waves are becoming more frequent and more severe as a result of global warming. Higher temperatures will have serious effects on human health. Get document in pdf.
Boosting the Benefits Improving Air Quality and Health by Reducing Global Warming Pollution in California Issue Paper: California has the opportunity to combat global warming while simultaneously improving air quality and public health throughout the state. Measures being considered under the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) could save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of other negative health impacts each year -- saving billions of dollars in healthcare costs. NRDC analysis shows that strategies for reducing global warming pollution -- cleaner cars and trucks, energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart growth -- also reduce air pollution and bring tremendous short- and long-term health "co-benefits."
More Effective and Economical Pest Control Integrated Pest Management Fact Sheet: Integrated pest management (IPM) is a proven, cost-effective strategy to combat pest problems without unnecessary pesticides. By correcting conditions that lead to pest problems and using least-toxic pesticides only when necessary, IPM provides more effective pest control, often without increasing costs. Get document in pdf.
Testimony from Linda Greer on Mercury Legislation
Testimony: Testimony from Linda Greer, senior scientist and director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's public health program, on mercury legislation before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, May 13, 2008.
Chemicals in Plastic Bottles How to Know What’s Safe for Your Family Fact Sheet: A guide to what plastics are safe for your family, and what the government needs to do to ensure strong protections. Get document in pdf.
Global Warming and Our Health Addressing the Most Serious Health Impacts of Climate Change Fact Sheet: Global warming will affect human health around the world. We need to be prepared for the health effects of a warming planet. Get document in pdf.
Preparing for Global Warming A Framework for Protecting Community Health and the Environment in a Warmer World Fact Sheet: We must start now to protect against and prepare for the effects of global warming on our world. Get document in pdf.
When the Treatment is Toxic Pesticides in Head Lice Prescriptions Fact Sheet: Lindane--a dangerous insecticide--is often used in medication to treat head lice and scabies. The U.S. should adopt bans on lindane to protect the public and the environment. Get document in pdf.
Driving on Fumes
Issue Paper: Diesel pollution is well known to be hazardous to human health. Groups at particular risk include workers in diesel industries, such as trucking and rail, and communities located near major sources of diesel pollution, such as ports and freeways. This December 2007 issue paper summarizes the alarming findings of one of the first investigations to measure drivers' exposure levels to diesel soot inside trucks serving our nation's ports.
Miles to California, How Far Has Your Food Traveled?
Index: People are rediscovering the benefits of buying local food. How your food is grown, stored, transported, processed and cooked can all influence how it affects climate and the environment. Transportation-related impacts are particularly important for imported foods. NRDC calculated the transportation impacts of importing fresh produce and wine widely consumed in California, directly comparing the climate and air quality emissions from importing these foods instead of growing and consuming them in California. Our analysis shows that -- all else being equal -- locally grown foods are a better choice.
Sneezing and Wheezing How Global Warming Could Increase Ragweed Allergies, Air Pollution and Asthma Issue Paper: Global warming isn't just making our planet hotter. Scientific studies have also shown that our changing climate could mean more ozone pollution in some areas and intensify the health problems stemming from allergenic pollen such as ragweed. This is bad news for allergy sufferers and asthmatics because both ragweed and ozone have been linked to respiratory problems such as asthma and to allergic symptoms in adults and children -- and studies show that people exposed to both ragweed and ozone are likely to become sicker than people exposed to just one of these pollutants. New NRDC research -- the first to map areas within the United States where ragweed and unhealthy ozone pollution overlap -- shows that 110 million Americans live in areas with both ragweed and ozone problems.
Coal Is Hazardous to Your Health Coal-fired power plants threaten the environment and your health. Index: Burning coal releases enormous amounts of harmful pollutants into the air and water, with serious health consequences. Waste generated by coal-fired power plants contains hazardous pollutants that can contaminate our drinking water and cause cancer, birth defects and reproductive problems. This index of fact sheets describes the health hazards of our continued reliance on coal.
Dangerous Disposals Keeping Coal Combustion Waste Out of Our Water Supply Fact Sheet: Coal combustion waste released as pollution by power plants can make drinking water in nearby communities unsafe. Stronger protections are needed to regulate this waste, and to ensure that more polluting power plants are not needed. Get document in pdf.
Hidden Hazards in Air Fresheners NRDC testing finds hormone-altering chemicals in common air fresheners. News: Over the past few years, air fresheners have become a staple in many American homes and offices, marketed with promises of a clean, healthy and sweet-smelling indoor atmosphere. The labels do not mention, however, that many of these products also release potentially hazardous chemicals.
Clearing the Air: Hidden Hazards of Air Fresheners
Issue Paper: Air fresheners have become a staple in many American homes and offices, marketed with the promise of creating a clean, healthy and sweet-smelling indoor atmosphere. But this September 2007 issue paper shows that many of these products contain phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) -- hazardous chemicals known to cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, and reproductive problems. To protect consumers, government action to conduct more thorough tests and enact basic measures to limit exposure to phthalates is urgently needed.
Nanotechnologies -- Nanotechnologies are Here, but Questions of Safety Linger
Overview: The brave new science of tiny materials is bursting with promise -- and a host of unanswered concerns.
New Orleans Environmental Quality Test Results
Analysis: Results of NRDC's monitoring for mold, contaminated soil, particulates and other substances of health concern in the New Orleans area following Hurricane Katrina.
Rebuilding New Orleans
Overview: In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a team of health and environmental specialists from NRDC has been working with the people of New Orleans to ensure their safe recovery from the disaster.
Katrina’s Wake: Arsenic-Laced Schools and Playgrounds Put New Orleans Children at Risk
Issue Paper: When Hurricane Katrina tore through New Orleans in August 2005, the levee failures inundated the city -- particularly its most vulnerable neighborhoods -- with a hazardous sea of fuel, sewage and chemicals. Two years after the storm, a team of researchers from NRDC, working in partnership with local community groups, has found that hazardous levels of arsenic are still present in the soil at several locations in New Orleans -- including schools, playgrounds and residential areas. This August 2007 issue paper reveals that people in New Orleans are still returning home to communities that have not been adequately cleaned up, and offers solutions on a federal and local level for charting a safer course for New Orleans.
Safe Ways to Control Pests Around Your Home These alternatives to toxic pesticides will protect the health of your household, while keeping insects, rodents and other pests at bay. Guide: These alternatives to toxic pesticides will protect the health of your household, while keeping insects, rodents and other pests at bay.
Nanotechnology: Small Science, Big Consequences
Issue Paper: From mascara to tennis balls to baby wipes, tiny nanoparticles are hidden in many of the products that we use every day. But much is still unknown about the effects of nanotechnology on human health and the environment. This May 2007 NRDC issue paper presents the latest research on the potential risks of nanotechnology and outlines a framework for regulating these still-untested chemicals.
More Integrated Pest Management Please
Issue Paper: This February 2007 issue paper recommends specific actions for how Congress and USDA can increase the quantity and quality of Integrated pest management (IPM) assistance to farmers to improve air, water, soil and habitat.
Mercury Contamination in Fish: A Guide to Staying Healthy and Fighting Back
Guide: Power plants and chemical facilities are the main sources of mercury pollution, but this hazardous chemical makes its way into our homes and bodies in fish. This guide provides information about the health effects of mercury exposure, shows where it's coming from, offers tips for eating fish more safely and highlights opportunities to help stop mercury pollution.
Lost and Found: Missing Mercury from Chemical Plants Pollutes Air and Water
Issue Paper: Mercury is an invisible, odorless poison that can pollute oceans and rivers, contaminate our food and seep into the air, potentially causing severe health problems when ingested by humans. A major source of this pollution is chlor-alkali chemical manufacturing plants. Not only do these plants release harmful mercury into the environment, but they also cannot account for tons of mercury "lost" each year -- mercury which likely ends up in the air we breathe. This April 2006 NRDC issue paper reveals new sampling evidence that mercury emissions near the nation’s oldest and most polluting plants sometimes exceed government safe levels for chronic exposure, raising concerns for the health of residents who live near facilities in Ohio, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Louisiana.
On the Ground in New Orleans An NRDC Fact-finding Mission, October 2005 Photo Album: A photo journal from NRDC experts gathering first-hand information about the health and environmental after-effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
After Katrina: New Solutions for Safe Communities and a Secure Energy Future
Report: The devastation and human suffering left behind by Hurricane Katrina has given America a task not faced since the Chicago fire, San Francisco earthquake, or perhaps even the Civil War -- the challenge of rebuilding one of its major cities. This September 2005 NRDC report represents the combined efforts of our best experts on public health, toxic waste, urban design, coastal protection, energy security and global warming to offer up a set of policies and practices to protect the safety and well-being of Gulf Coast residents -- and all Americans -- today, during the recovery period, and onward into a healthier, more sustainable future.
Environmental Policy Discussions After Hurricane Katrina
Index: Hurricane Katrina spurred widespread debate about environmental policies: those that may have contributed to the devastation and those that can help avert future disasters. As we work to ensure that our leaders take away the right lessons from this disaster, and respond with real solutions, we will update this page with NRDC recommendations and analyses.
The EPA’s Pesticide-Protection Failure
Opinion: Linda Greer, the director of NRDC’s public health program, discusses the failure of the federal government to implement the Food Quality Protection Act, a groundbreaking 1996 law recognizing that children are particularly vulnerable to the ill-effects of pesticides.
Facts about Pollution from Livestock Farms
Overview: Facts and figures about pollution from factory farms, which produce staggering amounts of animal wastes that pollute the environment and do serious harm to humans, fish and ecosystems.
Pollution from Giant Livestock Farms Threatens Public Health
News: Factory farms -- giant livestock farms that house thousands of cows, chickens or pigs -- produce staggering amounts of animal wastes. These wastes are often stored and used in ways that expose people to dangerous bacteria, toxic gases and other hazardous substances, and punish the natural environment.
Five Dangerous Pollutants in the Air You Breathe NRDC's least wanted list of air pollutants, and the best ways to avoid them. Overview: Much of the haze that once blanketed our cities has cleared since the 1970s, thanks to tough environmental laws. But air pollution, including the kind you can’t see, still poses health risks to millions of Americans.
Asthma and Air Pollution Bad air can bring on asthma attacks, even in healthy people; tracking air quality and controlling pollution from cars, factories and power plants can help. Overview: Bad air can bring on asthma attacks, even in healthy people; tracking air quality and controlling pollution from cars, factories and power plants can help.
Dangerous Chemicals in the Home A Most-Wanted list of five common household contaminants. Overview: We all want our homes to be clean, safe places to live but toxic invaders may lurk inside your home, putting you and your family at risk. Here are five household pollutants to watch out for, and tips on how to minimize your exposure.
EPA's Proposed Policy on Sewage Dumping During Wet Weather Conditions
Testimony: The proposed policy will worsen water quality, expose the public to greater risk of illness and death from waterborne pathogens and toxic chemicals, and adversely affect the economy.
Medicines from the Deep
Issue Paper: Medical research suggests that novel compounds from the deep sea hold tremendous promise for treating human disease, highlighting the need to protect the fragile deep ocean bottom from destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling.
Cleaning Up Today's Dirty Diesels Retrofitting and Replacing Heavy-Duty Vehicles in the Coming Decade Issue Paper: Stringent new federal standards for diesel fuel and emissions will provide significant health benefits. But these benefits will not be fully realized for 20 years unless effective programs are put in place to replace and retrofit today's fleets of dirty diesel vehicles. The most effective such programs will concentrate on urban areas, where people are exposed to more vehicle pollution, and on cleaning up the oldest, dirtiest vehicles first. This November 2004 NRDC issue paper details compelling arguments for instituting retrofit and replacement policies today and provides a roadmap for getting started.
Pollution Unchecked: A Case Study of Greene County, Pennsylvania
Report: Southwestern Pennsylvania's Greene County suffers from serious air and water pollution, and cancer rates in this predominantly low-income Appalachian community are substantially higher than state and national averages. This December 2004 report details the results of NRDC's investigation into the county's pollution problems, and finds that despite the obvious health risks county residents face, state and federal officials have repeatedly allowed inadequate monitoring of air and water pollution and have made no significant effort to collect data on possible health effects linked to pollution in Greene County.
Hidden Danger Environmental Health Threats to the Latino Community Report: Pollution in the United States poses health risks for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, or country of origin. A large percentage of U.S. Latinos, however, live and work in urban and agricultural areas where they face heightened danger of exposure to air pollution, unsafe drinking water, pesticides, and lead and mercury contamination. These hazards can cause serious health problems, including an increased risk of asthma and cancer; waterborne diseases such as giardiasis, hepatitis, and cholera; and neurological and developmental problems. This October 2004 NRDC report underscores the urgent need for government action on these environmental health threats.
Heat Advisory How Global Warming Causes More Bad Air Days Report: Comprehensive analysis by medical experts showing that global warming would cause more summertime smog and higher pollen levels, which in turn might bring more asthma attacks, more hospitalizations, and limitations on time outdoors.
Swimming in Sewage The Growing Problem of Sewage Pollution and How the Bush Administration Is Putting Our Health and Environment at Risk Report: This February 2004 report from NRDC and the Environmental Integrity Project describes the emerging environmental and public health crisis resulting from our nation's failure to effectively treat sewage, presents seven case studies from around the country that illustrate how exposure to sewage pollution has killed or seriously injured people and harmed local economies, and recommends solutions to America's sewage problem.
EPA Won't Restrict Toxic Herbicide Atrazine, Despite Health Threat
News: White House documents obtained by NRDC reveal that industry influenced the decision.
What's On Tap? Grading Drinking Water in U.S. Cities
Report: This June 2003 NRDC study of drinking water quality in 19 U.S. cities finds that pollution and deteriorating, out-of-date plumbing are sometimes delivering drinking water that might pose health risks to some residents -- and unless steps are taken now, tap water will get worse. The report issues grades to each municipal water system studied in three problem areas -- water quality and compliance, source water protection, and right-to-know compliance -- and outlines a plan for protecting the nation's drinking water supply.
Out of the Gutter Reducing Polluted Runoff in the District of Columbia Report: Every time it rains, Washington, D.C. -- like most major cities -- is plagued by stormwater runoff, which has gravely contaminated the city's three major rivers (the Potomac, the Anacostia, and Rock Creek). To clean up the pollution, the city's Water and Sewer Authority is relying on conventional stormwater management practices, which are costly and outdated. In this July 2002 report, NRDC recommends instead that WASA adopt an approach called low-impact development, which would use "green" roofs, strategically placed beds of native plants, rain barrels, and other measures to soak up rain and prevent it from washing directly into waterways. NRDC is also urging the local government and WASA to restructure the city's flat stormwater fee, protect environmentally sensitive lands, restore the urban forest, and encourage water conservation and water reuse techniques.
Children, Cancer & The Environment By identifying elements in the environment that contribute to cancer, we can take steps to eliminate them and protect our children and ourselves. Overview: Scientists now believe that many childhood cancers are caused by environmental factors which, unlike heredity, can theoretically be controlled. Learn more about some of the suspected environmental causes of childhood cancer and how you can reduce the risks to your own children.
The Environmental Impacts of the World Trade Center Attacks
Report: The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, perhaps the worst episode in the history of New York City, also created a significant environmental health emergency. This February 2002 report lays out the facts, as best as we know them at this point, regarding both the environmental impacts of the attacks and the response of government officials to the ensuing environmental emergency. It also sets forth recommendations for improving New York's readiness for future environmental health emergencies.
How Lead Poisons the Human Body
Overview: Lead is devastating to the human body, inhibiting oxygen and calcium transport and altering nerve transmission in the brain. Even low concentrations of lead can cause permanent damage, and children are especially vulnerable.
Lead Paint in Schools
FAQ: Answers to questions including: How do I determine whether my child’s school has a problem with lead paint? What is considered to be an unacceptable level of lead in paint? How do I know if my child has lead poisoning?
Poisons on Pets Health Hazards from Flea and Tick Products Report: This report highlights the potential health hazards to humans and pets from flea collars and other flea and tick control products. The report recommends that the EPA ban the use of an entire class of these products -- those using organophosphates. It also offers recommendations for pet owners on combating fleas and ticks with a variety of simple non-chemical steps and/or by applying safer products, including insect growth regulators.
Bottled Water: Pure Drink or Pure Hype?
Report: A petition to the FDA and attached report on the results of NRDC's four-year study of the bottled water industry, including its bacterial and chemical contamination problems. The petition and report find major gaps in bottled water regulation and conclude that bottled water is not necessarily safer than tap water.
Summary Findings of NRDC's 1999 Bottled Water Report
News: Sales of bottled water have exploded in recent years, largely because of a public perception of purity. But bottled water sold in the United States is not necessarily cleaner or safer than most tap water, according to an NRDC study. There are actions that those who are particularly concerned about the quality of their tap water can take.
America's Animal Factories How States Fail to Prevent Pollution from Livestock Waste Report: A report examining the environmental and health consequences of pollution from industrial livestock farms in 30 states, as well as the widely varying efforts to curtail it.
Endocrine Disruptors
FAQ: Answers to questions including: What is an endocrine disruptor? What are some likely routes of exposure to endocrine disruptors? Are children at greater risk from endocrine disruptors?
Trouble on the Farm: Growing Up with Pesticides in Agricultural Communities
Report: A report examining the disproportionate exposure to dangerous pesticides borne by children of farmers and farm workers, and the related threats to their health.
Endocrine Disruption: An Overview and Resource List
Issue Paper: This paper provides an introductory explanation of the ways in which synthetic chemicals in the environment can interfere with the natural hormonal systems of humans and other living things. It also describes the implications of and approaches to addressing the problem, and provides extensive print and online reference listings.
Fields of Change: A New Crop of American Farmers Finds Alternatives to Pesticides
Report: A study profiling 22 farmers from 16 states who, despite significant barriers, are switching from conventional pest management to profitable alternative agricultural practices that substantially reduce pesticide use.
How to Protect Your Children from Environmental Risks Pollution-related illnesses may be on the rise, but there are things parents can do. Guide: Pollution-related illnesses are on the rise, increasing concerns about the role environmental toxins might play in diseases, especially those in children. Asthma rates tripled in the 1980s and childhood cancer rates have increased 10 percent over the last 20 years. There are steps you can take to protect your children from the five worst environmental threats to their health: lead, air pollution, pesticides, environmental tobacco smoke, and drinking water contamination.
Our Children At Risk: The Five Worst Environmental Threats to Their Health
Report: A report identifying the special vulnerability of children to environmental hazards and highlighting the growing evidence pointing to a link between pollution and childhood illnesses. The report makes recommendations, at both the policy and personal levels, for the protection of the next generation.
The Story of Silent Spring How a courageous woman took on the chemical industry and raised important questions about humankind's impact on nature. History: Rachel Carson's Silent Spring (1962) was one of the landmark books of the 20th century. It described how DDT entered the food chain and accumulated in the fatty tissues of animals, including human beings, causing cancer and genetic damage. Silent Spring not only exposed the hazards of the pesticide DDT, but eloquently questioned humanity's faith in technological progress and helped set the stage for the environmental movement that followed.
Breath-taking Premature Mortality Due to Particulate Air Pollution in 239 American Cities Report: Excerpts from a groundbreaking May 1996 NRDC report on premature mortality due to particulate air pollution in 239 American cities.