Indian Point Nuclear Reactor in New York Most Vulnerable to Earthquakes
The nuclear crisis in Japan has many in the U.S. wondering how any of the 104 nuclear reactors in this country would hold up in the event of a natural disaster like a strong earthquake. Surprisingly, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) says the U.S. nuclear reactor that faces the highest earthquake risk is not located anywhere on … [Read more...] about Indian Point Nuclear Reactor in New York Most Vulnerable to Earthquakes
Japanese Nuclear Crises Sparks Worry over General Electric Nuclear Reactor Design
In the wake of the Japanese nuclear emergency spawned by last week's devastating earthquake and tsunami, questions are being raised about the design of a General Electric nuclear reactor known as the Mark 1. Nuclear opponents have criticized the Mark 1 as inferior to other reactor designs, USA Today reported, saying that its … [Read more...] about Japanese Nuclear Crises Sparks Worry over General Electric Nuclear Reactor Design
Texas Fracking Fluid Disclosure Bill Has Wide Support
The state of Texas is considering a bill that would require natural gas drillers to disclose the ingredients of the fracking fluid that is used in hydraulic fracturing. According to the Star-Telegram, the Texas fracking fluid disclosure bill is supported by both environmentalists and the natural gas drilling industry. Fracking, … [Read more...] about Texas Fracking Fluid Disclosure Bill Has Wide Support
PCBs in Massachusetts Harbor will be Capped and Buried, EPA Says
To deal with PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) and heavy metal contamination in Massachusetts' New Bedford Harbor, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to bury and cap toxic silt at the bottom of the harbor via the deployment of an underwater Confined Aquatic Disposal (CAD) cell. According to the agency, dredging … [Read more...] about PCBs in Massachusetts Harbor will be Capped and Buried, EPA Says
Toxic Airplane Cabin Air Sickening Flight Crews, Flight Attendant Says
A flight attendant for U.S. Airways claims <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Toxic-Airplane-Cabin-Air-Lawsuit-Lawyer">toxic airplane cabin air is making flight crews sick. The toxic airplane cabin air, which some say can lead to an illness known as Aerotoxic Syndrome, has been linked to problems with the bleed air … [Read more...] about Toxic Airplane Cabin Air Sickening Flight Crews, Flight Attendant Says
Secondhand Smoke Exposure Raises Risk of Stillbirth
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in America, is linked to some 443,000 fatalities and $100 billion in healthcare costs annually, and kills some 1,200 Americans every day. Now, says the BBC, University of Nottingham researchers revealed that pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke "at work or home" have a 23 … [Read more...] about Secondhand Smoke Exposure Raises Risk of Stillbirth
Fracking “Halliburton Loophole” Too Broad, Former Bush EPA Official Says
The regulatory exemption granted to hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, that has now become known as the "Halliburton Loophole" went too far, according to a former George W. Bush administration official. Benjamin Grumbles, who served as assistant administrator for water at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also told … [Read more...] about Fracking “Halliburton Loophole” Too Broad, Former Bush EPA Official Says
BP Texas City Refinery Named in Benzene Lawsuit
Eight contractors who worked at the BP Texas City refinery have filed a lawsuit over a benzene leak that occurred in 2009. In addition to BP Products North America Inc., the $500 million lawsuits also name Pasadena Tank Corp., a contractor at the Texas City refinery, as a defendant. The benzene leak at the BP Texas City refinery … [Read more...] about BP Texas City Refinery Named in Benzene Lawsuit
NFS Nuclear Plant Blamed for Radioactive Contamination in Tennessee’s Nolichucky River
The Nolichucky River in Tennessee, located downstream from a Nuclear Fuel Services (NFS) plant, is contaminated with enriched uranium. The radioactive material in the Nolichucky River was discovered last year by Michael Ketterer, a chemistry professor at Northern Arizona University who specializes in uranium contamination, according … [Read more...] about NFS Nuclear Plant Blamed for Radioactive Contamination in Tennessee’s Nolichucky River
Fracking Suspended in Quebec Following Release of Government Report
The Canadian province of Quebec has decided to suspend new natural gas drilling that involves hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, until its environmental impacts are better understood. Environment Minister Pierre Arcand's announcement of the Quebec fracking halt followed yesterday's release of a government report that recommended the … [Read more...] about Fracking Suspended in Quebec Following Release of Government Report
Children’s Jewelry may Contain Dangerous Levels of Cadmium
Cadmium, considered an even more dangerous toxic metal than lead, is a known carcinogen and can interfere with brain development in very young children; longer-term effects of cadmium might not always be immediately evident. The federal government has long been concerned about toxic metals which could be ingested by children who … [Read more...] about Children’s Jewelry may Contain Dangerous Levels of Cadmium
Dish, Texas Takes on Barnett Shale Fracking, Names Six Companies in Lawsuit
The people of Dish, Texas are fed up with natural gas drilling in the Barnett shale, and what it's done to their community. The small Denton County town, home to 200 residents and 60 natural gas wells, has filed suit against six natural gas or pipeline companies, claiming compressor stations associated with hydraulic fracturing … [Read more...] about Dish, Texas Takes on Barnett Shale Fracking, Names Six Companies in Lawsuit
Dumping of Radioactive Fracking Waste in Pennsylvania Waters Creates Uproar
How natural gas drillers dispose of possibly radioactive fracking wastewater in Pennsylvania has gotten the attention of many in the state. Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat, is asking questions after The New York Times reported that some Pennsylvania natural drillers are shipping potentially toxic and radioactive hydraulic fracking … [Read more...] about Dumping of Radioactive Fracking Waste in Pennsylvania Waters Creates Uproar
PCBs in Caulk Pose Significant – and Expensive – Problem
The threat from PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in light ballasts found in schools built prior to 1979 been making news the past several months, with New York City just announcing a 10-year plan to remove PCB-tainted ballasts from schools there. But according to a report from the American Recyler, PCBs in caulk - found around … [Read more...] about PCBs in Caulk Pose Significant – and Expensive – Problem
Fracking Wastewater another Natural Gas Drilling Hazard
Over the past several days, we've been writing about the issues surrounding the wastewater produced as a result of hydraulic fracturing. How the toxic wastewater left over from the natural gas drilling technique is disposed of raises serious questions about the overall environmental safety of fracking. Frackers can send this … [Read more...] about Fracking Wastewater another Natural Gas Drilling Hazard
Disclosure of Radioactive Fracking Wastewater Prompts Outcry
A hydraulic fracturing expose published over the weekend by The New York Times continues to spark controversy and calls for reform. The Times' fracking investigation, which drew on thousands of previously secret government and industry documents, reported that potentially unhealthy levels of radioactive chemicals in the wastewater … [Read more...] about Disclosure of Radioactive Fracking Wastewater Prompts Outcry
Big Tobacco Files Suit Over FDA Menthol Cigarette Panel
In the ongoing war with Big Tobacco, a lawsuit has been filed against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by two leading players from industry: Lorillard Inc and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. The cigarette makers allege that conflicts of interest and bias existed on an advisory panel that may recommend menthol cigarettes be … [Read more...] about Big Tobacco Files Suit Over FDA Menthol Cigarette Panel
PCB Removal Plan Prompts EPA to End Inspections of New York City Schools
PCB inspections at New York City schools are being suspended today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in wake of the city's announcement that it has a plan to remove light ballasts tainted with the toxic chemicals from buildings. New York City and the EPA had previously been at odds over what to do about PCBs, also … [Read more...] about PCB Removal Plan Prompts EPA to End Inspections of New York City Schools
Stainless Steel Brandy Flasks Recalled for Lead Risk
E&J Brandy just announced a voluntary recall of a number of its stainless steel brandy flasks after laboratory tests revealed that brandy stored in these flasks, under specific conditions, could indicate elevated lead levels, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just wrote. Lead is a toxic heavy metal linked to a broad … [Read more...] about Stainless Steel Brandy Flasks Recalled for Lead Risk
Secret Fracking Documents Show Radioactive Wastewater Threatens Drinking Water
A blockbuster New York Times investigation of hydraulic fracturing has uncovered a cache of undisclosed government documents that show fracking wastewater containing radioactive chemicals and other toxic substances is being discharged into rivers and streams that serve as sources of drinking water. According to the Times, these … [Read more...] about Secret Fracking Documents Show Radioactive Wastewater Threatens Drinking Water
PCBs Linked to IVF Failures
A new study finds that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in concentrations typically found in the blood of people living in the U.S. could make successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) more difficult to achieve. The study was published this week in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP). According to a statement from … [Read more...] about PCBs Linked to IVF Failures
Plan to Remove PCBs from New York City Schools Finally Announced
After months of wrangling, New York City has finally announced a plan to remove PCB-laden light fixtures from almost 800 schools. According to The New York Times, $708 million has been allocated to the plan to remove PCBs from New York City schools, which will also involve broad improvements in energy efficiency at those … [Read more...] about Plan to Remove PCBs from New York City Schools Finally Announced
Benzene Lawsuit Claims Shell Oil, BP to Blame for Woman’s Leukemia Death
A <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/benzene">benzene lawsuit alleges an Illinois woman developed leukemia and died as a result of exposure to the toxic chemical. The lawsuit, filed by the family of Debra Ochs, names Shell Oil Company and BP Products North America Inc. as defendants. According to the Ochs family … [Read more...] about Benzene Lawsuit Claims Shell Oil, BP to Blame for Woman’s Leukemia Death
Benzene Cancer Verdict Upheld in California
A California appeals court refused to overturn an $8 million verdict levied against an Exxon Mobile Corp. subsidiary in a benzene cancer lawsuit. According to Law360.com, the plaintiff claimed to have developed kidney cancer from benzene exposure that occurred on a tanker operated by Exxon's SeaRiver Maritime Inc. The original … [Read more...] about Benzene Cancer Verdict Upheld in California
BPA on ATM Receipts May Pose Risks
Bisphenol A (BPA), the ever-present polycarbonate plastic hardener has been implicated in a growing range of consumer products. We recently wrote that the Toxic Chemical was found in ordinary thermal paper receipts, further intensifying its ubiquity. Now, NBC Connecticut says that Connecticut lawmakers are looking to increase bans … [Read more...] about BPA on ATM Receipts May Pose Risks
BPA Ban Debated In Oregon
The state of Oregon is joining a number of other states and entities in implementing a BPA ban in baby bottles, sippy cups, baby formula cans, and reusable sports beverage containers. Unlike other moves, Oregon is seeking an additional rule: That manufacturers include that items contain BPA - bisphenol A - have that indicated on … [Read more...] about BPA Ban Debated In Oregon
Two Pesticides Linked To Parkinson’s Disease
The risk for Parkinson's Disease has been linked to two more toxic substances: Rotenone and Paraquat. The link was made in recent research in which people who used either pesticide developed Parkinson's Disease some 2.5 times more than nonusers, said Science Daily. The research, said Science Daily, was a collaboration between the … [Read more...] about Two Pesticides Linked To Parkinson’s Disease
PCBs Turn Up in Three More New York City Schools
PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls, have turned up in three more New York City schools. To date, spot checks of New York City schools by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have turned up PCBs leaking from light ballasts in all five New York City school buildings tested so far, and all of the tests have confirmed leakage of … [Read more...] about PCBs Turn Up in Three More New York City Schools
PCBs Turn Up At Bronx School
The official response to the PCB contamination turning up in a growing number of New York City schools has been, in the eyes of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), inadequate, leading the agency to take matters into its own hands. Now, says The Associated Press (AP), yet another New York City school has been found … [Read more...] about PCBs Turn Up At Bronx School
Train Derailment, Explosion Near Arcadia, Ohio Forces Evacuations
A <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Arcadia-Ohio-Norfolk-Southern-Train-Derailment-Lawsuit-Lawyer">train derailment and explosion near Arcadia, in Hancock County, Ohio has resulted in the evacuation of about 20 homes. According to local media reports, the 62-car Norfolk Southern train was transporting ethanol, and … [Read more...] about Train Derailment, Explosion Near Arcadia, Ohio Forces Evacuations
PCBs in New York City Schools Spark Worry, Confusion among Parents
The specter of PCBs in New York City schools has many parents worried. Over the past several months, the toxic chemicals have turned up in the ballasts of light fixtures at several public schools around the city, and many parents have complained that the official response to the PCB contamination has been inadequate. PCBs' … [Read more...] about PCBs in New York City Schools Spark Worry, Confusion among Parents
EPA Moves to Regulate Perchlorate, Other Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water
Standards for perchlorate in drinking water supplies will be developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the first time in the agency's history. Perchlorate, which is both man-made and naturally occurring, is a component of rocket fuel, fireworks and explosives. The toxic chemical, which can disrupt the thyroid's … [Read more...] about EPA Moves to Regulate Perchlorate, Other Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water
EPA Fracking Study May Not Bring New Regulation
A soon-to-be launched study of hydraulic fracturing, also called fracking, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is no guarantee that the natural gas drilling technique will be subject to more federal regulation, the head of the agency said yesterday. The fracking study was ordered by Congress, and since March, the EPA … [Read more...] about EPA Fracking Study May Not Bring New Regulation
PCBs Among Toxins Found in New York’s Gowanus Canal
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed its investigation of the Gowanus Canal Superfund site in Brooklyn, N.Y. The investigation confirmed the widespread presence of numerous contaminants, including PCBs, identifying the sources of contamination. A companion human and ecological risk assessment found exposure to … [Read more...] about PCBs Among Toxins Found in New York’s Gowanus Canal
Coal Ash Leaking Toxic Chemical Into Water
Just weeks after recent headlines about hexavalent chromium, a cancer-causing chemical, contaminating drinking water systems around the U.S., a new report indicates that scores of leaking coal ash sites across the country could be a major source of such water contamination, wrote Earth Justice. Hexavalent chromium first made … [Read more...] about Coal Ash Leaking Toxic Chemical Into Water
Chlorinated Pools May Pose Cancer Risk
The health effects of chlorine are making headlines for their potential links to increased risks of cancer in bathers according to research conducted at Barcelona's Center of Research in Environmental Epidemiology and Research Institute Hospital del Mar (CREAL), said the Mother Nature Network (MNN). The study appears in Environmental … [Read more...] about Chlorinated Pools May Pose Cancer Risk
Xylitol Sugar Substitute Can Harm Dogs
With consumers dieting and looking to reduce sugar intake, a variety of products contain xylitol, which is, explained the San Francisco Gate, a plant-based sugar-alcohol sweetener.†Although a dietary benefit for some, xylitol is toxic to dogs. Xylitol can be found in sugar-free gum and vitamins, baked foods, and even some oral … [Read more...] about Xylitol Sugar Substitute Can Harm Dogs
BPA Exposure May Damage Sperm Health
Another emerging study has linked the hazardous chemical substance, bisphenol "BPA” with yet another adverse physical effect. According to Natural News, the toxic substance, BPA, has been linked, again, to sperm health issues but, this time, the study involved humans. The research was conducted by Kaiser Permanente and published in … [Read more...] about BPA Exposure May Damage Sperm Health
