What’s Lurking in Your Countertop?

The New York Times reports on the naturally occurring phenomenon of radiation in quarried stone. But sometimes the result is more than you might expect from your granite countertop.

A routine home inspection revealed elevated levels of radon in Lynn Sugarman's home. So she called a radon technician to find the source.

“He went from room to room,” said Dr. Sugarman. But he stopped in his tracks in the kitchen. His Geiger counter indicated that the granite countertop was emitting radiation at levels 10 times higher than those he had measured elsewhere in the house...

and this frightening image:

“It’s not that all granite is dangerous,” said the lab tech who took the radiation measurements. “But I’ve seen a few that might heat up your Cheerios a little.”

But perhaps the most distasteful part, is the all-too-predictable reaction from the corporate shills:

Allegations that granite countertops may emit dangerous levels of radon and radiation have been raised periodically over the past decade... but the Marble Institute of America has said such claims are “ludicrous”.

Just once I'd love to see a trade organization actually take the side of truth over financial self-interest.

FULL STORY

Keeping Chlorine Out of the Pool

There are several ways to eliminate chlorine or significantly reduce the use of it, although the pool industry remains skeptical of their effectiveness and it is often difficult to find builders to install them.

From saline, to UV lights, to ozone injectors, to natural aquifers, there are now several viable options for creating a pool that does not require harmful chemicals to stay clean.

via the NY Times

Kids in Katrina trailers may face lifelong ailments

You would think that after blundering their initial reponse to a national disaster, FEMA would work extra hard at not making things worse.

Now there is this story about the high levels of toxins in the very trailers provided to help the people of New Orleans.

Although Europe has banned formaldehyde, the US still refuses to do so. This is a great argument to follow the example of Canada and Europe.

Canada Likely to Label Plastic Ingredient ‘Toxic’

Interesting news story about the health dangers of plastics in food packaging, specifically containing a chemical called bisphenol-a. Canada is officially labeling this chemical as toxic. The US Government has been absent on this issue. Of course, the plastics industry is a multi-trillion dollar business.

Full Story via New York Times

...bisphenol-a, or B.P.A is widely used to make polycarbonate plastics, which are rigid and transparent like glass. Because animal tests have shown that even small amounts of the chemical may cause changes in the body, however, researchers have focused on food- and drink-related applications of B.P.A.

The most disturbing part of the article:

...Warren G. Foster, director of the center for reproductive care and reproductive biology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, is more skeptical.

“If I was a fish and there was bisphenol-a in the water, I’d be concerned,” he said.

Environmentally friendly cleaning products

There is a great story in the NY Times on using environmentally friendly cleaning products in your home, especially around babies.

Childrens' immune systems are not developed as fully as adults, making them more susceptible to these chemicals. A recent look at Childrens asthma rates and Childrens autism rates inidicate how toxic our interior environments really are.

My friend Stephanie Dietz has a wonderful company called Verde Green. They provide green office and home cleaning services. In our office, we use Seventh Generation and Method Home products and encourage our clients to do the same.

NY Times Story

That new car smell?

My friend Marian Keeler, an expert on indoor air quality, wrote a great article on that "new car smell" some people look forward to when buying a car.

That new car smell you savor is really an airborne soup of chemicals that could prove hazardous to your health...

FULL STORY

Will the Public Lose its Right to Know About Toxic Releases by Industry?

Congress could face a vote on proposed changes by the EPA that would essentially dismantle its Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) which tracks the amount of toxic chemicals manufacturing facilities release into the environment. Yet another move by the Bush Administration to remove all corporate accountability and regulations to protect our health.

You can see why Bush has been called the "worst environmental president" in our history.

Democracy Now FULL STORY

That unmistakable new-car smell may soon be heading the way of the rumble seat: recent research linking it to a toxic cocktail of harmful chemicals is spurring efforts by automakers to tone down the fumes.

That New Car Smell

Testing For Toxins

Women are taking environmental health into their own hands

Beware The Toxic Dust Bunnies
Study finds nearly three dozen hazardous chemicals in dust found inside U.S. households.

READ ARTICLE

MSNBC reports on the safety of chemical-treated wood used to make playground equipment. The question is timely: At the same time, the Environmental Protection Agency is currently expediting its review of arsenic-treated wood.