These bulletins are archived and searchable on our website: http://www.iceh.org/LDDIbulletins.html If you would like to join the Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE) and the LDDI Working Group, please complete the application on the CHE website: http://www.healthandenvironment.org/application Joining CHE means receiving up to four email messages a month from the CHE National listserv. CHE costs nothing to join and the benefit is shared information and opportunities for further engagement, if you choose. Be sure to mark that you want to join the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative Working Group at the bottom of the application.
Companion bulletins are available for different audiences:
While there is overlap with this bulletin, there are some events and announcements unique to those bulletins.
LDDI's leadership group and other environmental health colleagues continue to convene monthly conference calls focused on collaborative activities and opportunities. The two primary areas of discussion right now are: a) undertaking a chemical "body burden" biomonitoring study to highlight LDD issues and concerns; and b) developing key LDD spokespeople in the states working on chemical policy reform.
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) held a very successful session on environmental health at its annual conference in late May. Attendance and interest were strong, suggesting growing interest in these issues among AAIDD members. For more information on AAIDD's Environmental Health Initiative, contact Laura Abulafia at Laura@aaidd.org or visit the website: http://www.ehinitiative.org
The Autism Society of America is developing an online curriculum for health professionals on autism and the environment. The curriculum will likely be available in fall 2008.
The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) published an e-newsletter earlier this week on environmental health. To read it, and for other information on NADD's program, please contact Ed Seliger at eseliger@thenadd.org or visit http://www.envhealthproject.org/
Learning Disabilities Association of New York State (LDA-NYS): Steve Boese, formerly with the Healthy Schools Network, was recently hired as LDA-NYS's new executive director. Heather Loukmas, former executive director, will continue to work at LDA-NYS part-time. Steve brings his long-term expertise in environmental health, public health policy and learning disabilities to this position. He is currently developing a work plan to build an even stronger LDDI state-based, environmental health-focused effort in New York State.
Wednesday through Saturday, June 18 - 21, 2008
Marmaris, Turkey
at the Divan Mares Hotel
Sponsor: Anadolu University
The purpose of the conference is to bring internationally known experts around the world together to share knowledge and experience on Special Education. The conference will highlight key experts in the field of Special Education. The official language of the conference will be English. Preconference workshops, educational and cultural tours/trips and other activities are being considered to provide an array of opportunities to participants. The conference covers the following groups but not limited to any groups or any topics in special education: cognitive disabilities/mental retardation, autism, & other developmental disabilities; communicative disabilities and deafness (deaf or hard of hearing); speech and language disorders; behavioral and emotional disorders; learning disabilities; gifted and talented education; physical and health disabilities; and visual impairments.
Price: see http://icose2008.anadolu.edu.tr/index_prop_eng.htm
Website: http://icose2008.anadolu.edu.tr/
Contact: ICOSE Secretary, +90-222-335-0580 (3545) or icose2008@gmail.com
Monday and Tuesday, June 23 - 24, 2008
Chicago, Illinois
at the Hyatt Regency Chicago
Sponsor: Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research
The objective of the society is to foster pediatric and perinatal epidemiologic research. This research includes the study of any factors that influence maternal health and the health and development of children, from conception through adolescence. The work presented at Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research's annual meeting represents the cutting edge of research in pediatric and perinatal epidemiology.
Price: unknown
Website: http://www.sper.org/Annual_Meeting.htm
Contact: Marcia Feldkamp, 801-257-0566 x 203 or Marcia.feldkamp@hsc.utah.edu
Tuesday June 24, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Portland, Oregon
at JR Howard Hall Room 102, Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road
Sponsor: Northwest Environmental Training Center
The program is designed for those who may have little background in toxicology yet must deal with chemicals in the home, at work or at school. Anyone interested in better understanding chemicals and their health effects, or a refresher course on toxicology, is encouraged to attend. The course identifies potential health hazards of toxic chemicals and methods for preventing exposure. Chemicals we encounter in everyday life are used as examples to evaluate the hazards and risk of exposure and put them into perspective. Learn the basic principles of toxicology, tools for assessing the toxicology of chemicals, effects of chemicals on the body, and why some people are more sensitive to chemicals than others.
Price: $245 or reduced tuition of $175 is available to Native American tribes, nonprofits, government agencies and students
Website: https://nwetc.websitesource.net/reg_etox-510_06-08_portland/registration.htm
Contact: Northwest Environmental Training Center, 206-762-1976
Wednesday through Saturday, June 25 - 28, 2008
Los Angeles, California
at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 2025 Avenue of the Stars
Sponsor: National Assembly on School-based Health Care (NASBHC)
This convention will focus on taking action against health inequities. Conference tracks include mental health, primary care, evaluation and quality, operations and administration, policy and advocacy, youth and community engagement, and leadership in adolescent and child health.
Website: http://www.nasbhc.org/site/c.jsJPKWPFJrH/b.2708163/
Contact: National Assembly on School-based Health Care, 202-638-5872 or info@nasbhc.org
Thursday through Sunday, June 26 - 29, 2008
Indian Wells, California
at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort
Sponsor: Lyme-Induced Autism Foundation
This conference will focus on intermingling traditional and alternative biomedical treatment for individuals affected by Borrelia (Lyme Disease), multiple-infections and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome or ADHD. This is not your "typical" Autism conference as we focus on the infections, disabled immune system and triggers of this illness. There will be a live webcast; for more information visit http://www.zenworksproductions.com/webcast.html
Price: see the website below
Website: http://www.lymeinducedautism.com/summer2008caconference.html
Contact: Lyme-Induced Autism Foundation at http://www.lymeinducedautism.com/contactus.html
Saturday through Wednesday, June 28 - July 2, 2008
Monterey, California
at the Hyatt Regency Monterey, 1 Old Golf Course Road
Sponsor: Program Committee of the Teratology Society, Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) and Neurobehavioral Teratology Society (NBTS). See http://teratology.org/meetings/2008/sponsors.asp for a complete list.
The 2008 scientific program covers important issues in birth defects research and education, ranging from the latest findings in basic research on embryonic and fetal hypoxia to hot topics in nutrition and food safety as they relate to normal and abnormal fetal and child development.
Price: see http://www.teratology.org/meetings/2008/registration_information.asp
Website: http://teratology.org/meetings/2008/index.asp
Contact: Teratology Society, 703-438-3113
Wednesday through Saturday, July 9 - 12, 2008
Kissimmee, Florida
at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway
Sponsor: Autism Society of America
This is the largest gathering of people with autism, families and professionals with over 200 sessions and 150 exhibitors. Continuing education is available to professionals.
Price: see http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=research_conference_faq#Q3
Website: http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=research_conference
Contact: 800-328-8476 x7 or conference@autism-society.org
Friday July 11, 2008
Washington, DC
at the Ronald Reagan International Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Sponsor: The Center for Science in the Public Interest
Become part of the growing movement to reinvigorate public sector science and end corporate and political influence over the scientific process. Sessions will include 1) Tackling the Climate Crisis: Unleashing Government Research, 2) Curbing Conflicts in Medical & Environmental Science, 3) Rebuilding Research Capacity at Regulatory Agencies, 4) Clean Energy -- Do Special Interests Drive the Agenda?, and more.
Price: unknown
Website: http://www.cspinet.org/integrity/conflictedscience_conf.html
Contact: Integrity in Science Project, science@cspinet.org
Saturday through Tuesday, July 12 - 15, 2008
Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel, 1088 Burrard Street
Sponsor: Sponsor information will be available at the website below.
This is an interdisciplinary conference devoted to improving children's lives by making cutting-edge research in neuroscience, child psychology and medicine understandable and applicable to those who work with children on a daily basis. Continuing education units are available.
Website: http://www.interprofessional.ubc.ca/bdl.html
Contact: 877-328-7744 or devcogneuro@gmail.com
Online Calendar. Upcoming events extending more than one month in the future are listed in a searchable calendar: http://www.iceh.org/cgi-bin/searchevents.cgi
Most of the articles below come from Environmental Health News, http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/
Job opening: Missoula, Montana. Women's Voices for the Earth, a growing, progressive national organization that engages women to advocate for the right to live in a healthy environment, seeks a dynamic executive director to work with our high-energy, committed staff and board. The ED will continue our progress in expanding WVE's capabilities and building our national influence at the nexus of the environmental health, women's movement, and reproductive justice fields. Our ideal candidate is a skilled, energetic visionary with significant fundraising, program, communications and management experience who can take on the multiple tasks required to lead a small nonprofit organization that is expanding its national impact. The application period closes on July 15, 2008.
http://www.womenandenvironment.org/newsreports/ExecDir
Job opening: Portland, Oregon. The Oregon Center for Environmental Health is interested in addressing chemicals policy reform at the state and national levels through comprehensive reform and is seeking a full-time toxics program director. Strategies will include leadership within a coalition of health and conservation groups, working with elected officials to promote legislation, working with public agencies, community organizing and public education and outreach. Find out more about OCEH at http://www.oregon-health.org/. The ideal candidate would have strong experience in organizing, public education and outreach within an environmental or public health agency, plus a demonstrated knowledge of toxics and their impact on human health and the environment, with the ability to be an aggressive advocate for the issue is required. Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by June 20, 2008, to Jane@oregon-health.org or Jane Harris, Executive Director, Oregon Center for Environmental Health, 4819 NE Fremont Street, Portland, Oregon 97213. No phone calls please.
Job opening: Eugene, Oregon. The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides is hiring a full-time environmental program coordinator. This position involves leadership for planning, implementation and evaluation in two of NCAP’s program areas: pesticide-free parks and organic food in schools.
http://pesticide.org/NCAP%20job%20announcement.pdf
Smoking ban aims to protect kids in cars. The Ontario legislature has banned smoking in cars when children are present. Windsor Star, Ontario, 17 June 2008.
http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=46d0504a-1ecb-4c2c-8b36-b004e21c8e69
Anti-vaccine activists march on, armed with little evidence. At least 16 well-designed scientific studies have found no connection between immunizations or thimerosal and autism. Indianapolis Star, Indiana, 17 June 2008.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080617/OPINION12/806170325/1002/OPINION
Kitchen health: fact vs. fiction. Could the stuff you use to cook your meals be harming your family's health? Chicago Daily Herald, Illinois, 16 June 2008.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=207353
Tests reveal lead in lipsticks sold in Canada. Health Canada has found lead in 21 of 26 lipsticks for sale in Canada. The agency says the levels detected do not pose a health risk for consumers. But the Canadian results were worse than a study of lipstick sold in the U.S. CanWest News, Canada, 16 June 2008.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=12c94620-19ae-4c31-999c-db20f56b6f88
Is lead linked to mental decline? Could it be that the "natural" mental decline that afflicts many older people is related to how much lead they absorbed decades before? Associated Press, 15 June 2008.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-leadbrain08jun15,0,3574316.story
Panel minimizes some concerns over bisphenol A. A scientific advisory board, charged with reviewing a federal report on the risks of a chemical found in baby bottles and aluminum cans, downgraded that report’s level of concern. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin, 14 June 2008.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=762042
Johns Hopkins raps AP story on lead experiment. In Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is firing back at the Associated Press over a story about the safety of compost made with treated municipal sewage that the school used in an experiment to treat high lead levels in soil. Associated Press, 14 June 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/wire/sns-ap-sci-sludge-controversy,1,1980421.story
[Editor's note: This article follows up on articles from April 14th that were included in the April 23rd issue of this bulletin.]
Strictest limits on lead urged. A Bush administration proposal to tighten national air pollution standards for lead might not go far enough to protect the public from the metal's toxic effects, environmental and health experts told a government panel in Baltimore yesterday. Baltimore Sun, Maryland, 14 June 2008.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bay_environment/bal-md.lead13jun13,0,502755.story
FDA issues precautionary note on silver fillings. Silver dental fillings contain mercury, and the government for the first time is warning that they may pose a safety concern for pregnant women and young children. Associated Press,13 June 2008.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MED_DENTAL_MERCURY?SITE=DCUSN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
EPA scolded for delay in lead health standards. The Environmental Protection Agency got a scolding Thursday for waiting 30 years to propose a stricter health standard for airborne lead. Associated Press, 13 June 2008.
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080613/NEWS01/806130356/1007
That 'new shower curtain smell' gives off toxic chemicals, study finds. Vinyl shower curtains sold at major retailers across the country emit toxic chemicals linked to serious health problems, a new report by a national environmental organization finds. Los Angeles Times, California, 13 June 2008.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-me-showercurtain13-2008jun13,0,2784885.story
Port Arthur incinerator set to burn toxic PCBs. The U.S. EPA is poised to grant a request for a Port Arthur incinerator to import up to 20,000 tons of highly toxic PCBs from Mexico for their disposal. To many living on the city's predominantly black west end, the proposal is the ultimate affront. Houston Chronicle, Texas, 13 June 2008.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5834705.html
Chemical law has global impact. Europe this month rolled out new restrictions on makers of chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems, changes that are forcing U.S. industries to find new ways to produce a wide range of everyday products. Washington Post, 12 June 2008.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/11/AR2008061103569.html
Trouble beneath the bubbles. Some scientists are questioning the long-term safety of some of the compounds that most of us apply daily to our skin and scalp. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia, 12 June 2008.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/health/trouble-beneath-the-bubbles/2008/06/11/1212863695359.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2
Wal-Mart, Toys R Us to remove products with BPA. Even while Congress is still considering banning a controversial chemical used in producing baby cups, toys and water bottles, two major retailers are removing products containing such chemicals from their shelves. New York Newsday, New York, 12 June 2008.
http://www.newsday.com/business/ny-bzplas0612,0,4502200.story
Study strengthens evidence of link between smoking, dementia. Middle-aged smokers are more likely to have poorer memories and reasoning abilities than those who've never smoked habitually, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Hartford Courant, Connecticut, 12 June 2008.
http://www.courant.com/news/health/ny-hsmok115722180jun11,0,2079858.story
High levels of formaldehyde found in baby furniture. A number of cribs and changing tables commonly sold at retail outlets contain unhealthy levels of formaldehyde. Baltimore Sun, Maryland, 11 June 2008.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.cribs11jun11,0,1063565.story
The city is getting a handle on lead. The number of city children with levels of lead in their blood at or above the federal government's threshold for poisoning has dropped 65 percent in the last five years. Still, many city children remain at risk. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Missouri, 11 June 2008.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/sciencemedicine/story/486E3178D109F2008625746500112914?OpenDocument
Clash arises on safety of BPA in plastic items. Government experts and lawmakers clashed at a hearing Tuesday over the safety of a chemical used in plastic baby bottles, as the science indicating health risks seemed not conclusive enough to meet the burden of proof required for a U.S. ban. Wall Street Journal, 11 June 2008.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121314456079362753.html
EPA considering stricter airborne lead regulations. For the first time in 30 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to dramatically tighten the regulations on airborne lead pollution. Baltimore Examiner, Maryland, 11 June 2008.
http://www.examiner.com/a-1435239~EPA_considering_stricter_airborne_lead_regulations.html
Scientists figure out how rice absorbs arsenic. Scientists have worked out how crops such as rice absorb arsenic, a finding that could help prevent people from eating dangerous levels of the poisonous metal. Reuters, 11 June 2008.
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSL0952016120080609
Revision looms For U.S. chemical law. The U.S. system for regulating commercial chemicals may be on the verge of a major shake-up. Momentum for such a change is due in part to a lack of information about the toxicity of many chemicals. Chemical & Engineering News, 9 June 2008.
http://pubs.acs.org/isubscribe/journals/cen/86/i23/html/8623gov1.html
Divided by fluoride. Depending on who you listen to, fluoride is either a poison or a tried-and-tested cure for an entirely preventable disease. Hampshire Daily Echo, United Kingdom, 8 June 2008.
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/latest/display.var.2326411.0.divided_by_fluoride.php
Health risk of long-term mobile phone use to be studied by scientists. Scientists have started work on a massive official study to discover whether the long-term use of mobile phones causes brain cancer, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. London Independent, England, 8 June 2008.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/health-risk-of-longterm-mobile-phone-use-to-be-studied-by-scientists-842489.html
Contaminated education? Toxic schools and the leasing loophole. Building schools on toxic sites places students and the adults who work there at risk. Brooklyn Rail, New York, 8 June 2008.
http://www.brooklynrail.org/2008/06/local/contaminated-education-toxic-schools-and-the-leasing-loophole
Lead safety still begins at home. The greatest risk of lead exposure is actually found at home -- in the lead paint of old homes, especially around window sills, according to Anita Weinberg, chair of Lead Safe Illinois. Grand Forks Herald, North Dakota, 7 June 2008.
http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=78658§ion=Features&freebie_check&CFID=44060758&CFTOKEN=29915057&jsessionid=883050f46f452577676c
China better on toy safety: report. China has taken steps to tackle toy safety concerns after a string of recalls last year, but authorities should tighten supervision of the sector further, an independent report commissioned by the EU has concluded. Reuters, 6 June 2008.
http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=488183
Tracking plastic's breakdown products. Many studies have raised concerns about the safety of phthalate plasticizers found in PVC products, cosmetics, and medical devices. Now, scientists are looking at not just the parent compounds but also their metabolites. Environmental Science & Technology, 5 June 2008.
http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/esthag-w/2008/jun/science/jp_plasticizers.html
Amid protest, U.S. backs vaccinations. As thousands protested yesterday that childhood vaccines are unsafe, federal health officials emphasized that they're looking for any signs of a link between the shots and autism but that evidence supports the health benefits. Baltimore Sun, Maryland, 5 June 2008.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/health/bal-te.fda05jun05,0,1437123.story
Ban urged on food dyes linked to behavioural problems. Artificial dyes must be banned from use in food because they are linked to serious behavioural and attention-deficit problems in children, according to a U.S.-based consumer advocacy group that has launched a campaign to eliminate several food additives. Toronto Globe and Mail, Ontario, 5 June 2008.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080604.wlcolour04/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home
Hundreds attend schools bordering chemical sites. In Texas , the schools closest to sites with extremely hazardous chemicals are those for students with disciplinary problems or at risk of dropping out. Dallas Morning News, Texas, 4 June 2008.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/longterm/stories/060108dnprotoxic1schools.291a19b.html
Lead on playing fields can be absorbed by body. Testing by the New Jersey health department showed that lead in turf fibers and dust from these fields can be dissolved under conditions similar to that of human digestion. Bergen County Record, New Jersey, 4 June 2008.
http://www.northjersey.com/health/Lead_on_playing_fields_can_be_absorbed_by_body.html
Milking it. The makers of BornFree bottles helped create plastiphobia among parents. Now they're cashing in. Forbes, 4 June 2008.
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2008/0602/081.html