Healthy Children Project Monthly e-News

Feel free to let your friends, family and colleagues know about this valuable new resource. Instructions to subscribe or unsubscribe are at the end of this e-newsletter. MI Healthy Children's e-newsletter is part of a collaborative effort with the Learning Disabilities Association of America's Healthy Children Project, the Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health website, and the Institute for Children's Environmental Health with support from the Beldon Fund. 

Advisers: FDA Decision on Safety of BPA 'Flawed'
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-10-31-bpa-fda_N.htm
Food and Drug Administration advisory board voted Friday to say that the agency ignored critical evidence suggesting that a controversial plastic chemical bisphenol A, or BPA, could harm children. The FDA's science board, a group of outside experts, voted unanimously to endorse a report that found major flaws in the agency's decision to declare BPA safe. The agency oversees the safety of food containers and is in charge of deciding the level of BPA to which people may be exposed without harm. The critique was written by a board subcommittee and released Wednesday.
 

BPA Substitutes Sought; Pressure Mounts on FDA, Industry as Voices Rise for Alternatives
http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/33678809.html
With public pressure mounting and the Food and Drug Administration reconsidering the safety of bisphenol A, manufacturers said Friday that they would intensify their efforts to find a substitute for the controversial plastic baby bottle ingredient. While chemical-makers and baby formula manufacturers did not back off their claims that bisphenol A is safe for use, even by infants, they emphasized a shift to develop new products without bisphenol A. Mardi Mountford, executive vice president of the International Formula Council, said that her industry is trying to develop BPA-free packaging.
 

Bottled Water Contains Disinfection Byproducts, Fertilizer Residue, and Pain Medication
http://www.ewg.org/reports/bottledwater
The bottled water industry promotes an image of purity, but comprehensive testing by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals a surprising array of chemical contaminants in every bottled water brand analyzed, including toxic byproducts of chlorination in Walmart’s Sam’s Choice and Giant Supermarket's Acadia brands, at levels no different than routinely found in tap water.

A Controversial New Pesticide
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/chrongreen/detail?&entry_id=31834
Here's something that should worry anyone who is concerned about the continued use of toxic chemicals in farming. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given final approval for use of methyl iodide, a new pesticide that its developer James J. Sims at UC Riverside, which holds the patent, and manufacturer Arysta LifeScience, think should replace the now banned methyl bromide in the strawberry fields of the state.
 

Stop the Next PCBs
http://www.mnceh.org/campaigns.flame.php
Fighting fires shouldn't have toxic consequences. Unfortunately, some of the flame-retardants added to products from furniture to TVs to mattresses may do just that. One of the worst and most common of these chemicals is deca-BDE, which is structurally similar to PCBs, chemicals once favored by industry but ultimately banned in the 1970s because of their toxicity and because they build up in people and wildlife. Fortunately, leading companies in Michigan and beyond are using safer, affordable, and effective alternatives. The Michigan House is currently debating HB 4465, which would phase out deca-BDE in products where these alternatives are already in widespread use: TVs, computers, mattresses & upholstered furniture. Please take action now to support this bill and ensure that fighting fires doesn't have toxic consequences. Take Action!

Healthy Children Project Debuts Pocket-sized Information Cards
This summer, the HCP introduced two new products: a wallet card dedicated to informing the public about a dangerous chemical called Bisphenol-A (or BPA—sometimes used in plastic formulation), and the Spanish version of our popular Flip 'n Learn Card, which briefly explains children's exposure to toxic chemicals and provides links and information for additional resources. To get a copy, contact us at http://www.ldaofmichigan.org/healthychild.htm or call our office in Lansing at (888) 597-7809.

Report Finds Risks of Developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases Can Be Dramatically Reduced
http://www.agehealthy.org/
Environmental factors are key drivers in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, according to the authors of a new report, Environmental Threats to Healthy Aging, released today. Importantly, the report demonstrates that the risks for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s can be dramatically reduced.

back to the top

Lead, Smoke Exposure in Kids Linked to ADHD
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081020/NEWS01/810200302
Eliminating childhood exposure to lead and tobacco smoke could cut the incidence of ADHD in the U.S. by more than a third, according to new research from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
 

When A 'Curly' Lightbulb Breaks
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/checkup/2008/11/when_a_lightbulb_breaks.html
Add to the list of things no parent especially wants to hear: "Mom, my reading lamp fell over, and the light bulb broke. It was one of those curly ones." That's what my 12-year-old son told me the other day as I sat working at my desk. Cleaning up a broken light bulb isn't fun; those little shards of glass scatter everywhere. But when the bulb is "one of those curly ones," suddenly I realized I was dealing with a potentially toxic situation.
 

EPA Weakens New Lead Rule After White House Objects
http://www.freep.com/article/20081023/NEWS07/81023109
After the White House intervened, the Environmental Protection Agency last week weakened a rule on airborne lead standards at the last minute so that fewer known polluters would have their emissions monitored. The EPA on Oct. 16 said it would dramatically reduce the highest acceptable amount of airborne lead from 1.5 micrograms of lead per cubic meter to 0.15 micrograms. It was the first revision of the standard since EPA set it 30 years ago.
 

Tests Show Excess Lead in Bay Area Drinking Water
http://blog.mlive.com/bctimes/2008/10/tests_show_excess_lead_in_bay.html
There may be an excess amount of lead in your drinking water. The staff of Bay City's Water Treatment Plant recently collected samples from 69 residential sites throughout the city's connected water distribution system. The tests found 14 of the samples - 20 percent - exceeded recommended levels
 

Guide to Safer Seafood Choices
http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=1521

back to the top

The Campaign for Smokefree Air

The Campaign for Smokefree Air (CSA) is a grassroots coalition committed to creating smokefree workplaces in Michigan. CSA is currently working to pass legislation to Make MI Air Smokefree. If you want to receive updates from CSA, please visit http://www.makemiairsmokefree.com/.

Healthy Michigan Healthy Kids Campaign

Lead, mercury, arsenic and other toxic chemicals simply don’t belong in kids’ products. But as the nearly 5 million children’s product recalls for lead in the first seven months of 2008 demonstrate, our national system for protecting children from toxic products has failed. It’s time for Michigan’s leaders to take action.

• Download the Healthy Michigan, Healthy Kids Platform at http://www.healthymichigan.net/documents/HMP_Signon_6.17.08.pdf (pdf).

• Download Toxic Chemicals, Healthy and Economy - A Guide For Candidates at http://www.healthymichigan.net/documents/safer-candguide_4.08-05.pdf (pdf).

The Healthy Michigan, Healthy Kids platform calls for Michigan to follow the lead of other states and countries by taking commonsense steps to protect Michigan’s children from toxic chemicals in children’s products by: eliminating added lead, mercury and arsenic; giving the public the right to know what other high-priority toxics are in kids’ products; and encouraging “Green Chemistry” and safer product development in Michigan. If you have questions about Healthy Michigan, Healthy Kids please visit http://www.healthymichigan.net/.

back to the top

Updated “Safer Product” Information Available from the Michigan Network for Children’s Environmental Health (MNCEH)
The MNCEH has released an updated version of their website‟s Safer Products section. Visit http://www.mnceh.org/resources.safer.php for more information.

Eat. Learn. Live. (ELL) Manages Critical Mislabeling Information that Guides Consumers Away from Potentially “Unsafe” Food Purchases
Mislabeled allergen ingredient reports are solicited, maintained and disseminated to US consumers to aid purchasing decisions instead of waiting for the small percentage of voluntary manufacturer recalls. Download the press release at http://ellfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ell-mislabeling-datatbase-helps-consumers-with-purchasing-decisions10-15.doc.

Civic Engagement Training in Northern Michigan—Success!
In October, the Association for Children's Mental Health (ACMH) hosted a hugely successful collaborative event that informed parents and community partners of the dangers of toxins in the environment, and also provided an outlet for taking action through civic engagement. Participants listened attentively as Jackie Igafo-Te'o of the LDA of Michigan's Healthy Children Project (HCP) and Michelle Strasz of Maternal Child Health presented on a variety of subjects. Attendees commented freely, shared personal stories, participated in letter writing campaign regarding Lindane, a toxic chemical used in Lice and Scabies treatments, and showed support for the Healthy Michigan, Healthy Kids platform. Through this effort, we were able to gather 17 letters that were sent to Michigan legislators. Along with LDA of Michigan, ACMH is an active member of the Michigan Network for Children’s Environmental Health (MNCEH).

Subscribe to "Toxic Times"

http://www.mnceh.org/toxictimes/news.php

"Toxic Times" is a weekly recap of the top stories on toxics from the Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health.

CHE Partnership Calls

http://www.healthandenvironment.org/news/calls

You can also listen to previous calls, download documentation and view call blogs at this website.

Symposium: Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools
Tuesday through Thursday, December 4 - 6, 2008 in Washington, DC at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1000 H Street Northwest. This symposium brings together teachers, school nurses, maintenance and custodial staff, school decision makers, school administrators, parents, school and health association members and community leaders from across the country to discuss the importance of developing effective indoor air quality management practices and how the indoor environment relates to teaching and learning. Educational programs include the latest issues in environmental health, including radon and mold; asthma management; effective risk communication and much more. For more information, visit http://www.iaqsymposium.com/index.html or call 703-247-6194.

Conference: Health Hazards of Toxic Chemicals and Methods for Preventing Exposure
This conference will take place on Friday, December 5, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Washington, DC at the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives, 1201 Seventeenth Street, NW. 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 who wants 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. It is designed as an overview of basic 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. For more information, visit http://www.nwetc.org/etox-510_12-08_washingtondc.htm, call 206-762-1976 or email info@nwetc.org
 

LDA of Michigan's Healthy Children Project Offering Conference Co-Sponsorships

http://www.ldaofmichigan.org/conf.cosponsorships.pdf

LDA would like to co-sponsor up to three (3) statewide conferences of 501(c)3 non-profit organizations which are dedicated to children’s health issues and family memberships. Those selected will receive $500 from the LDA HCP to help support their overall conference. To learn more, download the PDF information sheet and Microsoft Word application form.

back to the top

Call toll free at 888-597-7809 or 517-485-8160
 

Email us at jackie.igafoteo@ldaofmichigan.org
 

Write to us at 200 Museum Dr. Ste. 101, Lansing, Michigan 48933

To subscribe to the Healthy Children Project e-Newsletter, send a blank email to healthychildrenproject-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
 
If you feel that you have received this message in error or are no longer interested in this topic, please send a blank email to healthychildrenproject-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.
 
For more information on The Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan's Healthy Children Project visit http://www.ldaofmichigan.org/healthychild.htm.

 
For more information on The Healthy Children Project visit http://www.healthychildrenproject.org/index.html.

 
For more information on the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative, coordinated by the Institute for Children’s Environmental Health visit http://www.iceh.org/LDDI.html. To join the the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative (LDDI), please complete the form at http://www.iceh.org/LDDImembers.html.

 
For more information on The Beldon Fund visit http://www.beldon.org/.

back to the top