Environmental Health

"Scientists worry the next devastating disease could be born where animals and humans mix in a Third World slum – then cross the globe. Zika may have been a preview."

"The House on Tuesday passed, 229-199, a bill to delay the compliance date for Obama-era ground level ozone standards."

"House appropriators are quietly urging the Trump administration to abandon proposed U.S. EPA regulations that would ban certain uses of three dangerous chemicals and restrict the number of hazardous waste reviews done by the Department of Health and Human Services."

"Lead has been detected in more than half of the water fountains and sinks in 47 school districts tested in Bergen County, according to a new report by an environmental advocacy group."

"Michael Dourson, President Donald J. Trump’s pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency’s office that oversees commercial chemicals and pesticides, is a board-certified toxicologist with decades of experience in risk assessment. Dourson’s close ties to the chemical industry, however, have some environmental groups raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest."

"When my editors asked me to report on forest bathing, I packed a swimsuit. I assumed it must involve a dip in the water. It turns out, my interpretation was too literal. ... The aim of forest bathing ... is to slow down and become immersed in the natural environment. She helped us tune in to the smells, textures, tastes and sights of the forest."

"The pending buyouts for U.S. EPA employees could mean an exodus from the agency's scientific research shop."

"After a five-year review, U.S. EPA has proposed leaving unchanged its two primary air quality standards for nitrogen oxides."

"The Havasupai are attempting to fight back against the operation of a uranium mine that they say could contaminate their sole water source".

"California’s five-year drought made worldwide headlines as wells went dry and thousands of people were left without water. But many of those whose taps still flow face an even more insidious threat. The state estimates that 1.5 million Californians rely on drinking water that has violated health standards."