In January 2006, we blessed the Ohio, and the Cape Fear Rivers based on information concerning a chemical made by DuPont called C-8, which is used to make teflon. This chemical had been found in both rivers, and studies found adverse health effects from C-8.
"Following the settlement of a class action lawsuit, a large-scale study - the C8 Health Project - was set up to examine the human health effects from exposures to PFOA and related chemicals."
"In this study, researchers measured the levels of PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and two thyroid hormones - TSH and total T4 - in blood samples collected between 2005 to 2006 from 10,725 children aged 1-17 enrolled in the larger C8 Project. They live in communities in Ohio and West Virginia downstream from the Washington Works chemical plant."
"Children with higher measured PFOA levels were 1.4 times as likely to have thyroid disease - mostly hypothyroidism - compared to children with lower exposures."
The chemicals used to make flame retardants are being called into question.There is a discussion as to whether we need flame retardant chemicals at all, especially considering negative health consequences. Their effectiveness is being called in to question.
"Amazonian chief Raoni on Thursday implored the UN environment summit here to halt a $13-billion dam being built in one of the world's last bastions of wildlife."