In the U.S., just a tiny fraction of the chemicals used in consumer products have been tested for human health effects. And with the current climate in Congress, it feels unlikely that we’ll see any true reform of the nation’s terribly outdated chemical safety rules anytime soon. In the meantime, scientist Thomas Hartung may have created the next best thing.
Government
Fatal work injury that killed Ascencion Medina, 44, was preventable, SC-OSHA cites G M Framing
The fatal work-related injuries that killed Ascencion Molina Medina, 44, could have been prevented had his employer followed worker safety regulations.
State investigations at New York nail salons uncover widespread violations; Oklahoma regulators rule that state law allowing employers to opt out of workers’ compensation is unconstitutional; EPA proposes new safety rules for chemical facilities; and reporters at Reuters investigate labor brokers who recruit and exploit foreign workers.
A study finds the odds of preterm birth were lower among Colorado women living in counties served by Title X clinics, which began offering free access to IUDs and contraceptive implants in 2009.
Another day, another study on the potentially life-saving impact of vaccines. This time it’s a new study on the vaccine against human papillomavirus, or HPV, a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to cervical cancer. Earlier this week, researchers announced that since the vaccine came on the scene, rates of HPV among young women in the U.S. have plummeted.
Environmental Health
Poultry company priorities: Vegetarian meals for the chickens, but their workers still can’t use the bathroom
Delaware-based Allen Harim Foods provides another upsetting example of the poultry industry caring more about its chickens than its employees.
Injury Control & Violence
Not an “accident”: Robert Derkacs, Jr., 45 and Joseph Donahue, 25, suffer fatal work-related injury in Hanover, NJ
This week’s snapshot of just one work-related fatality in the US. This one occurred on Thursday, February 18 in Hanover, NJ
Agriculture
Study finds farmers markets can increase healthy food access among the most disadvantaged
In the last few years, the residents of Flint, Michigan, and its surrounding suburbs lost five grocery stores. Today, within the city limits, there’s just one large chain grocery store, about 10 small and often-pricier groceries, and 150 liquor stores, convenience stores and gas stations. People who have a car often travel out to the suburbs for more variety and better prices. Much of Flint is a food desert — a place where accessing healthy, affordable food is a very real challenge.
Injury Control & Violence
Fatal work injury that killed Terry Leon Lakey, 51, was preventable, OSHA cites Terex Services Corporation
The fatal work-related injuries that killed Terry Leon Lakey, 51, could have been prevented had his employer followed worker safety regulations.
Public Health Practice
Worth reading: Supreme Court, rented white coats, and Freddie Gray’s Baltimore
Recent stories address medical care disparities in Baltimore, the Supreme Court after Justice Scalia’s death, the “rented white coats” defending toxic chemicals, and more.