Video - The Health Costs of the Electronics Industry

This short documentary reveals the tragic health costs of the electronics industry in China. Workers toil 15 hours a day, seven days a week. In the process, they and their offspring are poisoned by chemicals.

Solutions in Environment and Health from Epidemiologist Christopher Golden

Epidemiologist Christopher Golden has conducted research which has quantified the relationship between environmental trends and human health. Golden's research has specifically revealed a connection between disease and degraded biodiversity. His research not only demonstrates how environmental trends affect our health, he shows how the right interventions can solve problems for both sick people and sick ecosystems.

"The health of our planet can have powerful effects on the health of people. Understanding that complex relationship has never been more critical," Golden says.

His research demonstrates how changes in the environment can have a tangible impact on human health. He has elucidated the interrelationship of unsustainable hunting and adverse health impacts in Madagascar. He was also able to demonstrate that sustainable practices contributed to health. This approach is currently being used to explore how climate change is impacting the oceans which in turn impacts.

The Pearl in the Oyster - Leveraging the Climate Crisis for Human and Planetary Health

We may be able to leverage the threats posed by environmental degradation in a way the could contribute to human health and galvanize action on climate change. The deteriorating state of our environment has prompted research that shows how the preservation of the natural world augments our physical and mental well being. Adverse health impacts from climate change combined with the benefits of a healthier natural environment may be the best inducement we have to catalyze action.

Human Health and Climate Change

Climate change makes us sick both physically and mentally. We often hear about the economic costs associated with climate change, however, the physical and mental toll is often overlooked. Research reveals that the adverse impacts of climate change can have serious implications for people's physical and emotional well being.

In 2012, it was reported that climate change was already killing 400,000 people each year. The IPCC WGII AR5 report published in 2013 has a chapter (PDF) that specifically deals with the health issues associated with climate change. Although the impacts of climate change on mental health are just beginning to be explored, the initial research suggests that it causes a wide range of psychological disturbances.

Air Pollution from Fireworks

While pyrotechnics are a central part of Independence Day celebrations, they pose serious short and long term health risks.

Fireworks are explosives that spew dust, smoke, heavy metals, carbon monoxide and other toxins into the air.

There are a number of harmful emissions from fireworks including particle-filled smoke and lung-clogging antimony to heart-toxic Barium and body-contaminating perchlorates.

Autism's Link to Environmental Factors

As April 2, 2014 is the seventh annual World Autism Awareness Day, this is a fitting time to review some of the research on environmental factors that may contribute to the epidemic of autism. This complex developmental disability presents itself during the first three years of a person's life. One in every 88 children in the US has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASDs are almost five times more common among boys than girls. Autism is the result of a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function, affecting development of the person's communication and social interaction skills.

One study showed how pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution are twice as likely to have a child with autism.

The Value of Green Spaces to Psychological and Societal Health

We know that pollution and other ecological insults cause physical illnesses and even death, but the psychological impacts of environmental degradation are less well known. While climate change is known to provoke social tensions, a growing body of evidence suggests that green spaces may improve psychological health and reduce antisocial behavior.

Webinar - Getting Value From EH&S Software & Technologies

This complimentary Webinar on How To Select EH&S Software: Product Benchmark, will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 4pm-5pm BST (11am - 12 noon EST and 8am - 9am PST) Has operational risk management been moved up the corporate agenda and are you in an EH&S or operations role and in need of better data, reporting and analysis to meet the CEO’s requirements?

Are you planning to invest in a new, enterprise-wide environment, health and safety application from a firm like Enablon, Gensuite, Intelex, KMI or SAP? Is your current combination of in-house IT systems and spreadsheets not able to meet new environmental and OSHA regulatory requirements? Are you in an EH&S or operations role and in need of better data, reporting and analysis to meet the CEO’s requirements?

Event - Verdantix Summit: Getting Value From EH&S Software & Technologies

This event will take place on September 30, 2014, at the Sheraton in Boston. This one day Verdantix Summit will feature industry experts, panel debates and topic workshops. Join more than 200 EH&S corporate leaders, industry experts and technology suppliers at the only North American event of 2014 focused on EH&;S software. Participants will learn about best practices for system selection, deployments and upgrades; network with peers and justify investments.

Air Purifying Hardwood Floor is Revolutionary but is it Safe?

There is a new flooring product on the market that according to its manufacturers can purify the air, but is it safe? Hermetically sealed homes may be energy efficient but they may also lock in airborne toxins. According to a new WHO report, 4.3 million deaths in 2012 are attributable to indoor air pollution. This new product could be a revolutionary way of improving indoor air quality. However, this air purifying hardwood floor is the first of its kind, so there is no history that can be studied.

The new flooring product is called Pure Genius® smart hardwood flooring and it is manufactured by Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood Flooring one of the leading hardwood flooring manufacturers in North America. The company distinguishes itself through its environmental commitment which includes "sustainable resources" and other initiatives. On their website they list the conversion of wood pellet residue into fuel as one of their environmental initiatives.

WHO Report Reiterates the Fact that Air Pollution Causes both Climate Change and Disease

According to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report air pollution causes both climate change and disease. Particulate matter, including major climate forcers such as black carbon soot (one of four climate pollutants known collectively as short-lived climate pollutants or SLCPs), is linked to diseases as ischaemic heart disease, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory infections, and lung cancer. SLCPs are also the second leading cause of global warming behind carbon (CO2).

Video - Research Shows that Nature is Good for Mental Health

Although hardly surprising, new research confirms what most of us already know, nature is good for our mental health. Research by Dr Ian Alcock shows that having access to green spaces in town and cities create immediate and long lasting improvements in people's psychological well being.

Organic Produce and Sustainable Seafoods

Organic and certified sustainability seafoods are increasingly popular, they are also healthier and environmentally less damaging than traditional foods. Organically grown foods are less destructive to the land, and because they do not require chemical fertilizers and they have a lower greenhouse gas profile.

According to a recent United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report titled Green Economy and Trade-Trends, Challenges and Opportunities, The global market for organic food and beverages is projected to grow from $62.9 billion in 2011 to $105 billion by 2015.

The total value of seafood that has been farmed according to certified sustainability standards is forecast to increase to $1.25 billion by 2015, up from $300 million in 2008, according to the report.

Event - Water is Life: Issues Facing Canada and China in the 21st Century

Water is Life: Issues Facing Canada and China in the 21st Century will take place on Tuesday Feb 5, 2013, at McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Road South, Hamilton, ON. (7:00 PM). This is Another Drop Seminar Series.

The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health's February Another Drop Lecture will feature Dr. Harvey Shear, Professor, Department of Geography, University of Toronto, Mississauga. Harvey will be providing a lecture on Water is Life: Issues Facing Canada and China in the 21st Century.