Global Health and Wellness News - ENN

California Sets Up Toxic Chemicals Registry

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:53:00 EST

Under two new laws, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has until 2011 to develop a process for identifying and evaluating potentially dangerous chemicals and to set up a searchable online database where consumers can find information on chemicals.

HIV awareness goes mobile

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:42:00 EST

Text messages will be sent to mobile phones in South Africa to encourage people to be tested and treated for HIV/AIDS.

Canada keeps asbestos off trade blacklist: MP

Reuters — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST

Asbestos, the highly toxic fire retarding mineral, will not be placed on a global blacklist and will be freely traded for at least the next three years, a Canadian parliamentarian said on Thursday. Pressure from major producer Canada and several developing country importers will prevent diplomats meeting in Rome this week from adding chrysotile asbestos to a list of substances recognized as particularly hazardous, Pat Martin told Reuters.

Many pesticides in EU may damage human brain: study

Alister Doyle, Environment Correspondent — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:28:00 EST

Many pesticides used in the European Union may damage brain growth in fetuses and young children, according to a study published on Friday. The study urged the European Union to tighten restrictions.

Organic Farming 'Could Feed Africa'

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:41:00 EST

Organic farming offers Africa the best chance of breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition it has been locked in for decades, according to a major study from the United Nations to be presented today.

WHO climate research agenda will make health count

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:09:00 EST

The WHO's new research agenda for climate change and health is a welcome effort towards making health considerations count for more in a post-Kyoto world, says an editorial in The Lancet.

Pacific hit by dengue 'pandemic'

brisbanetimes.com.au — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:47:00 EST

APIA, SAMOA - A tiny harmless mosquito lands on its human prey in a small Pacific nation and begins to feast on their blood. If lucky, they will suffer just an itchy bite but there's also the danger they could be struck down with debilitating dengue fever - and this year's outbreak could be the worst ever.