Samsung deliberately kept secret the harmful chemicals its South Korean workers were exposed to, fearing its competitors would learn trade secrets. 76 workers are now dead. Most of the dead were in their 20s or 30s. One former worker—a breast cancer survivor—reported that Samsung brought in “uninformed kids” and treated them like they were “disposable cups.” Samsung … [Read more...]
India floods: Over 300 dead, millions affected and villagers in relief camps
At least 300 people have died in eastern and central India and more than 6 million others have been affected by floods that have submerged villages, washed away crops, destroyed roads and disrupted power and phone lines, officials say. Heavy monsoon rains have caused rivers, including the mighty Ganges and its tributaries, to burst their banks forcing people into relief … [Read more...]
Time for the UK to ban residential spraying of poisonous pesticides
Here is an important UK petition which we need to support, as well as duplicate in SA: I have lived in the locality of pesticide sprayed crop fields for over 30 years and have suffered both acute and chronic adverse health effects from exposure to the innumerable mixtures of pesticides sprayed on crops near to my home. In 2001, I started my campaign, the UK Pesticides … [Read more...]
Health impacts of climate change: waterborne diseases
Waterborne diseases are caused by a variety of microorganisms, biotoxins, and toxic contaminants, which lead to devastating illnesses such as cholera, schistosomiasis and other gastrointestinal problems. Outbreaks of waterborne diseases often occur after a severe precipitation event (rainfall, snowfall). Because climate change increases the severity and frequency of some … [Read more...]
Zika outbreak epicenter in same area GM mosquitoes were released
The Zika virus has the potential to reach epidemic proportions - possibly around the globe. Understanding the causes of the outbreak is vital to curbing it. The World Health Organization announced it will convene an Emergency Committee under International Health Regulations on Monday, February 1, concerning the Zika virus ‘explosive’ spread throughout the Americas. As the … [Read more...]
Help keep cancer at bay by avoiding these chemicals
Scientists are only beginning to investigate how certain chemicals may contribute to cancer development. But given that we live in a sea of chemicals, it makes sense to begin reducing exposure to those that have been found to disrupt cancer-related pathways — known as cancer hallmarks: 1. Bisphenol A (BPA) An industrial chemical used to make plastics that are used in food and … [Read more...]
Mysterious disease rides on Pacific winds
Climatologists don't often end up working on a cardiovascular disease that affects children. But that is exactly what Xavier Rodó from the Catalan Institute of Climate Sciences has been doing: trying to find what causes the mysterious Kawasaki disease and understand how it spreads at unusual pace within Japan and the US. The answer, he thinks, may lie in a fungus that can … [Read more...]
Arctic thaw is spreading wildlife diseases
In recent years, the Arctic has been warming at an unexpected rate — faster than anywhere else on the planet. This has boosted the melting of ice on land and covering much of the Arctic Ocean. The extra melt water has begun eroding natural barriers that once separated parasites from potential hosts, new data show. The result: Animals are becoming infected with new … [Read more...]
Eskom’s chokehold on air and power
Eskom’s recent announcement of its September 2013 interim results show that the utility’s profit margins fell slightly to R12.2 billion, but the major news was the resignation of CEO, Brian Dames. It seems like a change in leadership for the utility is an incredible opportunity for a change in direction towards renewable energy, because the reality for both the utility and … [Read more...]
Earth: What will it look like after climate change?
Dry, barren landscapes stretched out for miles. Animal skeletons scattered everywhere. Not a tree or plant to be seen. Damaged and dilapidated houses and buildings. Extreme weather conditions exacerbating these scenes. Is this a melodramatic view shared by the paranoid of what might happen after climate change? Or is this the reality of what awaits our children and … [Read more...]
Climate change set to exacerbate child vulnerability in SA
A new study is calling for policy makers to focus on children in addressing climate change. Climate change will exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities of kids in South Africa, unless mitigation and adaptation strategies are child-sensitive and timeously implemented. Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Children in South Africa, a study recently made public, highlights … [Read more...]
Negative impacts of factory farming
Factory farming is cruel, wreaks havoc on our bodies and accounts for more greenhouse gas emissions than all transport combined. Yet, in our profit-driven society, these methods still remain. Intensive farming, also referred to as industrial animal agriculture or factory farming, is a system of raising animals using intensive ‘production line' methods that maximize the … [Read more...]
Outdoor wear ‘often coated in harmful chemicals’
Outdoor clothing brands are selling women’s and children’s clothes with perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and other hazardous chemicals, according to findings from two independent laboratories commissioned by Greenpeace Germany. The findings were revealed by Greenpeace Germany today in the report Chemistry for any weather. The report shows that products … [Read more...]
