Philippines: 727 Hospitals Phase out Mercury-containing Devices
HCWH SEAsia – More than 700 hospitals have so far conformed with a Department of Health (DoH) order for the gradual phaseout of all medical devices. Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia released a report showing the progress of compliance with a DoH order, issued in 2008, to phase out all devices containing mercury and switch to alternative ones.  more

Saudi Arabia: Unsafe Waste Disposal Poses Threat to Public Health
The Saudi Gazette – Unsafe disposal of garbage and medical waste is posing threat to public health in Al-Ajwad District in eastern Jeddah. Disgruntled area residents have complained that a company operating in the neighborhood is causing pollution as it incinerates garbage and medical waste using primitive methods for the past many years. more

India: Call to Phase Out Mercury From Health Sector
Times of India – Patients and doctors in India faced a big health hazard due to exposure to mercury. In a one-day workshop conducted by Osai, a Tamil Nadu based environmental organization, along with Indian Medical Association (IMA), Toxic Link and Tekno Therm Industries, they called for phasing out mercury from the healthcare sector. more

US: Flame Retardants in Everyday Products May Be a Health Hazard, Scientists Say
Healthland – The chemicals used to prevent fires have repeatedly been shown to cause damage to human health. First polychlorinated binphenyls (PCBs) were found to be severely toxic to people and the environment. Scientists call for more attention from regulators on flame retardants.  more

Canada: Teens Carry 30% More BPA Than Adults
Healthland – Teenagers carry 30 percent more of the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in their bodies than older adults, according to a study conducted by researchers from Statistics Canada.  more

International: Climate Change Talks Must Focus on Global Health
Medical News Today– Discussions about the effects of climate change on global health should be central to upcoming talks at the 2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP16) in Cancun, Mexico, researchers argued in an editorial simultaneously published by BMJ, The Lancet, and the Finnish Medical Journal.  more

Canada: Health Facilities Add Solar Heating
Summerlandreview – Solar energy is coming to Penticton Regional Hospital and Summerland Health Centre in a new initiative designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. "This is public sector leadership in action as all government operations, including hospitals and health authorities, become carbon neutral this year," said Minister of State for Climate Action John Yap.  more

Notice: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for research and educational purposes. Online articles and links might expire days after their release date.