Philippines: Second SE Asia Conference on Mercury-free Health Care
HCWH – The conference will be held in Manila, Philippines, March 15-16, 2011. It is being co-organized by HCWH, WHO and the UNDP GEF Global Healthcare Waste Project. Participants from ministries of health, health care institutions and health professionals are invited to attend.   more

Singapore & UK: Device Could Revolutionise Blood Pressure Monitoring
BBC – A device which can be worn like a watch could revolutionise the way blood pressure is monitored in the next few years, scientists say. Researchers at the University of Leicester and in Singapore have developed a device to measure pressure in the largest artery in the body. more

Philippines: Mercury-laden Skin Whiteners Still Being Sold in Manila
ABS CBN – Toxic watchdog EcoWaste Coalition is calling for a ban on mercury-laden cosmetics as the group revealed it found recalled dangerous products still being sold in the market earlier this month. more

Europe: Chemicals Banned In EU, Including Softener Used in PVC Medical Devices
C&EN – The European Union will phase out the use of three phthalates, a flame retardant, a synthetic musk, and a compound used in epoxy resins and adhesives. The move, announced Feb. 17 by the European Commission, marks the first time the EU has banned substances under its Registration, Evaluation, Authorization & Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) program. more

US: Coal's Hidden Costs Top $345 Billion in US: Study
Reuters – The United States' reliance on coal to generate almost half of its electricity, costs the economy about $345 billion a year in hidden expenses not borne by miners or utilities, including health problems in mining communities and pollution around power plants, a study found. more

International: UN Sees Rising Risks From Climate Change
The Canadian Press – A new United Nations-commissioned report says that the risks of exposure to 21 highly dangerous chemicals could increase if more stockpiles and landfills leak due to flooding, or other extreme weather linked to rising temperatures. Significant climate-induced changes are foreseen in relation to future releases of persistent organic pollutants into the environment, subsequently leading to higher health risks both for human populations and the environment.  more

Kenya: Seeks to Tackle E-waste Menace
Africa Science News – Senior Officials in the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources acknowledged that e-waste is a critical and emerging challenge to the environment. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Ali Mohamed, said that Kenya is taking tentative steps to address e-waste menace within the local and international treaties on hazardous waste.. more

US: Going Green in the Operating Room
Newswise – A new study shows ways to reduce hospitals’ carbon footprint, save money. Johns Hopkins researchers say they have identified practical strategies to implement environmentally friendly practices in operating rooms and other hospital facilities that could result in vastly reduced health care costs and pose no risk to patient safety but allow hospitals to cut waste and reduce their carbon footprints. more

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