Global: Mercury Parntnership: Phasing-out Mercury Containing Medical–Measuring Devices
HCWH – HCWH and the WHO are contributing to the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership through the Global Mercury Free Health Care Initiative. Today, a large number of hospitals in developing countries have phased-out mercury-containing medical devices such as fever thermometers and blood pressure devices, proving that the shift to mercury-free products is feasible. Several studies show that accurate mercury-free instruments are available and that their usage saves money compared to mercury-devices when their complete life-cycle costs are considered.  more

India: 28% of City's Medical Waste Left Untreated
Times of India – In Gurgaon, it is estimated that every hospital bed generates close to 2kg of medical waste. This category of waste includes expired medicines, used syringes, and other organic biomedical waste products, severely hazardous if not treated with due process. And according to a report published recently in Gurgaon on medical waste management, at least 28% of the medical waste generated on a daily basis is not being properly treated.  more

Europe: NGOs Send Letter to the EU Asking for Support to Phase-out Mercury Use in Dentistry
HCWH – HCWH and other organizations asked the EU to send a clear message of support of phase-outs of mercury from dentistry at the EU level and globally. In a letter, they also pointed out the environmental pollution from dental amalgam and health consequences from indirect exposures.  more

Canada: BPA Exposure May Increase Risk of Heart Disease: Study
C-Health – A new 10-year study shows healthy people who have a high concentration of BPA in their urine are more likely to develop heart disease. BPA, or bisphenol A, is a controversial chemical used in the medical devices. In 2010, Canada became the first country to declare BPA toxic. That same year, a Statistics Canada survey found 91% of Canadians had the chemical in their bodies.  more

US: EPA Health Report on Dioxin
CHE – The US EPA has finally released their major report on the noncancer health effects of dioxin, which for the past twenty seven years has been delayed due to interference from the chemical industry.  Environmental and health groups across the country celebrated this important milestone.  more

Uganda: Climate Change Threatens Indigenous People
UNPO – Researchers say indigenous people are among the most vulnerable to climate change. The Uganda project is part of what’s called the Indigenous Health Adaptation to Climate Change Project and it studies the effects of rising temperatures in Uganda, Canada and Peru and how extreme weather events can trigger more disease outbreaks.  more

Africa: UN Concerned About West Africa's E-Waste Problem
VOA News – West Africa’s mounting electronic waste, or e-waste, is presenting both opportunities and problems. The United Nations Environment Program is proposing better regulation to protect both human health and what is a burgeoning, valuable economy in recycled electronics.  more

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