Industrial Chemical Found in Many Waters and Lands

December 9, 2009–The synthetic compound dinitrotoluene, contaminating military sites, industrial settings, and other areas, is used primarily to make polyurethane products found in goods such as bedding and furniture, as well as in explosives, ammunition, dyes, and air bags.

Journal Publishes Series on Health Effects of Climate Change

December 9, 2009–A consortium of US and British agencies, universities, and organizations published a series of studies in The Lancet that analyzed a number of specific situations involving climate change and health impacts, in countries rich and poor. Concurrently, a group of doctors from around the world launched the International Climate and Health Council.

Watchdog Groups Call for Improvements in Contractor Misconduct Database

November 18, 2009–The Project on Government Oversight (POGO) and OMB Watch want the federal government to tighten the accountability of federal contractors by fixing problems with the database — a potentially valuable tool for environmental reporters.

Health Care Journalists Seek End to Press Office Restrictions at FDA

November 4, 2009–The Association of Health Care Journalists and other journalism groups have co-signed a letter to the Food and Drug Administration's Transparency Task Force, calling for FDA to "end these harmful practices and restore the free flow of information."

Older Buildings May Pose Sizable Risk of PCB Exposure

September 30, 2009–EPA is warning about possible risks from PCBs in the caulking at some schools and older buildings. Are there some in your community?

Did EPA Hide Atrazine Risks?

September 9, 2009–The Huffington Post Investigative Fund uncovers EPA's failure to warn people in at least four states about unsafe levels of the weedkiller atrazine in their wellwater.

Government Clinical Trials Database Is Missing Data

September 9, 2009–The Sunlight Foundation's Real Time Investigations blog explains the problems with a registry containing information on more than 78,000 clinical trials.

CDC Launches National Public Health Tracking Program

August 26, 2009–This data tool shows promise, but it currently tracks only non-infectious conditions and not others tied to environmental causes, such as neurological, endocrine, and reproductive disorders.

The Outdoor Activity Trend May Be Healthier Than Reported

August 5, 2009–There have been numerous reports of the demise of outdoor activities in recent years. But it's only half the story — many parks and activities have had increases in use.

Toolbox: Homeland Security Daily Infrastructure Report

July 15, 2009–Reporters interested in following the hazards of dams, refineries, chemical plants, pipelines, and other infrastructure may find story leads in DHS reports.