NATIONAL TOXICS NETWORK

Coalition rejects fracking

jo — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:18:06 +0000

National Toxics Network and IPEN have joined a coalition of environment and health NGOs to express our grave concerns about hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of shale gas, shale oil, and coal bed methane in the EU because of its impacts on the climate, the development of clean energy, water pollution and water use, air pollution, soil pollution, land use, noise pollution, seismic activity, cumulative environmental effects and socio-economic impacts on communities.

Download: Position statement on shale gas, shale oil, coal bed methane and ‘fracking’

Contamination likely at rare earth plant (Lee Bell,WA)

jo — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:39:29 +0000

“Environmental contamination from the Lynas Malaysian plant is inevitable. Radiation, groundwater, atmospheric and river pollution are our key concerns. This refinery would be unlikely to be approved if it were proposed in Australia” National Toxics Network (NTN) said today.
These findings feature in a new research report released today. The report assesses the potential emissions from the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant already under construction in Kuantan, Malaysia.

MEDIA RELEASE

Download the NTN Report: Rare Earth and Radioactive Waste: A Preliminary Waste Stream Assessment of the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant, Gebeng, Malaysia

Artificial turf a threat in playgrounds

irene — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 07:42:50 +0000

The health of thousands of children may be at risk from long-term exposure to toxic chemicals from artificial turf that has become a popular replacement for grass on sporting ovals and school playgrounds around the country. Australian scientists have raised the alarm over the potential dangers of the fake grass, and called for a moratorium on its use until its safety can be established….But Mariann Lloyd-Smith, of the National Toxics Network, a non-government group of scientists and community members, said: ”Children are at greatest risk because of their activities – particularly hand-to-mouth ingestion. And we know that children are so much more susceptible to hazardous materials.”

New study shows animals and livestock impacted by gas industry

irene — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:02:00 +0000

Download IMPACTS OF GAS DRILLING ON HUMAN AND ANIMAL HEALTH

National Toxics Network (NTN) is calling on State governments to carry out a full assessment of the impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) on animals living in close proximity to gas wells following today’s release of a scientific study demonstrating the gas industry’s serious impacts on livestock.

The study found animals, including livestock and domestic animals, are sensitive to the contaminants released into the environment by drilling and to the cumulative impacts of exposure over time.

“Animals are exposed to the same environmental impacts as we are. But as this study has shown, they tend to suffer more direct exposure and since they have shorter lives and reproductive cycles, it is easier to see the adverse health effects of the gas industry, “ said Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith, NTN Senior Advisor.

“The study results are alarming. In one case where cows had access to streams running through gas fields, 17 cows and 4 calves died over a three-month period. All the cattle were healthy before this episode and while no cause of death could be clearly determined, 16 of the 17 adult cows were found to have dead fetuses. Of the 39 cows that survived, 16 failed to breed and several cows produced stillborn calves. The health of cattle on the farmer’s other pastures was unaffected”.

“We know so little about the long term impacts on the health of wildlife and farm animals of this industry, yet we do know the Australian CSG industry uses and produces highly toxic substances. Many CSG chemicals used in Australia have never been assessed for their health impacts and we know from independent sampling, the industry’s activities result in the release to water of toxic compounds like benzene and heavy metals,” said Lloyd-Smith

“The study found the major routes of exposure in the cases documented were through water contamination but notes that other routes of exposure are of serious concern. Soil contamination can be significant when companies abandon their drill pits and the actual incidence of health effects from air contamination may be being underestimated due to a lack of air sampling”.

“A significant finding was that exposure to contaminated air may contribute significantly to the health problems of both people and animals living near gas drilling operations” said Lloyd-Smith.

“Little air monitoring is conducted in Australia yet over two hundred air pollutants can be released from gas flaring including carcinogens such as benzopyrene, arsenic and chromium.”

“Farm residents in Chinchilla QLD have already reported noxious air emissions from a neighboring gas production, complaining of burning eyes and respiratory problems.”

NTN is calling on State and Federal governments to assess and implement the study’s recommendations including the independent monitoring of air, soil and water and full disclosure and assessment of all chemicals used by the industry.

“The CSG industry should not proceed until complete assessments have been undertaken and all risks identified,” concluded Lloyd-Smith.

Contact : Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith PhD (Law)
Senior Advisor, National Toxics Network Inc.
0413 621557 / 02 66815340
biomap@oztoxics.org

Toxic metals in kid’s toys

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:42 +0000

A new report has found some children’s toys have dangerously high levels of heavy metals. The international study measured toxic metals in 200 children’s products with a focus on antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury. An important route of exposure to toxic chemicals and metals is through consumer products. These exposures are concerning for us all, but are particularly worrying when it comes to children’s health.

Testing was conducted by the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) in the Philippines. The study measured toxic metals in 200 children’s products in the Philippines with a focus on antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury. Measurements were performed using a hand-held X-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF). Approximately 30% of the products contained at least one toxic metal above levels of concern.

“One rubber fabric ball and dice made in China contained over 6000ppm of lead and over 5000ppm of chromium; one set of locally made wooden number blocks contained over 12,000 ppm of lead, 1750ppm of arsenic and over 7000ppm of chromium, while children’s toy cosmetics had mercury levels 4 – 5 times higher’ than permitted in the Philippines”.

The data revealed 37 products (19%) that contained lead at or above the US regulatory limit. Twenty-seven samples (14%) contained more than one toxic metal. The study also found children’s toy cosmetics with mercury levels 4 – 5 times higher than the regulatory limit in the Philippines. The findings raise safety concerns for exposure in children and highlight the need for protective national regulatory policies. To our knowledge, this is the first publically available investigation of toxic metals in children’s products in the Philippines.

As the market for toys and consumer products is global, these results have ramifications for all consumers including Australians. IPEN plans to undertake testing in other countries in the future.

For more information or to read the full report visit Toxic Substances Found in Consumer Products