Make a difference in the challenge to confront global warming and prevent nuclear war and the development and use of nuclear weapons.
Today, PSR is joining with dozens of organizations, representing millions of Americans, calling on the U.S. Senate to pass clean energy and climate legislation. Please tell your Senators that we can no longer delay action if we are to protect our health and the health of future generations from catastrophic climate change.
Coal ash – the toxic stew of pollutants “scrubbed” from coal smokestack emissions – has emerged as a grave threat to health. Filled with contaminants like arsenic, lead, selenium, and mercury, it is stored in landfills and huge ponds in communities across the country.
In honor of the first national “Day of Action on Coal Ash,” I urge you to tell Congress that we need federal regulation of this health-threatening toxic sludge.
Coal ash is one of our nation’s biggest waste products. Nearly 600 coal ash ponds in 35 states, plus hundreds of landfills, hold enough coal ash to flow continuously over Niagara Falls for over three days straight. Gross – and frightening.
In December 2008, a coal ash pond in Tennessee burst through a poorly constructed dam. “Pond” conveys the wrong idea – this was a lake, and it sent one billion gallons of toxic coal ash sludge surging over 300 acres, damaging dozens of homes and poisoning rivers and water supplies. It was a horrifying demonstration of the destruction and contamination coal ash can unleash.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently drafting regulations that would regulate coal ash. Yet, well-heeled lobbyists for the coal and power industries are meeting with staff in the Office of Management and Budget, hoping to have that office impede the EPA’s ability to regulate this hazardous material.
Please email your congressperson, voicing your support to have coal ash designated as hazardous waste and firmly regulated. It’s high time we get one of our nation’s biggest toxic threats under control.
Today, PSR is joining with dozens of organizations, representing millions of Americans, calling on the U.S. Senate to pass clean energy and climate legislation. Please tell your Senators that we can no longer delay action if we are to protect our health and the health of future generations from catastrophic climate change.
The Clean Air Act, our only regulatory tool to cut carbon emissions and prevent catastrophic climate change, is under attack. To protect our nation's health, we need your help!
Coal's Assault on Human Health
Physicians for Social Responsibility has released a groundbreaking medical report, “Coal’s Assault on Human Health,” which takes a new look at the devastating impacts of coal on the human body. Coal combustion releases mercury, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and dozens of other substances known to be hazardous to human health. This report looks at the cumulative harm inflicted by those pollutants on three major body organ systems: the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, and the nervous system. The report also considers coal’s contribution to global warming, and the health implications of global warming. Read more »
Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care
Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) in partnership with American Nurses Association (ANA) and Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) have released the “Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care” report, detailing the first investigation ever of chemicals found in the bodies of health care professionals. The inquiry found that all of the 20 participants had toxic chemicals associated with health care in their bodies. Each participant had at least 24 individual chemicals present, four of which are on the recently released Environmental Protection Agency list of priority chemicals for regulation. These chemicals are all associated with chronic illness and physical disorders. Read more »
Birth Defects & Other Reproductive Disorders
Every day, pregnant women are exposed to toxic substances that can be harmful to their babies. Potential effects include physical defects, learning disabilities, and other disorders. This pamphlet suggests some easy things you can do to protect your baby’s health. Read more »
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