Coal’s Assault on Human Health

Physicians for Social Responsibility 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. Download the report »

The report garnered media coverage coast to coast and internationally. Read more about our successful media release »

PSR Leaders Respond to President’s Nobel Speech

President Obama offered a rare insight into his personal struggle over questions of peace and security in today's Nobel Peace Prize speech. Although he touched on his continuing perspective that curbing nuclear weapons and proliferation are necessary objectives; Obama's speech was primarily about reconciling the idea of a just war with the clear injustice of war's consequences. He avoided offering any definitive conclusion, however, it became clear through his speech that he views his work in securing peace through the "…gradual evolution in human institutions." We invite you to read Dr. Ira Helfand and other Physician for Social Responsibility leaders' reactions and to offer your own thoughts to the issues raised today. Read more»

Toxic Chemicals Found in Doctors and Nurses

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.

USA Today features PSR-NWF report on heat waves

PSR and the National Wildlife Federation have released More Extreme Heat Waves: Global Warming’s Wake Up Call, a new report describing the health dangers from extreme heat and identifying the 30 U.S. cities whose populations are most vulnerable.

The report received immediate press attention. PSR’s executive director, Dr. Peter Wilk, was quoted in USA Today and was interviewed by seven live news broadcasts across the country. PSR board members Dr. Cindy Parker and Dr. Don Mellman and PSR-Philadelphia executive director Patricia Harner participated in simultaneous press events in three of the “vulnerable” cities.

PSR Honors Queen Noor of Jordan

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordon, receiving the PSR-LA 2009 Healing the Planet award from PSR National Field Director Ira Shorr. Queen Noor received the award for her myriad efforts to safeguard the environment and eliminate nuclear weapons.

PSR Leaders Testify at EPA Hearings on Health Impacts of Global Warming

The Environmental Protection Agency has made an endangerment finding making it clear that greenhouse gas emissions must be regulated in order to control global warming and protect human health. Last week, PSR leaders applauded the finding and encouraged the EPA to act.

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Social Justice

Guided by the values and expertise of medicine and public health, PSR seeks to protect human life worldwide from the impact of social injustice and structural violence.  The root causes of social injustice are many and include the widening gaps between rich and poor, the unequal distribution of resources, discrimination, and the disenfranchisement of individuals and groups from the political process. PSR’s current core areas of Environment and Health and Global Security have direct connections to social justice issues.

Student Physicians for Social Responsibility

Student PSR is an organization of physicians and medical students working to stop global warming and end the nuclear threat.

Student PSR membership is free for students, so join today. You will receive electronic "Action Alerts" that allow you to quickly take action on current legislation as well as Student PSR reports and emails that will keep you connected to student events across the nation.

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Coal's Assault on America's Health - Coal-fired power plants are the leading global warming culprit in the U.S., accounting for more than 30 percent of our nation's carbon dioxide emissions. They also are one of the nation's largest sources of air pollutants that damage cardiovascular and respiratory health.