Radiation and Health News in 2012: PSR Warns Country is Still Dangerously Unprepared

One year after the Fukushima reactor crisis in Japan, no meaningful progress has been achieved in improving the ability of first responders and medical professionals to react to a disaster on a similar scale in the United States, according to a major new report from PSR. The report, titled "Nuclear Power and Public Health: Lessons from Fukushima, Still Dangerously Unprepared," discusses the inadequacies of our current infrastructure to cope with a similar scale nuclear accident.

Teleconference with Rep. Markey: Cutting the Nuclear Weapons Budget

We invite you to a special phone call with Rep. Ed Markey, an outspoken critic of nuclear weapons.  He will be joining our call to talk to us about The SANE Act, his new bill which would make $100 billion in cuts to over a dozen nuclear weapons programs and already has 41 cosponsors.

March Institute Examines Irrevocable Damage from Coal Ash

This month's Environmental Health Policy Institute explores the threats to human health posed by coal ash disposal. It details the toxic contaminants in coal ash, the exposure pathways, and the means by which exposure could be prevented. It also includes three portraits of homes, lands, and lives irrevocably damaged by coal ash, told by the people who live it. These terribly poignant accounts bring home like nothing else the dangers, the magnitude, and the tragedy of unsafe coal ash disposal.

PSR petitions White House for safe coal ash disposal

Help PSR petition the White House for release of health-protective standards for coal ash disposal.  Coal ash, the waste left after coal is burned in power plants, contains toxic metals including arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, and chromium.  Coal ash has contaminated streams, lakes and rivers, underwater aquifers and drinking-water wells in 34 states. We are gathering signatures on a letter demanding enforceable, nationwide standards for disposal of this huge toxic waste stream.  Please read and sign the letter now.

PSR Testifies for Wind Power in Maryland

Catherine Thomasson MD, PSR's new executive director, testified in favor of state legislation supporting an off-shore wind farm off the coast of Maryland. Dr. Thomasson's testimony stressed the health costs that would be averted by shifting from coal to clean offshore wind, including a large number of unnecessary premature deaths every year.

New Essays on Prenatal Exposures to Toxic Chemicals

The prenatal period is a time of rapid development. It is also a time of particular vulnerability to toxic chemicals. In this month's Environmental Health Policy Institute, experts address how and why the developing fetus is vulnerable to toxic exposures – and how our regulatory system can more effectively guard against related health impacts.

President Obama Can Change US Nuclear Policy

Time and history have come together this year to create an opportunity to change how the world perceives nuclear weapons and their utility. At this critical moment, we are asking you to join a nationwide effort to press the Obama administration to dramatically reduce our reliance on nuclear weapons and move us closer to a nuclear weapons free world.

Nation's budget should reflect our priorities. Let your voice be heard!

President Obama released his administration's plans for FY 2013 spending. The US bankrolls a military-industrial complex that has infiltrated our political process in unacceptable ways. This country's investment in the military has deprived our communities of the resources they need to rebuild our schools, invest in health care for all, and create a clean energy future.

“Hazardous Chemicals” Report Now Made Available in Spanish

PSR is thrilled to release the Spanish-language version of its report, "Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care." The report, written with the American Nurses Association and Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), details the first investigation of environmental chemicals found in the bodies of health care professionals. The study found that all 20 study participants had toxic chemicals in their bodies, with at least 24 individual chemicals present in each participant. We extend our thanks to HCWH/Latin American Regional Office for the translation.

Thanks for joining PSR on Facebook during the State of the Union

On Tuesday, January 24th at 9:00 pm EST / 6:00 pm PST, President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address.  PSR members were watching to hear how the address would impact our core work on climate change, nuclear disarmament, and nuclear energy. Check out the rich conversation with over 85 comments on our Facebook page. If you are not yet a "fan" of PSR on Facebook, please join the 1000+ who have already liked us there.

PSR Iowa Leads Fight Against Nuclear Subsidies

As the nuclear industry renews its effort to persuade legislators, taxpayers and ratepayers to prop up its uneconomic industry, PSR Iowa is leading a grassroots campaign against an advanced cost recovery bill, a measure which would enable utilities to collect the capital expense for a new nuclear reactor in advance from their customers. A number of environmental, consumer protection and agricultural groups have found common ground in seeking to defeat the bill.

PSR Signals Intention to Sue EPA for Release of Coal Ash Rule

PSR indicated its intention to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to force it to release rules for the disposal of coal ash. Coal ash, the waste material left after electrical utilities burn coal, is heavily laden with toxic heavy metals, which have leaked, spilled and leached into ground and surface waters in communities around the country. Coal ash toxics can cause cancer as well as damage to the brain, peripheral nervous system, lungs, heart, kidneys and liver. The EPA has 60 days to come to a settlement before the issue proceeds to court.

Mercury & Air Toxics Rule a "Victory for the Children"

PSR served as a plaintiff in two successful lawsuits that resulted in the EPA's recently proposed safeguards to slash emissions of mercury from coal combustion at power plants. PSR chapters celebrated the EPA decision, calling it a victory for children. Mercury exposure can damage the developing brain, making the fetus, infant or small child vulnerable to developmental delays and permanent loss of intelligence. PSR has worked for over 20 years to reduce environmental exposures to this dangerous neurotoxin.

The Time for Diplomacy With Iran is Now

As tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate, PSR is urging President Obama to open direct diplomatic channels with Iran before it is too late.  Both countries have stepped up their show of military strength in the Gulf leading to an increased risk of a miscalculation that may lead to war. A military conflict would be dangerous for the region and threaten aspirations for peace in the Middle East. Sign our petition asking President Obama to begin talks now.

Will 2012 be the year of comprehensive chemical policy reform?

The Environmental Health Policy Institute is proud to present official statements from the American College of Preventive Medicine and the American Public Health Association, as well as the perspectives of other experts, on why healthcare professionals care about the Safe Chemicals Act, and how comprehensive chemical policy reform will improve public health.

PSR Welcomes Catherine Thomasson, M.D., as Executive Director

PSR begins 2012 by welcoming Dr. Catherine Thomasson to her new role as executive director.  As a former national board president and Oregon chapter president, Dr. Thomasson embodies the PSR tradition of physician-advocate and brings both a commitment to PSR’s core issues as well as a drive to shape PSR’s future.  She succeeds Dr. Peter Wilk who returns to clinical practice in Maine after three years leading PSR.

PSR Celebrates 2011

The PSR members featured in this short "thank you” video are just a few of the thousands who helped advance PSR’s mission in 2011.  Because of you, PSR made a difference all year long.  Thank you for your support, your commitment and your vote of confidence in PSR.

The PSR Chapter Network: Changing the World One Community at a Time

PSR chapters work locally, state-wide, regionally and nationally which gives us a powerful ability to make a difference on critical issues.  Get involved in creating a safer, more peaceful world right in your own community.

 Find the chapter nearest to you.

Members Making a Difference: Meet Dr. Andrew Kanter

Andrew Kanter, MD, MPH
President of New York City Chapter and National Board President Elect
New York City, New York

"I believe that organizations like PSR and IPPNW represent a unique opportunity for a group of like-minded people to focus the world’s attention on the greatest threats to our global survival. Physicians are perfectly suited to provide an alternative, positive vision for our future, and we can provide the crucial movement necessary to help guide the planet away from violence and the threat of nuclear annihilation, to a future based on mutual security, common survival and sustainable development." Read more »

Members Making a Difference: Meet Dr. Erica Frank

Erica Frank, MD, MPH
Past President of PSR
Vancouver, British Columbia

"PSR concentrates on issues that really matter, threats that will mean the demise of humanity (and multiple other species) if we don't do something about them. I can't imagine just spending my time focusing only on one patient at a time, and ignoring threats that could bring us all down." Read more »