Pact on pollutants
Negotiators at a United Nations-sponsored meeting in Geneva have decided to eliminate eight toxic pesticides and chemicals. However, DDT remains …
Today's menu: dioxins
Belgium authorities found carcinogenic dioxins in food products. And they brushed the matter under the carpet. Now, Europe is facing an …
Exposure to pollutants higher than ambient pollution in Delhi’s Anand Vihar: CSE
Delhi-based based Centre for Science and Environment has found that exposure level is three times more than background ambient air pollution …
Ban lifted on fishing in Sutlej
Discharge of effluents into the river had caused large-scale fish deaths, leading to the curbs
Deadlocked in Aligarh
On the one hand: potholed roads, poor sewage systems, numerous small scale industries, nightmarish working conditions. On the other: clueless …
The selenium scourge in Punjab
Two districts of Punjab -- Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahar -- have been hit by a rash of ailments. The inhabitants are experiencing hair loss, joint …
Poisons we live with
Book>> What’s gotten into us? Staying healthy in a toxic world • by Mckay Jenkins, Random House • US $26
Dumping nuclear burden
Australia's move to return to aborigines land located on former nuclear test site draws flak
Waste: Unavoidable dangers
Industrialisation has brought prosperity. And increasing amount of wastes, especially plastics. The answer: burn it. But there is a problem: …
Self-control for EU chemical industry
The regulations governing the European Union's chemical industry are set to undergo a drastic change, with special emphasis being laid on self-…
Today's breakfast: DDT
A significant proportion of food products in India, especially infant food products, has been found to be contaminated by poisonous substances
Out with asbestos!
September saw a slew of developments giving renewed impetus to the global movement against asbestos
Clean Thiruvananthapuram, but dirty Villappilsala
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala was once known as the cleanest city in India. Today, it is littered with garbage
The crippling effects of TCE
tce is a nonflammable, colourless liquid. It is mainly used to remove grease from metal parts. Worldwide almost 80-90 per cent of this chemical …
Green signals from cellphone companies
Manufacturers sign declaration at the Sixth Conference of Parties (CoP-6) to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of …
More dirt on GAP
The much-hyped sewage treatment plants installed in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, under the Ganga Action Plan are proving to be ineffective. A report …
Doctors don't counsel pregnant women on risks from toxins found in common products
US study recommends training and evidence-based guidelines for physicians to minimise exposure of would-be mothers to environmental toxins
Heavy metals in cosmetics: government silent on tightening rules
After Rajya Sabha MP raises concerns, health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad cites rules but says little about protecting consumers
Ground reality
Official report confirms presence of toxins in groundwater near Bhopal’s Union Carbide
The right blend
Ethanol, a safer alternative to MTBE, will now be mixed with petrol to curb emissions. Lopamudra Banerjee analyses the impact of this environment-…
What’s in your food? Bournvita row rekindles front-of-package labelling discourse
Nutrition fat labelling is difficult to understand and allows companies to hide facts, says CSE expert
Civil society praises Centre’s draft order banning 27 pesticides
The pesticides in question continue to be used in India, but are already banned, restricted or withdrawn in other countries
Victims of vaccination
Vaccine trials in a Madhya Pradesh government hospital are making children sick. Culprit: harmful chemicals in high amounts
Cotton conundrum
The powers that be are hanging fire on Bt cotton despite long and intensive research. Indira Khurana delves into the baffling issue
Playing safe
Nations finally draft a treaty to combat the use of toxic chemicals like DDT and PCBs, which are known for their damning health effects