Category: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Epidemic Intelligence Service: Disease Detectives at Work
The news is out. A potentially lethal disease is spreading rapidly. Doctors report the illness to public health departments, but no one knows whether it is contagious or has an environmental link. Health professionals turn to the CDC for help. Does this sound like the plot for a movie? Actually, it is—the 2010 movie Contagion Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentSoil Kitchens: Reducing Lead Exposure among Urban Residents
My name is Ana Pomales, CDC/ATSDR environmental health scientist and health educator. Read on to learn more about how I helped teach urban residents to reduce their exposure to lead in city soil in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. Even low levels of lead in blood Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentOffice of Tribal Affairs Addresses Environmental Health in Native American Communities
November is National Native American Heritage Month. Learn about the work of the NCEH/ATSDR Office of Tribal Affairs among American Indian/Alaskan Native Tribes. For many Native Americans, culture and the natural environment are closely connected. Together, they provide American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) a unique identity and contribute to their physical, mental, and spiritual health. In Read More >
Posted on by Leave a comment“Don’t Mess with Mercury” Initiative
If you’re a parent of middle school kids who love to play video games, join the legions of other parents who are, too! Don’t mind them playing games that have some educational appeal? Then let them explore ATSDR’s video game, “Don’t Mess With Mercury.” Are you aware that mercury is still a threat in middle Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentSave Energy and Resources This Holiday Season
Today, November 15, is America Recycles Day. When you save energy and resources, you protect the environment and safeguard health both now and for the future. At this time of year, many of us are already preparing for the winter holidays ahead. Although we want to enjoy the fun and spirit of the season, we Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentMeet the Scientist: Moiz Mumtaz
Ethiopia, Greece, India, Puerto Rico—NCEH and ATSDR employees come from around the world, enriching our work with their distinctive perspectives and bringing a deeper understanding to environmental health issues in the United States and beyond. Dr. Moiz Mumtaz, an award-winning, internationally-recognized scientist, provides toxicological expertise and insight in his work at ATSDR. Moiz Mumtaz’s story Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentToxicology Covered – from A to Z
When it comes to toxicology, ATSDR has you covered from A (acetone) to Z (zinc). Toxicology is the study of poisons and their effects on people, animals, and the environment. ATSDR toxicologist Moiz Mumtaz, PhD, points out that a toxic substance doesn’t have to come from a bottle with a skull and crossbones on it Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentLearn Something – Hazardous Substance Continuing Education
Arsenic. Lead. Asbestos. Want to learn more about how these and other hazardous substances affect human health? No need to go back to school—you can increase your knowledge in a wide range of these topics easily via ATSDR’s accredited Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEMs). What Are They? CSEMs are self-instructional, continuing-education courses written for Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentTell Me a Fish Story — Can You Eat What You Catch?
Fly fishing, fishing rodeos, deep-sea fishing, fishing in a local stream—no matter how or where you put your bait in the water, fishing is a favorite activity for many, especially during the summer. One of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in the U.S., in 2011 fishing attracted 33.1 million people 16 years and older. Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentLead Poisoning in Nigeria
Rows of tiny graves peppered the Nigerian landscape. In May 2010, NCEH/ATSDR assembled a team to investigate children’s deaths in at least six villages in Zamfara, Nigeria. Investigation Results The team helped quickly identify the source of contamination—the processing of gold ore rich in lead. The previous November, unidentified persons had installed an estimated Read More >
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