Report finds that phthalates are widespread in school supplies. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and the Center for Health, Environment & Justice, an advocacy group, released an assessment that found that 75 percent of vinyl back-to-school products contained higher levels of the toxic chemicals than allowed in toys. The chemicals are linked to birth defects, asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes and other health issues. Researchers tested lunch boxes, backpacks, rain boots and raincoats. A “Dora the Explorer” backpack had 69 times the level of the chemicals allowed in toys. Schumer is pushing for passage of the Safe Chemicals Act, which would expand federal oversight. New York Daily News, Medical Daily
Doctors group concludes that benefits of circumcision for baby boys outweigh the risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics based its position on new research, including studies in Africa suggesting that the procedure may protect heterosexual men against HIV. But the academy stopped short of recommending routine circumcision, saying the decision remains a family matter. Since 1999, the academy had taken a neutral position. Its shift comes as sentiment against circumcision is gaining strength in the U.S. and parts of Europe. Circumcision rates in the United States declined to 54.5 percent in 2009 from 62.7 percent in 1999, according to one federal estimate. The New York Times
California regulator calls utility’s safety pledges after deadly San Bruno explosion “meaningless.” The official who oversees electrical safety for the state Public Utilities Commission, Raffy Stepanian, wrote a scathing assessment of Pacific Gas and Electric Co. that said the utility is resisting making safety changes. PG&E’s pipeline explosion in September 2010 killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes. “Jingles and slogans aside, PG&E Co. has not changed its focus,” Stepanian wrote, in a filing submitted to an administrative law judge who will recommend how much the utility should be fined for the blast. PG&E has said it expects to be fined more than $200 million for regulatory violations. San Francisco Chronicle
Divided regulatory setup and industry resistance blamed for weak refinery safety regulation. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Labor Department, plus their state counterparts, regulate oil refineries mostly by responding to incidents rather than taking preventive measures. Critics also say the industry has blocked or hindered requirements for refineries to reveal safety incidents that could shed light on problems that can lead to disasters. Separately, an Oakland lawyer said more than 3,000 people have signed on to sue Chevron over its Richmond oil refinery fire on Aug. 6, which sent more than 14,000 residents to local hospitals. And in Venezuela, the death toll from a refinery explosion reached 41. San Francisco Chronicle, Contra Costa Times, Reuters
Most new ingredients in U.S. foods escape government scrutiny. Since 1958 at least 1,000 ingredients legally entered the food supply without the knowledge of government officials, according to Pew Health Group. The scant federal scrutiny became official policy in 1997, when the Food and Drug Administration largely transferred responsibilities for pre-market safety determinations on ingredients — including flavorings, preservatives, texturizers and binders — from its own scientists to food manufacturers. The FDA says it’s a pragmatic way to protect safety without squandering government resources, but in recent years many experts have expressed concern about what they see as a public health threat. Chicago Tribune
Recalls: Fresh Express bagged salad, Chevy Sonic subcompact cars, Coda electric cars, Red Vines black licorice
Compiled by Stuart Silverstein and Bridget Huber
