OPPT NEWSBREAK Friday, 19 February 1999 Today's "Toxic News for the Net" Brought to you by the OPPTS Chemical Library http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/oppt_nb.txt NEWS "High Pesticide Levels Seen in U.S. Food." New York Times, 19 February 99, A12. "Pesticide Levels Cited As Risk to Children. Produce Items May Exceed EPA Guidelines." Washington Post, 19 February 99, A2. A Consumer Reports analysis of toxicity levels of fresh, frozen and processed fruits and vegetables finds that, while most of the foods tested for pesticide residues fall within legal limits, they exceed EPA standards for young children. As required by the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act, EPA is re-examining the effects on children of commonly-used food pesticides. This article provides a list of "toxicity scores" for foods that were tested. In the study, domestic fresh peaches showed the greatest toxicity level; methyl parathion was the most frequently detected pesticide residue. To reduce pesticide intake the article recommends peeling produce and eating fruits and vegetables that are organically grown. "Environmentalists Sue to Stop Plant Alterations." Washington Times, 19 February 99, A!0. Greenpeace International, the Center for Food Safety, and the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements filed a lawsuit against EPA to force the agency to cancel registration of all genetically engineered Bt plants, cease approval of any new Bt plants, and conduct an environmental impact assessment. Bt, or Bacillus thuringiensis, is a soil bacterium that produces toxins that kill insects but are nontoxic to mammals. Scientists have developed plants that contain a gene for Bt toxin, but many groups are concerned that insects will become resistant to Bt, which would pose a threat to organic farmers who are permitted to use Bt to control pests. "EPA Is Preparing Emission Standards For Snowmobiles, All-Terrain Vehicles." Wall Street Journal, 19 February 99, B5B. Emission standards governing all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles are expected from the EPA by September 2000. EPA filed a notice Feb.8th in which they estimated that 15 percent of all hydrocarbon emissions and 9 percent of all carbon-monoxide emissions are from snowmobiles and ATVs. As a result of the new rules, manufacturers may need to redesign their vehicles, replace two-stroke engines and increase retail prices. Emission standards are currently being developed for outboard motors, Jet-Ski-type watercraft, forklifts, compressors, generators, lawnmowers and other gasoline-powered equipment. "Makeshift Junkyards Take Root on Kauai, And Scenery Suffers." Wall Street Journal, 19 February 99, A1, A8. As many as 5,000 cars and trucks sit abandoned on roadsides, in yards and in sugarcane fields, turning Hawaii's "Garden Island", Kauai, into "Garbage Isle". This article gives an explanatory chronology for the recurring problem that is linked to lack of space, regulatory obstacles and politics. A bill has been introduced to give Kauai more money to dispose of vehicles. EDITORIAL & COMMENTARY "Food Irradiation's Hysteria Industry [Commentary]." Washington Times, 19 February 99, A19. Michael Fumento, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, supports the irradiation of food to help eliminate or reduce levels of bacteria in raw meat and other food products. AROUND THE BELTWAY: DC/VA/MD REGIONAL NEWS "Intersection Closed During Anthrax Scare [Briefly: District]." Washington Times, 19 February 99, C11. Authorities closed off the intersection near the Washington Surgical Center after a package warning that it contained anthrax was found at the abortion clinic. The package was given to the FBI for analysis. An FBI spokeswoman said the FBI does not believe the package is linked to other recent anthrax scares. ACROSS THE USA, from USA Today "Redbird, Kentucky [Across the USA]." USA Today, 18 February 99 7A. In an effort to stop garbage from accumulating below Cumberland Falls or blocking areas on Lake Cumberland, a $3.25 million filter system "Trash Gate", developed by the Corps of Engineers, is being used and monitored for effectiveness. "Portsmouth, Rhode Island [Across the USA]." USA Today, 18 February 99, 7A. The Army Corps of Engineers expects to complete a study this summer in lieu of choosing a new dump site for muck that accumulates in the shipping channel of Providence River. Fishermen are concerned about lobster grounds. * All items, unless indicated otherwise, are available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxics Substances (OPPTS) Chemical Library Northeast Mall, Room B606 (Mailcode 7407) Washington, D.C. 20460 (202) 260-3944; FAX x4659; E-mail for comments: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Due to copyright restrictions, the library cannot provide photocopies of articles.) *Viewpoints expressed in the above articles do not necessarily reflect EPA policy. Mention of products does not indicate endorsement.* To subscribe to OPPT Newsbreak, send the command subscribe OPPT-NEWSBREAK Firstname Lastname to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe, send the command signoff OPPT-NEWSBREAK Also available on the World Wide Web (see banner for address) The OPPTS Chemical Library is operated by GCI Information Services
