Lead Testing Violations Reported At Over 5,300 Water Systems That Serve 18M People
An EPA analysis finds that 5,363 systems did not properly monitor or treat water for lead and copper last year. In other news impacting public health, KQED covers the "European bias" in clinical trials. Other news outlets report on the risks of bullying, the health of widowers and how labels are affecting caloric intake.
The Washington Post:
More Than 5,300 U.S. Water Systems Violated Lead-Testing Rules Last Year
If you think Flint, Mich., is the only place in the United States threatened by lead-contaminated water, think again. The beleaguered city continues to grapple with the fallout of a drinking-water crisis that exposed its residents -- including 9,000 children 6 and younger -- to a toxic substance that can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems and other serious health issues. But while Flint might be an extreme example, a report released Tuesday by the Natural Resources Defense Council details how many other communities around the country are failing to adequately ensure that their water supplies remain free of lead. (Dennis, 6/28)
KQED:
‘Indigenizing Genomics,’ Or, How To Erase The European Bias In Gene Research
“So that begs the question: Who is the Human Genome Project actually for?” asks (Keolu) Fox. “Just like we have different-colored eyes and hair, we metabolize drugs differently based on the variation in our genomes. So how many of you would be shocked to learn that 95 percent of clinical trials have also exclusively featured individuals of European ancestry?” It has been difficult for scientists to recruit ethnically diverse study participants because researchers have misused data in the past. (McClurg, 6/28)
NPR:
Teen Bullies And Their Victims Both Face A Higher Risk Of Suicide
Bullying and cyberbullying are major risk factors for teen suicide. And both the bullies and their victims are at risk. That's according to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics that urges pediatricians and family doctors to routinely screen teenagers for suicide risks. "Pediatricians need to be aware of the problem overall," says Benjamin Shain, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and lead author of the report published online Monday in the journal Pediatrics. "They should be screening for things like mood disorders, substance abuse as well as bullying." (Kodjak, 6/28)
The Columbus DIspatch:
Senior Health: Men Often Let Health Slip After Spouse Dies
Because women typically live longer than men, women are far more likely to lose a spouse. But growing evidence suggests that spousal bereavement is actually more difficult for men. Even a wife’s hospitalization can be hazardous to a husband’s health, according to research. And losing a partner can be particularly hard on those already ill or frail. (Pyle, 6/29)
Wyoming Public Radio:
Click For Fewer Calories: Health Labels May Change Online Ordering Habits
Thanks to the rise of food delivery services like Grubhub and Eat24, it's getting easier to order meals online. And when the Food and Drug Administration's new calorie labeling regulations go into effect next spring, it'll also be easier to see exactly how many calories we're ordering with each click. Some companies like Starbucks and Panera already offer up calorie counts on their online menus. (Beans, 6/28)