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A Head’s Up on Lice
The American Head Lice Information Center ABOUT A HUNDRED YEARS AGO February 8, 2007
www.headliceinfo.com 12 noon – 1 PM
Continued From Page 11 by: Devra L. Davis, PhD, MPH, Director, Center for Environmental Oncology of UPCI and
Environmental Health at the Movies,
The Collaborative on Health and the Environment Professor of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh and
holes with olive oil, the lice will die. • Thoroughly clean your child’s towels, Blue Vinyl
www.healthandenvironment.org
Ronald B. Herberman, MD, Director, UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers <The World’s First Toxic Comedy> (Winner Sundance
However, it takes awhile for them linens, clothes, hats and toys by
The CDC Film Festival, Emmy Award Nominee for Best
to die, because head lice can shut adding a few drops of essential oils About a hundred years ago, scientists stud- of these materials, common to cigarette
www.cdc.gov Documentary and Best Research)
down their systems for hours. that repel or kill lice ied smoke by comparing the color of any smoke and smoke stacks, such as ben- Open to the Public
The E-House Company
Knowing how and when to use a plume they saw to various papers shaded zene, tars, cadmium, and butadiene, are UPMC Cancer Pavilion
• Wash in hot water and dry towels www.ehousecompany.com
smothering program is essential. light gray to dark black. Today, we can rely well-known causes of cancer and other 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
and linens on very high heat The Green Guide Herberman Auditorium, Room 202
Consult with your physician. www.thegreenguide.com on newly devised electronic eyes to mea- diseases in workers who have been highly
Followed by Panel Discussion.
• Place toys and stuffed animals (that sure the gases and particles in smoke and exposed. Other emissions include minis-
• The least expensive pumice-grade or The National Cancer Institute Free Healthy Lunch served.
cannot be cleaned) in plastic bags www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics identify things that can be thousands of cule amounts of polonium 210—concen- Call 412-623-1175 for more details
restaurant-grade olive oil works best. and keep sealed for two weeks. This
Safe 2 Use
times smaller than a human hair. trated levels of which were recently used Continued on page 2
• Mineral oil (including baby oil) is will kill the lice. www.safe2use.com Cigarette smoke remains the best-stud- to kill a former KGB agent in Britain.
not recommended because it can be • Replace all combs, brushes and Venture Outdoors ied and best-known source of smoke that This newsletter expands on our prior two
harmful to mucous membranes. www.ventureoutdoors.org Citation
barrettes, or if possible boil items poses a public health threat at this time. issues (which you can access at www.
3 Do a reasonable job of cleaning the in water. adapted in part from
But, many of the particles and gases that environmentaloncology.org) and explains
infested person’s belongings and • Vacuum carpets and cars arise from the smoking of tobacco also oc- how important new advances in research 1. Davis, Devra, When Smoke Ran Like Water (New York:
Basic Books, A Member of the Perseus Book Groups, 2002)
home environment. cur at lower levels whenever fossil fuels are making it clear that regular exposures
www.whensmokeranlikewater.com
are burned to produce energy and fuel our to small amounts of benzene and other pol-
Please share this newsletter and be sure it is recycled. vehicles, or whenever accidents cause re- lutants can have grave consequences for
Photo on page 5 courtesy of Clean Air for Healthy Children and leases of these materials into the air. Some public health. Funding for this newletter is provided by the
12 Families (cigarette and smoke were added after photo was taken)
Continued on page 2 Highmark Foundation and the Heinz Endowments.
www.environmentaloncology.org CEO-UPCI CEO-UPCI www.environmentaloncology.org
2 Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute 11
www.environmentaloncology.org CEO-UPCI CEO-UPCI www.environmentaloncology.org
10 Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute 3
www.environmentaloncology.org CEO-UPCI CEO-UPCI www.environmentaloncology.org
Leaking underground storage tanks: an emerging public health risk How many light bulbs does it take to change the world?
Continued From Page 3 Continued From Page 8
In 2001 and 2002, our team of investigators The results of our University of Pittsburgh local Jewish community to engage all of dioxide alone (.001 tons CO2 per kWh in an
from the University of Pittsburgh carried study are consistent with what has been us in awareness, advocacy and action to 8,000 hour timeframe) from entering our
out an epidemiological study specifically observed in workers who regularly use conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas atmosphere. (Source: Oak Ridge National
examining the health effects of the Trangu- benzene but with eight hour exposures, emissions, and promote energy legislation. Laboratory, The Impact of Environmental
POTENTIAL RISKS Citations
ch Gasoline Spill. The Tranguch Gasoline which are considerably greater. We have A feature of this program (easily achievable Externality Requirements on Renewable
FROM GASOLINE EXPOSURE 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_fluorescent_lamp
Spill has been characterized as a leakage found that chronic low-level benzene ex- by each of us) is to change a few of your Energy, Oak Ridge, TN, July 1994). For
For more than a century, gasoline fueled engines 2. A 15-watt CFL produces an equivalent amount of light as a
of 50,000-900,000 gallons of gasoline from posure is tied with an increased risk for bulbs to CFLs. To date, with just 50,000 more information, visit www.coejl.org/
have been used in cars, trucks, locomotives and 60-watt incandescent bulb.
other motorized machinery.1 Engine exhausts contain
underground storage tanks in two munici- leukemia among residents living near the bulbs sold nationwide, the campaign climatechange.
palities located in northeastern Pennsyl- Tranguch spill site. While acute myeloge- 3. Based on shipping weights found at Target.com.
thousands of gases and particles and are considered has already kept 144,000 tons of carbon
by the International Agency for Research on Cancer vania. As a result of the spill, it is believed nous leukemia has been definitively linked 4. Assuming plant is fueled by coal.
of the World Health Organization to cause cancer.
that residents living within an EPA-defined to benzene exposure in workers, our study A LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF INCANDESCENT BULBS 5. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4922496.stm
A number of key chemicals in gasoline are known VERSUS COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS
to cause cancer or other serious health effects in
remediation area were chronically ex- is one of the first to suggest such an as- 6. Analysis based on hours of light produced (8,000 hours =
humans or in experimental animals, including benzene, posed to low-levels of benzene sourcing sociation in residents from environmental 8,000 hour timeframe1 60-watt 15-watt 1 CFL = 6 incandescent bulbs). Therefore, six
toluene, xylene, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE).2 from the gasoline since at least 1990. In exposures in their homes. Incandescent Compact Fluorescent2 incandescent bulbs must be compared with one CFL.
Benzene response to community concerns, a study Purchase and replacement 6*$0.50 = $3.00 $2. 25 7. 0.00006452 lbs/1,000 kWh, varies regionally depending on
Scientists who worked on this study have costs (Includes energy to coal content.
This solvent, which is also released by cigarette examined 663 individuals from 275 house-
smoke, is known to cause cancer in humans.
met with the community to explain these manufacture the bulbs and
holds that had been exposed to benzene results and suggested general precautions lamps)
Long-term exposure to benzene in the workplace
can cause leukemia. Regularly breathing low to see whether they had a higher risk of to lower personal environmental exposure Energy required to manu- 1 kWh/bulb 4 kWh/bulb
levels can damage the nervous system and cause cancer and other diseases, compared to to other sources of benzene, like cigarette facture the bulb4,5
anemia and other problems of the blood.3 others in Pennsylvania. smoke and pumping gasoline as well as Operational costs per 8,000 $48.00 $12.00
Toluene and Xylene hours of light (using a cost
Using questionnaires, we collected per- housing cans of paint thinner, gasoline for
Although the link to cancer has not been of $.10 per kilowatt hour)
established, regular breathing of toluene causes sonal information on health, jobs, and lawn mowers and paint in close proxim-
Transportation costs per
birth defects and brain damage, and xylene can residence. Cancers that were reported ity to their living areas. Recommendations 6*$0.02/pound*2 ounces3 $0.02/pound*4 ounces3
8,000 hours of light = $0.015 = $0.005
cause loss of consciousness and even death at in these questionnaires were verified by were made to public health agencies and
high levels. Importantly, in addition to the amount Disposal costs per 8,000 6*$0.02/pound*2 ounces3 $0.02/pound*4 ounces3
physicians and cross-referenced with the community based on the study’s find-
of benzene already present in gasoline, the EPA hours of light = $0.015 = $0.005
has determined that incomplete combustion of the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry for the ings. They included screening the exposed
xylene and toluene also significantly contributes period January 1, 1990 to December 31, community in the future to see whether Life Cycle Cost6 $51.03/ 6 bulbs $14.26/ bulb
to the amount of benzene in auto exhaust. 3 2000. We calculated the rate of cancer in they develop other health problems. Pub- Mercury emissions result- 0.006 ounces/6,000 bulbs 0.004 ounces/1,000 bulbs
MTBE persons exposed to benzene from leak- lic health officials will be engaged in sur- ing from bulb manufac-
Many states, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, ture4,7
ing gasoline tanks and found that they veillance in the spill-affected area in order
Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington Mercury emissions result-
had nearly four times more leukemia than to determine the long-term impact of this 0.5 ounces/ 6,000 bulbs 0.12 ounces/ 1,000 bulbs
D.C. have banned this gasoline additive, because of ing from generating elec-
its capacity to cause cancer and damage the nervous other persons in the state. In fact, the risk low-level exposure to gasoline. tricity to power the bulb4,7
system. MTBE from leaking underground storage of all cancer in those exposed to benzene Our research is one of very few studies Non-monetized Mer- 0.506 ounces of mercu- 0.124 ounces of mercu-
tanks is found in ground water in many regions. 3 was not higher, but the risk of leukemia, a to extensively investigate exposures to cury Only Environmental ry/6,000 bulbs ry/1,000 bulbs
Sources cancer known to be tied to benzene, was Burden6
gasoline/benzene in a community setting.
1 http://www.inchem.org/documents/
greatly elevated. Four incident cases of Given the high prevalence of leaking un-
iarc/vol46/46-01.html
2 http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/EHSRM/EHS/ leukemia were reported (two acute my- derground gasoline tanks in the United
SARA/MSDS/gasolineunleaded2001.pdf elogenous, one chronic myelogenous, States, this exposure is far from unique.
3 http://www.epa.gov/ and one chronic lymphocytic). The resi- Therefore, it is important for communities
dential location of the acute myelogenous and public health agencies to cooperate
leukemia cases directly bordered the to assess and address health effects po-
more concentrated areas of gasoline as Winter 2007
Winter 2007 tentially resulting from such leaks.
projected by the US Army Corps of Engi-
Volume 1 • Number 3 Volume 1 • Number 3
neer and EPA.
4 Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute 9
www.environmentaloncology.org CEO-UPCI CEO-UPCI www.environmentaloncology.org
8 Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute 5
www.environmentaloncology.org CEO-UPCI CEO-UPCI www.environmentaloncology.org
6 Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute 7
www.environmentaloncology.org CEO-UPCI CEO-UPCI www.environmentaloncology.org
6 Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute 7
www.environmentaloncology.org CEO-UPCI CEO-UPCI www.environmentaloncology.org
8 Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute 5
www.environmentaloncology.org CEO-UPCI CEO-UPCI www.environmentaloncology.org
Leaking underground storage tanks: an emerging public health risk How many light bulbs does it take to change the world?
Continued From Page 3 Continued From Page 8
In 2001 and 2002, our team of investigators The results of our University of Pittsburgh local Jewish community to engage all of dioxide alone (.001 tons CO2 per kWh in an
from the University of Pittsburgh carried study are consistent with what has been us in awareness, advocacy and action to 8,000 hour timeframe) from entering our
out an epidemiological study specifically observed in workers who regularly use conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas atmosphere. (Source: Oak Ridge National
examining the health effects of the Trangu- benzene but with eight hour exposures, emissions, and promote energy legislation. Laboratory, The Impact of Environmental
POTENTIAL RISKS Citations
ch Gasoline Spill. The Tranguch Gasoline which are considerably greater. We have A feature of this program (easily achievable Externality Requirements on Renewable
FROM GASOLINE EXPOSURE 1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_fluorescent_lamp
Spill has been characterized as a leakage found that chronic low-level benzene ex- by each of us) is to change a few of your Energy, Oak Ridge, TN, July 1994). For
For more than a century, gasoline fueled engines 2. A 15-watt CFL produces an equivalent amount of light as a
of 50,000-900,000 gallons of gasoline from posure is tied with an increased risk for bulbs to CFLs. To date, with just 50,000 more information, visit www.coejl.org/
have been used in cars, trucks, locomotives and 60-watt incandescent bulb.
other motorized machinery.1 Engine exhausts contain
underground storage tanks in two munici- leukemia among residents living near the bulbs sold nationwide, the campaign climatechange.
palities located in northeastern Pennsyl- Tranguch spill site. While acute myeloge- 3. Based on shipping weights found at Target.com.
thousands of gases and particles and are considered has already kept 144,000 tons of carbon
by the International Agency for Research on Cancer vania. As a result of the spill, it is believed nous leukemia has been definitively linked 4. Assuming plant is fueled by coal.
of the World Health Organization to cause cancer.
that residents living within an EPA-defined to benzene exposure in workers, our study A LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF INCANDESCENT BULBS 5. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4922496.stm
A number of key chemicals in gasoline are known VERSUS COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS
to cause cancer or other serious health effects in
remediation area were chronically ex- is one of the first to suggest such an as- 6. Analysis based on hours of light produced (8,000 hours =
humans or in experimental animals, including benzene, posed to low-levels of benzene sourcing sociation in residents from environmental 8,000 hour timeframe1 60-watt 15-watt 1 CFL = 6 incandescent bulbs). Therefore, six
toluene, xylene, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE).2 from the gasoline since at least 1990. In exposures in their homes. Incandescent Compact Fluorescent2 incandescent bulbs must be compared with one CFL.
Benzene response to community concerns, a study Purchase and replacement 6*$0.50 = $3.00 $2. 25 7. 0.00006452 lbs/1,000 kWh, varies regionally depending on
Scientists who worked on this study have costs (Includes energy to coal content.
This solvent, which is also released by cigarette examined 663 individuals from 275 house-
smoke, is known to cause cancer in humans.
met with the community to explain these manufacture the bulbs and
holds that had been exposed to benzene results and suggested general precautions lamps)
Long-term exposure to benzene in the workplace
can cause leukemia. Regularly breathing low to see whether they had a higher risk of to lower personal environmental exposure Energy required to manu- 1 kWh/bulb 4 kWh/bulb
levels can damage the nervous system and cause cancer and other diseases, compared to to other sources of benzene, like cigarette facture the bulb4,5
anemia and other problems of the blood.3 others in Pennsylvania. smoke and pumping gasoline as well as Operational costs per 8,000 $48.00 $12.00
Toluene and Xylene hours of light (using a cost
Using questionnaires, we collected per- housing cans of paint thinner, gasoline for
Although the link to cancer has not been of $.10 per kilowatt hour)
established, regular breathing of toluene causes sonal information on health, jobs, and lawn mowers and paint in close proxim-
Transportation costs per
birth defects and brain damage, and xylene can residence. Cancers that were reported ity to their living areas. Recommendations 6*$0.02/pound*2 ounces3 $0.02/pound*4 ounces3
8,000 hours of light = $0.015 = $0.005
cause loss of consciousness and even death at in these questionnaires were verified by were made to public health agencies and
high levels. Importantly, in addition to the amount Disposal costs per 8,000 6*$0.02/pound*2 ounces3 $0.02/pound*4 ounces3
physicians and cross-referenced with the community based on the study’s find-
of benzene already present in gasoline, the EPA hours of light = $0.015 = $0.005
has determined that incomplete combustion of the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry for the ings. They included screening the exposed
xylene and toluene also significantly contributes period January 1, 1990 to December 31, community in the future to see whether Life Cycle Cost6 $51.03/ 6 bulbs $14.26/ bulb
to the amount of benzene in auto exhaust. 3 2000. We calculated the rate of cancer in they develop other health problems. Pub- Mercury emissions result- 0.006 ounces/6,000 bulbs 0.004 ounces/1,000 bulbs
MTBE persons exposed to benzene from leak- lic health officials will be engaged in sur- ing from bulb manufac-
Many states, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, ture4,7
ing gasoline tanks and found that they veillance in the spill-affected area in order
Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington Mercury emissions result-
had nearly four times more leukemia than to determine the long-term impact of this 0.5 ounces/ 6,000 bulbs 0.12 ounces/ 1,000 bulbs
D.C. have banned this gasoline additive, because of ing from generating elec-
its capacity to cause cancer and damage the nervous other persons in the state. In fact, the risk low-level exposure to gasoline. tricity to power the bulb4,7
system. MTBE from leaking underground storage of all cancer in those exposed to benzene Our research is one of very few studies Non-monetized Mer- 0.506 ounces of mercu- 0.124 ounces of mercu-
tanks is found in ground water in many regions. 3 was not higher, but the risk of leukemia, a to extensively investigate exposures to cury Only Environmental ry/6,000 bulbs ry/1,000 bulbs
Sources cancer known to be tied to benzene, was Burden6
gasoline/benzene in a community setting.
1 http://www.inchem.org/documents/
greatly elevated. Four incident cases of Given the high prevalence of leaking un-
iarc/vol46/46-01.html
2 http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/EHSRM/EHS/ leukemia were reported (two acute my- derground gasoline tanks in the United
SARA/MSDS/gasolineunleaded2001.pdf elogenous, one chronic myelogenous, States, this exposure is far from unique.
3 http://www.epa.gov/ and one chronic lymphocytic). The resi- Therefore, it is important for communities
dential location of the acute myelogenous and public health agencies to cooperate
leukemia cases directly bordered the to assess and address health effects po-
more concentrated areas of gasoline as Winter 2007
Winter 2007 tentially resulting from such leaks.
projected by the US Army Corps of Engi-
Volume 1 • Number 3 Volume 1 • Number 3
neer and EPA.
4 Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute 9
www.environmentaloncology.org CEO-UPCI CEO-UPCI www.environmentaloncology.org
10 Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute 3
www.environmentaloncology.org CEO-UPCI CEO-UPCI www.environmentaloncology.org
2 Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Center for Environmental Oncology — University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute 11
Printed on chlorine-free 100% PCW Recycled Paper, with Soy-Inks. www.environmentaloncology.org
A Head’s Up on Lice
The American Head Lice Information Center ABOUT A HUNDRED YEARS AGO February 8, 2007
www.headliceinfo.com 12 noon – 1 PM
Continued From Page 11 by: Devra L. Davis, PhD, MPH, Director, Center for Environmental Oncology of UPCI and
Environmental Health at the Movies,
The Collaborative on Health and the Environment Professor of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh and
holes with olive oil, the lice will die. • Thoroughly clean your child’s towels, Blue Vinyl
www.healthandenvironment.org
Ronald B. Herberman, MD, Director, UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers <The World’s First Toxic Comedy> (Winner Sundance
However, it takes awhile for them linens, clothes, hats and toys by
The CDC Film Festival, Emmy Award Nominee for Best
to die, because head lice can shut adding a few drops of essential oils About a hundred years ago, scientists stud- of these materials, common to cigarette
www.cdc.gov Documentary and Best Research)
down their systems for hours. that repel or kill lice ied smoke by comparing the color of any smoke and smoke stacks, such as ben- Open to the Public
The E-House Company
Knowing how and when to use a plume they saw to various papers shaded zene, tars, cadmium, and butadiene, are UPMC Cancer Pavilion
• Wash in hot water and dry towels www.ehousecompany.com
smothering program is essential. light gray to dark black. Today, we can rely well-known causes of cancer and other 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
and linens on very high heat The Green Guide Herberman Auditorium, Room 202
Consult with your physician. www.thegreenguide.com on newly devised electronic eyes to mea- diseases in workers who have been highly
Followed by Panel Discussion.
• Place toys and stuffed animals (that sure the gases and particles in smoke and exposed. Other emissions include minis-
• The least expensive pumice-grade or The National Cancer Institute Free Healthy Lunch served.
cannot be cleaned) in plastic bags www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics identify things that can be thousands of cule amounts of polonium 210—concen- Call 412-623-1175 for more details
restaurant-grade olive oil works best. and keep sealed for two weeks. This
Safe 2 Use
times smaller than a human hair. trated levels of which were recently used Continued on page 2
• Mineral oil (including baby oil) is will kill the lice. www.safe2use.com Cigarette smoke remains the best-stud- to kill a former KGB agent in Britain.
not recommended because it can be • Replace all combs, brushes and Venture Outdoors ied and best-known source of smoke that This newsletter expands on our prior two
harmful to mucous membranes. www.ventureoutdoors.org Citation
barrettes, or if possible boil items poses a public health threat at this time. issues (which you can access at www.
3 Do a reasonable job of cleaning the in water. adapted in part from
But, many of the particles and gases that environmentaloncology.org) and explains
infested person’s belongings and • Vacuum carpets and cars arise from the smoking of tobacco also oc- how important new advances in research 1. Davis, Devra, When Smoke Ran Like Water (New York:
Basic Books, A Member of the Perseus Book Groups, 2002)
home environment. cur at lower levels whenever fossil fuels are making it clear that regular exposures
www.whensmokeranlikewater.com
are burned to produce energy and fuel our to small amounts of benzene and other pol-
Please share this newsletter and be sure it is recycled. vehicles, or whenever accidents cause re- lutants can have grave consequences for
Photo on page 5 courtesy of Clean Air for Healthy Children and leases of these materials into the air. Some public health. Funding for this newletter is provided by the
12 Families (cigarette and smoke were added after photo was taken)
Continued on page 2 Highmark Foundation and the Heinz Endowments.