Save the pennies and they will grow into dollars, the old adage goes. ...more

December 24, 2008

President Bush on Thursday signed consumer-safety legislation that bans lead from children's toys, imposing the toughest standard in the world. ...more

August 15, 2008

Alarmed by a year of recalls targeting millions of tainted toys, the House voted overwhelming Wednesday to ban lead and other dangerous chemicals from items, such as jewelry and rubber ducks, that could end up in children's mouths. ...more

July 31, 2008

When Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a law banning lead and chemicals known as phthalates from children's products in April, Amy Tucker was thrilled. As president of Matter Group, a Seattle company that makes children's games and stuffed animals out of recycled materials, Tucker's products were already lead- and phthalate-free. But when other states began adopting their own restrictions, she became dismayed by the emerging patchwork of regulations. ...more

June 30, 2008

Baby shampoos, lotions and powders may expose infants to chemicals that have been linked with possible reproductive problems, a small study suggests. ...more

February 4, 2008

Wastewater Carries Signs Of Drug Problems A city's sewer plant doesn't just treat human waste; it also can tip off law enforcement officials about a local drug problem. Using just a teaspoon of wastewater, Oregon State University researchers recently measured levels of everything from caffeine, cotinine (a break-down product of nicotine from cigarette smoke) and prescription drugs to methamphetamines, cocaine and Ecstasy. The community urinalysis wouldn't flush out single users but could eventually help officials track the spread of drugs, the researchers said. When drugs break down in the body, their byproducts end up in excrement and urine. That waste flows from toilets to treatment plants. Caffeine is the ingredient Americans consume and excrete the most. The scientists also found higher concentrations of "recreational" drugs such as cocaine on weekends. Levels of prescription drugs and meth were constant. Chicago Tribune ...more

October 18, 2007