Media Reviews
EHS scientists and fellows critique media coverage.
Humorous tone invites readers but belies global problem.
A story in Slate Magazine on February 24th highlights a possible connection between environmental chemicals and impaired male reproductive development, but overlooks the global implications.
Voices missing from report on atrazine study.
An overall fine article in The Washington Post contains no comments from an independent scientist, yet quotes researchers involved in the atrazine study and others affiliated with the chemical industry.
Don't neglect to report risk assessment findings.
A February 22 article in the the Florida Times-Union reports on redevelopment of the Hogan's Creek area but reporting the findings of a health risk assessment would help the community understand options for the site, which is contaminated with coal tar.
Thought-provoking story describes alternatives to bisphenol A.
A February 23rd article in the Washington Post provides a well researched overview of potential substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA) in food containers. It raises important issues about scientists' state of knowledge about exposures to chemicals in packaging materials and the food supply.
Story should take a closer look at new fluorinated coatings.
A story in the New York Times highlighted a scientific breakthrough in self-cleaning coatings that would reduce the need for detergents, but it did not ask questions about the potential toxicity of the new materials.
Epigenetics story neglects need to reduce current exposures.
A well-written article in Time Magazine overviews the burgeoning field of epigenetics and how manipulating epigenetic changes holds promise for curing diseases, but the article neglects to explain that limiting current environmental exposures could prevent the harmful epigenetic changes that cause disease in the first place.
Story on phytoestrogen cancer risk misses important point.
A story filed via Reuters reports on a new study that concludes dietary phytoestrogens have little impact on the risks of developing hormone-sensitive cancers. But the study and the story miss the main public health concern about phytoestrogens entirely: The role that exposure during fetal life and infancy may play to disease – including cancer – later in life.
Reporting or research lacking on aircraft noise
A Time Magazine report on the health effects of jet aircraft noise made no mention of confounding variables, such as pollution and socio-economic status. If the study did control for these factors, the story should have mentioned them. If it didn't, the results should be regarded with deep skepticism.
Article should better explain the threat posed by environmental PCBs.
A Los Angeles Times article fails to highlight what PCBs are and why they are such a problem in the first place.
An article lists the pros – but not the cons – of a bed bug pesticide.
The Columbus Dispatch article did not include the unintended human health consequences of indoor exposure to the toxic pesticides meant to kill bed bugs.
Nanoparticles damage DNA? But which type?
An ABC-Australia news report falsely implies that all nanoparticles are alike.
How are people exposed to chemicals in driveway sealants?
Minnesota Public Radio clearly covered the health issue of PAH pollution from blacktop sealants but didn't fully explain how people can be exposed to the carcinogen.
Reporter deprives listeners of reliable BPA science coverage.
NPR science correspondent oversteps study's conclusions in a blog about BPA science.
Factual article explains Dow Chemical's dioxin legacy.
A Chicago Tribune reporter writes an excellent article about dioxin contamination along the Saginaw River in Michigan.
Dioxin contaminating Vietnam is a carcinogen.
An article released by Agence France Presse news service understates dioxin's cancer effects.
Poisonous planes' story needs description of "poison."
A news report about aero-toxic syndrome was thorough in most aspects. But it lacked basic background information on the chemical that might cause the health problem.
Reporter thoroughly covers pesticide controversy.
A Fresno Bee reporter clearly and accurately relates the science, health risks and controversy of using methyl iodide.
Households still a source of phosphorus.
Readers would benefit from knowing Lake Erie's main sources of phosphorus, a nutrient that may be responsible for the recent rash of algal blooms.
Agent Orange distracts from diabetes story.
A recent article heads a little off track when it states that Agent Orange and DDT both are linked to diabetes.
Left out and forgotten? Refinery's health risks.
The ArgusLeader missed a chance to explain the risks of air pollutants in an article about the air quality permit being issued for a new oil refinery in South Dakota.
