Media Reviews

EHS scientists and fellows critique media coverage.

Humorous tone invites readers but belies global problem.

Posted by Emily Barrett at Mar 05, 2010 10:00 AM |

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.

Read More…

Voices missing from report on atrazine study.

Posted by Laura Vandenberg at Mar 05, 2010 06:55 AM |

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.

Read More…

Don't neglect to report risk assessment findings.

Posted by Giffe Johnson at Mar 03, 2010 04:05 PM |

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.

Read More…

Thought-provoking story describes alternatives to bisphenol A.

Posted by Evan Beach at Feb 27, 2010 09:30 AM |

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.

Read More…

Story should take a closer look at new fluorinated coatings.

Posted by Evan Beach at Feb 01, 2010 10:20 AM |

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.

Read More…

Epigenetics story neglects need to reduce current exposures.

Posted by Paul Eubig, DVM at Jan 16, 2010 08:30 AM |

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.

Read More…

Story on phytoestrogen cancer risk misses important point.

Posted by John Peterson Myers at Dec 31, 2009 09:15 AM |

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.

Read More…

Reporting or research lacking on aircraft noise

Posted by John Peterson Myers at Dec 17, 2009 10:14 PM |

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.

Read More…

Article should better explain the threat posed by environmental PCBs.

Posted by Heather Hamlin at Nov 24, 2009 05:40 PM |

A Los Angeles Times article fails to highlight what PCBs are and why they are such a problem in the first place.

Read More…

An article lists the pros – but not the cons – of a bed bug pesticide.

Posted by Heather Patisaul, Ph.D. at Nov 19, 2009 08:05 AM |

The Columbus Dispatch article did not include the unintended human health consequences of indoor exposure to the toxic pesticides meant to kill bed bugs.

Read More…

Nanoparticles damage DNA? But which type?

Posted by Paul Eubig, DVM at Nov 16, 2009 09:00 PM |

An ABC-Australia news report falsely implies that all nanoparticles are alike.

Read More…

How are people exposed to chemicals in driveway sealants?

Posted by Karen Kidd at Nov 12, 2009 10:30 AM |

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.

Read More…

Reporter deprives listeners of reliable BPA science coverage.

Posted by Negin P. Martin, Ph. D at Nov 11, 2009 05:40 PM |

NPR science correspondent oversteps study's conclusions in a blog about BPA science.

Read More…

Factual article explains Dow Chemical's dioxin legacy.

Posted by Negin P. Martin, Ph. D at Nov 03, 2009 11:35 AM |

A Chicago Tribune reporter writes an excellent article about dioxin contamination along the Saginaw River in Michigan.

Read More…

Dioxin contaminating Vietnam is a carcinogen.

Posted by Michele A. La Merrill, Ph.D. at Oct 22, 2009 11:00 AM |

An article released by Agence France Presse news service understates dioxin's cancer effects.

Read More…

Poisonous planes' story needs description of "poison."

Posted by Paul Eubig, DVM at Oct 21, 2009 04:00 PM |

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.

Read More…

Reporter thoroughly covers pesticide controversy.

Posted by Negin P. Martin, Ph. D at Sep 25, 2009 09:45 AM |

A Fresno Bee reporter clearly and accurately relates the science, health risks and controversy of using methyl iodide.

Read More…

Households still a source of phosphorus.

Posted by Karen Kidd at Sep 14, 2009 10:00 AM |

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.

Read More…

Agent Orange distracts from diabetes story.

Posted by Paul Eubig, DVM at Sep 11, 2009 01:20 PM |

A recent article heads a little off track when it states that Agent Orange and DDT both are linked to diabetes.

Read More…

Left out and forgotten? Refinery's health risks.

Posted by Negin P. Martin, Ph. D at Sep 03, 2009 05:20 PM |

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.

Read More…

Document Actions