GreenFacts News Feed

Non-human primates in research and safety testing: a new GreenFacts copublication

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Every year, more than 100 000 monkeys and apes are used for biomedical research around the world for biomedical research and for testing the safety of new drugs. Are there alternatives to the use of primates in research and testing? Would it be feasible to stop using them altogether? GreenFacts faithfully summarized the recent assessment by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER).

Phthalates in school supplies: a new GreenFacts Co-Publication

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Some school supplies, such as erasers, contain phthalates – substances that are added to plastics to make them soft. Can regularly chewing on such articles cause harmful health effects? GreenFacts faithfully summarized the recent assessment by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER)

Energy-Saving Lamps & Health: a new GreenFacts Co-Publication

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Currently, conventional incandescent lamps are being replaced with more energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Do these energy-saving lamps aggravate the symptoms in patients with certain diseases? GreenFacts faithfully summarized the recent assessment by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR)

Press Release: Are efforts to fight malaria paying off?

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:00:00 GMT

This week, World Malaria Day (25 April) draws attention to a disease that still infects nearly 250 million people each year and kills close to one million of them, especially children. Currently, half the world's population lives in areas where bites of infected mosquitoes could transmit the disease and many efforts are still needed to meet the 2010 target of delivering effective and affordable protection and treatment to at least 80% people at risk of malaria. Latest facts and figures are provided by the “World Malaria Report 2008” produced by the World Health Organization (WHO) addressing worldwide disease trends and actions taken.

Forests & Energy: a new GreenFacts Digest

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:00:00 GMT

In coming years, the world's energy consumption is expected to increase dramatically. What role could forests play in future energy supply? GreenFacts faithfully summarised the 'Forests and Energy, Key Issues' report produced in 2008 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Press Release: What role could forests play in future energy supply?

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Rising food prices have fuelled controversy about the production of liquid biofuels for transport. Currently, biofuels are produced from food crops, such as sugar cane or rape seed, and have been criticized for yielding low economic and environmental benefits compared to fossil fuels. If sustainably managed, large forested areas could serve as a source for a new generation of biofuels derived from wood that is better than current biofuels from food crops in terms of energy efficiency, environmental benefits and socio-economical impacts. This is one of the conclusions of a recent report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

Water Resources digest now in seven languages

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:00:00 GMT

This week, the World Water Forum brings together thousands of people from around the world to discuss the future of water management. For this occasion, Facts on water resources are made availabe in seven languages in pdf form: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Dutch, Spanish and Turkish.

Fisheries - latest data: a new GreenFacts Digest

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Demand for fish is still growing and exerting strong pressures on fish stocks, though growing aquaculture production is now meeting almost half of the demand of fish for food. GreenFacts faithfully summarised the "State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture" released today by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

GreenFacts Newsletter - March 2009

Sun, 1 Mar 2009 13:00:00 GMT

World Forestry Day & Energy - Many languages at World Water Forum - Today’s fish stocks - Groundbreaking Mercury Treaty - Groundbreaking Mercury Treaty

Energy technologies: a new GreenFacts Digest

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT

The growing use of energy that underlies current economic growth puts unsustainable pressure on natural resources and on the environment. What options do we have for switching to a cleaner and more efficient energy future? How much will it cost? And what policies could achieve this? GreenFacts faithfully summarized the Executive Summary of the 'Energy Technology Perspectives 2008' by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Drug-resistant tuberculosis: a new GreenFacts Digest

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects a growing number of people around the world. Usually, it can be treated with antibiotics but some forms of the disease have emerged that do not respond to different types of drugs, making it very difficult to treat. What are the trends in drug-resistant tuberculosis around the world and what must be done to control it? GreenFacts faithfully summarized the Fourth Global Report on "Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance in the World" by the WHO and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (IUATLD).

Global Public Health Threats: a new GreenFacts Digest

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

With the increase in plane traffic, contagious illnesses spread farther and faster than ever. Some diseases, such as tuberculosis are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Old enemies like polio refuse to go away. Others like smallpox which have been eradicated threaten a devastating comeback if released. In an increasingly connected world, what are the threaths to our collective health? GreenFacts has faithfully summarised the WHO World Health Report – A safer future: global public health security in the 21st century.

Can listening to personal music players damage hearing? a new GreenFacts Co-Publication

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

The listening habits of most users are unlikely to cause hearing loss, but some young people are putting their hearing at risk in the long term. This is a conclusion of the scientific opinion published today by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) and faithfully summarised by GreenFacts.

Risks of tooth whiteners & oral hygiene products: a new GreenFacts Co-Publication

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Are toothpastes, mouth-rinses and tooth whitening products containing hydrogen peroxide safe? Above certain concentrations they may entail potential risks. This is one of the conclusions of an opinion issued by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP). GreenFacts faithfully summarised this recent assessment.

Dental amalgams & alternative tooth filling materials: multilingual summary now available

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The full three-level summary of the EC assessment on the safety of tooth filling materials is now online in English, French, German, and Spanish. It looks both into amalgams, which contain mercury, and alternative tooth-coloured materials. GreenFacts faithfully summarised the recent assessment by two European Commission Scientific Committees (SCENIHR & SCHER).

Chemicals, particles and microbes in indoor air: a new GreenFacts Co-Publication

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Indoor air may contain over 900 chemicals, particles and biological materials with potential health effects. How can health risks of these pollutants – to the general population and particular vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and elderly people – be assessed? GreenFacts has faithfully summarized the recent assessment by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER).

Mobile Phones & Electromagnetic Fields: a new GreenFacts Co-Publication

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

From mobile phones and computer screens to vacuum cleaners and power lines, electromagnetic fields are an inescapable part of daily life. But there is concern that everyday exposure to some of these fields of force might be harmful to health, especially to children. Are current safety limits adequate in the light of recent scientific evidence? GreenFacts has faithfully summarized the recent assessment by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR).

International Day for Biological Diversity today

Thu, 22 May 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Today’s International Day for Biological Diversity marks the 16th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). According to this Convention, Biodiversity – the number, variety, and variability of living organisms – is not just about plants, animals, microorganisms and their ecosystems, but also about humans and their needs such as food security, clean air and water, as well as a healthy environment. Why is it important to reduce biodiversity loss?

Dental amalgams & alternative tooth filling materials: a new GreenFacts Co-Publication

Fri, 9 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Amalgam is a combination of mercury with other metals and has been used as a tooth filling material since early in the 19th century. Alternative tooth-coloured materials are increasingly used because they look better and require less intervention. How safe are different tooth filling materials? Are they equally effective in ensuring dental health? GreenFacts has faithfully summarized the brand new assessment by two European Commission Scientific Committees (SCENIHR & SCHER).

Press Release: Agriculture & Development: New pressing challenges identified by international assessment

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 GMT

The unequal distribution of food and conflict over control of the world's dwindling natural resources present a major political and social challenge to governments and policy makers. The new report launched today by the International Assessment on Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) – endorsed in Johannesburg by delegates from over 60 countries – draws global attention to the issue which is likely to reach crisis status as climate change advances and world population expands.

Press Release: Jacques Wirtgen appointed General Manager of GreenFacts

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:00:00 GMT

GreenFacts, the leader in science communication on health and the environment, announced the appointment of Jacques Wirtgen as General Manager by the Board of Directors. Until late 2007, Jacques Wirtgen was director of the Royal Institute for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and the Promotion of clean Technologies (IRGT-KINT). While managing IRGT-KINT for seven years, he acquired a profound knowledge of environmental issues, and established contacts with many important stakeholders and organizations in Belgium and abroad.

Water resources: a new GreenFacts Digest

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Water is essential for human survival and well-being and important to many sectors of the economy. However, resources are irregularly distributed in space and time, and they are under pressure due to human activity. How can water resources be managed sustainably while meeting an ever increasing demand? GreenFacts has faithfully summarised the state of the resource provided in the UNESCO World Water Development Report 2.

Newsletter - What’s next?

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:00:00 GMT

In early 2008, GreenFacts will publish summaries of scientific reports on the state of water resources, agriculture and development, world health threats, and other hot topics such as health effects of mobile phones and indoor air pollution. This new information and the many translations provided online and on paper should be relevant to our growing readership base.

Press Release: The core of climate change knowledge finally to be brought together in Valencia

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 10:00:00 GMT

From 12 to 16 November, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will convene in Valencia, Spain, to discuss and adopt a synthesised version of its Fourth Assessment Report on Climate Change. Ahead of this meeting, GreenFacts has released a faithful, reader-friendly overview of the assessment.

Comunicado de Prensa: Valencia acogerá la próxima reunión del IPCC

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Del 12 al 16 de noviembre, el Panel Intergubernamental sobre el Cambio Climático (IPCC) se reunirá en Valencia, España, para tratar y adoptar una versión sintetizada del Cuarto Informe de Evaluación sobre el Cambio Climático. Con anticipo a esta reunión, GreenFacts ha publicado un resumen fiel y de fácil comprensión sobre dicha evaluación.

Press Release: Nobel Peace Prize puts spotlight on climate protection

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:00:00 GMT

Today, the importance of spreading knowledge about climate change is emphasized by the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Al Gore. GreenFacts is pleased to contribute to disseminating the most recent scientific findings on the subject by publishing a faithful, reader-friendly overview of the latest IPCC assessment report.

CO2 Capture and Storage: A new GreenFacts Digest

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 16:00:00 GMT

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas that contributes to Earth’s global warming. Over the past two centuries, its concentration in the atmosphere has greatly increased, mainly because of human activities such as fossil fuel burning. One possible option for reducing CO2 emissions is to store it underground. This technique is called Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS). How does it work? Could it really help addressing climate change? GreenFacts has faithfully summarized the IPCC's "Special Report on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage: Technical Summary (2004)"

Press Release: Is it safe to use sunbeds?

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Although the use of sunbeds has some positive health effects, it is likely to increase the risk of skin and possibly eye cancer. This is one of the conclusions of an opinion issued by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP), the Opinion on Biological effects of ultraviolet radiation relevant to health with particular reference to sunbeds for cosmetic purposes, which assesses the general health and safety implications of exposure of persons to natural and artificial ultraviolet radiation.

Press Release: Nanotechnologies - Effects of the infinitely small

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Engineered particles of nanometre size can have unique properties and very different effects on health and the environment compared to the same material at larger sizes. New or modified methods are needed to better determine the properties of nanoparticles, measure exposure to them, assess their potential hazard, and detect their movement in the body and in the environment.

Sunbeds & UV Radiation: a new GreenFacts Co-Publication

Wed, 8 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

In addition to natural sunlight, sunbed users seeking to achieve a tan expose themselves to substantial amounts of artificial UV radiation. However, there is evidence that UV radiation can cause damage to health. What are the health and safety implications of both natural solar UV radiation and artificial UV radiation from sunbeds? GreenFacts has faithfully summarized the SCCP’s "Opinion on Biological effects of ultraviolet radiation relevant to health with particular reference to sunbeds for cosmetic purposes (2006)"

Nanotechnologies: a new GreenFacts Co-Publication

Wed, 8 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Nanotechnologies refer to technologies which exploit the unique properties of tiny particles of nanometre size (millionths of a millimetre). They represent a fast-growing market and are already being used in a variety of technologies and consumer products. However, materials containing nanoparticles may be of concern for human health and the environment, and the risks of these recently developed materials need to be assessed. Are the existing methodologies to assess these risks appropriate? GreenFacts has faithfully summarized the SCENIHR’s "modified Opinion (after public consultation) on the appropriateness of existing methodologies to assess the potential risks associated with engineered and adventitious products of nanotechnologies (2006)".

Press Release: GreenFacts launches biodiversity Digest

Mon, 21 May 2007 14:30:00 GMT

As a contribution to the International Day for Biological Diversity, an online summary of the second edition of Global Biodiversity Outlook has been launched today. Global Biodiversity Outlook 2, published last year by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, takes stock of the Earth’s biodiversity, analyses the factors leading to biodiversity loss, and advocates key interventions that would reduce pressure on the natural environment. The reader-friendly summary is available on www.greenfacts.org/en/global-biodiversity-outlook/

Press Release: Patrick G. Poty appointed General Manager of GreenFacts

Mon, 07 May 2007 13:30:00 GMT

GreenFacts, the leading science communicator in health and environment, announced today the appointment of Dr. Patrick G. Poty as General Manager. He is replacing Jacques de Selliers who will be taking up other responsibilities within the organization of which he is one of the founders.

Press Release: How safe is a bright smile?

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 13:30:00 GMT

The use of tooth whiteners containing up to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide is safe. This is one of the conclusions of the "Opinion on Hydrogen Peroxide in Tooth Whitening Products" issued by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP). The opinion assesses whether tooth whitening products containing up to 6% hydrogen peroxide are safe and if they should be freely and directly available to consumers. At the request of the European Commission DG Health and Consumer Protection, GreenFacts has faithfully summarised the opinion on hydrogen peroxide.

Press Release: Climate Change meeting in Brussels

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 17:59:00 GMT

At the occasion of the meeting of the Working Group II (WG2) of the IPCC in Brussels this week, GreenFacts has published a clear and faithful summary of "Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis, Summary for Policymakers" by the IPCC WG1, the first part of the IPCC 4th Assessment Report (AR4), on www.greenfacts.org/en/climate-change-ar4/. This GreenFacts Digest is available in English, Dutch, French, and Spanish.

Press Release: IPCC 4th Assessment Report - Comparing the IPCC AR4 to the TAR

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 17:31:00 GMT

GreenFacts will publish next month a clear and faithful summary of the first part of IPCC 4th Assessment Report (AR4) on www.greenfacts.org. This summary will be completed with the second and third parts in the course of 2007. GreenFacts was invited to be present at the Sessions of the three IPCC Working Groups with an observer status. A GreenFacts summary of the IPCC Third Assessment Report (TAR) is available at www.greenfacts.org/en/digests/climate_change/.

Forests: a new GreenFacts Digest

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 11:34:00 GMT

Forests cover a third of our planet's land. They provide raw materials, maintain biodiversity, protect land and water resources, and play a role in climate change mitigation. Forests are heavily exploited, but important efforts are being made to use and manage them more sustainably. What is the current state of the world’s forests? GreenFacts has faithfully summarised the FAO "Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005, Progress towards sustainable forest management".

Press Release: Science stripped down to the bare facts

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 17:38:00 GMT

This month marks the fifth anniversary of the creation of GreenFacts and its innovative approach to bringing complex scientific consensus reports to the reach of non-experts. In the past five years, GreenFacts has reached out to millions of Internet users across the world, attracting nearly two million visitors in 2006 alone. The website www.greenfacts.org is now a well established source of reliable scientific information on topics ranging from climate change and the state of ecosystems to the health effects of chemical substances or lifestyle choices.

Press Release: World AIDS Day 2006

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 14:38:00 GMT

The fight against AIDS, put into the spotlight by the upcoming World AIDS Day, has been identified by world leaders as one of the most urgent issues of national and international development. In this context, the GreenFacts Digest on AIDS provides an overview of the current state of the epidemic and the challenges ahead.

AIDS: a new GreenFacts Digest

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 11:00:00 GMT

In just 25 years, HIV has spread relentlessly from a few widely scattered “hot spots” to virtually every country in the world, infecting 65 million people and killing 25 million. What has been done since 2001 and what can be done in the future to halt the spread of AIDS? GreenFacts has faithfully summarised the UNAIDS “Report on the Global AIDS epidemic” in a language for the non-expert reader.

Arctic Climate Change: a new GreenFacts Digest

Fri, 03 Nov 2006 12:00:00 GMT

Our climate is already changing, particularly in the Arctic where permafrost is melting, glaciers are receding, and sea ice is disappearing. Changes in the Arctic will not only affect local people and ecosystems but also the rest of the world, because the Arctic plays a special role in global climate. How has the climate changed in the Arctic so far, and what future changes are expected? Non-specialists can find answers to such questions in GreenFacts’ Three-Level Summary of the ACIA report entitled "Impacts of a Warming Arctic: Arctic Climate Impact Assessment".

Desertification: a new GreenFacts Digest

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 12:00:00 GMT

Desertification is the persistent degradation of dryland ecosystems. It threatens the livelihoods of some of the poorest and most vulnerable populations on the planet. Desertification is largely caused by unsustainable use of scarce resources. What options exist to avoid or reverse desertification and its negative impacts? GreenFacts has faithfully summarised the "Desertification Synthesis" by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in a language for the non-expert reader.

Psychoactive Drugs: a new GreenFacts Digest

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 11:00:00 GMT

Psychoactive drugs such as tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin can change consciousness, mood, and thoughts. The use of these drugs imposes a substantial health burden on society. How do psychoactive drugs affect the brain? How does drug addiction develop and how can it be treated? Non-specialists can find answers to such questions in GreenFacts’ Three-Level Summary of the WHO report entitled "Neuroscience of Psychoactive Substance Use and Dependence".

PCBs: a new GreenFacts Digest

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 16:12:00 GMT

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of man-made compounds that were widely used in the past, mainly in electrical equipment, but which were banned at the end of the 1970s in many countries due to environmental concerns. Because these compounds are generally very stable, they remain present in the environment today. What are the health risks associated with PCBs? GreenFacts has faithfully summarised the international chemical assessment by the World Health Organization entitled "Polychlorinated biphenyls: Human health aspects" in a language for the non-expert reader.

Press Release: 10th International Congress on Obesity

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 15:30:00 GMT

The 10th International Congress on Obesity in Sydney, Australia, brings international attention to the fight against obesity and other diet-related diseases. In this context, GreenFacts' Digest on Diet and Nutrition looks at how improved eating habits and increased physical activity can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Press Release: Facts on Diet and Nutrition

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 17:12:00 GMT

How can improved eating habits and increased physical activity help reduce the risk of chronic diseases? This is the subject of GreenFacts’ 25th Digest: "Facts on Diet and Nutrition", a summary of a joint WHO/FAO expert consultation titled “Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases”. GreenFacts published its first Digest in July 2002. Since then, GreenFacts has stepped up its publication rate to one Digest per month, pursuing its mission of bringing complex scientific consensus reports on health and the environment to the reach of non-specialists.

Diet & Nutrition: a new GreenFacts Digest

Fri, 7 Jul 2006 16:12:00 GMT

As a result of changes in the way we eat and live, some chronic diseases are increasingly affecting both developed and developing countries. Indeed, diet-related chronic diseases - such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dental disease, and osteoporosis - are the most common cause of death in the world and present a great burden for society. How can improvements in terms of diet and physical activity help us reduce the risk of these chronic diseases? GreenFacts has faithfully summarised "Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases", a report by a joint WHO/FAO expert consultation.

Biodiversity: a new GreenFacts Digest

Mon, 29 May 2006 15:49:00 GMT

The scientific consensus on biodiversity and ecosystem loss is now available in a concise and accessible way. The online summary at www.greenfacts.org/biodiversity/ is a reader-friendly version of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) Synthesis Report on Biodiversity. In the run-up to the European Commission’s Green Week 2006 on Biodiversity, GreenFacts, the IUCN Regional Office for Europe, and Countdown 2010 have joined forces to explain biodiversity, its benefits for human well-being and the dramatic loss of biodiversity the world is currently witnessing.

Press release: International Day for Biological Diversity

Wed, 17 May 2006 15:15:00 GMT

This year’s International Day for Biological Diversity marks the 14th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity. According to this Convention, Biodiversity – the number, variety, and variability of living organisms – is not just about plants, animals, microorganisms and their ecosystems, but also about humans and their needs such as food security, clean air and water, as well as a healthy environment.

Press release: Chernobyl - 20 years later

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 12:15:00 GMT

In light of the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, which happened on 26th April 1986, GreenFacts has sent out a press release on its latest Digest which highlights the findings of the Chernobyl Forum Report. The Forum included hundreds of experts from, among others, the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Chernobyl Nuclear Accident: a new GreenFacts Digest

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 17:15:00 GMT

The most serious accident in nuclear history has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people dramatically. Massive amounts of radioactive material were released and the greatest contamination occurred around the reactor in areas that are now part of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. How has the region been affected by the accident and how has it coped with it? GreenFacts has faithfully summarized the digest report by the Chernobyl Forum entitled “Chernobyl’s Legacy: Health, Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts” in a language for the non-expert reader.

Health Risks of Static Magnetic and Electric Fields - a new GreenFacts Digest

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 18:37:00 GMT

Medical imaging devices (MRI), trains, and television sets are examples of man-made equipment that can generate static magnetic or electric fields. In some areas of research and medical imaging, stronger and stronger static magnetic fields are being used. What is known so far about potential health consequences? Non-specialists can find answers to such questions in GreenFacts’ Three-Level Summary of the "Environmental Health Criteria 232 Static Fields" of the WHO (World Health Organization), a leading scientific report produced in 2005 by a large international panel of scientists.

Alcohol: a recent GreenFacts Digest

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 17:37:00 GMT

Alcohol is linked with connotations of pleasure and sociability in the minds of many, but its use also has harmful consequences. What are the impacts of alcohol consumption on human health and society? The "Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004" of the WHO (World Health Organization) has now been summarized by GreenFacts in its readerfriendly Three-Level, bringing it to the reach of a much wider audience.

Health Risks of Phthalates used in Plastics: a recent GreenFacts Digest

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 16:37:00 GMT

Phthalates are additives that are widely used in plastics and other materials, mainly to make them soft and flexible. They have applications in industry, in medicine and in consumer products. There is public concern about phthalates because of their widespread use and occurrence in the environment. What is known about possible effects on environment and health? To date in the European Union, possible effects of three of the five of the most widely used phthalates (DBP, DINP, and DIDP) have been assessed by the European Chemicals Bureau (ECB). The findings are now made available to non-specialists in a GreenFacts Three-Level Summary.

Respiratory diseases in children: a new GreenFacts Digest

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 18:37:00 GMT

Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of mortality in developing countries, and one of the most common causes of illness in children of developed countries. Furthermore, asthma and allergies are increasing in a number of European countries. How can genetic and environmental factors affect a child's likelihood to develop these diseases? GreenFacts has summarised the Baseline Report on Respiratory Health drawn up by a group of scientific experts under the EU Environment & Health strategy (summary available in English, Spanish and French).