Policy News
Panel urges reform of factory farms
A Pew Commission report says health and environmental risks of industrial farms outweigh their cost savings.
Animal farming has become increasingly industrialized during the past several decades, and a new report concludes that this trend has put the environment, human health, and animal welfare at risk. The 2½-year analysis (PDF Size: 6.2 MB) by the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production, released April 29, calls for sweeping changes across the U.S. meat- and dairy-production industries that would include banning antibiotics and regulating manure waste much more tightly.
Many of the risks cited in the report stem from the close confinement of large numbers of animals; this promotes the spread of disease and concentrates animal wastes in small areas. The heavy use of antibiotics on feedlots fosters the growth of antibiotic-resistant microbes that cause human illness. High-density animal facilities also produce huge volumes of animal waste containing nutrients and animal hormones that contaminate aquifers and surface waters. The farms degrade air quality by producing high levels of odorous substances as well as toxic gases, particles, and bioaerosols containing pathogens that then infect other animals and humans. Livestock operations also produce 18% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2006 UN report cited in the study.
The commission, which is composed of 15 experts in health and agriculture, made strong recommendations despite what Executive Director Robert Martin described in the report's foreword as "some serious obstacles" from the agriculture industry. Among the recommendations were a phaseout, and eventually a ban, on the nontherapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock; a new disease-monitoring program with 48-hour tracing back to infected animals; creation of a new system to deal with animal waste; an end to the most cramped conditions; enforcement of antitrust laws to encourage smaller farming operations; and increased research on animal agriculture practices.
The report was sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Science
Microbes alter estrogenic power of surfactant breakdown products
New research indicates that incomplete degradation of isomers could spell trouble for regulators.
Over the past few years, the issue of whether Deca BDE, the only PBDE flame retardant currently used in North America, breaks down in the environment has become a key issue to scientists researching the controversial compound.
NTP brief on BPA receives mixed peer review
Peer reviewers of a federal agency’s draft brief on bisphenol A recommend lowering levels of concern for some human-health risks.
In a changing climate, cities worsen water quality
A new study of more than 1000 Maryland streams finds that as climate patterns change, urban sprawl can pollute water with more nitrate than previously thought.
Researchers are finding alternatives to conventional plasticizers that may alleviate health concerns.
A surprising new source of methane from the ocean
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown source of methane that could increase with continued global warming.
Agricultural practices have modified global water flows, causing large-scale and often unpredictable changes in ecosystems.
Technology
Renewable energy spurs “green gold rush”
The UN reports record-setting growth in green-energy investment last year.
Stockholm Industry Water Award goes to California utilities
The top water award from a Swedish nonprofit organization has been bestowed on Orange County’s water district and wastewater utilities.
Faster, cheaper search for antibiotics in the field
A new field kit developed by the U.S. Agricultural Research Service and its partners allows for near real-time water monitoring.
Styrofoam: from packaging to picture frames—and beyond
A new technology allows more cost-effective recycling of Styrofoam products.
Green chemistry pioneers receive leadership awards
The Council of Scientific Society Presidents recognizes Paul Anastas and John Warner for their contribution to the field of green chemistry.
Would you like that book in paper or plastic?
Electronic book readers save paper, but can a piece of plastic really be better for the environment? ES&T reporter Erika Engelhaupt is determined—very determined—to find out.
Removing salt to supply a nation's water
Desalination technologies currently provide less than half a percent of the U.S. water supply, but that amount may increase, according to a National Academy of Sciences report.
Policy
Protecting ecosystems from climate change
A new report by EPA offers suggestions on how to minimize the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.
Growing strength—and divide—in climate opinion
Even as Americans become more willing to act on global warming, opinions are solidifying along party lines.
Why is global sanitation so elusive?
New research shows that factors such as inadequate funding and lack of political commitment pose significant challenges to meeting the world’s sanitation goals.
The invisible U.S. energy boom
A new report shows that energy-efficiency measures have been highly successful in the U.S. but remain underdeveloped.
Fast-growing plants might meet the high demand for crops for biofuels, but a new report proposes that governments should assess the risks of nonnative species before planting them.
EPA proposes tougher lead rule
The agency has revised the National Ambient Air Quality Standards to lower lead levels in air.
Business & Education
The country has a chance to continue on its environmental path, beyond the Games and the borders of its capital.
U.S. manufacturers spent $26 billion on pollution abatement in 2005, according to a government survey.
The scientist's work tallied the invisible water used to make food and other products.
ES&T Associate Editor Dzombak named to NAE
Dzombak is cited for his novel development of models used in evaluating chemical behavior in water-quality engineering and environmental remediation.
A new report shows a rising trend in the number of eco-friendly buildings in the U.S.
