Pesticide Action Network Updates Service (PANUPS)

Resource Pointer #184

October 23, 1998

For copies of the following resources, please contact the appropriate publishers or organizations directly.

*Pesticides and National Strategies for Health Care Providers: Workshop Proceedings, April 23-24, 1998.* U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Identifies strategies for teaching health care providers to recognize, diagnose, manage and prevent adverse health effects from pesticide exposures. Recommendations include defining basic training necessary for physicians; integrating pesticide issues into educational curriculums; raising awareness and visibility of issue; and centralizing resources. 58 pp. Free of charge. To order, contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticides Program, 401 M. St. SW (7506C), Washington DC 20460; phone (703) 305-7666.

*Chemicals That Compromise Life, 1998.* World Wildlife Fund. Focuses on endocrine disrupting chemicals, how they function and the effects of exposure to them. Cites numerous examples of endocrine disruption in wildlife including feminization of alligators in Florida. Further examines laboratory studies and gives evidence for human endocrine disruption including learning disabilities, testicular cancer, declining sperm counts, and genital defects. 11 pp. Free. Also available on the WWF web site. To order, contact World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St. NW, Washington DC 20037; phone (202) 778-9606; email tina.skaar@wwfus.org; web site: www.worldwildlife.org

*Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Web Site.* Provides information on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and updates negotiations of legally binding treaty to control these chemicals. Includes fact sheets on the 12 POPs (including nine pesticides) targeted by the treaty as well as information on alternatives. Also provides reports from countries around the world on use and replacement of POPs. Web site: irptc.unep.ch/pops/

*Drinking Water: Hidden Dangers on-line article/Web Site, USA Today. October 1998.* Investigates the Safe Water Act, the problems of implementing it and the failure to meet its standards nationwide. Looks at increasing threats to public water systems and the potential effects on public health. Includes links to news articles on water quality related issues and incidents around the country. Also provides link to the EPA water system score card. Web site: www.usatoday.com/

*Decision Guidance Documents, Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Web Site* Decision Guidance Documents (DGDs) are prepared to assist governments in making import decisions regarding PIC listed chemicals. These chemicals include pesticides such as 2,4,5-T, captafol, lindane, pentachlorophenal and methyl parathion. The DGDs provide a summary of toxicological and environmental characteristics, known usage, possible exposure routes, measures to reduce exposure, and regulatory actions taken by some countries to ban or severely restrict the chemical, with corresponding reasons for their actions. Web site: http://www.fao.org/