A new study says we tend to put too much blame on environmental disasters that don't actually affect us.

“It's the consumer products” that bring chemicals into our bodies, says Kathleen Cooper, a researcher for the Canadian Environmental Law Association.

via Toxic contamination starts at home: Study.

(NaturalNews) The use of mouthwashes that contain alcohol as an ingredient can drastically increase a person's risk of cancers of the mouth, head and neck, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Australia's University of Melbourne and University of Queensland School of Dentistry.

via Common Mouthwash Products Boost Risk of Oral Cancer by 900 Percent.

Ian Austen of the New York Times had an excellent article Wednesday on oil extraction from the tar sands in Alberta, Canada. Canada is now the largest oil supplier to the U.S. The article outlines the various environmental concerns of this extremely energy intensive operation, including impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution and migratory birds.

via Alberta’s Disastrous Tar Sands and NAFTA.

FDA Reluctantly Admits Mercury Fillings Have Neurotoxic Effects on Children

(NaturalNews) For the first time, the FDA has issued a warning that the mercury contained in silver dental fillings may pose neurological risks to children and pregnant women.
“Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses,” reads a statement that has been added to the agency’s Web site. “Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner.”
The warning was one of the conditions that the FDA agreed to in settling a lawsuit filed by several consumer health groups.

Bottled Water Quality Investigation: 10 Major Brands, 38 Pollutants | Environmental Working Group

Bottled water contains disinfection byproducts, fertilizer residue, and pain medication

October 2008

Authors: Olga Naidenko, PhD, Senior Scientist; Nneka Leiba, MPH, Researcher; Renee Sharp, MS, Senior Scientist; Jane Houlihan, MSCE, Vice President for Research