An investigation, by the U.S. based Environmental Working Group, into pet exposures to household contaminants such as plastics, food packaging and stain-proofing chemicals, heavy metals and fire retardants, has found that average levels of many chemicals were higher in cats and dogs than they typically are in people.

The European Commission has proposed restrictions on the sale and use of paint strippers containing dichloromethane, a chemical which is toxic to the central nervous system.

 
Over the last 18 years, these paint strippers have been associated with a number of fatalities and accidents resulting from inadequate ventilation and the failure of users to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). In an effort to protect human health, the Commission has proposed to

 - ban the sale of these products to consumers, who are the least aware of their dangers and have the least access to the correct PPE

- ban the use of these products by professionals operating outside industrial premises

Reference

European Commission  2008  Partial ban for paint strippers containing dichloromethane proposed   Online, available at : http://europa.eu/rapid/pressreleaseaction  (viewed on 6.3.08)

After reviewing over 100 medical and scientific papers, as well as press and internet content, Canberra neurosurgeon, Dr Vini Khurana, has suggested that a causal link between excessive, prolonged mobile phone use and brain tumours can no longer be regarded as a myth. He states that “this danger has broader ramifications than asbestos and smoking and directly concerns us all”.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology has found some association between long term (20 year) exposure to air-borne particulates and sub-clinical atherosclerosis (the formation of fatty deposits in artery walls).