Latest news with #healthrisks
CBS News
16 hours ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Maryland residents call on MDE to withdraw permit for proposed plastic recycling plant
Residents in Howard County are set to rally in support of a recent Howard County Hearing Examiner's decision to overturn the project's zoning approval. The update comes as residents fight to stop W.R. Grace and Co. from building a pilot plastic recycling plant for research in Columbia. A group called Stop the Grace Project has led much of the opposition against the project. Residents have shared concerns that the plant could bring pollution and increase health risks. Some worry about toxic leaks, fires, and long-term damage to air and water quality. In June, the Maryland Department of the Environment approved a permit to construct the facility. But neighbors appealed that decision and won, overturning the Department of Planning and Zoning's (DPZ) determination that the facility does not violate zoning conditions. The county hearing examiner found that DPZ's investigation into the proposed plant was insufficient, as it relied on W.R. Grace's self-classification of permitted zoning uses. Due to the appeal, the matter was sent back to DPZ for further review, and use of the building where the plant would be is paused until the review is complete. Howard County Council Member Deb Jung commended the decision. "The Hearing Examiner issued a scathing decision and order (D&O) on the W.R. Grace zoning complaint appeal," Jung said. "The D&O stated that the Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) failed to investigate, document, and apply the law. This is such a big win for the community after so many disappointments." Work for the Stop Grace Coalition is not complete. The group wants the MDE to fully rescind the air permit that is currently under review. "The Stop Grace Coalition is calling on MDE to withdraw the air permit that lacks zoning approval and ignores residents' concerns," the group said in a statement. They are also asking for a full "local environmental and community impact review" before any more permits are granted. Residents of Columbia's Cedar Creek community and the Stop Grace Coalition are preparing for another Howard County Board of Appeals hearing. According to W.R. Grace, the facility will not burn plastic – but focus on developing safer and more effective recycling methods. On its website, the company says it has developed "a new plastic recycling solution that has the potential to reduce emissions, save energy, and lower costs compared to other options."
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
Southern Africa Enhances Early Warning Systems as Event-Based Surveillance Guidelines are Launched in Three Countries
Three Southern African countries now have Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) Guidelines—a critical tool for detecting and responding to emerging health risks. Event-based surveillance systems collect and analyse information from diverse sources, including communities, the media, and healthcare workers, to detect unusual health events in real time. They complement traditional indicator-based surveillance and are designed to support rapid public health responses. Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe were supported in developing their guidelines by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC). The Botswana Event-Based Surveillance Guidelines were launched on 24 June in Gaborone. 'By institutionalising a robust early warning system, the health sector will be empowered to detect signals of potential disease threats at their earliest stages,' said Dr Stephen Modise, MP, Minister of Health and Wellness. Speaking on Dr Modise's behalf, Dr Rex Kealebile Segadimo, Acting Secretary for Specialised Health Care, said the launch of these guidelines marks a significant milestone in Botswana's efforts to strengthen its public health system. 'This will enable the country to assess risks with precision and respond in a science-based manner, preventing threats from escalating into full-blown crises.' Dr Modise further stated: 'The institutionalisation of a robust early warning system will enable us to stay ahead of emerging health risks and respond effectively to protect the health and well-being of our citizens.' Dr Lul Riek, the Africa CDC Regional Director for Southern Africa, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Botswana and all AU Member States in operationalising these guidelines. This support will include capacity building, mentorship, digital tools, and regional coordination—as well as fostering peer learning and cross-border collaboration—recognising that no country can achieve health security in isolation. With these guidelines in place, Botswana is now better equipped to respond quickly and effectively to emerging health threats, ultimately protecting the health and well-being of its citizens. Officiating the launch in Windhoek, Namibia, also on 24 June, the country's Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Esperance Luvindao, noted that EBS plays a critical role in addressing the increasing number of public health emergencies in the country. The new surveillance system is a timely intervention, as the country faces rising risks of communicable diseases such as malaria and cholera, increasingly influenced by climate-related factors. She described the launch as a true demonstration of Namibia's commitment to being proactive in disease preparedness. 'Real-time detection of public health threats is essential to mitigate the impact of outbreaks, especially in the face of shifting disease patterns,' she said. The Minister also called for a multifaceted approach to health security and emphasised the importance of establishing and prioritising National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) to coordinate preparedness, response, and mitigation efforts. The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) in Zimbabwe launched its EBS Guidelines on 18 June in Harare. 'We are not gathered here merely to unveil a policy document,' said Dr Aspect Maunganidze, Secretary for Health and Child Care. 'We are here to affirm a national commitment—to declare that the health and safety of every Zimbabwean is our highest priority.' He explained that the EBS guidelines represent a strategic shift from reactive to proactive preparedness, empowering health authorities to detect early warning signs of public health threats before they escalate. Ms Batsirai Mbodza, Regional Programme Lead for Africa CDC, emphasised the critical importance of implementation. 'Guidelines alone will not stop outbreaks. The real impact lies in how well they are implemented,' she said. 'These tools must reach health workers in clinics, surveillance officers in the field, and community leaders, often the first to sense when something is amiss.' On behalf of UNICEF, Mr Diop Daouda stressed the need for inclusivity in the country's surveillance systems. 'Surveillance systems must be inclusive, they must reach the most remote villages, informal settlements, and border communities,' he said, adding: 'They must consider gender dynamics, disability, and cultural norms. No signal should go unnoticed, because no life is dispensable.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The National
20 hours ago
- Climate
- The National
Peak summer brings heat warning for outdoor workers and the elderly in the UAE
As the UAE braces for one of the hottest spells of the summer, doctors are offering advice on how to stay safe as the temperature edges towards 50°C. Hot and humid conditions at the height of summer are nothing new, but with winds picking up dust and sand, air quality can make it a difficult time to be outdoors. Most will choose the sanctuary of working in an air-conditioned area but for those with little option but to spend time outside this summer, health professionals have called for caution. 'This week's high temperatures, increased dust levels and humidity in Dubai can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those with respiratory or heart conditions,' Dr Mohamed Shafeeq, an internal medicine specialist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, Dubai, told The National. 'To stay safe, it is advised to remain indoors during peak heat hours of 11am until 4pm, stay well hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Those with asthma or other respiratory issues should limit dust exposure and keep their medication on hand.' Symptoms to spot Common signs of heat or respiratory stress include dizziness, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, fatigue and chest discomfort. Any signs of heat stroke should be followed up with medical attention. 'These symptoms should not be ignored and medical attention should be sought promptly if they arise,' said Dr Shafeeq. 'Maintaining basic preventive measures during extreme weather is essential for protecting personal health and preventing avoidable complications. Public awareness and early action can make a significant difference. 'Special care should be taken with infants and the elderly, as they may not communicate symptoms clearly, and try to check on neighbours or family members who live alone. Employers should also ensure outdoor staff are given regular breaks, shade and water.' Since June 15, employers have been told to restrict their workers' exposure to heat, by limiting their time outdoors. Hot weather protocols have been in place during peak summer since 2004, under an initiative by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to keep people safe in the workplace. The directive runs until September 15, prohibiting work in direct sunlight or open air spaces from 12.30pm until 3pm. Ageing populations The number of people exposed to extreme heat around the world is growing year-on-year, the World Health Organisation says. In those over 65, a group vulnerable to heat illness, the number of older people dying from heat-related complications increased 85 per cent between 2000-2004 an 2017-2021. Physiological factors such as age and health status have a major effect on heat vulnerability. More people living longer into old age has put more at risk from heath complications associated with heatwaves, defined as a period where localised excess heat accumulates over a sequence of unusually hot days and nights. Dr Deepak Gopal Dube, a specialist of internal medicine at International Modern Hospital, said heat stroke can be life threatening. 'Heat-related conditions can be anything from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and then the more severe heat stroke, which is a life-threatening condition,' he said. 'We see heat-related illnesses particularly in people who are exposed in industries in a closed environment with a lot of heat inside, and of course those working outdoors. 'These people should be very careful regarding their prolonged heat exposure, if they are older there is an even greater risk of a stroke.' Dr Dube said regular rest stops away from direct sun can give the body an opportunity to cool down with ice packs and fluids. 'Workers exposed to the heat we are seeing currently should have intermittent rest periods, where every 30 to 45 minutes they should go to a cool place and get some hydration before resuming work,' he said. 'That can at least prevent any heat-related issues. We are getting into peak season now for temperatures, and it is likely to last until at least September so people should know the risks and take precautions.'
The Independent
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Brooklyn Beckham makes pasta using water from the sea
Brooklyn Beckham caused controversy by using seawater to boil pasta for a cooking video filmed on a luxury yacht. Fans reacted with disgust and concern, highlighting the potential health risks associated with cooking with unpurified seawater due to bacteria. Scientific research supports these concerns, indicating that seawater contains millions of bacteria, some of which are linked to serious illnesses. Beckham, who was promoting his hot sauce brand, has a history of receiving criticism for his culinary skills but maintains he is unfazed by negative comments. The incident comes amid ongoing speculation about discord within the Beckham family, following Brooklyn and his wife's absence from recent family events.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Drivers are forgetting to turn off ‘hidden' button in car that ‘could make you drowsy' while sat in traffic
DRIVERS risk their health as they forget to turn off an overlooked button in their car. The hidden button can make you drowsy which could lead to accidents. 1 With temperatures rising outside, you might be blasting your car's air con. However, watch out for one air con setting which could cause sleepiness on the road. Look for a button marked with a little arrow pointing back on itself, often accompanied by a car symbol. Recirculate air This "recirculate air" button is designed to cool down your vehicle's interior even when the air con is off. Rather than drawing in hot air from outside, this button recirculates the air already inside the car. The button can be useful if you're stuck in traffic behind a car spewing out fumes. Since it doesn't draw air from outside, you can avoid unpleasant smells, dust and other pollutants. You also won't overwork your AC to continuously cool down hot air from outside which could save you money. Health risks However, the "recirculate air" button is not meant to be used for longer than 20 minutes, according to one study. Although it helps to save on fuel and cools down your motor faster, it could also cause drowsiness, fatigue and headaches. All UK car dealerships will STOP selling 10,000s of iconic brand's used models impacted by lethal airbag flaw When left turned on for an extended period, the "recirculate air" will increase carbon dioxide levels in your vehicle. As CO2 from your breath builds up in your car, there will be less oxygen for the air con to circulate. This could make drivers lose concentration and impair their reaction times. To maintain CO2 concentrations below 2500 ppm for longer commutes or when driving with several passengers, RC ventilation should be periodically turned off. Dr Christabel Akinola has warned drivers about the dangers of the button on her Instagram account. In a post, she wrote: "This is one of the reasons drivers fall asleep and don't know why or how, leading to accidents. "Please, before you ride in any car and during the trip, make sure you check the dashboard to ensure it's turned off, especially if you have kids."
