What Would Rachel Say?

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 Green Chemistry: Innovating for Public Health  Growing awareness about the health implications of hazardous chemicals in our everyday lives has prompted some scientists to design less toxic alternatives, such as nontoxic glues and bio-based plastics. This exciting new field of research is known as green chemistry, and Terry Collins, PhD, MSc, is one of the major leaders and drivers of this field. He serves as the Thomas Lord Professor of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University where he directs the Institute for Green Oxidation Chemistry. He will speak about his research program, implications for the health community, and public policy opportunities to encourage the development of products using green chemistry.

Click here for Dr. Collin's presentation [PDF].  http://www.oeconline.org/health/resolveuid/5fc06b3cbb865c19e50d3b8aecf1e413

Thursday, Feb 8, 2007
Nanotechnology: Potential for Improved Diagnosis Comes with Concerns
Nanotechnology -- a group of emerging technologies in which the structure of matter is manipulated at the nanometer scale ??? has fast become an arena of great technological promise as well as deep concern. Nanotech can be used to produce novel materials and devices, such as new medical treatments and tools and advanced environmentally friendly materials. However, because of the small size of the particles and limited toxicity research, a number of health concerns have been raised. Joel Tickner, ScD, Director of the Chemical Science and Policy Program and Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health and Sustainability at the University of Massachusetts???Lowell, will discuss the exciting potential and pitfalls of this technology and how we can make prudent public health choices when considering emerging technologies such as nanotech.
Click here for Dr. Tickner's presentation [PDF].
http://www.oeconline.org/health/resolveuid/6330742c68eed7206a5aeb4e17c4ca19