The Cause of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated blows to the head. These impacts do not have to create immediate symptoms for CTE to show up later in life. It was famously discovered in Mike Webster, a former center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, by the […]
How the NFL Concussion Litigation Started
How the NFL Concussion Litigation Started Concussions and repeated blows to the head have been problematic for National Football League (NFL) players for a long time. When players lead with their heads, concussions and head injuries are bound to happen. Mike Webster, a former Pittsburgh Steeler, exhibited symptoms after receiving many head injuries including depression, […]
Mon Valley Plants Ordered to Submit Plan to Reduce Emissions
Mon Valley Plants Ordered to Submit Plan to Reduce Emissions Earlier this week, the Allegheny Health Department issued an order requiring the Mon Valley Works to submit a plan outlining actions and specific steps they are going to take to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions that have been polluting the surrounding communities since the December 24 […]
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month Today starts Brain Injury Awareness Month. Every March for the last 30 years the Brain Injury Association of America has helped spread awareness of the devastating effects of brain injuries by educating the public about them and the needs of the brain injured and their families. The current campaign, […]
Toxic Manganese Exposure and its Effects
Toxic Manganese Exposure and its Effects Manganese is a very useful and important element. It is used in the production of dry cell batteries, fuel additives, fungicides, paint, and adhesives. It is also used for steel production, the production of potassium permanganate (a disinfectant), the creation of glass and ceramics, matches and fireworks, welding rods, […]
How Asbestos Shingles Started and Why They are so Dangerous
How Asbestos Shingles Started and Why They are so Dangerous When asbestos was considered a safe material, it was used in many different products because of its strength and insulating properties. One man, Lutwig Hatscheck, purchased an asbestos factory in 1893, and in 1900 invented asbestos cement. He was then able to patent the product […]
El Dorado Hills’ Asbestos Problem
El Dorado Hills’ Asbestos Problem El Dorado Hills, 22 miles east of Sacramento, California, is a seemingly normal town with good schools, nice golf courses, and gated communities. It is one of the fastest growing areas in California, but it has one problem: naturally occurring asbestos. Most people were unaware of the asbestos lurking underneath […]
Fracking and its Effects on the Environment and Human Health
Fracking and its Effects on the Environment and Human Health Hydraulic Fracturing, or fracking, is the process of injecting millions of gallons of water, sand, and toxic chemicals into the ground to extract natural gas. Fracking was created by Halliburton to increase production in conventional oil and gas wells when the wells started to run […]
February is Cancer Prevention Month
February is Cancer Prevention Month According to the World Health Organization 30 to 50 percent of all cancer cases are preventable. The largest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality is tobacco smoking, which kills approximately 6 million people each year (from cancer and other diseases). The reason tobacco smoke is so dangerous is that there […]
The History of Ambler, Pennsylvania
The History of Ambler, Pennsylvania Ambler, Pennsylvania, a small town 16 miles north of Philadelphia, was once known as the asbestos manufacturing capital of the world. The town thrived because of Richard Mattison, the son of a Quaker farmer. He went to the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. While […]