A few months ago there was an conference on green chemistry and the associated biological effects that human exposure to many commonly used chemicals in products and our environment can have. These speakers are the top of the line in their field. While I REALLY wish they could have posted these videos using social media tools (Hello, help advocates spread the word!), I’m including the topics and links here for you. Note that although these presentations are quite academic, common folk like you and me can follow along easily and will get the best education there’s available on the subject. In case you’d like to skip the opening remarks and acknowledgments, I’ve included the time marker where the presentation starts.
Environmental Health - Scientific Revolutions and Assessment of Chemicals
Dr. Lynn Goldman (begin 11:00)
Toxicity in products, U.S. regulation and public policy, risk assessments methodologies, epigenetics and the human genome.
Endocrine Disruptors and Human Health
Jerrold Heindel PhD (begin 4:00)
Introduction to what they are, how widespread they’ve become, and how they cause disease including developmental disorders and their influence as epigenetic mechanisms.
The Obsogen Hypothesis
Bruce Blumberg PhD (begin 1:30)
Contends that disruption of the normal development of or the communication within the body’s metabolic system by some chemicals (or obesogens) may result in obesity and/or other metabolic disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and dyslipidemias.
Diversity of Biochemical Signaling Mechanisms
Dr. Joe Thornton (begin 2:10)
Discussion of molecular biology where the chemicals that humans use with their specific properties meet the molecular signaling mechanisms that drive biology. Additionally, he draws out 11 principles that have implications for green chemistry, environmental health science, and environmental policy.
A New Model for Understanding and Applying Science
Dr. John Warner (begin 1:30)
The one session you must see, as John casually talks about the modern scientific method, applied innovation, and chemistry’s role in modern society.
Toward Green(er) Nanoscience - Lessons from Design of Functionalized Nanoparticles
Dr. Jim Hutchison (begin 0:50)
What nanotechnology offers for environmental health, energy production and storage, and other fields. Jim also discusses risks and what the future holds.
Problems Meet Solutions
Dr. Terrence Collins
Summary of Speakers Presentations and Closing Thoughts. What I like is his strong stand against PVC because of dioxin’s immense danger to human health; it is what he’s called the asbestos of the future.
