April 16, 2018. To merit confirmation, judges must exhibit an ability to appropriately weigh and contextualize scientific evidence when matters involving science are before them. Vitter’s misrepresentations
of scientific evidence call into question her ability to do so appropriately. We therefore urge you to vote no on the confirmation of Wendy Vitter to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
On Health Policy
Letter to Montgomery County Council and Board of Education Members on Installing Artificial Turf Fields and Rubber Playgrounds
April 16, 2018. Synthetic rubber play surfaces are now being proposed for MCPS outdoor play spaces. These “poured in place” and other types of rubber playground surfaces have many of the same risks as tire crumb and other rubber infill that the County Council realized were too dangerous to use in 2015.
Read More »NCHR’s Comments on USPSTF Draft Research Plan: Interventions for Tobacco Cessation in Adults, Including Pregnant Women
USPSTF, April 11, 2018, We strongly support the efforts of the USPSTF to draft a research plan to identify benefits and harms of tobacco cessation interventions in broad populations, including pregnant women. We encourage the USPSTF to consider: 1. the necessary evidence to establish the short-term and long-term benefits of tobacco cessation on an individual and population level 2. potential fetal outcomes, including developmental and birth-related outcomes. 3. the harms associated with electronic nicotine delivery systems, as these products have been touted as safer alternatives that may also serve as quit aids.
Read More »Comments by Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D. on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Agenda and Priorities for FY2019-20
April 11, 2018. Endocrine disruptors and chemicals in common consumer products that do not stay bound to those products get into the air and dust and thus into our bodies. These chemicals tend to pose greater risks to fetuses and children, and there are large gaps in our knowledge about the chemicals in the products on the market.
Read More »Coalition Letter Calling for HHS Investigation of NIH Alcohol Study Funding
April 11, 2018. An independent investigation by the HHS Inspector General is necessary to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the investigation and that all culpable NIH officials are held accountable.
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