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Larry's Environmental Issues Blog May 2008 Archive

By Larry West, About.com Guide to Environmental Issues since 2005

Why is Chlorine Added to Tap Water?

Wednesday May 28, 2008
What's in your water? Chlorine is often added to tap water because it destroys many disease-causing bacteria that threaten human health. Unfortunately, chlorine also may cause other serious health problems. ... Read More

Do Biodegradable Items Really Break Down in Landfills?

Tuesday May 27, 2008
The majority of trash and garbage that goes into landfills is biodegradable, but most landfills are too tightly packed for biodegradation to occur and for biodegradable items to break down. ... Read More

EPA Rule Change Would Increase Air Pollution in National Parks

Monday May 19, 2008
The Bush Administration is planning to adopt new air quality rules this summer that will make it easier for utilities to build coal-fired power plants near national parks and wilderness ... Read More

Is Global Warming a Hoax?

Thursday May 15, 2008
As crazy as it may seem, some people think global warming is a hoax perpetrated by environmentalists who want to scare people into sending donations, or liberals who want to ... Read More

Why are Honeybees Disappearing?

Wednesday May 14, 2008
Honeybee colonies are dying or disappearing in record numbers, with potentially devastating effects on agriculture and food supplies. What is causing the dramatic decline of honeybee populations in the U.S. ... Read More

China Earthquake: Human Tragedy and Environmental Disaster

Monday May 12, 2008
A powerful earthquake in central China on Monday killed more than 10,000 people, and the death toll is expected to increase as rescue workers continue to pull bodies from homes, ... Read More

Global Water Supply Drying Up as Population Grows

Friday May 9, 2008
Water covers 70 percent of the Earth's surface, yet billions of people lack access to clean water. Population growth in many water-stressed countries, plus excess water use in developed countries, ... Read More

How is Wildlife Affected by Global Warming?

Thursday May 8, 2008
Most researchers agree that even small changes in temperature are enough to send hundreds if not thousands of already struggling species into extinction unless we can stem the tide of ... Read More

Deadly Cyclone Made Worse By Loss of Mangrove Forests

Wednesday May 7, 2008
Deforestation may have magnified the devastating effects of the cyclone that hit Myanmar (formerly Burma) over the weekend, according to Surin Pitsuwan, secretary general of the Association of South-East Asian ... Read More

Light Pollution Raises Risks of Breast Cancer

Tuesday May 6, 2008
Forget those old songs about romantic walks under beautiful city lights. Light pollution, defined as excess or obtrusive light at night, increases women's risk of breast cancer significantly, wastes energy, ... Read More

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