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Chinese Oil Spill Getting Worse

Posted on 22 July 2010 by Evan Bryan

Dalian, China (BGN) – While not as catastrophic as the recent BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, China is dealing with its worst oil spill to date – after two pipelines exploded on July 16 2010. The China oil spill initially caused a fierce fire and even took the life of one cleanup worker who drowned after being thrown off the boat amid strong winds.

The Chinese oil spill took place off the coast of Dalian and despite clean up efforts lacking proper tools, it seemed as things were under control in the city that was once deemed ‘the most livable city in China’.

Chinese Oil Spill Getting Worse

Since the event broke out, strong winds has been broken the spill into parts and has dispersed more than previously anticipated. reported. Reports from Chinese authorities suggests an area of ocean covering 430 sq km has been polluted thus far and around 20 cm thick. Among the clean up efforts currently being deployed, oil-eating bacteria and oil-skimming vessels are currently the favorites.

Local authorities have voiced concerns on the lack of proper cleanup materials, citing that chopsticks and rubber gloves as inefficient tools to keep the oil from hitting the shore.

CCTV, China’s official government channel, has reported that 1,500 tons (400,000 gallons) of oil have spilled to date – which compares favorably to the 100 million plus gallons spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Nevertheless, the city of Dalian remains concerned that oil spill recovery could take time, preventing further shipments from arriving in time and affecting factories and fisherman have cause for concern related to the pollution.

Despite the advancement of technology, the latest China oil spill has once again demonstrated that perhaps not enough measures have been taken thus far to prevent such disasters impacting the environment.

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Suzuki Announces Recalls of QuadSport ATV’s

Posted on 11 July 2010 by Staff Writer

Brea, California, United States (AHN) – The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Suzuki Announces Recalls of QuadSport ATV’s

Name of Product: Suzuki QuadSport ATVs

Units: About 1,355

Distributors: American Suzuki Motor Corp., of Brea, California; Montgomery Motors, Ltd., of Honolulu, Hawaii; Suzuki del Caribe Inc., of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

Hazard: The flame arrester screen can become detached from its mounting ring, preventing the throttle valve from returning to the idle position when the throttle lever is released and causing the rider to lose control of the ATV. This poses a serious hazard of injury or death.

Incidents/Injuries: American Suzuki has received two reports of flame arrester screens detaching from the mounting ring. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves all Suzuki 2009 model year LT-Z400K9 (QuadSport Z400) and LT-Z400ZK9 (QuadSport Z400 Special Edition) ATVs. "QuadSport Z400" or "QuadSport Z400Z" is written on the sides and left front fender of the ATV. "Suzuki" is written on the sides of the ATV.

Sold at: Suzuki ATV dealers nationwide from September 2008 through June 2010 for between $6,500 and $6,700.

Manufactured in: Japan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact a local Suzuki ATV dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair. Consumers with recalled ATVs are being sent a notice directly from Suzuki.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact Suzuki at (800) 444-5077 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.suzukicycles.com

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

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Contamination Fear Prompts Recall Of 66,000 Pounds Of Bison Meat

Posted on 06 July 2010 by Staff Writer

Henderson, CO, United States (AHN) – Rocky Mountain Natural Meats, a Henderson, Colorado, establishment, is recalling approximately 66,000 pounds of ground and tenderized steak bison products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Sunday.

Contamination Fear Prompts Recall Of 66,000 Pounds Of Bison Meat

FSIS became aware of the problem during the course of an on-going investigation into a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Colorado with illness onset dates between June 4-9. Working in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the New York Department of Health, five cases were identified in Colorado as well as one case in New York.

The agencies determined there is an association between the ground bison products and the cluster of illnesses in Colorado. FSIS is continuing to work with the CDC, affected state public health partners, and the company on the investigation. Anyone with signs or symptoms of food-borne illness should contact a health care provider.

The following products are subject to recall:

  • 16-ounce packages of “Great Range Brand All Natural Ground Bison.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 21, June 22 or June 24, 2010.
  • 16-ounce packages of “Nature's Rancher Ground Buffalo.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 22, 2010.
  • 16-ounce packages of “The Buffalo Guys All Natural Ground Buffalo 90% Lean.” These products have a lot number of 0147.
  • 12-ounce packages of “Great Range Brand All Natural Bison Steak Medallions.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 23 and June 24, 2010
  • 12-ounce packages of “Great Range Brand All Natural Bison Sirloin Steaks.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 20, June 23 and June 24, 2010
  • 15-pound boxes of “Rocky Mountain Natural Meats, Inc. Bison 10 oz. Sirloin Steaks.” These products went to restaurants and bear a Julian Code of 0141.

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. 20247” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were produced between the dates of May 21, 2010, through May 27, 2010, and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide and food service distributors in Utah and Arizona.

While the sell-by dates for these products have passed, FSIS and the establishment are aware that consumers may also freeze the product before use and there is concern that some product may still be frozen and in consumers’ freezers.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to food-borne illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

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JM

Jane McGraths McGrath foundation dream closer to reality

Posted on 25 April 2010 by Editor

Glenn McGrath’s wife Jane died of breast cancer and that’s why her husband decided that it’s time to re-launch the McGrath Foundation. Initially, the foundation was founded by his wife because she wanted every sufferer to receive medical care from a dedicated nurse.

JM

This year the foundation is celebrating 5 years after it was launched and Glenn McGrath’s wife’s dream came true. Nowadays, 54 Foundation-funded nurses are coming together to a beach meeting.

Few days ago, a declaration of Glenn McGrath was published into the Daily Telegraph. Glenn said that it’s absolutely amazing to have 53 of the 54 nurses at this meeting because in this way they can share all the things that they’ve been through and they can help each other.

When Jane died in June 2008, the foundation had only 7 nurses. After her death were introduced other 47 nurses that are currently working in different health centres or in Australian hospitals. One of Jane’s best friends Tracy Bevan declared that she abstained herself not to cry why she was talking with the nurses at the conference that was held at Coogee’s Crown Plaza Hotel. The women also said that she believes that Jane is happy where she is because she saw that her dream finally came true.

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