Air pollution, development earn Smokies low marks in National Geographic Travel survey (Asheville Citizen-Times) GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK — The nation's most popular park isn't too popular with National Geographic Traveler magazine. [News Source]

Two-year-olds at risk from ‘gender-bending’ chemicals, report says. Two-year-old children are being exposed to dangerous levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals in domestic products such as rubber clogs and sun creams, according to an EU investigation being studied by the government. [News Source]

Debate draws strong viewpoints. Gas drilling has become a dominant issue in central New York, with money to be made and risks to be taken. [News Source]

Dust has yet to settle over new concrete plant. A factory nearing completion in Brooklyn has raised protests over its potential effect on the neighborhood’s air quality and changing image. [News Source]

Air pollution may up risk of infant lung infections. Living close to highways and other sources of air pollution is linked to higher rates of a lung infection called bronchiolitis, the number one reason for infant hospitalizations in North America. [News Source]

First look at carbon capture and storage in a West Virginia coal-fired power plant. A relatively small unit in the shadow of the smokestack at the Mountaineer Power Plant in West Virginia has begun capturing carbon dioxide from the plant's flue gas and injecting it underground for permanent storage. [News Source]

Chinese drywall no danger to health, experts say. Three experts from three different companies in the private sector, including two toxicologists and the chief medical officer for an indoor environmental air quality consulting firm, have asserted that defective Chinese drywall is not a hazard to human health. [News Source]

Air pollution, development earn Smokies low marks in National Geographic Travel survey. Park spokesman Ranger Bob Miller didn't disagree with the magazine's take on the air pollution and development problems. [News Source]

Tainted drywall answers sought at Tampa forum. Most agree the drywall emits a gas that destroys appliances and corrodes air-conditioning coils and metal pipes. One thing that's not as clear: how the gasses affect the health of those in the homes. [News Source]

Conservation groups may sue over Seward coal dust. On Oct. 29, several conservation groups served a 60-day notice on the Alaska Railroad and Aurora Energy Services of their intent to file suit over what they say are unpermitted discharges of coal into Resurrection Bay, in violation of the Clean Water Act. [News Source]

Cargo peril. Southern California has plenty of evidence about the dangers of air pollution; what it needs are solutions that reduce the risk. International trade can bring jobs and commerce to the region, but those benefits should not come at the cost of residents' health. [News Source]