A Suggested Web Strategy for Researching
Environmental Toxin Issues

Our modern world is full of environmental toxins that affect our air, land and water. In turn these toxins impact the health of all humans and other life forms including animals and plants. Local newspapers, radio shows, TV programs and websites highlight such issues on a daily basis. Knowing where to start an information search and how to move through the information maze, empowers the average person to raise their voice of concern in order to improve the health of all citizens and to ensure clean air, land and water for our children and grandchildren.

Searching for quality information related to environmental toxins can be challenging. For the average person, chemical names can be difficult to pronounce and sorting out synonyms in order to use the "right" chemical is sometimes tricky. In addition, separating truth from fiction is not easy as you wander the information maze. Information sources (online or print) are available to educate the general public and include consumer, government, education and commercial interests.

As with any information search, you learn as you go, building your knowledge base and recognizing who and what to believe. Critically evaluate websites based on the follow criteria:

Be careful of websites that may be presenting biased or untruthful information. Everything you read on the Web is not necessarily true.

Our suggested Web search strategy for finding quality information related to environmental toxin issues starts off by having you explore consumer interests sites and then progressing on to government and commercial sites, and professionally indexed online databases.

1. Consumer Interests
Start your information search by looking at consumer interest websites. Using a search engine like Google can help you locate appropriate sites based on your use of keywords. The Environmental Working Group is a particular good place to start. EWG is a not-for-profit environmental research organization dedicated to improving public health and protecting the environment by reducing pollution in air, water and food. EWG conducts computer-assisted research on a variety of environmental issues and then writes indepth reports examining specific issues. Recent EWG research topics have included pesticides in foods, air, and water; the cutback in energy conservation programs by California utilities; and toxic substances in beauty products.

2. Government Interests
After exploring consumer interest websites, take a look at some government sites. An excellent place to start is at FirstGov, the official government gateway for citizens, business and government employees. If you know the agency name you can use the search feature for a quick look up or you can seach by a specific subject. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)is an excellent resource. EPA's mission is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment — air, water, and land — upon which life depends. Government sites will lead you to regulations, laws and legislative reviews. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry is another quality government site for trusted information. Take into consideration that State and Local agencies can be an important source of information for local issues.

3. Commercial Interests
While exploring your toxin-related issues, you will encounter references to businesses and for-profit companies. The business perspective often reflects the company's profit motive and their support of shareholder interests and industry members jobs. Conflicts of interest can be a concern. Again, use a search engine like Google to locate a company's website.

4. Online Databases
The National Library of Medicine's Specialized Information Services provides access to TOXNET (Toxicology Data Network), a cluster of databases on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, and related areas. Databases include:

For a complete list of databases and descriptions visit the TOXNET Databases Summary page. And you might also visit the Toxicology and Environment Health Web page. The list of Special Topics highlights toxins of current interest in the news.

JML-July 11, 2002