Parking Lot Blacktop: Potentially Unhealthy Pollutant in Lakes, Reservoirs

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Published on
December 6, 2010

Here's what we're checking out today:

Environmental Health: A commonly-used parking lot sealant is being blamed for increasing levels of the "probable" carcinogen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in urban lakes and reservoirs across the country, Renee Schoof reports for McClatchy Newspapers.

Health Industry Influence: Among Calif.'s top prescribers of antipsychotic drugs to the poor:  three San Diego County doctors who accepted five-figure payments from pharmaceutical companies, CaliforniaWatch's Christina Jewett reports. Also in influence news: a medical device maker threw a crab bash for a Maryland doctor accused of unnecessarily implanting the company's stents in patients.

Flu Season: Georgia is the state hardest hit so far during this year's flu season, reports WebMD's Denise Mann. What's happening in your state? Check the CDC's weekly flu report to find out.

National Park Clinic: Who knew that Yosemite National Park had a health clinic? (Hikers, probably.) California Healthline's Diana Marcum reports on the challenges of keeping the money-losing clinic open.