Pollutants in boys’ blood tied to lower growth

Boys exposed to unusually high levels of environmental pollutants are smaller than their peers, a new study reports. After following nearly 500 boys for three years, an international group of researchers found that those with the highest levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their blood were nearly three centimeters (more than an inch) shorter than boys from the same region with the lowest amount of PCBs in their bodies.

Boys with the highest exposures also averaged two points lower in body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight relative to height. The authors found a similar pattern in boys with the highest exposure to the pollutant dioxin. “You’re always a little surprised to see such a dramatic effect,” study author Jane Burns of the Harvard School of Public Health told Reuters Health, but the findings are “consistent” with some other research about the effect of these chemicals.

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CJP appreciates lower judiciary

Justice Iftikhar addresses SHC judges

KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has expressed his satisfaction over the performance of the judges of Sindh High Court and district judiciary.
“During the last one year the judges of High Court and district judiciary have taken responsibility to discharge their duty to the best of their ability,” he said while addressing all the judicial officers posted in all the five districts and judicial officers posted in Special Courts of Karachi at the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday.
The Chief Justice observed that coming to the court was not the only duty of the judges but more important is to provide justice to the needy. “It is satisfactory to note that people are now overwhelmingly reposing trust on the institution and faith is increasing day by day,” he noted. The increase in disposal of cases shows the performance of the courts, however, there was always room for improvement, he added.
The CJP said that judiciary was most important pillar of the country.
He said there were complaints, but as compared to the past, the number of complaints was on the decline. “You being part of district judges should also keep an eye on your subordinate staff,” he added.

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