V i s i t P S R o n t h e
o r g
PSR Reports
P h y s i c i a n s  
From the   PSR Makes More Aggressive
Executive Director
PSR Prepared to
Meet Challenges
Head On
2010 began with powerful
reminders that we can take
nothing for granted. The elec-
tion in Massachusetts shifted
the dynamics of power in the
Senate. The Supreme Court
opened a potential floodgate
of unlimited corporate spend-
ing on elections. And embold-
ened reactionary senators and
representatives are attempting
to block a new Strategic Arms
Reduction Treaty and to reject
the scientific finding of the
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency that carbon dioxide and
other global warming pollutants
threaten human health.
There may well be more set-
backs. Yet we cannot afford to
get discouraged or to be dis-
tracted from our work by our
frustration with the special in-
terests who are trying to thwart
the transformational changes
that we know are essential. The
stakes are simply too high.
Fortunately, historic oppor-
tunities remain for progress on
PSR’s core issues and, as you will
see in the articles throughout
this newsletter, PSR is rising
Continued on page 8
PSR Presses for Chemical Reform
I n October 2009, PSR released
Hazardous Chemicals in Healthcare, the
first investigation of chemicals in the
bodies of healthcare professionals. In
partnership with Health Care With-
out Harm and the American Nurses
Association, PSR measured the levels
of industrial chemicals in the bod-
ies of 20 healthcare professionals
from 10 states around the country,
and found that all participants had at
least 24 toxic chemicals in their bod-
ies. The report garnered significant
media coverage, raising awareness of
the ubiquity of toxic chemicals in our
environment and our bodies, and
spotlighting the medical necessity
of strengthening our regulatory ap-
proach to industrial chemicals.
 One of the physicians who un-
derwent biomonitoring was Carmen
w e b a t w w w . p s r .
f o r   S o c i a l   R
Medical Case Against Coal
P SR’s Code Black campaign,
launched to diminish reliance
on coal as a source of electricity, has
contributed to significant victories
that reduce global warming pollution
while protecting air quality.
Since 2008, Code Black has en-
couraged PSR chapters across the
country to voice medical concerns
about the public health dangers of
proposed new coal-fired plants. By
providing public education, expert
testimony, and a comprehensive
new report on coal and health (see
sidebar on page 6), PSR has helped
strengthen a movement that has now
defeated more than 100 proposed
coal plants.
Code Black and the wider move-
ment are taking on an even tougher
challenge in 2010: transitioning our
country away from existing coal plants,
while keeping the lights burning in
our communities.
The central challenge now becomes
ensuring an ample, reliable stream of
energy from clean, safe, carbon-free
sources. Another critical element:
generating jobs from the new energy
sources to offset those lost from dirty
energy plants.
PSR chapters are deeply engaged
in the hard work of guiding the
transition from coal to clean, safe,
­sustainable energy sources.
 In Washington and Oregon, PSR
chapters are striving to create the
McDermott, M.D., of Bellevue,
Washington. She says that her par-
ticipation “consolidated my drive to
do advocacy work around these is-
sues.” With the Washington chapter
of PSR, Dr. McDermott organized a
lecture for her residents on the study,
and she plans to further publicize the
importance of preventing exposure
to potentially toxic chemicals. “I was
on the lower end of the spectrum of
burden compared to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention na-
tional averages,” she says. “I’ve made a
lot of changes at home in terms of eat-
ing organic food and other things, so I
was happy to see that my body burden
was lower. But it’s still amazing to see
how many chemicals do show up.” 
 While Dr. McDermott was en-
couraged by how her personal choices
e s p o n s i b i l i t
nation’s first “coal-free” states.
With only one coal-fired power
plant in each state, the switch
could be accomplished in the next
five years. The chapters are tak-
ing part in delicate negotiations
with utility companies and state
governments. While our environ-
mental allies calculate generation
capacity and the amortization
value of aging coal plants, PSR
physicians remind policy-makers
about the human suffering and
the economic costs of the respira-
tory and cardiovascular diseases
to which coal contributes, as well
as the emergency room visits, days
lost from work and school, and
­premature deaths due to coal.
Continued on page 6
seemed to keep her exposure levels
low, Deborah Lerner, M.D., a family
doctor in Los Angeles, had a different
experience. She explains, “A finding
of high levels of Teflon-related chemi-
cals would have changed my personal
behavior, because I do use Teflon to
cook with regularly. But they didn’t
find that. Instead, I had very high
levels of flame retardant chemicals,
but there was no specific behavior we
could link that to.” For Dr. Lerner,
the seemingly random levels of in-
dustrial chemicals in her body helped
define the nature of the problem. “We
can’t be looking at individual changes
in lifestyle to protect us,” she says.
“Instead it really has to come from
policy change. It’s not like trying to
reduce your cholesterol levels.”
Continued on page 3
PSR is the U.S. affiliate of
International Physicians for
the Prevention of Nuclear War,
recipient of the 1985 Nobel
Prize for Peace.
Vol. 32, NO. 1
y
Winter/Spring 2010
At the Capitol Hill release
of Coal’s Assault on
Human Health: (from
left) Alice Bodley, R.N.,
general counsel, American
Nurses Association; Katherine
Shea, M.D., M.P.H., global
warming expert; PSR board
member Alan Lockwood,
M.D.; PSR Executive
Director Peter Wilk, M.D.;
PSR Environment & Health
Director Kristen Welker-
Hood, Sc.D., M.S.N., R.N.;
and Janice Nolan, American
Lung Association.
Inside this issue
2 Obama Seeks to Triple
Loan Guarantees for
Nuclear Power Plants
3 Nuclear Disarmament
Challenges in 2010
5 Medical Students
Strengthen Global,
National Ties
6 PSR’s Anniversary Marks
a Time to Recommit
 PSR REP ORTS
winter/ sp r i n g 2 010
PSR first voiced public health
concerns about nuclear power
in 1979, after a partial core
meltdown occurred at the
Three Mile Island plant near
Harrisburg, PA.
PSR Reports
(ISSN‑0894-6264) is the
newsletter of Physicians for
Social ­Responsibility,
a nonprofit organization.
Guided by the values and ex‑
pertise of medicine and public
health, Physicians for Social
Responsibility works to protect
human life from the gravest
threats to health and survival.
To receive PSR Reports regularly,
we invite you to join PSR and
support our work. Write to PSR,
1875 Connecticut Ave., NW,
Suite 1012, Washington, DC
20009, or visit our website
at www.psr.org.
President:
Jeff Paterson, D.O.
Executive Director
Peter Wilk, M.D.
Environment and Health
Program Director:
Kristen Welker-Hood, Sc.D.,
M.S.N., R.N.
Security Program Director:
David Hart
Safe Energy Program Director:
Michele Boyd
Development Director and
Executive Editor:
Mary Dillon Kerwin
Editor: Sally James,
  Cutting Edge Design
© Copyright 2010 Physicians for
Social Responsibility
Printed on recycled paper with
vegetable-based inks.
2
Obama Seeks to Triple
Nuclear Loan Guarantees
to $54.5 Billion
I n February, President Obama
­announced his first nuclear power
loan ­guarantee—
$8.3 billion for two
proposed new re-
actors in Georgia.  sions, cancellations, design problems
Before even making
this announcement,
the president had
asked Congress in
his FY 2011 Budget
Request to triple the
amount of nuclear
loan guarantees to
a whopping $54.5
billion, which could
cover six to eight
­reactors.
Additional nu-
clear reactor loan
guarantees are also
part of the Senate
discussion on a deal
to pass a climate bill. The pending
energy bill (S. 1462), which is likely
to be combined with a climate bill,
currently contains unlimited loan
guarantee authority for new ­reactors
for the next 20 years.
Current nuclear loan guarantees
total $18.5 billion, enough for two
nuclear projects, without their inevi-
table cost overruns. Not only are U.S.
taxpayers promising to bail out the
nuclear industry when these projects
go belly up, we are also going to lend
them the money through the Federal
Finance Bank.  And these projects
are risky: Moody’s Investor Services
calls new nuclear reactors a “bet the
farm” investment, and a 2003 re-
port from the Congressional Budget
Office estimates the likely default rate
for new reactors to be “well above
50 ­percent.”
PSR has a long history of oppos-
ing nuclear energy because of both
the danger of nuclear weapons pro-
liferation and the hazards to public
health posed by radioactive waste.
Additionally, the high cost of new
reactors drains resources we need to
invest in the renewable energy and ef-
ficiency technologies that will help us
build a truly environmentally sound
national energy policy. PSR is leading
efforts to increase the public’s—and
policy-makers’—understanding of
the full extent of nuclear power’s
­intrinsic flaws.
Moving in the wrong direction
When then-President Bush unveiled
his new Nuclear Power 2010 pro-
gram in 2002, his goal was to deploy
new reactors in “the 2010 time
frame.” We are now in 2010 and, as
documented in PSR’s factsheet, The
‘Renaissance’ That Wasn’t (see www.­
NuclearBailout.org), all these pro-
posed reactor projects have
experienced at least one of the fol-
lowing: dramatic cost increases,
credit downgrades, delays, suspen-
and scandals—before a single con-
struction license has been issued by
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The proposed reactors that
President Obama supports for the
Vogtle site in Georgia are far from
a sound investment. Their AP1000
reactor design was recently rejected
by the NRC, which is not con-
vinced the reactor could withstand
hurricanes, tornadoes and earth-
quakes. The Georgia Public Service
Commission has concluded that the
project is likely to face cost overruns
and delays. In the 1980s, construc-
tion of the two reactors currently
operating at the Vogtle site soared
from a projected cost of $660 million
to $8.87 billion.
The three other ­frontrunners
under consideration by U.S.
Department of Energy, supposedly
the “best” of the nuclear reactor
­proposals—are equally problematic.
 Cost estimates for the South Texas
Project, the first to submit a li-
cense application to the NRC since
1978, have skyrocketed from an
initial estimate of $5.4 billion in
2006 to a reported $18.2 billion.
One project partner, CPS Energy,
has pulled out of 85 percent of its
share of the project.
 The two reactors proposed by the
utility SCE&G for the VC Summer
site in South Carolina would also
use the AP1000 design. The fact
that SCE&G is very small, with
limited assets, increases the likeli-
hood of default if this expensive
project faces delays and cost over-
runs. Estimated costs have already
increased by at least $500 million,
for a total estimate of $11.5 billion,
well below the estimated cost of
similar projects.
 The EPR reactor is the most ex-
pensive reactor ever proposed in
the United States. The official cost
estimate is $9.6 billion for one
reactor in Maryland, but the same
design in Pennsylvania is estimated
at $13–$15 billion. International
experience with the EPR design is
not promising: an EPR being con-
structed in Finland is more than
75 percent over budget and more
than three years behind schedule,
and an EPR under construction in
France is at least 20 ­percent over
budget and two years behind.
PSR Physician
­Outlines Nuclear
Risks in Vermont
On February 21, 2010, PSR board
member Ira Helfand, M.D., ad‑
dressed more than 300 people,
including members of the Vermont
legislature, in Brattleboro, VT, about
the public health impacts of the
Vermont Yankee nuclear reactor.
The reactor, which began commer‑
cial operation in 1972, was under
consideration for a 20-year license
extension. Days later, in a sting‑
ing rebuke of the myth of ‘clean
and safe’ nuclear energy, Vermont
legislators voted to shut down the
reactor by March 2012.
Relicensing of the Vermont
Yankee reactor was mired in con‑
troversy over various safety and
health hazards.  In January 2010, it
was discovered that underground
pipes, which the operating utility
Entergy had denied existed, have
been leaking radioactive tritium
at alarming rates. Wells around
Vermont Yankee are testing at up
to 2.4 million picocuries of tritium
per liter, or 120 times the “permis‑
sible” dose and 240,000 times the
background level of tritium in fresh
water.  At least 27 reactors, one-
fourth of the operating reactors in
the United States, are known to be
leaking tritium into groundwater.
Dr. Helfand cited proliferation,
routine radioactive emissions, cata‑
strophic accidents and waste issues
as other threats to human health
posed by Vermont Yankee and other
reactors.
“Even if the reactor were not
leaking tritium, the reactor should
be closed.  For more than three
decades, PSR has said that nuclear
reactors are dangerous to public
health. Vermont Yankee should be
closed,” he ­concluded.
The supposed “nuclear renais-
sance” is fizzling. Of the 18 projects
for which license applications were
submitted to the NRC, six have been
cancelled or suspended. All the re-
maining 12 have been plagued with
problems. PSR’s Safe Energy pro-
gram is working with our national
and local coalition partners to make
sure that these projects are exposed
for the financial disasters they
really are. PSR
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Tell your senators and representative to
oppose loan guarantees for new nuclear
reactors in the FY2011 budget and in the
climate bill. For more information, contact
Michele Boyd at mboyd@psr.org.

Pursuing True Security in 2010
Nuclear Disarmament Challenges and Opportunities
2010 will be a defining year for arms
control and disarmament. A number
of key events are set to unfold that
will shape the course of U.S. nuclear
and security policy for decades: the
completion by the United States and
Russia of the follow-on to the Strate-
gic Arms Reduction Treaty (START),
the expected release of the Nuclear
Posture Review (NPR) in March, the
Nuclear Security Summit in April,
the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
(NPT) Review Conference in May
and the anticipated ratification and
entry into force of the Comprehen-
sive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Each of these events in itself pres-
ents an opening for substantive prog-
ress toward lessening what President
Obama rightly termed, “the greatest
danger to the American people—the
threat of nuclear weapons.” Together,
they create an unprecedented oppor-
tunity to limit the spread of nuclear
weapons and material and to en-
sure true and lasting security for the
American people.
Taking advantage of these op-
portunities and achieving many of
the key disarmament goals—most
importantly, the senate ratification
of the new START agreement and
the CTBT—are likely to be more
challenging than first anticipated.
Whether 2010 ultimately turns out to
be a year of big accomplishments or
missed opportunities will depend not
only on the steps taken by Congress
and the administration, but also on
the commitment and support of the
American people. With 67 senators’
votes needed for treaty ratification,
it is incumbent on all of us to press
  chemical reform
Continued from page 1
 Building on the success of the
report, PSR is expanding its efforts
to involve healthcare profession-
als in the push for health-protective
federal regulation of chemicals. PSR
chapters across the country are work-
ing with the national office to train
healthcare professionals and activists
as toxics “ambassadors,” providing
them with the tools they need to teach
their ­colleagues, communities and
lawmakers the importance of protect-
ing public health through effective
chemical management policies.  concern about the toxic chemicals in
PSR is also launching an
Environmental Health Policy
Institute to spark new ideas and
fruitful conversations about toxic
chemicals and environmental health.
The Institute will provide a forum
where “think pieces” contributed by
scientific experts will address such
cross-cutting issues as how food
production relates to environmen-
tal health, which areas of the toxics
PSR REPORTS
Vol. 32, No. 1
our senators to vote the right way on traditional outreach methods, we are
START and the CTBT and to urge also taking advantage of new media to
their colleagues on both sides of the reach new audiences. PSR members
aisle to do the same. and activists can now receive timely
alerts and analysis through our blog
(psr.org/nuclear-weapons/blog) or by
PSR Stepping Up to the Challenge following us on Twitter (twitter.com/
To help energize and engage our psrsecurity) or YouTube (youtube.
membership and the larger public com/psrnational).
about the importance of the CTBT On April 28 and 29, PSR chapter
and START ratification, PSR has leaders, board members and activ-
hired local field organizers in key tar- ists will gather in Washington, DC, to
get states and has joined forces with discuss ways to enhance our work and
other national and local organiza- to meet with key congressional leaders
tions to host educational events, issue about arms control and disarmament
briefings and grand rounds. In the issues.
coming months, we will hold a num- As we continue to find more ways
ber of such events in Iowa, Maine, to engage new members and activists
Arizona, Indiana and many other in PSR’s work, we hope that, by work-
states. We are providing talking points ing together, we can enshrine 2010
and sample op-eds and encourag- as an historic year in the movement
ing our members to write letters to to abolish nuclear weapons. For more
the editor. Check psr.org frequently information, contact David Hart,
or sign up to receive our e-alerts for director of security programs,
updates on actions you can take and at dhart@psr.org or
events you can attend. (202) 587-5224. PSR
While we continue to make use of
Toasters for Congress
View the wining video and other submissions from PSR’s Toasters
for Congress video contest at psr.org/video. The contest was held
to generate creative organizing ideas that will attract new people
to the peace and disarmament movement; it celebrates the legacy
of Ira Schorr, PSR’s national field director, who left PSR in February,
after many years of mobilizing people to act on peace and disarma‑
ment issues. The contest’s name is a nod to a 2001 campaign, in which
Ira actually sent a toaster to every member of Congress! The fun, engaging and
effective contest results will help advance our agenda.
movement are ripe for healthcare
professional involvement, and how
toxic chemicals relate to climate
change. The institute will serve as a
vibrant forum in which healthcare
professionals, advocates and policy
leaders can find timely, trenchant
commentary. Look for our launch in
the fall of 2010.
PSR is not working alone on tox-
ics reform. As a member of the Safer
Chemicals, Healthy Families cam-
paign, we are part of a diverse and
growing coalition of organizations,
businesses and individuals united by
our homes, places of work and prod- science to protect all individuals and Biomonitoring subjects Carmen
ucts we use every day. The coalition vulnerable groups. McDermott, M.D. (left) and
is working to reform the federal law With these new approaches to Deborah Lerner, M.D.
governing toxic chemicals—the Toxic engage health professionals at
Substance Control Act (TSCA)—by different levels in the effort for
calling for changes to ensure that the chemical reform, PSR intends
law does three things: 1. Takes imme- to make a lasting impact on toxic
diate action on the most dangerous chemical reform. For more
chemicals; 2. Holds industry respon- information, contact Molly Rauch,
sible for the safety of their chemicals senior policy analyst, at mrauch@psr.
and products; and 3. Uses the best org or (202) 587-5239. PSR
3
 PSR REP ORTS
winter/ sp r i n g 2 010

PSR Chapters Work Locally, Think Globally

As I prepare to leave PSR after six years  
 as national field director, I am extremely grateful
to have had the opportunity to work with PSR
chapters nationwide and an amazing cross-sec-
“ I am happy to join the PSR family as manager of chap‑
tion of dedicated health professional and citizen
advocates.  Some, like Drs. Dan Fine and Julian
Eligator of PSR/Pittsburgh, Dr. Lew Patrie of
PSR/Western North Carolina, and Dr. Jim Jones
of PSR/Harrisburg, have spent much of their
lives volunteering their time and energy to create
a safer and healthier world. It is the work of these
activists and others in the chapter network that
is at the heart of what makes PSR a unique and
necessary organization. It has been an inspiration
to have worked alongside them.
Ira Shorr —ira shorr
 strengthen the movement and help build a safer world. I can be reached at (202)
ter development and student outreach for the national
office. As the leading movement of physicians and public
health professionals working against nuclear prolifera‑
tion, global warming and toxic pollution, PSR must have
strong and consistent community voices. My main focus
at PSR is to give chapter leaders, activists and students
the tools they need to educate their local communities
and advocate for local, state and national initiatives.
Prior to joining PSR, I led the coalition relations team
at the Save Darfur Coalition. I have also served as a
consultant for the United Nations and as a relationship
manager for United Way. I am passionate about dialogue
and advocacy—and hope that we can together use these tools to prevent nuclear
proliferation and to promote environmental health. I look forward to expanding the
PSR network and personally working with many of you. Together we will sustain and
587-5227 or nrodriquez@psr.org.


I n recent months, PSR chapters —Natasha P. Ghent-Rodriguez



”
in Maine and Iowa have led cam-
paigns to promote the Senate ratifi-
cation of two critical nuclear weapons
treaties:  the Comprehensive Nuclear for stricter EPA rules on ozone. And Medical Association (CMA) calling
Test Ban Treaty and a new Strategic PSR/Wisconsin organized a Carbon- for the use of an “ecological footprint”
Arms Reduction Treaty to reduce Free Nuclear-Free Lobby Day in as a tool for mitigating the impacts
U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals.  February at the state capitol to advo- of healthcare system contributions
Both chapters placed opinion edito- cate for renewable energy and energy to climate change and toxic pollution,
rials in multiple newspapers across efficiency. and supporting educational efforts by
their states—states whose senators’ PSR/San Francisco is expand- health professionals for carrying out
support for ratification of these trea- ing its “Balanced Menus” campaign such changes. PSR also provided key
ties is crucial. by introducing healthy, sustainable support for the passage by CMA of a
In environmental news, PSR/ meals at six additional local hospitals variety of other groundbreaking envi-
Maine also mobilized health profes- as a way to promote healthy eating and ronmental health policies, including
sionals to press lawmakers to pass confront climate change. Their work encouraging “smart growth” and re-
important state legislation mandat- has also included the development of lated air pollution reduction, ­curbing
ing the safe disposal of consumer a resolution passed by the California Continued on page 5
electronics and stricter controls over
pesticide use.  PSR/Harrisburg host-
ed an educational event at a recently
transformed “green” building down-
town  as an example of what cities can
do to protect the planet.  PSR/Austin
board member Don Williams, M.D.,
joined local environmental groups
and Texas state legislators in calling

Longtime PSR/San Francisco leader, Robert Gould, M.D., (second from

left) was honored at the American Public Health Association annual meeting
for his outstanding contributions to preventing war and promoting international
peace. He received the Sidel-Levy Award for Peace established by Barry Levy,
M.D., (far left) and Victor Sidel, M.D., (second from right), shown here
with APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, M.D.

4

Conference on 
War and Global
Health:  
Transforming   Global and National Ties
Our Professions,  
Changing Our World
April 23–25, 2010 at the
­University of Washington, HUB,
Seattle Campus
Registration for the 8th Annual
Western Regional International
Health Conference is now open at
www.wrihc.org. Presented this year
by the University of Washington‘s
Department of Global Health and
Physicians for Social Responsibil‑
ity, the conference is organized by
an interdisciplinary group of more
than 20 undergraduate, gradu‑
ate and professional students. The
conference has six thematic tracks:
1) combatants and military popula‑
tions; 2) vulnerable populations;
3) policy, human rights and social
justice; 4) war, society and the en‑
vironment; 5) health professionals
as peace-workers; and 6) The role of
media and information in war and
global health.
Take advantage of our early bird
rates, available until March 31, 2010:
Student/Medical Resident Rate: $50
until Mar. 31; $75 Apr. 1–23
Non Student/Professional Rate: $100
until Mar. 31; $125 Apr.1-23
For more details and to register
online www.wrihc.org.
Questions? Contact grhc@uw.edu
To request disability accommoda‑
tions contact the Disability Services
Office at least 10 days in advance of
the event at: 206.543.6450 (voice),
206.543.6452 (TTY), 206.685.7264
(fax)
  chapters
Continued from page 4
the use of harmful flame retardant
chemicals, and opposing the non-
therapeutic use of antibiotics
in livestock.
PSR/Tampa Bay worked with
the University of South Florida
School of Public Health to orga-
nize a conference on “The Global
Water Crisis: Solutions from Tampa
Bay” and to train pediatric resi-
dents in the use of PSR’s pediatric
­environmental health toolkit.
PSR/Washington launched the
Washington Nuclear Museum and
Education Center. From the Hanford
Nuclear Reservation to the Bangor
Naval Submarine Base, the state of
Washington has played an integral
Medical Student
Representatives Strengthen
P SR medical student leaders Tova
Fuller and Lauren Zajac travelled
to Berlin with an International Phy-
sicians for the Prevention of Nuclear
War (IPPNW) delegation in Novem-
ber to participate in the 2009 Nobel
Peace Laureates Summit. Coincid-
ing with the 20th anniversary of the
fall of the Berlin Wall, the summit
advanced the cause of international
peace by strengthening global part-
nerships and forging connections
between leaders who share common
goals for a safer, healthier world. It
was one of Zajac’s final activities be-
fore leaving the PSR board, on which
she has served for two years. Her
reflections, recorded shortly after her
return from Berlin, capture the ex-
citement of the event and the essence
of the summit:
“The theme of the conference
‘Breaking Down Walls and Build-
ing Bridges’ focused on achieving
a world without violence and hu-
man rights violations—two issues
intricately intertwined with public
health, and therefore important for
the work of the future physicians of
IPPNW. Over the two days of the
summit, we listened to the inspiring
words of great Nobel laureates such
as Mikhail Gorbachev, Frederik Wil-
lem De Klerk, Muhammad Yunus
and Mairead Corrigan Maguire. We
met representatives of other Nobel
laureate organizations and discussed
the challenges and opportunities of
the current peace movement in our
countries. Our IPPNW student del-
egation had the great fortune to ex-
plore the city of Berlin together and
attend the celebrations of the 20th
anniversary of the fall of the Berlin
Wall. The trip also provided an op-
portunity for the IPPNW delegation
part in the government’s nuclear ef-
forts since the early days of the 20th
century. This site is the first and only
wiki-based, participatory, online mu-
seum and education center on these
issues. Through historical informa-
tion, first-hand accounts, art and
poetry, the virtual museum educates
the public about local ­nuclear issues.
PSR/Kansas City continues its
work opposing a proposed new
nuclear weapons component plant
in their city.  Their efforts prompted
an investigative report by the local
NBC-TV station detailing serious
environmental contamination at
the area’s former nuclear plant site,
as well as the impact of this toxic
legacy on plant workers and the
environs, which include a local day
care center. PSR
PSR REPORTS
Vol. 32, No. 1
to further
develop our
partner-
ships on
nuclear
abolition
work. Al-
though I
returned
from the
trip ex-
hausted and
jet-lagged,
I also felt
renewed
and ener-
gized to bring the summit’s messages Part of the IPPNW
back to my American colleagues. As delegation to the summit
a future physician, I will continue to with Nobel Laureate
work for peace and justice for my pa- Muhammed Yunus
tients and community. My experienc- (center): Suheir
es at the summit and the relationships Khajuria, India via USA;
with my amazing IPPNW colleagues Lauren Zajac, PSR national
will serve as a source of strength and student representative;
inspiration for me as I carry on my Elena Bezmertna,
own work to break down the walls of IPPNW regional student
an unjust world.” representative—Ukraine;
Tova Fuller, PSR national
Jessie Duvall, New Medical Student student representative;
Representative Ehase Agyeno, IPPNW
In November, Jessie Duvall, a third- student representative—
year medical student at the University Nigeria; Katharina
of Washington, was elected to fill the Bergmann, Nuclear
open medical student representa- Weapons Inheritance Project
tive seat on PSR’s national board. Coordinator – Germany.
Jessie has served as SPSR program
leader for the Medical Alliance to
Stop Global Warming, a joint effort
of SPSR and the American Medical
­Student Association. She will serve
with Tova, who is continuing for
­another year.
Students to Gather in DC,  
April 30 to May 2, 2010
SPSR members will convene in
Washington, DC, for the 2010 Na-
tional SPSR Leadership Summit
from April 30 to May 2. They will
learn about urgent public health
issues, meet key players, and hone
their leadership skills.
Physicians, please encourage the
medical student leaders you know
to attend this gathering. Do you
remember how you got involved in
PSR? Someone invited you to par-
ticipate in a meeting, rally or event,
and you were inspired. Help build
the next generation of PSR leaders
by encouraging them to attend the
summit and, if you can, offering to
sponsor their travel.
To learn more about the summit,
visit psr.org or contact us at spsr.­
national@gmail.com. To apply for
travel scholarships, please visit
the travel ­scholarship page. PSR
5
 PSR REP ORTS
winter/ sp r i n g 2 010
  coal
Continued from page 1
 PSR/Iowa is working to retire the
 Arizona’s strategy is to make
Trish O’Day, R.N., Co-
president of PSR/Austin,
with a coal stack at a
Roll Beyond Coal rally in
­Austin, TX, organized by
the Sierra Club.
 Following a similar path, Los
Memorial and Other Gifts
Gifts in memory of Mrs. Lilli Mamelock Lippmann
Susan K. Adler
Ms. Elise Bernstein
Reggie E. Duerst M.D.
Richard John and Margaret Flowers
Mr. J. Kautsky and Mrs. L. Kautsky
Ms. Martha Leipziger
Manoochehr S. Manshadi M.D.
Dr. Jane K. Paine
Farahieh Rabbani and Parviz Rezvani
Ms. Suzanne J. Weintraub
University Psychiatric Foundation, Inc.
Gift in memory of Beatrice F. Kaplan
BFK Foundation
Gifts in memory of Dr. Irwin Rothman
Ms. Evelyn O. Aharon
Susan Becker
Babette T. Boone
Debra G. Cramer
Ms. Lisa Dugan
Dr. Stephanie Farrell
Bernie and Barbara Friedrich
Mr. Bram J. Hass
6
PSR Puts Coal’s Deadly Flaws in the News
Coal’s Assault on Human Health documents coal pollution’s
damaging impacts on all major organ systems and examines
coal’s contribution to four of the five top causes of mortal‑
ity in the US: heart disease, cancer, stroke and chronic lower
respiratory diseases.
Released in November, the report has received wide‑
oldest and dirtiest coal-fired power spread media coverage: 240 stories on local radio, TV,
plants in the state. The chapter has newspapers and websites, as well as more than 118 media
convened a committee of health placements of national scope.
experts to map all the coal-fired The report was presented to Congress at a briefing on
plants in Iowa and study the associ- Capitol Hill, sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), which attracted dozens of
ation between the plants and clus- Congressional staff working on climate issues.
ters of health problems. Chapter
President Maureen McCue, M.D.,
is leading a team of public health,
medical geography, and statistical
experts from three universities to
conduct this study, which students
and concerned activists will help to
disseminate.
coal obsolete by becoming the
“­solar energy capital of the coun-
try.” Chapter leader Barbara
Warren, M.D., as a member of
Tucson’s Climate Change Advisory
Committee, is working to develop
recommendations on climate ad-
aptation and mitigation for the
city. She will also serve on a study
group for the Arizona Corporation
Commission (ACC) to address
the health impacts and external-
ized costs associated with coal. Dr. The report’s authors taking their message to Capitol Hill: PSR Environment & Health
Warren helped persuade the com- Director Kristen Welker-Hood, Sc.D., M.S.N., R.N; board member Alan Lockwood,
mission to weigh the external costs M.D.; Senior Policy Analyst Molly Rauch; and Environment & Health Deputy Director
that energy decisions will have on Barbara Gottlieb.
health, water and the environment.
Angeles, which receives about for underserved and minority on the proposed legislation.
40 percent of its electricity from ­communities. Chapter Executive Director Pam
coal-burning plants in Utah and Kleiss has also prepared testimony
Arizona, has committed to becom-  PSR/Wisconsin is promoting the in anticipation of upcoming public
ing coal-free by 2020 and building state’s Clean Energy Jobs Act, hearings.
extensive solar capacity. To sup- which includes a renewable energy
port those goals, PSR/Los Angeles portfolio and support for energy As efforts to define our energy
physicians and other health pro- efficiency that will put a dent in future continue at the local, state
fessionals are educating the public the demand for dirty power. With and federal level, PSR’s physicians
and engaging with policy-makers 75 percent of Wisconsin’s electric- and other healthcare professionals
and media to communicate the ity produced by coal, the need for will continue to press for sound en-
health impacts of energy produc- better alternatives is critical. The ergy solutions that protect the pub-
tion and climate change. PSR/ chapter distributed information lic’s health. For more information,
LA Executive Director Martha on coal when the Jobs Act was for- ­contact Barbara Gottlieb, deputy
Arguello serves on city advisory mally released, and PSR national director of environment and health,
committees and working groups, board member Jonathan Patz, bgottlieb@psr.org or (202) 587-
and promotes green sector jobs M.D., testified at a public ­hearing 5225. PSR
Gift in memory of Dr. Eoin McKiernan
Ms. Siobhan McKiernan
Gift in honor of Dr. Terrence Fitzgerald and
Dr. Gwen DuBois
Ms. Lisa Shallow Mr. John Durel
Dr. Peter J Sloane Gift in memory of Ms. Patricia Lurie
Mrs. Beatrice Sloane Mr. Eliot & Gay S. Jacobson Gift in honor of Mrs. Darlene Wargo
Margaret A. Torpey Susan Diaz
Gerald Zupruk Gift in memory of Dr. David Rothstein
Glee Club Concerts, INC. Mrs. Laila Rothstein Gift in honor of Mrs. Helene Yablon
New Horizons Senior Glee Club Brian Yablon
Gift in memory of Carolyn Crowder Taft
Gifts in memory of Dr. Molly Tan Hayden Jean Helz Gift in honor of Ms. Mary Lou Church
Marcia E. Femrite Dr. Cindy Parker
Paul and Barbara Goodman Tribute Gifts
Robert F. Hanson Gift in honor of Clara Cleue
James Lo Gift in honor of Dr. Jack Paradise Jean Ramsey
Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Shirley Sirotkin Nader Shaikh
Ghee-Lin Tan Gift in honor of Judith Platt
Gift in honor of Dr. Lynn Moody and Michael Thun Elaine Grossman
Gift in memory of N. Arthur Coulter Dr. Mark E. Ludwig M.D.
Dr. Robert J. Coulter Frances Ludwig Gift in honor of Ms. Rennie Shapiro
Dr. Cindy Parker
Gift in memory of Theodore Balbus Gift in honor of Dr. Michael Kronig
The Robert and Judith Burger Ms. Rena Daure If you would like to make a gift in
Philanthropic Fund honor or in memory of someone,
Gift in honor of Dr. Ruth Stern please contact Mary Dillon Kerwin at
Gift in memory of Tom Hobbins Ms. Denise Blair (202) 587-5231 or mkerwin@psr.org
Jeannette M. Hobbins
 PSR REPORTS
Vol. 32, No. 1

 Invest Yourself From the President

PLEASE CONSIDER…INCLUDING
PSR IN YOUR WILL PSR’s Anniversary Marks
Leaving a bequest to PSR is a wonderful way to
help continue the work you believe in so strongly.
We suggest you check with an attorney or tax
a Time to Recommit
advisor to see how a bequest to PSR would fit
into your estate plans. PSR’s Tax ID number and
office address are listed below for your conve-
nience.  Please contact Jill Hertzler by phone at
A s PSR approaches its 50th an-
niversary, this is an opportune
time to reflect on our organization’s
e­ nergy sources for the future, and we
should be pursuing a sound national
security policy that does not rely upon
(202) 587-5247 or by e-mail at jhertzler@psr.org significant accomplishments and, at nuclear weapons. If, as we have done,
for more information. the same time, to remind ourselves we spend our time and talent on de-
PSR Tax ID #:  23-7059731 that we still have much more to do to veloping nuclear weapons that can
Full Legal Name:
Physicians for Social Responsibility
protect our planet from the gravest never be used, nuclear energy that
Address: 1875 Connecticut Avenue NW,
threats to human health and survival. poses dangers to human health, and
Suite 1012, Washington, DC 20009 
My hope is that we will also use fossil-based energy that pollutes our
this milestone to recommit ourselves air and contributes to climate change,
…OR GIVING A GIFT OF STOCK to the crucial work that was started it costs us far more than money. It di-
A gift of stock is also an excellent way to sup-
back in 1961 by a verts resources and
group of vision- distracts us from
port PSR’s work. Listed below is PSR’s brokerage
information. Please contact Jill Hertzler by ary doctors deeply If we spend our dealing with the
concerned about profound prob-
phone at (202) 587-5247 or by e-mail at
jhertzler@psr.org for more information or to the possibility of time and talent on lems that we face.
nuclear war, and President PSR Congressional
confirm receipt of your gift.
Broker: Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. to take advantage developing nuclear Eisenhower put it Education Day
DTC #: 0164 Code 40 of the opportuni-
PSR Acct #: 3106-0448 ties now present weapons that can eloquently in 1953
when he stated: Thursday, April 29, 2010
PSR Tax ID #: 23-7059731
Full Legal Name:
to further advance
our agenda. never be used, “Every gun that is
made, every war-
Washington, DC
Physicians for Social Responsibility
Address:  1875 Connecticut Avenue NW,
When I first
became involved
­nuclear energy that ship launched,
every rocket fired
◆ Promote Clean Renewable ­

Energy
Suite 1012, Washington, DC 20009 
with PSR in the
early ’80s, I had
poses dangers to signifies, in the
final sense, a theft ◆ Prevent Massive Nuclear

 Match Your Gift a conversation

with Dr. Bernard
human health, and from those who
hunger and are not
and Coal Subsidies

fossil-based energy
Many companies provide matching gifts for em- ◆ Reduce the Threat of
Lown, who told fed, those who are
ployee charitable contributions. Please check to Nuclear War
me that it was cold and are not
determine whether your gift to PSR will be met,
doubled or tripled by your employer. It’s a great hard for him to that pollutes our clothed. This world
way to make your gift go further to support PSR. focus solely on his in arms is not As physicians, scientists and
Just include your company’s matching gift form responsibilities air and contributes spending money concerned citizens, you can help
with your contribution, and we’ll complete it, as a cardiologist alone. It is spend-
send it in, and let you know when your gift has when the possibil- to climate change, ing the sweat of its make a case for positive changes
been matched! ity of nuclear war laborers, the genius in U.S. policy on safe energy,
loomed as a threat it costs us far more of its scientists, environment and health, and
with the potential the hopes of its
 Stay Active to kill and maim than money. ­children...” nuclear weapons. Please join
millions. As my I hope that us on April 29, as we walk the
Would you like to be more involved in PSR’s
advocacy efforts? A great place to start is PSR’s
involvement with you will join me corridors of Capitol Hill to press
Activist Updates. Each of PSR’s program areas and dedication to the work of PSR in rededicating our organization to
reaches out to members through Action Alerts increased over the years, I have come meeting our goals. It will require a for an end to huge government

and e-mail. Sign up to receive updates at psr.org.
Coming to Washington, DC, and have an hour
to spare? How about visiting one of your elected
officials to talk about the issues of most concern
to you? Contact the PSR office at least a week in
advance, and we’ll help schedule a meeting, pro-
vide you with background materials, and possibly
even accompany you on your ­lobbying call.
Contact your elected officials:
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510
  ☎  (202) 224-3121
U.S. House of Representatives,
  Washington, DC 20515
  ☎  (202) 224-3121
The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
  Washington, DC 20500
  ☎  (202)456-1414
to an even greater appreciation for
Dr. Lown’s perspective. Unless we
do all we can to eradicate the threat
posed by nuclear weapons, the rest of
our medical work will be for naught.
As PSR members, we have dedi-
cated ourselves to the prevention of
nuclear war and to slowing further
climate change and degradation of the
environment. As physicians, we have
a unique role to play in educating
our nation’s leaders, our colleagues
and the public about the detrimen-
tal health effects of these issues. It
is our responsibility to effectively
communicate the message that, given
the potentially catastrophic health
consequences posed by these threats,
­prevention is the only cure.
commitment to self-education and
to the education of those around us:
political leaders, colleagues, students
and friends. Our talented national
staff, as well as the leaders and par-
ticipants of our strong chapter net-
work around the country, are working
to support our efforts. Your gifts
of time, energy, intellect and, very
importantly, financial resources are
critical to our success. Please take this
opportunity to give through PSR to
support a healthier, more just and
peaceful world for present and future
generations.
Thank you very much. I look
­forward to working with you.
subsidies for new nuclear
reactors and coal power plants,
urge lawmakers to support a
strong comprehensive climate
bill that promotes efficiency
and clean renewable energy,
and advocate for the ratification
of arms control treaties that
significantly reduce the number
of nuclear weapons in the U.S.
For more information and
to register for this event, please
contact Alyssa Jones at (202)
667-4260 x 234 or ajones@

 Keep in touch We must also deliver the mes- psr.org.

sage that we need to focus our time,
Contact PSR at: talents, and resources on finding
1875 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 1012
solutions to these issues, rather than
Washington, DC 20009
  ☎  (202) 667-4260
wasting our precious resources on Jeffrey J. Patterson, D.O.
    (202) 667-4201 fax misguided priorities and failed poli-
    www.psr.org cies. We should focus our efforts on Professor, Department of Family Medicine,
developing a green energy policy University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and
that promotes safe, clean, renewable Public Health

7
 PSR REP ORTS
Winter/ Spr i n g 2 010
  Challenges
Continued from page 1 more political space for leaders in the been a dedicated and creative activist
Obama administration and Congress and organizer for 30 years, while at
to the challenges. We are redoubling to live up to their highest ideals. We the same time working on the side as
our efforts to integrate our research can do this. We a comedian, actor
and policy work with our advocacy must do this. and director. It is
campaigns; to educate the public, Thanks to the We are intensifying those latter interests
our colleagues and policy-makers; skill, hard work that he is now pur-
and to convince state and national and generous our engagement in suing full time. To
elected leaders to back new treaties, contributions of honor Ira’s legacy
laws and regulations. We are intensi- PSR members the debates over the and commitment to
fying our engagement in the debates across the coun- grassroots organiz-
over the next steps to reduce nuclear try, we are well next steps to reduce ing and to inspire
weapons, greenhouse gas emissions, positioned to be others to follow
toxic pollution and reliance on coal increasingly ef- nuclear weapons, his lead, we held a
and nuclear energy. We are creating fective in 2010.
Our e-activist greenhouse gas contest via YouTube
named “Toasters
list has grown by
thousands and
emissions, toxic for Congress,” in
which we invited
our website is
being updated
pollution and reli- ideas and strate-
gies for mobilizing
and enhanced
regularly. Many
ance on coal and citizens to action
on our issues.
of our chapters
have energetic
nuclear energy. Information on the
contest results is
new professional available at psr.org.
staff. And in the national office, our My special thanks to Ira for his
security program is now fully staffed, invaluable contributions. Thanks as
our environment and health program well to all PSR members for all that
has been strengthened, and we have you have done and, in advance, for
just hired a new chapter develop- your support and engagement in the
ment and student outreach manager, efforts that will be essential to our
Natasha Ghent-Rodriguez. progress in this crucial year.
PSR Executive Director Dr. Peter Wilk (far right) and Director of Environment While mentioning national staff, I
and Health Programs Kristen Welker-Hood, Sc.D., M.S.N., R.N., (far left) do want to recognize PSR’s outgoing
at the U.S. Senate on January 21, 2010, where they criticized efforts to block National Field Director Ira Shorr,
the EPA from implementing life-saving greenhouse gas regulations. Here Senator who will be especially missed by all
Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) speaks, while Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sheldon of us at PSR, as well as those in the
Whitehouse (D-RI), and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) look on. disarmament community. Ira has Peter Wilk, M.D.

Forwarding Service Requested

www.psr.org website
psrnatl@psr.org e-mail
(202) 667-4201 fax
(202) 667-4260 phone
Washington, DC 20009
Permit No. 6418
Merrifield, VA
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1012
PAID Physicians for Social Responsibility
U.S. Postage
Nonprofit Org.
PSR