A report concerning pollution in the Great Lakes region has become the object of dispute among experts. The report was commissioned in 2001 by the International Joint Commission.

The International Joint Commission is an independent organization that was established in order to resolve the disputes that arise between Canada and the United States concerning the quality of the water that borders the two countries.

The report in question is titled "Public Health Implications of Hazardous Substances in the 26 U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concerns."

The report is based on studies conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services. The studies focus on the possible health effects of hazardous chemicals in and around the 26 lakes that border the United States and Canada.

New technology was used during the study which analyzed statistical information about infant mortality and health problems. It was noted that there were higher rates of infant mortality in 21 of the 26 areas studied.

Higher rates of low birth rate were found in 6 of the 26 areas and higher rates of premature births were found in 4 of the areas. Higher rates of breast, colon and lung cancer were also documented.

The report has been withheld from release. The Institute of Medicine has been asked to referee the situation. The Institute of Medicine is a governmental medical advising organization and will issue a final report concerning the study at the end of June.

Birth trauma attorneys are currently working on cases of serious injuries caused during premature birth.

Premature labor can result in serious risks for both the mother and child. During premature labor, the infant is at risk for injury which may result in cerebral palsy, erb’s palsy, shoulder dystocia and brain injury.

The following are signs of premature labor. If any of these symptoms occur before 37 weeks of pregnancy, the mother and child is at serious risk of complications. If you, or a loved one, experience any of the following symptoms during pregnancy, consult a physician immediately.

Signs of Premature Labor:

• Back pain
• Pain, pressure or heaviness on the pubic bone
• Bloody or unusual vaginal discharge
• Contractions

The physician treating a mother during premature labor is responsible for providing reasonable care - this includes taking action to prevent serious injuries, such as cerebral palsy.

Birth trauma attorneys are currently working on cases involving serious or fatal injuries that occurred during birth due to the negligence of the medical staff.

          Shoulder Dystocia describes a situation where the baby’s head has been delivered, but the shoulders are stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone and cannot be freed. Injuries resulting from shoulder dystocia include brachial plexus injuries (also known as Erb’s Palsy). These injuries damage the bundle (plexus) of nerves that control the shoulder, arm, wrist and hand muscles.

          If you or a loved one has suffered shoulder dystocia or any other type of birth injury, call a birth injury lawyer at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP today, at 1-800-460-0606.