Vital Signs: Nonfatal, Motor Vehicle--Occupant Injuries (2009) and Seat Belt Use (2008) Among Adults --- United States
"Background: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States among persons aged 5--34 years. Seat belts have been shown to be the most effective method for reducing injuries among adults in the event of a crash.
Methods: CDC used 2009 data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System--All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) to provide U.S. estimates of the number and rate of nonfatal, motor vehicle--occupant injuries treated in emergency departments among adults aged ≥18 years. In addition, CDC used 2008 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to estimate the prevalence of self-reported seat belt use among adults in the United States. Seat belt use was examined further by type of state seat belt enforcement law.
Results: In 2009 in the United States, an estimated 2.3 million adult motor vehicle--occupants had nonfatal injuries treated in emergency departments. The nonfatal, motor vehicle--occupant injury rate declined 15.6% from 1,193.8 per 100,000 population in 2001 to 1,007.5 per 100,000 population in 2009. In 2008, self-reported seat belt use was higher in states with primary enforcement laws (88.2%), compared with states with secondary enforcement laws (79.2%). If the secondary law states had achieved 88.2% seat belt use in 2008, an additional 7.3 million adults would have been belted. From 2002 to 2008, self-reported seat belt use increased overall from 80.5% to 85.0%.
Conclusions: Nonfatal, motor vehicle--occupant injuries treated in emergency departments have declined in recent years but still affect a substantial proportion of the adult U.S. population each year. Self-reported belt use increased from 2002 to 2008, and was higher in states with primary enforcement laws compared with states with secondary enforcement laws..."
Thursday, January 13, 2011
NOAA: 2010 Tied For Warmest Year on Record"According to NOAA scientists, 2010 tied with 2005 as the warmest year of the global surface temperature record, beginning in 1880. This was the 34th consecutive year with global temperatures above the 20th century average. For the contiguous United States alone, the 2010 average annual temperature was above normal, resulting in the 23rd warmest year on record.
This preliminary analysis is prepared by scientists at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C., and is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides government, business and community leaders so they can make informed decisions.
2010 Global Climate Highlights:
Combined global land and ocean annual surface temperatures for 2010 tied with 2005 as the warmest such period on record at 1.12 F (0.62 C) above the 20th century average. The range of confidence (to the 95 percent level) associated with the combined surface temperature is +/- 0.13 F (+/- 0.07 C).
The global land surface temperatures for 2010 were tied for the second warmest on record at 1.73 F (0.96 C) above the 20th century average. The range of confidence associated with the land surface temperature is +/- 0.20 F (+/- 0.11 C).
..."
This preliminary analysis is prepared by scientists at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C., and is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides government, business and community leaders so they can make informed decisions.
2010 Global Climate Highlights:
Combined global land and ocean annual surface temperatures for 2010 tied with 2005 as the warmest such period on record at 1.12 F (0.62 C) above the 20th century average. The range of confidence (to the 95 percent level) associated with the combined surface temperature is +/- 0.13 F (+/- 0.07 C).
The global land surface temperatures for 2010 were tied for the second warmest on record at 1.73 F (0.96 C) above the 20th century average. The range of confidence associated with the land surface temperature is +/- 0.20 F (+/- 0.11 C).
..."
Friday, January 7, 2011
Statistical Abstracts of the United States, 2011
"Did you know that Raleigh, N.C. had the highest rate of population growth in the last decade of any large metropolitan area?
Metropolitan population growth is just one of more than a thousand topics addressed in the U.S. Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2011. The Abstract is perennially the federal government's best-selling reference book. When it was first published in 1878, the nation had only 38 states, people usually got around using a horse and buggy, Miami and Las Vegas did not yet exist, and Franklin D. Roosevelt had yet to be born. The Abstract has been published nearly every year since then.
Contained in the 130th edition are 1,407 tables of social, political and economic facts that collectively describe the state of our nation and the world. Included this year are 65 new tables, covering topics such as insufficient rest or sleep, nursing home occupancy, homeschooling, earthquakes, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions, organic farmland, honey bee colonies, crashes involving distracted drivers and cities with the highest transit savings.
The statistics come not only from the Census Bureau but also from other governmental agencies and private organizations. The data generally represent the most recent year or period available by summer 2010. Most are national-level data, but some tables present state- and even city- and metropolitan-level data as well..."
"Did you know that Raleigh, N.C. had the highest rate of population growth in the last decade of any large metropolitan area?
Metropolitan population growth is just one of more than a thousand topics addressed in the U.S. Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2011. The Abstract is perennially the federal government's best-selling reference book. When it was first published in 1878, the nation had only 38 states, people usually got around using a horse and buggy, Miami and Las Vegas did not yet exist, and Franklin D. Roosevelt had yet to be born. The Abstract has been published nearly every year since then.
Contained in the 130th edition are 1,407 tables of social, political and economic facts that collectively describe the state of our nation and the world. Included this year are 65 new tables, covering topics such as insufficient rest or sleep, nursing home occupancy, homeschooling, earthquakes, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions, organic farmland, honey bee colonies, crashes involving distracted drivers and cities with the highest transit savings.
The statistics come not only from the Census Bureau but also from other governmental agencies and private organizations. The data generally represent the most recent year or period available by summer 2010. Most are national-level data, but some tables present state- and even city- and metropolitan-level data as well..."
IMMIGRATION POLICY IN THE UNITED STATES: AN UPDATE
"ABSTRACT
This document updates the Congressional Budget Office's February 2006 paper Immigration Policy in the United States. It presents data through 2009 on permanent and temporary admissions of foreign nationals to the United States, the number and types of visas issued, the naturalization of residents, and enforcement of immigration laws—and makes comparisons with 2004, which was the most recent year for which most data were reported in the earlier paper.
SUMMARY
The Immigration and Nationality Act sets immigration policy in the United States on the basis of four general objectives:
To facilitate the reunification of families by admitting people who already have a family member living in the United States,
To attract workers to fill positions in certain occupations for which there are shortages,
To increase diversity by admitting people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States, and
To provide a refuge for people who face the risk of racial, religious, or political persecution in their home country."
"ABSTRACT
This document updates the Congressional Budget Office's February 2006 paper Immigration Policy in the United States. It presents data through 2009 on permanent and temporary admissions of foreign nationals to the United States, the number and types of visas issued, the naturalization of residents, and enforcement of immigration laws—and makes comparisons with 2004, which was the most recent year for which most data were reported in the earlier paper.
SUMMARY
The Immigration and Nationality Act sets immigration policy in the United States on the basis of four general objectives:
To facilitate the reunification of families by admitting people who already have a family member living in the United States,
To attract workers to fill positions in certain occupations for which there are shortages,
To increase diversity by admitting people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States, and
To provide a refuge for people who face the risk of racial, religious, or political persecution in their home country."
FDA’s Role in Animal Health:Yes! No! Maybe So! – What FDA Does and Does Not Regulate
"Each week, FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) receives a variety of phone calls and e-mails from consumers asking questions like, “Who regulates flea and tick products?” and “How do I treat my cat’s urinary tract infection?” While CVM’s Communications Staff is happy to direct consumers to the appropriate resources, it may be helpful to know that FDA is not the only organization responsible for protecting animal health. FDA regulates the drugs, devices, and feed given to or used on over one hundred million companion and food-producing animals in the U.S. Several other government and non-government organizations also play a role in animal health..."
"Each week, FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) receives a variety of phone calls and e-mails from consumers asking questions like, “Who regulates flea and tick products?” and “How do I treat my cat’s urinary tract infection?” While CVM’s Communications Staff is happy to direct consumers to the appropriate resources, it may be helpful to know that FDA is not the only organization responsible for protecting animal health. FDA regulates the drugs, devices, and feed given to or used on over one hundred million companion and food-producing animals in the U.S. Several other government and non-government organizations also play a role in animal health..."
Fatal Occupational Injuries to Volunteer Workers, 2003–07
"From 2003 to 2007, a total of 287 volunteer workers were killed on the job, or 1 percent of all fatal occupational injuries reported over that 5-year span.2 The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) considers volunteer workers to be in scope if they are exposed to similar work hazards and perform similar job duties to those of paid workers and meet the CFOI work-relationship criteria.3 A volunteer fire fighter who dies of smoke inhalation while fighting a fire or a volunteer carpenter who dies in a fall from the roof of his church while making repairs are two illustrative examples of the types of incidents that can befall volunteer workers and that would be counted in the CFOI..."
"From 2003 to 2007, a total of 287 volunteer workers were killed on the job, or 1 percent of all fatal occupational injuries reported over that 5-year span.2 The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) considers volunteer workers to be in scope if they are exposed to similar work hazards and perform similar job duties to those of paid workers and meet the CFOI work-relationship criteria.3 A volunteer fire fighter who dies of smoke inhalation while fighting a fire or a volunteer carpenter who dies in a fall from the roof of his church while making repairs are two illustrative examples of the types of incidents that can befall volunteer workers and that would be counted in the CFOI..."
Correctional Populations In The United States, 2009
"Presents summary data on the number of adults under some form of correctional supervision in the United States at yearend 2009. Correctional supervision includes adults supervised in the community on probation or parole and those incarcerated in prison or local jails. The report provides a comparison between the change in the correctional population observed since 2000 and the changes observed during the 1980s and 1990s, which illustrates the slowing of growth in the population during each decade. It also includes the number of men and women under each correctional status and trend analysis of men and women under correctional supervision since 1990..."
View full report.
"Presents summary data on the number of adults under some form of correctional supervision in the United States at yearend 2009. Correctional supervision includes adults supervised in the community on probation or parole and those incarcerated in prison or local jails. The report provides a comparison between the change in the correctional population observed since 2000 and the changes observed during the 1980s and 1990s, which illustrates the slowing of growth in the population during each decade. It also includes the number of men and women under each correctional status and trend analysis of men and women under correctional supervision since 1990..."
View full report.
DEA Position on Marijuana
"The campaign to legitimize what is called ―medical‖ marijuana is based on two propositions: first, that science views marijuana as medicine; and second, that the DEA targets sick and dying people using the drug. Neither proposition is true. Specifically, smoked marijuana has not withstood the rigors of science–it is not medicine, and it is not safe. Moreover, the DEA targets criminals engaged in the
cultivation and trafficking of marijuana, not the sick and dying. This is true even in the 14 states that have approved the use of ―medical‖ marijuana.
On October 19, 2009 Attorney General Eric Holder announced formal guidelines for federal prosecutors in states that have enacted laws authorizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The guidelines, as set forth in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General David W. Ogden, makes clear that the focus of federal resources should not be on individuals whose actions are in compliance with existing state laws, and underscores that the Department will continue to prosecute people whose
claims of compliance with state and local law conceal operations inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of the law. He also reiterated that the Department of Justice is committed to the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act in all states and that this guidance does not legalize marijuana or provide for legal defense to a violation of federal law..."
2
While some people
have interpreted these guidelines to mean that the federal government has relaxed its policy on
―medical‖ marijuana, this in fact is not the case. Investigations and prosecutions of violations of state
and federal law will continue. These are the guidelines DEA has and will continue to follow
"The campaign to legitimize what is called ―medical‖ marijuana is based on two propositions: first, that science views marijuana as medicine; and second, that the DEA targets sick and dying people using the drug. Neither proposition is true. Specifically, smoked marijuana has not withstood the rigors of science–it is not medicine, and it is not safe. Moreover, the DEA targets criminals engaged in the
cultivation and trafficking of marijuana, not the sick and dying. This is true even in the 14 states that have approved the use of ―medical‖ marijuana.
On October 19, 2009 Attorney General Eric Holder announced formal guidelines for federal prosecutors in states that have enacted laws authorizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The guidelines, as set forth in a memorandum from Deputy Attorney General David W. Ogden, makes clear that the focus of federal resources should not be on individuals whose actions are in compliance with existing state laws, and underscores that the Department will continue to prosecute people whose
claims of compliance with state and local law conceal operations inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of the law. He also reiterated that the Department of Justice is committed to the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act in all states and that this guidance does not legalize marijuana or provide for legal defense to a violation of federal law..."
2
While some people
have interpreted these guidelines to mean that the federal government has relaxed its policy on
―medical‖ marijuana, this in fact is not the case. Investigations and prosecutions of violations of state
and federal law will continue. These are the guidelines DEA has and will continue to follow
U.S. Census Bureau Reports State Government Revenues Decline Nearly 31 Percent
"Total state government revenue dropped to $1.1 trillion in 2009, a decline of 30.8 percent from $1.6 trillion in 2008, according to the latest findings from the U.S. Census Bureau. The large decrease in total revenue was mainly caused by the substantial decrease in social insurance trust revenue.
Social insurance trust revenue is made up of four categories — public employee retirement, unemployment compensation, workers compensation and other insurance trusts (i.e., Social Security, Medicare, veteran's life insurance). More details on the social insurance trust revenue will be available from the 2009 Annual Survey of State Government Employee Retirement Systems data later this winter.
State governments received nearly $1.5 trillion in general revenues in 2009, a decrease of 1.4 percent from 2008. General revenue does not include utility, liquor store or insurance trust revenue.
Total taxes collected in 2009 ($715.1 billion), which accounted for 47.9 percent of general revenue, fell by 8.5 percent from $781.6 billion in 2008. This is the first year-to-year decline in tax revenue since 2002. Federal grants ($477.7 billion) increased 12.9 percent from 2008 to 2009 and accounted for nearly one-third of general revenue..."
"Total state government revenue dropped to $1.1 trillion in 2009, a decline of 30.8 percent from $1.6 trillion in 2008, according to the latest findings from the U.S. Census Bureau. The large decrease in total revenue was mainly caused by the substantial decrease in social insurance trust revenue.
Social insurance trust revenue is made up of four categories — public employee retirement, unemployment compensation, workers compensation and other insurance trusts (i.e., Social Security, Medicare, veteran's life insurance). More details on the social insurance trust revenue will be available from the 2009 Annual Survey of State Government Employee Retirement Systems data later this winter.
State governments received nearly $1.5 trillion in general revenues in 2009, a decrease of 1.4 percent from 2008. General revenue does not include utility, liquor store or insurance trust revenue.
Total taxes collected in 2009 ($715.1 billion), which accounted for 47.9 percent of general revenue, fell by 8.5 percent from $781.6 billion in 2008. This is the first year-to-year decline in tax revenue since 2002. Federal grants ($477.7 billion) increased 12.9 percent from 2008 to 2009 and accounted for nearly one-third of general revenue..."
H.R. 2, the Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act
"Dear Mr. Speaker:
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has reviewed H.R. 2,
the Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act, as introduced
on January 5, 2011. That bill would repeal the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (PPACA, Public Law 111-148) and the provisions of
the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-152)
that are related to health care. Both of those laws were enacted in
March 2010.."
"Dear Mr. Speaker:
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has reviewed H.R. 2,
the Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act, as introduced
on January 5, 2011. That bill would repeal the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (PPACA, Public Law 111-148) and the provisions of
the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-152)
that are related to health care. Both of those laws were enacted in
March 2010.."
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Census Bureau Releases Alternative Income and Poverty Estimates
"The Census Bureau has released alternative income and poverty estimates covering calendar year 2009, including breakdowns by age, sex and race.
These estimates do not revise or replace the official 2009 income and poverty estimates released Sept. 16, 2010. The official estimate of the national poverty rate remains at 14.3 percent.
The Census Bureau has released alternative measures of poverty for many years based on the recommendations of Congress and the National Academy of Sciences. The purpose of these alternate measures is to show the effect on income and poverty measures when factoring in a range of poverty thresholds and different assumptions about income sources (such as subsidized housing or free or reduced-price school lunches)..."
"The Census Bureau has released alternative income and poverty estimates covering calendar year 2009, including breakdowns by age, sex and race.
These estimates do not revise or replace the official 2009 income and poverty estimates released Sept. 16, 2010. The official estimate of the national poverty rate remains at 14.3 percent.
The Census Bureau has released alternative measures of poverty for many years based on the recommendations of Congress and the National Academy of Sciences. The purpose of these alternate measures is to show the effect on income and poverty measures when factoring in a range of poverty thresholds and different assumptions about income sources (such as subsidized housing or free or reduced-price school lunches)..."
National Radon Month -January
The EPA has designated January as National Radon Month. Find numerous consumer and partner resources at the EPA site.
The EPA has designated January as National Radon Month. Find numerous consumer and partner resources at the EPA site.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Indicators Of School Crime And Safety: 2010 (Revised)
"This report has been revised. Please note the corrected number in red below, and on page 'iii' of the revised Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2010 PDF file.
Presents data on crime and safety at school from the perspectives of students, teachers, and principals. A joint effort by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), this annual report examines crime occurring in school as well as on the way to and from school. It also provides the most current detailed statistical information on the nature of crime in schools and school environments; and responses to violence and crime at school. Data are drawn from several federally funded collections, including the National Crime Victimization Survey, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, School Survey on Crime and Safety, and the Schools and Staffing Survey.
Information was gathered from an array of sources including:
- National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) (1992-2008)
- School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (1995, 1991, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007)
- Youth Risk Behavior Survey (1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009)
- School Survey on Crime and Safety (1999-2000, 2003-04, 2005-06, and 2007-08)
- School and Staffing Survey (1993-94, 1999-2000, 2003-04, and 2007-08).."
"This report has been revised. Please note the corrected number in red below, and on page 'iii' of the revised Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2010 PDF file.
Presents data on crime and safety at school from the perspectives of students, teachers, and principals. A joint effort by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), this annual report examines crime occurring in school as well as on the way to and from school. It also provides the most current detailed statistical information on the nature of crime in schools and school environments; and responses to violence and crime at school. Data are drawn from several federally funded collections, including the National Crime Victimization Survey, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, School Survey on Crime and Safety, and the Schools and Staffing Survey.
Information was gathered from an array of sources including:
- National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) (1992-2008)
- School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (1995, 1991, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007)
- Youth Risk Behavior Survey (1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009)
- School Survey on Crime and Safety (1999-2000, 2003-04, 2005-06, and 2007-08)
- School and Staffing Survey (1993-94, 1999-2000, 2003-04, and 2007-08).."
U.S. Teen Birth Rate Hits Record Low in 2009, CDC Report Finds
"The birth rate for U.S. teens aged 15-19 years fell to a record low, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 2009 birth rate of 39.1 births per 1,000 teens is down 6 percent from the 2008 rate of 41.5 births per 1,000. This is the lowest ever recorded in seven decades of tracking teenage childbearing. Birth rates for younger and older teens and for all race/ethnic groups reached historic lows in 2009.
The data are based on nearly 100 percent of birth records collected in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. The report from CDC's National Center for Health Statistics also notes declines in the overall fertility rate—the average number of births that a group of women would have over their lifetimes—and the total number of U.S. births.
The general fertility rate fell from 68.6 births per 1,000 females aged 15-44 per year in 2008 to 66.7 in 2009. The total number of births declined from 4,247,694 in 2008 to 4,131,019 in 2009. This decline appears to be continuing into 2010, based on early birth counts from January-June of this year..."
"The birth rate for U.S. teens aged 15-19 years fell to a record low, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 2009 birth rate of 39.1 births per 1,000 teens is down 6 percent from the 2008 rate of 41.5 births per 1,000. This is the lowest ever recorded in seven decades of tracking teenage childbearing. Birth rates for younger and older teens and for all race/ethnic groups reached historic lows in 2009.
The data are based on nearly 100 percent of birth records collected in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. The report from CDC's National Center for Health Statistics also notes declines in the overall fertility rate—the average number of births that a group of women would have over their lifetimes—and the total number of U.S. births.
The general fertility rate fell from 68.6 births per 1,000 females aged 15-44 per year in 2008 to 66.7 in 2009. The total number of births declined from 4,247,694 in 2008 to 4,131,019 in 2009. This decline appears to be continuing into 2010, based on early birth counts from January-June of this year..."
EPA Issues National Guidance to Address Proper Maintenance, Removal, and Disposal of PCB-Containing Fluorescent Lights
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released guidance recommending that schools take steps to reduce potential exposures to PCBs from older fluorescent lighting fixtures. The guidance, part of EPA’s ongoing efforts to address potential PCB exposures in schools, is based on evidence that the older ballasts contain PCBs that can leak when the ballasts fail, leading to elevated levels of PCBs in the air of schools that should not represent an immediate threat but could pose health concerns if they persist over time.
The guidance document is available online at http://www.epa.gov/pcb."
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released guidance recommending that schools take steps to reduce potential exposures to PCBs from older fluorescent lighting fixtures. The guidance, part of EPA’s ongoing efforts to address potential PCB exposures in schools, is based on evidence that the older ballasts contain PCBs that can leak when the ballasts fail, leading to elevated levels of PCBs in the air of schools that should not represent an immediate threat but could pose health concerns if they persist over time.
The guidance document is available online at http://www.epa.gov/pcb."
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