SIO finds fumigant more dangerous than thought   The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) on the UCSD campus recently announced that the poison used to kill termites lingers as a potent greenhouse gas. “I am not an expert on how and why to exterminate termites, but given that houses are built out of wood in many parts of the United States in essentially sub-tropical climates, I assume that termites are a major problem, and that is therefore why it is important to have methods to get rid of them,” said Jen Mühle, an atmospheric chemist and assistant project scientist with SIO.             The SIO-led study found that fumigant sent into houses draped by tents remains in the atmosphere six to ten times longer than previously believed, and the team of scientists also found that the concentration of gas rose between 4 and 6 percent between 1978 and 2007. For info, see www.ucsd.edu.  Athenaeum calls for entries Artists who would like to be considered for the Athenaum’s 18th annual Juried Exhibition can submit entries through June 23. For information, call 454-5872. Vons raises funds for Easter Seals Vons grocery markets have kicked off a month-long campaign to raise money for Easter Seals. Throughout April, customers can make a donation at the check-out stand to help Easter Seals provide services to local residents with disabilities. The chain raised more than $1 million last year for Southern California Easter Seals. Vons stores are located at 7544 Girard Ave., 3993 Governor Drive and 7788 Regents Road.