POPs in the news

17/01/2024 -

For years, researchers studying DEET—the chemical that’s widely used in insect repellants—have noted how in some cases it can harm brain cells, cause seizures and adversely affect the central nervous system. Now a group of scientists at Harvard University have found that the substance may jeopardize reproductive functions, too. More:

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) DEET Exposure and Impact Climate Change Impact on Vector Transmission

Does the Insect Repellent DEET Affect Reproductive Systems?

For years, researchers studying DEET—the chemical that’s widely used in insect repellants—have noted how in some cases it can harm brain cells, cause seizures and adversely affect the central nervous system. Now a group of scientists at Harvard University have found that the substance may jeopardize reproductive functions, too. More:

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) DEET Exposure and Impact Climate Change Impact on Vector Transmission
16/01/2024 -

I explored this question in a recently published review in Frontiers in Toxicology and discovered a growing body of evidence connecting increased exposure to chemicals in the environment, such as lead, PFAS and BPA, to increased child mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression. More:

Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals Chemicals Neurotoxicity Developmental Neurotoxicity of PBDEs Pollution and Mental Health Pollution Impact on Children

Op-ed: What we know about toxic chemicals and children’s mental health

I explored this question in a recently published review in Frontiers in Toxicology and discovered a growing body of evidence connecting increased exposure to chemicals in the environment, such as lead, PFAS and BPA, to increased child mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression. More:

Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals Chemicals Neurotoxicity Developmental Neurotoxicity of PBDEs Pollution and Mental Health Pollution Impact on Children
16/01/2024 -

PFAS-contaminated eggs are being found far away from the Dordrecht region where the chemical factory Chemours is based, suggesting pollution with the complex group of harmful chemicals is much more widespread than previously thought, a NOS investigation has found. More:

PFAS in Eggs PFAS in Eggs: Human Exposure

PFAS in eggs from hens kept as a hobby is a problem: NOS

PFAS-contaminated eggs are being found far away from the Dordrecht region where the chemical factory Chemours is based, suggesting pollution with the complex group of harmful chemicals is much more widespread than previously thought, a NOS investigation has found. More:

PFAS in Eggs PFAS in Eggs: Human Exposure
13/01/2024 -

Air pollution was worse inside British homes than it was outside for 11 months of the year in 2022, according to a global study by tech company Dyson. More:

Particulate Matter Indoor Air Pollutants Reducing Indoor Air Pollution

Is your scented candle trying to kill you? Shocking new research finds air pollution is worse inside your home compared with outside due to common household products

Air pollution was worse inside British homes than it was outside for 11 months of the year in 2022, according to a global study by tech company Dyson. More:

Particulate Matter Indoor Air Pollutants Reducing Indoor Air Pollution
11/01/2024 -

By contributing to the development of chronic disease and death, a group of hormone-disruptive plastic chemicals is costing the US health care system billions — over $249 billion in 2018 alone, a new study found. “The real contribution of this work is helping the public understand how much of the human health threat of endocrine-disrupting chemicals is due to plastics,” said lead author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics and population health at NYU Langone Health in New York City. More:

Chemicals in Plastics Bisphenols Bisphenols Impact on Human Fertility Flame Retardants Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Phthalates Phathalates Impact on Children's Health

Plastic chemicals linked to $249 billion in US health care costs in 2018 alone, study finds

By contributing to the development of chronic disease and death, a group of hormone-disruptive plastic chemicals is costing the US health care system billions — over $249 billion in 2018 alone, a new study found. “The real contribution of this work is helping the public understand how much of the human health threat of endocrine-disrupting chemicals is due to plastics,” said lead author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics and population health at NYU Langone Health in New York City. More:

Chemicals in Plastics Bisphenols Bisphenols Impact on Human Fertility Flame Retardants Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Phthalates Phathalates Impact on Children's Health
11/01/2024 -

Human activity, from burning fossil fuels and fireplaces to the contaminated dust produced by mining, alters Earth's atmosphere in countless ways. Records of these impacts over time are preserved in everlasting polar ice that serves as a sort of time capsule, allowing scientists and historians to link Earth's history with that of human societies. In a new study, ice cores from Antarctica show that lead and other toxic heavy metals linked to mining activities polluted the Southern Hemisphere as early as the 13th century. More:


The first assessment of toxic heavy metal pollution in the Southern Hemisphere over the last 2,000 years

Human activity, from burning fossil fuels and fireplaces to the contaminated dust produced by mining, alters Earth's atmosphere in countless ways. Records of these impacts over time are preserved in everlasting polar ice that serves as a sort of time capsule, allowing scientists and historians to link Earth's history with that of human societies. In a new study, ice cores from Antarctica show that lead and other toxic heavy metals linked to mining activities polluted the Southern Hemisphere as early as the 13th century. More:

10/01/2024 -

The study identified 921 chemicals that could potentially increase the risk of breast cancer and found that 90% are ubiquitous in consumer products, food and drinks, pesticides, medications and workplaces. More:

Chemical Carcinogens - Breast Cancer Risk Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics Breast Cancer Risk Prevention

More than 900 common chemicals linked to breast cancer risk: Study

09/01/2024 -

British Columbia doesn’t currently test agricultural soils for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals, which have been linked to serious health concerns. Teflon, known for its use in non-stick cookware, is a well-known PFAS. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Biosolids PFAS Contamination in US Farms PFAS Management in Canada PFAS Phytoremediation

Reducing the Forever Chemicals in the Food We Eat

British Columbia doesn’t currently test agricultural soils for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals, which have been linked to serious health concerns. Teflon, known for its use in non-stick cookware, is a well-known PFAS. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Biosolids PFAS Contamination in US Farms PFAS Management in Canada PFAS Phytoremediation
09/01/2024 -

Last year, Washington state passed precedent-setting rules prohibiting bisphenols as an entire class of chemicals in several products, including food and drink cans and thermal paper. These chemicals disrupt proper hormone function and are linked to health harms from cancer to diabetes to reproductive problems. More:

Chemicals Classification Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Alternatives Chemicals Regulation

Regulating chemicals by class: A task of surgical precision

Last year, Washington state passed precedent-setting rules prohibiting bisphenols as an entire class of chemicals in several products, including food and drink cans and thermal paper. These chemicals disrupt proper hormone function and are linked to health harms from cancer to diabetes to reproductive problems. More:

Chemicals Classification Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Alternatives Chemicals Regulation
08/01/2024 -

So-called “forever chemicals” linked to disease, infertility and death have been detected in 60% of rivers and lakes tested in Northeast Tennessee, findings that “cast into question the long-term safety of drinking water supplies for the region,” a report released Monday by the Sierra Club said. More:

PFAS Water Pollution PFAS in Firefighting Foam and Impact PFAS Exposure Through Drinking Water PFAS Management in the U.S

Report: ‘Forever chemicals’ in northeast TN pose longterm risk to region’s drinking water

So-called “forever chemicals” linked to disease, infertility and death have been detected in 60% of rivers and lakes tested in Northeast Tennessee, findings that “cast into question the long-term safety of drinking water supplies for the region,” a report released Monday by the Sierra Club said. More:

PFAS Water Pollution PFAS in Firefighting Foam and Impact PFAS Exposure Through Drinking Water PFAS Management in the U.S
08/01/2024 -

Glittery epoxy art kits that you mix at home to create translucent resin art projects are all the rage online and in arts and craft stores. Rarely will the warning labels tell you, however, that they’re loaded with an endocrine-disrupting chemical called bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, known as BADGE. More:

Bisphenols and Alternatives Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) Bisphenols in Consumer Products Bisphenols in Food Bisphenols Policies and Action Plans EU Chemicals Policy

How BPA and its evil cousins dodge meaningful regulation

Glittery epoxy art kits that you mix at home to create translucent resin art projects are all the rage online and in arts and craft stores. Rarely will the warning labels tell you, however, that they’re loaded with an endocrine-disrupting chemical called bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, known as BADGE. More:

Bisphenols and Alternatives Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) Bisphenols in Consumer Products Bisphenols in Food Bisphenols Policies and Action Plans EU Chemicals Policy
04/01/2024 -

In 2024, the chemical and advanced materials industry is expected to continue experiencing the challenges that persisted throughout 2023, such as inconsistent economic growth, climate crises, and geopolitical conflicts. Institutions such as the OECD, IMF, and the World Bank are sending warning signals that the global economy will be even bleaker than last year. More:

EU Chemicals Regulation Chemical Industry Transition in Europe

3 trends that are changing the chemical industry in 2024

In 2024, the chemical and advanced materials industry is expected to continue experiencing the challenges that persisted throughout 2023, such as inconsistent economic growth, climate crises, and geopolitical conflicts. Institutions such as the OECD, IMF, and the World Bank are sending warning signals that the global economy will be even bleaker than last year. More:

EU Chemicals Regulation Chemical Industry Transition in Europe
04/01/2024 -

Like many consumer products, toys are composed of a range of materials, such as plastics, textiles, and metals. While chemicals of concern provide toys with certain functions such as fragrance, color, and plasticity, exposure can result in long-term health effects for children, interfering with the hormone system or cognitive development. More:

Chemicals of Concern in Toys Human Exposure: Children Chemicals in Products and Policy Chemicals Management in the Toy Sector

Wicked Games: How Playing With Toys Can Expose Children to Harmful Chemicals

Like many consumer products, toys are composed of a range of materials, such as plastics, textiles, and metals. While chemicals of concern provide toys with certain functions such as fragrance, color, and plasticity, exposure can result in long-term health effects for children, interfering with the hormone system or cognitive development. More:

Chemicals of Concern in Toys Human Exposure: Children Chemicals in Products and Policy Chemicals Management in the Toy Sector
04/01/2024 -

“Forever chemicals” are in our drinking water sources, sea foam and spray, rain and groundwater, sea ice, and even human blood – so now efforts are increasing to detect, remove and destroy them. More:

PFAS in Consumer Products PFAS Human Exposure and Health Impact PFAS Decontamination and Destruction Technologies Right to Information PFAS Regulation PFAS Settlements

The race to destroy the toxic ‘forever chemicals’ polluting our world

“Forever chemicals” are in our drinking water sources, sea foam and spray, rain and groundwater, sea ice, and even human blood – so now efforts are increasing to detect, remove and destroy them. More:

PFAS in Consumer Products PFAS Human Exposure and Health Impact PFAS Decontamination and Destruction Technologies Right to Information PFAS Regulation PFAS Settlements
04/01/2024 -

CR tested popular fast foods and supermarket staples for bisphenols and phthalates, which can be harmful to your health. Here's what we found—and how to stay safer. More:

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Chemicals in Plastics Chemicals in Food Phthalates: Human Exposure Phthalates: Human Health Effects Alternatives and Regulation

The Plastic Chemicals Hiding in Your Food

CR tested popular fast foods and supermarket staples for bisphenols and phthalates, which can be harmful to your health. Here's what we found—and how to stay safer. More:

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Chemicals in Plastics Chemicals in Food Phthalates: Human Exposure Phthalates: Human Health Effects Alternatives and Regulation
28/12/2023 -

Lawsuits accusing major chemical companies of polluting U.S. drinking water with toxic PFAS chemicals led to over $11 billion in settlements in 2023, with experts predicting that new federal regulations and a growing awareness of the breadth of PFAS contamination in the U.S. will spur more litigation and settlements in the year ahead. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Managing the PFAS Crisis PFAS - Lawsuits and Settlements PFAS - Regulation and Lawsuits Impact

‘Forever chemicals’ were everywhere in 2023. Expect more litigation in 2024

Lawsuits accusing major chemical companies of polluting U.S. drinking water with toxic PFAS chemicals led to over $11 billion in settlements in 2023, with experts predicting that new federal regulations and a growing awareness of the breadth of PFAS contamination in the U.S. will spur more litigation and settlements in the year ahead. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Managing the PFAS Crisis PFAS Lawsuits and Settlements PFAS Regulation and Lawsuits Impacts
21/12/2023 -

In the spring of 1977, federal workplace-safety regulators were confronted with a grim government study. Current and former employees of two Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. plants in Ohio had been using benzene, a chemical long suspected of causing leukemia, to make a rubberized food wrap called Pliofilm. Workers who had been exposed to benzene in concentrations once considered safe had a five- to 10-times higher risk of developing leukemia than the general public, the study found. More:

The Refinery Sector Benzene Toxicity and Risk Assessment Benzene Human Health Effects Industry Findings and Occupational Exposure

The Science on Benzene Keeps Getting Scarier. Industry Remains in Denial

In the spring of 1977, federal workplace-safety regulators were confronted with a grim government study. Current and former employees of two Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. plants in Ohio had been using benzene, a chemical long suspected of causing leukemia, to make a rubberized food wrap called Pliofilm. Workers who had been exposed to benzene in concentrations once considered safe had a five- to 10-times higher risk of developing leukemia than the general public, the study found. More:

The Refinery Sector Benzene Toxicity and Risk Assessment Benzene Human Health Effects Industry Findings and Occupational Exposure
19/12/2023 -

Poor diet, stress, smoking and obesity are known factors impairing sperm health, but they don’t paint the entire picture. More:

The Male Fertility Issue Factors Influencing Male Fertility Pesticides in Food Chemicals in Plastics BPA Regulation

Plastics, pesticides and pills: how chemical exposures affect sperm health

Poor diet, stress, smoking and obesity are known factors impairing sperm health, but they don’t paint the entire picture. More:

The Male Fertility Issue Factors Influencing Male Fertility Pesticides in Food Chemicals in Plastics BPA Regulation
19/12/2023 -

Tests of cinnamon samples collected during a US Food and Drug Administration inspection of a facility linked with contaminated applesauce pouches turned up lead levels that were more than 2,000 times higher than proposed standards, the agency said. More:

Lead Exposure Lead Exposure and Health Effects in Children Lead Regulation

Cinnamon applesauce investigation finds lead levels more than 2,000 times higher than proposed standards, FDA says

Tests of cinnamon samples collected during a US Food and Drug Administration inspection of a facility linked with contaminated applesauce pouches turned up lead levels that were more than 2,000 times higher than proposed standards, the agency said. More:

Lead Exposure Lead Exposure and Health Effects in Children Lead Regulation
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