POPs in the news

26/09/2023 -

In Hawaii and elsewhere in the North Pacific, few hatchlings are emerging from the nests of endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. In Wisconsin, some tree swallows have failed to produce offspring. In California, infectious diseases are now more common in southern sea otters. In Michigan, bluegills are swimming slower. In the Arctic, some hooded seals and their pups have thyroid problems. And in North Carolina’s Cape Fear River, American alligators have been found with lesions and unhealed, infected wounds. More:

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS Toxicity Human Sentinels PFAS Wildlife Exposure PFAS Impact on Wildlife PFAS History: The Right to Know PFAS Regulation

PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ harming wildlife the world over: Study

In Hawaii and elsewhere in the North Pacific, few hatchlings are emerging from the nests of endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. In Wisconsin, some tree swallows have failed to produce offspring. In California, infectious diseases are now more common in southern sea otters. In Michigan, bluegills are swimming slower. In the Arctic, some hooded seals and their pups have thyroid problems. And in North Carolina’s Cape Fear River, American alligators have been found with lesions and unhealed, infected wounds. More:

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS Toxicity Human Sentinels PFAS Wildlife Exposure PFAS Impact on Wildlife PFAS History: The Right to Know PFAS Regulation
25/09/2023 -

In 1988, turmeric producers in Bangladesh had a problem. That year, their rivers reached their peaks within a matter of days, creating a deluge that submerged three quarters of the country. When the floods subsided, farmers found black and soggy turmeric roots — unappealing to buyers, even if the raw spice remained intact. Turmeric polishers found a solution: a quick polish to smooth the exterior then a dusting of a yellow pigment powder to enhance the natural color. They didn’t know the powder was poison. More:

Sources of Lead Exposure Biomonitoring Lead Tackling Lead Poisoning

Tracking down a poison: Getting the lead out of spices in Bangladesh and Georgia

In 1988, turmeric producers in Bangladesh had a problem. That year, their rivers reached their peaks within a matter of days, creating a deluge that submerged three quarters of the country. When the floods subsided, farmers found black and soggy turmeric roots — unappealing to buyers, even if the raw spice remained intact. Turmeric polishers found a solution: a quick polish to smooth the exterior then a dusting of a yellow pigment powder to enhance the natural color. They didn’t know the powder was poison. More:

Sources of Lead Exposure Biomonitoring Lead Tackling Lead Poisoning
21/09/2023 -

While it is generally not known what exactly causes cancer, past studies show a woman’s risk for cancer depends on a variety of factors. These could include genetics, smoking, obesity, hormones, and environmental risk factors like exposure to certain chemicals called “forever chemicals.” More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in the Environment PFAS in Consumer Products PFAS in Food Packaging and Cookware PFAS Human Exposure PFAS Health Effects: Asthma, Inflammation, Immunosuppression PFAS Human Health Effects: Cancer PFAS Human Health Effects: Cardiovascular Disease and High Serum Cholesterol PFAS Human Health Effects: Endocrine disruption, Fertility, Thyroid function Water Decontamination PFAS Alternatives for Consumer Products

Higher levels of 'forever chemicals' found in women with breast, skin, and ovarian cancers

While it is generally not known what exactly causes cancer, past studies show a woman’s risk for cancer depends on a variety of factors. These could include genetics, smoking, obesity, hormones, and environmental risk factors like exposure to certain chemicals called “forever chemicals.” More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in the Environment PFAS in Consumer Products PFAS in Food Packaging and Cookware PFAS Human Exposure PFAS Health Effects: Asthma, Inflammation, Immunosuppression PFAS Human Health Effects: Cancer PFAS Human Health Effects: Cardiovascular Disease and High Serum Cholesterol PFAS Human Health Effects: Endocrine disruption, Fertility, Thyroid function Water Decontamination PFAS Alternatives for Consumer Products
19/09/2023 -

Surnommés "polluants éternels", les PFAS s’accumulent dans la nature sans jamais être éliminés et pénètrent dans la chaîne alimentaire. La RTS a fait analyser des poissons pêchés dans différentes régions du pays. Résultat: des PFAS détectés dans tous les échantillons. Selon les normes européennes, certains sont même impropres à la consommation. More:

PFAS: Bio-surveillance humaine

Des poissons suisses trop pollués pour être mangés

Surnommés "polluants éternels", les PFAS s’accumulent dans la nature sans jamais être éliminés et pénètrent dans la chaîne alimentaire. La RTS a fait analyser des poissons pêchés dans différentes régions du pays. Résultat: des PFAS détectés dans tous les échantillons. Selon les normes européennes, certains sont même impropres à la consommation. More:

PFAS: Bio-surveillance humaine
18/09/2023 -

One million animal and plant species are under threat of extinction worldwide. One of the main causes of the loss of biodiversity is the pollution of nature by nutrients and chemical pesticides. Agricultural economist Niklas Möhring: “The member states of the United Nations have set global targets to halt the loss of biodiversity. To reduce pollution and protect biodiversity, researchers and policy makers need adequate indicators with which to measure progress. In our report, we highlight some of them.” More:


Successful protection of biodiversity requires adequate pesticide and nutrient pollution indicators

One million animal and plant species are under threat of extinction worldwide. One of the main causes of the loss of biodiversity is the pollution of nature by nutrients and chemical pesticides. Agricultural economist Niklas Möhring: “The member states of the United Nations have set global targets to halt the loss of biodiversity. To reduce pollution and protect biodiversity, researchers and policy makers need adequate indicators with which to measure progress. In our report, we highlight some of them.” More:

18/09/2023 -

Although they may not be the intended target, snails undoubtedly still suffer from the widespread spraying of insecticides on crops. But seeing as snails can also cause major damage to plants, farmers probably aren’t too upset if they get caught in the crossfire. This all makes it rather fitting that a team of Tunisian scientists has found a way for snails to help monitor insecticide pollution – by donating their shells. More:


Snails take stand against pollution

Although they may not be the intended target, snails undoubtedly still suffer from the widespread spraying of insecticides on crops. But seeing as snails can also cause major damage to plants, farmers probably aren’t too upset if they get caught in the crossfire. This all makes it rather fitting that a team of Tunisian scientists has found a way for snails to help monitor insecticide pollution – by donating their shells. More:

18/09/2023 -

Using data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a team of academic researchers found evidence that women diagnosed with some “hormonally-driven” cancers had exposures to certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are used in thousands of household and industrial products, including in stain- and heat-resistant items. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Human Exposure and Health Effects

Certain common chemicals associated with higher odds of cancer in women

Using data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a team of academic researchers found evidence that women diagnosed with some “hormonally-driven” cancers had exposures to certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are used in thousands of household and industrial products, including in stain- and heat-resistant items. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Human Exposure and Health Effects
18/09/2023 -

A full-scale furor is erupting in Europe, pitting industry against government. The European Commission (EC) is proposing that all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) be banned because it says they are persistent, can be toxic, and can bioaccumulate in organisms—including people. The ban would include all fluoropolymers, a major subset of PFAS. More:

The Industry Position on PFAS

The battle over PFAS in Europe

A full-scale furor is erupting in Europe, pitting industry against government. The European Commission (EC) is proposing that all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) be banned because it says they are persistent, can be toxic, and can bioaccumulate in organisms—including people. The ban would include all fluoropolymers, a major subset of PFAS. More:

The Industry Position on PFAS
14/09/2023 -

Deanna Denham Hughes still remembers the jingle that ruined her life. “Just for meeeee,” she sings, drawing out the last syllable before she breaks into a self-conscious laugh. “It’s like this little hip-hop beat.” In the ad, for Just for Me hair relaxer, Black girls wearing big earrings rap about “body and shine” and flip their silky hair in slow motion. Denham Hughes wanted to be just like them when she was a ’90s kid, and that meant she had to tame her thick, immovable Afro. More:

Human Health Effects Hair Straighteners and Cancer Toxic Fragrance Chemicals Lawsuit on Hair Straighteners Socio-cultural Aspects

The Cost of Straight Hair

Deanna Denham Hughes still remembers the jingle that ruined her life. “Just for meeeee,” she sings, drawing out the last syllable before she breaks into a self-conscious laugh. “It’s like this little hip-hop beat.” In the ad, for Just for Me hair relaxer, Black girls wearing big earrings rap about “body and shine” and flip their silky hair in slow motion. Denham Hughes wanted to be just like them when she was a ’90s kid, and that meant she had to tame her thick, immovable Afro. More:

Human Health Effects Human Health Effects: Hair Straighteners and Cancer Toxic Fragrance Chemicals Lawsuit about Hair Straighteners Socio-cultural Aspects
14/09/2023 -

Don’t get us wrong, PFAS remediation in general is a very good thing. There are so many PFAS-polluted sites out there that urgently need to be cleaned up to limit the pollution. And due to all the years of toxic release, this is something we will need for a long time. More:

PFAS Remediation Technologies PFAS Remediation Technologies: Soil Remediation

Sorry, folks. PFAS clean-ups won’t solve the problem

Don’t get us wrong, PFAS remediation in general is a very good thing. There are so many PFAS-polluted sites out there that urgently need to be cleaned up to limit the pollution. And due to all the years of toxic release, this is something we will need for a long time. More:

PFAS Remediation Technologies PFAS Remediation Technologies: Soil Remediation
14/09/2023 -

Exposure to the synthetic chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) exceeds acceptable health safety levels, a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing said. More:


Europeans exposed to chemical BPA at higher than acceptable health safety levels, EU report says

Exposure to the synthetic chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) exceeds acceptable health safety levels, a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing said. More:

13/09/2023 -

Gains made against malaria in Kenya and the East African region are under threat following the rapid spread of a new deadly mosquito species, according to scientists. The species was recently detected in parts of northern Kenya, raising alarms about its spread and risk of the vector-borne disease. More:

Malaria Malaria Prevalence 03-Malaria and Climate Change DDT Alternatives

Fight against Malaria in Kenya, Horn of Africa threatened by Asian vector

Gains made against malaria in Kenya and the East African region are under threat following the rapid spread of a new deadly mosquito species, according to scientists. The species was recently detected in parts of northern Kenya, raising alarms about its spread and risk of the vector-borne disease. More:

Malaria Malaria Prevalence 03-Malaria and Climate Change DDT Alternatives
13/09/2023 -

For decades, it was the secret behind the magic show of homemaking across the US. Applied to a pan, it could keep a fried egg from sticking to the surface. Soaked into a carpet, it could shrug off spills of red wine. Sprayed onto shoes and coats, it could keep the kids dry on a rainy day. More:

Human Exposure Human Health Effects Regulation

In our blood: how the US allowed toxic chemicals to seep into our lives

For decades, it was the secret behind the magic show of homemaking across the US. Applied to a pan, it could keep a fried egg from sticking to the surface. Soaked into a carpet, it could shrug off spills of red wine. Sprayed onto shoes and coats, it could keep the kids dry on a rainy day. More:

Human Exposure Human Health Effects Regulation
13/09/2023 -

In a study published in the journal Chemosphere on September 13, researchers from the United States-based non-profit organization, the Environmental Working Group, analyzed 30 common cleaning products for hazardous volatile organic compounds. In total, 193 unique hazardous chemicals were identified with potential impacts on the respiratory system, development, reproduction and cancer risk. More:


Toxicologists Discover Popular Cleaning Products Can Increase Cancer Risk

In a study published in the journal Chemosphere on September 13, researchers from the United States-based non-profit organization, the Environmental Working Group, analyzed 30 common cleaning products for hazardous volatile organic compounds. In total, 193 unique hazardous chemicals were identified with potential impacts on the respiratory system, development, reproduction and cancer risk. More:

12/09/2023 -

Fluorinated gases (F-gases) account for over 70% of the refrigerants market in the world. In Europe, they represent the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions as the entire EU aviation sector. More:


Why you should care about the battle over F-gases

Fluorinated gases (F-gases) account for over 70% of the refrigerants market in the world. In Europe, they represent the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions as the entire EU aviation sector. More:

12/09/2023 -

About a year ago, a team of scientists from the University of Antwerp in Belgium, went shopping for drinking straws. They bought a heap of paper and plastic ones. They bought a few made from bamboo. And they also purchased some crafted from glass and stainless steel. In all they collected 39 different brands of straws. More:

Toxic Chemicals in Plastics

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS)

Should You Ditch Your Eco-Friendly Drinking Straw?

About a year ago, a team of scientists from the University of Antwerp in Belgium, went shopping for drinking straws. They bought a heap of paper and plastic ones. They bought a few made from bamboo. And they also purchased some crafted from glass and stainless steel. In all they collected 39 different brands of straws. More:

Toxic Chemicals in Plastics

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS)
12/09/2023 -

Does the food packaging from your favorite fast food or fast casual restaurant contain toxic PFAS “forever chemicals?” These chemicals can make your meal more toxic and may take decades to break down in your body. More:

PFAS in Food Packaging

Fast Food & Fast Casual Restaurant Packaging & PFAS “Forever Chemicals” –Report 2023

Does the food packaging from your favorite fast food or fast casual restaurant contain toxic PFAS “forever chemicals?” These chemicals can make your meal more toxic and may take decades to break down in your body. More:

PFAS in Food Packaging
09/09/2023 -

The allure of evergreen sporting fields has also seen synthetic turf become an increasingly popular surface, driven by constraints on open space while population density increases. But concerns about microplastics, urban heat and the chemical compounds in synthetic grass have become points of contention for environment and community groups, who are calling for the surface to be banned. More:


Turf war: fake grass is growing in popularity in Australia, despite concerns about its impact

The allure of evergreen sporting fields has also seen synthetic turf become an increasingly popular surface, driven by constraints on open space while population density increases. But concerns about microplastics, urban heat and the chemical compounds in synthetic grass have become points of contention for environment and community groups, who are calling for the surface to be banned. More:

06/09/2023 -

To Dye For is an account of the toxic evolution of fast fashion — from its mauvine- and arsenic-tinted beginnings to the takeover of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It is essential reading for those who have ever experienced skin sensitivity, a rash or worse due to clothing laden with harmful chemicals. And for anyone interested in the true cost of the modern fast fashion that is polluting the world with toxins and discarded bargain clothing. More:

Natural Dyeing

‘To Dye For’: The Toxic Evolution of Fast Fashion by Alden Wicker

To Dye For is an account of the toxic evolution of fast fashion — from its mauvine- and arsenic-tinted beginnings to the takeover of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It is essential reading for those who have ever experienced skin sensitivity, a rash or worse due to clothing laden with harmful chemicals. And for anyone interested in the true cost of the modern fast fashion that is polluting the world with toxins and discarded bargain clothing. More:

Natural Dyeing
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