POPs in the news

New tech could one day scrub ‘forever chemicals’ from your tap water

15/04/2023 -

Since Tupperware, the iconic kitchen brand that’s been a household name for decades, signaled recently that it might be going out of business, you might be wondering how long your stash of its food storage containers is safe to use — especially if it’s vintage. Figuring out the answer to that question for any type of reusable plastic food storage products — not just Tupperware — often comes down to understanding what they’re made of. More:


How long you can use your vintage Tupperware and other plastic food storage products

Since Tupperware, the iconic kitchen brand that’s been a household name for decades, signaled recently that it might be going out of business, you might be wondering how long your stash of its food storage containers is safe to use — especially if it’s vintage. Figuring out the answer to that question for any type of reusable plastic food storage products — not just Tupperware — often comes down to understanding what they’re made of. More:

14/04/2023 -

Here’s the bad news: Forever chemicals are everywhere. These toxic compounds, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are often used in goods that resist water and grease like packaged foods, cookware, furniture, and outdoor apparel. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS: Industrial sources PFAS in the Environment PFAS in Food Packaging and other Food Contact Application PFAS in Clothes PFAS Health Effects PFAS Risk Management and Regulation

Forever Chemicals Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Limit Your Exposure

Here’s the bad news: Forever chemicals are everywhere. These toxic compounds, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are often used in goods that resist water and grease like packaged foods, cookware, furniture, and outdoor apparel. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS: Industrial sources PFAS in the Environment PFAS in Food Packaging and other Food Contact Application PFAS in Clothes PFAS Health Effects PFAS Risk Management and Regulation
13/04/2023 -

Around 15 million people across the globe are working at artisanal and small-scale gold mining sites, nearly a third of them women and children. Instead of operating advanced equipment supplied by formal mining companies subject to government oversight, they use basic tools, bulldozers and unregulated chemicals. More:

Mercury Use in Gold Mining and Impact

International mercury regulations fail to protect the environment, public health: study

Around 15 million people across the globe are working at artisanal and small-scale gold mining sites, nearly a third of them women and children. Instead of operating advanced equipment supplied by formal mining companies subject to government oversight, they use basic tools, bulldozers and unregulated chemicals. More:

Mercury Use in Gold Mining and Impact
11/04/2023 -

Scientists from the University of Toronto have detected cancer-causing chemicals called short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) in over 87 per cent of products tested, despite the toxins being banned in Canada for a decade now. More:

Chlorinated Paraffins in the Environment Human Exposure to Chlorinated Paraffins Body Burden of Chlorinated Paraffins

Illegal, cancer-causing chemicals detected in Canadian toys and electronics, new U of T study finds

Scientists from the University of Toronto have detected cancer-causing chemicals called short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) in over 87 per cent of products tested, despite the toxins being banned in Canada for a decade now. More:

Chlorinated Paraffins in the Environment Human Exposure to Chlorinated Paraffins Body Burden of Chlorinated Paraffins
11/04/2023 -

While PFAS has become a predominant environmental health concern, they are not the only class of forever chemicals that pose a health risk. Rather, they belong to a diverse group of chemicals that share the property of being remarkably stable in the environment. Other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which is the scientific term for forever chemicals, include polychlorinated biphenylsl (PCBs), dioxins and organochlorine pesticides like DDT. More:


PFAS: The “New” Forever Chemicals

While PFAS has become a predominant environmental health concern, they are not the only class of forever chemicals that pose a health risk. Rather, they belong to a diverse group of chemicals that share the property of being remarkably stable in the environment. Other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which is the scientific term for forever chemicals, include polychlorinated biphenylsl (PCBs), dioxins and organochlorine pesticides like DDT. More:

‘Forever chemicals’ linked to infertility in women, study shows

05/04/2023 -

In response to a 2017 request by the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), produced a report on the adverse impacts of pesticides and fertilizers and what can be done to minimize them. More:


UN Report Details Actions to Minimize Negative Impacts of Pesticides

In response to a 2017 request by the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), produced a report on the adverse impacts of pesticides and fertilizers and what can be done to minimize them. More:

04/04/2023 -

Some furniture fabrics are coated with questionable PFAS compounds – often called 'forever chemicals' – to repel stains, but a new study suggests they may not even do the job they're supposed to. More:

Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances

'Forever Chemicals' Used in Furniture May Not Help Fabrics Resist Stains

Some furniture fabrics are coated with questionable PFAS compounds – often called 'forever chemicals' – to repel stains, but a new study suggests they may not even do the job they're supposed to. More:

Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances
03/04/2023 -

Chemicals that were banned after they punched a hole in Earth’s ozone layer are still building up at an alarming rate in our atmosphere, according to research published today in the journal Nature Geoscience. The chemicals were once widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration but were supposed to be phased out globally by 2010. More:

Ozone Depleting Substances Greenhouse Gases Control and Regulation

Chemicals banned from air conditioners and refrigerators are making a comeback — and scientists don’t know why

Chemicals that were banned after they punched a hole in Earth’s ozone layer are still building up at an alarming rate in our atmosphere, according to research published today in the journal Nature Geoscience. The chemicals were once widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration but were supposed to be phased out globally by 2010. More:

Ozone Depleting Substances Greenhouse Gases Control and Regulation
31/03/2023 -

You may not be able to see PFAS molecules around you, but they are ubiquitous: in our food, leaching into our water supplies, and in our blood. The class of water-resistant compounds used to make raincoats waterproof and nonstick pans stick-proof are also known as "forever chemicals," so named because they do not naturally break down in the environment (or in our bloodstream). More:

PFAS Exposure and Health Effects

Your microwave popcorn bags are full of harmful "forever chemicals"

You may not be able to see PFAS molecules around you, but they are ubiquitous: in our food, leaching into our water supplies, and in our blood. The class of water-resistant compounds used to make raincoats waterproof and nonstick pans stick-proof are also known as "forever chemicals," so named because they do not naturally break down in the environment (or in our bloodstream). More:

PFAS Exposure and Health Effects
29/03/2023 -

As plastic littering in the environment is of great concern, the effects of littered biobased biodegradable plastics in aquatic habitats may be amplified by their capacity to interact with mercury (Hg). This study sought to understand better how ultraviolet (UV) ageing affects biobased polymers in water, and whether the amount of mercury that can attach to these polymers increases as a result. More:


Biobased biodegradable polymers may amplify absorption of mercury from the marine environment

As plastic littering in the environment is of great concern, the effects of littered biobased biodegradable plastics in aquatic habitats may be amplified by their capacity to interact with mercury (Hg). This study sought to understand better how ultraviolet (UV) ageing affects biobased polymers in water, and whether the amount of mercury that can attach to these polymers increases as a result. More:

28/03/2023 -

Sperm quality appears to be declining around the world but is a little discussed cause of infertility. Now scientists are narrowing in on what might be behind the problem. More:

PFAS Body Burden and Impact on Fertility Impact of Other Chemicals on Fertility Impact of Air Pollution and Other Environmental Factors on Fertility

How pollution is causing a male fertility crisis

Sperm quality appears to be declining around the world but is a little discussed cause of infertility. Now scientists are narrowing in on what might be behind the problem. More:

PFAS Body Burden and Impact on Fertility Impact of Other Chemicals on Fertility Impact of Air Pollution and Other Environmental Factors on Fertility
28/03/2023 -

Aside from being marketed as “good for the environment,” each has been found to carry high levels of toxic, long-lived chemicals called PFAS — or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — according to the first study of its kind in Canada. More:

Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Food Packaging PFAS Toxicity PFAS Regulation Thresholds for PFAS in Food and Drinking Water

High levels of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in so-called ‘green’ food packaging used across Canada, says a new study

Aside from being marketed as “good for the environment,” each has been found to carry high levels of toxic, long-lived chemicals called PFAS — or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — according to the first study of its kind in Canada. More:

Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Food Packaging PFAS Toxicity PFAS Regulation Thresholds for PFAS in Food and Drinking Water
22/03/2023 -

Residents of a small town in Belgium are experiencing a living nightmare, as they deal with the knowledge that the land around them is contaminated with so-called "forever chemicals", otherwise known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). More:

PFAS Contaminated Sites in Europe

Residents of Belgian town living through nightmare of 'forever chemical' pollution

Residents of a small town in Belgium are experiencing a living nightmare, as they deal with the knowledge that the land around them is contaminated with so-called "forever chemicals", otherwise known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). More:

PFAS Contaminated Sites in Europe
22/03/2023 -

University of British Columbia researchers develop silica-based material with ability to absorb wider range of harmful chemicals. More:

PFAS Water Treatment Technology PFAS in Wildlife

Canada: scientists discover new method to break down toxic ‘forever chemicals’

University of British Columbia researchers develop silica-based material with ability to absorb wider range of harmful chemicals. More:

PFAS Water Treatment Technology PFAS in Wildlife
22/03/2023 -

Through an advocacy campaign from environmental NGO ChemSec, over a hundred consumer brands worth more than €130 billion strongly support a comprehensive ban on these harmful chemicals. Many companies are taking a stand against PFAS chemicals as the EU invites the public to give its opinions on a proposed ban on these harmful chemicals. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Banning PFAS

Brands worth more than €130 billion want the EU to ban PFAS chemicals

Through an advocacy campaign from environmental NGO ChemSec, over a hundred consumer brands worth more than €130 billion strongly support a comprehensive ban on these harmful chemicals. Many companies are taking a stand against PFAS chemicals as the EU invites the public to give its opinions on a proposed ban on these harmful chemicals. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Banning PFAS
20/03/2023 -

Potentially toxic chemicals found in everyday products, including fast-food wrappers, makeup and carpeting, are altering hormonal and metabolic pathways needed for human growth and development, according to a new study. More:

Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Cosmetics PFAS Monitoring Human Exposure Reducing Exposure to PFAS

Child growth and development hampered by PFAS in blood, study says

Potentially toxic chemicals found in everyday products, including fast-food wrappers, makeup and carpeting, are altering hormonal and metabolic pathways needed for human growth and development, according to a new study. More:

Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Cosmetics PFAS Monitoring Human Exposure Reducing Exposure to PFAS
16/03/2023 -

Doctors still do not understand why Parkinson’s occurs. However, the disease has been linked to low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body. Additionally, people with certain risk factors, such as age and past traumatic brain injury, are more likely to develop the condition. More:


Parkinson's: Could a common cleaning chemical cause the disease?

Doctors still do not understand why Parkinson’s occurs. However, the disease has been linked to low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body. Additionally, people with certain risk factors, such as age and past traumatic brain injury, are more likely to develop the condition. More:

15/03/2023 -

Known colloquially as “forever chemicals,” PFAS — short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are a large group of chemicals that make certain products nonstick or stain resistant. Research indicates that these chemicals can be dangerous. Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancers, weakened immune systems among children, weight gain, and a wide range of other health problems. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS in Consumer Products PFAS Human Exposure and Health Risk PFAS Human Health Effects PFAS-Decontamination and Destruction Technologies

You probably have “forever chemicals” in your body. Here’s what that means.

Known colloquially as “forever chemicals,” PFAS — short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are a large group of chemicals that make certain products nonstick or stain resistant. Research indicates that these chemicals can be dangerous. Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancers, weakened immune systems among children, weight gain, and a wide range of other health problems. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS in Consumer Products PFAS Human Exposure and Health Risk PFAS Human Health Effects PFAS-Decontamination and Destruction Technologies
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