POPs in the news

Forever chemicals are an underestimated source of water contamination

18/05/2023 -

At the beginning of 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new rules for maximum allowable levels in drinking water for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Although these human-made so-called “forever chemicals” have been widely used since the 1940s in various industrial and consumer products due to their unique properties, such as oil and water resistance, temperature resistance, and low friction, they can persist for a very long time in the environment, accumulate in the food chain, and lead to a number of health risks. More:


Forever chemicals are an underestimated source of water contamination

At the beginning of 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new rules for maximum allowable levels in drinking water for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Although these human-made so-called “forever chemicals” have been widely used since the 1940s in various industrial and consumer products due to their unique properties, such as oil and water resistance, temperature resistance, and low friction, they can persist for a very long time in the environment, accumulate in the food chain, and lead to a number of health risks. More:

Growing number of sports bras, shirts and leggings brands found with high levels of toxic chemical, watchdog warns

18/05/2023 -

An increasing number of sports bra and athletic wear brands have been found with high levels of BPA in them, a chemical compound that's used to make certain types of plastic and can lead to harmful health effects such as asthma, cardiovascular disease and obesity, a watchdog group said. More:

Bisphenol A (BPA) BPA in Clothing BPA Human Health Effects

Growing number of sports bras, shirts and leggings brands found with high levels of toxic chemical, watchdog warns

An increasing number of sports bra and athletic wear brands have been found with high levels of BPA in them, a chemical compound that's used to make certain types of plastic and can lead to harmful health effects such as asthma, cardiovascular disease and obesity, a watchdog group said. More:

Bisphenol A (BPA) BPA in Clothing BPA Human Health Effects

How did nonstick "forever chemicals" get into our food? Blame pesticides

16/05/2023 -

A recent study by a nonprofit focused on protecting the environment reveals a new problem with pesticides: They are filled with forever chemicals, a class of compound that is typically used in nonstick and waterproof surfaces. More:

PFAS in Pesticides PFAS in Food Packaging PFAS in Drinking Water PFAS Human Health Effects

How did nonstick "forever chemicals" get into our food? Blame pesticides

A recent study by a nonprofit focused on protecting the environment reveals a new problem with pesticides: They are filled with forever chemicals, a class of compound that is typically used in nonstick and waterproof surfaces. More:

PFAS in Pesticides PFAS in Food Packaging PFAS in Drinking Water PFAS Human Health Effects

Calls to permanently ban use of PFAS chemicals still found in some domestic products

16/05/2023 -

There are growing calls for the Australian government to ban toxic chemicals still found in some common household products after this week's legal settlement with residents. More:

PFAS Contamination and Impact

Calls to permanently ban use of PFAS chemicals still found in some domestic products

There are growing calls for the Australian government to ban toxic chemicals still found in some common household products after this week's legal settlement with residents. More:

PFAS Contamination and Impact

Three families vowed to stop a killer chemical. Here’s how they did it

16/05/2023 -

A bathtub. A floor. A bike. The items Kevin Hartley, Drew Wynne and Joshua Atkins had been working on at the time of their deaths less than 10 months apart varied, but what cut their lives short was the same: a chemical in paint strippers and other products sold in stores nationwide. More:

Methylene chloride in paint strippers Hazardous materials and occupational exposure Pressure to regulate methylene chloride Restrictions on methylene chloride and other hazardous chemicals Towards a ban on methylene chloride

Three families vowed to stop a killer chemical. Here’s how they did it

A bathtub. A floor. A bike. The items Kevin Hartley, Drew Wynne and Joshua Atkins had been working on at the time of their deaths less than 10 months apart varied, but what cut their lives short was the same: a chemical in paint strippers and other products sold in stores nationwide. More:

Methylene chloride in paint strippers Hazardous materials and occupational exposure Pressure to regulate methylene chloride Restrictions on methylene chloride and other hazardous chemicals Towards a ban on methylene chloride

Scientists call for chemical pollution monitoring in Antarctica to support global chemical policy

15/05/2023 -

A horizon-scan of chemical pollution research needs in Antarctica has called for Antarctic Treaty consultative parties to extend their national chemical monitoring programs to their Antarctic research stations and Territories. More:


Scientists call for chemical pollution monitoring in Antarctica to support global chemical policy

A horizon-scan of chemical pollution research needs in Antarctica has called for Antarctic Treaty consultative parties to extend their national chemical monitoring programs to their Antarctic research stations and Territories. More:

Veterans exposed to chemical at Camp Lejeune faced a 70% higher Parkinson’s risk, study says

15/05/2023 -

Marines who were stationed at Camp Lejeune had a 70% higher risk of Parkinson’s disease than veterans who served at a post across the country, a new study found. The difference may have been in the Camp Lejeune vets’ exposure to a chemical known as trichloroethylene (TCE), a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, the researchers warn. And the risk of developing this disorder of the nervous system may be higher for millions more people. More:

Trichloroethylene Trichloroethylene Risks and Health Effects Trichloroethylene in Camp Lejeune

Veterans exposed to chemical at Camp Lejeune faced a 70% higher Parkinson’s risk, study says

Marines who were stationed at Camp Lejeune had a 70% higher risk of Parkinson’s disease than veterans who served at a post across the country, a new study found. The difference may have been in the Camp Lejeune vets’ exposure to a chemical known as trichloroethylene (TCE), a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, the researchers warn. And the risk of developing this disorder of the nervous system may be higher for millions more people. More:

Trichloroethylene Trichloroethylene Risks and Health Effects Trichloroethylene in Camp Lejeune

The Daunting Task of Cutting Heavy Metals from Baby Food

15/05/2023 -

Most cultivated rice grows submerged in paddy fields, primarily in South and Southeast Asia, although it is also grown in the United States and many other countries. These flooded fields provide a cool, fertile environment for a healthy crop, but that same environment also allows contamination from toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. More:

Arsenic Baby food contamination by heavy metals Health effects of heavy metals Guidance on heavy metals in food Regulation on heavy metals Soil and plants contamination by heavy metals Heavy metals in soils and remediation Remediation of arsenic contaminated soil

The Daunting Task of Cutting Heavy Metals from Baby Food

Most cultivated rice grows submerged in paddy fields, primarily in South and Southeast Asia, although it is also grown in the United States and many other countries. These flooded fields provide a cool, fertile environment for a healthy crop, but that same environment also allows contamination from toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. More:

Arsenic Baby food contamination by heavy metals Health effects of heavy metals Guidance on heavy metals in food Regulation on heavy metals Soil and plants contamination by heavy metals Heavy metals in soils and remediation Remediation of arsenic contaminated soil

Testing finds glyphosate in two popular oat milks

12/05/2023 -

Two out of 13 popular brands of oat milk had detectable levels of the controversial herbicide glyphosate, according to a new report from Mamavation. More:

Glyphosate Glyphosate Use and Social Impact Glyphosate Exposure Glyphosate Health Effects Glyphosate Regulation

Testing finds glyphosate in two popular oat milks

Two out of 13 popular brands of oat milk had detectable levels of the controversial herbicide glyphosate, according to a new report from Mamavation. More:

Glyphosate Glyphosate Use and Social Impact Glyphosate Exposure Glyphosate Health Effects Glyphosate Regulation

Societal cost of ‘forever chemicals’ about $17.5tn across global economy – report

12/05/2023 -

The societal cost of using toxic PFAS or "forever chemicals" across the global economy totals about $17.5tn annually, a new analysis of the use of dangerous compounds has found. More:

Towards Phasing-out PFAS Alternatives to PFAS

Societal cost of ‘forever chemicals’ about $17.5tn across global economy – report

The societal cost of using toxic PFAS or "forever chemicals" across the global economy totals about $17.5tn annually, a new analysis of the use of dangerous compounds has found. More:

Towards Phasing-out PFAS Alternatives to PFAS

Chemicals are out of the EU taxonomy. What the heck is going on?

11/05/2023 -

Having sustainability criteria for chemicals in the upcoming EU taxonomy is super important. They would decide which chemicals are considered sustainable and drive substitution, giving the chemical industry the push it so desperately needs and help progressive companies increase their competitiveness. They would also spur large-scale investments into sustainable activities. More:


Chemicals are out of the EU taxonomy. What the heck is going on?

Having sustainability criteria for chemicals in the upcoming EU taxonomy is super important. They would decide which chemicals are considered sustainable and drive substitution, giving the chemical industry the push it so desperately needs and help progressive companies increase their competitiveness. They would also spur large-scale investments into sustainable activities. More:

Minnesota poised to ban non-essential uses of PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals’

11/05/2023 -

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota is on the verge of banning non-essential uses of “forever chemicals.” And lawmakers say they are naming the legislation after a woman who spent the last months of her life campaigning for restrictions that will be some of the toughest in the country. More:

PFAS as Hazardous Substances PFAS Regulation PFAS Phase out

Minnesota poised to ban non-essential uses of PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals’

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota is on the verge of banning non-essential uses of “forever chemicals.” And lawmakers say they are naming the legislation after a woman who spent the last months of her life campaigning for restrictions that will be some of the toughest in the country. More:

PFAS as Hazardous Substances PFAS Regulation PFAS Phase out

Hidden Impact: Unearthing Pollution in the Deepest Oceans

10/05/2023 -

Recently, a group of scientists made a concerning discovery in the Atacama Trench, one of the most remote and deepest parts of the Pacific Ocean. They found polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), long-banned pollutants, in the sediment of this seemingly untouched region. This highlights the critical fact that no place on Earth is truly free from the effects of pollution. More:

PCB Contamination Impact of PCB Water Contamination

Hidden Impact: Unearthing Pollution in the Deepest Oceans

Recently, a group of scientists made a concerning discovery in the Atacama Trench, one of the most remote and deepest parts of the Pacific Ocean. They found polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), long-banned pollutants, in the sediment of this seemingly untouched region. This highlights the critical fact that no place on Earth is truly free from the effects of pollution. More:

PCB Contamination Impact of PCB Water Contamination

Many soft contact lenses in US made up of PFAS, research suggests

09/05/2023 -

Many soft contact lenses in the US are largely made up of compounds called fluoropolymers that are by definition PFAS "forever chemicals", new research suggests. More:

PFAS in Contact Lenses PFAS in Other Consumer Products Health Effects of PFAS on the Eye PFAS Regulation

Many soft contact lenses in US made up of PFAS, research suggests

Many soft contact lenses in the US are largely made up of compounds called fluoropolymers that are by definition PFAS "forever chemicals", new research suggests. More:

PFAS in Contact Lenses PFAS in Other Consumer Products Health Effects of PFAS on the Eye PFAS Regulation

Soil is the foundation of our planet's ecosystems: Report

08/05/2023 -

Soil pollution threatens the environment and human health as seriously as air and water pollution. Until recently, however, it received very little attention. Unlike air pollution, soil pollution is usually less visible and cannot be directly assessed, making it a hidden menace that can have serious consequences. More:

Soil Pollution

Soil is the foundation of our planet's ecosystems: Report

Soil pollution threatens the environment and human health as seriously as air and water pollution. Until recently, however, it received very little attention. Unlike air pollution, soil pollution is usually less visible and cannot be directly assessed, making it a hidden menace that can have serious consequences. More:

Soil Pollution

Outdoor brands phase out PFAS, “forever chemicals,” ahead of state bans

08/05/2023 -

The company started by asking suppliers to stop using unnecessary PFAS, which removed about 65% of this type of chemicals in their products. It took four years for KEEN to phase out PFAS in all products, through finding and testing chemical water-proofing alternatives. More:

PFAS in Products PFAS Human Health Effects Phasing Out PFAS

Outdoor brands phase out PFAS, “forever chemicals,” ahead of state bans

The company started by asking suppliers to stop using unnecessary PFAS, which removed about 65% of this type of chemicals in their products. It took four years for KEEN to phase out PFAS in all products, through finding and testing chemical water-proofing alternatives. More:

PFAS in Products PFAS Human Health Effects Phasing Out PFAS

US food pesticides contaminated with toxic ‘forever chemicals’ testing finds

07/05/2023 -

PFAS are present at ‘potentially dangerous’ levels in widely used chemicals sprayed on food crops. The potential for millions of acres of contaminated food cropland demands swifter and stronger regulatory action, the paper’s authors say. More:

PFAS in Pesticides and other products Plant Uptake of PFAS in Soil PFAS Regulation

US food pesticides contaminated with toxic ‘forever chemicals’ testing finds

PFAS are present at ‘potentially dangerous’ levels in widely used chemicals sprayed on food crops. The potential for millions of acres of contaminated food cropland demands swifter and stronger regulatory action, the paper’s authors say. More:

PFAS in Pesticides and other products Plant Uptake of PFAS in Soil PFAS Regulation

US agency takes unprecedented action to tackle PFAS water pollution

06/05/2023 -

The US Environmental Protection Agency is taking unprecedented enforcement action over PFAS water pollution by ordering the chemical giant Chemours’ Parkersburg, West Virginia, plant to stop discharging extremely high levels of toxic PFAS waste into the Ohio River. More:

Addressing PFAS Water Contamination through Regulation

US agency takes unprecedented action to tackle PFAS water pollution

The US Environmental Protection Agency is taking unprecedented enforcement action over PFAS water pollution by ordering the chemical giant Chemours’ Parkersburg, West Virginia, plant to stop discharging extremely high levels of toxic PFAS waste into the Ohio River. More:

Addressing PFAS Water Contamination through Regulation

This is the secret cause of biodiversity loss

04/05/2023 -

There’s a lot of talk about biodiversity loss. And rightly so. But there is one word that’s almost always missing from the discussion — chemicals. Chemicals tend to fly under the radar, but they’re actually one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss in the world. More:


This is the secret cause of biodiversity loss

There’s a lot of talk about biodiversity loss. And rightly so. But there is one word that’s almost always missing from the discussion — chemicals. Chemicals tend to fly under the radar, but they’re actually one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss in the world. More:

Inside the Evolving Landscape of PFAS Regulation

04/05/2023 -

Since their invention in the mid-20th century, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, were quickly adopted as key components of firefighting foams, non-stick coatings for cookware and other water and oil-resistant materials. However, in subsequent years, the scientific community would discover that these compounds did not readily degrade in the environment once released. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS Regulation

Inside the Evolving Landscape of PFAS Regulation

Since their invention in the mid-20th century, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, were quickly adopted as key components of firefighting foams, non-stick coatings for cookware and other water and oil-resistant materials. However, in subsequent years, the scientific community would discover that these compounds did not readily degrade in the environment once released. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS Regulation
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