POPs in the news

Assembling the UN’s new panel on chemical waste

01/02/2023 -

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths per year, while exposure to other hazardous chemicals causes a further two million deaths annually. These figures help explain why pollution is often described as the third planetary crisis, alongside climate change and biodiversity loss. More:

Chemicals and Health Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals and Waste

Assembling the UN’s new panel on chemical waste

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths per year, while exposure to other hazardous chemicals causes a further two million deaths annually. These figures help explain why pollution is often described as the third planetary crisis, alongside climate change and biodiversity loss. More:

Chemicals and Health Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals and Waste

Does this cause cancer? How scientists determine whether a chemical is carcinogenic – sometimes with controversial results

30/01/2023 -

People are exposed to numerous chemicals throughout their lifetimes. These chemicals can be from the air, foods, personal care items, household products and medications. Unfortunately, exposure to certain chemicals can cause harmful health effects, including cancer. Substances that cause cancer are called carcinogens. Familiar examples include tobacco smoke, radon, asbestos and diesel engine exhaust. More:

Human Exposure to Chemicals Cancer-Assessment Process for Pesticides The Glyphosate Case

Does this cause cancer? How scientists determine whether a chemical is carcinogenic – sometimes with controversial results

People are exposed to numerous chemicals throughout their lifetimes. These chemicals can be from the air, foods, personal care items, household products and medications. Unfortunately, exposure to certain chemicals can cause harmful health effects, including cancer. Substances that cause cancer are called carcinogens. Familiar examples include tobacco smoke, radon, asbestos and diesel engine exhaust. More:

Human Exposure to Chemicals Cancer-Assessment Process for Pesticides The Glyphosate Case

How Germany's ban on harmful pesticides could impact Africa

30/01/2023 -

A pungent smell hits the air as soon as farmer Faustine Mugalula unscrews the lid of the plastic bottle. The fumes cause nausea and vomiting. The small container labeled "ROKET" contains a chemical substance that kills every caterpillar and every bee. More:

Pesticides Atlas Pesticides Regulation

How Germany's ban on harmful pesticides could impact Africa

A pungent smell hits the air as soon as farmer Faustine Mugalula unscrews the lid of the plastic bottle. The fumes cause nausea and vomiting. The small container labeled "ROKET" contains a chemical substance that kills every caterpillar and every bee. More:

Pesticides Atlas Pesticides Regulation

‘All-natural’ Simply Tropical juice has high toxic PFAS levels, lawsuit alleges

25/01/2023 -

A new class-action lawsuit in the US alleges Coca-Cola and Simply Tropical fruit juice deceived customers with claims of an all-natural, healthy product when the juice has been found to be contaminated with toxic PFAS at levels “hundreds of times” above federal advisory limits for drinking water. More:

PFAS in food containers

‘All-natural’ Simply Tropical juice has high toxic PFAS levels, lawsuit alleges

A new class-action lawsuit in the US alleges Coca-Cola and Simply Tropical fruit juice deceived customers with claims of an all-natural, healthy product when the juice has been found to be contaminated with toxic PFAS at levels “hundreds of times” above federal advisory limits for drinking water. More:

PFAS in food containers

Farewell to 'forever': Destroying PFAS by grinding it up with a new additive

23/01/2023 -

Solid PFAS contamination is an ongoing issue for soil near waste sites, manufacturing sites, and facilities that frequently use firefighting foam. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends incineration to destroy these substances, but concerns remain about whether this energy-intensive method can effectively prevent environmental contamination. Another option is ball milling, a process that mixes PFAS and additives with metal balls at high speeds. More:


Farewell to 'forever': Destroying PFAS by grinding it up with a new additive

Solid PFAS contamination is an ongoing issue for soil near waste sites, manufacturing sites, and facilities that frequently use firefighting foam. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends incineration to destroy these substances, but concerns remain about whether this energy-intensive method can effectively prevent environmental contamination. Another option is ball milling, a process that mixes PFAS and additives with metal balls at high speeds. More:

Magnets key to removing dangerous PFAS chemicals

20/01/2023 -

PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) had been used extensively since the 1950s in a variety of forms, including in firefighting foam used at airports as well as in consumer products such as non-stick frying pans. More:

Food and water contamination by PFAS Lawsuit on PFAS contamination

Magnets key to removing dangerous PFAS chemicals

Queensland researchers have developed a way to quickly and simply remove dangerous PFAS chemicals from water using magnets. Researchers from the University of Queensland have developed a method that does not require electricity or bulky lab equipment. More:

Food and water contamination by PFAS Lawsuit on PFAS contamination

Thinx period underwear was supposed to be ‘non-toxic’. Now customers feel betrayed

19/01/2023 -

The company has settled a class-action suit over allegations the underwear contained PFAS. Though it denies “improper or unlawful” behavior, the brand faced allegations in court “regarding the presence of short chain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (‘PFAS’)”, also known as “forever chemicals”. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Explained PFAS in period underwear

Thinx period underwear was supposed to be ‘non-toxic’. Now customers feel betrayed

The company has settled a class-action suit over allegations the underwear contained PFAS. Though it denies “improper or unlawful” behavior, the brand faced allegations in court “regarding the presence of short chain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (‘PFAS’)”, also known as “forever chemicals”. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Explained PFAS in period underwear

Kenya declares war on millions of birds after they raid crops

17/01/2023 -

A drive by the Kenyan government to kill up to 6 million red-billed quelea birds that have invaded farms will have unintended consequences for raptors and other wild species, experts have warned. More:

Fenthion Impact on Wildlife Fenthion Alternatives

Kenya declares war on millions of birds after they raid crops

A drive by the Kenyan government to kill up to 6 million red-billed quelea birds that have invaded farms will have unintended consequences for raptors and other wild species, experts have warned. More:

Fenthion Impact on Wildlife Fenthion Alternatives

EWG study: Eating one freshwater fish equals a month of drinking ‘forever chemicals’ water

17/01/2023 -

A new study by Environmental Working Group scientists finds that consumption of just a single serving of freshwater fish per year could be equal to a month of drinking water laced with the “forever chemical” PFOS at high levels that may be harmful. More:

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS Disposal and Water Contamination PFAS in Freshwater Fish PFAS Human Exposure PFAS Human Health Effects

EWG study: Eating one freshwater fish equals a month of drinking ‘forever chemicals’ water

A new study by Environmental Working Group scientists finds that consumption of just a single serving of freshwater fish per year could be equal to a month of drinking water laced with the “forever chemical” PFOS at high levels that may be harmful. More:

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS Disposal and Water Contamination PFAS in Freshwater Fish PFAS Human Exposure PFAS Human Health Effects

Poisoned by pesticides: Health crisis deepens in Brazil’s Indigenous communities

16/01/2023 -

A recent report reveals communities in Brazil’s Mato Grosso region are contaminated by the agriculture industry’s increasing use of pesticides. About 88% of the plants collected, including medicinal herbs and fruits, on Indigenous lands have pesticide residue. More:

Pesticides Atlas Pesticides Exposure Pesticides Impact on Health and the Environment Pesticides Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems Pesticides Regulation Pesticides International Trade

Poisoned by pesticides: Health crisis deepens in Brazil’s Indigenous communities

A recent report reveals communities in Brazil’s Mato Grosso region are contaminated by the agriculture industry’s increasing use of pesticides. About 88% of the plants collected, including medicinal herbs and fruits, on Indigenous lands have pesticide residue. More:

Pesticides Atlas Pesticides Exposure Pesticides Impact on Health and the Environment Pesticides Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems Pesticides Regulation Pesticides International Trade

New Study Of Marshall Islands Fish Highlights Peril Of Using Oceans As Dumping Grounds

16/01/2023 -

Widespread pollution was found in fishes across six atolls in the Marshall Islands in a new study from researchers at the University of Hawaii and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. More:

Marshall Islands Fish contamination

New Study Of Marshall Islands Fish Highlights Peril Of Using Oceans As Dumping Grounds

Widespread pollution was found in fishes across six atolls in the Marshall Islands in a new study from researchers at the University of Hawaii and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. More:

Marshall Islands Fish contamination

‘Forever chemicals’ expose the need for systemic changes

15/01/2023 -

Regulatory failings underlying the PFAS crisis were evident 60 years ago and are more pronounced today. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Human Exposure to PFAS PFAS Human Health Effects Chemicals Environmental Impact PFAS Financial Impact PFAS Regulation in Europe PFAS Regulation in the USA Regulation Failings Principles and Concept for PFAS Regulation The Right to Know Phasing out PFAS

‘Forever chemicals’ expose the need for systemic changes

Regulatory failings underlying the PFAS crisis were evident 60 years ago and are more pronounced today. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Human Exposure to PFAS PFAS Human Health Effects Chemicals Environmental Impact PFAS Financial Impact PFAS Regulation in Europe PFAS Regulation in the USA Regulation Failings Principles and Concept for PFAS Regulation The Right to Know Phasing out PFAS

How ‘everywhere chemicals’ help uterine fibroids grow

13/01/2023 -

Scientists are just beginning to learn how these common tumors in women are linked to phthalates—chemicals found in hundreds of everyday household items and cosmetics. More:

Human Exposure to Phthalates Phthalates Health Effects on the Uterus Phthalates Health Effects on Reproduction Phthalates Health Effects on African-American Women

How ‘everywhere chemicals’ help uterine fibroids grow

Scientists are just beginning to learn how these common tumors in women are linked to phthalates—chemicals found in hundreds of everyday household items and cosmetics. More:

Human Exposure to Phthalates Phthalates Health Effects on the Uterus Phthalates Health Effects on Reproduction Phthalates Health Effects on African-American Women

Toilet paper toxin found in endangered killer whales, say B.C. researchers

12/01/2023 -

Toxic chemicals from toilet paper have been found in the bodies of British Columbia’s endangered orcas, according to a study conducted by marine scientists. Researchers at the University of British Columbia analyzed tissue samples from six southern resident killer whales and six Bigg’s whales, also known as transient killer whales, stranded along the coast of B.C. between 2006 and 2018. More:


Toilet paper toxin found in endangered killer whales, say B.C. researchers

Toxic chemicals from toilet paper have been found in the bodies of British Columbia’s endangered orcas, according to a study conducted by marine scientists. Researchers at the University of British Columbia analyzed tissue samples from six southern resident killer whales and six Bigg’s whales, also known as transient killer whales, stranded along the coast of B.C. between 2006 and 2018. More:

Tracing the Flow of Forever Chemicals Into Waterways and Wildlife

11/01/2023 -

Martha Spiess, a retired veterinarian, began testing streams and ponds in Brunswick, Maine, after hearing that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFASs, had contaminated farms around the state. “It felt like tragedy was falling all around me,” she said. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Environmental Impact PFAS Environmental Impact: Wildlife Human Health Effects Advisories for PFAS in the U.S. Phasing out PFAS

Tracing the Flow of Forever Chemicals Into Waterways and Wildlife

Martha Spiess, a retired veterinarian, began testing streams and ponds in Brunswick, Maine, after hearing that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFASs, had contaminated farms around the state. “It felt like tragedy was falling all around me,” she said. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Environmental Impact PFAS Environmental Impact: Wildlife Human Health Effects Advisories for PFAS in the U.S. Phasing out PFAS

PFAS 101: Everything You Need to Know About ‘Forever Chemicals’

11/01/2023 -

You may have heard them by many names: forever chemicals, PFAS, toxins … they all fall under the technical terms per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. Called PFAS for short, these chemicals have earned the nickname forever chemicals because they are long-lasting, taking incredibly long times to break down. In the environment, like in soil or water, PFAS may never fully break down. More:

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS: Sources of Exposure PFAS Body Burden Human Health Effects Human Health Effects: Fertility, Pregnancy and Child Development Human Health Effects: The Immune System PFAS Environmental and Wildlife Impact PFAS Regulation and Lawsuits

PFAS 101: Everything You Need to Know About ‘Forever Chemicals’

You may have heard them by many names: forever chemicals, PFAS, toxins … they all fall under the technical terms per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. Called PFAS for short, these chemicals have earned the nickname forever chemicals because they are long-lasting, taking incredibly long times to break down. In the environment, like in soil or water, PFAS may never fully break down. More:

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS: Sources of Exposure PFAS Body Burden Human Health Effects Human Health Effects: Fertility, Pregnancy and Child Development Human Health Effects: The Immune System PFAS Environmental and Wildlife Impact PFAS Regulation and Lawsuits

Hungry for more: The EU limits “forever chemicals” in food – but the universal PFAS ban is still far away

10/01/2023 -

At long last, the EU has set limits for how much PFAS food sold within the union is allowed to contain. The limits came into force on January 1, and now it’s up to food producers, along with government agencies, to make sure they are not exceeded. More:


Hungry for more: The EU limits “forever chemicals” in food – but the universal PFAS ban is still far away

At long last, the EU has set limits for how much PFAS food sold within the union is allowed to contain. The limits came into force on January 1, and now it’s up to food producers, along with government agencies, to make sure they are not exceeded. More:

'Fantastic news': Ozone layer on track to recover within decades, UN reports

10/01/2023 -

The ozone layer is on track to recover within four decades, according to a new UN assessment. More:

Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion Evolution of the Ozone Layer Ozone pollution PFAS Forever chemicals pollution

Bangladesh free from toxic DDT pesticide: minister

09/01/2023 -

Environment Minister Shahab Uddin officially declared Bangladesh free from dangerous DDT pesticide. In 22 containers, the ministry with the help of other organisations safely shipped off the DDT between October 30 and December 10 last year. More:


Bangladesh free from toxic DDT pesticide: minister

Environment Minister Shahab Uddin officially declared Bangladesh free from dangerous DDT pesticide. In 22 containers, the ministry with the help of other organisations safely shipped off the DDT between October 30 and December 10 last year. More:

Investors pressure top firms to halt production of toxic ‘forever chemicals’

06/01/2023 -

Investors from some of the world’s largest firms are pressuring chemical companies to end production of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”, which shareholders say represent an enormous and growing threat to manufacturers’ bottom lines. More:

Phasing Out PFAS PFAS-Lawsuits and Investors' pressure

Investors pressure top firms to halt production of toxic ‘forever chemicals’

Investors from some of the world’s largest firms are pressuring chemical companies to end production of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”, which shareholders say represent an enormous and growing threat to manufacturers’ bottom lines. More:

Phasing Out PFAS PFAS-Lawsuits and Investors' pressure
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