POPs in the news

27/02/2024 -

Il y a toujours plus de "polluants éternels" (PFAS) dans les fruits et légumes en Europe, dénoncent plusieurs ONG dans une enquête. La présence de pesticides contenant ces substances chimiques a explosé entre 2011 et 2021 dans les végétaux consommés dans l'Union européenne, notamment dans les fruits d'été. More:

PFAS in Pesticides

Explosion des "polluants éternels" dans les fruits et légumes européens

Il y a toujours plus de "polluants éternels" (PFAS) dans les fruits et légumes en Europe, dénoncent plusieurs ONG dans une enquête. La présence de pesticides contenant ces substances chimiques a explosé entre 2011 et 2021 dans les végétaux consommés dans l'Union européenne, notamment dans les fruits d'été. More:

PFAS in Pesticides
27/02/2024 -

Billions of denim garments are produced each year, with the global denim market valued at $63.5 billion in 2020. To produce this classic garment, producers rely on indigo dye, the only molecule known to provide jeans’ unique, beloved color. While indigo itself is naturally derived from a plant, growing demand for blue jeans throughout the 20th century gave rise to synthetic indigo, which is now more commonly used. More:

Blue Jeans Environmental Impact Alternatives for Denim Dyes

Blue jeans are terrible for the environment—but a new discovery could help

Billions of denim garments are produced each year, with the global denim market valued at $63.5 billion in 2020. To produce this classic garment, producers rely on indigo dye, the only molecule known to provide jeans’ unique, beloved color. While indigo itself is naturally derived from a plant, growing demand for blue jeans throughout the 20th century gave rise to synthetic indigo, which is now more commonly used. More:

Blue Jeans Environmental Impact Alternatives for Denim Dyes
27/02/2024 -

Analysis conducted by Pesticide Action Network Europe revives debate on PFAS ban covering active substances in pesticides. Residues of toxic “forever chemicals” substances traceable on fruit and vegetables has reportedly tripled in the EU over the last 10 years, according to an NGO report. More:


EU Policy. Fruit and veg increasingly tainted by 'forever-chemicals', NGO warns

Analysis conducted by Pesticide Action Network Europe revives debate on PFAS ban covering active substances in pesticides. Residues of toxic “forever chemicals” substances traceable on fruit and vegetables has reportedly tripled in the EU over the last 10 years, according to an NGO report. More:

27/02/2024 -

Does your favorite deodorant contain indications of PFAS “forever chemicals?” PFAS “forever chemicals” are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances used as stain-resistant, water-resistant, & oil-resistant chemicals in commerce. More:

Ingredients of Concern in Deodorants

Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Found in Deodorants — Guide

Does your favorite deodorant contain indications of PFAS “forever chemicals?” PFAS “forever chemicals” are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances used as stain-resistant, water-resistant, & oil-resistant chemicals in commerce. More:

Ingredients of Concern in Deodorants
26/02/2024 -

A UN human rights panel calls on the UN Environment Assembly to take on “forever chemicals” at a meeting in Nairobi, citing a North Carolina PFAS plant as an example of environmental negligence. More:

Chemicals of Concern

Chemours and DuPont Knew About Risks But Kept Making Toxic PFAS Chemicals, UN Human Rights Advisors Conclude

24/02/2024 -

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), mainly short-chain CPs (SCCPs) and medium-chain CPs (MCCPs), are currently the most produced and used industrial chemicals related to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) globally. These chemicals are widely detected in the environment and in the human body. As the release of SCCPs and MCCPs from products represents only a small fraction of their stock in products, the potential long-term release of CPs from a large variety of products at the waste stage has become an issue of great concern. More:

Use and Trade of Chlorinated Paraffins Chlorinated Paraffins in the Environment Human Exposure

Exploring long-term global environmental impacts of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) in waste: Implications for the Stockholm and Basel Conventions and the global plastic treaty

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), mainly short-chain CPs (SCCPs) and medium-chain CPs (MCCPs), are currently the most produced and used industrial chemicals related to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) globally. These chemicals are widely detected in the environment and in the human body. As the release of SCCPs and MCCPs from products represents only a small fraction of their stock in products, the potential long-term release of CPs from a large variety of products at the waste stage has become an issue of great concern. More:

Use and Trade of Chlorinated Paraffins Chlorinated Paraffins in the Environment Human Exposure
23/02/2024 -

Nanotechnology has pervaded numerous industrial sectors over the past decades. Although many of us may not be aware of it, nanomaterials are now embedded within many of the the products we use in our daily lives. Recent developments suggest that agriculture could be next in line. More:

Nanotechnology Nanotechnology in Pesticides

Nanotechnology promises to help farmers cut pesticide use – but could also make chemicals more toxic

Nanotechnology has pervaded numerous industrial sectors over the past decades. Although many of us may not be aware of it, nanomaterials are now embedded within many of the the products we use in our daily lives. Recent developments suggest that agriculture could be next in line. More:

Nanotechnology Nanotechnology in Pesticides
22/02/2024 -

This report examines the commercial availability and current uses of PFASs and alternatives in cosmetics, as well as their market penetration, feasibility, effectiveness and cost. Thirty-six PFASs (polymeric and non-polymeric) were identified as intentionally added to cosmetics. PFASs provide a wide range of functions in cosmetic products, acting as hair and skin conditioning agents, emulsifiers, stabilisers, oil and water-resistant agents, lubricants, bulking agents and/or oil-resistant surfactants. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Use of PFAS PFAS in Cosmetics Risk Assessment of PFAS in Cosmetics Screening of PFAS in Cosmetics

PFASs and alternatives in cosmetics: report on commercial availability and current uses

This report examines the commercial availability and current uses of PFASs and alternatives in cosmetics, as well as their market penetration, feasibility, effectiveness and cost. Thirty-six PFASs (polymeric and non-polymeric) were identified as intentionally added to cosmetics. PFASs provide a wide range of functions in cosmetic products, acting as hair and skin conditioning agents, emulsifiers, stabilisers, oil and water-resistant agents, lubricants, bulking agents and/or oil-resistant surfactants. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Use of PFAS PFAS in Cosmetics Risk Assessment of PFAS in Cosmetics Screening of PFAS in Cosmetics
21/02/2024 -

Levels of mercury persist in tuna, decades after pollution controls were introduced to limit emissions, scientists say. The poisonous element is released by mining and burning coal and ends up in the ocean, where it builds up in fish. More:


Mercury mystery: Poisonous element persists in tuna

Levels of mercury persist in tuna, decades after pollution controls were introduced to limit emissions, scientists say. The poisonous element is released by mining and burning coal and ends up in the ocean, where it builds up in fish. More:

20/02/2024 -

Potential carcinogenic contaminants were found in almost 90 per cent of instant noodles tested by Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog. The Consumer Council has urged the industry to reduce the production of harmful substances to safeguard public health following the study published on February 15, 2024. Council officials said the potentially cancer-causing chemicals 3-MCPD and glycidol were detected in 17 of the 19 samples of pre-packaged fried and non-fried instant noodles that were tested along with their seasoning packets and toppings. More:

Chemicals in Instant Noodles Instant Noodles Health Risk

Potential cancer-causing chemicals found in instant noodles

Potential carcinogenic contaminants were found in almost 90 per cent of instant noodles tested by Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog. The Consumer Council has urged the industry to reduce the production of harmful substances to safeguard public health following the study published on February 15, 2024. Council officials said the potentially cancer-causing chemicals 3-MCPD and glycidol were detected in 17 of the 19 samples of pre-packaged fried and non-fried instant noodles that were tested along with their seasoning packets and toppings. More:

Chemicals in Instant Noodles Instant Noodles Health Risk
20/02/2024 -

Two Texas farm families have seen their health decline, their pets and livestock sickened and killed, their water poisoned and and their property values wiped out due to high levels of chemical contamination linked to a company marketing treated sewage sludge as a fertilizer and soil conditioner, according to a lawsuit filed by the families. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Contamination in Farms PFAS Human Impact PFAS Management

Dead livestock and poisoned water — Texas farmers sue over PFAS contamination

Two Texas farm families have seen their health decline, their pets and livestock sickened and killed, their water poisoned and and their property values wiped out due to high levels of chemical contamination linked to a company marketing treated sewage sludge as a fertilizer and soil conditioner, according to a lawsuit filed by the families. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Contamination in Farms PFAS Human Impact PFAS Regulation
19/02/2024 -

Tea has been an integral part of Bangladeshi life for long. From breakfast to evening chat, tea is a favorite drink to serve. Besides Bangladesh, tea is among the most popular drinks in countries like India, China, Japan and the United Kingdom. More:

Use of Herbicides in Tea Plantations Herbicides Impact on Biodiversity Glyphosate, Human Health Impact and Regulation

Herbicide used in Bangladesh tea production threatens biodiversity & health

Tea has been an integral part of Bangladeshi life for long. From breakfast to evening chat, tea is a favorite drink to serve. Besides Bangladesh, tea is among the most popular drinks in countries like India, China, Japan and the United Kingdom. More:

Use of Herbicides in Tea Plantations Herbicides Impact on Biodiversity Glyphosate, Human Health Impact and Regulation
15/02/2024 -

The study, led by scientists at the Environmental Working Group and published today in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, is one of the first in the U.S. to examine levels of the chemical in people and is concerning as previous animal lab studies found it negatively impacts reproduction and post birth health, and impairs proper weight and bone development. More:

Chlormequat
  • Chlormequat Chloride (Fact sheet) (download PDF)  –  New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Human Exposure Human Health Impact

Why is this largely unknown pesticide showing up in our bodies?

The study, led by scientists at the Environmental Working Group and published today in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, is one of the first in the U.S. to examine levels of the chemical in people and is concerning as previous animal lab studies found it negatively impacts reproduction and post birth health, and impairs proper weight and bone development. More:

Chlormequat
  • Chlormequat Chloride (Fact sheet) (download PDF)  –  New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Human Exposure Human Health Impact
15/02/2024 -

As the invasive water lettuce continues to multiply along the Vaal River, Rand Water has begun an integrated response to halt the growth, spraying herbicide on the plants and releasing weevils as biological control agents. While the response is seen by some as necessary to urgently address socioeconomic implications, it’s seen as controversial by others. More:

Water Lettuce and Glyphosate Glyphosate Health Impact Biocontrol Strategies

Spraying of controversial herbicide on Vaal River water lettuce begins – critics urge caution

As the invasive water lettuce continues to multiply along the Vaal River, Rand Water has begun an integrated response to halt the growth, spraying herbicide on the plants and releasing weevils as biological control agents. While the response is seen by some as necessary to urgently address socioeconomic implications, it’s seen as controversial by others. More:

Water Lettuce and Glyphosate Glyphosate Health Impact Biocontrol Strategies
14/02/2024 -

The decision at the committee level in the Parliament follows the European Commission’s July proposal, which aimed to reduce the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU – with special emphasis on the online market – by ensuring a level playing field between toys manufactured in the EU and imported ones. More:

Endocrine Disruptors and Health Risks Measures Adopted by European Commission Critical Matters in the EU Chemicals Strategy

EU’s new rules to protect children from harmful chemicals in toys

The decision at the committee level in the Parliament follows the European Commission’s July proposal, which aimed to reduce the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU – with special emphasis on the online market – by ensuring a level playing field between toys manufactured in the EU and imported ones. More:

Endocrine Disruptors and Health Risks Measures Adopted by European Commission Critical Matters in the EU Chemicals Strategy
14/02/2024 -

The study builds on evidence that a class of insecticides called neonicotinoids, or neonics, are harming a range of species important for planetary health. Neonics have been banned in many countries but are popular with farmers in the United States. More:

Neonicotinoids: Impact on Soil Exposure Impact on Earthworms Exposure Impact on Humans Pesticides Regulation

Pesticide-treated seeds harm earthworms, study finds

The study builds on evidence that a class of insecticides called neonicotinoids, or neonics, are harming a range of species important for planetary health. Neonics have been banned in many countries but are popular with farmers in the United States. More:

Neonicotinoids: Impact on Soil Exposure Impact on Earthworms Exposure Impact on Humans Pesticides Regulation
12/02/2024 -

Every February half-term, I think back to the French ski trips I went on as a teenager. I remember the freshness of the cold, crisp air as I snow-ploughed my way down the slopes. Escaping to somewhere seemingly so pristine felt like a world away from where I grew up in London. Back then, I never considered that snow could be a potential source of exposure to a harmful chemical. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS in Ski Wax PFAS at Home PFAS Health Impact PFAS Risk Assessment and Regulation

Forever chemicals in ski wax are being spread on snowy slopes

Every February half-term, I think back to the French ski trips I went on as a teenager. I remember the freshness of the cold, crisp air as I snow-ploughed my way down the slopes. Escaping to somewhere seemingly so pristine felt like a world away from where I grew up in London. Back then, I never considered that snow could be a potential source of exposure to a harmful chemical. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS in Ski Wax PFAS at Home PFAS Health Impact PFAS Risk Assessment and Regulation
10/02/2024 -

News reports of cancers potentially linked to a North Carolina State University building that was shut down in November after the discovery of environmental contaminants prompted a faculty vote of no-confidence in university leadership this week and caused a dust-up between university and federal officials over who halted a federal evaluation into the building. More:

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) PCBs in Buildings The Case of North Carolina State University PCBs Indoor Analysis

Reports Of Cancers Linked To NC State Building Spur Controversy: Here’s What’s Happening

News reports of cancers potentially linked to a North Carolina State University building that was shut down in November after the discovery of environmental contaminants prompted a faculty vote of no-confidence in university leadership this week and caused a dust-up between university and federal officials over who halted a federal evaluation into the building. More:

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) PCBs in Buildings The Case of North Carolina State University PCBs Indoor Analysis
08/02/2024 -

Longtime University of Washington goalies coach Amy Griffin is not an activist by nature. But 15 years ago, she identified what she believed was a trend that she couldn’t ignore in good conscience — young goalies being diagnosed with blood cancer. More:

Artificial Turf Human Health Risks

Does playing soccer on artificial turf increase cancer risk, especially in kids?

Longtime University of Washington goalies coach Amy Griffin is not an activist by nature. But 15 years ago, she identified what she believed was a trend that she couldn’t ignore in good conscience — young goalies being diagnosed with blood cancer. More:

Artificial Turf Human Health Risks
08/02/2024 -

NORTH CAROLINA — A superior court judge put forward an order Wednesday to make DuPont’s subsidiaries liable for PFAS contamination caused by the original company if deemed responsible for damages alleged in a lawsuit filed by attorney general Josh Stein. More:

GenX Chemicals

Superior Court rules in favor of AG Stein’s suit to put DuPont’s subsidiaries on the hook for PFAS damages

NORTH CAROLINA — A superior court judge put forward an order to make DuPont’s subsidiaries liable for PFAS contamination caused by the original company if deemed responsible for damages alleged in a lawsuit filed by attorney general Josh Stein. More:

GenX Chemicals
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