POPs in the news

06/02/2024 -

Premature births are on the rise, yet experts aren’t sure why. Now, researchers have found synthetic chemicals called phthalates used in clear food packaging and personal care products could be a culprit, according to a new study. More:

Chemicals in Plastics Phthalates Health Effects Phthalates: Impact on Fetal Development Phthalates: Impact on Children' Health

Foods we eat are covered in plastics that may be causing a rise in premature births, study says

Premature births are on the rise, yet experts aren’t sure why. Now, researchers have found synthetic chemicals called phthalates used in clear food packaging and personal care products could be a culprit, according to a new study. More:

Chemicals in Plastics Phthalates Health Effects Phthalates: Impact on Fetal Development Phthalates: Impact on Children' Health
05/02/2024 -

Scott Minor is superintendent for the water system serving the area around Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, in southern Maine, a growing region where summer tourists flocking to the coast swell the demand for water. Minor's water system had identified a safe, out-of-the-way spot for a well to supplement the water supply. Imagine Minor's surprise when tests of the well water revealed that it was contaminated by chemicals known as PFAS. More:

PFAS in Drinking Water PFAS Exposure PFAS Water Filters

These Companies Are Trying to Remove Toxic Forever Chemicals From Our Water

Scott Minor is superintendent for the water system serving the area around Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, in southern Maine, a growing region where summer tourists flocking to the coast swell the demand for water. Minor's water system had identified a safe, out-of-the-way spot for a well to supplement the water supply. Imagine Minor's surprise when tests of the well water revealed that it was contaminated by chemicals known as PFAS. More:

PFAS in Drinking Water PFAS Exposure PFAS Water Filters
04/02/2024 -

Members of Parliament have called for "health to come first" and not economic interests in front of the gate of the Chemours chemical plant in Dordrecht. Geert Gabriëls (GroenLinks-PvdA) and Ines Kostić (Party for the Animals), together with provincial and local politicians from the SP, were among the 200 protesters at the gate of the plant, which has been emitting large quantities of harmful PFAS for years. On Saturday, residents were demonstrating in front of the chemical company Chemours in Dordrecht for the 200th time. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Drinking Water PFAS in Humans, Wildlife and the Environment

MPs call on Chemours to put health first, campaign for PFAS ban

Members of Parliament have called for "health to come first" and not economic interests in front of the gate of the Chemours chemical plant in Dordrecht. Geert Gabriëls (GroenLinks-PvdA) and Ines Kostić (Party for the Animals), together with provincial and local politicians from the SP, were among the 200 protesters at the gate of the plant, which has been emitting large quantities of harmful PFAS for years. On Saturday, residents were demonstrating in front of the chemical company Chemours in Dordrecht for the 200th time. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Drinking Water PFAS in Humans, Wildlife and the Environment
01/02/2024 -

Vets should limit the use of flea treatments containing pesticides on dogs and cats, scientists have said, after a study revealed the vast amount of toxic substances in them that end up in rivers. More:

Pesticides Used in Flea Treatment Pesticides Environmental Pollution Exposure to Pesticides

Vets urged to cut pesticide flea treatments amid river pollution fears

Vets should limit the use of flea treatments containing pesticides on dogs and cats, scientists have said, after a study revealed the vast amount of toxic substances in them that end up in rivers. More:

Pesticides Used in Flea Treatment Pesticides Environmental Pollution Exposure to Pesticides
31/01/2024 -

The Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA, can help protect us from harmful chemicals. But first, the government must fully enforce it. More:

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS in Drinking Water Towards Measures Against Harmful Chemicals Chemicals Regulation

The Toxic Chemicals Hiding in Our Homes, and How We Can Reduce Them

The Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA, can help protect us from harmful chemicals. But first, the government must fully enforce it. More:

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS in Drinking Water Towards Measures Against Harmful Chemicals Chemicals Regulation
31/01/2024 -

The state of Connecticut is suing 28 chemical manufacturers that it alleges are responsible for “knowingly contaminating” the state’s waters and natural resources and harming public health with toxic PFAS “forever chemicals.” More:

PFAS in Firefighting Foams and Alternatives Phasing out PFAS PFOS and PFOA Cleanup Costs PFAS Lawsuits and Settlement

Connecticut Sues 28 Firms for Alleged Contamination by ‘Forever Chemicals’

The state of Connecticut is suing 28 chemical manufacturers that it alleges are responsible for “knowingly contaminating” the state’s waters and natural resources and harming public health with toxic PFAS “forever chemicals.” More:

PFAS in Firefighting Foams and Alternatives Phasing out PFAS PFOS and PFOA Cleanup Costs PFAS Lawsuits and Settlement
31/01/2024 -

ChemSec and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) published blood test results showing that key European leaders have tested positive for so-called ‘forever chemicals’ in their bodies. Up to seven PFAS were found in all tested individuals with five politicians exceeding existing levels of concern. The tests show that no one is immune to the presence of PFAS — not even high-level European officials. More:

PFAS in the Environment PFAS Human Body Burden PFAS Liability and Lawsuits Chemical Industry and Regulation

Blood tests show high-level EU politicians are polluted by PFAS

ChemSec and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) published blood test results showing that key European leaders have tested positive for so-called ‘forever chemicals’ in their bodies. Up to seven PFAS were found in all tested individuals with five politicians exceeding existing levels of concern. The tests show that no one is immune to the presence of PFAS — not even high-level European officials. More:

PFAS in the Environment PFAS Human Body Burden PFAS Liability and Lawsuits Chemical Industry and Regulation

Study reveals ecological threat of trace organic pollutants in China's wastewater effluents

24/01/2024 -

It’s not just mothers who transfer toxic chemicals and their negative health impacts to their children. New research now reveals that fathers are also responsible for passing on the effects of past chemical exposure to their offspring. More:

PFAS: Paternal and Maternal Exposure Transfer Exposure Transfer in Pregnancy and Infancy Pesticide-induced Multigeneration Effects on Amphibians

Fathers transfer past chemical exposure to their children

It’s not just mothers who transfer toxic chemicals and their negative health impacts to their children. New research now reveals that fathers are also responsible for passing on the effects of past chemical exposure to their offspring. More:

PFAS: Paternal and Maternal Exposure Transfer Exposure Transfer in Pregnancy and Infancy Pesticide-induced Multigeneration Effects on Amphibians
22/01/2024 -

The EU plans to stop the use of the harmful “forever” chemicals in many industries but not their inclusion in pesticides. But PFAS-based pesticides are widely used in agriculture and this is unacceptable, Harrie Timmer of water company umbrella orginisation Vereniging van Waterbedrijven Nederland (Vewin) told the Financieele Dagblad. More:

PFAS Contamination Human Exposure and Risk The Right to Know

PFAS in pesticides are a threat to drinking water: FD

The EU plans to stop the use of the harmful “forever” chemicals in many industries but not their inclusion in pesticides. But PFAS-based pesticides are widely used in agriculture and this is unacceptable, Harrie Timmer of water company umbrella orginisation Vereniging van Waterbedrijven Nederland (Vewin) told the Financieele Dagblad. More:

PFAS Contamination Human Exposure and Risk The Right to Know
22/01/2024 -

Children's jackets and overalls sold in Europe contain extremely dangerous substances, warns a new study, conducted by a Czech NGO Arnika and the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN). The most prevalent among the toxic "Forever Chemicals” found in children's outdoor clothing is the globally banned, exceptionally persistent perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS Exposure and Health Impact PFAS in Clothing PFAS-free Clothing

Kids' jackets contain dangerous “Forever chemicals” including globally banned PFOA. Experts call for universal ban

Children's jackets and overalls sold in Europe contain extremely dangerous substances, warns a new study, conducted by a Czech NGO Arnika and the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN). The most prevalent among the toxic "Forever Chemicals” found in children's outdoor clothing is the globally banned, exceptionally persistent perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS Exposure and Health Impact PFAS in Clothing PFAS-free Clothing
22/01/2024 -

ProPublica journalist and filmmaker Liz Moughon on making a documentary that captures the impossible choices facing sleep apnea patients who relied on the dangerous Philips DreamStation breathing machines. More:

Respiratory Machines Chemicals of Concern in Respiratory Machines Control and Enforcement

How Patients and Doctors Are Navigating the Fallout of the Massive Recall of Philips Breathing Machines

ProPublica journalist and filmmaker Liz Moughon on making a documentary that captures the impossible choices facing sleep apnea patients who relied on the dangerous Philips DreamStation breathing machines. More:

Respiratory Machines Chemicals of Concern in Respiratory Machines Control and Enforcement
18/01/2024 -

The study, led by the University of Tasmania's School of Natural Sciences, tested for substances known as PFAS in the penguins and their habitat on Tasmanian coastlines — from the Derwent estuary to King Island. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Seabirds PFAS Firefighting Foam Impact

Toxic PFAS chemicals found in little penguin colonies around Tasmania, new study says

The study, led by the University of Tasmania's School of Natural Sciences, tested for substances known as PFAS in the penguins and their habitat on Tasmanian coastlines — from the Derwent estuary to King Island. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Seabirds PFAS Firefighting Foam Impact
17/01/2024 -

For years, researchers studying DEET—the chemical that’s widely used in insect repellants—have noted how in some cases it can harm brain cells, cause seizures and adversely affect the central nervous system. Now a group of scientists at Harvard University have found that the substance may jeopardize reproductive functions, too. More:

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) DEET Exposure and Impact Climate Change Impact on Vector Transmission

Does the Insect Repellent DEET Affect Reproductive Systems?

For years, researchers studying DEET—the chemical that’s widely used in insect repellants—have noted how in some cases it can harm brain cells, cause seizures and adversely affect the central nervous system. Now a group of scientists at Harvard University have found that the substance may jeopardize reproductive functions, too. More:

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) DEET Exposure and Impact Climate Change Impact on Vector Transmission
16/01/2024 -

I explored this question in a recently published review in Frontiers in Toxicology and discovered a growing body of evidence connecting increased exposure to chemicals in the environment, such as lead, PFAS and BPA, to increased child mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression. More:

Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals Chemicals Neurotoxicity Developmental Neurotoxicity of PBDEs Pollution and Mental Health Pollution Impact on Children

Op-ed: What we know about toxic chemicals and children’s mental health

I explored this question in a recently published review in Frontiers in Toxicology and discovered a growing body of evidence connecting increased exposure to chemicals in the environment, such as lead, PFAS and BPA, to increased child mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression. More:

Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals Chemicals Neurotoxicity Developmental Neurotoxicity of PBDEs Pollution and Mental Health Pollution Impact on Children
16/01/2024 -

PFAS-contaminated eggs are being found far away from the Dordrecht region where the chemical factory Chemours is based, suggesting pollution with the complex group of harmful chemicals is much more widespread than previously thought, a NOS investigation has found. More:

PFAS in Eggs PFAS in Eggs: Human Exposure

PFAS in eggs from hens kept as a hobby is a problem: NOS

PFAS-contaminated eggs are being found far away from the Dordrecht region where the chemical factory Chemours is based, suggesting pollution with the complex group of harmful chemicals is much more widespread than previously thought, a NOS investigation has found. More:

PFAS in Eggs PFAS in Eggs: Human Exposure
13/01/2024 -

Air pollution was worse inside British homes than it was outside for 11 months of the year in 2022, according to a global study by tech company Dyson. More:

Particulate Matter Indoor Air Pollutants Reducing Indoor Air Pollution

Is your scented candle trying to kill you? Shocking new research finds air pollution is worse inside your home compared with outside due to common household products

Air pollution was worse inside British homes than it was outside for 11 months of the year in 2022, according to a global study by tech company Dyson. More:

Particulate Matter Indoor Air Pollutants Reducing Indoor Air Pollution
11/01/2024 -

By contributing to the development of chronic disease and death, a group of hormone-disruptive plastic chemicals is costing the US health care system billions — over $249 billion in 2018 alone, a new study found. “The real contribution of this work is helping the public understand how much of the human health threat of endocrine-disrupting chemicals is due to plastics,” said lead author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics and population health at NYU Langone Health in New York City. More:

Chemicals in Plastics Bisphenols Bisphenols Impact on Human Fertility Flame Retardants Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Phthalates Phathalates Impact on Children's Health

Plastic chemicals linked to $249 billion in US health care costs in 2018 alone, study finds

By contributing to the development of chronic disease and death, a group of hormone-disruptive plastic chemicals is costing the US health care system billions — over $249 billion in 2018 alone, a new study found. “The real contribution of this work is helping the public understand how much of the human health threat of endocrine-disrupting chemicals is due to plastics,” said lead author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics and population health at NYU Langone Health in New York City. More:

Chemicals in Plastics Bisphenols Bisphenols Impact on Human Fertility Flame Retardants Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Phthalates Phathalates Impact on Children's Health
11/01/2024 -

Human activity, from burning fossil fuels and fireplaces to the contaminated dust produced by mining, alters Earth's atmosphere in countless ways. Records of these impacts over time are preserved in everlasting polar ice that serves as a sort of time capsule, allowing scientists and historians to link Earth's history with that of human societies. In a new study, ice cores from Antarctica show that lead and other toxic heavy metals linked to mining activities polluted the Southern Hemisphere as early as the 13th century. More:


The first assessment of toxic heavy metal pollution in the Southern Hemisphere over the last 2,000 years

Human activity, from burning fossil fuels and fireplaces to the contaminated dust produced by mining, alters Earth's atmosphere in countless ways. Records of these impacts over time are preserved in everlasting polar ice that serves as a sort of time capsule, allowing scientists and historians to link Earth's history with that of human societies. In a new study, ice cores from Antarctica show that lead and other toxic heavy metals linked to mining activities polluted the Southern Hemisphere as early as the 13th century. More:

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