POPs in the news

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

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:

More than 900 common chemicals linked to breast cancer risk: Study

10/01/2024 -

The study identified 921 chemicals that could potentially increase the risk of breast cancer and found that 90% are ubiquitous in consumer products, food and drinks, pesticides, medications and workplaces. More:

Chemical Carcinogens - Breast Cancer Risk Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics Breast Cancer Risk Prevention

More than 900 common chemicals linked to breast cancer risk: Study

The study identified 921 chemicals that could potentially increase the risk of breast cancer and found that 90% are ubiquitous in consumer products, food and drinks, pesticides, medications and workplaces. More:

Chemical Carcinogens - Breast Cancer Risk Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics Breast Cancer Risk Prevention

Reducing the Forever Chemicals in the Food We Eat

09/01/2024 -

British Columbia doesn’t currently test agricultural soils for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals, which have been linked to serious health concerns. Teflon, known for its use in non-stick cookware, is a well-known PFAS. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Biosolids PFAS Contamination in US Farms PFAS Management in Canada PFAS Phytoremediation

Reducing the Forever Chemicals in the Food We Eat

British Columbia doesn’t currently test agricultural soils for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals, which have been linked to serious health concerns. Teflon, known for its use in non-stick cookware, is a well-known PFAS. More:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Biosolids PFAS Contamination in US Farms PFAS Management in Canada PFAS Phytoremediation

Regulating chemicals by class: A task of surgical precision

09/01/2024 -

Last year, Washington state passed precedent-setting rules prohibiting bisphenols as an entire class of chemicals in several products, including food and drink cans and thermal paper. These chemicals disrupt proper hormone function and are linked to health harms from cancer to diabetes to reproductive problems. More:

Chemicals Classification Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Alternatives Chemicals Regulation

Regulating chemicals by class: A task of surgical precision

Last year, Washington state passed precedent-setting rules prohibiting bisphenols as an entire class of chemicals in several products, including food and drink cans and thermal paper. These chemicals disrupt proper hormone function and are linked to health harms from cancer to diabetes to reproductive problems. More:

Chemicals Classification Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Alternatives Chemicals Regulation

Report: ‘Forever chemicals’ in northeast TN pose longterm risk to region’s drinking water

08/01/2024 -

So-called “forever chemicals” linked to disease, infertility and death have been detected in 60% of rivers and lakes tested in Northeast Tennessee, findings that “cast into question the long-term safety of drinking water supplies for the region,” a report released Monday by the Sierra Club said. More:

PFAS Water Pollution PFAS in Firefighting Foam and Impact PFAS Exposure Through Drinking Water PFAS Management in the U.S

Report: ‘Forever chemicals’ in northeast TN pose longterm risk to region’s drinking water

So-called “forever chemicals” linked to disease, infertility and death have been detected in 60% of rivers and lakes tested in Northeast Tennessee, findings that “cast into question the long-term safety of drinking water supplies for the region,” a report released Monday by the Sierra Club said. More:

PFAS Water Pollution PFAS in Firefighting Foam and Impact PFAS Exposure Through Drinking Water PFAS Management in the U.S

How BPA and its evil cousins dodge meaningful regulation

08/01/2024 -

Glittery epoxy art kits that you mix at home to create translucent resin art projects are all the rage online and in arts and craft stores. Rarely will the warning labels tell you, however, that they’re loaded with an endocrine-disrupting chemical called bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, known as BADGE. More:

Bisphenols and Alternatives Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) Bisphenols in Consumer Products Bisphenols in Food Bisphenols Policies and Action Plans EU Chemicals Policy

How BPA and its evil cousins dodge meaningful regulation

Glittery epoxy art kits that you mix at home to create translucent resin art projects are all the rage online and in arts and craft stores. Rarely will the warning labels tell you, however, that they’re loaded with an endocrine-disrupting chemical called bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, known as BADGE. More:

Bisphenols and Alternatives Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) Bisphenols in Consumer Products Bisphenols in Food Bisphenols Policies and Action Plans EU Chemicals Policy

3 trends that are changing the chemical industry in 2024

04/01/2024 -

In 2024, the chemical and advanced materials industry is expected to continue experiencing the challenges that persisted throughout 2023, such as inconsistent economic growth, climate crises, and geopolitical conflicts. Institutions such as the OECD, IMF, and the World Bank are sending warning signals that the global economy will be even bleaker than last year. More:

EU Chemicals Regulation Chemical Industry Transition in Europe

3 trends that are changing the chemical industry in 2024

In 2024, the chemical and advanced materials industry is expected to continue experiencing the challenges that persisted throughout 2023, such as inconsistent economic growth, climate crises, and geopolitical conflicts. Institutions such as the OECD, IMF, and the World Bank are sending warning signals that the global economy will be even bleaker than last year. More:

EU Chemicals Regulation Chemical Industry Transition in Europe

Wicked Games: How Playing With Toys Can Expose Children to Harmful Chemicals

04/01/2024 -

Like many consumer products, toys are composed of a range of materials, such as plastics, textiles, and metals. While chemicals of concern provide toys with certain functions such as fragrance, color, and plasticity, exposure can result in long-term health effects for children, interfering with the hormone system or cognitive development. More:

Chemicals of Concern in Toys Human Exposure: Children Chemicals in Products and Policy Chemicals Management in the Toy Sector

Wicked Games: How Playing With Toys Can Expose Children to Harmful Chemicals

Like many consumer products, toys are composed of a range of materials, such as plastics, textiles, and metals. While chemicals of concern provide toys with certain functions such as fragrance, color, and plasticity, exposure can result in long-term health effects for children, interfering with the hormone system or cognitive development. More:

Chemicals of Concern in Toys Human Exposure: Children Chemicals in Products and Policy Chemicals Management in the Toy Sector

The race to destroy the toxic ‘forever chemicals’ polluting our world

04/01/2024 -

“Forever chemicals” are in our drinking water sources, sea foam and spray, rain and groundwater, sea ice, and even human blood – so now efforts are increasing to detect, remove and destroy them. More:

PFAS in Consumer Products PFAS Human Exposure and Health Impact PFAS Decontamination and Destruction Technologies Right to Information PFAS Regulation PFAS Settlements

The race to destroy the toxic ‘forever chemicals’ polluting our world

“Forever chemicals” are in our drinking water sources, sea foam and spray, rain and groundwater, sea ice, and even human blood – so now efforts are increasing to detect, remove and destroy them. More:

PFAS in Consumer Products PFAS Human Exposure and Health Impact PFAS Decontamination and Destruction Technologies Right to Information PFAS Regulation PFAS Settlements

The Plastic Chemicals Hiding in Your Food

04/01/2024 -

CR tested popular fast foods and supermarket staples for bisphenols and phthalates, which can be harmful to your health. Here's what we found—and how to stay safer. More:

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Chemicals in Plastics Chemicals in Food Phthalates: Human Exposure Phthalates: Human Health Effects Alternatives and Regulation

The Plastic Chemicals Hiding in Your Food

CR tested popular fast foods and supermarket staples for bisphenols and phthalates, which can be harmful to your health. Here's what we found—and how to stay safer. More:

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Chemicals in Plastics Chemicals in Food Phthalates: Human Exposure Phthalates: Human Health Effects Alternatives and Regulation

‘Forever chemicals’ were everywhere in 2023. Expect more litigation in 2024

28/12/2023 -

Lawsuits accusing major chemical companies of polluting U.S. drinking water with toxic PFAS chemicals led to over $11 billion in settlements in 2023, with experts predicting that new federal regulations and a growing awareness of the breadth of PFAS contamination in the U.S. will spur more litigation and settlements in the year ahead. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Managing the PFAS Crisis PFAS - Lawsuits and Settlements PFAS - Regulation and Lawsuits Impact

‘Forever chemicals’ were everywhere in 2023. Expect more litigation in 2024

Lawsuits accusing major chemical companies of polluting U.S. drinking water with toxic PFAS chemicals led to over $11 billion in settlements in 2023, with experts predicting that new federal regulations and a growing awareness of the breadth of PFAS contamination in the U.S. will spur more litigation and settlements in the year ahead. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Managing the PFAS Crisis PFAS Lawsuits and Settlements PFAS Regulation and Lawsuits Impacts

The Science on Benzene Keeps Getting Scarier. Industry Remains in Denial

21/12/2023 -

In the spring of 1977, federal workplace-safety regulators were confronted with a grim government study. Current and former employees of two Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. plants in Ohio had been using benzene, a chemical long suspected of causing leukemia, to make a rubberized food wrap called Pliofilm. Workers who had been exposed to benzene in concentrations once considered safe had a five- to 10-times higher risk of developing leukemia than the general public, the study found. More:

The Refinery Sector Benzene Toxicity and Risk Assessment Benzene Human Health Effects Industry Findings and Occupational Exposure

The Science on Benzene Keeps Getting Scarier. Industry Remains in Denial

In the spring of 1977, federal workplace-safety regulators were confronted with a grim government study. Current and former employees of two Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. plants in Ohio had been using benzene, a chemical long suspected of causing leukemia, to make a rubberized food wrap called Pliofilm. Workers who had been exposed to benzene in concentrations once considered safe had a five- to 10-times higher risk of developing leukemia than the general public, the study found. More:

The Refinery Sector Benzene Toxicity and Risk Assessment Benzene Human Health Effects Industry Findings and Occupational Exposure

Plastics, pesticides and pills: how chemical exposures affect sperm health

19/12/2023 -

Poor diet, stress, smoking and obesity are known factors impairing sperm health, but they don’t paint the entire picture. More:

The Male Fertility Issue Factors Influencing Male Fertility Pesticides in Food Chemicals in Plastics BPA Regulation

Plastics, pesticides and pills: how chemical exposures affect sperm health

Poor diet, stress, smoking and obesity are known factors impairing sperm health, but they don’t paint the entire picture. More:

The Male Fertility Issue Factors Influencing Male Fertility Pesticides in Food Chemicals in Plastics BPA Regulation

Cinnamon applesauce investigation finds lead levels more than 2,000 times higher than proposed standards, FDA says

19/12/2023 -

Tests of cinnamon samples collected during a US Food and Drug Administration inspection of a facility linked with contaminated applesauce pouches turned up lead levels that were more than 2,000 times higher than proposed standards, the agency said. More:

Lead Exposure Lead Exposure and Health Effects in Children Lead Regulation

Cinnamon applesauce investigation finds lead levels more than 2,000 times higher than proposed standards, FDA says

Tests of cinnamon samples collected during a US Food and Drug Administration inspection of a facility linked with contaminated applesauce pouches turned up lead levels that were more than 2,000 times higher than proposed standards, the agency said. More:

Lead Exposure Lead Exposure and Health Effects in Children Lead Regulation

Monsanto hit with $857 mln verdict over PCBs in Washington state school

19/12/2023 -

Dec 18 (Reuters) - A Washington state jury on Monday ordered Bayer's Monsanto to pay $857 million to seven former students and parent volunteers of a school northeast of Seattle who claimed that chemicals known as PCBs made by the company leaked from light fixtures and made them sick, according to court documents. More:

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) PCBs Exposure Studies PCBs' Toxic Legacy PCBs Policy and Guidance

Monsanto hit with $857 mln verdict over PCBs in Washington state school

Dec 18 (Reuters) - A Washington state jury on Monday ordered Bayer's Monsanto to pay $857 million to seven former students and parent volunteers of a school northeast of Seattle who claimed that chemicals known as PCBs made by the company leaked from light fixtures and made them sick, according to court documents. More:

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) PCBs Exposure Studies PCBs' Toxic Legacy PCBs Policy and Guidance

“Forever chemicals” could contribute to cancer metastasis in living organisms

18/12/2023 -

In a new study by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health, two "forever chemicals" spurred cancer cells in the lab to migrate to new positions, an indication that the chemicals could contribute to cancer metastasis in living organisms. More:

PFAS: PFOA and PFOS PFAS: Association With Cancer

“Forever chemicals” could contribute to cancer metastasis in living organisms

In a new study by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health, two "forever chemicals" spurred cancer cells in the lab to migrate to new positions, an indication that the chemicals could contribute to cancer metastasis in living organisms. More:

PFAS: PFOA and PFOS PFAS: Association With Cancer

Heavy metal stars — how artificial mussels are used to monitor water pollution

18/12/2023 -

To monitor platinum concentration in water, scientists are turning to novel technology that mimics the way mussels work. More:

Heavy Metals Platinum Exposure and Health Impact Bioindicators: Natural and Artificial Mussels Platinum Mining, Hydrogen Fuel and Water Challenges

Heavy metal stars — how artificial mussels are used to monitor water pollution

To monitor platinum concentration in water, scientists are turning to novel technology that mimics the way mussels work. More:

Heavy Metals Platinum Exposure and Health Impact Bioindicators: Natural and Artificial Mussels Platinum Mining, Hydrogen Fuel and Water Challenges

Poisonous harvest : Pesticide overuse threatens bird species

18/12/2023 -

LAHORE: In a country undergoing serious food insecurity, farmers seeking to maximize local crop yield resort to a variety of methods to curb the perilous effects of weeds and insects however, the widely used agricultural practice comes at the cost of biodiversity in the fields, as hundreds of bird species in Punjab face annihilation. More:

Pesticides Overview Pesticides Impact on Birds The DDT Case The Endosulfan Phase-Out

Poisonous harvest : Pesticide overuse threatens bird species

LAHORE: In a country undergoing serious food insecurity, farmers seeking to maximize local crop yield resort to a variety of methods to curb the perilous effects of weeds and insects however, the widely used agricultural practice comes at the cost of biodiversity in the fields, as hundreds of bird species in Punjab face annihilation. More:

Pesticides Overview Pesticides Impact on Birds The DDT Case The Endosulfan Phase-Out

Study reveals potential health risks of chemicals in menstrual products

15/12/2023 -

The average menstruator will use over 11,000 tampons or sanitary pads in their lifetime. Vaginal and vulvar tissue that touch pads and tampons is highly permeable. Through this permeable tissue chemicals are absorbed without being metabolized, which makes endocrine-disrupting chemicals potentially dangerous when found in menstrual products. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with human hormones and cause medical issues, including gynecological conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. More:


Study reveals potential health risks of chemicals in menstrual products

The average menstruator will use over 11,000 tampons or sanitary pads in their lifetime. Vaginal and vulvar tissue that touch pads and tampons is highly permeable. Through this permeable tissue chemicals are absorbed without being metabolized, which makes endocrine-disrupting chemicals potentially dangerous when found in menstrual products. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with human hormones and cause medical issues, including gynecological conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. More:

How to take ‘forever’ out of forever chemicals

14/12/2023 -

But it didn’t play out that way. In just a few minutes, the chemicals were no more. “When plasma degraded PFAS so rapidly, within minutes, he told me: ‘That’s not right. Nothing can degrade PFAS,’” Thagard says. She ran the test seven or eight more times, and each time the chemicals disappeared. More:

PFAS Degradation and Destruction Technologies PFAS Removal and Remediation Technologies

How to take ‘forever’ out of forever chemicals

But it didn’t play out that way. In just a few minutes, the chemicals were no more. “When plasma degraded PFAS so rapidly, within minutes, he told me: ‘That’s not right. Nothing can degrade PFAS,’” Thagard says. She ran the test seven or eight more times, and each time the chemicals disappeared. More:

PFAS Degradation and Destruction Technologies PFAS Removal and Remediation Technologies
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