POPs in the news

Chemical found widely in the environment causes cancer, global experts determine

01/12/2023 -

A group of global scientific cancer experts this week classified a widespread chemical known as PFOA as carcinogenic to humans, confirming decades of research, and building on concerns about human and animal exposure to that chemical and to the larger class of manmade substances that are commonly known as “forever” chemicals because of their persistence in the environment. Separately, the experts deemed a related chemical called PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans. More:

PFAS Carcinogenicity Lawsuits Settlements

Chemical found widely in the environment causes cancer, global experts determine

A group of global scientific cancer experts this week classified a widespread chemical known as PFOA as carcinogenic to humans, confirming decades of research, and building on concerns about human and animal exposure to that chemical and to the larger class of manmade substances that are commonly known as “forever” chemicals because of their persistence in the environment. Separately, the experts deemed a related chemical called PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans. More:

PFAS Carcinogenicity Lawsuits Settlements

U.S. tap water has a $47 billion forever chemicals problem

30/11/2023 -

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is adding some “forever chemicals” to the list of toxins in drinking water that must be reported. That is going to require a lot of infrastructure investment. More:

PFAS Risks for Human Health and the Environment PFAS in Drinking Water Addressing the PFAS Crisis

U.S. tap water has a $47 billion forever chemicals problem

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is adding some “forever chemicals” to the list of toxins in drinking water that must be reported. That is going to require a lot of infrastructure investment. More:

PFAS Risks for Human Health and the Environment PFAS in Drinking Water Addressing the PFAS Crisis

Abandoned: Unsafe ‘forever chemicals’ levels in thousands of drinking water samples near 63 military bases

29/11/2023 -

Across the U.S., the Defense Department has contaminated potentially thousands of private drinking water wells with dangerous amounts of the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. Analyzing DOD records, EWG found that near 63 military bases in 29 states, 2,805 drinking water well samples were contaminated with PFOA and PFOS, the two most notorious and well-studied forever chemicals. More:

PFAS Pollution in the U.S. PFAS Human Health Impact PFAS Health Advisories PFAS Thresholds in Drinking Water

Abandoned: Unsafe ‘forever chemicals’ levels in thousands of drinking water samples near 63 military bases

Across the U.S., the Defense Department has contaminated potentially thousands of private drinking water wells with dangerous amounts of the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. Analyzing DOD records, EWG found that near 63 military bases in 29 states, 2,805 drinking water well samples were contaminated with PFOA and PFOS, the two most notorious and well-studied forever chemicals. More:

PFAS Pollution in the U.S. PFAS Human Health Impact PFAS Health Advisories PFAS Thresholds in Drinking Water

‘Forever chemicals’ found in drinking water sources across England

28/11/2023 -

Potentially toxic “forever chemicals” have been detected in the drinking water sources at 17 of 18 England’s water companies, with 11,853 samples testing positive, something experts say they are “extremely alarmed” by. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Impacts on Humans and the Environment PFAS Pollution in Europe PFAS Regulation in Europe

‘Forever chemicals’ found in drinking water sources across England

Potentially toxic “forever chemicals” have been detected in the drinking water sources at 17 of 18 England’s water companies, with 11,853 samples testing positive, something experts say they are “extremely alarmed” by. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Impacts on Humans and the Environment PFAS Pollution in Europe PFAS Regulation in Europe

'Burns me to a crisp': Farmers allege link between popular herbicide paraquat and Parkinson's disease

28/11/2023 -

It is against the law to use paraquat in China, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and dozens of other countries. Many countries have banned the herbicide due to its extreme toxicity, while others have expressed concerns over the possible risk for Parkinson's disease. More:

Paraquat Dichloride and Poisoning Risk Paraquat and Parkinson's Disease Studies on Paraquat Exposure and Parkinson's Disease Industry Studies on Paraquat Regulation in the U.S. and Europe

'Burns me to a crisp': Farmers allege link between popular herbicide paraquat and Parkinson's disease

It is against the law to use paraquat in China, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and dozens of other countries. Many countries have banned the herbicide due to its extreme toxicity, while others have expressed concerns over the possible risk for Parkinson's disease. More:

Paraquat Dichloride and Poisoning Risk Paraquat and Parkinson's Disease Studies on Paraquat Exposure and Parkinson's Disease Industry Studies on Paraquat Regulation in the U.S. and Europe

UN human rights experts express alarm over PFAS pollution in North Carolina

28/11/2023 -

A new investigation by human rights experts appointed by the United Nations has expressed alarm at evidence of pollution from a North Carolina PFAS manufacturing plant, describing it as “alleged human rights violations and abuses against residents”. More:

What to Know About PFAS PFAS Crisis in North Carolina Appeal to UN for Human Rights in North Carolina Citizens' Right to Know and Action

UN human rights experts express alarm over PFAS pollution in North Carolina

A new investigation by human rights experts appointed by the United Nations has expressed alarm at evidence of pollution from a North Carolina PFAS manufacturing plant, describing it as “alleged human rights violations and abuses against residents”. More:

What to Know About PFAS PFAS Crisis in North Carolina Appeal to UN for Human Rights in North Carolina Citizens' Right to Know and Action

North Atlantic orcas reveal the troubling persistence of toxic ocean pollutants

27/11/2023 -

With their shiny black tops and pure white undersides, the killer whales, or orcas, are the sleekest hunters in the ocean. But being apex predators comes with a great cost. Their bodies absorb the chemical pollutants that build up in the long chain of prey leading to their meals. Now, a recent study in Environmental Science & Technology has shown that what orcas choose to eat could affect their survival more than scientists thought. More:

Persistent Organic Pollutants POPs Transport and Boomerang Effect POPs Biomagnification in Marine Mammals POPs Impact on Killer Whales POPs Human Exposure and Impact POPs in Breast Milk

North Atlantic orcas reveal the troubling persistence of toxic ocean pollutants

With their shiny black tops and pure white undersides, the killer whales, or orcas, are the sleekest hunters in the ocean. But being apex predators comes with a great cost. Their bodies absorb the chemical pollutants that build up in the long chain of prey leading to their meals. Now, a recent study in Environmental Science & Technology has shown that what orcas choose to eat could affect their survival more than scientists thought. More:

Persistent Organic Pollutants POPs Transport and Boomerang Effect POPs Biomagnification in Marine Mammals POPs Impact on Killer Whales POPs Human Exposure and Impact POPs in Breast Milk

How to Minimize Indoor Air Pollution When Cooking at Home

23/11/2023 -

The sizzle of a burger hitting a hot pan. The delicate char on roasted potatoes. The caramel parfum of a slice of toasting bread. We associate the sounds and smells of cooking with tasty, nutritious meals — but cooking is also a major source of indoor pollutants. More:

Gas Stoves and Indoor Pollution Research Findings on Cooking Emissions Human Exposure and Health Effects The Fossil Fuel Industry and Gas Stoves Towards a Ban of Gas Stoves

How to Minimize Indoor Air Pollution When Cooking at Home

The sizzle of a burger hitting a hot pan. The delicate char on roasted potatoes. The caramel parfum of a slice of toasting bread. We associate the sounds and smells of cooking with tasty, nutritious meals — but cooking is also a major source of indoor pollutants. More:

Gas Stoves and Indoor Pollution Research Findings on Cooking Emissions Human Exposure and Health Effects The Fossil Fuel Industry and Gas Stoves Towards a Ban of Gas Stoves

Nearly 40% of conventional baby food contains toxic pesticides, US study finds

23/11/2023 -

Nearly 40% of conventional baby food products analyzed in a new US study were found to contain toxic pesticides, while none of the organic products sampled in the survey contained the chemicals. More:

Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children Pesticides in Fruits and Vegetables Pesticides Regulation

Nearly 40% of conventional baby food contains toxic pesticides, US study finds

Nearly 40% of conventional baby food products analyzed in a new US study were found to contain toxic pesticides, while none of the organic products sampled in the survey contained the chemicals. More:

Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children Pesticides in Fruits and Vegetables Pesticides Regulation

Glyphosate leaves its mark even in protected areas of Brazil’s Cerrado

22/11/2023 -

Breathing clean air in Brazil’s Cerrado grassland has become increasingly hard, according to a recent study by researchers in the central state of Goiás. It found a relationship between dying lichens and exposure to glyphosate, a herbicide commonly used against weeds. More:


Glyphosate leaves its mark even in protected areas of Brazil’s Cerrado

Breathing clean air in Brazil’s Cerrado grassland has become increasingly hard, according to a recent study by researchers in the central state of Goiás. It found a relationship between dying lichens and exposure to glyphosate, a herbicide commonly used against weeds. More:

Backlash forces EPA to pause toxic PFAS waste imports to US from Netherlands

22/11/2023 -

The federal US government has paused the importation of millions of pounds of toxic PFAS “forever chemical” waste from the Netherlands following intense backlash from residents near a North Carolina facility that would receive the substances. More:

GenX Transboundary Movement PFAS Health and Social Impact

Backlash forces EPA to pause toxic PFAS waste imports to US from Netherlands

The federal US government has paused the importation of millions of pounds of toxic PFAS “forever chemical” waste from the Netherlands following intense backlash from residents near a North Carolina facility that would receive the substances. More:

GenX Transboundary Movement PFAS Health and Social Impact

Syngenta paraquat secrets featured on ABC News

22/11/2023 -

The New Lede, in a co-publishing arrangement with The Guardian, first revealed a trove of internal Syngenta documents in October 2022 and followed up in subsequent stories, exposing years of corporate efforts to cover up evidence that paraquat can cause Parkinson’s disease. More:

Paraquat and Parkinson's Disease The Public Right to Know Liability

Syngenta paraquat secrets featured on ABC News

The New Lede, in a co-publishing arrangement with The Guardian, first revealed a trove of internal Syngenta documents in October 2022 and followed up in subsequent stories, exposing years of corporate efforts to cover up evidence that paraquat can cause Parkinson’s disease. More:

Paraquat and Parkinson's Disease The Public Right to Know Liability

7 holiday cleaning tips for a healthy home

21/11/2023 -

Tis the season of joy and celebration – but with all the cooking and entertaining, our homes can quickly become a mess. Many of us may feel inspired to engage in a bit of seasonal cleaning – decluttering and scrubbing our living spaces from top to bottom – before guests arrive. Yet keeping our homes spick and span during the festivities poses its own set of challenges. More:

Chemicals Contained in Cleaning Products and Kitchen Equipment VOCs in Indoor Environments Cleaning Products Exposure Impact Avoiding Exposure to Harmful Chemicals While Cleaning

7 holiday cleaning tips for a healthy home

Tis the season of joy and celebration – but with all the cooking and entertaining, our homes can quickly become a mess. Many of us may feel inspired to engage in a bit of seasonal cleaning – decluttering and scrubbing our living spaces from top to bottom – before guests arrive. Yet keeping our homes spick and span during the festivities poses its own set of challenges. More:

Chemicals Contained in Cleaning Products and Kitchen Equipment VOCs in Indoor Environments Cleaning Products Exposure Impact Avoiding Exposure to Harmful Chemicals While Cleaning

Millions in France warned not to eat eggs from backyard chickens due to forever chemical pollution

21/11/2023 -

A precautionary warning first came in February 2022 for certain areas of the region. This was then expanded to the whole region in May 2023 following a preliminary investigation. The results of that study were confirmed and released this week leading the authority to confirm its warning. More:

PFAS Features, Health Risks and Management PFAS Global Diffusion in the Environment PFAS Exposure, Impact and Communication PFAS Legal Action Restricting PFAS and Other Hazardous Chemicals

Millions in France warned not to eat eggs from backyard chickens due to forever chemical pollution

A precautionary warning first came in February 2022 for certain areas of the region. This was then expanded to the whole region in May 2023 following a preliminary investigation. The results of that study were confirmed and released this week leading the authority to confirm its warning. More:

PFAS Features, Health Risks and Management PFAS Global Diffusion in the Environment PFAS Exposure, Impact and Communication PFAS Legal Action Restricting PFAS and Other Hazardous Chemicals

Banning PFAS is the Commission still committed?

20/11/2023 -

To understand the laws of nature, scientists observe nature and derive their theory from their observations. To learn about the laws of the EU, one would be ill-advised to observe the European Commission and conclude from their actions. Fortunately, legal obligations can be read directly from the Official Journal. More:

PFAS Legislation and Concerns at European Level Critical Aspects of PFAS Policy in the European Commission PFAS Contamination and Human Exposure Across Europe

Banning PFAS is the Commission still committed?

To understand the laws of nature, scientists observe nature and derive their theory from their observations. To learn about the laws of the EU, one would be ill-advised to observe the European Commission and conclude from their actions. Fortunately, legal obligations can be read directly from the Official Journal. More:

PFAS Legislation and Concerns at European Level Critical Aspects of PFAS Policy in the European Commission PFAS Contamination and Human Exposure Across Europe

‘New asbestos’ warning to chemical sector from investors with $10 trillion in assets

15/11/2023 -

PFAS chemicals are ‘the new asbestos’ for the chemical sector and firms should follow 3M’s lead and quit production, a group of over 50 institutional investors and their representatives warned today. More:

The Precautionary Principle - Lessons and Failures PFAS Finantial Risks PFAS Lawsuits and Settlements

‘New asbestos’ warning to chemical sector from investors with $10 trillion in assets

PFAS chemicals are ‘the new asbestos’ for the chemical sector and firms should follow 3M’s lead and quit production, a group of over 50 institutional investors and their representatives warned today. More:

The Precautionary Principle - Lessons and Failures PFAS Finantial Risks PFAS Lawsuits and Settlements

Common pesticides in food reducing sperm count worldwide, study says

15/11/2023 -

Pesticides used in our homes, gardens and lawns and sprayed on foods we eat are contributing to a dramatic decline in sperm count among men worldwide, according to a new analysis of studies over the last 50 years. More:

Pesticides and Lower Sperm Concentration Pesticides in Food

Common pesticides in food reducing sperm count worldwide, study says

Pesticides used in our homes, gardens and lawns and sprayed on foods we eat are contributing to a dramatic decline in sperm count among men worldwide, according to a new analysis of studies over the last 50 years. More:

Pesticides and Lower Sperm Concentration Pesticides in Food

ChemScore 2023: Key findings

15/11/2023 -

ChemScore 2023 reveals that the world’s biggest listed chemical firms by revenue continue to rely on the production of dangerous chemicals instead of safer alternatives, are persistently secretive about their operations and are making only slow progress in boosting the sustainability of their operations. More:


ChemScore 2023: Key findings

ChemScore 2023 reveals that the world’s biggest listed chemical firms by revenue continue to rely on the production of dangerous chemicals instead of safer alternatives, are persistently secretive about their operations and are making only slow progress in boosting the sustainability of their operations. More:

Flame retardant chemicals can cause serious health risks – and they only slow fire by a few seconds

15/11/2023 -

House fires are many people’s worst nightmare. But chemicals created decades ago to protect people’s homes from out of control flames opened our front doors to a new menace: toxic chemicals. Ones that we are consistently exposed to in our homes, offices and vehicles. More:

POPs in Waste Stream Flame Retardants in Waste Flame Retardants in Waste: Detection Technologies Flame Retardants: Human Exposure and Impact EU Regulation on POPs and Flame Retardants

Flame retardant chemicals can cause serious health risks – and they only slow fire by a few seconds

House fires are many people’s worst nightmare. But chemicals created decades ago to protect people’s homes from out of control flames opened our front doors to a new menace: toxic chemicals. Ones that we are consistently exposed to in our homes, offices and vehicles. More:

POPs in Waste Stream Flame Retardants in Waste Flame Retardants in Waste: Detection Technologies Flame Retardants: Human Exposure and Impact EU Regulation on POPs and Flame Retardants

PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are getting into ocean ecosystems, where dolphins, fish and manatees dine – we traced their origins

14/11/2023 -

PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that have been raising health concerns across the country, are not just a problem in drinking water. As these chemicals leach out of failing septic systems and landfills and wash off airport runways and farm fields, they can end up in streams that ultimately discharge into ocean ecosystems where fish, dolphins, manatees, sharks and other marine species live. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Wastewater, Surface and Drinking Water PFAS in Oceans and Coastal Areas PFAS and PCBs in Wildlife PFAS Bioindicators and Biomarkers PFAS in Biomagnification and Human Exposure PFAS Human Health Impact Laboratory Study on Next-generation PFAS

PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are getting into ocean ecosystems, where dolphins, fish and manatees dine – we traced their origins

PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that have been raising health concerns across the country, are not just a problem in drinking water. As these chemicals leach out of failing septic systems and landfills and wash off airport runways and farm fields, they can end up in streams that ultimately discharge into ocean ecosystems where fish, dolphins, manatees, sharks and other marine species live. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Wastewater, Surface and Drinking Water PFAS in Oceans and Coastal Areas PFAS and PCBs in Wildlife PFAS Bioindicators and Biomarkers PFAS in Biomagnification and Human Exposure PFAS Human Health Impact Laboratory Study on Next-generation PFAS
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