POPs in the news

Forever Chemicals’ Toxic Legacy at Chicago’s Airports

11/11/2023 -

Firefighting foam contaminated groundwater beneath O’Hare and Midway airports with PFAS chemicals, military investigators have found. It’s unclear how far it has spread. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances PFAS in Drinking Water and Cattle Across the US PFAS in Clothes and Personal Care Products Human Health Effects on Military Personnel Taking Action Against PFAS Regulation and Liability Phasing Out PFAS in Clothing

Forever Chemicals’ Toxic Legacy at Chicago’s Airports

Firefighting foam contaminated groundwater beneath O’Hare and Midway airports with PFAS chemicals, military investigators have found. It’s unclear how far it has spread. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances PFAS in Drinking Water and Cattle Across the US PFAS in Clothes and Personal Care Products Human Health Effects on Military Personnel Taking Action Against PFAS Regulation and Liability Phasing Out PFAS in Clothing

The Czechs were Selling the Most Toxic Toy in the World! But Toxic Substances from Plastics are Not Avoided Anywhere

09/11/2023 -

When plastics from e-waste are recycled, toxic contaminants from plastics are transferred to new products made from the recycled material, invisibly endangering even children. This is a finding of a new study that examines the properties of toys and various consumer goods made from e-waste around the globe. More:

Hazardous Chemicals in Toys and Consumer Products Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA): Toxicologycal Studies Regulation: Flame Retardants in Consumer Products

The Czechs were Selling the Most Toxic Toy in the World! But Toxic Substances from Plastics are Not Avoided Anywhere

When plastics from e-waste are recycled, toxic contaminants from plastics are transferred to new products made from the recycled material, invisibly endangering even children. This is a finding of a new study that examines the properties of toys and various consumer goods made from e-waste around the globe. More:

Hazardous Chemicals in Toys and Consumer Products Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA): Toxicologycal Studies Regulation: Flame Retardants in Consumer Products

Here's how flame retardants are harming wildlife, humans in Canada

06/11/2023 -

Despite some flame retardant chemicals being banned in Canada many are found in wildlife across the country including species that are endangered. More:

Flame Retardants and Wildlife POPs Use, Exposure and Impact on Humans and Wildlife POPs Exposure and Impact on Humans and Marine Wildlife POPs Exposure and Impact on Polar Bears POPs Impact on Amphibians POPs in the Air: Indoor & Outdoor Detection Reducing POPs Use

Here's how flame retardants are harming wildlife, humans in Canada

Despite some flame retardant chemicals being banned in Canada many are found in wildlife across the country including species that are endangered. More:

Flame Retardants and Wildlife POPs Use, Exposure and Impact on Humans and Wildlife POPs Exposure and Impact on Humans and Marine Wildlife POPs Exposure and Impact on Polar Bears POPs Impact on Amphibians POPs in the Air: Indoor & Outdoor Detection Reducing POPs Use

Tire industry scrambles to replace 60-year-old chemical hazardous to salmon: ‘One of the biggest environmental issues that the world hasn’t known about’

05/11/2023 -

U.S. regulators say they will review the use of a chemical found in almost every tire after a petition from West Coast Native American tribes that want it banned because it kills salmon as they return from the ocean to their natal streams to spawn. More:

Detection of Organic Contaminants Linked to Coho Salmon Mortality

Tire industry scrambles to replace 60-year-old chemical hazardous to salmon: ‘One of the biggest environmental issues that the world hasn’t known about’

U.S. regulators say they will review the use of a chemical found in almost every tire after a petition from West Coast Native American tribes that want it banned because it kills salmon as they return from the ocean to their natal streams to spawn. More:

Detection of Organic Contaminants Linked to Coho Salmon Mortality

What You Need To Know About Chlorpyrifos

02/11/2023 -

For half a century, staple food crops in the United States — such as corn, wheat, apples and citrus — have been sprayed with chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide that can permanently damage the developing brains of children, causing reduced IQ, loss of working memory, and attention deficit disorders. More:

Organophosphate Pesticides: Chlorpyrifos Human Health Risk Assessment and Impact Alternatives to Pesticides Towards Chlorpyriphos Regulation

What You Need To Know About Chlorpyrifos

For half a century, staple food crops in the United States — such as corn, wheat, apples and citrus — have been sprayed with chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide that can permanently damage the developing brains of children, causing reduced IQ, loss of working memory, and attention deficit disorders. More:

Organophosphate Pesticides: Chlorpyrifos Human Health Risk Assessment and Impact Alternatives to Pesticides Towards Chlorpyriphos Regulation

8 new types of ‘forever chemicals’ found in river linked to US cancer cluster

30/10/2023 -

In 2017 news broke in North Carolina that the water downstream of the Fayetteville Works Plant, owned by the Chemours Company (a spin-off of DuPont), and public water systems reliant on the Cape Fear River contained high levels of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These contaminants, which are common in everyday products like adhesives, food packaging, and cookware, are dubbed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment and can linger in the body while causing numerous health problems. More:

Detection Technologies Exposure and Toxicity Water Pollution and Legal Action Avoiding PFAS

8 new types of ‘forever chemicals’ found in river linked to US cancer cluster

In 2017 news broke in North Carolina that the water downstream of the Fayetteville Works Plant, owned by the Chemours Company (a spin-off of DuPont), and public water systems reliant on the Cape Fear River contained high levels of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These contaminants, which are common in everyday products like adhesives, food packaging, and cookware, are dubbed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment and can linger in the body while causing numerous health problems. More:

Detection Technologies Exposure and Toxicity Water Pollution and Legal Action Avoiding PFAS

Persistent Organic Pollutants in Human Milk

30/10/2023 -

Reviews the trends on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in human milk. Discusses the WHO/UNEP-coordinated global surveys between 2000 and 2019. Provides solutions for the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being. This book is open access, which means that you have free and unlimited access. More:


Persistent Organic Pollutants in Human Milk

Reviews the trends on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in human milk. Discusses the WHO/UNEP-coordinated global surveys between 2000 and 2019. Provides solutions for the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being. This book is open access, which means that you have free and unlimited access. More:

PFAS chemicals linked to thyroid cancer, human data suggests

26/10/2023 -

The analysis, which compared blood samples from 88 people who developed thyroid cancer with samples from people who did not, is the first to document an association between PFAS and thyroid cancer, which had been previously hypothesized. Past research has linked these endocrine-disrupting chemicals to thyroid disease, a condition in which the gland produces too many or too few hormones. More:

PFAS Exposure and Impact PFAS Water Pollution PFAS Lawsuits and Settlements

PFAS chemicals linked to thyroid cancer, human data suggests

The analysis, which compared blood samples from 88 people who developed thyroid cancer with samples from people who did not, is the first to document an association between PFAS and thyroid cancer, which had been previously hypothesized. Past research has linked these endocrine-disrupting chemicals to thyroid disease, a condition in which the gland produces too many or too few hormones. More:

PFAS Exposure and Impact PFAS Water Pollution PFAS Lawsuits and Settlements

Millions of Americans might be poisoning themselves because they don’t test their well water

26/10/2023 -

Roderick is the environmental health officer for Webster County in north-central Iowa, where a few thousand rural residents live among sprawling corn and soybean fields. Many draw their water from private wells, which are exempt from most federal testing and purity regulations. Roderick spreads the word that they aren’t exempt from danger. More:

Domestic Wells Domestic Wells: Water Quality Control PFAS in Water

Millions of Americans might be poisoning themselves because they don’t test their well water

Roderick is the environmental health officer for Webster County in north-central Iowa, where a few thousand rural residents live among sprawling corn and soybean fields. Many draw their water from private wells, which are exempt from most federal testing and purity regulations. Roderick spreads the word that they aren’t exempt from danger. More:

Domestic Wells Domestic Wells: Water Quality Control PFAS in Water

A Third of Chocolate Products Are High in Heavy Metals, CR's Tests Find

25/10/2023 -

With the holiday season approaching, many of us will be indulging in a favorite treat: chocolate. Yet despite dark chocolate’s reputation as a healthier sweet, it can also be contaminated with lead and cadmium, two heavy metals linked to serious health problems, as many people learned from Consumer Reports’ testing last year. More:


A Third of Chocolate Products Are High in Heavy Metals, CR's Tests Find

With the holiday season approaching, many of us will be indulging in a favorite treat: chocolate. Yet despite dark chocolate’s reputation as a healthier sweet, it can also be contaminated with lead and cadmium, two heavy metals linked to serious health problems, as many people learned from Consumer Reports’ testing last year. More:

Diet affects killer whale pollution exposure more than location

25/10/2023 -

As the largest member of the dolphin family, killer whales, also known as orcas, are found worldwide. Marine vessel traffic can disturb the hunting and communication of these black-and-white marine mammals. But they face another type of human threat—legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in their environments. More:


Diet affects killer whale pollution exposure more than location

As the largest member of the dolphin family, killer whales, also known as orcas, are found worldwide. Marine vessel traffic can disturb the hunting and communication of these black-and-white marine mammals. But they face another type of human threat—legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in their environments. More:

Two major studies reveal devastating effect of PFAS and food additives on male and female sexual health: From sperm damage to smaller testicles, early menopause and ovary cysts

22/10/2023 -

EDCs include PFAS but also pesticides, phenols, a group of chemicals found in toys and dental products; phthalates, a group of chemicals in food packaging; parabens, a group of chemicals used as food preservatives; and triclosan, an antimicrobial agent used in soaps and hand sanitizers. More:


Two major studies reveal devastating effect of PFAS and food additives on male and female sexual health: From sperm damage to smaller testicles, early menopause and ovary cysts

EDCs include PFAS but also pesticides, phenols, a group of chemicals found in toys and dental products; phthalates, a group of chemicals in food packaging; parabens, a group of chemicals used as food preservatives; and triclosan, an antimicrobial agent used in soaps and hand sanitizers. More:

Health and environmental impacts prompt a call for strict ruling on ubiquitous ‘forever chemicals’

19/10/2023 -

The characteristics and widespread effects of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances demand their replacement with fluorine-free alternatives, say the writers of a comprehensive review on their use. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Health and environmental impacts prompt a call for strict ruling on ubiquitous ‘forever chemicals’

The characteristics and widespread effects of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances demand their replacement with fluorine-free alternatives, say the writers of a comprehensive review on their use. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Can we take the 'forever' out of forever chemicals?

19/10/2023 -

How do you solve a problem like PFAS? More than 9,000 different types of synthetic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used to make everything from firefighting foam to the non-stick coating on cooking pans. Nicknamed "forever chemicals", PFAS are persistent and ubiquitous. They have been found in rainwater, soil, wildlife and humans. Now, scientists are working on ways to clean up their long-lasting effects. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Pollution PFAS Ecological Assessment and Wildlife Exposure PFAS Human Exposure PFAS Body Burden PFAS Human Biomonitoring PFAS Decontamination and Destruction Technologies PFAS Decontamination and Destruction Technologies-Biotechnologies

Can we take the 'forever' out of forever chemicals?

How do you solve a problem like PFAS? More than 9,000 different types of synthetic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used to make everything from firefighting foam to the non-stick coating on cooking pans. Nicknamed "forever chemicals", PFAS are persistent and ubiquitous. They have been found in rainwater, soil, wildlife and humans. Now, scientists are working on ways to clean up their long-lasting effects. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Pollution PFAS Ecological Assessment and Wildlife Exposure PFAS Human Exposure PFAS Body Burden PFAS Human Biomonitoring PFAS Decontamination and Destruction Technologies PFAS Decontamination and Destruction Technologies-Biotechnologies

Scientists call on ministers to cut limits for ‘forever chemicals’ in UK tap water

18/10/2023 -

Acceptable levels of “forever chemicals” in drinking water should be reduced tenfold and a new national chemicals agency created to protect public health, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has told the UK government. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Pollution in Europe

Scientists call on ministers to cut limits for ‘forever chemicals’ in UK tap water

Acceptable levels of “forever chemicals” in drinking water should be reduced tenfold and a new national chemicals agency created to protect public health, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has told the UK government. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Pollution in Europe

Once it was hailed as a drought fix — but now California’s moving to restrict synthetic turf over health concerns

18/10/2023 -

Synthetic turf is a man-made, non-living replacement of turfgrass that requires little water or maintenance. The grass blades are made of fibers such as nylon or plastic while the base is typically a crumb rubber made from used tires, plastic pellets or sand. Synthetic grass usually contains PFAS chemicals. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Drinking Water Alternative Materials for Synthetic Turf

Once it was hailed as a drought fix — but now California’s moving to restrict synthetic turf over health concerns

Synthetic turf is a man-made, non-living replacement of turfgrass that requires little water or maintenance. The grass blades are made of fibers such as nylon or plastic while the base is typically a crumb rubber made from used tires, plastic pellets or sand. Synthetic grass usually contains PFAS chemicals. More:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in Drinking Water Alternative Materials for Synthetic Turf

Mercury in Retrograde

16/10/2023 -

The sale and trade of mercury-added skin lightening products (SLPs) have continued despite widespread sampling, reporting, awareness campaigns, and legal prohibitions, including a global treaty ban. The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) carried out undercover investigations in three different regions (Asia, North America, and Europe) and was able to confirm the continued production, trade, and sale of mercury-added SLPs. More:


Mercury in Retrograde

The sale and trade of mercury-added skin lightening products (SLPs) have continued despite widespread sampling, reporting, awareness campaigns, and legal prohibitions, including a global treaty ban. The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) carried out undercover investigations in three different regions (Asia, North America, and Europe) and was able to confirm the continued production, trade, and sale of mercury-added SLPs. More:

Exclusive: How pollution from dry cleaners left California sitting on cancer-linked ‘time bombs’

16/10/2023 -

Snow falls in winter, melts in spring and travels through a vast network of groundwater aquifers to Lake Tahoe,” the South Lake Tahoe Public Utility District says. “By pumping water from these aquifers, the South Lake Tahoe area has some of the tastiest and purest water in California. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. More:

Perchloroethylene (PCE) Human Health Effects PCE Risk Management, Remediation and Phase Out

Exclusive: How pollution from dry cleaners left California sitting on cancer-linked ‘time bombs’

Snow falls in winter, melts in spring and travels through a vast network of groundwater aquifers to Lake Tahoe,” the South Lake Tahoe Public Utility District says. “By pumping water from these aquifers, the South Lake Tahoe area has some of the tastiest and purest water in California. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. More:

Perchloroethylene (PCE) Human Health Effects PCE Risk Management, Remediation and Phase Out

Maine’s new PFAS law draws objections from businesses around the world

15/10/2023 -

The devil is in the details, as they say, and when it comes to PFAS regulation, there are a lot of details. That was the message from Maine Department of Environmental Protection staff when they updated lawmakers earlier this month on their efforts to create rules around the first-in-the-nation PFAS reporting law. More:

PFAS Social Costs PFAS Regulation Reducing the PFAS Body Burden

Maine’s new PFAS law draws objections from businesses around the world

The devil is in the details, as they say, and when it comes to PFAS regulation, there are a lot of details. That was the message from Maine Department of Environmental Protection staff when they updated lawmakers earlier this month on their efforts to create rules around the first-in-the-nation PFAS reporting law. More:

PFAS Social Costs PFAS Regulation Reducing the PFAS Body Burden

Opinion: To protect school kids from toxic pesticides, protect state and local pesticide laws

12/10/2023 -

The threat posed by pesticides to our kids when they’re at school is just one of the many reasons Congress preserved a role for state and local governments when enacting our federal pesticide laws. More:


Opinion: To protect school kids from toxic pesticides, protect state and local pesticide laws

The threat posed by pesticides to our kids when they’re at school is just one of the many reasons Congress preserved a role for state and local governments when enacting our federal pesticide laws. More:

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