POPs in the news

Young brains appear at risk from exposure to popular weed killers

11/10/2023 -

Exposure to two widely used weed killers could be harming the brain function of young people, impacting their memory and learning abilities, according to a study. The study looked specifically at glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide and scores of other brands, and also at 2,4-D – a long-used, weed-killing chemical that has seen a surge in use in recent years and has increasingly been combined with glyphosate to kill tenacious weeds. More:

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)

Young brains appear at risk from exposure to popular weed killers

Exposure to two widely used weed killers could be harming the brain function of young people, impacting their memory and learning abilities, according to a study. The study looked specifically at glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide and scores of other brands, and also at 2,4-D – a long-used, weed-killing chemical that has seen a surge in use in recent years and has increasingly been combined with glyphosate to kill tenacious weeds. More:

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)

'Forever Chemical' Replacements Detected In Human Bodies And Homes

11/10/2023 -

As part of efforts to remove toxic forever chemicals from their products, manufacturers around the world are scrambling for safer replacements. However, studies have shown that some of these replacements are also dangerous and have already been detected in human urine and blood samples, household dust, and drinking water. More:

PFAS Toxicity

'Forever Chemical' Replacements Detected In Human Bodies And Homes

As part of efforts to remove toxic forever chemicals from their products, manufacturers around the world are scrambling for safer replacements. However, studies have shown that some of these replacements are also dangerous and have already been detected in human urine and blood samples, household dust, and drinking water. More:

PFAS Toxicity

8 critical points about PFAS that the EU needs to know

09/10/2023 -

During the public consultation period for the EU’s PFAS restriction proposal, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) received a record-breaking 5,600 replies from various stakeholders wanting to weigh in on the issue. One of them was from ChemSec. Here are eight important takeaways from our reply. More:

Restriction on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Alternatives PFAS: Corporations and Investment

8 critical points about PFAS that the EU needs to know

During the public consultation period for the EU’s PFAS restriction proposal, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) received a record-breaking 5,600 replies from various stakeholders wanting to weigh in on the issue. One of them was from ChemSec. Here are eight important takeaways from our reply. More:

Restriction on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS Alternatives PFAS: Corporations and Investment

'Forever Chemicals' Are Everywhere, But These Are The Most Common Sources

05/10/2023 -

Forever chemicals are all around us. Most people ingest or inhale these synthetic chemicals, which include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phenols, and parabens, through contaminated water and food — even air. They’re also in our cookware, packaging materials, furniture, clothes and carpets, making them nearly impossible to avoid. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Human Exposure Human Exposure: Drinking Water Human Exposure: Diet Human Exposure: Consumer Products Human Health Effects Human Health Effects: Neurotoxicity and Immunotoxicity

'Forever Chemicals' Are Everywhere, But These Are The Most Common Sources

Forever chemicals are all around us. Most people ingest or inhale these synthetic chemicals, which include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phenols, and parabens, through contaminated water and food — even air. They’re also in our cookware, packaging materials, furniture, clothes and carpets, making them nearly impossible to avoid. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Human Exposure Human Exposure: Drinking Water Human Exposure: Diet Human Exposure: Consumer Products Human Health Effects Human Health Effects: Neurotoxicity and Immunotoxicity

Impact of chemical pollution on threatened marine mammals: A systematic review

05/10/2023 -

Marine mammals, due to their long life span, key position in the food web, and large lipid deposits, often face significant health risks from accumulating contaminants. This systematic review examines published literature on pollutant-induced adverse health effects in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red-listed marine mammal species. More:

Chemical Pollution Impact on Wildlife Persistent Organic Pollutants Pesticides Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Climate Change and POPs

Impact of chemical pollution on threatened marine mammals: A systematic review

Marine mammals, due to their long life span, key position in the food web, and large lipid deposits, often face significant health risks from accumulating contaminants. This systematic review examines published literature on pollutant-induced adverse health effects in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red-listed marine mammal species. More:

Chemical Pollution Impact on Wildlife Persistent Organic Pollutants Pesticides Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Climate Change and POPs

PFAS Chemicals Tied to Later Puberty in Girls

03/10/2023 -

Delayed puberty can lead to negative long-term health outcomes for girls, such as a higher incidence of breast cancer, kidney disease and thyroid disease, said corresponding author Susan Pinney, a professor of environmental and public health sciences at the university's College of Medicine. More:


PFAS Chemicals Tied to Later Puberty in Girls

Delayed puberty can lead to negative long-term health outcomes for girls, such as a higher incidence of breast cancer, kidney disease and thyroid disease, said corresponding author Susan Pinney, a professor of environmental and public health sciences at the university's College of Medicine. More:

Neurologist Reveals the SHOCKING ROOT CAUSES of Parkinson’s & How to PREVENT IT

03/10/2023 -

Dr. Ray Dorsey is a medical doctor and Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester. He is working to identify and eliminate the root causes of Parkinson’s disease. More:


Neurologist Reveals the SHOCKING ROOT CAUSES of Parkinson’s & How to PREVENT IT

Dr. Ray Dorsey is a medical doctor and Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester. He is working to identify and eliminate the root causes of Parkinson’s disease. More:

PFAS Shut Maine Farms Down. Now, Some Are Rebounding

02/10/2023 -

In the aftermath of state testing that revealed dangerous levels of forever chemicals on some Maine farms in 2021, organizations, farmers, and Indigenous communities are creating blueprints for recovery. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Biosolids Biosolids and PFAS Pollution Aviation and PFAS Pollution The PFAS Crisis in Maine PFAS Phyto-remediation and Destruction

PFAS Shut Maine Farms Down. Now, Some Are Rebounding

In the aftermath of state testing that revealed dangerous levels of forever chemicals on some Maine farms in 2021, organizations, farmers, and Indigenous communities are creating blueprints for recovery. More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Biosolids Biosolids and PFAS Pollution Aviation and PFAS Pollution The PFAS Crisis in Maine PFAS Phyto-remediation and Destruction

UN adopts new global rules to reduce chemicals harm

30/09/2023 -

The Global Framework on Chemicals sets out a roadmap for reducing environmental risks from chemicals and waste. "Everyone on this planet should be able to live and work without fear of falling sick or dying from chemical exposure," said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). More:

Pesticides

UN adopts new global rules to reduce chemicals harm

The Global Framework on Chemicals sets out a roadmap for reducing environmental risks from chemicals and waste. "Everyone on this planet should be able to live and work without fear of falling sick or dying from chemical exposure," said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). More:

Pesticides

We’re missing a critical opportunity to prevent childhood cancer

30/09/2023 -

Twenty-five is young for a cancer diagnosis, but stories like hers are increasingly common — cancer is on the rise among millennials and young people. Since health officials began collecting data in the 1970s, charts tracking cancer in children and young adults are distressingly uniform, with diagonal lines steadily climbing upward. More:

Chemical Pollution Risks Toxic Chemicals in Food and Cosmetics Toxic Chemicals Impact on Children Reducing the Use of Cancer Causing Chemicals

We’re missing a critical opportunity to prevent childhood cancer

Twenty-five is young for a cancer diagnosis, but stories like hers are increasingly common — cancer is on the rise among millennials and young people. Since health officials began collecting data in the 1970s, charts tracking cancer in children and young adults are distressingly uniform, with diagonal lines steadily climbing upward. More:

Chemical Pollution Risks Toxic Chemicals in Food and Cosmetics Toxic Chemicals Impact on Children Reducing the Use of Cancer Causing Chemicals

Fluorinated Plastics Carry the Risk of ‘Forever Chemicals’

28/09/2023 -

The Hockomock Swamp is home to an uncommon species of mosquito that carries a rare but highly lethal brain-swelling virus called eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE. To curb its spread, state officials have long used a pesticide named Anvil 10+10, spraying it from airplanes overhead. More:

Dark Waters, the Film

Fluorinated Plastics Carry the Risk of ‘Forever Chemicals’

The Hockomock Swamp is home to an uncommon species of mosquito that carries a rare but highly lethal brain-swelling virus called eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE. To curb its spread, state officials have long used a pesticide named Anvil 10+10, spraying it from airplanes overhead. More:

Dark Waters, the Film

Forever chemicals at former Nasa lab are leaking into LA River, say watchdogs

28/09/2023 -

Two highly toxic chemicals polluting a former Nasa research site are also probably contaminating the Los Angeles River and aquifer from which the region’s agricultural growers draw their water, watchdog groups and a whistleblower charge. More:


Forever chemicals at former Nasa lab are leaking into LA River, say watchdogs

Two highly toxic chemicals polluting a former Nasa research site are also probably contaminating the Los Angeles River and aquifer from which the region’s agricultural growers draw their water, watchdog groups and a whistleblower charge. More:

3M again halts PFAS production in Belgium amid pollution problems

27/09/2023 -

Belgian authorities are investigating after learning last week "3M was still emitting relevant amounts of PFAS into the ambient air," according to a government website translated from Dutch. "The PFAS emissions end up in the environment and cause additional pollution, in this case mainly in the groundwater." More:


3M again halts PFAS production in Belgium amid pollution problems

Belgian authorities are investigating after learning last week "3M was still emitting relevant amounts of PFAS into the ambient air," according to a government website translated from Dutch. "The PFAS emissions end up in the environment and cause additional pollution, in this case mainly in the groundwater." More:

Scientists use water fleas to filter pollutants out of wastewater

26/09/2023 -

Treatment plants do not remove all of the persistent chemical pollutants in wastewater from industry, so they often end up in rivers, streams and irrigation systems. This harms the biodiversity of these ecosystems and pollutes our food and water, but many of the current options for water filtering are expensive, carbon-costly and can be polluting themselves. More:


Scientists use water fleas to filter pollutants out of wastewater

Treatment plants do not remove all of the persistent chemical pollutants in wastewater from industry, so they often end up in rivers, streams and irrigation systems. This harms the biodiversity of these ecosystems and pollutes our food and water, but many of the current options for water filtering are expensive, carbon-costly and can be polluting themselves. More:

PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ harming wildlife the world over: Study

26/09/2023 -

In Hawaii and elsewhere in the North Pacific, few hatchlings are emerging from the nests of endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. In Wisconsin, some tree swallows have failed to produce offspring. In California, infectious diseases are now more common in southern sea otters. In Michigan, bluegills are swimming slower. In the Arctic, some hooded seals and their pups have thyroid problems. And in North Carolina’s Cape Fear River, American alligators have been found with lesions and unhealed, infected wounds. More:

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS Toxicity Human Sentinels PFAS Wildlife Exposure PFAS Impact on Wildlife PFAS History: The Right to Know PFAS Regulation

PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ harming wildlife the world over: Study

In Hawaii and elsewhere in the North Pacific, few hatchlings are emerging from the nests of endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. In Wisconsin, some tree swallows have failed to produce offspring. In California, infectious diseases are now more common in southern sea otters. In Michigan, bluegills are swimming slower. In the Arctic, some hooded seals and their pups have thyroid problems. And in North Carolina’s Cape Fear River, American alligators have been found with lesions and unhealed, infected wounds. More:

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) PFAS Toxicity Human Sentinels PFAS Wildlife Exposure PFAS Impact on Wildlife PFAS History: The Right to Know PFAS Regulation

Tracking down a poison: Getting the lead out of spices in Bangladesh and Georgia

25/09/2023 -

In 1988, turmeric producers in Bangladesh had a problem. That year, their rivers reached their peaks within a matter of days, creating a deluge that submerged three quarters of the country. When the floods subsided, farmers found black and soggy turmeric roots — unappealing to buyers, even if the raw spice remained intact. Turmeric polishers found a solution: a quick polish to smooth the exterior then a dusting of a yellow pigment powder to enhance the natural color. They didn’t know the powder was poison. More:

Sources of Lead Exposure Biomonitoring Lead Tackling Lead Poisoning

Tracking down a poison: Getting the lead out of spices in Bangladesh and Georgia

In 1988, turmeric producers in Bangladesh had a problem. That year, their rivers reached their peaks within a matter of days, creating a deluge that submerged three quarters of the country. When the floods subsided, farmers found black and soggy turmeric roots — unappealing to buyers, even if the raw spice remained intact. Turmeric polishers found a solution: a quick polish to smooth the exterior then a dusting of a yellow pigment powder to enhance the natural color. They didn’t know the powder was poison. More:

Sources of Lead Exposure Biomonitoring Lead Tackling Lead Poisoning

Burgers and fries with a side of PFAS

22/09/2023 -

OK, let’s start with the bad news: a new report from Mamavation found evidence of PFAS chemicals in food packaging including a McDonald’s filet-o-fish carton, a Starbucks’ sandwich wrapper and a KFC bucket of fried chicken. More:

PFAS in Food PFAS in Food Packaging PFAS in Consumer Products PFAS Regulation

Higher levels of 'forever chemicals' found in women with breast, skin, and ovarian cancers

21/09/2023 -

While it is generally not known what exactly causes cancer, past studies show a woman’s risk for cancer depends on a variety of factors. These could include genetics, smoking, obesity, hormones, and environmental risk factors like exposure to certain chemicals called “forever chemicals.” More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in the Environment PFAS in Consumer Products PFAS in Food Packaging and Cookware PFAS Human Exposure PFAS Health Effects: Asthma, Inflammation, Immunosuppression PFAS Human Health Effects: Cancer PFAS Human Health Effects: Cardiovascular Disease and High Serum Cholesterol PFAS Human Health Effects: Endocrine disruption, Fertility, Thyroid function Water Decontamination PFAS Alternatives for Consumer Products

Higher levels of 'forever chemicals' found in women with breast, skin, and ovarian cancers

While it is generally not known what exactly causes cancer, past studies show a woman’s risk for cancer depends on a variety of factors. These could include genetics, smoking, obesity, hormones, and environmental risk factors like exposure to certain chemicals called “forever chemicals.” More:

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) PFAS in the Environment PFAS in Consumer Products PFAS in Food Packaging and Cookware PFAS Human Exposure PFAS Health Effects: Asthma, Inflammation, Immunosuppression PFAS Human Health Effects: Cancer PFAS Human Health Effects: Cardiovascular Disease and High Serum Cholesterol PFAS Human Health Effects: Endocrine disruption, Fertility, Thyroid function Water Decontamination PFAS Alternatives for Consumer Products

Des poissons suisses trop pollués pour être mangés

19/09/2023 -

Surnommés "polluants éternels", les PFAS s’accumulent dans la nature sans jamais être éliminés et pénètrent dans la chaîne alimentaire. La RTS a fait analyser des poissons pêchés dans différentes régions du pays. Résultat: des PFAS détectés dans tous les échantillons. Selon les normes européennes, certains sont même impropres à la consommation. More:

PFAS: Bio-surveillance humaine

Des poissons suisses trop pollués pour être mangés

Surnommés "polluants éternels", les PFAS s’accumulent dans la nature sans jamais être éliminés et pénètrent dans la chaîne alimentaire. La RTS a fait analyser des poissons pêchés dans différentes régions du pays. Résultat: des PFAS détectés dans tous les échantillons. Selon les normes européennes, certains sont même impropres à la consommation. More:

PFAS: Bio-surveillance humaine

Successful protection of biodiversity requires adequate pesticide and nutrient pollution indicators

18/09/2023 -

One million animal and plant species are under threat of extinction worldwide. One of the main causes of the loss of biodiversity is the pollution of nature by nutrients and chemical pesticides. Agricultural economist Niklas Möhring: “The member states of the United Nations have set global targets to halt the loss of biodiversity. To reduce pollution and protect biodiversity, researchers and policy makers need adequate indicators with which to measure progress. In our report, we highlight some of them.” More:


Successful protection of biodiversity requires adequate pesticide and nutrient pollution indicators

One million animal and plant species are under threat of extinction worldwide. One of the main causes of the loss of biodiversity is the pollution of nature by nutrients and chemical pesticides. Agricultural economist Niklas Möhring: “The member states of the United Nations have set global targets to halt the loss of biodiversity. To reduce pollution and protect biodiversity, researchers and policy makers need adequate indicators with which to measure progress. In our report, we highlight some of them.” More:

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