Health advocates call for a federal “reboot” in addressing ultra-processed foods
A diverse group of food advocates, farmers, chefs and scientists is urging the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to define ultra-processed foods through a lens of public health, including what’s added or taken away from foods during processing, as well as any new risks introduced.
Washington Supreme Court restores $185 million verdict for teachers allegedly poisoned by Monsanto-made PCBs
The Washington Supreme Court this week restored a $185 million verdict against the former Monsanto company, now owned by Bayer, over toxic chemicals in a state school building that allegedly poisoned three teachers.
Traces of old farm chemicals contaminate water across the US
Even though it delivers airtight data and analysis essential for understanding and managing the risks industrial societies pose to water, land, and health, the US Geological Survey is a federal science agency that rarely attracts public notice.
EPA accused of misleading public about ongoing production of harmful PFAS
Federal regulators are falsely claiming that production of a dangerous PFAS chemical has been phased out in the US, according to a complaint filed this week by an environmental watchdog group alleging the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consistently finds the chemical and other PFAS in fluorinated plastic containers.
Annual climate change report finds “planet on the brink”
Earth’s vital signs are “flashing red,” fossil fuel use is at peak levels and warming is increasingly impacting forests, oceans and disaster frequency, according to a new report.
New North Carolina PFAS exposure findings as Chemours plans expansion
Scientists detected high levels of two under-the-radar PFAS chemicals in blood serum samples from residents of Wilmington, North Carolina, collected before the local fluorochemical manufacturing plant began taking measures in 2017 to halt the flow of “forever chemicals” into the community’s drinking water.
Senate hearing exposes divide over chemical safety law
Industry leaders and Republicans in Congress again signaled their desire to hasten federal reviews of new chemicals at a Senate hearing, while an environmental health expert warned such changes will lead to more pollution and human health impacts.
Environmental groups urge Iowa to strengthen water standards amid rising cancer rates
Environmental groups are pressing Iowa regulators for stricter water protections by getting up-to-date with federal recommendations and lowering nitrate limits, alleging that current safeguards are outdated, weak and leave Iowans exposed to toxics tied to rising cancer rates.
Paraquat imports climb despite concerns about health impacts
The US has been importing increasing amounts of paraquat, a pesticide widely used in farming that is linked to Parkinson’s disease, even as other countries have banned the chemical amid growing concerns about risks to human and environmental health, according to the findings of a new report.
An angry judge and a combative court hearing – questions raised about Syngenta’s paraquat settlement effort
Syngenta’s effort to settle thousands of lawsuits alleging its paraquat weed killer causes Parkinson’s disease may be running into a potential roadblock as some plaintiffs’ lawyers see the settlement terms as unfair to their clients.