High levels of microplastics found in human brains
By Douglas Main
A new study has found high concentrations of tiny plastic particles in human brain samples, with levels appearing to climb over time.
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FDA must set limits on PFAS in food, lawsuit says
By Shannon Kelleher
US regulators are failing to address concerns about toxic PFAS chemicals in foods despite having the scientific tools to do so, according to a lawsuit filed by an environmental group in Tucson, Arizona.
Fluoride toothpastes, mouthwash marketed to kids in dangerous ways, lawsuits say
By Douglas Main
Companies making fluoride-containing toothpastes and mouthrinses are improperly marketing their products as harmless and pleasant-tasting to very young children despite scientific research showing ingestion of the products could be dangerous to their health, according to allegations in a group of proposed class action lawsuits filed earlier this month.
Advertising sugary cereals to children needs regulation, report says
By Carey Gillam
Food companies are continuing to push unhealthy cereals high in sugar content into the diets of young children through targeted television advertising despite pledges by leading companies to voluntarily regulate such advertising, according to a new analysis.
“Epidemic of chronic disease” spotlighted in Kennedy confirmation hearing
By Carey Gillam
America’s “epidemic of chronic disease” was spotlighted Wednesday in a contentious senate confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Environmental and health programs thrown into chaos by Trump funding freeze
By Douglas Main
President Donald Trump’s surprise decision to freeze a massive portion of federal grants and loans — a move temporarily blocked by a federal court — has thrown environmental research, health programs, and community groups into chaos.
Upcoming Kennedy hearings to spotlight hotly debated public health issues
By Carey Gillam
Advocates for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda were gathered in Washington this week ahead of a senate committee hearing on Kennedy’s nomination to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – an event expected to put a spotlight on a number of hotly debated public and environmental health issues.
EPA proposal for pesticide tied to reproductive harm lands back with Trump
US environmental regulators are planning to change allowable levels of a weedkiller tied to reproductive health problems to a level critics say discounts years of documented health risks — and potentially marks a new battlefront within the Trump administration.
Amid series of rapid-fire policy reversals, Trump quietly withdraws proposed limits on PFAS
By Shannon Kelleher
Amid a flurry of actions curtailing Biden’s environmental policies, the administration of newly inaugurated President Donald Trump this week withdrew a plan to set limits on toxic PFAS chemicals in industrial wastewater.
Close to 30 million Americans face limited water supplies, government report finds
By Carey Gillam
Nearly 30 million people are living in areas of the US with limited water supplies as the country faces growing concerns over both water availability and quality, according to a new assessment by government scientists.