Guest Column: Paraquat and the deliberate production of ignorance
Nearly 60 years ago, a chemical company found that skin exposure to very high doses of its weedkiller paraquat caused “weakness and incoordination” in rabbits.
science
California researchers link popular weedkiller to health problems in young adults
By Carey Gillam
Children exposed to a weedkiller commonly used in farming, as well as on residential yards and school playgrounds, appear to be at increased risk for liver inflammation and metabolic disorders in young adulthood and more serious diseases later in life, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
University under fire for handling of professor who testifies against Monsanto
By Carey Gillam
University officials in New York are wrongfully restricting the activities of a long-tenured professor and are helping Monsanto-owner Bayer AG undermine the professor’s credibility as an expert witness in litigation over the harmful impacts of toxic chemicals, according to a complaint submitted to the university on Tuesday.
Biden misses the point on cancer fight
In President Biden’s state of the union address Tuesday night, he pledged his devotion to a fierce “fight against cancer,” invoking a heart-tugging story of baby “Ava,” who began battling kidney cancer at the age of 1.
More evidence linking air pollution to mental health problems, study finds
By Shannon Kelleher
Long-term exposure to a cocktail of common air pollutants, even at low levels, is associated with increased risk for depression and anxiety, according to a new study published this week.
Updated approach to regulating chemicals is “urgently needed,” say scientists
By Grace van Deelen
The US regulatory system for chemicals is not adequately protecting human health, and an overhaul is urgently needed, according to recommendations made this week by a group of environmental and health scientists.
New US research finds “worrying” evidence linking Monsanto weedkiller to cancer
By Carey Gillam
New research by top US government scientists has found that people exposed to the widely used weed killing chemical glyphosate have biomarkers in their urine linked to the development of cancer and other diseases.
Fishing fans take note: New study shows eating what you catch could be hazardous to your health
By Grace van Deelen
People who eat just one US freshwater fish a year are likely to show a significant increase of a cancer-causing chemical in their bloodstream, new research warns.
EPA announces $100 million in historic funding for environmental justice
By Shannon Kelleher
The United States is allocating about $100 million in grant funding to aid communities struggling with polluted air, unsafe drinking water, and climate change impacts in a move that marks the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s largest-ever investment in environmental justice.
Guest column: EPA has lost its way
By Tim Whitehouse
It has been more than 20 years since I worked as a senior attorney at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), using my legal training to help enforce the Clean Water Act, and advise agency managers on a range of hazardous waste issues.