
toxic chemicals


FDA must fix food packaging rules for MAHA to matter, scientists say
By Brian Bienkowski
A grim assessment of children’s health released by the Trump administration last month that pointed to several types of chemicals as contributors to chronic disease has scientists renewing calls for changes in regulatory oversight, particularly at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Alarm sounded over effort to redefine PFAS chemicals
By Shannon Kelleher
Efforts by an international chemistry industry group to create a new, narrower definition for PFAS chemicals appear to be politically motivated, and could lead to weaker regulations of hazardous compounds, according to a group of international scientists.

Chemical exposure from ultra-processed foods may contribute to health issues
By Shannon Kelleher
Toxic synthetic chemicals that migrate into ultra-processed foods from packaging, processing equipment and other sources may explain why these foods are so bad for our health, according to a new review article.

EPA dropping drinking water limits on four toxic PFAS
By Shannon Kelleher
US regulators said Wednesday they will do away with limits on certain types of toxic chemicals in US drinking water, a move that critics warn could expose millions of Americans to dangerous contaminants.

Maryland residents demand Perdue stop discharging PFAS that pollutes their water
By Shannon Kelleher
Residents of a Maryland community afflicted with contamination from harmful chemicals are demanding that a local soybean processing plant immediately stop releasing toxic PFAS into their drinking and groundwater, violating a federal law that governs the disposal of hazardous waste.

Formaldehyde lurks in lotions, other products popular with Black and Latina women
By Shannon Kelleher
A main ingredient in embalming fluid may be hiding in your body lotion. In an analysis of more than 1,100 products used over the course of a week by 70 Black and Latina women in South Los Angeles, over half reported using products that researchers found contained formaldehyde or preservatives that release the toxic chemical.
EPA’s PFAS plans draw concern in public health circles
By Shannon Kelleher
Moves by the Trump administration to draw up a new regulatory framework for types of toxic chemicals has sparked suspicion among health advocates who fear the changes will protect polluters but not public health.
Study reveals US hotspots for poor water quality and “water injustice”
By Douglas Main
New research has identified hotspots in the US with concerning levels of water quality and poor access to clean drinking water, revealing that Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Washington had the most water quality violations across the board.
Unsafe sleeping? Mattresses may expose children to toxins as they sleep, studies find
By Shannon Kelleher
While monsters under the bed may be just childhood fantasy, parents might have real reason to fear what’s lurking in their children’s mattresses.