At least 330 species across the globe contaminated with PFAS
A class of chemicals linked to multiple health hazards in humans have been detected in hundreds of wildlife species across the United States, according to a report issued Wednesday.
Toxics
An “urgency to this” – microplastics posing human health risks, report warns
By Carey Gillam
Growing plastic pollution not only poses a threat to wildlife and the environment, but increasingly also to human health due to pervasive microscopic plastic particles that people are ingesting through their diet, according to a research report released Monday.
Single-use plastic waste is at record levels, with hefty climate toll, report warns
By Dana Drugmand
From grocery store bags and soda bottles to take-out containers and food packaging, single-use, disposable plastic is a pervasive problem that presents not just waste management problems, but considerable harmful climate impacts as well, according to a new report.
Bill to strengthen pesticide protections offers farm bill “wish list”
By Shannon Kelleher
Advocates are cheering US Senator Cory Booker’s recent move to reintroduce a bill that would strengthen legal protections against dangerous pesticides used in agriculture. However, the bill may face a steep uphill journey towards being signed into law.
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.
EPA failing to regulate water pollution from oil refineries, says new report
Millions of gallons of unregulated wastewater generated at oil refineries are flowing into US waterways every day, a regulatory failure endangering public health, according to a report released Thursday.
New life for fishing gear aims to help address ocean plastic pollution
By Lena Beck
On the shores of southwest Washington state, little pieces of thick yellow rope sometimes wash ashore among tangles of seaweed and broken shells.
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.