Bigger Not Always Better for Toxic Chemicals: Study finds “Green” Flame Retardant Breaks Down into Possibly Harmful Products

January 9, 2019

It’s not easy being green. Kermit the Frog probably didn’t have chemistry in mind when he sang that line, but according to researchers from Germany, the phrase rings true for a purportedly “green” flame retardant. Many everyday products contain flame retardant chemicals which are often found to be toxic to humans and ecosystems. A new peer-reviewed study published today in Environmental Science & Technology, found that heat and ultraviolet light can break down a flame retardant marketed as eco-friendly into smaller, potentially harmful chemicals.…

Read more

Contaminated Groundwater, a Toxic Legacy of Georgia’s Air Bases

January 3, 2019

For decades, the United States Air Force used a toxic firefighting foam that contaminated water near bases and exposed communities to chemicals linked to cancer and a variety of other health problems.
Commercial airports are currently required to follow standards outlined in military specifications, which call for fluorinated foams to be used.
…

Read more

Newly-Discovered Pollutant Haunting Homes – Scientists Find New Member of Toxic Chemical Family Everywhere They Look

October 30, 2018

Ghosts and phantoms may not be the only invisible threats lurking in our neighborhoods this Halloween. Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a previously unidentified, potentially toxic chemical in air, water, and homes around the Great Lakes region. In a peer-reviewed article published today in Environmental Science & Technology, the researchers report that exposure to the mysterious contaminant is widespread, and may be of particular concern for toddlers.…

Read more

Your questions about PFAS, answered.

October 2, 2018

There are more than 4,000 different chemicals in this family, including two common ones called “PFOA” and “PFOS.” PFAS chemicals are known for their durability – they are incredibly resistant to most elements, which is why they’ve been used in materials ranging from waterproof shoes to firefighting foam to non-stick pots and pans since the 1950s.…

Read more

Deal would allow airports to stop using PFAS-containing foams

October 2, 2018

A provision in legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration allow airports to use firefighting foams that don’t contain fluorinated chemicals.

Commercial airports are currently required to follow standards outlined in military specifications, which call for fluorinated foams to be used.
…

Read more

‘What did we do?’ Families anxious about chemicals found in tap water

August 16, 2018

It’s been about three weeks since Tammy Cooper last drank water from her tap. That’s when she saw a warning on Facebook for residents of her small Western Michigan town to stop drinking the water.

In Michigan, water main breaks aren’t unusual, although they’re more common in winter. It didn’t immediately strike Cooper as out of the ordinary to not be able to drink the water.…

Read more