April 8, 2019
A group of substances known as PFAS chemicals are behind a variety of everyday conveniences that make our lives a little bit easier.
They line pizza boxes and fast-food packaging so grease doesn’t seep through, form the nonstick coating on many pans, make fabrics and carpets stain-resistant, and help outdoor gear and clothing repel water.…
Read moreJanuary 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.…
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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.
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December 4, 2018
Cell phones — much has been written about the detrimental effects of these devices on our attention spans, our stress levels, and our dinner table conversations. New research suggests that your cell phone could also be a source of toxic chemicals, or at least an indicator of the chemicals to which you are exposed.…
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November 28, 2018
For 10 years, some residents in Denmark, South Carolina, have been suspicious of the rust-colored water coming from their taps. They’ve been collecting samples in jars and using bottled or spring water, even though the local and state government assured them it was safe.
But through a Freedom of Information Act request and a one-year investigation, CNN has found new information that may cast doubts on those assurances.…
Read moreOctober 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.…
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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.…
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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.
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