POPs in the news

Study reveals potential health risks of chemicals in menstrual products

15/12/2023 -

The average menstruator will use over 11,000 tampons or sanitary pads in their lifetime. Vaginal and vulvar tissue that touch pads and tampons is highly permeable. Through this permeable tissue chemicals are absorbed without being metabolized, which makes endocrine-disrupting chemicals potentially dangerous when found in menstrual products. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with human hormones and cause medical issues, including gynecological conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. More:


Study reveals potential health risks of chemicals in menstrual products

The average menstruator will use over 11,000 tampons or sanitary pads in their lifetime. Vaginal and vulvar tissue that touch pads and tampons is highly permeable. Through this permeable tissue chemicals are absorbed without being metabolized, which makes endocrine-disrupting chemicals potentially dangerous when found in menstrual products. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with human hormones and cause medical issues, including gynecological conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. More:

How to take ‘forever’ out of forever chemicals

14/12/2023 -

But it didn’t play out that way. In just a few minutes, the chemicals were no more. “When plasma degraded PFAS so rapidly, within minutes, he told me: ‘That’s not right. Nothing can degrade PFAS,’” Thagard says. She ran the test seven or eight more times, and each time the chemicals disappeared. More:

PFAS Degradation and Destruction Technologies PFAS Removal and Remediation Technologies

How to take ‘forever’ out of forever chemicals

But it didn’t play out that way. In just a few minutes, the chemicals were no more. “When plasma degraded PFAS so rapidly, within minutes, he told me: ‘That’s not right. Nothing can degrade PFAS,’” Thagard says. She ran the test seven or eight more times, and each time the chemicals disappeared. More:

PFAS Degradation and Destruction Technologies PFAS Removal and Remediation Technologies

Why there still aren’t limits on lead in baby food

14/12/2023 -

Despite strong efforts to limit lead exposure from sources like paint and gasoline, the U.S. government doesn’t broadly limit lead levels in food, a blind spot that’s become all the more glaring, experts say, as cases of lead poisonings in young children linked to contaminated cinnamon applesauce continue to mount. More:

Heavy Metals in Baby Food Lead in Applesauce Pouches Lead Poisoning Linked to Applesauce Pouches Lead Poisoning Prevention

Why there still aren’t limits on lead in baby food

Despite strong efforts to limit lead exposure from sources like paint and gasoline, the U.S. government doesn’t broadly limit lead levels in food, a blind spot that’s become all the more glaring, experts say, as cases of lead poisonings in young children linked to contaminated cinnamon applesauce continue to mount. More:

Heavy Metals in Baby Food Lead in Applesauce Pouches Lead Poisoning Linked to Applesauce Pouches Lead Poisoning Prevention

The Pesticide Playbook

13/12/2023 -

For decades, one of the world’s largest pesticide manufacturers deployed the Big Tobacco playbook to keep its flagship product ubiquitous—despite the company’s own internal research showing that it harmed farmers. More:


The Pesticide Playbook

For decades, one of the world’s largest pesticide manufacturers deployed the Big Tobacco playbook to keep its flagship product ubiquitous—despite the company’s own internal research showing that it harmed farmers. More:

Netherlands warns children not to swallow sea foam over PFAS concerns

13/12/2023 -

The Dutch government has warned people to stop children and pets swallowing foam at the seaside, after a study showed “forever chemicals” were concentrated in the spume. More:

PFAS in the Sea PFAS Pollution in Europe The PFAS Crisis

Netherlands warns children not to swallow sea foam over PFAS concerns

The Dutch government has warned people to stop children and pets swallowing foam at the seaside, after a study showed “forever chemicals” were concentrated in the spume. More:

PFAS in the Sea PFAS Pollution in Europe The PFAS Crisis

Pesticide pollution threatens shellfish safety, estuary study finds

12/12/2023 -

New research led by Southern Cross University has found a cocktail of nasty pesticides in oysters and water from one of the NSW North Coast's dominant rivers. More:

Pesticides Detected in Oysters Oysters as Bioindicators Human Health Risks Pesticide Use

Pesticide pollution threatens shellfish safety, estuary study finds

New research led by Southern Cross University has found a cocktail of nasty pesticides in oysters and water from one of the NSW North Coast's dominant rivers. More:

Pesticides Detected in Oysters Oysters as Bioindicators Human Health Risks Pesticide Use

All the Carcinogens We Cannot See

11/12/2023 -

In the nineteen-seventies, Bruce Ames, a biochemist at Berkeley, devised a way to test whether a chemical might cause cancer. Cancer resulted from genetic mutations—changes in a cell’s DNA sequence that typically cause the cell to divide uncontrollably. These mutations could be inherited, induced by viruses, or generated by random copying errors in dividing cells. They could also be produced by physical or chemical agents: radiation, ultraviolet light, benzene. One day, Ames had found himself reading the list of ingredients on a package of potato chips, and wondering how safe the chemicals used as preservatives really were. But how to catch a carcinogen?. More:

Air Pollutant: Particulate Matter Environmental Carcinogens and Detection Lung Cancer

All the Carcinogens We Cannot See

In the nineteen-seventies, Bruce Ames, a biochemist at Berkeley, devised a way to test whether a chemical might cause cancer. Cancer resulted from genetic mutations—changes in a cell’s DNA sequence that typically cause the cell to divide uncontrollably. These mutations could be inherited, induced by viruses, or generated by random copying errors in dividing cells. They could also be produced by physical or chemical agents: radiation, ultraviolet light, benzene. One day, Ames had found himself reading the list of ingredients on a package of potato chips, and wondering how safe the chemicals used as preservatives really were. But how to catch a carcinogen?. More:

Air Pollutant: Particulate Matter Environmental Carcinogens and Detection Lung Cancer

PFAS may disrupt bone development in children and young adults, study finds

08/12/2023 -

Exposure to a widespread, toxic chemical called PFOS may interfere with bone development in children and young adults, potentially putting them at higher risk for osteoporosis and other bone problems later in life, according to a new study that focused mainly on Hispanic individuals from southern California. More:

PFAS Impact in Bone Development PFAS Carcinogenicity PFAS Lawsuits and Settlements

PFAS may disrupt bone development in children and young adults, study finds

Exposure to a widespread, toxic chemical called PFOS may interfere with bone development in children and young adults, potentially putting them at higher risk for osteoporosis and other bone problems later in life, according to a new study that focused mainly on Hispanic individuals from southern California. More:

PFAS Impact in Bone Development PFAS Carcinogenicity PFAS Lawsuits and Settlements

‘Never seen a group of substances’ like these: House lawmakers told of the perils of PFAS

07/12/2023 -

As Florida lawmakers continue efforts to keep the state’s environment clean, lawmakers heard of a possible threat that could cause harm to the state’s residents. More:

PFAS Water Contamination PFAS Water Contamination: The Florida Case PFAS Human Health Effects PFAS Human Health Effects: Pregnancy and Children PFAS Regulation, Lawsuit and Settlement

‘Never seen a group of substances’ like these: House lawmakers told of the perils of PFAS

As Florida lawmakers continue efforts to keep the state’s environment clean, lawmakers heard of a possible threat that could cause harm to the state’s residents. More:

PFAS Water Contamination PFAS Water Contamination: The Florida Case PFAS Human Health Effects PFAS Human Health Effects: Pregnancy and Children PFAS Regulation, Lawsuit and Settlement

Scented period products bring worrisome toxic exposures. Who’s most at risk?

07/12/2023 -

Many everyday household products expose us to chemicals and pollutants. Few products, however, allow these chemicals to interact with our bodies as intimately as pads, tampons, menstrual cups and other period care products. More:

Chemicals Exposure Through Personal Hygiene Products Cosmetics and Personal Hygiene Products: Guidance

Scented period products bring worrisome toxic exposures. Who’s most at risk?

Many everyday household products expose us to chemicals and pollutants. Few products, however, allow these chemicals to interact with our bodies as intimately as pads, tampons, menstrual cups and other period care products. More:

Chemicals Exposure Through Personal Hygiene Products Cosmetics and Personal Hygiene Products: Guidance

Pregnant women near farms had higher weedkiller levels during spraying season

06/12/2023 -

Urine found to contain ‘significantly’ increased concentrations of glyphosate, which is associated with fetal problems. More:

Glyphosate in Food Human Exposure Human Health Impact US Court Opinion on Glyphosate

Pregnant women near farms had higher weedkiller levels during spraying season

Urine found to contain ‘significantly’ increased concentrations of glyphosate, which is associated with fetal problems. More:

Glyphosate in Food Human Exposure Human Health Impact US Court Opinion on Glyphosate

3 Things You Can Do to Fight Toxic PFAS Forever Chemicals

06/12/2023 -

As the chemical industry and its allies work to block PFAS policy, we all have the power to fight for the protections we need. In this Livable Future LIVE event, we spoke with experts on how to do just that. More:

Introduction to PFAS PFAS Spread and Exposure PFAS and The Chemistry of Concealment PFAS Regulation: Water and Consumer's Products PFAS Lawsuits and Settlements

3 Things You Can Do to Fight Toxic PFAS Forever Chemicals

As the chemical industry and its allies work to block PFAS policy, we all have the power to fight for the protections we need. In this Livable Future LIVE event, we spoke with experts on how to do just that. More:

Introduction to PFAS PFAS Spread and Exposure PFAS and The Chemistry of Concealment PFAS Regulation: Water and Consumer's Products PFAS Lawsuits and Settlements

Hair Products Can Emit Potentially Dangerous Chemicals, Study Warns

06/12/2023 -

Our quest for shiny, frizz-free hair using oils, gels, and sprays may come with a hidden health cost: releasing potentially harmful compounds, especially when paired with heat styling tools. More:

Indoor Air Pollutants Personal Care Products Emissions and Exposure

Hair Products Can Emit Potentially Dangerous Chemicals, Study Warns

Our quest for shiny, frizz-free hair using oils, gels, and sprays may come with a hidden health cost: releasing potentially harmful compounds, especially when paired with heat styling tools. More:

Indoor Air Pollutants Personal Care Products Emissions and Exposure

EPA orders company to stop making plastic containers that leach toxic PFAS

06/12/2023 -

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered a major company to stop producing hundreds of millions of plastic containers each year that contain toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which leach into countless products. More:

PFAS Leaching, Human Exposure and Protective Measures PFAS Human Health Impact PFAS Regulation

EPA orders company to stop making plastic containers that leach toxic PFAS

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered a major company to stop producing hundreds of millions of plastic containers each year that contain toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which leach into countless products. More:

PFAS Leaching, Human Exposure and Protective Measures PFAS Human Health Impact PFAS Regulation

Safest Non-Toxic & Natural Rugs For The Whole Family - Guide

06/12/2023 -

Are you looking for a safe natural non-toxic rug free from harmful chemicals for your living room or for the kids bedroom? Natural fiber rugs are a great choice for anyone looking for the safest selections. There are also rugs made from synthetic fabric that also avoid the most problematic chemicals as well. More:

Toxic Chemicals in Carpets Indoor Air Pollution and Carpet Cleaning Carpet Quality Standards & Certifications Phasing Out PFAS in Rugs

Safest Non-Toxic & Natural Rugs For The Whole Family - Guide

Are you looking for a safe natural non-toxic rug free from harmful chemicals for your living room or for the kids bedroom? Natural fiber rugs are a great choice for anyone looking for the safest selections. There are also rugs made from synthetic fabric that also avoid the most problematic chemicals as well. More:

Toxic Chemicals in Carpets Indoor Air Pollution and Carpet Cleaning Carpet Quality Standards & Certifications Phasing Out PFAS in Rugs

Costa Rica Bans Toxic Pesticide Chlorothalonil

05/12/2023 -

This decree highlights that Chlorothalonil is a non-systemic fungicide used on a wide range of crops, including vegetables and fruits. However, its persistence in the environment and the negative impacts derived from its use have raised concerns. More:

Chlorothalonil in Costa Rica Chlorothalonil Groundwater Contamination

Costa Rica Bans Toxic Pesticide Chlorothalonil

This decree highlights that Chlorothalonil is a non-systemic fungicide used on a wide range of crops, including vegetables and fruits. However, its persistence in the environment and the negative impacts derived from its use have raised concerns. More:

Chlorothalonil in Costa Rica Chlorothalonil Groundwater Contamination

4 things you need to know about soil health

05/12/2023 -

The EU is currently debating a new Soil Law. Why is it vital that the EU passes such a Law as quickly as possible? Soil is possibly the most overlooked habitat on earth, but also one of the most important. For the United Nations’ World Soil Day, we investigated just some of the surprising aspects of soil and why healthy soils matter more than you might think. More:

What is Soil Soil and Biodiversity Soil Contamination and Degradation Soil Monitoring and Resilience in the EU

4 things you need to know about soil health

The EU is currently debating a new Soil Law. Why is it vital that the EU passes such a Law as quickly as possible? Soil is possibly the most overlooked habitat on earth, but also one of the most important. For the United Nations’ World Soil Day, we investigated just some of the surprising aspects of soil and why healthy soils matter more than you might think. More:

What is Soil Soil and Biodiversity Soil Contamination and Degradation Soil Monitoring and Resilience in the EU

Swedish court ruling unlocks potential for more PFAS lawsuits

05/12/2023 -

The Swedish Supreme Court rules in favour of residents affected by PFAS-contaminated drinking water in the Swedish municipality of Ronneby. But the list of contaminated sites is long. Will this landmark court ruling have a domino effect on PFAS-related lawsuits? More:

PFAS Toxicity and Risk Assessment PFAS Lawsuits in Sweden

Swedish court ruling unlocks potential for more PFAS lawsuits

The Swedish Supreme Court rules in favour of residents affected by PFAS-contaminated drinking water in the Swedish municipality of Ronneby. But the list of contaminated sites is long. Will this landmark court ruling have a domino effect on PFAS-related lawsuits? More:

PFAS Toxicity and Risk Assessment PFAS Lawsuits in Sweden

Using clay to combat eternal toxins: Scientists clarify basis for innovative PFAS filter made of clay

04/12/2023 -

PFAS filters available for industrial waste are usually made of activated carbon. As this is comparatively expensive, researchers are looking for alternative filter materials for the so-called "eternal toxins," whose hazardous residues only degrade very slowly in the environment. More:


Using clay to combat eternal toxins: Scientists clarify basis for innovative PFAS filter made of clay

PFAS filters available for industrial waste are usually made of activated carbon. As this is comparatively expensive, researchers are looking for alternative filter materials for the so-called "eternal toxins," whose hazardous residues only degrade very slowly in the environment. More:

The truth about toxic chemicals in food packaging and how to eliminate them

04/12/2023 -

Have you ever stopped to consider what you may be consuming along with your coffee when you drink it from a take-out disposable paper cup? Or what sort of chemicals you may be ingesting when you eat your hamburger wrapped in paper? More:


The truth about toxic chemicals in food packaging and how to eliminate them

Have you ever stopped to consider what you may be consuming along with your coffee when you drink it from a take-out disposable paper cup? Or what sort of chemicals you may be ingesting when you eat your hamburger wrapped in paper? More:

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