POPs in the news

09/10/2024 -

Three US states are formally demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) begin regulating PFAS “forever chemical” air emissions, as the toxic threat that the pollution poses to the environment and human health comes into sharper focus.

Recycling PFAS

PFAS Exposure


Three US states call on environmental agency to regulate PFAS air emissions

Three US states are formally demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) begin regulating PFAS “forever chemical” air emissions, as the toxic threat that the pollution poses to the environment and human health comes into sharper focus.

Recycling PFAS

PFAS Exposure

02/09/2024 - For decades, farmers across America have been encouraged by the federal government to spread municipal sewage on millions of acres of farmland as fertilizer. It was rich in nutrients, and it helped keep the sludge out of landfills.

But a growing body of research shows that this black sludge, made from the sewage that flows from homes and factories, can contain heavy concentrations of chemicals thought to increase the risk of certain types of cancer and to cause birth defects and developmental delays in children.

PFAS Exposure

PFAS regulations

PFAS degradation


Something’s Poisoning America’s Land. Farmers Fear ‘Forever’ Chemicals

For decades, farmers across America have been encouraged by the federal government to spread municipal sewage on millions of acres of farmland as fertilizer. It was rich in nutrients, and it helped keep the sludge out of landfills.

But a growing body of research shows that this black sludge, made from the sewage that flows from homes and factories, can contain heavy concentrations of chemicals thought to increase the risk of certain types of cancer and to cause birth defects and developmental delays in children.

PFAS Exposure

PFAS regulations

PFAS degradation

22/08/2024 - Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a way to fingerprint forever chemical pollution, which could help authorities trace them to their source when they end up in aquifers, waterways or soil. Tracking forever chemical pollution involves passing samples through a strong magnetic field and then reading the burst of radio waves their atoms emit.

This reveals the composition of carbon isotopes in the molecule and gives the chemical its fingerprint, a feat that had not previously been achieved with forever chemicals.

·         Forever chemical pollution can now be tracked Innovation News Network

Forever chemicals exposure


Forever chemical pollution can now be tracked

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a way to fingerprint forever chemical pollution, which could help authorities trace them to their source when they end up in aquifers, waterways or soil. Tracking forever chemical pollution involves passing samples through a strong magnetic field and then reading the burst of radio waves their atoms emit.

This reveals the composition of carbon isotopes in the molecule and gives the chemical its fingerprint, a feat that had not previously been achieved with forever chemicals.

·         Forever chemical pollution can now be tracked Innovation News Network

Forever chemicals exposure

06/08/2024 - Several brands of condoms and lubricants contain alarming levels of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”, including styles of Trojan and K-Y Jelly, new research finds.

The testing conducted by the Mamavation consumer advocacy blog comes just as researchers found human skin absorbs the chemicals at much higher levels than previously thought.

‘Forever chemicals’ exposure



Some condom and lubricant brands contain alarming levels of PFAS – study

Several brands of condoms and lubricants contain alarming levels of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”, including styles of Trojan and K-Y Jelly, new research finds.

The testing conducted by the Mamavation consumer advocacy blog comes just as researchers found human skin absorbs the chemicals at much higher levels than previously thought.

‘Forever chemicals’ exposure

11/07/2024 - "Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals”, are used across various industries, from electronics to aerospace.

However, they have also found their way into everyday consumer products, raising public concern due to their harmful effects on people's health.

“PFAS are these man-made chemicals, they don't occur naturally, we have to make them in the lab,” Dr Shelley Liu, associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai."

‘Forever chemicals’ exposure


How to avoid PFAS: 5 common items to avoid to minimise exposure to 'forever chemicals'

"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals”, are used across various industries, from electronics to aerospace.

However, they have also found their way into everyday consumer products, raising public concern due to their harmful effects on people's health.

“PFAS are these man-made chemicals, they don't occur naturally, we have to make them in the lab,” Dr Shelley Liu, associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai."

‘Forever chemicals’ exposure

12/06/2024 -

“Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS are a group of chemicals that have been used in manufacturing and added to consumer products since the 1950s. They allow grease and dirt to slide off carpets and textiles, protect industrial equipment from heat damage and corrosion, and help to smooth and condition the skin. They are also used in jet engines, medical devices, refrigeration systems, the construction industry and electrical devices. However, they can take hundreds or even thousands of years to degrade after the products they have been used in are thrown away. This means that if they leak into the soil or water, which they often do, they could remain there for centuries.”

Occupational Exposure and Human Health Risks

PFAS transformation & degradation


What are PFAs? Everything you need to know about the ‘forever chemicals’ surrounding us every day

“Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS are a group of chemicals that have been used in manufacturing and added to consumer products since the 1950s. They allow grease and dirt to slide off carpets and textiles, protect industrial equipment from heat damage and corrosion, and help to smooth and condition the skin. They are also used in jet engines, medical devices, refrigeration systems, the construction industry and electrical devices. However, they can take hundreds or even thousands of years to degrade after the products they have been used in are thrown away. This means that if they leak into the soil or water, which they often do, they could remain there for centuries.”

Occupational Exposure and Human Health Risks

PFAS transformation & degradation

12/06/2024 -

“A report published on Monday, May 27 revealed "widespread contamination" of waterways in Europe by trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a "forever chemical" as little known as it is regulated, resulting in particular from the degradation of pesticides belonging to the large family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).”

‘Forever chemicals’ in water streams


The Seine and other European rivers contaminated by a 'forever chemical' that has gone under the radar

“A report published on Monday, May 27 revealed "widespread contamination" of waterways in Europe by trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a "forever chemical" as little known as it is regulated, resulting in particular from the degradation of pesticides belonging to the large family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

‘Forever chemicals’ in water streams

28/05/2024 -

Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are the subject of a pivotal study by Stockholm University’s Department of Environmental Science. This research uncovers a neglected route through which PFAS cycle back to land from the ocean. It challenges the common belief, showing PFAS do not simply dilute in the ocean but follow a cyclical journey. The study reveals that ocean waves launch these toxic substances into the air, where they then settle back onto land, posing potential risks to human health and the environment.

·         Ocean waves send harmful PFAS forever chemicals back to land  –  earth.com

PFAS exposure


Ocean waves send harmful PFAS forever chemicals back to land

Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are the subject of a pivotal study by Stockholm University’s Department of Environmental Science. This research uncovers a neglected route through which PFAS cycle back to land from the ocean. It challenges the common belief, showing PFAS do not simply dilute in the ocean but follow a cyclical journey. The study reveals that ocean waves launch these toxic substances into the air, where they then settle back onto land, posing potential risks to human health and the environment.

·         Ocean waves send harmful PFAS forever chemicals back to land  –  earth.com

PFAS exposure

02/04/2024 -

Do your “band-aids” or bandages have indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside the absorbent pad or adhesive flaps? This is exactly what the Mamavation community asked us and we had no idea, so we started testing different bandage products to find out. Mamavation sent several types of bandages off to an EPA-certified lab to ascertain whether consumers were being exposed to PFAS when they were bandaging up open wounds. More:

PFAS Uses

“Band-Aids” & Bandages with Indications of PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Report

Do your “band-aids” or bandages have indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside the absorbent pad or adhesive flaps? This is exactly what the Mamavation community asked us and we had no idea, so we started testing different bandage products to find out. Mamavation sent several types of bandages off to an EPA-certified lab to ascertain whether consumers were being exposed to PFAS when they were bandaging up open wounds. More:

PFAS Uses
27/03/2024 -

Growers’ use of the neurotoxic weed killer paraquat is concentrated in just five agricultural counties, leaving low-income Latinos disproportionately exposed to a chemical linked to Parkinson’s disease, a new analysis shows. More:

Agricultural Paraquat Use and Human Exposure Occupational Exposure and Human Health Risks Paraquat and Parkinson's Disease Pesticide Exposure Health Impact Paraquat Regulation The Community's Right to Know

California’s Latino Communities Most at Risk From Exposure to Brain-Damaging Weed Killer

Growers’ use of the neurotoxic weed killer paraquat is concentrated in just five agricultural counties, leaving low-income Latinos disproportionately exposed to a chemical linked to Parkinson’s disease, a new analysis shows. More:

Agricultural Paraquat Use and Human Exposure Occupational Exposure and Human Health Risks Paraquat and Parkinson's Disease Pesticide Exposure Health Impact Paraquat Regulation The Community's Right to Know
27/03/2024 -

The grass may be greener if it's made of synthetic turf, but some communities are raising concerns about "forever chemicals" that may be found in many of the faux fields. More:

PFAS Human Health and Environmental Risks

Debate about safety of synthetic turf and 'forever chemicals' raises concerns for some

The grass may be greener if it's made of synthetic turf, but some communities are raising concerns about "forever chemicals" that may be found in many of the faux fields. More:

PFAS Human Health and Environmental Risks
27/03/2024 -

Two chemicals found in common household products like disinfectants and furniture may play a role in the development of neurological disorders like autism and multiple sclerosis, according to a new study, adding to previous research that found the chemicals may be detrimental to human health. More:

Flame Retardants, Exposure and Impact Quaternary Ammonium Compounds in Cleaning Products

Chemicals Found In Popular Household Products Potentially Linked To Autism, Multiple Sclerosis, Study Suggests

Two chemicals found in common household products like disinfectants and furniture may play a role in the development of neurological disorders like autism and multiple sclerosis, according to a new study, adding to previous research that found the chemicals may be detrimental to human health. More:

Flame Retardants, Exposure and Impact Quaternary Ammonium Compounds in Cleaning Products
26/03/2024 -

Millions of tonnes of asbestos are being removed from buildings around the world – can this dangerous mineral be disposed of permanently? Or even be put to good use?. More:

Asbestos: Water, Soil and Air Contamination Asbestos in Homes Asbestos Toxicity Human Health Impact: Mesothelioma Asbestos Disposal, Containment and Detoxification Asbestos Ban

Asbestos is a global waste problem - here's how we might get rid of it

Millions of tonnes of asbestos are being removed from buildings around the world – can this dangerous mineral be disposed of permanently? Or even be put to good use?. More:

Asbestos: Water, Soil and Air Contamination Asbestos in Homes Asbestos Toxicity Human Health Impact: Mesothelioma Asbestos Disposal, Containment and Detoxification Asbestos Ban
23/03/2024 -

A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group found that a number of beauty and skin care products contain Teflon, the brand name for a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, and/or other fluorinated chemicals known as per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFASs). More:


Here's How To Find Out If There's Teflon In Your Beauty Products

A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group found that a number of beauty and skin care products contain Teflon, the brand name for a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, and/or other fluorinated chemicals known as per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFASs). More:

22/03/2024 -

The Lou Guillette Jr. Outstanding Young Investigator Award is an annual award given to an early career scientist who studies endocrine-disrupting chemicals — compounds like BPA and phthalates that alter the proper functioning of our hormones. EHN senior news editor Brian Bienkowski sat down with Dr. Anne Starling, winner of the 2023 Lou Guillette award, to discuss her work on PFAS and other toxics, how this has shaped her consumer habits, and where she finds hope. More:


Q&A: Award-winning scientist Anne Starling on the latest PFAS research— and where she finds hope

The Lou Guillette Jr. Outstanding Young Investigator Award is an annual award given to an early career scientist who studies endocrine-disrupting chemicals — compounds like BPA and phthalates that alter the proper functioning of our hormones. EHN senior news editor Brian Bienkowski sat down with Dr. Anne Starling, winner of the 2023 Lou Guillette award, to discuss her work on PFAS and other toxics, how this has shaped her consumer habits, and where she finds hope. More:

20/03/2024 -

The initiative, known as the Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management Programme (FARM), seeks to address the rampant use of highly hazardous pesticides and agricultural plastics that contribute to pollution and pose significant health risks globally. More:


Global initiative launches to tackle toxic agricultural pollution

The initiative, known as the Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management Programme (FARM), seeks to address the rampant use of highly hazardous pesticides and agricultural plastics that contribute to pollution and pose significant health risks globally. More:

20/03/2024 -

Our world is awash in chemicals. While many have improved our lives, a lax regulatory system, coupled with chemical industry greed and malfeasance, means that many other chemicals are harming our health and the environment. More:

US Toxic Substances Control Act Chemical Substance Inventory (TSCA Inventory) Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

The Toxic Chemicals Hiding in Our Homes, and How We Can Reduce Them

Our world is awash in chemicals. While many have improved our lives, a lax regulatory system, coupled with chemical industry greed and malfeasance, means that many other chemicals are harming our health and the environment. More:

US Toxic Substances Control Act Chemical Substance Inventory (TSCA Inventory) Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
20/03/2024 -

Approximately 95% of nonorganic strawberries, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, collard and mustard greens, grapes, peaches and pears tested by the United States government contained detectable levels of pesticides, according to the 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. More:

Shopper's Guides to Pesticides in Produce Pesticides Human Health Impact Pesticides Occupational Exposure Risks Herbicide DCPA Fungicide Fludioxonil Fungicide Pyrimethanil

Blueberries, strawberries again on the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list

Approximately 95% of nonorganic strawberries, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, collard and mustard greens, grapes, peaches and pears tested by the United States government contained detectable levels of pesticides, according to the 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. More:

Shopper's Guides to Pesticides in Produce Pesticides Human Health Impact Pesticides Occupational Exposure Risks Herbicide DCPA Fungicide Fludioxonil Fungicide Pyrimethanil
15/03/2024 -

Due to their water- and fat-repellent properties, PFAS can be found in many products. Yet these forever chemicals can be highly toxic. In the US, they've been phased out of all fast-food wrappers and packaging. More:


How harmful are forever chemicals?

Due to their water- and fat-repellent properties, PFAS can be found in many products. Yet these forever chemicals can be highly toxic. In the US, they've been phased out of all fast-food wrappers and packaging. More:

14/03/2024 -

Most of the nation’s plastic sandwich baggies contain toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”, an analysis suggests, raising questions about the products’ safety in the US. Testing of 11 types of baggies made by major producers showed high levels of a marker of PFAS in nine. More:

PFAS in Plastic Food Containers Fluorinated Plastic Containers PFAS in Food Contact Applications PFAS in Food PFAS in Food Packaging: Loopholes in Regulation

Most US sandwich baggies contain toxic PFAS ‘forever chemicals’, analysis says

Most of the nation’s plastic sandwich baggies contain toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”, an analysis suggests, raising questions about the products’ safety in the US. Testing of 11 types of baggies made by major producers showed high levels of a marker of PFAS in nine. More:

PFAS in Plastic Food Containers Fluorinated Plastic Containers PFAS in Food Contact Applications PFAS in Food PFAS in Food Packaging: Loopholes in Regulation
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