Alabama farmer Mac Barlow, who used the weed killer paraquat for decades, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and is now part of a lawsuit against the manufacturer, Syngenta, alleging the chemical caused his condition. Despite claims from the company denying a link, evidence suggests paraquat is associated with neurological harm, and Barlow's case highlights concerns over pesticide safety and regulation.
A recent study links a toxic chemical used in dry cleaning to an increased risk of liver cancer, prompting EPA reconsideration of its phase-out plan amid ongoing regulatory debates.
A study reveals that many reusable menstrual products contain toxic PFAS chemicals, which are linked to health risks and environmental contamination, but some products can be manufactured without these chemicals, highlighting the importance of informed consumer choices and better manufacturing practices.
Researchers in Oklahoma have detected toxic Medium Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (MCCPs) in the atmosphere for the first time in the U.S., raising concerns about environmental and health impacts due to their unregulated status and potential sources like biosolid fertilizers.
A boiler failure at the Delaware City Refinery has led to the release of hazardous chemicals, including sulfur dioxide, which poses health risks to nearby communities and workers. The release, described as 'extremely hazardous,' is ongoing until repairs are completed, raising concerns about environmental and public health impacts.
A study published in "Chemosphere" reveals that black plastic kitchen utensils and other household items may contain toxic brominated flame retardants (BFRs) due to contamination from recycled electronic waste. These chemicals, which are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, pose health risks such as hormone disruption and thyroid dysfunction. The study highlights the challenges in recycling black plastics and suggests using alternative materials like wood or stainless steel for kitchenware. Policy changes are needed to address the recycling of e-waste to prevent such contamination.
A new study links exposure to PFAS "forever chemicals" in young adults to reduced gut health, potentially leading to kidney disease. Researchers found that PFAS exposure alters gut bacteria and metabolites, which may account for up to 50% of the decrease in kidney function over four years. The study highlights the need for further research and suggests that reducing PFAS exposure and exploring dietary interventions could help prevent kidney disease. PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment and are associated with various health issues, including cancer and immune dysfunction.
Americans may face significant water rate hikes as utilities nationwide prepare to install technology to filter out toxic PFAS chemicals, following an EPA mandate. These "forever chemicals" have been linked to various cancers and other health issues, and while the filtration will improve water safety, it will come at a substantial cost to consumers.
Long Island residents and officials are outraged after the discovery of 55-gallon steel drums filled with toxic chemicals buried at Bethpage Community Park, a former dumping ground for aerospace manufacturer Northrop Grumman. The site has been linked to a groundwater plume and cancer prevalence in the community. Residents fear a tainted childhood and are increasingly joining class actions or filing personal injury lawsuits. Northrop Grumman denies culpability and is working with authorities to address the situation. A personal injury attorney alleges that the manufacturer's historic operations led to expansive air pollution and toxic legacy, and a class action lawsuit is ongoing.
A new report has revealed that there are at least 16,000 plastic chemicals, with over 4,200 considered highly hazardous to human health and the environment, yet only 980 of these have been regulated. The report emphasizes the urgent need for tighter regulation of plastics and their chemicals, as they pose a significant threat to human health at every stage of their lifecycle. The report also suggests grouping similar chemicals into classes for more effective regulation, as well as the need for detailed hazard information for the majority of these chemicals.
A cat in Fukuyama, Japan, fell into a vat of toxic hexavalent chromium at a factory and escaped, prompting officials to issue warnings to residents. The chemical can cause serious health issues and even death. Authorities are urging people to avoid touching any abnormal-looking cats and to report sightings to the city or police. The cat's current status is unknown, but if alive, it would likely be visibly stained by the toxic substance.
A cat fell into a vat of toxic chemicals at a metal plating plant in Fukuyama, Japan, and then ran away, prompting warnings from city authorities to avoid touching the animal. The vat contained carcinogenic hexavalent chromium, and while the cat appeared unharmed in security footage, there are concerns about its well-being. Locals have been advised to report any sightings of the cat to the police, and the incident has highlighted the need for measures to prevent small animals from entering such hazardous areas.
A cat fell into a vat of toxic chemicals at a steel manufacturing plant in Fukuyama, Japan, and escaped into the streets, prompting a city-wide alert. The cat is believed to have fallen into a tank of molten chromium, a highly toxic substance, and health officials fear it may have died due to the exposure. The incident has raised concerns about animal safety and prompted criticism of the factory's lack of precautions. Residents have been warned to be on the lookout for the cat and to avoid approaching or touching it.
The FDA announced that toxic chemicals, known as PFAS, once commonly used in food packaging such as pizza boxes and popcorn bags, are no longer being used in the United States due to potential health risks including cancer and birth defects. This marks the end of a yearslong campaign to phase out these substances, which create a barrier to prevent oils and water from seeping through packaging. Extensive research has shown that PFAS can leach into food and may be associated with serious health problems, leading food manufacturers to voluntarily remove them from their products.
Monsanto has been ordered to pay $857 million to a group of former students and parent volunteers at a Washington state school who claimed that exposure to the company's polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) caused health problems. The plaintiffs alleged that the PCBs, which were commonly used in buildings from the 1950s to 1970s, including in fluorescent light fixtures, led to brain damage and autoimmune disorders. Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, plans to appeal the verdict, stating that the evidence shows the plaintiffs were not exposed to unsafe levels of PCBs. The company is facing thousands of lawsuits over its weed-killing chemical Roundup and additional lawsuits over PCBs.
