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☆ Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in pesticides used on food, in homes and on pets, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-24 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“These pesticides are applied to tens of millions of farm fields across the United States in quite high quantities, and they are contributing to PFAS contamination,” Andrews said. “The study provides empirical evidence of the extent of PFAS in pesticides,” said DeWitt, who was not involved in the research. PFAS helps pesticides last longerThe study authors submitted Freedom of Information requests to various state and federal government agencies in the US, including the EPA. The analysis found eight EPA-approved inert ingredients were PFAS, including the nonstick chemical Teflon. In February, the EPA proposed the removal of Teflon in pesticide products.

Persons: ”, Alexis Temkin, David Andrews, ” Andrews, Jamie DeWitt, DeWitt, Stephanie Eick, “, Tom Flanagin, Andrews, Rainer Lohmann, Temkin, Sirisak, ” DeWitt Organizations: CNN, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, US Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental, EWG, Center for Biological Diversity, Public Employees, Oregon State University’s Pacific Northwest Center, Health Research, Emory University, Agency, EPA, American Chemistry Council, ACC, ”, University of Rhode Island’s, School of Oceanography Locations: Washington , DC, United States, Tucson , Arizona, Spring , Maryland, Atlanta

☆ The most common type of EV battery is a growing source of 'forever chemical' pollution, scientists say
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-08 | by ( Catherine Boudreau | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Scientists have uncovered a new source of hazardous "forever chemical" pollution: the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries found in most electric vehicles. Some lithium-ion battery technologies use a class of PFAS chemicals, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, that helps make batteries less flammable and conduct electricity. Scientists tested more than a dozen lithium-ion batteries used in EVs and consumer electronics like laptops, and found bis-FASIs at various concentrations. They can also leach into the environment from landfills, where the majority of lithium-ion batteries end up. AdvertisementThe study said only about 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled, and by 2040, there could be some 8 million tons of lithium-ion battery waste.

Persons: They've, Jennifer Guelfo, PFAS, Lee Ferguson, Guelfo, PFOA, hasn't, Corteva Organizations: Service, Nature Communications, Business, Texas Tech University, Duke University, Environmental Protection Agency, Solvay, Chemours, DuPont Locations: US, Belgium, France, Minnesota , Kentucky, Antwerp, Salindres

☆ Chemical toxin exposure in the womb linked to greater health risks for children ages 6 to 11
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —Chemical toxins are everywhere — in our water, food, air and soil. Children born to European mothers exposed to four families of chemicals that disrupt the body’s endocrine (hormone) system had elevated levels of metabolic syndrome at ages 6 to 11. Metabolic syndrome can include obesity, elevated blood pressure, and abnormally high cholesterol and insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is typically associated with adult cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, but the growing epidemic of childhood obesity has seen symptoms appearing in kids at younger and younger ages. Having metabolic syndrome as a child is highly predictive of chronic disease as an adult, experts say.

Persons: Nuria Güil, ”, Oumrait, Vicente Mustieles, Mariana Fernández, Carmen Messerlian, Messerlian, phthalates, “, Jane Houlihan, ” Houlihan, Houlihan, PFAS, EWG Organizations: CNN, Icahn School of Medicine, JAMA, Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Harvard, of Public Health, International Council for Chemical Associations, American Chemistry Council, EPA, Food, Food and Drug Administration, FDA, NSF, National Sanitation Foundation Locations: Mount Sinai, New York City, Spain, Messerlian, Chan, Boston, United States

☆ E.P.A. Will Make Polluters Pay to Clean Up Two ‘Forever Chemicals’
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Coral Davenport | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Biden administration is designating two “forever chemicals,” man-made compounds that are linked to serious health risks, as hazardous substances under the Superfund law, shifting responsibility for their cleanup to polluters from taxpayers. The compounds, found in everything from dental floss to firefighting foams to children’s toys, are called forever chemicals because they degrade very slowly and can accumulate in the body and the environment. The chemicals are so ubiquitous that they can be detected in the blood of almost every person in the United States. One recent government study discovered PFAS chemicals in nearly half of the nation’s tap water. found the chemicals could cause harm at levels “much lower than previously understood” and that almost no level of exposure was safe.

Persons: Biden Organizations: Environmental Protection Agency Locations: United States

☆ EPA designates two ‘forever chemicals’ as hazardous substances
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Mira Cheng | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The US Environmental Protection Agency designated two widely used “forever chemicals” as hazardous substances under the United States’ Superfund law on Friday. This ruling will allow the EPA to investigate and clean up leaks and spills of these harmful chemicals, according to the official news release. Exposure to “forever chemicals” has been linked to cancers, heart and liver disease and immune and developmental damage to infants and children, according to the news release. There are more than 12,000 forms of PFAS chemicals in the environment. The designation comes just weeks after the EPA announced new limits for “forever chemicals” in drinking water in the United States.

Persons: Michael S, Regan, Dr, David Andrews, ”, Sanjay Gupta, ” Lisa Frank, Harris, CNN’s Jen Christensen Organizations: CNN, Environmental Protection Agency, United, EPA, Environmental, CNN Health, PIRG, Fund, Environment America Research, Policy, Biden Locations: United States, U.S, Washington

☆ New EPA limits on 'forever chemicals' in drinking water could cost $1.5 billion to implement
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Lindsey Jacobson | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Signage is seen at the headquarters of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 10, 2021. The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, released long-awaited regulations Wednesday on some toxic "forever chemicals" found in drinking water. The bonds are incredibly strong and take a very long time to break down, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." The EPA's new final rule sets limits on 5 individual PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (also known as GenX Chemicals.) The EPA also set a Hazard Index level for PFAS when two or more of four are mixed: PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA, and PFBS.

Persons: Tom Neltner Organizations: United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington , D.C, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, CNBC, Environmental Defense, Safer Chemicals, . Geological Survey, GenX Chemicals Locations: Washington ,

☆ Your drinking water could contain fewer hazardous 'forever chemicals' under new federal rules
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Catherine Boudreau | Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewThe Biden administration is cracking down on toxic "forever chemicals" that are widespread in America's tap water, food, and household products. EPA also set limits for mixtures of two or more PFAS chemicals, because research shows they may have combined health impacts. "The technology is there, especially to clean up drinking water, to filter these compounds out of the water. "For too long, many people across the country have had been drinking contaminated water levels that likely impact health." The Biden administration has a broader $9 billion PFAS strategy that goes beyond drinking water, including military bases, airports, and food packaging.

Persons: —, Biden, Ken Cook, Michael Regan, Regan, David Andrews, Andrews, it's, Carmen Messer, PFAS Organizations: Service, EPA, Business, Environmental, Companies, Chemours, DuPont, Harvard's, Chan, of Public Health Locations: North Carolina, Minnesota, Fayetteville , North Carolina

☆ How to limit PFAS in your drinking water and food, according to experts
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“It would be about 25 years before all the PFAS leave your body.”Testing your waterWhat can consumers do right now to limit the levels of PFAS in their drinking water? Filtering your waterIf PFAS levels are concerning, consumers can purchase an under-the-counter water filter for their tap. “The water filters that are most effective for PFAS are reverse osmosis filters, which are more expensive, about in the $200 range,” Andrews said. Reverse osmosis filters can remove a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, by forcing water through various filters. PFAS in food and your homeDrinking water is not the only way PFAS enters the bloodstream.

Persons: Melanie Benesh, “, ” Jane Hoppin, ”, Andrews, PFAS, ” Andrews Organizations: CNN, Environmental Protection Agency, Geological Survey, Environmental, ”, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Center for Human Health, Environment, North Carolina State University, NSF, National Sanitation Foundation, EWG, US Food and Drug Administration, FDA, Research, Education, Community Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Locations: United States, polluters, Raleigh, Texas

☆ Toxic ‘forever’ chemicals found in excessive levels in global groundwater, study says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-08 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Potentially toxic chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in surface and groundwaters around the world at levels much higher than many international regulators allow, a new study found. Groundwater can be contaminated by PFAS from food and consumer products added to landfills as well as from manufacturing facilities. Public concern led to a commitment by manufacturers in 2008 to phase out use of PFOA and PFOS, two of the most widely used chemicals. Generally PFAS concentrations are higher in urban areas or areas that used PFAS products extensively, O’Connell said, but it is also leached into the environment in ways that may not be obvious. “Another example is that PFAS used to be used in ski wax, so pristine environments, where people ski, have PFAS in their waters and soils,” he said.

Persons: Mario Tama, ”, David Andrews, Andrews, ” Andrews, “, Denis O’Connell, O’Connell, ” O’Connell Organizations: CNN, US Environmental Protection Agency, Health Canada, EPA, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine . Studies, Environmental, Agency, Toxic Substances, Disease, Nature, University of New, Geological Survey, NSF, National Sanitation Foundation Locations: Mount Everest, Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney

☆ ‘Forever Chemicals’ Are Everywhere. What Are They Doing to Us?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Kim Tingley | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

What’s in your tap water?” (If the drinking water is contaminated, formula mixed with it will be, too.) “But they feel heard.”Among the groups most likely to be exposed to PFAS in their drinking water are those in low-income communities or who live near military or industrial sites. determined that two kinds of PFAS — PFOS and PFOA — are “likely to be carcinogenic to humans” and proposed a goal of removing them almost entirely from public drinking water. The problem of PFAS pollution goes beyond drinking water: The Faroe Islands demonstrate as much. One afternoon this spring, Grandjean, Weihe and I sat around the kitchen table in Weihe’s clinic.

Persons: ” Elizabeth Friedman, don’t, ”, Friedman, he’d, Irving Selikoff, Selikoff, Grandjean, Selikoff’s, ” Grandjean, “ Organizations: Children’s Mercy, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, DuPont, Chermours, Toxic, European Chemicals Agency, European Union, Sinai Locations: Children’s Mercy Kansas, Missouri, U.S, United States, Paterson , N.J

☆ 3M agrees to pay $10.3 billion to settle 'forever chemicals' lawsuits
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —3M announced Thursday that it had reached an agreement to settle lawsuits that claimed that toxic “forever chemicals” had contaminated water supplies in the United States. The company — which produces Post-It notes, Scotch Tape, and n95 masks, among other industrial products — said it would pay up to $10.3 billion over 13 years to fund public water suppliers in the US that have detected these chemicals in drinking water. Polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” have been found in hundreds of household items, including makeup and carpeting, and are used to make coatings that repel water, grease, and oil. The settlement comes after 3M faced thousands of lawsuits for the last two decades over its manufacturing of products containing PFAS. These lawsuits allege that 3M knew PFAS caused cancer, developmental defects and other health problems, and that the chemicals contaminated US drinking water systems.

Persons: 3M’s, ”, Mike Roman Organizations: CNN — 3M, 3M, Chemours, DuPont, US Environmental Protection Agency Locations: United States

☆ Three chemical giants agree to pay more than $1 billion to settle ‘forever chemical’ claims
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-03 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

New York CNN —The companies Chemours, DuPont and Corteva announced on Friday they have agreed to pay more than $1 billion to settle claims that “forever chemicals” contaminated public US water systems. The three chemical giants are facing thousands of lawsuits from across the country alleging the toxic chemicals were utilized in manufacturing and then polluted the environment. The three companies said they have agreed to contribute a total of $1.185 billion to a settlement fund. Chemours will contribute 50 percent (about $592 million), and DuPont and Corteva will together contribute the remaining 50 percent, at about $400 million and $193 million, respectively. So far, the three companies reached an agreement in principle.

Persons: Corteva, Dupont, “, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, DuPont, ” CNN, Court, District Locations: New York, District of South Carolina

☆ Health experts call for a ban on toxic 'forever chemicals' after EPA moves to cut them from tap water
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | Jessica Orwig | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Toxic PFAS, aka "forever chemicals," are in water, food, furniture, and clothes across the US. The EPA's new proposal to limit the substances in drinking water is a step in the right direction. On Tuesday the US Environmental Protection Agency proposed strict limits on six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The chemicals are prolific in everyday human environments — in our water, food, air, and even the dust in our homes. That means more and more of them are getting into the environment — and drinking water — every day.

Hazardous "forever chemicals" called PFAS are in most Americans' blood, and they don't break down. One simple chart shows how long PFAS last in human bodies, compared to substances like caffeine or lead. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of thousands of human-made chemicals, which are likely in your food, water, clothes, and furniture. "Once they get into your body, they stick around for a really, really long time," Carmen Messerlian, an environmental epidemiologist who studies PFAS at Harvard's TH Chan School of Public Health, told Insider. That research tells us how long PFAS can linger in our blood, compared to toxic heavy metals or everyday substances like caffeine.

☆ EPA cracks down on 'forever chemicals' in tap water: What PFAS are, where they are, and why they're harmful
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | Jessica Orwig | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

The US Environmental Protection Agency just released a proposal for enforceable standards for six PFAS compounds in drinking water. The new EPA proposal would set the threshold for those two substances at 4 nanograms per liter of drinking water. It also proposes a "hazard index" to set a limit on the combined quantity of four other PFAS in drinking water: PFNA, GenX, PFBS, and PFHxS. Communities across the US have especially high PFAS contamination in their drinking water, often due to a nearby industrial or military facility. "You can't just regulate in drinking water, without addressing the other side," Sunderland said, adding that you have to "turn off the source."

☆ Biden proposes first national limits on toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Emma Newburger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed the first nationwide restrictions on so-called "forever chemicals" in drinking water after discovering the compounds are more dangerous than previously known — even at undetectable levels. The chemicals, known as perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, have been voluntarily phased out by U.S. manufacturers. The EPA's proposed standards cover six PFAS that have polluted drinking national water supplies. The proposal would regulate PFOA and PFOS as individual contaminants, and would regulate four other PFAS — PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and GenX Chemicals — as a mixture. For PFOA and PFOS, the agency proposed a binding drinking water limit of four parts per trillion per chemical.

☆ Hazardous 'forever chemicals' in water, food, and air won't disappear with new EPA rules. But 6 simple tactics can reduce your exposure at home.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Hazardous "forever chemicals" called PFAS are contaminating drinking water, food, and air. It may be impossible to completely avoid PFAS, but there are a few simple ways to reduce your exposure. A 2019 study found that people had lower PFAS levels in their blood after eating at home, and higher levels after eating fast food or at restaurants. A few types of water filters can diminish PFAS levels, though they may not completely remove the chemicals from the water. It was previously updated to reflect disagreements in the scientific community about the degree of PFAS exposure from Teflon.

☆ Dangerous 'forever chemicals' were found in turf at the Philadelphia Phillies' old stadium after six former players died of same cancer, investigation finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Aaron Mcdade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

"Forever chemicals" were found in turf that was used in the Philadelphia Phillies' old stadium. The Inquirer was researching whether there was a link between the turf and ex-Phillies dying of brain cancer. The artificial turf was used for years and replaced several times at Veterans Stadium, where both the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies played from 1971 to 2003. The Phillies played their last game at the stadium in September 2003 and it was demolished in March 2004. The six former Phillies — Tug McGraw, Darren Daulton, John Vukovich, John Oates, Ken Brett, and David West — all died of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

☆ 'Concerning' map reveals where fish caught in the US are full of hazardous 'forever chemicals'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Fish in lakes and streams across the US are contaminated with hazardous "forever chemicals." Since their invention in the 1930s, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have multiplied and spread. They found PFOS — one of the most notorious substances — was the largest contributor to PFAS contamination in fish. Last year, the EPA lowered the level of PFOS in drinking water it considers safe to 0.02 parts per trillion. He said he's also seen PFAS contamination advisories for fishing spots in Sweden, where he lives.

☆ 3M will stop making hazardous ‘forever chemicals’ starting in 2025
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —3M, the conglomerate behind Post-It notes and Scotch tape, will stop making controversial per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by the end of 2025. The chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are found in hundreds of household items and used to make coatings and products that can repel water, grease, heat and oil. Over the past decade, chemical manufacturers have voluntarily stopped producing two of the most commonly used forever chemicals, including PFOS and PFOA. At the federal level, the US Food and Drug Administration phased out the use of certain PFAS chemicals in 2016. The FDA and manufacturers agreed in 2020 to phase out some PFAS chemicals from food packaging and other items that came into contact with food.

☆ California sues 3M, DuPont over toxic ‘forever chemicals’
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

DuPont has never manufactured PFOA, PFOS or firefighting foam, said spokesperson Daniel Turner, referring to two PFAS substances. “The damage caused by 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers of PFAS is nothing short of staggering, and without drastic action, California will be dealing with the harms of these toxic chemicals for generations,” Bonta said. Thursday’s lawsuit was filed in Alameda County, which includes Oakland, and is the first statewide legal action over PFAS contamination. In June, the US Environmental Protection Agency warned that forever chemicals could be dangerous even at undetectable levels. The Biden administration is expected to issue the first enforceable drinking water regulations for PFAS in public water systems this year.

☆ Hazardous 'forever chemicals' are in our water, food, and air. Here are 6 simple ways to reduce exposure at home.
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-17 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Hazardous "forever chemicals" called PFAS are contaminating drinking water, food, and air. It may be impossible to completely avoid PFAS, but there are a few simple ways to reduce your exposure. Even if you can't completely dodge PFAS, there are a few easy ways to reduce exposure in your daily life. A 2019 study found that people had lower PFAS levels in their blood after eating at home, and higher levels after eating fast food or at restaurants. A few types of water filters can diminish PFAS levels, though they may not completely remove the chemicals from the water.

☆ Rainwater is no longer safe to drink anywhere on Earth due to 'forever chemicals' linked to cancer, study suggests
▼ + stars: | 2022-08-13 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Rainwater around the world contains levels of "forever chemicals" unsafe to drink, a study suggests. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are linked to cancer and pervade homes and environments. That's because rainwater across the planet now contains hazardous chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Both substances' levels in rainwater "often greatly exceed" EPA limits, the study authors concluded. "Although in the industrial world we don't often drink rainwater [directly], many people around the world expect it to be safe to drink, and it supplies many of our drinking water sources," Cousins added.

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