Health + Wellness

Massachusetts to Phase Out Toxic PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Firefighting Gear

Massachusetts to Phase Out Toxic PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Firefighting Gear

Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey has signed a new law to phase out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the protective gear firefighters wear. PFAS “forever chemicals” do not break down in the environment and have been associated with serious health problems, including liver and thyroid issues, immune system disruption, cancer and reproductive harm. They […]

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    EPA Issues Emergency Ban on the Pesticide Dacthal

    EPA Issues Emergency Ban on the Pesticide Dacthal

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency notice pulling the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, also known as DCPA or Dacthal. The chemical was placed under an emergency order to stop further use, the first order of its kind in nearly four decades, because of the risk it poses to fetuses in pregnant people. […]

    New Study Locates PFAS ‘Forever Chemical’ Hot Spots in U.S.

    New Study Locates PFAS ‘Forever Chemical’ Hot Spots in U.S.

    A new study by economists from West Virginia University (WVU) has found hot spots of harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “forever chemicals” in United States public water systems, including in higher-income, densely populated areas, as well as those that use groundwater. At least four PFAS contamination hot spots were identified in the eastern U.S. […]

    PFAS Are Absorbed Through Skin Contact at Higher Levels Than Previously Thought, Study Finds

    PFAS Are Absorbed Through Skin Contact at Higher Levels Than Previously Thought, Study Finds

    A new study has confirmed that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals, are absorbed through human skin. Additionally, researchers found that these chemicals are being absorbed through the skin at higher levels than previously thought. The research, published in the journal Environment International, set out to investigate the dermal absorption […]