Pollution

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 […]

Join our newsletter

The best of EcoWatch, right in your inbox. Sign up for our email newsletter!

    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. […]

    13 Sharks Test Positive for Cocaine Near Brazil

    13 Sharks Test Positive for Cocaine Near Brazil

    Scientists have detected cocaine in multiple sharks off the coasts of Brazil, according to a new study. In the study, which was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, researchers set out to analyze the levels of cocaine as well as benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in Brazilian sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon lalandii). The […]

    U.S. Federal Government Introduces Measures to Tackle Plastics Crisis, Including Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics by 2035

    U.S. Federal Government Introduces Measures to Tackle Plastics Crisis, Including Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics by 2035

    As part of its strategy to reduce plastic pollution, the Biden administration has announced plans to phase out single-use plastics from federal government operations by 2035, a press release from The White House said. The administration also has a goal of phasing out federal procurement of the disposable plastics from food service operations, packaging and […]

    EPA Announces $4.3 Billion for Climate and Pollution Improvement Projects Across 30 States

    EPA Announces $4.3 Billion for Climate and Pollution Improvement Projects Across 30 States

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Monday $4.3 billion in funding that will go toward 25 projects across 30 states. The projects will address climate pollution and environmental justice. The EPA announced the funding through Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act. According to the agency, estimates for the […]

    High Levels of Fiberglass Detected in Oysters and Mussels

    High Levels of Fiberglass Detected in Oysters and Mussels

    A team of researchers has revealed alarming amounts of fiberglass particles in marine bivalves found off the coasts of southern England. According to the researchers, this is the first study to determine that fiberglass, or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), particles can make their way into human food sources. Researchers from the University of Brighton, the University […]