pfas

3M Knew PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Its Firefighting Foams Were Toxic for Decades, Documents Reveal

3M Knew PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Its Firefighting Foams Were Toxic for Decades, Documents Reveal

For decades, 3M — a multibillion-dollar chemical company based in Minnesota — sold its firefighting foams as safe and biodegradable, while having knowledge that they contained toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to newly uncovered documents, reported The Guardian. Starting in the 1960s and continuing until 2003, 3M’s firefighting foams contained perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) […]

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    Maryland Sues Maker of Waterproof Material Gore-Tex Over Toxic PFAS ‘Forever Chemical’ Pollution

    Maryland Sues Maker of Waterproof Material Gore-Tex Over Toxic PFAS ‘Forever Chemical’ Pollution

    Maryland is suing W.L. Gore & Associates, the maker of Gore-Tex — a waterproof material often used in outdoor gear such as raincoats — alleging its leaders continued to use per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “forever chemicals” long after they learned of the chemicals’ serious health risks. The complaint filed in federal court last week […]

    Many Smartwatch Wristbands Hold High Levels of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals,’ Study Finds

    Many Smartwatch Wristbands Hold High Levels of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals,’ Study Finds

    Wearable tech devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches have become the constant companions of many who rely on them for alerts, transactions and health and location information day and night. What wearers of these devices may not know is that many of them contain elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “forever chemicals” that […]

    ‘Forever Chemical’ TFA Detected in Mineral Water Brands in Europe

    ‘Forever Chemical’ TFA Detected in Mineral Water Brands in Europe

    A new report from Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe revealed the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in mineral water products sourced from around Europe. Researchers tested 19 mineral water samples in total, including two mineral water brands from France, four Belgian brands, one brand from the Netherlands, […]

    Higher PFAS Levels in Blood Linked to Neighborhood Factors

    Higher PFAS Levels in Blood Linked to Neighborhood Factors

    In a new study, researchers at University of Southern California (USC) have associated certain neighborhood factors — such as food access or proximity to Superfund sites — with higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human blood. The researchers examined the levels of certain types of PFAS, including PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFPeS and […]

    Using Cosmetics, Perfumes and Dyes During Pregnancy and After Linked to Higher PFAS Levels in Breast Milk, Study Finds

    Using Cosmetics, Perfumes and Dyes During Pregnancy and After Linked to Higher PFAS Levels in Breast Milk, Study Finds

    In a new study, researchers have found a link between the use of certain personal care products, such as makeup, hair products and fragrances, by pregnant people and higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human milk. Researchers compared the use of personal care products and PFAS levels in prenatal plasma and human […]

    World Water Film Festival Opens in New York, Aims to Inspire

    World Water Film Festival Opens in New York, Aims to Inspire

    Right now across the U.S., drought persists, particularly in the northeast, where wildfires are burning because of the dry conditions. At the same time, some communities are still recovering from the catastrophic effects of hurricane season and the wind and water mash-up they wrought. In either case, water – both as a source of life […]

    It’s Raining PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Miami, Study Finds

    It’s Raining PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Miami, Study Finds

    A new study has found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Miami’s rainwater. It is the most recent evidence that “forever chemicals” get caught up in the water cycle and circulate over great distances. “PFAS are practically everywhere,” said Natalia Soares Quinete, author of the study and an assistant professor of chemistry at Florida International […]