Communities of color disproportionately exposed to PFAS pollution in drinking water
People who live in communities with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic/Latino residents are more likely to be exposed to harmful levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their water supplies than people living in other communities,…
Protecting against ‘forever chemicals’
The U.S. Environmental Protectional Agency has proposed strict new limits on six types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Public health experts are positive about the move but say that, ultimately, all types of these…
Questions raised about PFAS in period products
Reusable “period underwear” that people use in place of traditional, disposable menstrual products may contain toxic compounds linked with long-term health risks.
PFAS levels lower in buildings with healthier furnishings
Buildings renovated with healthier furnishings had significantly lower levels of the entire group of per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS)—toxic chemicals linked with many negative health effects—than buildings with conventional furnishings, according to a new study led by Harvard…
Stricter federal guidelines on ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water pose challenges
Philippe Grandjean discusses the EPA's updated health advisories for two toxic compounds, PFOS and PFOA, that are found in drinking water across the U.S.
A push for safer building materials
Environmental groups are encouraging schools and companies to use non-toxic materials in their construction and renovation projects and to reduce the use of chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Why more stringent regulation is needed for ‘forever chemicals’
Environmental health expert Philippe Grandjean discusses the importance of regulating PFAS.
Are there toxins in your mascara?
Most of the waterproof mascara, liquid lipsticks, and foundations tested in a recent study contained high levels of fluorine—suggesting the likely presence of toxic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).
Chemical-laden indoor dust may interfere with sexual development, reproduction
Indoor dust mimics sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone in human cells, according to a new study from Harvard Chan School. The dust contains a stew of dozens of chemicals that migrate out of furnishings and that…
Exploring how ‘forever chemicals’ may harm immune function
Mounting evidence suggests that widely used chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) interfere with immune system function. Experts are concerned that exposure to these chemicals could diminish the immune system’s ability to fight a host of infectious…