[Blog] How many of us are drinking toxic forever chemicals?

12 Jan 2021 | BioMed Central

A recent study found that nearly 100 million people in 16 out of 66 cities investigated in China are likely using drinking water that exceeds 20 ppt for the sum of five PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFHpA, and PFNA), new maximum contaminant level set by the U.S. state of Vermont.

EPA denies petition to address PFAS

11 Jan 2021 | Coastal Review Online

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday denied the petition, by six eastern North Carolina organizations to require Chemours Co. to fund testing by independent scientists on 54 PFAS, produced at its Fayetteville Works facility.

Chemours can skip testing 54 ‘forever chemicals,’ EPA says

8 Jan 2021 | Bloomberg Law Review

The EPA has rejected a request from six North Carolina environmental health groups to force Chemours Co. to generate toxicity, human health, and other data for dozens of toxic PFAS chemicals.

COVID-19 vaccine could be less effective in people with high PFAS levels in blood

4 Jan 2021 | Michigan Advance

The COVID-19 vaccine could be less effective in people with high levels of perfluorinated compounds — PFAS — in their blood, several scientists said.

Nonstick pans often don't note they use PFAS

28 Dec 2020 | NPR

A Michigan-based environmental group has found many nonstick pans are coated with a chemical from the PFAS family

[Op-ed] How the FDA ignores the law when approving new chemical additives to food

23 Dec 2020 | Environmental Health News

An investigation finds the federal agency is not accounting for the cumulative health effect of chemicals as required by law. Such neglect leaves consumers at higher risk for chronic diseases.

From Alaska to Florida, Harmful PFAS Compounds Pollute Water at Multiple Sites in Every State

21 Dec 2020 | Eco Watch

Tom Kennedy learned about the long-term contamination of his family's drinking water about two months after he was told that his breast cancer had metastasized to his brain and was terminal.

Biden chooses N.C. environmental chief to head EPA

18 Dec 2020 | North Carolina Health News

The announcement followed a briefing in which scientists said “forever chemicals” could make people more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Investigation targets discharges of next-generation 'forever chemicals' from 3M's Cottage Grove plant

18 Dec 2020 | Star Tribune

State and federal pollution regulators are investigating 3M Co.'s reporting on next-generation "forever chemicals" discharged from its Cottage Grove plant into the Mississippi River, even as Minnesota struggles to address ever-growing contamination from the original versions the manufacturer no longer makes.

Scientists seek evidence that ‘forever chemicals’ hinder COVID-19 vaccines

16 Dec 2020 | NJ Spotlight

Investigators say more work is needed on interaction of PFAS in blood and the coronavirus.

Cosmetics, cellphones, guitar strings: where we found 'forever chemicals'

14 Dec 2020 | The Guardian

Altogether, we found PFAS in more than 200 use categories. We already knew about PFAS in fire-fighting foams, refrigerants, lithium-ion batteries, carpets, waterproof fabrics, ski waxes, fast-food paper and board containers, muffin forms, popcorn bags, and dental floss.

NDEE testing soil for toxic chemical at airport

12 Dec 2020 | Star Herald

Contamination from fire fighting foam occurs when either the PFAS containing fire suppression foam leaks from its container or is allowed to seep into the ground after suppressing a fire.

More steps to be taken against PFAS in drinking water

9 Dec 2020 | EHS Daily Advisor

Federal measures include a new permitting strategy for addressing PFAS in EPA-issued NPDES wastewater permits and analytical methods for measuring 40 additional PFAS.

PFAS study begins in West Michigan

8 Dec 2020 | WMUK

The study will help advance PFAS science and help doctors know which health problems to look for in people who have been exposed, and to increase scientists’ understanding of how PFAS exposure affects the health of a population.

State to study level of PFAS toxins reaching Colorado’s crops

7 Dec 2020 | CBS Denver

State agencies are examining the potential contamination of irrigation waterways in areas that have previously been tested for contamination of drinking water.