Boron nitride destroys PFAS ‘forever’ chemicals PFOA, GenX
7 Jul 2020 | EurekAlert
Rice University chemical engineers found an efficient catalyst for destroying PFAS "forever" chemicals where they least expected.
Op-ed: PFAS chemicals—the other immune system threat
6 Jul 2020 | Environmental Health News
Exposure to PFAS suppresses the ability of the immune system to make antibodies—the part of the immune system critically important in fighting COVID-19 and other infectious agents.
Widespread PFAS chemical pollution will likely make COVID-19 worse
5 Jul 2020 | Massive Science
These common household and industrial chemicals impair immune system function.
Does PFAS exposure make you more vulnerable to coronavirus? Senators want a study to find out
1 Jul 2020 | Courier Times
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey was part of a group of 19 senators to write to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Alex Azar last week to inquire about whether the potential connection between PFAS exposure and COVID-19 was being “thoroughly examined.
Michigan lawmakers make another push to crack down on PFAS
1 Jul 2020 | Michigan Advance
A top priority: Requiring the U.S. EPA to create a national enforceable drinking water standard for certain types of PFAS within two years and list them as hazardous substances under the nation’s Superfund law.
Protective gear could expose firefighters to PFAS
1 Jul 2020 | c&en
Fluorinated compounds in water-resistant textiles break down over time, contacting the skin and shedding into the environment.
Panel of scientists recommends stronger guidelines on PFAS
30 Jun 2020 | Star Tribune
A panel of scientists has recommended that all forms of PFAS used in waterproofing, nonstick cookware, firefighting foams and other heat- and stain-resistant uses be classified collectively as problematic and restricted in uses.
Bill to force chemical companies to pay for medical monitoring hits GOP resistance
28 Jun 2020 | Concord Monitor
Some in opposition believe that the legislation is too far-reaching and should have been centered on PFAS cases, not all toxic chemical cases.
Scientists pin blame for some coronavirus deaths on air pollution, PFAS, and other chemicals
26 Jun 2020 | The Intercept
PFAS, which interferes with the functioning of the endocrine system, has been shown to cause several underlying conditions that leave people more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Destroying forever chemicals ignites N.Y. town’s ‘worst fears’
26 Jun 2020 | Bloomberg Law
When Joe Ritchie was a kid growing up near an upstate New York incinerator, it wasn’t unusual to find black soot on windowsills around the house. But in the last few years, there’s been a new odor in the neighborhood, that smells as if someone has been dumping household chemicals in a tub and lighting them on fire.
High chemical levels in water near Decatur landfill concern environmental group, ADEM
25 Jun 2020 | Alabama Political Reporter
The most recent PFAS and PFOS tests showed 51,000 ppt levels.
PFAS bills sent to Whitmer’s desk
24 Jun 2020 | The Alpena News
It would mandate that fire chiefs report incidents in which PFAS-containing firefighting foams are used to Michigan’s pollution emergency alert system. The state environmental department would have to accept the foam concentrate free of charge and properly dispose of it.
EPA finalizes PFOA imports rule
24 Jun 2020 | Politico
The rule, issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act, is largely aimed at closing loopholes rather than enacting major new changes.
House lawmakers want NDAA to provide more oversight on military housing, vehicle crashes and PFAS
22 Jun 2020 | Stars and Stripes
The draft for the House version of the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act requires that any spill or use of PFAS firefighting foam at any military installation be reported to Congress within 48 hours of when the deputy assistant secretary of defense for environment is notified.
EPA issues final rule giving it authority over manufacturing, sale of products containing PFAS
22 Jun 2020 | Construction & Demolition Recycling
This action means that the EPA is prohibiting companies from manufacturing, processing or importing products containing certain long-chain PFAS without prior EPA review and approval.