Plastic chemicals and microplastic exposures must be reduced to protect children’s brains

The following is a guest blog from Project TENDR. Action is urgently needed to safeguard children’s developing brains from microplastics and plastic-related chemicals say scientists and health professionals from across the U.S. who are part of Project TENDR, a coalition working to protect children from toxic chemicals that can contribute to problems with learning, attention, and … Continue reading Plastic chemicals and microplastic exposures must be reduced to protect children’s brains

Surviving extreme heat: expanding access in a warming world

Extreme heat is now one of the deadliest weather-related public health threats in the United States, contributing to thousands of emergency department visits and preventable deaths each year. Longer heat waves, higher temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events are placing growing strain on individuals, healthcare systems, and community infrastructure. Some communities face greater risks … Continue reading Surviving extreme heat: expanding access in a warming world

Wildfire smoke and pregnancy: what expecting parents need to know

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense across the United States, a major new study reveals important findings about how smoke exposure affects pregnant women and their babies. The growing threat Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, exposing millions of Americans to smoke-filled air. For pregnant people, this isn't … Continue reading Wildfire smoke and pregnancy: what expecting parents need to know

Common pesticides may disrupt placental health

Pregnancy depends on a healthy placenta, but how environmental chemicals affect placental development is still poorly understood. Growing evidence suggests that exposure to common pesticides may increase the risk of pregnancy complications. In our new study examining pregnancy risks from pesticides, one pesticide stood out: naled. You might not have heard of naled - an … Continue reading Common pesticides may disrupt placental health

The chemical lobby is trying to weaken the law that protects people from toxic chemicals

Toxic chemicals and pollutants are contributing to a rise in chronic disease including cancer, Parkinson’s, diabetes, heart disease, autism, and infertility. Yet, the chemical lobby is trying to rewrite the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the one law designed to protect people from harmful chemicals. If they are successful, it could result in significantly higher … Continue reading The chemical lobby is trying to weaken the law that protects people from toxic chemicals

Scientists identify hundreds of chemicals from plastics in people

Hundreds of plastic-related chemicals were identified in pregnant women by scientists at UC San Francisco in a study published today in Environment & Health Journal. Alarmingly, many of these chemicals have little to no current exposure data, which means little is known about how much they are impacting people and their health. “It is extremely … Continue reading Scientists identify hundreds of chemicals from plastics in people