Makers of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ covered up the dangers

Widely used in clothing, household products and food, they resist breaking down in the environment The chemical industry took a page out of the tobacco playbook when they discovered and suppressed their knowledge of health harms caused by exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), according to an analysis of previously secret industry documents by … Continue reading Makers of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ covered up the dangers

Scientists recommend changes to chemical regulatory process

As Chemicals Proliferate in the Environment, a Science-Based Approach Is Needed to Protect Human Health With chemical production and use on the rise, and continued evidence that many chemicals in everyday products are linked to health problems such as cancer, infertility, and neurodevelopmental conditions, an interdisciplinary group of scientific experts said changes are urgently needed … Continue reading Scientists recommend changes to chemical regulatory process

PRHE paper wins ES&T “Best Paper Award for Environmental Science”

This is a first for PRHE! One of our papers received a 2022 “Best Paper Award for Environmental Science” from the journal Environmental Science & Technology, ES&T. The honor was especially poignant as the editors reflected on the landscape that scientists – and everyone – is working under: "Facing the COVID pandemic, war, political conflict, … Continue reading PRHE paper wins ES&T “Best Paper Award for Environmental Science”

Long-term study of pregnant women finds increasing chemical exposure

A national study that enrolled a highly diverse group of pregnant women over a 12-year period found rising exposure to chemicals from plastics and pesticides that may be harmful to development. Many of the chemicals that the women had been exposed to were replacement chemicals: new forms of chemicals that have been banned or phased … Continue reading Long-term study of pregnant women finds increasing chemical exposure

Occupational health professionals key to TSCA protections

Exposures to industrial chemicals and their health consequences remain a preventable source of occupational disease, with workers suffering more than 190,000 illnesses and 50,000 deaths annually related to chemical exposures, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). However, the occupational health community has not yet fully engaged with implementation of an important … Continue reading Occupational health professionals key to TSCA protections

Prenatal exposure to PFAS and PBDE chemicals linked to greater risk of preterm birth

Prematurity is the second leading cause of death among infants in the United States and exposure to PFAS and PBDEs (chemicals in non-stick pans, water-repellent fabric, and furniture foam) during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. But while there is extensive research on some of these chemicals, the effects of other, … Continue reading Prenatal exposure to PFAS and PBDE chemicals linked to greater risk of preterm birth