Tag: firefighting foams
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Invisible Threats: Understanding Water Contaminants in the U.S.
Clean water is essential for life, yet millions of Americans unknowingly consume contaminants through their drinking water. From lead to PFAS (forever chemicals), various pollutants infiltrate water supplies, posing significant health risks. This article explores the most concerning water contaminants in the U.S., their sources, and what’s being done to protect public health. Common Water…
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LAist: New study raises questions about heavy metals in fire retardants
Over the past decade, about 67 million gallons of fire retardant have been dropped on wildfires across California, according to the U.S. Forest Service. If you’ve ever wondered what’s in the bright red goop that’s used to protect homes and hillsides, a new study out of USC offers clues beyond what the manufacturers show on their official…
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MedPage Today: EPA Scientists Say They Were Pressured to Downplay Health Harms From Chemicals
And a watchdog found they were retaliated against This story was originally published by ProPublica. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. More than 3 years ago, a small group of government scientists came forward with disturbing allegations. During President Donald Trump’s administration, they said, their managers at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began pressuring them to…
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PFAS are toxic ‘forever chemicals’ that linger in our air, water, soil and bodies – here’s how to keep them out of your drinking water
Exposure to PFAS during pregnancy can lead to a child’s low birth weight and accelerated puberty. RUNSMART/Digital Vision via Getty Images Close to half of America’s tap water contains PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These “forever chemicals” are in thousands of products, from clothing and cosmetics to cleaning products, and are linked to cancers, liver damage, high cholesterol…
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How will water sector be impacted as EPA targets PFAS?
In April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released two much-anticipated final rules pertaining to certain contaminants within the broad class of synthetic compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Commonly referred to as forever chemicals because of their long-lasting nature, PFAS have emerged as a chief source of contamination in drinking water supplies across the U.S. in…