Public health

On Farms, ‘Plasticulture’ Persists

U.S. farms are covered in plastic, from the sides of greenhouses to plastic mulch, hoop houses, irrigation tubes, and more.…

2 years ago

NOTEBOOK FEATURE: Are farm fields a hidden source of microplastics?

Row crop agricultural field in the gentle rolling hills of San Benito County in California. Photo taken January 14, 2013.…

2 years ago

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…

2 years ago

Lethal cyanobacteria are creeping into rivers—no one knows exactly why

Researcher Hannah Bonner conducts a visual monitoring survey of benthic cyanobacteria in North Creek, a tributary of Utah’s Virgin River.…

2 years ago

In Millions of Homes, High Fluoride in Tap Water May Be a Concern

Top: Water tower in Comfort, Texas. Visual: Marcus Wennrich/ iStock/Getty Images Plus In communities across the U.S., water contains levels…

2 years ago

Ocean Waves Mist Decades-Old PFAS into the Atmosphere

Sea spray rereleases large amounts of PFAS from the ocean into the atmosphere. Credit: Pexels/Jess Loiterton “Forever chemicals” enter the air…

2 years ago

CAL MATTERS: California sets nation’s first water standard for cancer-causing contaminant

Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical,…

2 years ago

EPA limits six ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water — but there are 15,000

‘Forever chemicals’ are linked to cancer, birth defects and other serious health problems. Photograph: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images Rules celebrated for reducing…

2 years ago

Lahaina’s Wildfire Burned So Hot That Many Dangerous Contaminants Likely Vaporized

USGS scientist Renee Takesue collected sediment in a drainage ditch in Lahaina’s burn zone. Samples are being analyzed by independent…

2 years ago

‘Acute Problems’ Plaguing Big Island’s Wastewater Treatment Systems Prompt EPA Crackdown

Birds make a home in the lagoon system where wastewater is treated in Kealakehe. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024) A newly signed…

2 years ago