Category: Public health
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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 as sea spray aerosols, polluting coastlines and beyond. A group of toxic chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, slough off from household goods into local watersheds, eventually making their way down streams and…
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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, hexavalent chromium is found statewide. In an effort to protect more than 5 million Californians from a cancer-causing contaminant, state regulators today set a new standard that is expected to increase the cost of water…
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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 exposures, but experts say it’s not enough and will lead to ‘an endless game of Whac-A-Mole’ Strong new limits for some PFAS compounds in drinking water set by the US Environmental Protection Agency this week are being…
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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 labs to ascertain the levels of toxins present and to provide data to help guide remediation efforts in Lahaina. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2024) Scientists, state officials and the Army Corps of Engineers are finding the burn…
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‘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 consent order will force county officials to make multimillion-dollar upgrades to treatment plants and take steps to eliminate large cesspools The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Hawaii County have reached an agreement intended to correct…
