Category: Resources

Parent category for reference posts applicable to several categories

The E.P.A. Promotes Toxic Fertilizer. 3M Told It of Risks Years Ago.

The agency obtained research from 3M in 2003 revealing that sewage sludge, the raw material for the fertilizer, carried toxic “forever chemicals.”

The author reviewed thousands of pages of decades-old documents to report this article.

By Hiroko Tabuchi
Dec. 27, 2024

David Lewis, a former E.P.A. microbiologist, issued early warnings.Credit...Will Crooks for The New York Times
David Lewis, a former E.P.A. microbiologist, issued early warnings.Credit…Will Crooks for The New York Times

In early 2000, scientists at 3M, the chemicals giant, made a startling discovery: High levels of PFAS, the virtually indestructible “forever chemicals” used in nonstick pans, stain-resistant carpets and many other products were turning up in the nation’s sewage.

Continue reading “The E.P.A. Promotes Toxic Fertilizer. 3M Told It of Risks Years Ago.”

Why are so many Coho salmon dying? The answer might be in your tires

By Camila Domonoske, Jessica Yung, Rebecca Ramirez
November 20, 2024

For decades, Coho salmon were turning up dead in urban streams the Pacific Northwest. The salmon would stop swimming straight, and then die before they had a chance to spawn. Researchers worried that unless they figured out the cause, the species would eventually go extinct.

Continue reading “Why are so many Coho salmon dying? The answer might be in your tires”

From tires to nail polish, we’re studying a new round of consumer products with toxic chemicals

Draft report open for formal public comment

by Cathy Hamilton-Wissmer
November 1, 2024

In May 2024, our Safer Products for Washington team identified a new set of toxic chemicals in everyday consumer products. That’s important because it gives us an opportunity to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals and prevent their release into the environment. We want your feedback on the products we’ve identified as significant sources of these toxic chemicals. 

Continue reading “From tires to nail polish, we’re studying a new round of consumer products with toxic chemicals”

6PPD Action Plan and Alternatives Assessment – Progress Report and Recommendations

Ecology
October 29, 2024

In both the 2022 Supplemental Operating and 2023 Operating budgets, the Washington State Legislature provided funds to Ecology to work on issues related to 6PPD. As part of this work, the Legislature requested that Ecology provide a progress report on the Action Plan and Alternatives Assessment by December 31, 2024.

Continue reading “6PPD Action Plan and Alternatives Assessment – Progress Report and Recommendations”

PFAS and Aquatic Life

As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s commitment to safeguard the environment from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the agency uses its Clean Water Act authorities to develop recommended water quality criteria and informational benchmarks to help states and authorized Tribes protect aquatic ecosystems from several PFAS.

Environmental Protection Agency
October 1, 2024

ITRC Publishes New 6PPD Guidance

This new Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) document provides information about 6PPD and 6PPDQ that can help inform future policies and regulations. The guide provides:

  • An introduction to 6PPD and 6PPDQ.
  • Current knowledge of effects, toxicity, and physical/chemical properties of 6PPD and 6PPDQ.
  • The occurrence, fate, and transport of 6PPD and 6PPDQ in the environment.
  • An overview of measuring, mapping, and modeling techniques for these chemicals.
  • Discussion of mitigation measures, solutions, policies, regulations, and laws.
  • An overview of information gaps and research needs.

Read the report:

https://6ppd.itrcweb.org/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
September, 2024

These common chemicals could affect your health all over your body, expert says

CNN — 
There are chemicals in cookware, food, water, clothes and furniture that could cause problems for people’s health.

These PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances — sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t fully break down in the environment — have been used in consumer products since the 1950s.

By Madeline Holcombe, CNN
Mon September 9, 2024

Link to article and video:

https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/09/health/pfas-explainer-wellness/index.html?cid=ios_app