pfas
Newsletter
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Lawmakers push for stronger regulations on PFAS used in EV batteries
U.S. lawmakers are urging stricter regulations on PFAS, chemicals used in EV batteries, amid concerns over widespread contamination.
In short:
- Two U.S. lawmakers are advocating for tighter controls on PFAS, toxic chemicals found in various products, including EV batteries.
- A bill known as the PFAS Action Act seeks to enforce stricter regulations, but it has yet to pass in the Senate.
- Despite ongoing concerns, companies like Syensqo continue to expand production with government support, raising environmental and health risks.
Key quote:
"PFAS are found in everything from construction materials to cookware to basic household supplies – this isn’t an EV problem, it’s a PFAS problem.”
— Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Why this matters:
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," pose severe health risks and are difficult to remove from the environment. As the EV industry grows, the unchecked use of these chemicals could lead to long-term public health issues.
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Discard these common recycling myths
Despite recycling being around for decades, many misconceptions persist about what can and cannot be recycled.
In short:
- Pizza boxes, even if stained with grease, are recyclable according to the Environmental Protection Agency and should be placed in the recycling bin after removing food scraps and flattening.
- Not all paper is recyclable. Coated papers, such as glittery gift wrap and thermal paper receipts, often cannot be processed by paper mills due to their chemical coatings.
- Recyclables don't need to be perfectly clean. A basic rinse to remove major food particles is sufficient, and excessive washing wastes water and energy.
Key quote:
“Grease and cheese in an amount typically found on pizza boxes are not an issue for the recycling process.”
— American Forest and Paper Association
Why this matters:
Clarifying recycling myths helps reduce contamination in recycling streams, ensuring that more materials are properly recycled and reducing the environmental impact. Read more: How BPA and its evil cousins dodge meaningful regulation.
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Newsletter
Credit: Tabrez Syed/Unsplash
New environmental regulations announced by the Biden administration
President Biden has recently introduced significant environmental rules targeting climate change, toxics, and wildlife protection.
In short:
- The administration has imposed a variety of regulations, such as a ban on asbestos, stringent auto emissions standards, and the first-ever regulations on "forever" chemicals in drinking water.
- Among the key policies are strict limitations on emissions from power plants and vehicles, aiming to drastically reduce greenhouse gases.
- New measures also include increased safety requirements for chemical plants and protection for endangered species under federal law.
Why this matters:
The recent actions by the administration to tighten environmental regulations mark a significant shift toward addressing long-standing public health and environmental challenges. While they may present challenges for industries adapting to new standards, the long-term benefits of a cleaner environment and a healthier population are invaluable.
Perhaps most groundbreaking are the first-ever regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often referred to as "forever" chemicals due to their persistence in the environment and the human body.
Related:
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Credit: David Arrowsmith/Unsplash
Climate activists take over Lyon chemical facility
Hundreds of activists stormed a chemical plant in Lyon, France, to protest against the production of 'forever chemicals', demanding cleanup of pollution and compensation for affected locals.
In short:
- More than 400 Extinction Rebellion and Youth For Climate members conducted a “citizen’s inspection” at Arkema’s PFAS-producing plant.
- The action resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and highlighted the local impact of PFAS contamination on water and soil.
- Despite Arkema’s recent pollution control efforts, the protest underscores long-term environmental concerns and demands for corporate accountability.
Key quote:
“At a time when the industrial site is at the heart of the problem of PFAS contamination of the water, air and soil of the southern Lyon region, the activists are demanding the clean-up of the affected areas, the real application of the precautionary principle, and compensation for the damage suffered by employees, residents and farmers.”
— Youth for Climate
Why this matters:
The Rhône Valley is home to around 500 chemical companies, and PFAS contamination has been documented in various environmental matrices, including air, soil, and water, as well as in breast milk of mothers in the region, which indicates the potential for generational transfer of these chemicals.
Here’s everything you need to know about “forever chemicals” and how to avoid them.
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UN
Credit: Glynnis Jones/BigStock Photo ID: 120471452
Chemours and DuPont's knowledge of PFAS risks leads to UN intervention
A United Nations human rights panel has spotlighted a North Carolina PFAS plant for its environmental negligence, highlighting the ongoing production of toxic chemicals despite known health risks.
In short:
- The UN panel accuses Chemours and DuPont of continuing PFAS production in North Carolina, ignoring the chemicals' toxic impacts on health and the environment.
- Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are criticized for being overly influenced by these corporations, undermining efforts to regulate PFAS effectively.
- Despite corporate denials and claims of responsible manufacturing, the UN calls for global action to address the harmful effects of PFAS chemicals on communities worldwide.
Key quote:
“This does need to be a global fight. These are forever chemicals.”
— Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear
Why this matters:
PFAS, a.k.a. "forever chemicals," persist in our global ecosystem and have had an adverse impact on global health since their inception. Scientists are scrambling for effective solutions to this ubiquitous toxic scourge and we are reminded that "forever" is a long time.
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Plastic chemicals linked to $249 billion in US health care costs in just one year, study finds
By contributing to the development of chronic disease and death, a group of hormone-disruptive plastic chemicals is costing the US health care system billions — over $249 billion in 2018 alone, a new study found.
Plastic or paper? The truth about drinking straws
The backlash against single-use plastics has seen a growing market for paper, metal, glass and plant-based straws. But is the choice between them really a simple one?
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