Our oceans and seas have been polluted over time with a number of contaminants, from litter and plastic waste to an array of man-made chemicals which have caused numerous problems for many wildlife species. So considering these pollutants, how safe is the fish, shellfish and other seafood we eat? … [Read more...] about How safe is our seafood?
Chemical pollution and microplastics: a present danger to marine life
Highly persistent harmful chemicals are found in marine animals all over the world. These chemicals are having lasting impacts on the health of wildlife, as even if they are banned they stick around. In addition, there's now a new problem that is concerning scientists: microplastics from cosmetics and other applications are polluting the environment, and helping to transfer … [Read more...] about Chemical pollution and microplastics: a present danger to marine life
Leading health professionals agree that toxic chemicals threaten healthy reproduction and development
In recent weeks the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics has expressed their concerns about the impact of exposure to toxic chemicals on reproduction and development, while scientists from the Endocrine Society have re-affirmed their concerns about endocrine (or hormone) disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Meanwhile, the authors of an important WHO/UNEP report on … [Read more...] about Leading health professionals agree that toxic chemicals threaten healthy reproduction and development
Breast milk could be a major source of exposure to persistent PFCs in infancy
New research, published today in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, shows that some persistent perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) can be transferred from mother to infant via breast milk. These chemicals, which have been widely used, are linked to a number of health problems, including negative impacts on immune response to vaccines in children. The research … [Read more...] about Breast milk could be a major source of exposure to persistent PFCs in infancy
PFCs: In our blood, in polar bears – and in packets of microwave popcorn! (updated with Danish controls)
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have been used in some of our favourite products including waterproof clothing and non stick pans, but their persistence means they're found all over the globe, in wildlife and in our blood and other tissues. As the amount of research showing the harmful effects of these widely used chemicals grows, many of them are still in use - including in … [Read more...] about PFCs: In our blood, in polar bears – and in packets of microwave popcorn! (updated with Danish controls)
Safer chemicals are good for business, creating jobs and growth
A major US-based study has found that producing and using safer chemicals is good for business, and recommends that companies that are not already evaluating the potential of safer chemicals should do so. The study estimates that the market for safer chemicals has 24 times the growth potential of the worldwide conventional chemicals market , and that job creation in safer goods … [Read more...] about Safer chemicals are good for business, creating jobs and growth
Climate change could worsen effects of EDC pollution
In the first study of its kind, scientists have shown that climate change could amplify the negative effects of pollution from endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on aquatic wildlife. Climate change is seen globally as a major environmental risk, and when combined with chemical pollution and habitat loss, it has the potential to have a severe impact on wildlife populations. … [Read more...] about Climate change could worsen effects of EDC pollution
Turtles could be the latest casualties of hormone disrupter bisphenol A
The sex of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), native to fresh waters of North America, is normally determined by the temperature the eggs are exposed to during development, but new research shows the commonly used hormone disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) can disrupt this process. BPA, which is present in a number of household products including food can linings and till … [Read more...] about Turtles could be the latest casualties of hormone disrupter bisphenol A
