We spend up to 90% of our time indoors – in our homes, our offices or at school. However, studies show that indoor air can be more polluted and therefore worse for our health than air outdoors, as indoor air and dust can contain a number of worrying harmful chemical pollutants. Children, particularly babies and toddlers playing on floors, are specifically vulnerable to … [Read more...] about Dust: Not only a nuisance, but also a source of hazardous chemicals
PFAS
International talks make progress in controlling harmful chemicals
Two important global chemical processes have had meetings recently. Experts working on the Persistent Organic Pollutants Convention recommended international controls on more chemicals, notably the flame retardant deca-DBDE, and the non-stick chemical, PFOA. … [Read more...] about International talks make progress in controlling harmful chemicals
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)