Pollution, including chemical pollution, has been recognised as one of the five direct drivers of the biodiversity crisis by the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services). In England, none of the 4,679 inland water bodies assessed by the Environment Agency in 2019 received good chemical status. All have levels of chemical … [Read more...] about Chemical pollution is impacting UK marine and freshwater wildlife
POPs
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
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)
