“It’s not just PFOA, it’s not just this location in West Virginia" - Rob Bilott The new Hollywood film ‘Dark Waters’ tells the real-life story of Rob Bilott, the lawyer who took on chemical giant DuPont after discovering that the company was polluting drinking water with the harmful chemical PFOA (also referred to as C8 in the film). Starring actor Mark Ruffalo and … [Read more...] about ‘Dark Waters’ and PFOA – FAQ
Water
Urgent action needed on highly persistent PFAS chemicals
A new CHEM Trust briefing highlights the threats posed to the environment and human health by a family of over 4,000 highly persistent chemicals: PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), also known as the ‘forever chemicals’. CHEM Trust is extremely concerned that, because of their high persistence, this group of chemicals could lead to a situation where their … [Read more...] about Urgent action needed on highly persistent PFAS chemicals
Medicines polluting the environment: EU Commission looks at policy options
In 2014 CHEM Trust published a detailed study of the increasing evidence that human and veterinary medicines are damaging wildlife. Three years later, the European Commission has just completed a consultation on a proposed “Strategic approach” to pharmaceuticals in the environment. CHEM Trust's response to this consultation argues that the "issue of pharmaceuticals in the … [Read more...] about Medicines polluting the environment: EU Commission looks at policy options
Killer whales under threat from persistent PCB chemicals, yet emissions continue
PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) are a group of chemicals which were produced in large quantities by companies such as Monsanto, and were widely used in electrical equipment, sealants and paints. Their production was phased out in the mid 1980’s in Europe, and they are now banned by the global Stockholm convention, as they were found to be toxic and to accumulate in wildlife … [Read more...] about Killer whales under threat from persistent PCB chemicals, yet emissions continue
EU Environmental policy: How it evolved and why it is important
Nigel Haigh, who is one of CHEM Trust's trustees, has recently published a book examining the evolution of EU environmental policy - something he has been closely involved with since the 1970s. The book describes the creation of a fairly comprehensive system of environmental policy, which in many areas has a global impact. It includes a history of EU chemicals regulation, and … [Read more...] about EU Environmental policy: How it evolved and why it is important
How safe is our seafood?
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?
Chemicals from fracking could cause significant pollution and damage to wildlife
A new analysis for chemicals charity CHEM Trust finds that chemicals from fracking sites have the potential to cause significant pollution [1]. This pollution with hazardous chemicals could cause damage to sensitive ecosystems, including killing wildlife, as has happened in the US. Important UK wildlife sites are threatened, which could harm a wide range of species such as … [Read more...] about Chemicals from fracking could cause significant pollution and damage to wildlife
Science, pollution and wellbeing – three themes for Europe in 2015
At the start of December I gave a short presentation at the health session of the EEB's 40th Anniversary conference. It was based around three themes: the need to ensure pollution is part of discussions on the environment (rather than just climate, resource efficiency and biodiversity) the need to focus on increasing wellbeing in the jobs, growth & sustainability … [Read more...] about Science, pollution and wellbeing – three themes for Europe in 2015
Medicines in the Environment: A Growing Threat to Wildlife and Drinking Water
There is increasing evidence that human and veterinary medicines are damaging wildlife, a new report launched today by the environmental charity CHEM Trust shows. The report “Pharmaceuticals in the Environment: A growing threat to our tap water and wildlife” highlights that medicines [1] are polluting rivers and have harmed wild birds and fish. Other species too have been … [Read more...] about Medicines in the Environment: A Growing Threat to Wildlife and Drinking Water
Fracking – CHEM Trust’s position
** Update June 2015 - we have now published a new report and briefing on fracking, see the press release for details ** Fracking remains in the news - in the United Kingdom and also around the world. Much has been written about the carbon balance of fracking, for example the risks of fugitive emissions of methane, and the simple reality that taking more fossil fuels out of the … [Read more...] about Fracking – CHEM Trust’s position