The findings give new insight into the dangers of urban wildfires that burn plastics and other chemicals in homes and property.
Author: HIROKO TABUCHI
He Saved His Home From Fire. But Toxic Dangers Still Lurk.
Health hazards from soot and smoke blown indoors onto furniture and walls can linger for months, researchers say: “Wind will get through every crack.”
In a First, the E.P.A. Warns of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Sludge Fertilizer
Levels of PFAS in sewage sludge used as fertilizer can pose risks that sometimes exceed safety thresholds “by several orders of magnitude,” the agency said.
Far From the Fires, the Deadly Risks of Smoke Are Intensifying
Researchers see a growing health danger from the vast plumes of pollution spawned by wildfires like the ones devastating Los Angeles.
Is the Pink Fire Retardant That Planes Are Dropping on the California Fires Safe?
It’s widely used because it can slow flames in ways that water can’t. But it also contains heavy metals and other harmful compounds.
‘Forever Chemicals’ Reach Tap Water via Treated Sewage, Study Finds
Wastewater, even after treatment to make it drinkable, contains high levels of PFAS, according to researchers.
E.P.A. Promotes Fertilizer Carrying PFAS, Long After 3M Shared Risks
The agency obtained research from 3M in 2003 revealing that sewage sludge, the raw material for the fertilizer, carried toxic “forever chemicals.”
E.P.A. Bans Perc and T.C.E., Two Chemicals Used In Dry Cleaning
The two solvents, known as Perc and TCE, cause kidney cancer and other ailments, and have been the subject of years of controversy.
Their Fertilizer Poisons Farmland. Now, They Want Protection From Lawsuits.
A company controlled by Goldman Sachs is helping to lead a lobbying effort by makers of fertilizer linked to “forever chemicals.”
Nations Fail to Reach an Agreement on Plastic Pollution
Talks on the world’s first treaty to tackle plastic pollution will continue in coming months, delegates said.