Blog
2024
What’s new
Health Impacts of PFAS Exposure During Pregnancy
PFAS, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often called "forever chemicals" because they don’t break down easily and can remain in the environment and our bodies for a long time. Over the past decade, the harmful effects of PFAS on human health have become increasingly clear with pregnant women and children especially at risk.
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2024
What’s new
Climate Anxiety 102: Navigating crises & resilience
Extreme weather events are becoming all too common, and the human consequences of climate change are now very evident — from job loss, displacement, and destruction of landscape and personal property to disconnection from social networks, communities, and resources. . . .
2024
What’s new
Webinars
A Roadmap to Better Policy for Plastic Chemicals
The petrochemical industry produced 460 million tons of plastics in 2019. This number is expected to triple by 2060. A wide range of chemicals – such as bisphenols, phthalates, and flame retardants – are routinely added to plastics. Many of these plastic chemicals are known to be harmful, and they do not stay in the plastic material. They can be released during feedstock extraction as well as the production, use, and end-of-life of plastics. . . .
2024
What’s new
Zero Breast Cancer joins CHE
We’re pleased to announce that Zero Breast Cancer (ZBC) is now a project of the Collaborative for Health and Environment (CHE). This new partnership is rooted in our shared commitment to translating science into action in the service of health — and we’re very excited to move this work forward together. . . .
2024
What’s new
Safeguarding Science: Protecting researchers & scientific integrity
Independent environmental health researchers work within an economic system that is often hostile to their findings. When their research reveals environmental or health hazards, it can lead to regulatory actions and the possibility of financial losses for industries. In some cases, these industries may attempt to discredit and silence scientists through tactics like funding counter-studies, launching PR campaigns, or engaging in legal battles. . . .
2024
What’s new
Climate Anxiety 101: Understanding, recognizing, & managing environmental worry
In recent years, public discussions about climate change have evolved significantly, especially with the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Some scientists use terms such as “Doomsday Glacier” and “Point of No Return” to emphasize the urgent need for climate action. . . .
2024
What’s new
Forever Chemicals in Artificial Turf: Understanding PFAS testing
Artificial turf poses a range of health and environmental concerns, including chemicals in the rubber and plastic materials, excess heat, skin abrasions, macro- and microplastic pollution in the environment, and habitat loss, among others. . . .
2024
What’s new
Cancer in Young Adults: The role of the food system
According to the American Cancer Society, about 80,000 adults aged 20-39 are now diagnosed with cancer every year, with the most common types being breast cancer, lymphomas, thyroid cancer, colorectal cancer, and brain and spinal cord tumors. This number has been on the rise in recent years, sparking public health concerns and raising questions about the drivers of the upward trend. The potential contribution of the food system – from food packaging and agricultural chemicals to diet and nutrition – is a key area that cannot be ignored. . . .
2024
Guest commentary
What’s new
Attacks on Scientists: Lessons from the Monsanto papers
In the documentary film Merchants of Doubt, Marc Morano, a former staffer for Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), described working to thwart action on climate by attacking the scientists speaking out about the crisis. “You’ve got to name names and you’ve got to go after individuals,” Moreno said. He describes how they “went after” climate scientists James Hansen and Michael Oppenheimer – “and we had a lot of fun with it,” he adds. . . .
2024
What’s new
Summer Heat (Climate Change Version)
Record-breaking heat waves have been making their way through the country as we move into the height of summer. Heat waves in the summer are not unusual. It is the rising frequency of extreme heat waves — and their health impacts — that are a growing concern.
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2024
Guest commentary
What’s new
Plastics: Multiple problems in urgent need of solutions
Oceanic currents deposit enormous amounts of debris into an expansive area of the Northern Pacific Ocean sometimes called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Sailing through that gyre in 1975 was like wandering through a poorly-curated community yard sale with few treasures and lots of trash — mostly plastic. Thick then, it is worse now. . . .
2024
What’s new
Meeting cancer together, with tender fierceness
Too many of our lives are touched by cancer. I’ve lost several people to this terrible disease, including my mother, an uncle and one of my dearest friends. This is one of the reasons I’ve devoted my career to shining a light on environmental drivers of cancer, and what can be done about them. . . .
2024
What’s new
The Plastics Treaty: An opportunity to multisolve
Evidence of human health harms of plastics across the life cycle has been strong for decades. Now, as the next meeting of the global plastics treaty gets underway, new studies documenting these harms (and their costs) have been coming fast and furious. It's now crystal clear that plastics are not only a pollution problem, but also an urgent threat to public health and environmental justice. . . .
2024
Guest commentary
What’s new
On the Brink of Ink: The impact of tattoos and their safety
Tattoos have been a cornerstone in human expression for thousands of years. From an ancient iceman whose remains were found with tattoos across his body, to modern day tattoo conventions, this art form has transcended its ancient roots and is now a common form of expression. . . .
2024
Guest commentary
What’s new
A vision for safer, more sustainable food contact materials
The world is working on ending plastic pollution through a new plastics treaty. If the treaty gets the science right, it has enormous potential to detoxify the planet. But right now, this goal is far beyond reach because there is an elephant in the room: plastic chemicals. . . .
2024
Guest commentary
What’s new
Untangling the causes of obesity
As researchers look for the reasons to explain the global rise in obesity, one thing has become clear — chemicals in our food, packaging, personal care items, and other products are playing a key role. . . .
2024
Guest commentary
What’s new
Under the Surface: What does the fracking boom mean for our health?
Over the last seven years, as I traveled the United States reporting on the oil and gas industry, I have learned a disturbing and little-considered fact: a lot more comes to the surface at a well than just the oil and gas. Each year the industry produces billions of tons of waste, much of it toxic and radioactive. The fracking boom has only worsened the problem. So where does it all go? . . .
2023
What’s new
Webinars
PFAS and Testicular Cancer: A study of U.S. Air Force servicemen
A recent study investigated serum PFAS concentrations and their associations with testicular cancer risk among Air Force servicemen. Dr. Mark Purdue presented findings from the study in an EDC Strategies Partnership webinar. . . .
2023
What’s new
Playground Surfacing: Fun and safety without toxic chemicals
A playground is a wonderful place for kids to play, exercise, build skills, and make friends. It’s important that the materials used in playgrounds are as safe as possible. . . .
2023
Guest commentary
What’s new
“Advanced Recycling” of Plastics: Largely waste disposal by another name (Part 2)
“Advanced recycling,” also sometimes called molecular recycling or chemical recycling, is a term that encompasses several technologies that use heat, solvents, enzymes, or microwaves to break down plastic waste. Among the so-called “advanced recycling” methods, attempts to commercialize and scale up have focused mainly on pyrolysis and gasification. Pyrolysis or gasification of plastics both pose significant challenges, and their performance thus far has been poor. . . .
