GM food is an example of a GMO, a term used to describe a genetically modified organism where its gene pattern has been modified or engineered, either by adding or taking away genes to make it develop differently. Crops can be genetically modified to be resistant to pesticides and herbicides such as glyphosate. GM crops … Continued
If the great outdoors is calling you, you might be thinking about buying a new tent. But before you do, bear in mind that flame retardancy regulations in many countries, including the UK, also apply to tents and outdoor shelters. Flame retardants are widely used in the manufacture of soft furnishings and furniture (it is … Continued
Tea is the most popular drink in the world after water, and in the UK, we drink 165 million cups a day! That’s 60 billion cups a year. It helps to wake us up and provides a moment in the day to pop the kettle on and take a break. Friday 21 April is National … Continued
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may be considering gifts to buy for your loved ones. Flowers – often red roses – are amongst the top five most popular gifts for Valentine’s Day, but what sort of chemicals are used in their production, and are there any health effects to consider? The use … Continued
Infants and children are at risk of exposure to the same levels of environmental pollutants as their parents. They are especially susceptible to these pollutants because their body organs including those that control detoxification are immature and still developing. Children are especially at risk during sensitive periods of development and rapid growth when their … Continued
Since 1990 deaths from cancer have been rising in people under the age of 50 in many countries across the world. Rises have been recorded in a wide range of cancers including breast, liver, kidney, thyroid, and numerous others. 5.7 million people died globally in 1990 from cancer, increasing to 8.9 million by 2019. … Continued
A small town in Illinois is pioneering the way to bring safer water into people’s homes by investing in a brand new water system. At a cost of $13m, the new plant will supply fresh drinking water drawn from deep wells which will be treated to remove all traces of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). … Continued
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a widely used chemical group used in the manufacturing process of everyday items such as non-stick pans, plastics, water and stain resistant clothing, and food packaging. They have strong chemical bonds that are impervious to breaking down by known biological or chemical processes, so they are often described as ‘forever … Continued
In the first ever human population based study a connection has been made between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and a later diagnosis of liver cancer. Samples taken during a long-term biomonitoring study in the US compared levels of PFAS detected in plasma to future risk of cancer. People who were later diagnosed … Continued
A new study just published by researchers at Stockholm University, Sweden has examined data to determine whether so-called planetary boundaries levels of PFAS have been exceeded. Researchers compared levels of PFAS substances detected in a variety of global settings in samples collected since 2010 to the present. Samples were drawn from media such as … Continued
