A walk in the countryside could be bringing pesticides into your home – that’s what research suggests when pesticide residues across rural locations in ten countries in the EU were analysed. The study analysed more than 600 environmental samples in agricultural settings including soil, water, and household dust. Whilst you might expect pesticides to … Continued
Organophosphate pesticides (OP) have been associated with a variety of health conditions for a long time. The link between pesticides and disruptions in the balance of the gut microbiome have been established by animal experiments and in-vitro models, but evidence on the effect of human exposures has been more limited. But it’s emerging that exposures to … Continued
UK politicians tested for so called ‘Forever chemicals’ including PFAS and PFOA all had detectable levels of 5 chemicals on average from this vast group of chemicals. The tests found “worrying levels” of PFAS above established levels of concern, measured in hair and blood samples. Although a small sample, the study carried out on behalf … Continued
As children prepare to go back to school many will need new uniforms. But what’s the best choice for parents to make? It’s a mix of price, durability, and sizing up how long they’ll last before their children outgrow them. Retailers complete for parent’s attention at this time of year by developing products that appeal to … Continued
So called ‘Forever chemicals’ or PFAS can penetrate the skin new research has found, suggesting a new pathway for this vast group of chemicals to enter into the bloodstream. PFAS are a large group of 9,000 chemical substances which have a carbon- fluorine bond that is extremely hard to break. They persist for a … Continued
We consume a whopping 80m+ tonnes of strawberries in the UK each year. Many of us love them because their sweet flavour is synonymous with summertime, and they are a source of Vitamin C, important for our immune system health. Along with other soft fruits such as raspberries and blueberries, strawberries are a rich source … Continued
In June CRUK published their finding that cancer rates have risen by 22% in people aged between 25 and 49 years of age over the years between the 1990’s and 2018. It represents an unexpected rise, and larger than any seen in other age groups. The trend suggests that more younger adults may be getting … Continued
Microfibres are microplastics measuring 5mm or less that are shed from clothing during wear and washing. Known as ‘secondary’ microplastics they are the result of primary plastic fibres breaking down. Synthetic fibres are made from chemicals to form plastic-like materials frequently used in everyday clothing, sports apparel, and period pants. The extent to which … Continued
Thousands of chemicals are manufactured from fossil fuels including oil, gas, and coal. It’s estimated that there are 350,000 petrochemicals are in use across the world as production levels have grown dramatically since the 1950’s. Petrochemicals are used in the manufacture of thousands of everyday products, from cars to carpets, plastics, cosmetics, toiletries and fragrances, … Continued
Microplastic levels water in plastic bottles are up to 100 times higher than previously thought. That’s the startling conclusion reached by scientists at Columbia and Rutgers universities. One quarter of a million tiny microplastic particles known as nanoparticles were detected in an average 1L bottle of water. Previous studies have detected microplastics in bottled water, but … Continued
