We buy around 7 million real Christmas trees each year with 80% grown in 1500 UK based Christmas tree farms. It’s estimated that one hectare of trees adds enough oxygen to the environment for 44 people during the tree’s lifespan. In comparison the carbon footprint of an artificial Christmas tree is 40 kg of … Continued
It’s probably not surprising that when plastics are recycled, much of their chemical composition travels with them into recycled plastic items. Plastics manufactured for electronics products such as cables are modified by adding chemicals with flame retardant properties to meet safety standards. So what happens when these plastics are recycled, where do the flame retardants … Continued
A new study of 1000’s of children and adolescents in the Netherlands has concluded that exposure to ambient air pollution during early life can have long terms effects on the development of white matter in the brain. The study investigated links between early childhood exposure to air pollution and the development of white matter microstructures of the … 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
When you read the ingredients list of thousands of everyday products, you’re likely to see surfactants (pronounced sur-fact-ants). The word derives from a combination of surface, acting, and agent – and it describes what they do. Surfactants are chemical substances that are added to products to help break the surface, or surface tension of liquids … Continued
With the arrival of Spring, you may be thinking about updating your home – with a lick of paint, some new carpets, or an update on your tired old bed mattress. With thousands of products to choose from, it may not be top of mind to think about chemicals used in manufacturing processes, so here’s … Continued
This week sees the return of WHO’s World Health Day which promotes key themes for health across the globe. The theme this year, ‘My health, my right‘ includes the right to good mental health for the first time, drawing much needed attention to the links between mental health and poor air quality. Air pollution … Continued
Microplastics are everywhere – in our water and food, everyday household items, beauty products like shampoo, children’s toys, our home furnishings, and our rivers. Microplastics can also pollute our indoor air. So what is known about the effects of microplastics on human cells? A study led by researchers at Hull York Medical School was … Continued
Spring is a perfect time to think about updates to your home – your furniture and carpets, and a splash of paint to add colour to your walls. But before choosing, it’s worth thinking how products are manufactured, and the chemicals used to achieve features such as stain and water resistance, and affordability. In this … Continued
Spring is just around the corner so it’s a good time to blow away the winter cobwebs and give your home a good spring clean. But before you stock up on cleaning products, it’s worth taking stock of what’s in them, and whether some of their ingredients might pose a risk to our health. … Continued
