Environmental & Occupational Hazards – Page 3

Chowhound, July 19, 2024

5 Things You Should Know About The Forever Chemicals In Your Kitchen

"While some PFAS are now banned, this doesn't fix everything, as the chemicals can soak into earth and water, can take centuries to degrade, and can build up in the human body over time." (Scott Bartell)

LAist, July 15, 2024

8 months after Tustin hangar fire, why some residents are gripped by toxic uncertainty

"The city did not say that contamination of homes did not happen. It's just saying months after the event, there's no new contamination found in households that volunteered to participate in the sampling. But that's a fine detail that may not appeal to somebody who still feels vulnerable." (Oladele Ogunseitan)

Underground Infrastructure, July 11, 2024

Survey reveals concerns over PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water

"While the EPA's new regulations represent progress, many water utilities won't need to comply until 2029. This delay, combined with the complexity of PFAS, underscores the need for immediate consumer education and proactive measures." (Scott Bartell)

Health, July 11, 2024

Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. Households Could Have Dangerous Levels of Lead Lurking in Their Soil

"Lead can get into the soil in many different ways, including from leaded gasoline used in cars until 1975 and lead in aviation fuel. The burning of that would end up releasing into the air. Then the air pollution would deposit, and so you get lead from the air into the soil. " (Jun Wu)

ABC7 Los Angeles, July 5, 2024

Doctors highlight hidden health risks associated with Fourth of July celebrations

"July 5 is one of the most polluted days of the year. It can worsen people’s health conditions, including asthma, children’s outcomes and pregnancy outcomes" (Jun Wu )

The Weather Network, July 4, 2024

Heat waves can damage organs, new study suggests – The Weather Network

"In a dynamically changing global landscape, the imminent threat of climate change is evident in rising temperatures, raising concerns about intermittent heat waves. Our heating planet is undoubtedly leading to acute and chronic heat stress that harms the health of our aging population." (Saurabh Chatterjee)

National Geographic, July 2, 2024

The hidden toll of July Fourth fireworks

"L.A. has less stringent policies regarding bigger fireworks shows and purchases by residents. A lot of the fireworks displays typically happen in the bigger cities, especially along coastal communities, and lower income [minority] communities typically are closer to those ports." (Jun Wu)

Voice of OC, July 2, 2024

How Much Do Fireworks Impact Orange County’s Air Quality?

"Basically you can think of it as trying to define a dirt clod – no two dirt clods are going to look the same. So what scientists do instead is we think of them in terms of their size breakdown. Some particles reach deeper into the lung … they can enter the bloodstream." (Shahir Masri)

Good Men Project, July 1, 2024

Heat Stress Has Damaging Impact on Older Adults’ Vital Organs

"Inflammation in the brain and spine contributes to cognitive decline, compromises the ability to form new neurons, and exacerbates age-related diseases. By investigating the effects of heat stress on the gut-liver-brain crosstalk, we can better protect our increasingly vulnerable aging population." ( Saurabh Chatterjee)

TIME, June 27, 2024

The Health Risks of Fireworks

"What level of exposure you get depends on your activity levels—for instance, whether you’re outdoors—and, if you’re indoors, how leaky your house is. If you have to go outside, wearing a [N95] mask would be good." (Jun Wu)