Families Sickened by Fracking: Report

In a four-part series for Public Radio Environmental Health News, Kristina Marusic tested five different families for 40 different chemicals associated with fracking and found that every person studied was carrying a massive chemical body burden.

Highly Toxic Site Planned for New School and Low-Income Housing

A low-income housing development plus a school will be built on a toxic waste site in the area along the Gowanus Canal in New York City.

Health Problems from Fracking Chemicals Worse than Authorities Thought

Public officials in Colorado acknowledge that fracking can harm public health based on new scientific study results.

Disinfectant, Other Chemicals in Tap Water Linked with Cancer

Disinfectant and other chemicals in public tap water is linked with increased risk for cancer.

Chemicals in Paint Fumes Linked with Autism: New Study

New study reports women exposed to common paint chemicals at work are more likely to have a child with autism spectrum disorder.

Elevated Levels of Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Nail Salons: Study

A new study has replicated previous findings demonstrating there are toxic levels of carcinogenic chemicals in nail salons and in some cases the toxic levels can be higher than those found in auto garages and oil refineries. The study examined levels of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) inside the air of nail salons. More specifically, the chemicals that are commonly found in nail products (benzene, formaldehyde, ethylbenzene, xylene and toulene) were measured inside of several nail salons. The study then went a step further and linked the presence of toxic chemicals in salons with self-reported adverse health symptoms of salon workers.

Maine becomes first US state to ban Styrofoam

Styrofoam containers are harmful to humans, animals and the environment. Scientific research has demonstrated that the toxic chemicals (Benzene and Styrene) in Styrofoam (polystyrene) leach into our food (this is especially true with hot drinks and foods and red wine) where they act as neurotoxins adversely affecting the brain and nervous system. Additionally, Styrofoam cannot be recycled and is accumulating in landfills where it breaks down leaving its toxic chemicals to harm wildlife, marine life and the environment.

Now one state has decided to take action to reduce the amount of Styrofoam on the planet. Maine has just become the first U.S. state to officially ban Styrofoam containers outright.