For decades, the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) has encouraged the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer, a practice marketed as sustainable waste management. However, evidence reveals that this sludge, often laden with toxic PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” contaminates farmland, food, and water sources nationwide. The origin of these chemicals, their risks, and the … Read more
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has expanded its Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to include nine additional “forever chemicals.” This move is aimed at increasing transparency and helping communities monitor the release of these persistent substances into their environments. What Are Forever Chemicals? Forever chemicals, technically referred to as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are synthetic … Read more
In Chesapeake, Ohio (not to be confused with Chesapeake, Virginia, which is in the ECWQ service area), residents have grown increasingly vocal about a sewage-like odor that has plagued the area for years. Many attribute the foul smell to a nearby utility company, Aqua Ohio, and are calling for change amid concerns for their health … Read more
Virginia’s ongoing expansion underscores the urgent need for secure and sustainable water systems. As cities modernize, critical decisions about infrastructure materials will shape the health and safety of residents for decades. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) current review of vinyl chloride, a chemical central to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, casts new scrutiny on one … Read more
Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic smaller than five millimeters, are now found in nearly every corner of the human body. Studies have detected these particles in organs like the lungs, liver, and even the brain, raising pressing questions about their potential health impacts. While scientists have long studied microplastics in oceans and marine life, recent … Read more
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a sweeping ban on two widely used but hazardous industrial solvents: trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). The decision marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing health risks posed by these chemicals, commonly found in everyday products and industrial processes. Understanding TCE: A Decades-Long Hazard A Ubiquitous … Read more
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could play a critical role in reshaping America’s health policies if Donald Trump returns to the White House, with a major focus on addressing chronic disease and reevaluating the safety of public water supplies. In a recent interview with NBC News, Kennedy outlined his vision to tackle what he considers an … Read more
Bottled water has become a staple for many, with 5% of Americans relying on it for most of their hydration and only 10% drinking exclusively tap water. Yet, experts argue that this preference might not be as beneficial as commonly believed. A recent commentary published in BMJ Global Health highlights concerns about the health and … Read more
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are nearly ubiquitous in modern life. Found in various products and environments, PFAS have contaminated the bloodstream of 98% of Americans, as reported by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. These chemicals are known for their persistence, largely due to their robust carbon-fluorine bonds, allowing them to accumulate in … Read more
In a concerning development for residents of an unincorporated area in Cumberland County, North Carolina, reports have emerged about the contamination of private well water with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” This discovery has prompted a flurry of alerts from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), raising alarm over the … Read more