97M American’s Water Fouled by Unregulated Chemicals

A hand in a blue glove holds a test tube under a running kitchen sink faucet, filling it with water.

Millions of Americans unknowingly consume tap water tainted with harmful, unregulated chemicals, according to a new study by the Silent Spring Institute. Researchers found over 97 million people in the United States have been exposed to contaminants that pose potential health risks, highlighting a growing concern about water quality nationwide. What Are the Contaminants? The … Read more

Fluoride Debate: Benefits and Risks for Kids

Children in a classroom staring blankly at a sink with running water, depicting concerns over fluoride in drinking water.

For nearly eight decades, adding fluoride to community water supplies has been a cornerstone of public health in the U.S., lauded for its effectiveness in reducing tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that community water fluoridation decreases cavities by about 25%, marking it as one of the major public health … Read more

New EPA Rule To Remove Lead Pipes

Workers replacing lead pipes in a neighborhood

Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental necessity, yet for many Americans, aging infrastructure and lead-contaminated pipes pose a serious threat to public health. Experts Chad Sidell, President of Corona Environmental Consulting, and Dan Tadesco, leader of the Community Water Systems division at BRDA, shed light on these issues and the solutions available to … Read more

EPA Bans Cancer Causing TCE and PCE

Toxic chemicals labeled 'PCE' being used in a dry-cleaning facility with inadequate ventilation.

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

Medical Waste Prompts Beach Closures in Maryland and Virginia

A deserted beach littered with medical waste and toxic chemical warning signs.

Several popular beach destinations along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia were closed to swimming and wading on Sunday following reports of medical waste, including needles, washing ashore. Authorities swiftly moved to address public health concerns and protect beachgoers from potential hazards. Beaches Closed Due to Health Concerns Swimming bans were implemented at Ocean City, … Read more

Fluoride Lowers Intelligence In Children Says US NTP

Children sleeping at their school desks with half-full glasses of water, highlighting concerns about fluoride in drinking water potentially lowering IQ in children.

A recent report by the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) has raised concerns over the safety of fluoride levels in drinking water. The report suggests that fluoride concentrations above twice the recommended limit might be linked to lower IQ in children. This conclusion, based on an extensive review of previously published studies, marks a significant … Read more

Judge Orders EPA Transparency on Chemical Reviews

EPA logo with chemical symbols under a magnifying glass.

A recent ruling by a Washington, D.C., judge mandates that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must enhance the transparency of information regarding chemicals under review as part of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This decision represents a significant win for environmental advocacy groups who have long argued for greater public access to information on … Read more

VA & NC Wastewater Data Shows Rising COVID-19

Wastewater analysis across Virginia has revealed an uptick in the prevalence of COVID-19, signaling a renewed focus on the virus’s spread in the state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Virginia currently ranks in the “Very High” category for the viral load of COVID-19 present in its wastewater. This method of … Read more

1.7M Gallons of Sewage Spill into Tar River, NC

Contaminated Tar River with sewage overflow under a trestle, warning signs along the riverbank, and city officials in safety gear assessing the situation.

The City of Rocky Mount recently reported a significant environmental incident: a 1.7 million gallon sewage overflow into the Tar River. The overflow was traced to a utility hole located under the trestle on River Side Drive. Local Impact on Tar River The Tar River, cherished by locals for recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and … Read more

Scientists Warning Absorption of ‘Forever Chemicals’

Perfume bottle with a toxic symbol, surrounded by oil spills and oil barrels in the background.

Recent research has unveiled a concerning new pathway for the absorption of harmful chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These “forever chemicals,” so named due to their persistent nature, can now infiltrate our bodies through the skin. This discovery has significant implications for public health, as PFAS are widely used in numerous consumer … Read more