A recent study has uncovered a concerning link between wastewater treatment plants and the contamination of drinking water with persistent “forever chemicals.” These substances, primarily associated with prescribed drugs and industrial pollutants, may be exposing millions of Americans to potential health risks as conventional treatment methods fail to eliminate them. Moreover, climate change is exacerbating … 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
New research suggests that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, challenging current federal limits and raising concerns over the safety of water supplies across the United States. Arsenic Exposure and Heart Disease This study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, is the first to analyze the effects … Read more
As hurricane season intensifies, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging residents who rely on private wells for their water supply to inspect their wells for potential contamination. The VDH highlights that wells may become contaminated if they were submerged during a hurricane or if there is any suspicion that submersion occurred. Steps to … Read more
Recent findings have spotlighted the pervasive presence of “forever chemicals” in water systems across Virginia, posing potential health risks to residents. This comprehensive analysis stems from a groundbreaking U.S. Geological Survey study, revealing that these synthetic compounds, formally known as PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances), are contaminating drinking water sources nationwide. Their omnipresence in both … Read more
California takes a significant step toward safeguarding children’s health. The State Assembly passed a bill targeting lead removal from school water sources. This move is critical as new data reveals high lead levels in childcare centers. Legislation Overview Assembly Bill 249 proposes stringent measures for lead in school water. It mandates lead testing in drinking … Read more
The Supreme Court’s recent 5-4 decision on the Clean Water Act marks a pivotal moment. It significantly limits the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) power to protect the nation’s drinking water from agricultural runoff pollution. This ruling narrows the definition of “Waters of the United States” that the EPA can regulate. Consequently, the agency’s ability to … Read more
Critical Findings Demand Immediate Attention Recent investigations in California have unveiled alarming levels of lead in drinking water at nearly 1,700 child care centers. This revelation highlights a significant health risk to the state’s youngest residents, necessitating urgent measures to ensure their safety. The initiative, propelled by Assembly Bill 2370, underscores the critical need for … Read more
A landmark ruling by a federal court has directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the presence of perchlorate in the nation’s drinking water. This decision has widespread implications for public health, particularly for the estimated 12 million Americans exposed to this harmful chemical found in rocket fuel. The Ruling’s Background Perchlorate is a … Read more