Contamination
The latest chemistry news and research on contamination, including legacy contaminants, industrial pollution and emerging contaminants, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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NewsNew study to measure exposure to PFAS in the UK population
Health Security Agency aims to establish a baseline level of ‘forever chemicals’ in the blood of the UK population
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PodcastA salmon-safe alternative to 6PPD & the first known example of naturally produced MOFs
Can we find a less toxic tyre additive while balancing delicate tyre chemistry? And we discuss a bacteria that appears to synthesise its own MOFs at the bottom of the seafloor.
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OpinionUS atrazine cancer lawsuit revives hazard vs risk debate in pesticide regulation
Should firms have to issue cancer warnings in states that use different assessment criteria to national regulators?
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BusinessTyremakers are searching for alternatives to salmon-killing additive
6PPD protects rubber from ozone, but forms a quinone that is extremely toxic to salmon
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NewsPFAS chemicals represent a human rights threat, UN told
The UN’s current and former toxics advisers are urging an immediate ban on all non-essential uses of these chemicals
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NewsHouse of Lords committee calls for ban on over-the-counter flea and tick treatments
Overuse of these treatments is potentially causing widespread damage to the environment
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NewsCan we have a world without PFAS?
Chemistry World spoke to Rudy Dams, a former 3M scientist, about our uneasy relationship with PFAS, proposed bans and the search for alternatives
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BusinessNew York state sues chemical companies over PFAS pollution
Lawsuit alleges 3M, Chemours, DuPont and others knowingly sold polluting products, and seeks damages and cleanup cost payments
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NewsBreakdown product of pesticides and refrigerants may be classed as reproductive toxicant by EU
Development might lead to phaseout of chemicals that release trifluoroacetic acid and puts substantial commercial interests at risk
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BusinessAustralia sues 3M over firefighting foam PFAS contamination
Government claims 3M withheld and misrepresented information about environmental risks
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Business11 presumed dead in US paper mill implosion
Two deaths confirmed, nine missing and nine others injured after chemical tank ruptured
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PodcastQuantum computing & a mysterious microplastic contaminant
How close are we to using quantum computers in our own labs? Plus, an unexpected source of contamination affecting microplastics research results.
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ResearchLab glove deposits drive false microplastic signatures in atmospheric pollution samples
Researchers uncover contamination pathway that’s complicating efforts to understand how much plastic is in the air
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BusinessUS officially moves to dismantle drinking water PFAS regulations
If finalised, the new rules will remove limits on four substances and give utilities longer to comply with remaining limits
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ResearchIndustrial emissions of feedstock chemicals are hindering recovery of ozone layer
Emissions of certain ozone-depleting chemicals could delay the ozone layer’s recovery by six to 11 years
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NewsPreliminary results suggest high lead levels can be found in discount children’s clothing
Tests of lead levels in 12 children’s t-shirts from various fast fashion retailers exceeds US federal limits
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NewsEuropean Chemicals Agency backs EU-wide PFAS ban
Support for ban marks ‘major step’ at dealing with ‘forever chemicals’
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NewsPFAS waxes found on skis and snowboards lead to three Olympic disqualifications
Athletes excluded for first time for materials doping with ‘forever chemicals’ since the prohibition took effect three years ago
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OpinionProbing PFAS policies in the UK and EU
The UK has set out its approach to regulating fluorochemicals, and the EU has projected the savings from a proposed ban
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NewsUK government sets out plan to tackle PFAS threat
Report accepts that regulation is needed, but warns transition away from PFAS will take time