Pollution
The latest chemistry news and research on pollution, including remediation, environmental monitoring, contamination and toxicity, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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NewsPaint in buildings a huge reservoir of PFAS waiting to enter the environment
Decades worth of chemicals stored in paints that have been applied to homes and businesses
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ResearchMetabolised antibiotics can drive antimicrobial resistance just as much as their parent compounds
Studies on wastewater show that antibiotic transformation products may play an underappreciated role in driving antimicrobial resistance
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FeatureSeveso disaster at 50: how Italy’s dioxin catastrophe transformed chemical safety
On 10 July 1976, a chemical reactor near Milan released a cloud containing dioxin over residential areas. The Seveso disaster traumatised a community, sparked pan-European environmental campaigns and transformed industrial safety regulation across the continent.
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NewsScientists fear that microplastics may be helping bacteria outsmart antibiotics
Emerging evidence reveals that plastics particles can induce stress and boost exchange of resistance genes
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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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ResearchExtreme weather likely to increase methane emissions from landfills
Observations and models reveal precipitation and temperature linked to 13% of emissions from these sites
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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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NewsPaint manufacturers still putting consumers at risk in Mexico with sale of toxic lead paints
Over half of paints sold in the country contain unsafe levels of lead pigments, with some reaching up to 29% lead
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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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BusinessBursting bubbles break down PFAS
Mantisonix is using ultrasound to destroy fluorochemical pollutants in water
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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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NewsCalifornia finds no significant risk to human health from synthetic turf fields
After years of conflicting safety findings, the head of the state’s environmental hazard assessment office says this new study should ‘ease concerns’
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ResearchSunlight-driven process upcycles polystyrene waste and elemental sulfur into valuable organic compounds
Products could be used as building blocks for semiconductor materials
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NewsOver 80% of US adults want more done to ensure that chemicals are safe
In recent survey, 84% of American respondents say the government and industry must do more to identify, regulate harmful chemicals in products
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NewsHow will repealing the ‘endangerment finding’ hit US action on climate?
Without 2009 ruling emissions regulations on everything from cars and power stations to blast furnaces could collapse