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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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
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ResearchRising carbon dioxide levels leave conifer forests struggling to get enough nitrogen
Discovery implies boreal forests will grow slower and sequester less carbon
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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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NewsEPA moves to eliminate basis of greenhouse gas regulations
Legal challenges predicted as US environmental protection agency rescinds long-standing ‘endangerment finding’
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BusinessControversial weedkiller dicamba reapproved in the US
Regulator says new label restrictions will prevent damage of nearby crops
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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
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ResearchCovid pandemic’s disruption of industrial activity drove surge in methane in early 2020s
Levels of methane-degrading radicals decreased as a knock-on effect of the pandemic