U.S. pesticide law allows EPA to approve pesticides for use under "conditional registration" -- before scientists know whether they will harm human health or the environment. Critics say the loophole is overused and abused, allowing EPA to ignore health threats.
"Scientists have documented for the first time that several phthalates -- controversial chemicals used to make vinyl and fragrances -- are declining in people while several others are rising. The study, published today, is the first comprehensive, nationwide attempt to document trends in exposure to these widely used chemicals over the past decade."
"CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- About one-third of the West Virginia American Water customers affected by a do-not-use water advisory had been told they can use their tap water as of Tuesday evening, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said Tuesday night."
"Consumers can now see whether their personal care products contain toxic chemicals, using an online database made available Friday by the California Department of Public Health."
"CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- When state inspectors arrived at the Freedom Industries tank farm late last Thursday morning, they found a 400-square-foot pool of clear liquid had collected outside a white tank marked as number 396."
"Oil and gas companies that are using hydraulic fracturing -- or fracking -- off the Southern California coast must report chemicals discharged into the ocean under new requirements released Thursday by federal environmental regulators."
"Medical screenings have found high arsenic levels in at least two of the more than 50 residents tested near Louisville’s contaminated Black Leaf industrial site, the scene of Kentucky’s largest residential environmental cleanup ever."
Sometimes hydraulic fracturing of underground shale formations to produce oil and gas goes awry. Pumping fluids into formations at high pressure to release hydrocarbons can cause oil, gas, and toxic liquids to spew from old abandoned wells.
"When the time comes for a glittering soiree or a beach visit that demands flip-flops, nail salons are where women turn for pampering and polish. But under the luxurious veneer, salons aren't always healthy places to be."
"More than 350 people across Japan have fallen ill after eating pesticide-contaminated frozen food produced by the nation's largest seafood firm, national broadcaster NHK said Tuesday."
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