Environmental Health News

Artificial turf’s hidden costs: Heat, toxic chemicals, and disposal worries swirl around youth sports fields As schools swap grass for plastic, scientists warn that the heat-soaked, tire-filled surfaces may expose young athletes to toxic chemicals while communities struggle to recycle the fields.Michael J. C...

“I would not recommend parents let their children play on there. Period.”

Great summary by our friends at @ehnewsroom.bsky.social on the Washington Post's recent article covering the health risks associated with artificial turf.

Important #BackToSchool read.

Wireless radiation exposure linked to DNA damage A recent review published in Frontiers in Public Health analyzing more than 500 studies found that a substantial body of scientific research has reported genetic damage from wireless radiation exposur...

This is wild and portends a need for big changes. From @ehnewsroom.bsky.social, with link to peer-reviewed article.

www.ehn.org/wireless-rad...

Our annual summer reading list, 2025 edition Happy 4th of July! Here's what our staff is reading this summer.

Welcome to summer, everyone!

Each 4th of July, our staff share a memorable book that they’ve recently read, and this year, like every year, has produced an eclectic, thought-provoking mix. We hope our picks inspire some new additions to your own lists.

www.ehn.org/summer-reading

Colorado kids with leukemia are more than twice as likely to live near dense oil and gas development A recent study found that Colorado children who’d been diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia were more than twice as likely to live near dense oil and gas development, including both conventional ...

A recent study found that Colorado children who’d been diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia were more than twice as likely to live near dense oil and gas development, including both conventional and fracking wells, than healthy children throughout the state.
www.ehn.org/fracking-leu...

How New Jersey’s towns are tackling microplastic pollution from construction ​Towns across the Jersey Shore are organizing to pass first-of-their-kind ordinances to contain microplastics. The effort, however, only scratches the surface of the construction industry’s plastic im...

Towns across the Jersey Shore are organizing to pass first-of-their-kind ordinances to contain microplastics.

The effort, however, only scratches the surface of the construction industry’s plastic impacts.

www.ehn.org/microplastic...

EHN reporters Cami Ferrell and Kristina Marusic win four Golden Quill Awards EHN reporters Cami Ferrell and Kristina Marusic won four 2025 Golden Quill journalism awards for their reporting on hydrogen energy and chemical recycling.

EHN reporters Cami Ferrell and Kristina Marusic won four 2025 Golden Quill awards for their reporting on hydrogen energy and chemical recycling!
www.ehn.org/journalism-a...

Millions in the U.S. may rely on PFAS-contaminated drinking water A recent study estimates that up to 95 million people nationwide may rely on drinking water contaminated with 24 types of these "forever chemicals."

Millions in the U.S. may rely on PFAS-contaminated drinking water 🚨

As the Trump administration delays limits on forever chemicals in drinking water, a new model predicts the locations of contaminated groundwater, exposing potential widespread health risks.

www.ehn.org/pfas-map-tru...

To curb chronic disease in Americans, the FDA needs to regulate toxic chemicals in our food. ​FDA reform — not just narrow ingredient bans — is needed to make America healthier.

OPINION: To curb chronic disease in Americans, the FDA needs to assert regulatory control over toxic chemicals in our food.

"FDA reform — not just narrow ingredient bans — is needed to make America healthier."

www.ehn.org/fda-gras-loo...

It's time for investors to address the risk from undisclosed hazardous chemicals in investment portfolios Investors are exposed to financial risk from chemical hazards that many companies fail to identify, disclose, or address. The result is financial exposure that can be sudden, severe, and avoidable.

OPINION: Investors should address the risk from undisclosed hazardous chemicals in investment portfolios.

"Consumer product and manufacturing investments are vulnerable to hidden risk from unknown or undisclosed hazardous chemicals. New tools can help."

www.ehn.org/investment-p...

Another PFAS-containing pesticide headed for US registration US regulators are poised to approve a pesticide made with a controversial class of toxic chemicals, stoking concerns of new risks for farms across the country.

US regulators are poised to approve a pesticide made with a controversial class of toxic chemicals, stoking concerns of new risks for farms across the country.
www.ehn.org/pfas-in-pest...

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals These facilities include the Chevron Pasadena Refining facility, the LyondellBasell Houston refinery, and the Chevron Phillips Chemical Sweeny Complex in Brazoria County, all of which are seeking rene...

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals 🚨

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

www.ehn.org/chevron-lyon...

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities Community advocates and scientists held an event to discuss how President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office have set back climate action and harmed environmental health and research.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities.

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

www.ehn.org/100-days-trump

As regenerative agriculture gains momentum, report warns of “greenwashing” Billed as a type of food system that works in harmony with nature, “regenerative” agriculture is gaining popularity in US farm country, garnering praise in books and films and noted as one of the goal...

As regenerative agriculture gains momentum, report warns of “greenwashing”

“It is scientifically and ethically disingenuous to claim to be regenerating soil while you are using synthetic chemicals."

www.ehn.org/regenerative...

The greater Pittsburgh region is among the 25 worst metro areas in the country for air quality: Report The region received an “F” grade for particulate matter from the American Lung Association

The greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area is among the 25 regions in the country with the worst air pollution, according to a new report from the American Lung Association.
www.ehn.org/air-pollutio...

​Half of the world's plastic pollution can be traced back to 56 companies​ New research shows a few multinational companies, including Philip Morris International and Coca-Cola, are major contributors to global plastic pollution, a study finds.Sofia Quaglia reports for The G...

"The industry likes to put the responsibility on the individual. But it’s the brands, it’s their choice for the kinds of packaging they use and for embracing this throwaway model of delivering their goods."

Read more via @ehnewsroom.bsky.social 👇
www.ehn.org/half-of-the-...

Opinion: The use of sulfur in organic farming may be “natural,” but it’s not harmless Often promoted as “natural” and approved for organic farming, elemental sulfur is anything but benign. Once applied to crops, it doesn’t just stay in the soil. It sublimates — transforming from a soli...

OPINION: The use of sulfur in organic farming may be “natural,” but it’s not harmless.

“If a synthetic pesticide posed this kind of chronic airborne risk, we’d expect tighter scrutiny.”

www.ehn.org/sulfur-pesti...

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study Traditional regulatory approaches to analyzing health impacts from air pollution consider each chemical individually, rather than cumulatively. The new method, developed by researchers at Johns Hopkin...

WATCH: Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution.

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

www.ehn.org/health-risks...

Plastics may disrupt the body’s clock, raise risk of chronic disease, study finds This article was originally published by U.S. Right To Know and is republished here with permission under a Creative Commons license.Chemicals found in common food packaging plastics like cling film a...

Chemicals found in common food packaging plastics like cling film and snack pouches may interfere with the body’s natural 24-hour sleep-wake cycle, increasing the risk of sleep disorders, diabetes, immune problems, and even cancer, new research shows.
www.ehn.org/plastics-har...

Opinion: The PFAS Alternatives Act is a path toward safer firefighting Firefighters stand on the front lines of disaster, battling wildfires that may consume thousands of acres, responding to emergencies in rural communities, and putting themselves in harm’s way to keep ...

OPINION: The PFAS Alternatives Act is a path toward safer firefighting.

"Firefighters deserve access to safe protective equipment."

www.ehn.org/pfas-alterna...

A controversial facility that would process plastic waste to be burned in steel mills has been cancelled International Recycling Group (IRG) has announced that they will cancel a planned plastic waste processing facility in Erie, Pennsylvania, due to President Trump’s federal funding cuts and tariffs, am...

International Recycling Group (IRG) has announced that they will cancel a planned plastic waste processing facility in Erie, Pennsylvania, due to President Trump’s federal funding cuts and tariffs, among other reasons.
www.ehn.org/recycling-er...

Analysis raises concerns about potential misuse of atrazine weedkiller in US Midwest Atrazine is an endocrine disruptor linked to increased risk of various cancers, preterm birth, birth defects, and diminished immune function.

Analysis raises concerns about potential misuse of atrazine weedkiller in US Midwest 🚨

Atrazine is an endocrine disruptor linked to increased risk of various cancers, preterm birth, birth defects, and diminished immune function.

www.ehn.org/atrizine-wat...

I live in Flint, Michigan. Shuttering environmental justice at EPA hurts communities like mine. I serve on the EPA’s National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, and I believe its preservation is critical.

Thanks to @ehnewsroom.bsky.social for publishing my commentary on the connection between EJ at EPA and community-based environmental advocacy. Here’s to hoping that the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council will be able to continue its important work: www.ehn.org/flint-epa-ne...

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry? A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations.

www.ehn.org/josh-shapiro...

Environmentalists are struggling, but their struggle isn’t unique to the Trump administration It’s a difficult time to be an environmental advocate. But for many communities, environmental and social issues are recurrent, and not a singular product of the administration change.

WATCH: Environmentalists are struggling, but their struggle isn’t unique to the Trump administration.

“No one is going to save us.”

www.ehn.org/trump-energy...

California launches statewide pesticide notification system ​Farmworkers and advocates say that the first-of-its-kind system is a landmark victory in the push for pesticide transparency.

California launches statewide pesticide notification system 🚨

Farmworkers and advocates say that the first-of-its-kind system is a landmark victory in the push for pesticide transparency.

www.ehn.org/california-p...

From EPA Staff: An Open Letter to the American Public • The Revelator “We cannot stand by and allow this to happen,” write current and former EPA employees. “We need to hold this administration accountable.”

From EPA Staff: An Open Letter to the American Public

-- republished today on @the-revelator.bsky.social from @ehnewsroom.bsky.social therevelator.org/epa-open-let...

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public "This is not about defending our paychecks. This is about protecting the health of our communities."

NEW: An open letter from EPA staff to the American public.

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

www.ehn.org/epa-environm...

From current and former EPA employees: An open letter from EPA staff to the American public @ehnewsroom.bsky.social

Articulates the impact of federal funding cuts to local communities. It is wasteful, fraudulent, and an abuse of power. #federalfundingcuts

www.ehn.org/epa-environm...

Community activists plead to be heard through “closed doors” outside nation’s top energy conference Climate activists expressed concern that discussions behind closed doors at the nation’s largest energy conference, CERAWeek, will further contribute to environmental health risks.

WATCH: Climate activists expressed concern that discussions behind closed doors at the nation’s largest energy conference, CERAWeek by S&P Global, will further contribute to environmental health risks.
www.ehn.org/fossil-fuel-...

What’s happening to EPA-funded community projects under Trump? ​A Q&A with the air quality program director for Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab

What’s happening to EPA-funded community projects under Trump?

A Q&A with the air quality program director for Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab. @breathe-project.bsky.social @gasp-pgh.bsky.social @fractracker.bsky.social @protectpt.bsky.social

www.ehn.org/epa-air-moni...