pfas contamination
Lithium batteries pose environmental threat due to toxic chemicals
New research reveals that PFAS chemicals in lithium ion batteries, essential for clean energy, are significant pollutants, impacting both environment and health.
In short:
- A subclass of PFAS called bis-FASI, used in lithium ion batteries, has been found in the environment near manufacturing plants and in remote areas globally.
- The chemicals are toxic to living organisms, with battery waste in landfills identified as a major pollution source.
- Researchers urge better environmental risk assessments as clean energy infrastructure expands.
Key quote:
“But there’s a bit of tug-of-war between the two, and this study highlights that we have an opportunity now as we scale up this energy infrastructure to do a better job of incorporating environmental risk assessments.”
— Jennifer Guelfo, Texas Tech University researcher.
Why this matters:
These findings highlights how PFAS, used to enhance the performance and lifespan of batteries, are leaching into soil and water systems, posing significant threats to wildlife and human health. As advocates push for stricter regulations and better recycling practices, the quest for safer alternatives continues. Read more: What are PFAS? Everything you need to know about “forever chemicals” and how to avoid them.
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Scientists urge Canada to address emerging water contaminants in the Great Lakes
Scientists studying unregulated contaminants are calling for coordinated action from Ontario and federal governments to protect water and health in the Great Lakes region.
In short:
- Emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and PFAS are not being removed by Ontario's outdated wastewater treatment systems.
- These contaminants pose a threat to the Great Lakes, which supply drinking water to millions and are home to diverse ecosystems.
- Other Great Lakes states, like Michigan and New York, have implemented measures to reduce these contaminants, putting Ontario behind in environmental protection.
Key quote:
“Contaminants keep changing and growing. We’ll get much more. Are we really going to wait to see humans impacted before we start addressing this?”
— Rania Hamza, civil engineering professor at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Why this matters:
The presence of unregulated contaminants in the Great Lakes poses serious risks to human health and the environment. With millions relying on the Great Lakes for water, comprehensive measures are essential to prevent long-term ecological damage and negative health impacts. Read more: Long-banned toxics are still accumulating in Great Lakes birds—as new chemical threats emerge.
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UN
Chemours and DuPont's knowledge of PFAS risks leads to UN intervention
A United Nations human rights panel has spotlighted a North Carolina PFAS plant for its environmental negligence, highlighting the ongoing production of toxic chemicals despite known health risks.
In short:
- The UN panel accuses Chemours and DuPont of continuing PFAS production in North Carolina, ignoring the chemicals' toxic impacts on health and the environment.
- Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are criticized for being overly influenced by these corporations, undermining efforts to regulate PFAS effectively.
- Despite corporate denials and claims of responsible manufacturing, the UN calls for global action to address the harmful effects of PFAS chemicals on communities worldwide.
Key quote:
“This does need to be a global fight. These are forever chemicals.”
— Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear
Why this matters:
PFAS, a.k.a. "forever chemicals," persist in our global ecosystem and have had an adverse impact on global health since their inception. Scientists are scrambling for effective solutions to this ubiquitous toxic scourge and we are reminded that "forever" is a long time.
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Chemical industry spends millions lobbying against Superfund tax
The American Chemistry Council spent $130 million over two years on government lobbying, including against revived Superfund tax.
Texas grapples with environmental fallout from frequent oil and gas wastewater spills
Produced water spills in Texas are causing significant environmental damage, but in a fossil-fuel friendly state known for lax environmental regulations, remedies are few.
In short:
- Texas faces widespread environmental damage from fracking wastewater.
- The regulatory body, Texas Railroad Commission, resists implementing stricter spill management rules.
- The spills pose threats to wildlife, groundwater safety and land integrity.
Key quote:
"They didn’t line the pit, and they didn’t pay attention to the leak detection of their tank.”
— Carl Craigo, Midland, Texas, Utility Director
Why this matters:
Oil and gas wastewater spills in Texas are an environmental crisis affecting water quality, wildlife and land health. With few regulations and scant reporting requirements, harmful practices mostly go unchecked and unpunished.
The fracking industry is notoriously tightlipped regarding chemical disclosures, but recently proposed changes to Pennsylvania fracking regulations offers some future hope.
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Plastic or paper? The truth about drinking straws
The backlash against single-use plastics has seen a growing market for paper, metal, glass and plant-based straws. But is the choice between them really a simple one?
New Mexico lawmakers grapple with PFAS from the oil and gas industry
Citizens Caring for the Future points to data from the Physicians for Social Responsibility, which says that between 2013 and 2022, oil and gas companies put at least 9,000 pounds of PFAS into the ground during fracking operations.
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