Firefighting Foam Contamination
Airport Lawsuits Numerous airports have filed civil lawsuits to recover damages and costs associated with decades of firefighting foam use. U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel oversees most of these cases in the AFFF multidistrict litigation to coordinate pretrial matters, facilitate settlements, and trials. Airports claim that aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl […]
Unraveling the Impact of PFAS in the Textile Industry
The Miracle of Modern Textiles A fluorescent yellow liquid beads up and rolls off the surface of a pristine white jacket. The demonstration, common at outdoor retailer trade shows, captivates potential buyers. Do you know what makes clothes water resistant? This seemingly magical property stems from a family of chemicals known as PFAS, or per- […]
Apple’s PFAS Consumer Fraud Lawsuit
The Rising Legal Battle Over PFAS in Consumer Products Apple is facing a class action lawsuit over allegations that its products contain toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—commonly known as “forever chemicals.” The lawsuit claims that Apple misled consumers by marketing its products as environmentally friendly while failing to disclose the presence of harmful PFAS. […]
The Continuing Legal Battle Over PFAS
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Dangerous? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” have become a growing concern due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. Found in everyday products like nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foam, PFAS do not break down easily, leading to long-term contamination […]
Supreme Court Overturns Chevron Doctrine
Introduction: The End of Chevron Deference In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling that overturned the Chevron doctrine, a principle that has guided U.S. regulatory law for over four decades. Under the Chevron doctrine, federal agencies were given deference in interpreting laws when their meaning was unclear. However, the Supreme Court’s […]
DC Circuit Challenges NEPA Regulations
A recent decision by the DC Circuit raised significant questions about the legal authority of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to issue regulations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The ruling challenged CEQ’s long-standing framework, which guides federal agencies on how to assess the environmental impacts of major federal actions. The […]
Carbon Neutral Lawsuit Dismissal
In a significant ESG ruling, a U.S. District Court dismissed a class-action lawsuit against Danone Waters of America regarding Evian’s “carbon-neutral” labeling. Plaintiffs alleged “greenwashing,” arguing that the label misled consumers into believing Evian’s production process generated no CO₂ emissions. The court’s decision has important implications for companies making environmental claims, particularly in the context […]
Predictions of Groundwater PFAS Occurrence
Introduction Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products. They are known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Due to their widespread use and persistence, PFAS have become a significant environmental concern. They can accumulate in water sources and pose risks to human health. Understanding their […]
Should the EPA Ban this Herbicide?
Introduction Paraquat is a widely used herbicide known for its effectiveness in controlling weeds. However, concerns have grown about its potential link to Parkinson’s disease. This raises an important question: Should the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ban paraquat to protect public health? Understanding Paraquat Paraquat is a chemical herbicide that farmers use to kill weeds. […]
Cardiovascular Risks of Microplastics Exposure
Introduction Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. They come from the breakdown of larger plastics and from small plastics used in products. These particles are everywhere—in the air, water, and even our food. Recent studies suggest that microplastics may pose health risks. One area of concern is their impact on […]