Recent FDA Recalls and Important Notifications
The Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) oversees the regulation and safety of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and medical devices. This agency also oversees the regulation and safety of many food items and cosmetic products. Below are recent notifications by the FDA concerning the safety of medical devices, drugs, and food products: Device Safety Notification Smartwatches […]
The Connection Between PFAS and Kidney Cancer
PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, continue infiltrating our environment, with over 98% of the US population displaying detectable levels in their blood. Researchers continue to study Forever Chemicals for their link to kidney cancer. This prompted Dr. Jonathan Hofmann and his team to lead a comprehensive study in 2020. The groundbreaking research, published in the […]
Elevated PFAS in Firefighter Gear
The NIST released a new report in January 16, 2024 concerning PFAS in firefighting turnout gear. The report responds to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The first report shows a baseline by defining the type, concentration, and prevalence of PFAS in textiles used for new and unused Firefighter’s jackets and pants. […]
Hurt riding bicycle in Louisiana, what should I do?
Riding a bicycle is a great way to exercise and enjoy the Louisiana outdoors. However, a bike ride can turn deadly when a car or truck driver fails to share the road. The result is a car versus bicycle crash. As a result, people can suffer physical pain and injury, or even death. Car versus […]
Withdrawing Opt-Out Elections
in the 3M Water Settlement The $12.5 billion 3M Public Water System class settlement presents an opportunity for the recovery of costs spent by water systems to respond to the PFAS crisis. However, Public Water Systems who opted out of the settlement could recover nothing. Fortunately, those who opted out may opt back in, provided […]
Dupont Water Settlement Deadlines & Payments
DuPont agreed to pay $1.085 billion to settle all damages caused to public drinking water systems by PFAS contamination. In sum, the Settlement Class includes all public water systems in the United States that draw from water sources that tested positive for PFAS at any level. The settlement divides water systems into Phase One and […]
FDA Issues New Guidelines on Benzene Exposure
The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) recently issued guidelines to minimize benzene exposure in the consumer market. Specifically, the guidelines are directed at drug manufacturers and the way they test products. The new guidelines suggest what tests manufacturers should perform when creating products containing benzene. Further, the guidance suggests that the United States Pharmacopia (“USP”) […]
EPA Announces New Steps to Protect Communities from PFAS
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new measures to safeguard communities and the environment from the health risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are persistent chemicals with slow breakdown rates, commonly used in various consumer, commercial, and industrial products. The EPA is proposing two rules to enhance its comprehensive strategy […]
PFAS in Landfill Leachate: A Growing Concern
Introduction Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as significant environmental pollutants. They come from various products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and firefighting foams. Landfills receive a vast range of waste, becoming critical sources of PFAS. Leachate, the liquid that drains or ‘leaches’ from a landfill, often carries these chemicals into the environment. PFAS […]
Oil & Gas Industry had Knowledge of the Risks of Climate Impacts from CO2 Emissions in 1954
Early Funding of Climate Research In 1954, the fossil fuel industry began funding climate science. This was way before many people knew about climate change. They gave money to Charles Keeling. He became famous for the “Keeling curve.” This curve shows how much carbon dioxide (CO2) is in the Earth’s atmosphere. It keeps going up. […]