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. […]
Fetal PFAS Exposure Impacts Metabolism & Liver Function
The Lancet recently published a study titled “In utero exposures to perfluoroalkyl substances and the human fetal liver metabolome in Scotland: a cross-sectional study”. The study provides crucial insights into how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure affects unborn babies. The study found that in-utero exposure to PFAS impacts metabolism and liver function in fetuses. […]
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. It also oversees the regulation and safety of many food items and cosmetic products. Below are recent notifications by the FDA concerning the safety of drugs and medical devices: Amgen’s Prolia® (denosumab) The FDA approved Prolia […]
Banned Book-shelf in Texas High School
Book Banning The Texas State Board of Education passed legislation in late 2023 prohibiting sexually explicit, pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable books in public schools. Since then, Texas teachers have lost jobs or been pressured to resign after making challenged books available to students. However, one teacher in a Texas public school has opened a […]
EU Attacks Alabama for Nitrogen Gas Execution
EU Statement The European Union has criticized the U.S. state of Alabama for executing a convicted murderer using nitrogen gas. A method, they say, is a particularly cruel and unusual punishment. They further state they strongly oppose the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances. Adding that it is a violation of the […]