EPA Lowers National Air Quality Standards
Overview The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on February 7, 2024, released its Final Rule lowering the air quality standard for fine particulate matter. This standard was lowered from the current level of 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9. Background Some fine particulate is emitted directly, such as from fuel combustion by vehicles or power […]
Firefighters on the Frontline:
Unraveling the PFAS Exposure Puzzle Firefighters are modern-day heroes, bravely battling flames to protect lives and property. However, their valor comes at a cost that is often hidden – exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This exposure occurs primarily through the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and the materials used in their turnout […]
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 […]