FDA Launches New Chemical Contaminants Database
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has launched a groundbreaking online tool regarding chemicals. The Chemical Contaminants Transparency Tool is a searchable database providing public access to safety thresholds for harmful substances found in everyday foods. Examples include lead, arsenic, and mercury. Importantly, […]
Approval of Psychedelic Therapy for Mental Health Disorders
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that new pharmaceuticals are both safe and effective for public use. This responsibility is especially crucial as innovative treatments emerge to address complex health issues. One example is the approval of psychedelic therapy to treat certain mental health conditions, including Post Traumatic […]
Public Water Settlement Update
March 2025 Update: 3M, DuPont, Tyco, and BASF This update [March 2025] provides the latest developments in the 3M, DuPont, Tyco, and BASF PFAS drinking water settlements. Public water systems should take immediate action to test all water sources and submit required claims before upcoming deadlines. Significant settlements have been reached. Settlement payouts for the […]
The Hidden Journey of PFAS to Infants
In the quiet Swedish town of Ronneby, researchers uncovered a troubling story of chemical migration. They examined how PFAS migrate from a mother’s bloodstream through the placenta to her developing baby. A Community’s Unwitting Exposure Ronneby residents drank contaminated water for years. No one knew. The pollution came from firefighting foam used at a nearby […]
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 […]
New Executive Orders and Their Potential Impact
The Future of Environmental Protections Under New Leadership Changes in presidential administrations often bring shifts in regulatory priorities, and the latest round of executive orders signals a significant transformation in environmental policy. With new leadership comes the potential rollback or strengthening of key environmental protections, affecting industries, communities, and legal battles over pollution and toxic […]
Can You Sue for a Terrorist Attack in Louisiana?
The tragic Bourbon Street terrorist attack has left many wondering about what legal rights are available to the victims and surviving families. Of course, those responsible can be held criminally accountable. In addition, victims of terrorist acts in Louisiana may have options to seek compensation for their losses. This article will provide details about the […]
FDA Seeks Information on PFAS in Seafood
On November 19, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) issued a request for information (RFI) on per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) in seafood. The agency is seeking information on concentrations in seafood and the surrounding environment Additionally, the FDA is looking for mitigation strategies for reducing exposure to PFAS in seafood. This call for data highlights growing […]
FDA’s Update on Phthalates in Food Packaging
On October 29, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an important update on the regulation of phthalates in food packaging. This announcement builds on the agency’s 2022 Final Rule, which addressed the safety of certain chemicals in food contact materials. What Are Phthalates? Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals used to make […]
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 […]