If we want to fight cancer, we should tax the companies that cause it
In order to fund the newly reignited Cancer Moonshot program, should we tax companies known to release carcinogens into the environment, like we tax the tobacco or soda industry? To fund better preventive care and better treatment research, this article suggests to tax not only companies which release carcinogens in to the environment (industrial facilities, […]
I was hurt at work, can I file a lawsuit?
Getting hurt at work can be devastating. Unfortunately, lots of people are hurt or killed at work each year. In Louisiana, hurt or killed workers can file a workers’ compensation claim if their injury arises out of and in the course of employment. Workers’ Comp May Not Provide Full Recovery Unless your employer or co-worker […]
Opponents of St. Tammany land use plan take their objections to court
The Orleans Audubon Society and nearly 70 other concerned citizens have filed a petition seeking the right to appeal St. Tammany Parish Planning Commission’s vote to develop property in the parish for manufacturing and industry purposes. The petition alleges that constituents were blocked from formally appealing the commission’s vote to the Parish Council. Opponents of […]
Microplastics found in fresh snow on Antarctica
Scientists recently discovered microplastics from clothing and water bottles in Antarctic snowfall for the first time. Antarctica now joins the growing list of our planet’s most remote locations where microplastics have been found including Mount Everest and the Marianas Trench. Microplastic pollution is known to cause irreversible negative effects on the environment and even human […]
EPA Probes Environmental Justice in Louisiana Projects
The EPA is investigating two complaints against the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Health that accuse the agencies of neglecting environmental justice in Cancer Alley. Activists are urging the departments to develop policies that address and prevent the disproportionate burden of air pollution suffered by Black communities located near chemical plants between […]
AFFF Government Contractor Defense
Aqueous Film Forming Foams (“AFFF”) are used to extinguish petroleum-based fuel and other flammable liquid fires. The AFFF litigation involves injuries sustained as a result of exposure to AFFF containing fluorocarbon molecules. Fluorocarbon molecules contain or may break down into PFAS and PFOS. PFAS and PFOS are “forever chemicals” that never leave the body and […]
Bicycle Accidents In Louisiana
Bicycle accidents increase as bicycle riding increases. Gas is $4.42/ gallon and prices keep climbing. They show no signs of stopping. Instead of driving to work, you might think about riding your bike. Saving money on gas, fresh air, and exercise are great benefits. But there are risks that come with riding a bicycle on […]
Firefighter Exposure Pathways to AFFF
Firefighter exposure to cancer causing chemicals is a serious issue. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of man-made chemical compounds that can be found in firefighting foam and turnout gear. Two PFAS compounds, perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), were often in firefighting aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). These chemicals enter […]
“PFS”- What is a Plaintiff Fact Sheet?
A Plaintiff Fact Sheet (“PFS”) is a court mandated questionnaire plaintiffs must fill out in the discovery phase of litigation. During discovery, the parties exchange information. Normally, this is done through interrogatories and requests for production, but in Multidistrict Litigations (“MDL”) and other consolidated proceedings, plaintiffs submit information to defendants by completing Plaintiff Fact Sheets. […]
PFAS in Fast Food Packaging
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used chemicals that persist in the environment for very long periods of time earning them the nickname “Forever Chemicals.” PFAS are found in water, air, soil, and food sources all over the world. PFAS have been primarily linked to testicular and kidney cancer, but animal studies also suggest […]