December 2021 Spotlight
Happy holidays! Below is Clean and Healthy New York's monthly newsletter to spotlight the latest science, policy developments, and media coverage that sheds light on the state of environmental health in New York, the US, and abroad.
Pesticides and Radioactivity Found in US Tap Water
56 new toxic chemicals have been identified in US drinking water, including new PFAS chemicals, pesticides, radioactive materials, and water disinfectant byproducts, according to a recent report by EWG. New York is poised to expand testing of drinking water sources with a bill now before the Governor. Read more
Biden Administration Announces Lead Pipes and Paint Removal Plan
The Biden administration has announced its Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan that included significant new funding for eliminating sources of lead poisoning, with massive investments in replacing lead service lines and fixtures. Among the 15 new actions announced, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will award grants to remove lead paint and other home health hazards in low-income communities to protect children and families. Read more
Microplastics that Contaminate Our Bodies Can Cause Cell Death
Tiny pieces of plastic are now so common they are found on Mt. Everest, on the ocean floor, and even in placentas of unborn babies. We eat and breathe them in. New research shows they can cause cell death, as well as allergic reactions, at levels common in people. Microplastics enter our bodies through the foods we eat every day, and can carry added pollutants with them. The primary report author urged action to eliminate plastic waste: “Once the plastic is in the environment, we can’t really get it out.” Read more
Oceans toss PFAS into the Air, Transport Globally
PFAS chemicals are known as “forever” chemicals because they don’t break down easily. New research finds that contaminated ocean spray transfers PFAS into the air and is a partial explanation for PFAS in rain, and transport to the polar regions, where it is found in penguin eggs. Because of its “forever” quality, the only way to prevent this problem is to phase out production and use of PFAS chemicals. Read more
1 in 6 Americans Live Near Superfund Sites - EPA Restarts Cleanup
An astonishing number of Americans - one in six - live within three miles of toxic waste sites so dangerous that they are federal Superfund sites, according to a U.S. PIRG Education Fund report. Low-income and communities of black, indigenous and people of color are most likely to have these sites. There is a large backlog for cleanups, and the EPA recently announced billions of dollars to clear that backlog. Read more.
NEW MONTHLY WEBINAR SERIES FOR 2022
There is a lot to know about environmental health and justice. To help people wrap their brains around it, CHNY is launching a new monthly webinar series for 2022. Join us on January 18th to learn about our priorities for the 2022 legislative session. Register here!
Building a just and healthy society in which toxic chemicals are unthinkable.
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