Evidence of 'Forever Chemicals' Found in Children's Products
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:31s - Published
Evidence of 'Forever Chemicals' Found in Children's Products
Evidence of, 'Forever Chemicals', Found in Children's Products.
A new study has found evidence of a group of chemicals linked to a number of possible health concerns in many products meant for kids.
.
'The Independent' reports that previous studies have
associated PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,
with health problems that include cancers.
.
'The Independent' reports that previous studies have
associated PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,
with health problems that include cancers.
.
PFAS have also been associated
with reproductive difficulties and
developmental issues in children.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
these chemicals can be found in everything from
clothing and cookware to some drinking water.
.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
these chemicals can be found in everything from
clothing and cookware to some drinking water.
.
A new study published on May 4 in the journal
'Environmental Science and Technology' found that they
were also detected in many products meant for children.
Out of 93 products tested, 54 contained fluorine, a potential indicator of PFAS.
Of 34 products with environmental certifications like , "non-toxic" and "eco-friendly," , 21 were found to contain fluorine.
'The Independent' reports
that scientists still don't
know much about PFAS.
What they do know is that PFAS break down
incredibly slowly and are known as
"forever chemicals" that can persist for generations.
.
Last year, the EPA
started a multi-year plan to
research and regulate PFAS.
I don’t think it should be on individual
consumers to have to think about toxic
chemicals when they go shopping, Laurel Schaider, environmental chemist
and public health researcher at the Silent
Spring Institute, via 'The Independent'
EPA Announces First-Ever Regulations , for PFAS in Drinking Water.
On April 10, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is issuing a country-wide regulation to limit the amount of "forever chemicals" in drinking water, CBS News reports.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly found in the air, water and soil.
According to the EPA, there is no amount of exposure to PFAS that is considered safe.
They can be found in everything from
nonstick cookware to cleaning and personal
care products. But there's no doubt that
many of these chemicals can be harmful
to our health and our environment, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, via statement.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to reproductive
problems, developmental delays, low birth weight,
immune system issues, high cholesterol, cardiovascular
issues and some cancers, CBS News reports. .
Public water utilities will now be required to
"test for six different types of PFAS chemicals"
in drinking water, CBS News reports.
The agency estimates that the new requirement will lower exposure to
PFAS for about 100 million people. .
Drinking water contaminated with
PFAS has plagued communities
across this country for too long, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, via statement.
$1 billion will be made available to help states
and territories comply with the new standards.
Those funds are part of a $9 billion investment generated by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
President Biden believes that
everyone deserves access to clean,
safe drinking water, and he is
delivering on that promise, Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
McDonald's Posts , Disappointing Q1 Results , Amid Ongoing Boycotts.
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
The company saw same-store sales rise by
1.9% worldwide between January and March,
below the Wall Street forecast of 2.1%.
Increased menu pricing and delivery demand
saw same-store sales in the U.S. increase by 2.5%.
In international markets, sales fell
by 0.2% for the first time since 2020.
Despite this, McDonald's said the company's revenue
increased 5% to reach $6.17 billion, while net income went
up 7% to $1.93 billion, in-line with Wall Street estimates.
'The Independent' reports that Muslim-majority
markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East
have been boycotting McDonald's for months.
The boycotts started after a McDonald's franchise in
Israel announced in October that it would provide free
meals for Israeli troops amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
In the months since then, the company has tried to limit
the fallout by taking over all 225 McDonald's in the country
with the purchase of Alyonal Limited, its Israeli franchise.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Negotiations on Global Treaty , to End Plastic Pollution , Reach Critical Phase .
'The Independent' reports that negotiators from around
the world have met to discuss what could become
a global treaty meant to end plastic pollution. .
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on
Plastic Pollution has begun agreeing on treaty language
at their fourth of five scheduled plastics summits.
The most ambitious and contentious
idea revolves around limiting how much
plastic can be manufactured globally.
As most plastics are made from fossil fuels
and chemicals, oil and gas exporters
have strongly objected to the limitations, along
with plastic-producing countries and companies.
According to Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical Associations,
the treaty also focuses on recycling and reuse. .
We want to see the treaty
completed. We want to work
with the governments on
implementing it. The private
sector has a role to play, Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical
Associations, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that the Scientists’
Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty provided
scientific evidence on plastic pollution at
the negotiations.
I heard yesterday that there’s
no data on microplastics,
which is verifiably false:
21,000 publications on micro and
nanoplastics have been published, Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor at Sweden's University of Gothenburg who co-leads the coalition, via 'The Independent'.
Ecuador's chief negotiator, Walter Schuldt stressed that
countries present at the negotiation share a common
vision of moving forward in the treaty process.
Because at the end of the day,
we’re talking about the survival
of the future of life, not only
of human life but all sorts
of life on this planet, Walter Schuldt, Ecuador's chief
negotiator, via 'The Independent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
A group representing the fired
workers said the total number of staff
terminated for protesting is now over 50. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
Last week, workers held sit-in
protests at Google's offices in both
New York and Sunnyvale, California.
The protests were organized by the group
No Tech For Apartheid, who said that 30 workers
were fired following the initial sit-in. .
According to Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for
No Tech For Apartheid, Google has now fired
"over 20" more workers, “including non-participating
bystanders during last week’s protests.”.
Google’s aims are clear:
the corporation is attempting
to quash dissent, silence
its workers, and reassert
its power over them, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
Google has disputed the group's claims,
stressing that the company carefully found that, “every single one of those whose employment
was terminated was personally and definitively
involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Upcoming , Lyrid Meteor Shower , May Be Hard to See.
'The Independent' reports that skywatchers
looking to catch the Lyrid meteor shower
may be foiled by the moon. .
This year's peak activity occurs
on April 21 and 22, with up to
20 meteors expected per hour. .
Potential viewing should
last through April 29. .
However, the American Meteor Society
warns that strong moonlight
may interfere with viewing. .
Every year, multiple meteor showers
occur and don't require special
equipment to see them. .
For the most part, meteor showers originate
from debris left behind by comets, like the Lyrids,
which come from the comet Thatcher. .
As these space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere,
air resistance makes them extremely hot,
which causes the air around them to glow.
This glow leaves a fiery trail behind
the meteor, which can be observed
from the ground as a "shooting star.".
Look to the northeast and just
keep staring at the same spot
in the sky. It's always impressive
when you see these things, Don Pollacco, University of Warwick
astronomer, via 'The Independent'.
The Lyrids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere,
while the upcoming Eta Aquarids meteor shower
can best be seen from the Southern Hemisphere.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The UAE's national security adviser,
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the
current chairman of G42's board of directors. .
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal “was developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.”.
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal “was developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.”.
G42, which runs data centers in the Middle East
and elsewhere, has built the world's leading
Arabic-language AI model, Jais. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
The deal will also look to bring digital infrastructure
to regions that G42 has already established
a presence, including the Middle East and Africa.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
Prior to Microsoft's investment, the company
reportedly faced allegations of spying for its
connection to a mobile phone app identified as spyware.
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government. .
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
RFK Jr. Speaks About , Past Health Incidents , Including Brain Parasite.
CNN reports that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. offered his first public
explanation of a medical abnormality he experienced in 2010, which
he said was the result of a parasite that entered his brain and died. .
While speaking on the podcast 'Pushing the Limits with Brian
Shapiro,' Kennedy said the experience involved "brain fog" and
"having trouble with word retrieval and short-term memory.".
According to the Independent presidential
candidate, doctors initially told him they
thought he had a tumor in his brain. .
A second docotor revealed that "this is almost certainly
a parasite that got into your brain … it’s a parasite that’s very
common in India where I had done a lot of environmental work.”.
Stefanie Spear, a spokesperson for Kennedy’s campaign,
said he had “traveled extensively in Africa, South America
and Asia” while working as an environmental advocate.
When asked how the condition could impact his presidential bid,
Spear said, “The issue was resolved more than 10 years ago and he
is in robust physical and mental health. Questioning Mr. Kennedy’s
health is a hilarious suggestion, given his competition.".
In the same podcast, Kennedy detailed another experience
he had with mercury poisoning, which he said occurred
near the same time as the incident with the parisitic worm.
Kennedy said tests revealed "sky high" levels of mercury
in he blood, forcing him to undergo chelation therapy
to have the metals removed from his body.
At the same time, I was having my mercury tested,
and I was getting all kinds of tests, and my mercury
test came back sky high. So, ten times what,
you know, the EPA levels were for blood mercury,
I think it was. They were over ten times what–
what anybody considered safe. And I had that
chelated out and all of that brain fog went away, Robert Kennedy Jr., via CNN.
CNN reports that Kennedy insisted that he has
since made a full recovery from both health scares
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
EPA Takes Aim at, US Chemical Emissions, That Are Likely Carcinogens.
'The Independent' reports that over 200 chemical
plants in the United States will be required
to reduce toxic emissions under a new rule. .
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
released the new rule regarding toxic
emissions likely to cause cancer on April 9.
The rule is meant to deliver critical health protections
for communities faced with industrial pollution from
dangerous chemicals, such as chloroprene and ethyl oxide.
The rule will significantly reduce
emissions from the Denka Performance
Elastomer facility in LaPlace, Louisiana.
The facility is the largest producer of
chloroprene emissions in the U.S., according
to EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
Every community in this country
deserves to breathe clean air.
That’s why I took the Journey
to Justice tour to communities
like St. John the Baptist Parish,
where residents have borne
the brunt of toxic air for far too long, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via 'The Independent'.
We promised to listen to folks that
are suffering from pollution and act
to protect them. Today we deliver
on that promise with strong final
standards to slash pollution,
reduce cancer risk and ensure
cleaner air for nearby communities, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator, via 'The Independent'.
According to officials, the changes
are meant to reduce ethylene oxide and
chloroprene emissions in the U.S. by nearly 80%.
'The Independent' reports that the rule updates
several regulations on chemical plant emissions
that have not been altered in nearly 20 years.
The EPA said that the new rule will reduce a total of over
6,200 tons of toxic air pollutants annually in an effort
to address health risks in neighboring communities
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
EPA Issues Ambitious, New Rules Aimed at , Cutting Carbon Emissions.
On March 20, the Biden administration
announced new rules regarding
automobile emissions standards.
On March 20, the Biden administration
announced new rules regarding
automobile emissions standards.
NBC reports that officials have called the
new regulations the most ambitious plan to
reduce emissions from passenger vehicles.
NBC reports that officials have called the
new regulations the most ambitious plan to
reduce emissions from passenger vehicles.
The new rules include scaled back
tailpipe limits requested by the
Environmental Protection Agency last April. .
The new rules include scaled back
tailpipe limits requested by the
Environmental Protection Agency last April. .
The new rules come amid slowing
sales of electric vehicles, a critical part
of the plan to meet the new standards.
The new rules come amid slowing
sales of electric vehicles, a critical part
of the plan to meet the new standards.
Last April, the auto industry cited
lower sales growth in its objection
to the EPA's strict standards. .
According to the EPA, the industry
could meet the limits if 56% of new
vehicle sales are electric by 2032.
According to the EPA, the industry
could meet the limits if 56% of new
vehicle sales are electric by 2032.
The EPA plan also called for at least 13% of plug-in
hybrids or other partially-electric cars, in addition
to more efficient gasoline-powered vehicles. .
The EPA's proposed standards would
avoid over 7 billion tons of planet-warming
carbon emissions over the next 30 years. .
The EPA's new rules apply
to model years 2027 to 2032.
The Biden administration's new rules
are set to ramp up to nearly meet
the EPA's limits by 2032.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
![EPA Announces First-Ever Regulations for PFAS in Drinking Water [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240410/1372348080-EPA-Announces-First-Ever-Regulations-for-PFAS-in.jpg)
![McDonald's Posts Disappointing Q1 Results Amid Ongoing Boycotts [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240430/1374181962-McDonald-Posts-Disappointing-Q1-Results-Amid-Ongoing.jpg)
![Negotiations on Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution Reach Critical Phase [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240429/1374107996-Negotiations-on-Global-Treaty-to-End-Plastic-Pollution.jpg)
![Google Fires More Staffers Following Protests Over $1.2 Billion Israel Deal [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240423/1373560084-Google-Fires-More-Staffers-Following-Protests-Over.jpg)
![Upcoming Lyrid Meteor Shower May Be Hard to See [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240419/1373212982-Upcoming-Lyrid-Meteor-Shower-May-Be-Hard-to.jpg)
![Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion Investment in Leading UAE Technology Firm [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240416/1372835054-Microsoft-Makes-Billion-Investment-in-Leading.jpg)
![RFK Jr. Speaks About Past Health Incidents Including Brain Parasite [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240509/1375115464-RFK-Jr-Speaks-About-Past-Health-Incidents-Including.jpg)
![EPA Takes Aim at US Chemical Emissions That Are Likely Carcinogens [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240410/1372318424-EPA-Takes-Aim-at-US-Chemical-Emissions-That.jpg)
![EPA Issues Ambitious New Rules Aimed at Cutting Carbon Emissions [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240320/1369843872-EPA-Issues-Ambitious-New-Rules-Aimed-at-Cutting.jpg)
