A new study that evaluated American women’s breast milk for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” has shown “cause for concern” in the levels found in all 50 samples analyzed. The study, first reported by The Guardian, showed that the chemicals were found at levels roughly 2,000 times higher than what experts consider safe. This is the … Continue reading Concerning levels of “forever chemicals” found in 100% of breast milk samples
Exposing the fraud that is Impossible Foods
Impossible Foods has been getting a lot of buzz for its veggie “burger that bleeds.” Whether it’s family members, friends or celebrities on social media, you don’t have to search very hard to find someone who is enthusiastic about these flavorful patties. But are they really as good for your body and the planet as … Continue reading Exposing the fraud that is Impossible Foods
Federal court says EPA must ban pesticide linked to brain damage in children
Children may soon be spared from a toxic pesticide that has been linked to brain damage. On April 29, the 9th United States Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must ban all uses of chlorpyrifos on food or establish new residue levels for the insecticide that are safe for children. The decision comes after more than a decade … Continue reading Federal court says EPA must ban pesticide linked to brain damage in children
Study: Fire retardant used in furniture and insulation linked to antisocial behavior
A study published in the journal Environmental Health shows that commonly used fire retardants may increase children’s risk of antisocial behavior. Researchers from Oregon State University and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that children with higher levels of exposure to certain types of flame retardants are more likely to exhibit antisocial behaviors like aggression, defiance, hyperactivity, inattention and … Continue reading Study: Fire retardant used in furniture and insulation linked to antisocial behavior
Genetically modified mosquitoes are being released in Florida Keys despite protests
On Thursday, April 29, workers from British biotech firm Oxitec placed boxes of mosquito larvae into six yards in the Florida Keys. They then added water. In a week, some 12,000 genetically modified (GM) male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes will emerge out of each box, making the first batch of GM mosquitoes released in the United States. Oxitec and … Continue reading Genetically modified mosquitoes are being released in Florida Keys despite protests
How to make DIY non-toxic mosquito repellants with essential oils
With the mosquito season well underway, it can be tempting to buy mosquito repellants to protect yourself from mosquito bites. But these commercial products contain toxic chemicals that can do more harm than good to your health and the environment. To ward off mosquitoes without getting exposed to chemicals, try one of the following recipes … Continue reading How to make DIY non-toxic mosquito repellants with essential oils
From trash to treasure: Scientists to turn food waste into “high-value products” for new markets like cosmetics and packaging
Scientists from the University of Adelaide in Australia are leading an $11 million research consortium aimed at converting food waste into “high-value products” for markets like cosmetics and packaging. The Research Consortium Program for Agricultural Product Development is a joint research effort from the South Australian government, academic institutions and various stakeholders from the agriculture and food sector industries. The researchers … Continue reading From trash to treasure: Scientists to turn food waste into “high-value products” for new markets like cosmetics and packaging
Single-use face masks are a ticking time bomb of global pollution, experts warn
Single-use face masks are a ticking plastic bomb for the environment, according to a commentary published in Frontiers of Environmental Science and Engineering. Zhiyong Ren, a professor of civil and environmental engineering from Princeton University, and Elvis Xu, an environmental scientist from the University of Southern Denmark, authored the commentary. Based on recent studies, the authors estimated that some … Continue reading Single-use face masks are a ticking time bomb of global pollution, experts warn
EPA approves release of GMO mosquitoes in the Florida Keys despite safety concerns
Britain-based biotech company Oxitec has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to release genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes in the Florida Keys this spring. The firm claims that the technology is safe and effective at eradicating dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases in the area – a claim that scientists and residents dispute. Oxitec, which is U.S.-owned but U.K.-based, says … Continue reading EPA approves release of GMO mosquitoes in the Florida Keys despite safety concerns
8 Easy ways to improve indoor air quality
The term “air pollution” often conjures up images of car exhaust, bush fires and thick fumes from factories. But indoor air pollution can be just as bad, if not worse, than outdoor air pollution. In fact, the air inside the home can be two to five times worse than the air outside, according to the Environmental Protection Agency … Continue reading 8 Easy ways to improve indoor air quality
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 