A new device created by two engineers at Massey University is able to “detect synthetic compounds that leach from plastic food packaging into the contained food or beverage.” Dr. Asif Zia and Professor Subhas Mukhopadhyay created a device capable of quantifying various synthetic compounds such as bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthatlate, otherwise known…
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It seems as though on a weekly basis we are learning more and more about the dangers of certain toxic chemicals. These are chemicals that have been linked to “prostate cancer, genital deformities, obesity, diabetes and infertility.” Yet, companies that that have a stake in these toxic chemicals continue to…
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Despite steps taken by states and the federal government, one state (and particular city) is about to get a lot more toxic. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is proposing “deregulation of some 500 chemicals would pack a potent punch in Detroit…” The city of Detroit is unique in that…
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Before too long, 2015 will be gone and 2016 will be here. And with a New Year, often comes New Year’s resolutions. One popular resolution is to make changes to the home, and this often includes painting one or more rooms. And while painting our homes can be a fun…
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In the last few years 3-D printing has become all the rage. 3-D printers are getting smaller, cheaper, and better. The ability to 3-D print replacement car parts, prosthetics, and even organs is a huge step for science and technology. Unfortunately, it appears there may be serious concerns when it…
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Halloween is an exciting holiday for many families, especially children. We all remember getting dressed up in our favorite costumes, trick-or-treating, and attending Halloween parties. But today there are serious concerns about some of the products used for kids’ costumes, specifically the makeup/face paint they use. The majority of the…
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A new study has linked issues with long-term reproductive health to chemicals used during “oil and natural gas production, including fracking.” Fracking is a process by which “companies use a mix of pressurized water, sand and chemicals to unlock hydrocarbon reserves deep in shale rock.” Chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and…
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In the United States, FDA is in charge of overseeing cosmetics. Unfortunately, unlike prescription drugs, their oversight is minimal. Prescription drugs require FDA approval before they can be sold; no such law exists for cosmetics. The only way cosmetics are inspected by the FDA for toxic chemicals is if the…
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Bringing a newborn home from the hospital for the first time should be a wonderful experience. Today though, that special event could be a dangerous one if you haven’t properly prepared the home for their arrival. A nursery is where many infants will spend the majority of their first few…
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Though new regulations have been difficult to get passed, at least on politician is taking a stand. Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is pushing for a new bill that would “update and strengthen the [Toxic Substances Control Act] act.” Currently the act bans only 5 of the more than 80,000…
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