Chemical industry failing to stop emissions of super-strong greenhouse gas HFC-23 – new research

Factories producing non-stick coatings for cookware aren’t properly limiting emissions of one of the most potent greenhouse gases, our research suggests.

Stephen Henne, Senior Scientist, Group Atmospheric Modelling and Remote Sensing, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich • conversation
Aug. 21, 2024 ~7 min

Some artificial sweeteners are forever chemicals that could be harming aquatic life

Artificial sweeteners aren’t metabolised by the human body, so they are excreted – and that’s where the environmental problems begin.

Alan Goddard, Reader in Biochemistry, Aston University • conversation
July 12, 2024 ~5 min


PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ can be absorbed through human skin, says research

A new study sheds light on how important exposure to PFAS chemicals via the skin might be and indicates which chemical structures might be most easily absorbed.

Stuart Harrad, Professor of Environmental Chemistry, University of Birmingham • conversation
July 5, 2024 ~6 min

PFAS ‘forever’ chemical laws need an overhaul – recent court rulings highlight the loopholes

A more precautionary approach is required for the regulation of PFAS chemicals, otherwise industries will continue polluting the environment without breaking any laws.

Beth Parker, Professor, School of Engineering, University of Guelph • conversation
June 25, 2024 ~7 min

Many PFAS forever chemicals are toxic - here’s how to avoid them

PFAS are commonly found in waterproof clothing, stain-resistant textiles, cosmetics and cookware. Here’s how to best minimise your exposure to these forever chemicals.

Daniel Drage, Lecturer in Environmental Health, University of Birmingham • conversation
May 31, 2024 ~8 min

Pet flea and tick treatments contain pesticides that end up washing into the environment - here’s how

Pesticides present in pet flea and tick treatments pose a risk to human health and the environment - but monthly application as a preventative measure isn’t essential.

Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology (Evolution, Behaviour and Environment), University of Sussex • conversation
April 8, 2024 ~7 min

Could a couple of Thai otters have helped the UK’s otter population recover? Our study provides a hint

Research has revealed how British otters may have been able to recover from species loss in the 1950s with the help of otters from Asia.

Sarah du Plessis, PhD Candidate, Cardiff University • conversation
Feb. 27, 2024 ~6 min

We found long-banned pollutants in the very deepest part of the ocean

No place on Earth is free from pollution.

Anna Sobek, Professor of Environmental Chemistry and Head of Department of Environmental Sciences, Stockholm University • conversation
April 28, 2023 ~6 min


PFAS: you can't smell, see or taste these chemicals, but they are everywhere – and they're highly toxic to humans

Toxic synthetic chemicals, called PFAS, are a serious threat to humans and wildlife – but many people are unaware of them.

Patrick Byrne, Reader in Hydrology and Environmental Pollution, Liverpool John Moores University • conversation
Jan. 5, 2023 ~6 min

Mussels are disappearing from the Thames and growing smaller – and it's partly because the river is cleaner

A new survey has revealed an alarming deterioration in the health of the River Thames ecosystem – but some of the recorded changes may be the result of a cleaner river.

Isobel Ollard, PhD Researcher, University of Cambridge • conversation
Nov. 28, 2022 ~7 min

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