Pollution
‘Toxic Forever Chemicals’ in U.S. Drinking Water to Be Regulated for the First Time
The EPA has proposed the first nationwide limits for toxic chemicals called PFASs in the U.S. water supply
Pollution115 articles archived since 1845
Pollution
Forever Chemicals Are Widespread in U.S. Drinking Water
Experts hope that with the incoming Biden administration, the federal government will finally regulate a class of chemicals known as PFASs
Toxicology
Chemical Health Risks from the Ohio Train Accident—What We Know So Far
A train carrying toxic and combustible materials derailed recently in Ohio. Here’s what we know about the situation—and what we can’t know yet
Astronomy
Light Pollution Is Dimming Our View of the Sky, and It’s Getting Worse
Citizen scientists and researchers found that we are losing our view of the sky at an astonishing rate of almost 10 percent each year
Pollution
E-Waste Could Become a ‘Gold Mine’ for Rare-Earth Elements
Mining electronic waste for rare-earth elements while isolating the remaining toxic chemicals could help solve the global e-waste crisis
Pollution
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Why All 3 R’s Are Critical to a Circular Economy
To create a sustainable economy, we need to revamp how we reduce, reuse and recycle products to create less waste
Pollution
Why Recycling Isn’t the Answer to the Plastic Pollution Problem
Recycling can only get us so far to a sustainable plastic future. The real solution to transforming the plastic economy lies in making less in the first place
Pollution
Chemists Are Figuring Out How to Recycle Our Clothes
Chemical processes could recycle the cellulose from clothing waste into renewed fibers for garment makers
Pollution
Los Angeles Bans New Oil Wells, Plans to Close Existing Ones
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously on Friday to ban new oil and gas wells in the city and eventually close existing ones
Pollution
How Safe are U.S. Rivers 50 Years after the Clean Water Act?
Millions of miles of U.S. rivers have dramatically improved in the half-century after the Clean Water Act, but climate change and other types of pollution still pose threats
Pollution
People Exposed to Harmful Wildfire Smoke Often Live Far from Lung Specialists
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires, and those most affected by their pollution must drive miles to access care
Engineering
Frequent Breaks in Undersea Pipelines Mean Fixes Are Possible for Nord Stream
While international experts try to figure out what caused the ruptures in the Nord Stream pipeline, engineers have multiple options to try and fix it
Pollution
The Sky Needs Its ‘Silent Spring’ Moment
A surge of new research underscores the growing global problem of light pollution—as well as the urgent need for public awareness and action
Fossil Fuels
What Do Mysterious Nord Stream Methane Leaks Mean for Climate Change?
Researchers are rushing to calculate the greenhouse-gas emissions resulting from mysterious leaks in major gas pipelines that connect Russia to Europe
Pollution
The Race to Stop a Plastics Plant Scores a Crucial Win
In Louisiana, home to miles of polluting industries, slowing the progress of Formosa Plastics is critical to social and environmental justice
Climate Change
How the Montreal Protocol Helped Save Earth from a Climate Time Bomb
The landmark Montreal Protocol treaty, agreed to 35 years ago this month, has reduced the use of chemicals that not only thinned the ozone layer but also warmed the planet
Pollution
It’s Time to Fight Light Pollution
Learn about Viking women, doughnuts in the brain, nuclear weapons, and more in the October issue of Scientific American
Pollution
A Growing Drinking Water Crisis Threatens American Cities and Towns
The Jackson, Miss., disaster rings alarm bells about myriad problems lurking in water systems across the country
Pollution
Cheap New Method Breaks Down ‘Forever Chemicals’
A new technique destroys persistent PFAS without requiring high pressures and temperatures
Engineering
Scientists Invent a Paper Battery—Just Add Water
A new disposable battery is made of paper and other sustainable materials and is activated with a few drops of water
