

‘Toxic’ label will spur wake-up to impact of plastics on health: experts
… but challenges remain in definitively linking plastic or plastic particles to disease, cancer or other human health problems.
Plastics industry says its products are not ‘toxic’, urges feds to rethink
Single-use plastic items will be banned because they are both harmful to the environment and difficult to recycle.

Next generation solar panels boost efficiency but may carry toxic risks
New technologies rely on nanomaterials that include toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium.
Northern Pulp says no wastewater pipe to NS waterway, no mill
Company’s plan and spotty environmental record is creating tension in Pictou.

Mercury decline in seabirds due to diet, not emissions controls
Birds feeding on invertebrates and small fish have higher mercury levels than those eating large fish.
Uber CEO to take leave, leadership team to run company
Examination of toxic workplace culture leads to recommendation CEO be relieved of some leadership responsibilities.
EPA seeks to scuttle cleanup of coal power plant pollution
Also seeking to roll back tighter restrictions on pollution from coal mines.
Plastic bag producer accused of failing to report toxins
Environmental group claims reporting gap found while reviewing air quality permits
EPA tests reveal Colorado mine spill’s toxic stew
Meanwhile thousands of other abandoned mines leak.
DuPont cited for 11 violations in fatal toxic gas leak
Four workers were killed at La Porte works in Houston area.
Greenpeace warns of toxic waste at Hungarian plant
Cleanup of the defunct chemicals plant is months away.
Japan nuke plant reports new leak of highly radioactive water
Leak more toxic than previous Fukushima Dai-ichi incidents; TEPCO says it’s contained.
NC river fouled by toxic coal ash spill from Duke Energy pond
Regulators waiting on test results to determine if there’s a hazard to people or wildlife.

Scientists find floating masses of plastic bits in Great Lakes
Studies are underway to determine the impact of microplastics along the food chain.
Explosion at Chinese chemical plant fuels environmental concerns
Cracked hydrogen pipeline at factory producing toxic paraxylene triggered the fire.