New EDC Science

Scientists in Brazil have discovered microplastics in the olfactory bulbs of human cadavers, highlighting concerns about how these particles enter and affect the brain. Kaitlin Sullivan reports for NBC News.

Certain chemicals found in everyday products like detergents and perfumes may cause girls to enter puberty earlier, according to a new study. Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.

Lawmakers have introduced a bill to fund research on birth defects in children and grandchildren of veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during military service. Linda F. Hersey reports for Stars and Stripes.

In short:

A study suggests that exposure to PFAS chemicals during early pregnancy could increase the risk of weight gain and heart issues later in life. Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.

A recent study published in Nature Sustainability found that pesticide use may be a major factor in the decline of bee populations within the United States. “These results suggest that mechanisms that reduce pesticide use… can potentially facilitate pollination conservation.”

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposing young mice to a common persistent organic pollutant (POP) causes long-lasting changes to the gut microbiota and health effects later in life. “Our work in mice demonstrates that early life exposure to an environmental pollutant may increase the risk of metabolic disorders later in life through disruption of the gut microbiome.”

Using a medical treatment for heart disease as an example, a new paper published in Journal of Hazardous Materials examines the potential for medical procedures to contribute to micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) contamination in the body. “A range of medical practices… which use plastic devices and are in direct contact with blood and tissue, may be a new way for [MNPs] without size limitation to enter the body.”

A new technology developed with funding from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences successfully removes PFAS from water, helping reduce peoples’ exposure to the toxic chemicals. “We hope that our technology can help lower the cost of water treatment efforts and boost sustainability, preventing PFAS exposures and ultimately protecting human health.”

A new U.S. government report links fluoride in drinking water at levels twice the recommended limit to lower IQs in children, raising concerns over current water fluoridation practices. Mike Stobbe reports for The Associated Press.

A new study in Environmental Science and Technology found that petrochemical manufacturers and refineries in Texas released higher amounts of toxic contamination during hurricanes. “Low-income communities and people of color are disproportionately impacted by hurricanes and floods, leading to concerns that climate change will further exacerbate existing environmental health disparities.”

Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies (HEEDS) sponsors an award of $5,000 in honor of the late Lou Guillette Jr. to a young investigator who embodies Lou’s love of science, communication and commitment to mentoring. The application deadline is Sept 30, 2024.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, in partnership with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, hosted a 2-day workshop aimed at raising awareness on how lifestyle choices can mitigate the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). “This takes EDC science to a whole new level. NIH now fully recognizes [EDCs] as an important contributor to health challenges and also is looking for ways to ameliorate their impacts.”

In short:

Pesticides might be as carcinogenic as smoking, according to a new study, which links their widespread use to a significant increase in cancer cases across the Midwest. Saul Elbein reports for The Hill.

A recent study published in Journal of Hazardous Materials compared conventional tires with tires marketed as “eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” and “green” and found no significant difference in their chemical compositions. “Without a complete knowledge on the variability of these compounds in commercial tires, a thorough control over the risk posed by [tire road wear particles] to the environment and human health will not be possible.”

A recent review published in Current Opinion in Biotechnology highlights bacteria’s ability to break down PFAAS, a type of toxic PFAS chemical that’s particularly tough to degrade. “Bioremediation of PFAS, if feasible, would potentially be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for the mineralization of difficult-to-degrade PFAS.”

A recent study published in Environment International tested 30 different tampons from the US and Europe and found hazardous metals in each one. “In general, regulations in the US, EU, and UK protecting consumers from potential contaminants in tampons are nearly nonexistent, and none of these governments requires manufacturers to test their products for harmful chemicals, including metals.”

A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology detected microplastics in the endometrial tissue of women who had suffered multiple miscarriages. “Considering that the uterus houses and nourishes the embryo and is key to subsequent fetal development during gestation, there is a pressing need to investigate the presence of [microplastics] in human uterus.”

Adults who ingested supposedly “safe” levels of BPA developed increased insulin resistance, according to findings presented at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions. “With the increase in diabetes in the US, it is our duty to ensure safety within our products and in our homes. This is only the beginning of highlighting the need for informed public health recommendations and policies.”