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Co-host Matthew Wallace just completed his first PFAS sampling!Here's a breakdown of what we wanted to know from the EHS&S Professional:We thought a little breakdown of Do you do much sampling generally?Without telling us who the client was, or giving away too much, can you tell us what the facility was, what it was like?What kind of sampling was this?What was the preparation that you have to for PFAS specifically?What were the special considerations for this particular event? Things you thought about doing, changes up Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
Et si votre bière du week-end contenait autre chose que du malt et du houblon ? Aux États-Unis, des chercheurs ont voulu savoir si la pollution de l'eau potable pouvait aussi se retrouver… dans notre mousse. Et la réponse est oui.L'équipe, basée en Caroline du Nord, s'est intéressée aux PFAS, ces substances chimiques persistantes connues pour contaminer de nombreuses ressources en eau. Surnommées "polluants éternels", elles sont utilisées dans des produits industriels, mais une fois dans la nature, elles s'accrochent. Elles s'infiltrent dans les nappes phréatiques, et donc, dans l'eau utilisée pour brasser la bière. Les scientifiques ont analysé 23 bières provenant de différents États américains. Résultat ? 95 % d'entre elles contiennent des traces de PFAS. Et sans surprise, les plus touchées viennent de régions déjà connues pour la pollution de leur eau, comme le bassin de la rivière Cape Fear, en Caroline du Nord. Certaines bières contenaient même les deux composés les plus redoutés : le PFOS et le PFOA, tous deux soupçonnés d'effets nocifs sur la santé humaine. Le constat dépasse les frontières américaines. En avril dernier, un rapport européen révélait des traces de ces substances dans des bouteilles de vin commercialisées en Europe.Pourquoi est-ce inquiétant ? Parce que même les brasseries les mieux équipées ne filtrent pas complètement ces composés. Si les PFAS sont présents dans l'eau municipale, ils finissent dans la cuve… puis dans le verre du consommateur. L'autrice principale de l'étude, Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, espère que ces résultats pousseront les autorités à agir. "Il est temps de revoir nos politiques de traitement de l'eau", alerte-t-elle. Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.
Join hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace, joined by HRP's EHS&S Practice Leader, Jackie Baxley, as we break down the new deadline for PFAS TSCA reporting.EPA announced an interim final rule which extended the dates of the reporting period for data submissions for the TSCA PFAS reporting rule. Submissions are now due by October 13, 2026, for most manufacturers. Small businesses reporting data solely on importing PFAS contained in articles have until April 13, 2027, to submit reports. This rule provides much needed time for the regulated community to assess its manufacturing (including import) from 2011 to 2022 relative to PFAS. Prior to this rule being published, the reporting period was set to open this July with reports due January 11, 2026. For more information on this rule, refer to HRP's webinar presented February 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNalxzfPxog Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
This Day in Legal History: Standard Oil Breaks UpOn May 15, 1911, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey v. United States, finding that Standard Oil had violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by engaging in monopolistic practices. The Court unanimously ruled that Standard Oil's dominance over the oil industry—achieved through aggressive acquisitions, predatory pricing, and exclusive agreements—constituted an illegal restraint of trade. As a remedy, the Court ordered the breakup of Standard Oil into 34 separate and independent companies, a dramatic reshaping of the American oil landscape. Among the entities created were companies that would later become industry giants in their own right, including Exxon, Mobil, Chevron, and Amoco.The decision was a defining moment in U.S. antitrust enforcement, signaling the federal government's willingness to confront corporate consolidation. It aimed to restore competition and prevent the recurrence of monopolistic control in vital sectors of the economy. However, over the next century, many of the separated entities gradually reconsolidated. Notably, Exxon and Mobil merged in 1999 to form ExxonMobil, while Chevron absorbed both Gulf Oil and Texaco, and BP later acquired Amoco.Today, a majority of the original 34 companies—or their direct successors—are now part of just a few massive corporations. This reconsolidation serves as a cautionary tale: without vigilant antitrust enforcement post-breakup, market dominance can re-emerge in new forms. The Standard Oil saga demonstrates not only the power of antitrust law but also its limitations if not actively maintained. It underscores that breaking up monopolies is only one step—the preservation of competition requires ongoing oversight.The EPA announced it will weaken several Biden-era regulations on PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in drinking water. Specifically, the agency plans to rescind enforceable limits on three types of PFAS—PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (also known as GenX)—as well as on combinations of those and PFBS. At the same time, the EPA is giving water systems two extra years, until 2031, to comply with limits on PFOA and PFOS, the two most well-known and studied PFAS chemicals, citing the challenges especially for smaller and rural systems.The original Biden administration rule had set an enforceable limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS and a non-enforceable goal of zero exposure due to their cancer and health risks. The EPA says it will revisit its regulatory decisions on the other PFAS types it is now rolling back. Administrator Lee Zeldin framed the delay as necessary flexibility while maintaining protections against the most harmful chemicals, but environmental groups like the Environmental Working Group blasted the move as a concession to industry that puts public health at risk. Some state-level regulators expressed caution and said more time is needed to evaluate the impact of rescinding the additional PFAS limits.EPA Moves to Weaken Biden-era PFAS Limits for Drinking WaterU.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before Congress for the first time in his new role, facing bipartisan scrutiny over his department's proposed 2026 budget, mass layoffs, and his response to a growing measles outbreak. Since taking office in February, Kennedy has overseen the dismissal of roughly 10,000 workers across major health agencies, aligning with broader Trump administration efforts to downsize the federal government. His budget plan calls for deep cuts, including $18 billion from the National Institutes of Health and $3.6 billion from the CDC.Lawmakers questioned Kennedy's controversial stance on vaccines—particularly during an outbreak that has resulted in over 1,000 infections and three deaths, largely among unvaccinated populations. Representative Rosa DeLauro accused Kennedy of promoting misinformation and endangering public health. Senator Bill Cassidy, who supported Kennedy's confirmation based on promises to uphold vaccine access and collaborate with Congress, emphasized the need for transparency and reassurance amid sweeping departmental changes.Kennedy defended the workforce reductions as a return to pre-COVID staffing levels and projected $1.8 billion in annual savings. Still, critics view the cuts as harmful to the country's public health infrastructure. His personal conduct also drew scrutiny after posting photos of himself swimming in Rock Creek, a site banned for public use due to unsafe water conditions.US health chief Kennedy faces lawmakers' questions on mass firings, measles | ReutersA growing number of major U.S. companies are proposing to leave Delaware as their state of incorporation—a trend being called “Dexit”—following Elon Musk's public fallout with Delaware courts. At least nine publicly traded companies, each valued over $1 billion, are preparing shareholder votes to move their legal homes, while five, including Tesla and Trump Media, have already relocated to states like Texas, Florida, and Nevada. The exodus is driven by concerns over Delaware's increasingly strict scrutiny of deals involving controlling shareholders, highlighted by a 2024 court ruling voiding Musk's $56 billion Tesla pay package.Companies say Delaware's legal environment has become unpredictable, especially for founder-led or insider-controlled firms. By contrast, states like Nevada and Texas offer looser standards and greater protection from shareholder litigation. For example, Nevada's laws shield corporate boards under the business judgment rule unless there is fraud, while Delaware courts still require fairness and transparency in insider transactions.In response, Delaware recently passed laws to limit judicial review of certain deals and curb shareholders' access to corporate records, hoping to stem the corporate departures. Still, critics like legal scholars and corporate counsel argue that Delaware's courts are now perceived as activist and uncertain, prompting companies to seek jurisdictions they believe offer more legal stability and control.In Tesla's wake, more big companies propose voting “Dexit" to depart Delaware | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Join hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace as we talk to Jonathan Thorn, Technical Director and PFAS Practice Leader, at Eurofins, as debunk the biggest myths and misconceptions around PFAS from the perspective of the lab.Jonathan Thorn has worked in the field of environmental analytical chemistry for over 28 years. For the last eight years, his primary focus has been the analysis of PFAS in environmental samples, focusing on development and implementation of analytical methods in difficult matrices, including ground water, wastewater, landfill leachate, sediment, soil, biosolids, environmental tissues, agricultural products, and animal blood. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
In this episode we chat to Nicole Richards, CEO of Allonnia, who are a company harnessing nature to solve the biggest environmental challenges for net positive impact. They transform liability into value by leveraging the power of biotechnology and engineered systems to help our customers reach their ESG goals in a waste-free world. Nicole has over 28 years of industry leadership within water treatment, mining, and chemicals industries and gives us the history and story behind Allonnia, how they work with mining companies, how their technology helps mining companies hit their sustainability goals and thoughts on the trade wars that are having an impact on our industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Allonnia is leveraging synthetic biology to innovate within the mining industry, focusing on transforming waste into value and addressing sustainability challenges through biotechnology. The company is developing solutions for environmental contaminants like 1,4-Dioxane and PFOS, showcasing the potential of biotechnology to remediate harmful substances in various industries, including mining. Allonnia's first product, D-Solve, aims to selectively remove impurities from ore, which can enhance the grade of metals like nickel and improve overall mining efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The mining industry is increasingly open to innovation, with major companies actively seeking partnerships with startups to test and implement new technologies, creating opportunities for faster commercialisation. Focus on Value Unlocking: The immediate economic drivers for biotech in mining are centred around unlocking value from low-grade ores and waste streams, with long-term goals of reducing environmental liabilities and promoting sustainable practices. BEST MOMENTS "Waste is a failure of the imagination. How do you take synthetic biology or really transformational biology and bring that into these processes?" "In the near term, the biggest driver is in the value unlock... around metals recovery from low-grade ores and waste streams." "If you shut down a mine for a minute, the millions of dollars they're going to lose is incredible." "The way we look at it... is that that's been a huge improvement. They're creating innovation challenges." "What is rare is countries being able to domesticate the processing of those rare earths." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail: rob@mining-international.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X: https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast Web: http://www.mining-international.org This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS Get in touch at https://allonnia.com/contact-us/ Follow Allonnia on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/allonnia/ ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.
Ripped from the Pulse! Your PFAS headlines for the month of April.We're talking big moves from Trump's EPA to end PFAS bans and eliminate research grants.On the research front, we also take a peek at nanocage PFAS tech!And we talk about new anti-PFAS lobbying efforts from unexpected areas.All articles and studies can be found, linked, on the PFAS Pulse! Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
Toxins in your daily life? In this Wellness in Minutes episode, Darin Olien breaks down the dangers of processed foods, water contamination, and unsustainable farming. Learn simple, practical steps to purify your water and minimize toxin exposure. Tune in for fast, effective health advice. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ Harmful toxins in your food and water to watch out for ✅ The effect of PFOAs and PFOs on hormone health and metabolic health ✅ Different ways to help purify your water to ensure it's filtering out toxins - plus what you should be adding to your water
Tune in now as we are getting into a classic tale of alien abduction. In this episode we are looking at the strange encounter of Carl Higdon, a Wyoming oil rig worker who claims to have been abducted by aliens while hunting in the Wyoming wilderness in 1974. This case has everything from bizarre encounters to physical evidence and tom foolery of the highest order. Carl's encounter may also offer up more clues into the UFO phenomena as a whole and perhaps shed some light on why these encounters are so prevalent. All this and more in today's episode! If you've had a strange encounter, call the PFOS hotline at 619-866-6432 and let us know about it. Link to a short recreation of the tale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YgB5oheYSo&ab_channel=EyesOnCinema Margery Higdon's Book: https://a.co/d/3kDpmR0 Music Credit: Git Along Little Doggies - Eddie Dean
We sit down with HRP's Laurel Pickard to talk about the latest PFAS developments regarding the MSGP for 2026. How will it impact big and small businesses when it comes to various stormwater and other sampling concerns. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
El mayor foco europeo de PFAS se encuentra en Bélgica, en la pequeña ciudad de Zwijndrecht, cerca de Amberes. Allí, durante 25 años, la fábrica estadounidense 3M fabricó sulfonato de perfluorooctano (PFOS), una de las sustancias más antiguas y altamente tóxica. En Europa, se estima que existen otros 2.300 focos de este tipo y un total de 23.000 lugares contaminados.
"The worst European hotspot for PFAS" is located in Belgium, in the small town of Zwijndrecht, near Antwerp. There, for 25 years, the American factory 3M manufactured perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), one of the oldest of substances that is highly toxic to health and the environment. In Europe, there are an estimated 2,300 other such "hotspots" and a total of 23,000 polluted sites. A recent collaborative survey estimates the cost of decontamination at 100 billion euros per year. How is this decontamination carried out in practice? And what is the cost for residents already affected by one of the biggest environmental scandals? Alix Le Bourdon, Anna Joris and Dave Keating report.
Hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace are joined by Lindsay Boone of Pace Analytical for a full spectrum conversation on the state of PFAS science. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
A leader in specialty activated carbon technologies, delivering innovative solutions for air and water purification to support a cleaner, more sustainable future.The Company operates two divisions: ME2C Environmental, a pioneer of SEA® sorbent technologies for mercury emissions capture to the coal-fired utility sector, and WE2C Environmental, dedicated to developing disruptive water purification technologies with a specialization on forever chemicals such as PFAS and PFOS.Backed by a strong intellectual property portfolio and a world-class team of activated carbon experts, Birchtech provides cleaner air to North American communities and is applying this expertise to a novel approach in water purification.
Es uno de los mayores escándalos sanitarios europeos: la contaminación por PFAS. Utilizadas durante muchos años para producir sartenes antiadherentes, por ejemplo, estas sustancias contaminan suelos y ríos de numerosos países desde hace décadas. Durante muchos años hemos utilizado sartenes antiadherentes sin sospechar que el PFOA uno de los componentes del Teflón, era tóxico. Esta sustancia, que evita que los alimentos se peguen a las sartenes, fue prohibido en 2020 a nivel internacional debido a los riesgos graves que representa para la salud. El PFOA forma parte de la familia de las 4000 sustancias perfluorolaquiladas y polifluoroalquiladas, (PFAS, por sus siglas en inglés) conocidas también como "contaminantes eternos" por su persistencia en el medioambiente.En 2023, una investigación colaborativa que unió medios de comunicación europeos y ONG reveló la presencia preocupante de PFAS en el suelo o el agua en 23000 sitios en Europa. Y en 2100 zonas, las concentraciones de estas sustancias alcanzan el límite de 100 nanogramos por litro, considerado como peligroso por la salud por los expertos competentes.Tal es el caso en Zwijndrecht, Bélgica, donde la empresa 3M fabricó hasta 2020 ácido perfluorooctanosulfónico (PFOS) y contaminó suelos, ríos y lagos, a sabiendas de que estas sustancias se dispersaban de manera casi irreversible en el medioambiente.En esta región, un estudio independiente reveló que los jóvenes sufren trastornos de pubertad y de su sistema inmunológico. Ante la magnitud del desastre, la empresa 3M pagó 570 millones de euros para remover estas sustancias nocivas del suelo. Casos similares de contaminación por PFAS afectan ya a varias regiones de Europa, lo que ha llevado a los países a intensificar el control sobre la presencia de estas sustancias en el agua.Escuche la versión audio:Las PFAS han sido, durante décadas, sustancias particularmente valoradas en la industria manufacturera: fueron utilizadas como repelentes de agua en textiles, como repelentes de manchas en alfombras y también por sus características antiaceites en utensilios de cocina o ignífugas en productos antiincendios. E incluso en herbicidas y pesticidas.“Por eso están tan esparcidos por el medio ambiente. Hay una gran cantidad de estudios que indican que estos contaminantes se bioacumulan en organismos vivos, por eso son tan preocupantes”, alerta la investigadora española Irene Navarro. Desde el Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas y Medioambientales (CIEMAT), Navarro trabaja en la unidad de contaminantes, encargada de monitorear la cantidad de PFAS en los ríos.Descontaminación imposibleLas obras titánicas que se llevan a cabo en Zwijndrecht donde se limpia el suelo metro cuadrado por metro cuadrado demuestran la dificultad de descontaminar las zonas afectadas por las PFAS, sustancias que pueden ser cancerígenas, pueden alterar la fertilidad, la inmunidad y son perturbadores endocrinos. “Existen varios tratamientos para la limpieza de agua y para la limpieza de lo que son otros compartimentos medioambientales. Pero son estudios a nivel de laboratorio o a nivel de plantas piloto. Es muy complicado ponerlas en marcha en campo. El problema es el coste porque requieren mucha energía”, comenta Irene Navarro en entrevista con RFI.Las técnicas de absorción con carbón activo o con resinas de intercambio iónico permitan captar las PFAS, pero “generan residuos que hay que tratar con incineración”, agrega.“Hay algunos estudios que indican que PFOS se eliminan mediante incineración utilizando temperaturas de 1100ºC que no alcanzan las incineradoras municipales. Las tecnologías a veces tienen una efectividad muy buena para algunos PFAS, los de cadena larga, por ejemplo, y en cambio los de cadena corta son más difíciles de eliminar. Tienen que evolucionar la tecnología para conseguir esta contaminación real”, concluye Navarro.La carrera sin fin de la industria químicaAnte la multiplicación reciente de estudios que detectaron la presencia de PFAS en los suelos, ríos, fuentes de agua potable y en la sangre de poblaciones que viven cerca de plantas químicas que procesan estas sustancias, las autoridades impusieron progresivamente reglas: desde la prohibición del PFOA en 2020, hasta limites de concentraciones de 20 PFAS preocupantes de 0,10 μg/l en el agua potable en la Unión Europea. Pero la regulación de las PFAS se asemeja a una carrera de prohibición en la que la industria química siempre se lleva la delantera con la creación de nuevas sustancias para esquivar la ley.“Sí, pasa con estos contaminantes y con muchos otros”, confirma la investigadora Irene Navarro. “Estos compuestos se empezaron a utilizar a lo mejor en los años 50 y se han estado utilizando hasta que salta la alarma. Y cuando la comunidad científica comunica su preocupación, las empresas ya están pensando en sustituir estos compuestos por otros. El problema es que se sustituyen a veces por compuestos muy similares. Es y al ser tan similares, pues pueden provocar los mismos efectos que las sustancias iniciales”, indica Navarro.Los grupos de intereses a la ofensiva en BruselasDesde Bruselas, Dolores Romano, responsable de políticas de sustancias químicas en European Environmental Bureau, EEB, principal coalición de ONG ambientalistas europeas, estima que las prohibiciones actuales son muy limitadas frente a los miles sustancias que se usan en la industria.La activista respalda la propuesta de Alemania, Dinamarca, Suecia, Holanda y Noruega para que se prohíban en toda Europa todas las PFAS. “Además, se deberían prohibir de inmediato todo lo que son usos no esenciales de PFAS, o sea, como decoración e inmuebles y. Todos los usos para los que realmente no son críticos para el mantenimiento de la seguridad o de la salud”, dijo a RFI.Pero los intentos por restringir el uso de estos contaminantes eternos se han topado con una ofensiva de los grupos de intereses de la industria química. En abril de 2024, la dirección de la empresa de utensilios de cocina Seb incitó por ejemplo a sus empleados a manifestarse ante la Asamblea Nacional francesa el día del debate de una propuesta de ley para prohibir el uso de PFAS en textiles y cosméticos.“Estamos viendo una influencia y una presión que no se ha visto jamás en Europa, de la cantidad de lobistas, de reuniones, de información falsa que se está de vertiendo sobre sobre las PFAS, sobre su peligrosidad, sobre las alternativas”, observa Dolores Romano.“Estamos frente a una campaña masiva de desinformación por parte de los fabricantes de PFAS en Europa. Es especialmente la filial de Dupont, Chemours, que está liderando la campaña, junto con las asociaciones de empresarios de la química”, subraya la activista.La influencia de los grupos de intereses llevó justamente a un giro espectacular del gobierno alemán. En 2023, el gobierno de Olal Scholz fue uno de los promotores europeos de la prohibición universal de las PFAS antes finalmente de dar marcha atrás.¿Qué decidirá el próximo gobierno? Quién asumirá el costo de la descontaminación de los suelos envenenados por PFAS, estimado en 100 mil millones de euros ? Preguntas que aún quedan pendientes en Europa.Entrevistas:>Irene Navarro, investigadora del Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas y Medioambientales, CIEMAT, España, en la Unidad Contaminantes Orgánicos Persistentes.>Dolores Romano: responsable de políticas de sustancias químicas en European Environmental Bureau, EEB, principal coalición de ONG ambientalistas europeas.
The list of PFAS chemicals subject to TRI reporting grows to 205! Hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace are joined by HRP's EHS&S Practice Leader Jackie Baxley to discuss the additions. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
It's our top PFAS stories of 2024! We'll hear from our regular contributors to the podcast on what stories top their lists for the year. We've got HRP's Tom Darby, Jackie Baxley, and hosts Matthew Wallace, and Tom Simmons. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
In the last podcast, I discussed sources of toxins and how they can impact the brain and development.In this podcast, I'll focus on ways to reduce exposure. I say reduce because there is no way to completely eliminate our exposure to toxins. This reality can be liberating for those who struggle with perfectionism.If you're new at this, feel good about starting. Avoid feeling bad about what you haven't done yet. (Negative thoughts aren't great for detoxification;)For me, lowering exposures has been a stepwise process. When I began, I had to avoid overwhelm and resist trying to do everything at once.Though I've familiarized myself with the most researched toxins and their specific health impacts, I try to focus more on what I can do to avoid them so I can get on with life and not think about them.Some of the most researched toxins (last I checked) include mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, PBDEs, organophosphates, glycerophosphate, BPA, BHA, BHT, PCBs, sodium benzoate, butane, tartrazine dye, potassium bromate, ADA, BVO, yellow food dye number's 5 and 6, red dye number 40, bovine growth hormone, synthetic hormones, ractopamine, phthalates, parabens, phenylenediamine, oxybenzone, acrylic, DEA, triclosan, PFAS including PFOS, benzene, chlorine, chloramine, ochratoxin, trichothecenes, aflatoxin, chaetoglobosin, gliotoxin, and zearalenone.Electromagnetic fields, though not “toxins,” are considered toxicants, which have similar impacts on our bodies and brains. I've previously shared how we can start to assess and lower those.To learn more about the root causes of brain symptoms and the consultations that I offer, visit courtneysnydermd.comDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for yourself or others, including but not limited to patients you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com
Since 2015/2016, we have an elevated consciousness regarding cancer in the fire service. With slow, but sure processes, we learned the AFFF, and our gear are “dosed” with PFAS. That it about to change. My guests on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” are Kevin Yeazell and his son Kevin Ryan Yeazell of a company Fireground Supply. Several seasons ago, we met (via podcast) Quincy Emmons, from Canada. His company created a product, Fire Rein. It is a liquid composed of all-natural product, without any PFAS/PFOS. My guests reached out to Quincy's company for details and saw how valuable this could be for the fire service. Additionally, Fireground Supply created another firefighting tool, called Eco-Gel. It sticks to almost any product like wood, plastics, and more. What is important to know is that Eco-Gel is made of all natural products, contains no PFAS/PFOS and actually sticks to the surface and will not allow a re-light of what was burning. Kevin Ryan Yeazell is also an expert on firefighting gear. He is deeply involved in the issue of keeping our gear healthy and knows the industry very, very well. While the audio version of this podcast is complete, we urge you to visit our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force,” where you will hear the entire podcast, BUT…. you will see several videos included how these products work!You can reach them at their website, www.firegroundsupply.com! ********************Please remember that we need your help especially during this Holiday Season; to raise the important funds we use to financially help our Brothers/Sisters and/or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can afford, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com
Join host Ryan Feldman in an insightful episode of "The Poison Lab" as he sits down with Dr. John Downs, Director of the Virginia Poison Center, and one of the leading experts on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." Known for their persistence in the environment and human body, PFAS have raised significant public health concerns over the past few decades. Dr. Downs shares his journey through occupational medicine, toxicology, and public health, which uniquely positioned him to provide expertise on PFAS exposure, health risks, and ongoing regulatory efforts. Together, they delve into the origins, uses, and potential health effects of these ubiquitous compounds, while examining government policies, environmental impact, and strategies to reduce exposure. A must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of environmental health and toxicology! Episode Breakdown:2:42 – What Are Forever Chemicals?8:01 – History of PFAS and Associated Health Concerns15:41 – Government Regulation of PFAS20:42 – Shortcomings in PFAS Regulation25:20 – How Individuals Can Mitigate Risk31:15 – Testing for PFAS Levels and Exploring Treatment Options41:14 – Future Directions and Research Needs for PFAS45:29 – Conclusion and OutroKey Topics Discussed2:42 – What Are Forever Chemicals?PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals that are persistent in the environment and human body.The podcast focuses primarily on PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid), as these were the first compounds identified as having very long elimination half-lives, measured in years, and not undergoing significant human metabolismThe podcast mentions that there are potentially thousands of different PFAS compounds and that more research is needed to determine if they all induce the same health effects as PFOA and PFOSCommonly used for their water- and oil-resistant properties in nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers, firefighting foams, and more.8:01 – History of PFAS and Associated Health ConcernsFirst created by Dupont chemical, used widely in 1940's in TeflonLarge contamination of water by PFAS identified in West Virginia townLed to landmark study in West Virginia (the C8 study) on epidemiological data of PFAS-related health risks.Effects noted: High cholesterol, thyroid dysfunction, ulcerative colitis, hypertension in pregnancy, decreased immune response to vaccine, and certain cancers (testicular and kidney cancer).PFAS in the EnvironmentPFAS are not easily degraded, leading to bioaccumulation in humans and animals.Non-stick cookware: Teflon, the trade name for non-stick cookware, was one of the earliest applications of PFAS, utilizing PFOA.Firefighting foam: PFAS was used in firefighting foams, particularly for aviation fuel fires. This has led to contamination of groundwater around military installations and airports.Fast food wrappers and other consumer products: PFAS are used to make products water and oil resistant, including fast food wrappers, clothing, upholstery, and popcorn bags.Biosolids: The nitrogenous waste produced after wastewater treatment, have been found to contain concentrated PFAS. These biosolids are sometimes sold to farms as fertilizer, potentially contaminating water and crops.Ski wax: Ski waxers have been found to have a high degree of PFAS...
Matthew and Tom are joined by HRP's CEO, and Maine sport hunting enthusiast, Dan Titus, to talk about the state's advisory on consuming game meat, specifically, deer and turkey. The advisory comes on the heels of lab results showing dangerously elevated levels of PFAS in wildlife. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
In this week's episode of *Heart Doc VIP*, Dr. Joel Kahn begins by expressing heartfelt concern for those affected by the recent and upcoming hurricanes, hoping everyone finds safety and shelter during such difficult times. The mini topics this week include a look at heart disease in women, the harmful effects of toxic plastic (PFOS) on sleep, and the importance of plant chemicals called phytonutrients—specifically polyphenols and carotenoids. The main focus is an important new study examining carotid and heart plaque in asymptomatic individuals, with an average age of 69, and how it affected their survival over a 12-year period. Dr. Kahn discusses a subgroup whose worsening plaque put them at the highest risk, emphasizing the importance of Omega-3s in plaque prevention—something that's been a focus at the Kahn Center since 2015. You can read more about this topic in the article linked below. Special thanks to our sponsor, Igennus. Use discount code *DrKahn* at checkout for 20% off your next purchase at igennus.com. Read more about plaque prevention here: What Do I Do with My High Coronary Calcium CT Results?
Katherine Warwick is an aquatic ecologist and PhD candidate at Western Sydney University. Katherine has recently led an Australian-first study which has found perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in platypuses, sparking warnings people in New South Wales may be more exposed than once thought. In this chat, we discuss the study methodology and results – and the subsequent implications across New South Wales and beyond. Useful links:Katherine on LinkedIn (here)ABC News article “PFAS 'forever chemicals' found in water filtration plants and platypus livers in NSW” (here)Warwick, K.G., Wright, I.A., Whinfield, J. et al. First report of accumulation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in New South Wales, Australia. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31, 51037–51042 (2024). (here)Ocean Protect Podcast episode “Forever chemicals & their impact on wetland snakes with Dr Damian Lettoof” (August 2023, Season 5, Episode 15) (here) For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jim Meehan asked some of the best bartenders on the planet for their favorite cocktail recipes — and put them in a book. Archaeologist Tate Paulette explores ancient beers. Market correspondent Gillian Ferguson explores how California farmers handled the latest heat wave. Investigative journalist Sharon Lerner unpacks how 3M lied to its employees — and by extension the American people — about the dangers of PFAS and PFOS. New York Times correspondent Kim Severson reports on the attempts to replace plastics in the grocery store.
The deadline for PFAS reporting has been pushed! Hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace are joined by compliance expert Jackie Baxley, HRP's EHS&S Practice Leader, to detail the deadline update and go over the key details of the rule.Check out our previously recorded webinar linked here for some background context, but be sure to check out this episode for the latest! Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
HEALTH NEWS Selenium and manganese levels significantly impact mortality risk in asthma patients Study puts understanding of long COVID and vaccination into question Study links 'forever chemical' PFOS with colorectal cancer Nicotinamide riboside increases brain NAD+ Regularly using mobile phones linked to heart disease risk Shedding light on how oral bacteria can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis
How are PFAS affecting your work and our world?Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large class of long-lasting, synthetic chemicals used extensively in industrial and household products. Many PFAS don't degrade readily on their own, and some are highly mobile in the environment. They can be found worldwide in water, soil, air, plants, animals and even our bloodstreams. We're still uncovering the full impact of these chemicals on the health of humans and our environment, but here's what is clear: it's a complex challenge at scale to remediate these so-called “forever” chemicals. Add fast-changing regulations in different geographies and regional differences to the scale and response to the PFAS challenge, and it all compounds the difficulty. The way forward requires a greater understanding of the risks and challenges of PFAS, but it's just the start. We'll need cross-sector collaboration and innovation to tackle these issues and apply the right measurement tools and technology. Our guests for this episode are defining the solutions for clients and the industry at large: Sharon Minchak, Global Solutions Director for Remediation and Regeneration at Jacobs, and Dr. Russell Ford, Global Director for Drinking Water & Reuse Solutions at Jacobs.Follow Jacobs:Website: jacobs.comIf/When podcast series: If/When podcast seriesLinkedIn: @jacobsconnectsInstagram: @jacobsconnectsX: @JacobsConnectsFollow our guests:Sharon MinchakRussell FordMore episode details available here.
Tom and Matt are back to talk PFAS. First, is EPA's CERCLA designation of PFAS in danger, due to the supreme court eliminating the chevron deference? Plus, Maine farmers sue EPA over PFAS regulation in biosolids. We finish with some advanced chemistry on PFAS destruction. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
Singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke said some of her "most peak experiences on stage" had been at Bluesfest and mourned lost opportunities for future generations of musicians,."Australian artists who are up and coming, who are honing their craft, really rely on these festivals," she said.
We are back as we continue our summer dive into the paranormal, mysterious & high strangeness of urban legends… In today's episode we are getting into the Vanishing Hitchhiker, which is probably one of the most well known and culturally unique urban legends we'll look at this summer. Tune in as we get into several creepy legends of ghostly encounters from travelers far and wide. We also cover more primitive forms of the tale along with some history that could potentially point to how this is all wrapped up in our own modern storytelling and cultural zeitgeist of a bygone or maybe not so bygone era… We also end this one on a listener story from the PFOS hotline. All of this and more in today's episode! Have you ever picked up a hitchhiker? Or had a strange and unexplainable encounter? If so call the PFOS hotline at 619-866-6432 for a chance to be featured on an upcoming episode. Hitchhiking Statistics: https://bernd.wechner.info/Hitchhiking/CHP/body.html Music Credit: 2wheelsturnin - Sweet Hitchhiker (CCR Cover)
「井戸から有毒“PFOS”検出 国の指針値の最大700倍 千葉・鎌ケ谷市」 千葉・鎌ケ谷市の井戸水から、国の指針値の最大700倍となる濃度の有機フッ素化合物が検出されたことがわかりました。鎌ケ谷市では2024年4月、軽井沢地区にある井戸で、有機フッ素化合物の「PFAS」のうち、有害性が指摘される「PFOS」と「PFOA」の調査が行われ、7カ所で国の暫定指針値を超える濃度が検出されていました。これを受けて6月、範囲を広げて追加調査を行ったところ、13カ所の井戸で国の値を上回る濃度が検出され、最大で700倍に上ったということです。これまで健康被害などの報告はなく、市は井戸水を利用しないよう呼びかけています。
Hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace are joined by HRP's Carly Saindon to discuss a recent study showing that PFAS absorption into the skin is significantly worse than previously thought. We go over the details and talk about the current state of PFAS skin absorption in various products. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
Sophia Ruan Gushée is a nontoxic lifestyle expert and author of A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures and several detox workbooks. She is praised by experts in both medical and wellness fields for her practical approach to avoiding toxins and cultivating a healthier home environment. Sophia served on the Brown University School of Public Health Advisory Council and Well + Good Council. A graduate of Brown University and Columbia Business School, Sophia has helped thousands of people enjoy healthier lives by simplifying nontoxic living, while protecting the ease and convenience of modern life. https://www.ruanliving.com/nontoxic-cleaning-guide-may Website & Social media links (Facebook, instagram, twitter) - Instagram: @ruanliving, https://www.instagram.com/ruanliving/ - Facebook: Ruan Living, https://www.facebook.com/ruanliving - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srgushee/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ruanliving For more information about Michelle, visit www.michelleoravitz.com The Wholesome FertilityFacebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/ Transcript: Michelle (00:01) Welcome to the podcast, Sophia. Sophia Gushee (00:03) Thank you for having me. Michelle (00:05) It's a pleasure to have you and to talk about something that I feel is so important. It's definitely like an uphill battle. I think that a lot of people are facing, but can be done in a easier way and approached in easier way. And I'm really happy to have you on to talk about this important topic. But before we get started, I would love for you to introduce yourself and give us a background and what got you into the work that you're doing. Sophia Gushee (00:34) I'd be happy to. I never could have imagined that I would be focused on simplifying non -toxic living. I grew up in upstate New York, always interested in eating healthy. I grew up in a tennis loving family. I exercised a lot since I was really young. And yet I always felt poor energy, felt really bad. And since... People always said to me, you're the healthiest person I know. And I felt really bad. I just thought something was wrong with me. I ended up after graduating from college, working on Wall Street for about 10 years in distressed investing. So I would focus on high risk, high return investments with imperfect information. And my job was to figure out. what are the value creation strategies we can execute to create the most value? And when I became a mom at age 34, I started accidentally learning about toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and radiation from what I was buying for my infant. And since I never heard about this before, my like, highly respected physicians never put it on my radar. My reaction ended up being very similar to what I did professionally with distress investing. I had to figure out are there credible sources to back up what I'm reading? What are the good facts? Why do the physicians not know about this? And what's a reasonable level of concern? always I ended up finding enough information that made me want to make a healthier choice. And I ended up developing a platform and a lifestyle to simplify how to make safer choices with shopping and simple things you do at home. So Ruan Living is based on the easy things you can do to reduce your toxic exposures. I ended up spending about eight years sharing the science that I learned about that I wish I knew sooner in a book that was published in 2015 and that's called A to Z of Detoxing, The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures. But since I never wanted to read a book about this, I just wanted an informed mom to tell me what I should know and what I could do in as little time as possible. And I never found that resource. I've been building offerings to serve that desire of my younger self because learning how to not buy toxic exposures to bring into your home should not be as hard as it's been. Michelle (03:40) Oh my God, when you said simplify, I'm like, yes, that is exactly what we need because I find, and I found this when I first started working with fertility and of course learned about what the impacts were from these endocrine disruptors and the toxins that were exposed to from the chemicals that are in our products to our like healthcare and not healthcare them. I mean, the clean products in our, not clean products, I don't know why I'm getting, I'll delete this part. Cleaning products in our house, you know, there's so many different ways that it sneaks in, but it also in receipts, you know, things that you would never even consider. And then also pesticides and I mean, you can just like, you can keep going and EMFs too. That's another, that's a whole other topic. Sophia Gushee (04:15) cleaning products. Michelle (04:36) But yeah, we're exposed to a lot of things that we're not supposed to be exposed to. And when I first learned about this, I remember myself feeling overwhelmed, but then also being afraid to overwhelm my patients and my clients, because it can be really overwhelming to hear about. First of all, it makes you feel bad and then worried like, well, what happened up until this point? You know what I mean? I've been doing all these things and not realizing that I'm harming my body. But secondly, how does one get started? You know, that it feels like such an uphill battle and it feels like it's so overwhelming. I think that that was one of the things that I always struggled with in explaining things to my patients. Sophia Gushee (05:21) It's hard. Not everyone wants to know. And so I don't push it on people. But for those who are curious, I want them to know what I have to offer so that they can learn to modify things in their lifestyle and their purchases that they don't mind making. And the thing... Michelle (05:25) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (05:49) The main thing is, I forgot to finish a point I started with. Even though I felt really poor energy most of my life, it wasn't until after I started detoxing my home and detoxing my diet and other things to reduce my toxic exposures that I started to feel better than ever. And this is now during a stage in my life where I don't eat as well as I used to. I don't exercise as much as I used to. I have three kids, so I've been busy with that and working a ton. I don't sleep as well, and yet I feel better than ever. And I really do believe it's the reduced body burden that I undoubtedly now have. And when I look at images of mice who have been exposed to a lot of bisphenol A, a popular hormone disrupting chemical found in many household products like plastics. And I see how obese the mouse is in comparison to the control mouse who was not exposed to BPA. I think that's how I felt like all of high school. So what I encourage people to do is to follow an elimination diet. Pick one thing. one change you don't mind making often cleaning products is a really good start or your food containers or your pots and pans. Most people don't feel an emotional connection to those things and make a small change. And over time, you're going to feel really good about it, whether you feel better or you're just feeling empowered and you'll feel ready for another change. And over time, There are a variety of symptoms that are alleviated for a lot of people, whether it's skin issues or energy or other outcomes. A lot of studies actually show that these toxic exposures are influencing reproductive health and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. So if you're struggling to get pregnant, and you want to do everything you can for the healthiest pregnancy outcome possible, then detoxing your home and the other aspects of your life that you can do at a pace that's comfortable for you will be an invaluable investment for yourself and your offspring and also their offspring. Michelle (08:35) Absolutely. Actually, let's talk about pots and pans because I feel like that's always a confusing subject. What are good ones that you recommend? Sophia Gushee (08:47) I stick to the materials that have been around since before the Industrial Revolution. So cast iron, stainless steel, and glass are the staples in my home. After about 12, 13 years of just those pots and pans, which are black and metal, I went through a period of really missing color. And so I bought a ceramic Michelle (08:58) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (09:17) cast iron skillet thinking at the time based on my research that that was probably safe and then after spending probably about $200, very expensive pan, but it was a very pretty pink. I read that it could have lead in it and so my practical approach is I'm not going to throw it out. I like seeing the color around. I use it sparingly and Acidic foods like tomatoes can wear at the coating of cast iron and stainless steel. So you want to try and not like make tomato sauce in those materials. And so I eventually bought glass cookware. And so the glass is for the tomatoes and other acidic foods. But I also use the... ceramic glazed cast iron sometimes. Michelle (10:19) Got it. But the ceramic glazed cast iron, you were saying sometimes it can have lead. Is that what it is? Sophia Gushee (10:25) Yeah, studies on ceramics and ceramic glazed cookware have found mixed results. Some of them have found lead and probably other toxic chemicals too. It's just, you know, if they were just testing for lead, that's all they're going to find. But if they tested for a longer list of things, I have no doubt they'd find other things. Michelle (10:37) Mm -hmm. God, I wish they just didn't do this in the first place. So it would make our life so much easier. No, that they didn't put these chemicals in there or these like things that are harmful for the human body. Sophia Gushee (10:54) that they don't test. Well, they serve a purpose. I mean, sometimes these toxic exposures or substances are there accidentally, not intentionally. But sometimes lead is often used in many household products to create a desired color, to create weight in costume jewelry and children's jewelry. So if you think about it, this Michelle (11:08) Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (11:27) like let's call it fake jewelry is made out of plastic. That's pretty light to make it feel more weighty, like a real, like, I don't know, heavy gold necklace. Heavy metals are used. And when lead has been replaced, it's often been replaced by cadmium, another heavy metal that is also toxic. So I have a 40 -day home detox that really tries to... Michelle (11:49) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (11:55) inform your common sense in this way because it's not really practical or effective to avoid chemical by chemical. I started out when I started learning about this topic, I developed a list of chemicals to avoid. So I'd read product labels to avoid BPA or phthalates or parabens. And then I just realized that substitute chemicals are Michelle (12:07) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (12:24) not always safer, sometimes they're more harmful. So BPA, for example, is a chemical that is used in the inner lining of canned foods and plastics on receipts, as you said earlier. In trying to use a safer formula or less controversial one, manufacturers would replace it with things like BPS or others. and scientists have found that BPS can be even more harmful. And so I ended up, you know, it is, we're now shifting, like governments are shifting towards regulating families of chemicals, which is much more impactful. For example, California is looking to regulate the family of forever chemicals, not just specific ones, like specific forever chemicals, like Michelle (12:56) Oh, wow. Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (13:22) PFOA or PFOS. But I actually in my book, A to Z of Detoxing, identified what I call household repeat offenders. So as you get to know materials or just things like, like I was saying, colors in your home, in like costume jewelry and ceramics, and understand that colors are used. for example, lead and cadmium used to create weight or lead is used to deepen, I think it's red or orange. I specify this in the 40 day home detox program. It just tells your common sense, oh, that's high risk. Most likely there's a heavy metal in there to create that rich deep color or to create weight for plastic. But... Michelle (14:10) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (14:19) I forgot your question. Michelle (14:20) Oh, no. I mean, it's just, it's just, yeah, it's all, it's all important. Like I think it's all important because when it comes to really understanding and kind of navigating through this, it could be very overwhelming. And one of the things is like you were saying, when you're focusing on one ingredient at a time, I mean, who can remember all of those things? That's the reality. Another thing that comes to my mind too, is you would think like, Sophia Gushee (14:23) Pots and pans, lots of hands. Yeah. Michelle (14:48) water or like a sparkling water, I know a lot of them have forever chemicals in them. Sophia Gushee (14:56) Yeah, water is tricky. Bottled water will have lots of micro plastics or nano plastics if it's in a plastic bottle, but even tap water can get contaminated through the pipes and the kitchen fixtures. So I think it's really worth investing in a water filter that is comfortable for your budget. Michelle (15:06) Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (15:24) Any level of filtration is better than none. But just going back to pots and pans, just so listeners know there's a resource. I have a blog on my website that's the most popular blog on my website and it's on pots and pans. And so I list the specific ones that I use for my home because it is, I research every product I can. I find it. Michelle (15:26) Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (15:51) not only important but intellectually really interesting and even some stainless steel pots and pans, you know, they're not all the same and glass is not all the same. So I try and make it really easy for people to click and buy if that's what they want to do or share my thought process so people can do their own research. Michelle (16:01) Mm -hmm. Right. That's awesome. So you do have a lot of resources on specific brands or what you've looked into that is clean. Like another thing is spatulas, you know, they say that the silicone spatulas are better because they could withstand high heat, but then sometimes they, they overlay rubber, which isn't good. So I don't know. What are your thoughts on that? Sophia Gushee (16:43) I'd like to use the example of chocolate chip cookies. There's so many formulas, there's so many recipes for chocolate chip cookies. I grew up with chocolate chip cookies being made of white... Well, if you think about it, I grew up with chocolate chip cookies being really unhealthy. They were made of white sugar, white flour, bad oils. And nowadays there's some really great... Michelle (16:55) I am now craving chocolate chip cookies. Sophia Gushee (17:12) paleo recipes made of almond flour. I'm making it up. I don't know if it's almond flour, but like super healthy flour, healthier sugars, healthier chocolate. It can almost be healthier than most American breakfast options. And that idea is true for plastics, for silicone. for glass, for stainless steel. It depends on the recipe. And so silicone, I'm skeptical of. I'm sure like ideally medical grade silicone is what you wanna use. So for things like pacifiers or baby bottle nipples, I did my best to find medical grade silicone. For cooking, I avoided silicone and plastics for a while. Michelle (17:43) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (18:07) I would just use wooden spatulas and metal just when I need it. But you want to be careful not to use metal on cast iron and stainless steel because the scratching of the surface, even if you have nonstick pots and pans, scratches just facilitate the leaching of chemicals and metals into your food. So wood is better. But sometimes, like if you're making pancakes or you want to scoop up an egg, from your pan then silicone. I finally bought one silicone spatula. Michelle (18:43) So yeah, so in certain circumstances, but ultimately would be the best. Sophia Gushee (18:50) Wood is ideal. And if I remember correctly, I read this trick to tell if silicone was high risk. And if you bend it, like some bakeware is made of silicone, even a spatula, you can maybe like bend the tip. If you can see, let's say your spatula is a blue silicone. If you see a little white and you bend it, then that's a signal that it might not be the healthiest. Michelle (19:14) Right. Sophia Gushee (19:20) So let's go. Michelle (19:20) Right, because it has rubber inside. Yeah, I remember reading that as well. I was like, oh, that's interesting. So some are just better quality that they're like more thorough or there's a certain grading, right? Sophia Gushee (19:23) Yeah. next. Yeah, there are love different levels of purity. Michelle (19:38) Awesome. And then are there filters you recommend? I know I'm getting into the details, but I know that I have those questions and I think a lot of people do. It's like all those details are things that people know because water is so important. And of course they had Berkey, which was huge. Now they shut down. So like what's next? Yeah, I heard this is what I heard. I mean, I have, I have one and I have one at my office, but I know, but I did actually hear. Sophia Gushee (19:42) Yeah, I know, I'm happy to see it. versus Chess now. Michelle (20:08) And I don't know that they had like a lawsuit and they lost. And so they shut it down. So now that there are other companies that distribute them, but you don't know which one's official. So it's kind of, I'm not sure. Sophia Gushee (20:26) Excuse me. I have spent so much time on water filtration and air filtration. I... Michelle (20:33) Yeah. Sophia Gushee (20:40) This is what I do. I have, I'm so paranoid about what's in the water that I have invested to the best of my ability. And so under our kitchen sink, we have a nine stage water filtration system. So there's reverse osmosis, which removes everything, but one water. Michelle (20:59) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (21:09) expert explained to me, I'd never heard it before and I couldn't verify it online, but it kind of made sense. One water expert said to me that if you're drinking water that's stripped of everything and therefore unbalanced, as it goes through your body, it's looking to balance itself so it can leach your bones of minerals and take in other ways. Michelle (21:28) Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. Yeah, I heard about that. Sophia Gushee (21:33) So that made me really nervous. So I also have other materials in the water filtration system to rebalance the water. There's also activated carbon. And in our country home, we also have, our country home is in an area that has cancer clusters. So I'm even more paranoid about water out there. So I have a whole house water filtration system. So it's about, I think, Michelle (21:55) Oh, wow. Sophia Gushee (22:03) I don't know how many pounds, like a huge tank of activated carbon in our basement. So all the water entering our home gets filtered through the activated carbon and then distributed throughout the rest of our home, which was important to me at the time I installed it because my young kids were taking long backs. And... Michelle (22:26) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (22:29) but I still felt like I don't think that's enough, because there's just so much bad activity around our country home with a pharmaceutical company there and like some industrial activity. And so I also installed this nine stage water filtration system under the sink. But if you can't do that for whatever reason, then even a... picture with activated carbon is better than nothing. When I travel, I have water bottles that have a water filtration system in the water bottle. Because I notice when I travel, I end up not really drinking water because I'm afraid to drink water. And so that's helped. But my kids won't use it. They all have it, but they refuse to drink from it. So I'll keep trying. Michelle (23:00) Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. I know the kids don't like to listen to us sometimes, but also when you use that, so you were talking about that charcoal. So that's not reverse osmosis. It's too simple. Right. So it just basically cleans it out with the charcoal. Sophia Gushee (23:37) That's not. the water filter, the water bottle. Michelle (23:44) The water, yeah. No, no, the water filter in the house. You had mentioned that you had the charcoal and then you had the night. Sophia Gushee (23:51) The basement has just the activated charcoal. And so that's actually a specific thing you want to ask for because not all charcoal is the same. So you want activated charcoal. And that just absorbs a lot of toxins. But after the water gets distributed through the pipes, it's going to pick up other things from the pipes. Michelle (23:59) Okay. Sophia Gushee (24:18) But also I don't think the activated charcoal is necessarily getting the forever chemicals or nanoplastics. So that's why I feel crazy talking about this or admitting it, but I then have the nine -stage water filtration system underneath the spout for drinking water. And it's just for drinking water. I don't use it for cooking. Michelle (24:41) Mm -hmm. It's not crazy. That's the thing. It's not crazy to want clean water. You know, it's really not. It's just so common to really be exposed to things we shouldn't be exposed to that we have to go out of our way to add all these reinforcements in order to just have clean water, you know, in our life. Sophia Gushee (25:07) Plus, I was learning about all the contaminants in water with really young kids and during pregnancies and nursing and knowing how influential these toxic exposures can be to young developing life. I would do anything to protect my children from these endocrine disruptors and neurotoxicants and carcinogens. So I did my best, but it was really hard to figure out. It really took probably over 10 years because not all the water filtration experts had a holistic understanding of my concern. So it just took many conversations and it took a while to find experts that were informed. Michelle (26:02) And are there ones you recommend or do you have anything on your website of which types of water filtration you recommend from like a pitcher to something under your sink? Sophia Gushee (26:15) I don't remember if I do in the blog. I have a detox Academy. It's a membership where that's where I am much more personal about the products in my home. I share a lot on the blog too, but I often, I, I often want to be able to provide more context for things because nothing's perfect. So I just want to be able. So in my detox Academy, there's more context for. Michelle (26:28) Mm -hmm. Yeah. Sophia Gushee (26:44) the pros and cons of a product, why I chose it. So for example, sunscreen. I reevaluate every year. It's highly complex. When my kids are really young, there is a certain brand of sunscreen that was rated the most non -toxic, but it's a thick white cream. So as my kids became more verbal, they're like, no. And now they're teenage girls. And so, Michelle (26:48) Mm -hmm. Yes, and the kids don't like it. They don't like it. Yeah. Sophia Gushee (27:14) branding matters, you know, like there are a lot of things that go into whether a teenage girl is going to reapply or apply sunscreen. So I had to go more toxic with some products. And so I just explain a lot more of those personal things in the detox academy because I was raised being told if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. And so I just am shy or reserved about. Michelle (27:17) Oh yeah. Mm -hmm, right. Sophia Gushee (27:43) talking about brands or products that are more toxic, but in the detox academy, I'll say, you know, this brand has a higher toxicity rating, but I use it because if I don't, then my children won't reapply sunscreen. Michelle (27:45) Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. But no, it makes sense. I mean, I think it is something that can be addressed in a balanced way because otherwise, I mean, it'll, it'll create your, you know, it'll really create a lot of stress, which I feel like is also toxic. So you got to do it in a way that's balanced and sensible and a way that works. Sophia Gushee (28:21) Yeah, it's really important to not aim to be perfect about it and non -toxic does not exist. That's why I often say, like my podcast is called Practical Non -Toxic Living because you also have to enjoy life and that means taking risks and branding. Michelle (28:30) Right. Yeah, it's true. Sophia Gushee (28:48) Brings a lot of joy to teenage girls. Michelle (28:50) For sure. Well, I'm glad that you're saying that because I think that that is, you know, it's definitely an important aspect to address because I do think that that's what happens. It's like with anything you start to learn about it. You almost become almost like a toxic phobe. It's just like we become germaphobes when we have that microscope that we could see what it looks like, you know, so it starts to get in our minds and we're like, oh my God, I don't want that. And there's this like high level of resistance. And the truth is we really can't resist all of it. We cannot go completely clean. So it is important to realize that always it's never going to be perfect. And that's okay. I mean, part of it is obviously trying to alleviate the body's load, but it also, another part of it is actually making the body adaptable, you know, so the body adapts because the body knows how to detoxify as well. I mean, I know there's activated charcoal that people can take as well to help take out the toxins or bind to toxins in the body. So it's a real holistic balance for sure. Sophia Gushee (29:58) I really think of it as yoga off the mat. And I just, I support conscious, just conscious choices and whatever you choose, you shouldn't judge yourself. I had a client who was trying to help her mom detox her home, just detox cleaning products. And the mom was so resistant. And finally, after a few years, the mom finally admitted, Michelle (30:09) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (30:28) I just love my certain perfume and my red lipstick and I'm so afraid you're going to tell me it's so toxic I can't use it. And I said, tell your mom that she can hold on to what she loves and there will be plenty of other changes that she won't mind making. And that's really my philosophy. Hold on to what you love or what brings you great convenience. Let's work together on finding the changes you won't mind making. Michelle (30:37) Yeah. Yeah. That's actually really important. I mean, I will say like that, you know, my daughter likes this one perfume and, and it's not a non -toxic perfume, but I feel like if I get so strict, it's going to cause the opposite effect. And I said, okay, it's not a big deal. Just put it on your clothes, not on your skin. You know, sometimes you just do it once in a while and it's not like every day. So it's like, I think that that's a great way to look at it. It's just like, it doesn't have to be. all or nothing and a little bit it's not going to like be the end all be all like make such a big deal. Sophia Gushee (31:36) I'm sorry. It was really meaningful to me when I spoke to the former dean of the School of Public Health at Brown University, Bess Marcus, who did a lot of research on behavioral change with smokers, cigarette smokers. And a lot of her research in the 60s and 70s, she ended up using in her visits. to physicians to educate physicians on what scientists were understanding about the health risks from cigarette smoking. And after a while, a lot of when she would revisit the physicians, they often were really demoralized and they would say, I tell my patients that if they don't stop smoking cigarettes, their chances of lung cancer are gonna be much higher, but they won't quit. So what's the point? There's no point. And she said, the research shows that a patient, a smoker needs to hear this message at least seven times before the smoker will consider changing. So you have to be among the voice of seven, which helped me so much because if you're trying to educate your children, for example, Michelle (32:48) Mm. Sophia Gushee (33:01) to know that your goal shouldn't be to get them to stop something right away and listen to you, but just to be among the voices of the messages that will give them the right information or the right goals, then at some point, maybe they'll listen to it, but you really can't control other people. You shouldn't try. It'll just ruin your relationship. And so all we can do is just try and be a voice out there without the expectation of, Michelle (33:21) It's true. Yeah, 100%. It's true. Sophia Gushee (33:31) controlling behavior. Michelle (33:33) Oh, 100%. I think that you teach and if people want to take it, they take it. If they can't, if they don't want to, you know, we're all given free will. I have a very big proponent of that because it's important to respect that in others. And ultimately it's their decision. Um, but educate, I, I'm really big on, I think that it's so important to educate people and let them know, because then, then you can make an informed decision. However, that decision wants to end up. but you can make an informed decision because you have information to make that decision. And then if you choose to ignore certain things, that's your choice, but you at least you know before making that decision. Sophia Gushee (34:14) Yeah. Yeah, I just think people have a right to know if you're a health conscious person, then often this is an overlooked pillar of health that can be really empowering. Michelle (34:29) of without a doubt. And then let's talk about actually EMFs, because you had mentioned that I've seen that on your list. So EMFs are definitely something that a lot of it's invisible. So I think that sometimes out of sight out of mind, we can't smell it, we can't really hear it. It's like invisible, but we know it's there and we read about it, but sometimes forget about it. And it's something that we use, especially like if you're going to a library, I mean, anywhere that even a hotel, you know, with all the wifi, it's there in so many places. So talk about the role of EMF and how that can impact reproductive health. Sophia Gushee (35:14) I'll start by trying to explain EMFs in a way that can maybe help listeners visualize it, because I think that has helped me. So I now think of EMFs as just radiation. It's just energy. I think of it as energy. And our cell phones, for example, will maybe use energy from a 3G wavelength or maybe 4G also and 5G and Bluetooth, then cellular, 3G, 4G, 5G, Bluetooth, Wi -Fi, cellular, their energy wavelengths will differ, but also like the, there are other things about the wavelengths that will be different. So Bluetooth, for example, will be something like, whereas Wi -Fi will maybe be more gentle. And if you think of sound as energy too, but that it's almost like a harsh wavelength, it's pecking at our membranes. So if you have Bluetooth earphones in your ear, the... Michelle (36:31) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (36:42) that part of your skull is actually really vulnerable. So even if you're not using the earphones, it's open. So the earbuds are still trying to, they still emit energy towards each other through your skull. A wonderful scientist named Debra Davis, she's highly accomplished. She, Michelle (36:49) Because it's open. It's open. Sophia Gushee (37:11) She was integral in banning smoking on cigarette planes decades ago. She has been, God bless her, she's been pioneering science on how these electromagnetic fields from our technology are affecting our health and development and reproductive health outcomes. Side note, she won a Nobel Prize with Michelle (37:18) God bless her. Sophia Gushee (37:40) Vice President Al Gore on their work for climate change. So she's an amazing scientist, but she... I just lost my train of thought. Michelle (37:55) That happens to me all the time. We were talking about the earbuds and the yeah. Sophia Gushee (37:59) the earbud. She has, uh, she's published a few wonderful books, but she just re -released a book called Disconnect, which explains the science on how radiation from things like our cell phones and laptops are threatening our health and wellbeing. So if listeners want to get a great overview on that, I highly recommend Disconnect. And I also have... one podcast episode with Debra Davis on the Practical Non -Toxic Living podcast if they want to listen and her executive director is on another one. But she and another great scientist, David Carpenter, were part of a team that filed a lawsuit against the FCC for not considering the scientific studies, the peer -reviewed scientific studies that have come out since the wireless standards were set in 1996. And the judge ruled in their favor. But the judge said to the FCC, you have these list of things you have to now respond to, but there's no deadline for the FCC to respond by. So progress isn't really going to go anywhere, but at least the judge acknowledged that standards need to be updated and the FCC needs to consider what scientists have learned since 1996. But studies have shown that laptop radiation and cell phone radiation near like the male reproductive area damages sperm quality. So men should be really mindful of where they place the laptop and... Michelle (39:44) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (39:51) If you're going to have a cell phone on your body, ideally you don't, but that's really hard to do nowadays. If it is on your body, the perfect solution is to turn off your phone. Most people can't do that. The next best thing is to disable cellular Wi -Fi and Bluetooth. And so I just work on having my family members, my children and my husband use airplane mode to disable those things. Michelle (40:19) Mm -hmm. Yeah. Sophia Gushee (40:21) And so when you're walking, just know you're taking, you're disconnecting, taking a little break. And then when you need to check your messages, then you can easily enable all that. So that's, that's how I approach EMFs. So male sperm quality, sperm quality is easier to measure than female reproductive health. So even though they're, scientists don't know how radiation affects our ovaries or the DNA in our reproductive in the ovaries, that doesn't mean that it doesn't cause harm. It's just the studies for women are much more complex. Michelle (41:10) Right, right. I mean, if it impacts men, you would imagine, I mean, and then a lot of people put their laptop on their bodies or they put like other devices on their bodies. I've, you know, people have the Apple watch, you know, all the basically the smartwatches and it's constantly on their body. And I, I look at it from a Chinese medicine perspective and how we have energetic meridians and we do have an energetic body around us. and it's intelligent. So having anything interfere with that definitely impacts our bodies and our vitality. And, you know, so I definitely think about that. And let me ask you, what are your thoughts? Because some people say the 5G is like the most strong radiation. So I always have my kids opt in for LTE. And I do myself on my phone because I'm like, okay, maybe it's a little less radiation. Maybe it's not as good quality, but like the radiation is a little lower. I mean, I don't even know anymore. Sophia Gushee (42:17) They, again, all the like 3G, 4G, 5G, they're just different layers of energy. And so I think of the home as a sea of radiation. So the more you can take out or silence, the better for you, the less burden on your body. So it's hard. I mean, I live in New York City and I think what I aim to do with, I'm always using airplane mode. Michelle (42:22) Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. Yeah. Sophia Gushee (42:47) which annoys most people that they can't call me and reach me right away, but so be it. But my, you know, I have to work within like, what can I ask of my family that won't have them completely reject everything I ask. And so for me right now, I'm just trying to get them to use airplane mode when they don't need to be wirelessly connected. If you're able to, Michelle (42:51) Mm -hmm. Yeah. Yes. Sophia Gushee (43:16) have your family, your loved ones do even more than that, then that's better. It's just less of a stressor on your body. And so I just want to make the point again that some of these wavelengths like Bluetooth can weaken your membrane. So for example, studies show that cell phone radiation can weaken the blood brain barrier. which protects our brain from toxic compounds in the blood. So just keep in mind that idea that if you never give your body a break from a growing intensity of radiation in our environment, at home, school, work, even public areas, then your organs like your brain are more likely to... be more vulnerable to toxic compounds in your blood and elsewhere. So that's why it's just important to be mindful and to be able to create recovery periods for your body. And so the bedroom is a great area to focus on. It's hard to control many things in life and sometimes even in our homes if we live with other people. Michelle (44:29) Mm -hmm. Sophia Gushee (44:39) But the bedroom is a really good focus because hopefully you're sleeping seven to eight hours. You won't miss being wirelessly disconnected. So just make that energy in your sleep area be as silent as possible so your body can get higher quality sleep and be more resilient to what we can't control. Michelle (45:02) Yeah, one of the things that I love is earthing or getting a grounding mat because it does absorb excess like, you know, frequencies in our body just brings it down and it does it's been shown to help with inflammation. I mean, it does so much so much to help the body. I feel like it is one way we can kind of organize our energy again, like our body's energy. a way that is, you know, it gives us something that we can do to help. And then I've also read about shungite. And I think that there was a study done on shungite because of its high carbon content that does tend to neutralize radiation. Sophia Gushee (45:49) Yes, I'm actually wearing a shangite now. Michelle (45:51) Oh, look at you and I have this look. Sophia Gushee (45:57) Bye. After talking to scientists about different EMF protection products and other experiences, I'm now at a place where I like to assume they don't work just because I don't want to have a false sense of security. Because some products, some EMF protection products, especially ones that you plug into an electrical outlet, sometimes they cause more Michelle (46:21) Right. Sophia Gushee (46:33) harm than good or they just create. So for example, you can, for example, I have a router which I can't move outside a daughter's bedroom. So her bedroom gets a lot of radiation and an EMF expert recommended paint that to paint her walls, special paint that would block out the radiation. It took me years later and another EMF expert to realize that the cell phone towers beaming into her bedroom from outside her apartment that are on rooftops across the street. bounce off the walls of her painted walls and create a chaotic energy that's even more stressful for my daughter's body. I don't really know what's true, what the big picture is, but it just made me nervous about. That's one example among others that made me feel like I don't really know how to use these things safely. And so I am. Michelle (47:28) Mm. Yeah. Yeah. Sophia Gushee (47:51) Like I think shungite probably does work, but how much shungite do we need? Like plants do detox the air, but for plants to be an effective air purifier, you probably have to live in a greenhouse. You need a lot of plants. Michelle (47:55) Bye. Right, right, right. This is true. I mean, yeah, we could definitely like, we can keep going and dive deep and, and, you know, enter the rabbit hole, go down the rabbit hole with so many of these things. So I definitely, I could see that for sure, but it is important to know. Sophia Gushee (48:23) But natural ways of earthing, like I'm a big proponent of, which is just skin contact with earth. I really like on grass and soil, the sea is great, immersing yourself in sea water and the ocean, those are really excellent healing ways to ground. Michelle (48:32) Yeah. No doubt nature is incredible and it really knows how to balance us. I mean, because we are part of nature, it's designed that way. So it is pretty amazing. So, I mean, this is just such a great conversation. I could literally pick your brain for hours. And I love some of the things that we talked about, really good information. And for people who are interested and want to learn more, how can they find you? Where should they go? on your website or, you know, navigate through this. Sophia Gushee (49:19) My website is great. The newsletter is the best way to follow the podcast, the detox academy, 40 day home detox and new blog articles and so much more. So I also have detox workshops online. So Ruan living R U A N is a Nancy living .com has also and I can share this link with you. I have a free. non -toxic cleaning guide, which is super helpful in explaining the safest way to clean your home. Michelle (49:58) Awesome. Yeah, that would be great. So Sophia, thank you so much for coming on today. This is such an informative episode. I really appreciate everything that you shared today. So thank you so much. Sophia Gushee (50:11) My pleasure.
News reports warned Australians that "forever chemicals" known as "forever chemicals" have been found in drinking water supplies around our country and are exceeding unsafe levels. These include human-made chemicals: perfluorooctane sulfonate (known as PFOS) and perflurooctanic acid (PFOA). They are classed under the broader category of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS chemicals. - நம் நாட்டை சுற்றிலும் குடிநீர் விநியோகங்களில் “forever chemicals” என்று அறியப்படும் “எப்போதும் அழியா வேதியியல் பொருட்கள்” கண்டறியப்பட்டுள்ளதாகவும் அது பாதுகாப்பற்ற நிலைகளைத் தாண்டியிருப்பதாகவும் செய்திகள் தெரிவிக்கின்றன. மனிதனால் உருவாக்கப்பட்ட (PFOS எனப்படும் perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOA எனப்படும் perflurooctanic acid என்பவற்றை உள்ளடக்கிய) PFAS எனப்படும் பாலிஃப்ளூரோஅல்கைல் பொருட்கள் (polyfluoroalkyl substances) நாம் அருந்தும் நீரில் அதிகளவில் இருப்பதால் எங்களுக்குப் புற்று நோய் அதிகளவில் ஏற்படுவதற்கு சாத்தியம் இருப்பதாக வெளியாகியுள்ள செய்தி குறித்து 40 வருடங்களுக்கு மேலாக நீர் வளத் துறையில் பணியாற்றி விட்டு அண்மையில் ஓய்வு பெற்றிருக்கும் திரு மு தயாநிதி அவர்களுடன் உரையாடுகிறார் குலசேகரம் சஞ்சயன்.
Your June PFAS headlines! We've got three big stories to tell you about in this installment. As always, all articles can be read in full on the Pulse. It looks like it's shaping up to be a hot litigation summer in the PFAS world. Let's talk about whose going to be feeling the heat! Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.
Pro Publica Reporter Sharon Lerner tells us about her time with a former 3M engineer.
Hosted by Rend SmithFeaturing Melba Newsome, a veteran freelance journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on environmental news.Music by PenguinMusic – Better Day from Pixabay.In a recent article for Sierra Magazine titled "North Carolina Agency Warns Anglers About Poisoned Fish," Newsome reports that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has issued a fish consumption advisory. The advisory recommends that almost everyone significantly reduce their intake of certain freshwater fish from the middle and lower Cape Fear River due to contamination concerns. These fish are suspected to be contaminated with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a toxic chemical from the PFAS group that can persist in the environment for up to 1,000 years.The press release from the NCDHHS states: "We recommend limits on the consumption of certain freshwater fish from the middle and lower Cape Fear River based on concerns about exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) found in fish sampled from that area."The Cape Fear River Watch has published guidelines titled "Stop, Check, Enjoy," which provide tips on fish consumption. Additionally, you can find current advisories posted by the state of North Carolina and reports by county on fish consumption. For useful tips on making fish safer and healthier for consumption, renowned North Carolina Chef Keith Rhodes offers valuable advice.Link to current advisories posted by the state of North Carolina.Support the Show.www.shoresides.org
This Day in Legal History: WIPO EstablishedOn April 26, 1970, a significant advancement in the protection and management of intellectual property took place with the establishment of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This marked the enforcement of the Convention Establishing WIPO, making it one of the specialized agencies under the United Nations focused on intellectual property (IP) issues. WIPO's primary mission is to promote and protect intellectual property across different countries by fostering international cooperation. As of now, 184 countries are signatories to the convention, showcasing a global commitment to the principles laid out by WIPO.WIPO plays a crucial role in the development of a balanced and accessible international IP system, which benefits both creators and the public, thereby contributing to economic, social, and cultural development worldwide. The organization administers 26 international treaties, including the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. These treaties serve as the backbone for international IP law, standardizing the protection of IP across borders and promoting creative activity globally.WIPO also assists countries in developing their IP strategies and provides a platform for dispute resolution concerning IP. Through its various programs, WIPO enhances the ability of countries to utilize IP for economic development. Additionally, WIPO's efforts include tackling the challenges of IP in relation to new technologies, which continually reshape the boundaries of law and creativity.The creation of WIPO in 1970 was a response to the growing significance of intellectual property in the age of technological and artistic innovation, recognizing the need for a systematic approach to IP issues that transcended national borders. Today, WIPO continues to evolve as it addresses emerging issues in intellectual property influenced by the digital age and globalization, underscoring its ongoing relevance in international legal and economic landscapes.The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on Donald Trump's assertion of immunity from prosecution regarding charges that he illegally tried to remain in power. During a hearing, there was notable skepticism from the justices towards Trump's broad claims of immunity relating to his efforts to overturn the election results of 2020. Chief Justice John Roberts suggested possibly remanding the case back to lower courts for a more detailed examination of the allegations, indicating that the appeals court had not sufficiently scrutinized the specifics of the actions and documents in question.Justice Brett Kavanaugh expressed concerns about the potential long-term implications of making presidents vulnerable to prosecution for their official acts, fearing it could cyclically affect future presidents. Meanwhile, the liberal justices questioned the absence of constitutional immunity for presidents, highlighting the risk of a president acting without fear of legal consequences. Justice Amy Coney Barrett also challenged the idea that former presidents could only be prosecuted post-impeachment.The case underscores the urgency from Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is pressed by time constraints to try Trump before the upcoming election, given that a trial and subsequent conviction could adversely affect Trump's electoral prospects. Trump, facing multiple prosecutions, has argued for absolute immunity for actions taken while in office, which include his conduct leading up to and on January 6th.There are fundamental questions that must be addressed about the scope of presidential power and its limits, which are central to the case's legal and constitutional stakes.Supreme Court Wary of Trump Immunity But May Keep Trial on HoldThe Biden administration's Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, a key component of the Inflation Reduction Act aimed at reducing the costs of certain Medicare Part D drugs by 2026, has attracted significant legal attention. Numerous former government officials, scholars, and patient advocacy groups have filed amicus briefs supporting the administration in response to legal challenges from the pharmaceutical industry, which contests the constitutionality of the program.These challenges involve several constitutional claims by the pharmaceutical companies, including violations of compelled speech under the First Amendment, the takings clause and due process under the Fifth Amendment, and excessive fines under the Eighth Amendment. The industry argues that the program unlawfully compels them to sell their products at government-dictated prices without just compensation.However, a notable decision by Chief Judge Colm F. Connolly dismissed AstraZeneca's due process claims, asserting that the manufacturer did not have a constitutional property interest jeopardized by the program. This decision aligns with several key legal precedents cited in various amicus briefs that reinforce the government's position.The case also touches on broader implications for governmental regulatory powers and the limits of constitutional protections for businesses under economic regulation frameworks. Legal experts and scholars have argued that the claims raised by the pharmaceutical industry stretch constitutional interpretations to protect against price negotiation practices that have been historically upheld as constitutional.The legal battle also involves a debate over the First Amendment, with the government asserting that the program does not compel speech from drug manufacturers. Judges and legal experts have scrutinized these claims, emphasizing the potential impact of accepting such an interpretation on a wide range of regulatory activities.While the majority of amicus briefs support the government, a few filed on behalf of the pharmaceutical industry focus on concerns about stifling drug innovation and the severe financial penalties imposed for non-compliance with the program's pricing mandates.The ongoing legal proceedings at the district court level, though less common for amicus filings than higher courts, play a crucial role in shaping the preliminary legal landscape before potentially reaching the Supreme Court. The involvement of high-level legal expertise in the form of amicus briefs underscores the significant stakes and complex legal issues at play, reflecting the profound implications of the outcome on the healthcare sector and regulatory practices.Wave of Amicus Briefs Back Drug Price Plan at Trial Court StageThe EPA's recent final rule under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as the Superfund law, designates two PFAS chemicals—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)—as hazardous substances. This designation is expected to significantly impact companies responsible for contaminated sites, potentially leading to the reevaluation and cleanup of sites previously considered resolved.The rule aims to address sites contaminated with PFOA and PFOS, which are part of a group of chemicals known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. Currently, only a small fraction of National Priorities List (NPL) sites have been identified as contaminated with these substances, but this number is expected to rise as more comprehensive testing is implemented. The EPA's action follows increasing evidence of the health risks associated with high concentrations of these chemicals, including potential links to cancer and other serious health issues.Companies and other entities responsible for releases of these chemicals will face new reporting requirements if they release one pound or more of PFOA or PFOS within a 24-hour period. These reports will contribute to the Toxics Release Inventory and are part of broader efforts to increase transparency and regulatory oversight regarding PFAS releases into the environment.The designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA is likely to lead to significant legal and financial implications for responsible parties due to the costly nature of cleanup efforts and potential litigation. Moreover, the rule's implications extend beyond immediate cleanup efforts, potentially impacting water utilities and prompting them to seek remediation and accountability from polluters as stricter limits on PFAS in tap water are set to take effect.This regulatory change reflects a growing recognition of the serious environmental and health impacts of PFAS chemicals, and it aligns with broader environmental justice efforts to address pollution exposure disparities among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. The long-term challenges of managing PFAS contamination will involve complex legal, environmental, and public health considerations, particularly as affected communities and regulatory agencies navigate the implications of these pervasive pollutants.New PFAS Designation Expected to Spark Rise in Superfund SitesHarvey Weinstein's 2020 conviction for sexual assault and rape was overturned by New York's highest court on April 25, 2024. The court, in a closely contested 4-3 decision, cited critical errors by the trial judge, particularly in allowing testimony about alleged assaults that were not directly related to the charges Weinstein faced. This decision has reignited discussions about the challenges in prosecuting powerful figures and has been met with dismay by many, including actress Ashley Judd, who viewed it as an institutional betrayal.The Manhattan District Attorney's office, led by Alvin Bragg, has indicated plans to retry the case, underscoring their ongoing commitment to addressing sexual assault. The overturned conviction, which had been a significant victory for the #MeToo movement, involved allegations by Miriam Haley and Jessica Mann that dated back to 2006 and 2013, respectively.Weinstein's legal team celebrated the decision as a triumph for justice, noting Weinstein's relief and resilience despite his ongoing incarceration. He remains imprisoned on a separate 16-year sentence in California for similar charges, which stands unaffected by the New York ruling.This case has had broad implications, influencing legislation and public awareness about sexual misconduct. New York, among other states, has passed laws allowing civil lawsuits for sexual misconduct outside the typical statutes of limitations, reflecting a legislative response to #MeToo. The case's developments continue to be closely watched, with potential impacts on both legal precedents and societal norms concerning accountability for sexual violence.Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction is overturned by top New York court | ReutersThe defamation lawsuit filed by Jack and Leslie Flynn against CNN, which involved claims of being wrongfully associated with the QAnon conspiracy theory, has been dismissed by a judge. The case revolved around a CNN segment that showed the Flynns at a barbecue raising their hands while Michael Flynn, the former National Security Advisor, recited a phrase linked to QAnon. The Flynns argued that this portrayal falsely labeled them as QAnon followers, which they considered defamatory.CNN countered that the phrase "where we go one, we go all" used by Michael Flynn during the event is widely recognized as associated with QAnon, and that the Flynns were visible participants in the event. The court, upon review, determined that the term "QAnon followers" as used in the context of the CNN segment is a non-defamatory opinion, not a statement of fact. The judge ruled that opinions, especially when based on disclosed, non-defamatory facts, do not constitute defamation.Furthermore, the court highlighted that the portrayal of the Flynns in the segment was based on their actual appearance and participation in an event alongside Michael Flynn, which is not disputed by the Flynns. The dismissal reflects judicial recognition of the challenges in proving defamation when the statements in question are based on interpreted opinions rather than explicit facts. The decision underscores the importance of context in defamation cases, particularly when public figures and political movements are involved. This case also reflects ongoing legal debates about the limits of free speech and the scope of media responsibility in reporting on controversial public figures and events.Flynn Family's SLAPP Suit Against CNN Slapped Down By Judge | TechdirtThis week's closing theme is by Ludwig van Beethoven.For this week's closing piece of classical music, where we will once again delve into the towering genius of Ludwig van Beethoven and his monumental Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, Op. 106, known as the "Hammerklavier." Composed in 1819, the "Hammerklavier" Sonata stands as one of the pinnacles of Beethoven's creative output and showcases his profound depth in musical structure and expressive range.This sonata is particularly renowned for its technical difficulty and ambitious scope, pushing the boundaries of the piano sonata form of the time. Beethoven's late period, during which he composed the "Hammerklavier," is marked by an increased use of complex structures and an exploration of new musical ideas, and this sonata is a testament to his innovative spirit.This week, we will focus specifically on the second movement of this sonata, the Scherzo: Assai vivace. In stark contrast to the grandiose and deeply serious first movement, the Scherzo bursts with energy and playfulness. Its rapid tempo and lively rhythms present a dazzling display of technical prowess and artistic flair. This movement is a brilliant example of Beethoven's ability to juxtapose contrasting moods within a single piece, providing a refreshing and exhilarating counterpart to the sonata's more introspective segments.The Scherzo is structured around a lively theme that leaps and dances across the keyboard, filled with syncopated rhythms and sudden dynamic changes that challenge even the most skilled pianists. It embodies a sense of joy and almost mischievous playfulness, showcasing Beethoven's mastery in transforming musical ideas into a vivid emotional narrative.As we close this week's episode with the Scherzo from Beethoven's "Hammerklavier" Sonata, let the vivacity and brilliance of this music inspire you. It serves not only as a showcase of Beethoven's technical mastery but also his undiminished spirit and the enduring power of his music to evoke a wide range of profound emotions. Enjoy the spirited journey through one of the most challenging yet rewarding pieces in the piano repertoire.Without further ado, Beethoven's Piano Sonata no. 29 “Hammerklavier”, Op. 106 - II. Scherzo - Assai vivace. Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
This Day in Legal History: Patent Act ApprovedOn April 10, 1790, a significant milestone in U.S. legal and innovation history was reached when Congress approved America's first Patent Act. This foundational legislation was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the protection of intellectual property in the United States, a concept that has become a cornerstone of the modern global economy. The Patent Act of 1790 empowered inventors with the "sole and exclusive right and liberty of making, constructing, using and vending to others" their inventions, providing them with a fourteen-year period of protection. This period was designed to incentivize innovation while balancing the public's interest in the eventual free use of inventions. Moreover, the Act led to the creation of the U.S. Patent Board, marking the establishment of an official body responsible for the examination and awarding of patents. This entity is recognized as the precursor to today's U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), an institution that plays a pivotal role in the protection of intellectual property rights and the encouragement of technological advancement and creativity. The enactment of the Patent Act of 1790 not only recognized the importance of protecting inventors' rights but also set the stage for the United States to become a global leader in innovation and economic development.The EPA recently established the first-ever drinking water standards for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," due to their persistence in the environment. This rule aims to reduce exposure to these carcinogenic substances, affecting up to 6,700 utilities and potentially benefiting around 100 million Americans. Specifically, the EPA has set an enforceable limit of 4 parts per trillion for two primary PFAS compounds—PFOA and PFOS—and a non-enforceable goal of zero exposure due to associated health risks, including cancer. Additionally, a limit of 10 parts per trillion is applied to three other PFAS categories, covering compounds like PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX chemicals.This regulatory action reflects growing concern over PFAS presence in approximately 45% of U.S. drinking water sources, posing significant risks to public health. Utilities will be mandated to monitor, reduce, and notify customers of PFAS levels exceeding these new limits, incorporating advanced treatment technologies such as granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis for removal.To support compliance, the federal government has allocated about $1 billion for PFAS testing and removal, with an additional $12 billion for broader drinking water system improvements. The implementation of these standards represents a critical step by the Biden-Harris Administration towards ensuring environmental justice and safeguarding clean water, contrasting with the World Health Organization's less stringent PFAS guidelines.However, compliance is expected to be costly, with estimates suggesting an annual financial burden of up to $3.8 billion for water utilities. This financial challenge underscores the broader issue of funding essential infrastructure updates and addressing emerging contaminants, highlighting a significant shift in regulatory approach to protect public health from PFAS contamination.Final PFAS Drinking Water Rule to Affect Up to 6,700 UtilitiesUS sets first standard to curb 'forever chemicals' from drinking water | ReutersThe litigation involving Donald Trump's merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) concerning his social media platform, Truth Social, has been assigned to Vice Chancellor Morgan T. Zurn in Delaware Chancery Court, known for her experience with meme stock litigation. This case is among four lawsuits filed over the Trump-Truth Social merger, plus an additional insider trading case. Despite an attempt to block the merger, it concluded in March, leading to an initial surge in Trump Media & Technology Group Corp.'s value, which later saw a significant decline, diminishing billions in value.By way of very brief background, a SPAC operates as a shell corporation designed solely to merge with a private company, thereby taking it public (that is, listing its shares for trade publicly on the market) without going through the traditional and often lengthy initial public offering (IPO) process. SPACs are initially created by a group of investors—often led by a seasoned entrepreneur or business executive—known as the sponsors, who raise capital through an IPO of the SPAC itself, even though it has no existing business operations. The funds raised are placed into a trust account, and the SPAC is given a predetermined timeframe, typically 18 to 24 months, to identify and complete a merger with a target company. If the merger is successfully executed within the allotted time, the target company becomes public as a result. However, if the SPAC fails to find a suitable company to merge with or the shareholders disapprove of the proposed merger, the SPAC is dissolved, and the funds are returned to the investors. This mechanism provides a faster, albeit sometimes riskier, alternative to the traditional IPO, offering private companies a streamlined path to public market access and investors a unique investment opportunity tied to the SPAC sponsors' expertise and the potential of the target company.Vice Chancellor Zurn, recognized for her adept handling of cases involving meme stock traders and complex market manipulation theories, now faces the Truth Social lawsuit, highlighting the increasing intersection of retail trading phenomena with legal disputes in the corporate sector. This case centers on allegations that Trump wrongfully diluted the equity of two former "The Apprentice" contestants who co-founded Trump Media, with Trump counter-suing to cancel their shares. The legal battle involves claims of breach of fiduciary duties and retaliatory actions against the co-founders, with new complaints recently allowed to be updated.The assignment of this high-profile case to Zurn underlines the Delaware Chancery Court's role as a crucial arena for major corporate and shareholder disputes, now expanded to include the unique challenges posed by the involvement of meme stock traders. The outcome of this litigation could have broader implications for corporate governance, investor rights, and the regulation of digital and social media ventures in the rapidly evolving landscape of retail trading and online community-driven investment strategies.Trump SPAC Litigation Heads to Judge With Meme Stock ExperienceA Russian court has upheld a significant fine against Google, rejecting the tech giant's appeal against a 4.6 billion rouble ($49.4 million) penalty. This fine was imposed for Google's failure to delete content that the Russian government deems to be false information about the conflict in Ukraine. The decision comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and foreign tech companies over issues of content censorship, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.The Moscow City Court confirmed the decision made by the Tagansky District Court, effectively leaving Google's challenge unsatisfied. The fine also pertains to Google's inability to remove extremist content and what the Russian authorities label as LGBT propaganda, indicating a broader crackdown on the digital content distributed by international tech firms within Russia.Notably, Google's YouTube platform, while under scrutiny, has not faced the same fate as Twitter and Facebook, which have been blocked in Russia. This penalty against Google is part of a series of fines based on the company's annual turnover in Russia, with Google facing increasing financial penalties over similar issues in the past. This ruling underscores the escalating conflict between the Russian government and global technology companies over the control and regulation of online content and freedom of expression.Russian court rejects Google's appeal against $50-mln fine over Ukraine content | Reuters Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
PFAS are a large class of chemicals that have been used since the late 1930s. What makes them particularly hazardous is that they are persistent and difficult to break down. That means all the PFAS that have even been created still exist today. In the first episode of this ten-part series, we learned the history of how PFAS was created. In episode two, we get a better understanding of just how dangerous PFAS chemicals are and how a series of lawsuits brought these health hazards to light. Subscribe to the Forever Chemicals Podcast to hear the full series: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forever-chemicals/id1724693010 Guests featured in this episode: - Arlene Blum, Green Science Policy Institute - Mike Schade, Toxic Free Future - Stefan Posner, textile and polymer chemist - Scott Wilson, Regenesis Environmental Remediation - James Pollock, Marten Law LLP - Philippe Grandjean, environmental epidemiologist If you want to learn more about what PFAS are, where they are found, the proven health effects, how you can limit your exposure, up to date news on PFAS, and how to get involved in PFAS regulatory efforts visit Toxicfreefuture.org Foodandwaterwatch.org Or Pfascentral.org INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist GOFUNDME: Fund the Forever Chemicals 10-Part Podcast ----------------------- Snaplinc Consulting provided expert fact checking and guidance for the creation of this podcast. Snaplinc Consulting provides corporate sustainability strategies and ESG support across a broad range of industries including apparel, footwear, home furnishings, software, cosmetics, professional services and more. Head to snaplincconsulting.com to learn more and contact the experts to guide you through complex topics like CSRD, PFAS, greenhouse gas assessments, SBTi, CDP, EcoVadis, B Corp and many more compliance and certification frameworks. ------------------------- Sources Belisle, John. 1978. Central Analytical Laboratory Report 6867. Contributed by Sharon Lerner (The Intercept). Retrieved from https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4575547-1978-PFOS-monkey-study Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). For Decades, Polluters Knew PFAS Chemicals Were Dangerous But Hid Risks From Public. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/research/decades-polluters-knew-pfas-chemicals-were-dangerous-hid-risks-public Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. (n.d.). Industrial wastewater treatment technology. Retrieved from https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/gp3-06.pdf The Intercept. (2015, August 11). The Teflon Toxin: DuPont and the Chemistry of Deception. Retrieved from https://theintercept.com/2015/08/11/dupont-chemistry-deception/ Toxic-Free Future. (n.d.). Breast Milk Study. Retrieved from https://toxicfreefuture.org/research/breast-milk-study/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/outdoor-minimalist/support
O líder da oposição no Senado, Rogério Marinho (PL-RN), afirmou que o ministro Alexandre de Moraes, do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), não tem “imparcialidade” para investigar Jair Bolsonaro (PL). O magistrado foi o responsável por autorizar a operação desta quinta-feira, 8, que mirou o ex-presidente e diversos integrantes das Forças Armadas.“Eu quero lembrar que este processo atual tem entre as principais peças a delação do ex-ajudante de ordens do presidente Bolsonaro Mauro Cid.De uma forma muito enfática o ministro Alexandre de Moraes alega que ele estaria sendo monitorado e que ele seria ao final aprisionado, caso houvesse o pretenso golpe de Estado. Qualquer estudante de Direito sabe que quem é vítima não pode investigar, não tem imparcialidade, não tem isenção pra estar à frente de um inquérito”, alegou Rogério Marinho.Após a operação batizada de “Tempus Veritatis”, Marinho e outros parlamentares da oposição se reuniram no Senado para discutirem os efeitos da investigação sobre o ex-presidente. “Que nós tenhamos um processo isento.É importante colocar que ninguém está acima da lei. Nem eu, nem os senadores que aqui estão presentes, nem o presidente Lula, nem o ex-presidente Bolsonaro. Nem tão pouco o ministro Alexandre de Moraes”, disse.“Não é possível nós assistirmos uma investigação em que claramente aquele que é vítima, a pretensa vítima dessa ação, é quem conduz o inquérito”, completou o líder da oposição. Como noticiamos, Bolsonaro teria recebido a chamada minuta do golpe com pedidos de prisão contra Moraes, do também ministro Gilmar Mendes e do presidente do Congresso, Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG). Segundo a PF, o documento foi elaborado por Filipe Martins, ex-assessor para Assuntos Internacionais da Presidência, e pelo advogado Amauri Feres Saad.“Conforme descrito, os elementos informativos colhidos revelaram que Jair Bolsonaro recebeu uma minuta de Decreto apresentado por Filipe Martins e Amauri Feres Saad para executar um Golpe de Estado, detalhando supostas interferências do Poder Judiciário no Poder Executivo e ao final decretava a prisão de diversas autoridades, entre as quais os ministros do Supremo Tribunal Federal, Alexandre de Moraes e Gilmar Mendes, além do Presidente do Senado Rodrigo Pacheco e por fim determinava a realização de novas eleições”, diz trecho do documento.A Polícia Federal informou ainda que, posteriormente, o documento teria sido alterado a pedido de Bolsonaro. Segundo a PF, o ex-presidente solicitou que apenas a prisão de Moraes fosse decretada na minuta do golpe.“Posteriormente foram realizadas alterações a pedido do então Presidente permanecendo a determinação de prisão do ministro Alexandre de Moraes e a realização de novas eleições”, diz o relatório da PF.Leia mais:Filipe Martins levou plano golpista a Bolsonaro e saiu do país sem registro, diz PFHeleno teria feito monitoramento para prender Moraes, diz PFOs argumentos da PGR para pedir as quatro prisões na operação que mira BolsonaroAcompanhe O Antagonista no canal do WhatsApp. Boletins diários, conteúdos exclusivos em vídeo... e muito mais. Link do canal: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2SurQHLHQbI5yJN344 Ser Antagonista é fiscalizar o poder. Aqui você encontra os bastidores do poder e análises exclusivas. Apoie o jornalismo independente assinando O Antagonista | Crusoé: https://hubs.li/Q02b4j8C0 Não fique desatualizado, receba as principais notícias do dia em primeira mão se inscreva na nossa newsletter diária: https://bit.ly/newsletter-oa Leia mais em www.oantagonista.com.br | www.crusoe.com.br
Where do PFAS come from? Can you get rid of PFAS in your body? In this episode, the CDC covers PFAS products, forever chemicals in food, how to avoid PFAS and what physicians need to know about PFAS symptoms. Our guest is Aaron Bernstein, MD, MPH, the director for the CDC's National Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Dr. Bernstein also shares guidelines for physicians on when to test for perfluoroalkyl, or, per- and polyfluorinated substances, PFAS in patients and how PFAS exposure can be harmful. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts.
A decade ago, Oklahoma’s countryside was literally infested with 626 massively-polluting CAFOs – “Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations.” These are nightmarish creatures of industrial agribusiness, each one caging thousands of chickens, hogs, or cattle in huge concrete and steel buildings, and producing rivers of excrement. Imagine living next to one!
After several years of preparation, the IBU 2023-24 season will begin with a full ban on fluorocarbons, which have been used for decades. What will change for teams? How will IBU manage testing? U.S. Biathlon Team Manager Federico ‘Fede' Fontana, one of the sport's most renowned experts on ski preparation, talked to Heartbeat about the impacts and how U.S. Biathlon has been preparing.Fontana grew up in Frassinoro, Italy, a legendary hotbed of modern ski preparation. In the interview he speaks to the history of fluorocarbons in ski wax, dating back to the 1980s, and the dangers they ultimately presented to both the environment and to technicians working in wax cabins.Over the past years leading up to the ban, IBU has also worked in concert with the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS), which is implementing its ban this season, as well, across all of its sports. At the first FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in October, the sport also had its first disqualification due to elevated levels of fluorocarbons in a ski.A popular coach, manager and ski technician, Fontana has a great sense of history and perspective on the future that he shares on Heartbeat. He will also regale listeners with a rather incredible personal goal he achieved this summer.Listen in to this important episode of Heartbeat, with one of the sport's legendary figures.What are fluorocarbons? Why are they bad?Fluorinated waxes contain chemicals that are part of a group called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), among them are perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate – more commonly referred to as PFOA and PFOS. These man made water repellent compounds were introduced in the 1950s and found their way into household products (think nonstick cookware). The chemicals found their way into ski wax in the 1980s with their water repellent properties equating to increased speed of skis.Why are they harmful? Most notably, they simply do not break down in the environment … ever. Studies have shown that they impact the ozone layer. In humans, research has linked them to respiratory ailments, cancer and other illnesses. In typical fine powder applications on skis, they are easily inhaled.IBU Implements Full Fluoro BanThe International Biathlon Union (IBU) announced that it will implement a full ban of ski preparation products containing fluoro at all its event series from the 2023/2024 season onwards. The IBU committed to banning fluoro products used in ski preparation in 2020 based on the apparent health risks and environmental concerns connected to fluorine waxes. Working with Bruker, a leading manufacturer of high-performance scientific instruments, while maintaining a close collaboration with the International Ski Federation (FIS) through a joint working group, the IBU has developed an effective testing method using the Alpha II device. The device provides reliable testing to ensure fluor-free biathlon competitions. IBU will test to ensure that skis are fluor-free at each IBU event, guaranteeing the integrity of competitions and a level playing field. More …FIS to fully implement fluor wax ban at start of 2023-24 seasonThe International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) announced that the fluoro wax ban will be fully implemented at the start of the upcoming 2023/2024 winter season. FIS has remained committed to banning fluor products used in ski preparation given the health risks and environmental concerns connected to fluorine waxes. Working with Bruker, a leading manufacturer of high-performance scientific instruments, while maintaining a close collaboration with the International Biathlon Union (IBU) through a joint working group, an effective and accurate testing method was developed. More …
Today on Holistic Dentistry we're discussing string floss and whether it's actually the best tool to use for dentistry — or at home! We're going to examine the history of dental floss, different types of floss, flossing techniques, and alternatives to floss. In this episode, we're taking a look at the good, bad, and ugly of string floss. First, Dr. Sanda shares the history of floss and what it originally was used for… back in 1815. Then, we take a look at different types of floss, including dental tape, super floss, and dental floss picks. We also share flossing techniques to help clean each and every tooth and a study on chemicals found in certain types of floss. Plus, Dr. Sanda provides a guide for making your next floss purchase, including alternatives like the water jet and water flosser. Do you have a mouth- or body-related question for Dr. Sanda? Send her a message on Instagram! Remember, you're not healthy until your mouth is healthy. So take care of it in the most natural way. Key Takeaways: (1:49) What dental floss is and what it was originally used for (3:30) When nylon replaced silk for the material of dental floss (6:16) Problems with dental floss and its coating (7:09) The texture of dental tape and why it's more suitable than dental floss (9:01) Dental floss picks and the specific way to use them correctly (10:35) How to floss correctly and the damage that can be done from flossing vigorously (13:46) A study stating that an Interdental Brush is more effective than string floss (18:59) Better tools to replace floss: A water jet or a water flosser (19:40) PFAS and PFOS chemicals relating to a floss study (21:55) What to look out for when buying floss Related Episodes: Holistic Dentistry #20: Brush Up for a Brighter Smile: Top Oral Hygiene Techniques Connect With Us: AskDrSanda | YouTube BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com | Instagram DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram Orasana.com | Instagram
In this episode of Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn, we delve into the alarming presence of chemicals and plastics in our everyday lives. Drawing inspiration from the prophetic line "Plastics" in the movie The Graduate, Dr. Kahn explores the unfortunate accuracy of this prediction and the toxicity associated with these materials. Through insights from the book Fatal Conveniences and recent published research on persistent organic pollutants like PFOS, we uncover the potential dangers they pose to our health. Amidst the concerns, there is a glimmer of hope. Dr. Kahn highlights exciting research suggesting that maintaining adequate folate (vitamin B9) levels may offer a degree of protection against these harmful substances. Discover the potential benefits and strategies for safeguarding yourself against toxic pollutants. We are proud to have healthycell.com as our sponsor for this episode. They bring you their revolutionary gel vitamin line, offering a convenient alternative to cumbersome capsules. With just one gel shot, you can easily meet your nutritional needs. As a special offer for our listeners, use the code KAHN to enjoy a generous 20% discount on your purchase. Tune in to this episode of Heart Doc VIP to stay informed and take proactive steps towards a healthier, chemical-free lifestyle.
John is joined by Chelsea Murtha, the Director of Sustainability at the American Apparel & Footwear Association; Jessica K. Ferrell, a partner at Marten Law LLP; and Joseph Paunovich, a partner in Quinn Emanuel's Los Angeles and Salt Lake City offices. They discuss the legal challenges surrounding PFOS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, including the impact of federal and state regulations, the history of PFOS litigation, and the difficulties of proving harm from their use in consumer products. They also discuss the need for companies to be proactive in managing these chemicals and claims, engage with policymakers, and ensure bulletproof marketing.Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fmHost: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis HydeMusic and Editing by: Alexander Rossi
Fertility On today's episode of Red Pill Your Healthcast with Dr. Charlie and Nurse Practitioner Lauren- A sometimes sensitive topic for many - but the staggering change in numbers over the years needs to be discussed. Let's dive in! Dr. Charlie Website Instagram Membership Nurse Lauren Website Instagram Email List E-Book on Natural Remedies Things mentioned: 10% of Starter Branch Basics kit with code DRCHARLIE Truly Free Products- Laundry Detergent Dishwasher Pods Clean makeup EMF Ground Bag Clearly Filtered Clean Water - 360 Cookware and Bakeware are free from any teflon coatings or chemicals such as PFAS, PFOS, PFOA and PTFE. ** Code naturalnursemomma25 for 25% off Check out Methylation and Thyroid Podcasts Inspiracell from VerVita Regenerzyme Heart from VerVita Shatavari from Supreme Nutrition Schisandra Supreme Nutrition Artichoke Castor Oil Pack- Reishi Supreme -
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