Chemicals

On a global average, the amount of mercury falling out of the sky has tripled since the Industrial Revolution, primarily because of the burning of fossil fuels. Although this atmospheric deposition has long been considered the key vector for the widespread contamination of freshwater and coastal ecosystems, some scientists are focusing on another potential source: subterranean flows of terrestrial groundwater.

An inert ingredient in the popular weedkiller Roundup has been found to kill human cells.

"The Pentagon and the defense industry is lobbying the White House to prevent U.S. EPA from tightening a health advisory for a rocket-fuel chemical."

"A study released this week by researchers at the University of Cincinnati says that exposure to bisphenol A may increase heart disease in women."

"As their attorneys shuffle between four similar lawsuits that allege the Walt Disney Co. has for decades contaminated groundwater with cancer-causing chromium 6 and other toxic chemicals, stories of ill health from the plaintiffs are beginning to emerge."

A National Research Council report says it may be impossible to know whether contaminated drinking water at the Camp Lejeune Marine base caused birth defects and illness among people seeking $33.9 billion in claims.