Published

1 year ago

January 8, 2025

Alice Rush

It’s no secret that per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, are now well-established in the human body, with their presence detected in blood, umbilical cords and human milk. And while experts have linked PFAS exposure to health concerns like elevated cancer risks, endocrine disruption, developmental disruption and reduced immune system response, their impacts on the human brain remain relatively unknown.

However, a team led by researchers from the University at Buffalo has now identified 11 genes that could clear the way to better understanding how these chemicals affect brain tissue, and their level of neurotoxicity.

“Our findings indicate these genes may be markers to detect and monitor PFAS-induced neurotoxicity in the future,” G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen, lead co-corresponding author of the study and a chemistry professor at University at Buffalo, said in a statement.

The team exposed six types of PFAS to neuronal-like cells and lipids for a 24-hour period and found that these chemicals caused different expressions in 721 genes. These changes affected oxidative stress, protein synthesis, hypoxia signaling and amino acid metabolism, according to the study. They published their findings in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience.

Out of all the PFAS tested, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) led to the widest spread changes in gene expression, affecting nearly 600 genes. By comparison, no other compound in the test affected expression of more than 147 genes. In July 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated PFOA as a hazardous substance under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

In total, 11 genes were impacted to express in the same way after exposure to all six compounds. Some of these differently expressed genes were important for neuronal cell survival, the study found.

“Each of these 11 genes exhibited consistent regulation across all PFAS that we tested. This uniform response suggests that they may serve as promising markers for assessing PFAS exposure, but further research is needed to know how these genes respond to other types of PFAS,” Atilla-Gokcumen explained.

The study results may help scientists further determine how these accumulative chemicals impact human brains, but as of right now, there are no known, safe and effective methods for removing PFAS from the human body. Even determining the level of exposure to PFAS is complicated, with testing costing up to $500, Verywell Health reported. While PFAS blood testing costs are required to be covered by insurance in New Hampshire, coverage varies or may be unavailable in other states.

G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen’s lab found 11 genes that are consistently affected by PFAS exposure, either expressing more or less, regardless of the type of PFAS. Meredith Forrest Kulwicki / University at Buffalo

In February 2024, a separate study found that the cholesterol medication cholestyramine was effective at reducing PFAS levels in plasma. However, the study included a small sample of subjects, and the researchers determined that the medication was not suitable for widespread, long-term use for the purpose of lowering PFAS levels because of the risk of side effects, Medical Xpress reported.

For now, medical experts will continue researching how PFAS affect human health alongside ways to reduce the accumulation of these compounds in our bodies, including through alternative materials that could provide the same benefits, such as water- and stain-resistance, with lower risks to human health.

“If we understand why some PFAS are more harmful than others, we can prioritize phasing out the worst offenders while seeking safer substitutes,” Atilla-Gokcumen explained. “For example, alternatives like short-chain PFAS are being explored, as they tend to persist less in the environment and accumulate less in biological systems. However, their reduced persistence may come at the cost of effectiveness in certain applications, and there are concerns about potential unknown health effects that require further investigation. Further research is needed to ensure these substitutes are genuinely safer and effective for specific applications. This research is a major step towards achieving this goal.”

In the meantime, the EPA has recommended reducing exposure by checking PFAS levels in your public water supply or private well, installing filters that reduce PFAS in water and avoiding consumption of fish from PFAS-contaminated waterways.

Further, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommended reducing exposure to forever chemicals by limiting consumption of food in takeout packaging or paper board packaging, skipping non-stick cookware in favor of materials like stainless steel and cast iron, and avoiding clothing with aftermarket waterproofing or stain-resistant treatments.

The post Scientists Identify 11 Genes That Could Help Understand How PFAS Affects the Brain appeared first on EcoWatch.

https://www.ecowatch.com/pfas-brain-health.html

Green Living

Earth911 Inspiration: No Louder Voice?

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

Alice Rush

Saint Augustine, in a sermon to his congregation, urged them to look beyond books, even to Bible, to see God in nature: “God, whom you want to discover, never wrote a book in ink. Instead, He set before your eyes the things that He had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?”

How do we move past the identity politics that dominate discourse on the left and right at this fractured moment and amount to a cacophony of special pleadings for the advantage of small groups, nations, and isolated networks? That’s why we ignore the Earth, because we cannot look up from our daily concerns. We need a new universal value that unites, one that emphasizes human dignity in the context of a restored, regenerating nature.

Earth911 inspirations. Print them, post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day.

The post Earth911 Inspiration: No Louder Voice? appeared first on Earth911.

https://earth911.com/living-well-being/earth911-inspiration-no-louder-voice/

Green Living

Petrochemicals: How They Affect People + Planet

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2026

Alice Rush

Last Updated on February 6, 2026

Have you ever heard of Cancer Alley? It’s an ~85-mile stretch along the banks of the Mississippi River where communities exist beside ~200 fossil fuel and petrochemical operations.

Residents of Cancer Alley are exposed to more than 10x the level of health risk from hazardous air pollutants than people living elsewhere in the state. And it’s worth mentioning the residents exposed are mostly BIPOC and low-income communities.

Petrochemicals: How They Affect People + Planet

But what exactly are petrochemicals? And how exactly do they harm both people and planet? Here’s everything you need to know.

what are petrochemical plants?

Petrochemical plants are facilities that process crude oil and fracked gas to make plastics, industrial chemicals and pesticides. They are usually located near petroleum refineries or integrated into large petrochemical complexes.

Petrochemical factories process and transform hydrocarbons into chemical products used in the plastics, textiles, automotive, pharmaceutical, and electronic industries.

Obtaining the raw materials needed to make petrochemicals is already carbon intensive – and the raw material processing these plants do only pollute further.

what is an example of a petrochemical?

An example of a petrochemical is ethylene, which is the most widespread petrochemical in the world, primarily used in the plastic industry to make polyethylene. You may know polyethylene as plastic resin #2 (HDPE – high density – used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, etc.) and #4 (LDPE – low density – used for plastic grocery bags/film).

Olefins plants (a specific type of petrochemical plant) produces ethylene. These plants use steam crackers and the energy input is considered one of the most energy intensive processes in the chemical industry.

But olefin plants are only one type of petrochemical plant. Aromatic plants produce nezene, toluene, and xylene from naphtha and other refinery streams. These make up dyes, detergents, and plastic products.

Syngas plants use natural gas or coal to generate synthetic gas, which creates industrial chemicals such as ammonia and methanol.

are petrochemicals harmful?

Petrochemicals have been linked to health problems, including cancer, according to an analysis in the New England Journal of Medicine.

That’s because to make petrochemicals, plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute the air. Not to mention refineries and plants discharge toxins into waterways, which contributes to water pollution.

According to an Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) report, nearly 70 petrochemical companies across the nation are sending millions of pounds of pollutants into waterways each year due to weak or nonexistent regulations. And yes, it does contaminate drinking water.

Residents of Cancer Alley have experienced this firsthand. Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are present in their drinking water at levels hundreds of times higher than currently-suggested safe levels for human consumption.

And residents suffer the effects of extreme air pollution on a daily basis. Including increased risks of infertility, respiratory illness and cancer.

According to 70 interviews conducted by Human Rights Watch, women in Cancer Alley reported miscarriages, high-risk pregnancies, and poor health of newborns. Many shared stories of entire communities decimated by cancer (hence the name).

do petrochemicals harm the environment?

Yes, petrochemicals harm the environment too – petrochemical plants use massive amounts of energy to function, and in doing so, pollute the air, water and soil. Everything is intersectional.

Plus, as we transition away from fossil fuels to power our homes and businesses, petrochemical plants are becoming a lifeline to Big Oil. That’s because crude oil and gas are used to make many petrochemicals.

If petrochemical plants are allowed to grow, unregulated, there will be more consumption of oil and gas to come for decades. This directly contributes to climate change.

what is being done + how can we help?

Cancer Alley residents are fighting for reignition and change.

Sharon Lavigne, a retired special education teacher, founded Rise St. James, an organization focused on bringing environmental justice to the people of St. James Parish. The parish is located in one of Cancer Alley’s polluted hotspots, and Lavigne’s demands are far from radical. She simply wants clean air and drinking water.

Yet a lawsuit filed by the Biden Justice Department and EPA was recently dropped by the current administration.

Robert Taylor, founder of Concerned Citizens of St. John, said “…our government has abandoned us. We have been designated a sacrifice zone.”

Unfortunately, Texas recently also cleared the way for petrochemical expansion despite health warnings.

So how do we make an impact? Here are a few ways we can help:

Reduce your reliance on plastics. Especially single-use. Here’s a beginner’s guide to waste reduction.

Advocate for extended producer responsibility (EPR).

Ditch banks that support the fossil fuel industry in favor of green banks.

Support Earth Justice, which sews on behalf of the earth.

Avoid using pesticides and advocate against their use on farms. Support local, pesticide-free farmers whenever possible.

Invest in clean energy and green financing.

Support community-based initiatives impacted most by petrochemical plants, such as Rise St. James and Concerned Citizens of St. John.

Speak up and spread the word. Share this article so more people know about petrochemicals and why they harm people + planet.

How are you advocating against petrochemicals? Let me know in the comments!

The post Petrochemicals: How They Affect People + Planet appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

Petrochemicals: How They Affect People + Planet

Green Living

Pizza Boxes Are More Recyclable Than Ever

Published

3 days ago

February 5, 2026

Alice Rush

Back in 2020, the Recycling Partnership and WestRock released a scientific study demonstrating that used pizza boxes are recyclable, even when greasy and contaminated with cheese. Since that research was published, the findings have driven significant improvements in recycling program acceptance nationwide.

The basic results are clearly favorable for greater acceptance of pizza boxes for recycling. The typical pizza box has 1% to 2% grease content by weight, which is about one-tenth the acceptable level for cardboard (corrugated paperboard) recycling. The study looked at the impact of greasy boxes on mixed recycling loads that include 8% greasy pizza boxes with varying levels of greasy contamination from between 3% and 40%. The recycled materials produced were still viable for packaging use, well within the tensile strength required for packaging.

Recycling Acceptance Has Expanded

Since the study was released, pizza box recycling acceptance has grown substantially. According to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), 82% of Americans now have access to a community recycling program that accepts pizza boxes—up from 73% in 2020. AF&PA member company mills representing 94% of old corrugated container consumption now accept pizza boxes with no observed impacts to operations or finished product quality.

The AF&PA’s guidance is unambiguous: “Corrugated pizza boxes are successfully recycled every day at paper mills throughout the country. Our industry wants these boxes back to recycle.”

Since about 3 billion pizza boxes are used in the U.S. each year, the improved recycling processes can capture roughly 600,000 tons of cardboard annually that could be turned into new boxes, paper towels, toilet paper, and other paper products.

What To Do Do With Your Next Pizza Box?

Our guidance is based on the research and current program acceptance:

For most Americans: Your recycling program likely accepts pizza boxes. Remove any leftover pizza, flatten the box, and place it in your recycling bin. Light grease stains are acceptable; the science confirms they don’t affect the recycling process.

If your box has a waxed paper liner, remove it before recycling: The box itself can be recycled as normal cardboard.

If your program prohibits pizza boxes: Don’t send materials your program won’t accept. Instead, check the composting options below or contact your local recycling coordinator to share the Recycling Partnership’s toolkit and AF&PA research. Citizen requests carry a lot of weight at local departments of sanitation.

If your box is heavily saturated with grease: Consider composting instead of recycling. While typical grease levels are fine for recycling, boxes that are completely soaked may be better suited for composting programs.

The Recycling Partnership tested a variety of grease- and cheese-contaminated pizza boxes. Only the box on the right approached unacceptable recycling results.

What About The Cheese?

You might ask, “Isn’t cheese a barrier to successful recycling?” Cheese tends to solidify and get screened out during the pulping process,” according to the 2020 report. The researchers tested sending boxes heavily contaminated with cheese through a recycling process and found that it did not significantly reduce the resulting paper fiber’s viability for reuse. Paper mills have become increasingly adept at screening out chunks of cheese during processing.

Composting: A Great Alternative

When recycling isn’t available, or your pizza box is heavily soiled, composting provides an excellent alternative that keeps cardboard out of landfills while creating nutrient-rich soil. Many cities now accept pizza boxes in curbside organics programs:

New York City requires all residents to separate food scraps and food-soiled paper from trash as of April 2025. Pizza boxes are explicitly accepted in the brown bin program.

California jurisdictions statewide must provide organics collection under SB 1383. Food-soiled pizza boxes can go in compostables carts.

Portland, Oregon updated its guidelines under the state’s Recycling Modernization Act. As of July 2025, empty pizza boxes with minimal grease are recyclable, while greasier boxes can go in yard waste bins.

King County, Washington accepts pizza boxes in composting, noting that food-soiled paper can be composted, though clean cardboard is better recycled.

For home composting, tear greasy cardboard into small pieces to speed up decomposition. The cardboard provides essential carbon to balance nitrogen-rich food scraps, improving compost quality.

How to Check Your Local Guidelines

Domino’s partnered with WestRock to launch Recycle My Pizza Box, which lets you enter your ZIP code to find specific recycling guidance for your area. The site also provides template language you can share with local recycling programs that haven’t yet updated their guidelines.

Advocate for Change

If your municipality still lists pizza boxes in the “no” pile, you can help drive change:

Share the WestRock Grease & Cheese Study with your local recycling coordinator
Point them to the Recycling Partnership’s free toolkit, which includes updated bin labels, mailers, and social media assets
Reference the AF&PA’s industry guidance confirming that paper mills want these boxes back

The progress since 2020 shows that advocacy works. Communities from Anchorage to New York have updated their programs based on this research.

Eat happily—that box can become the next pizza box you receive, or any number of other paper products that keep valuable fiber in circulation.