Latest news with #andPolyfluoroalkylSubstances
Euronews
3 days ago
- Health
- Euronews
Danish PM calls for full-face veil ban in educational institutions
The European Commission plans to launch a vast operation to clean up PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), also known as "forever chemicals" in water through the creation of public-private partnerships. These were the conclusions of the European Water Resilience Strategy, adopted on Wednesday in Brussels. In 2022, out of 1,300 monitoring sites in Europe, 59% of rivers, 35% of lakes and 73% of coastal waters exceeded the environmental quality standard for perfluorooctanesulphonic acid (PFOS), a type of PFAS, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). In Europe, only 37% of surface waters are in good or very good ecological health and 29% have achieved good chemical status, according to the agency. Environmental associations, which are campaigning for a ban on PFAS at the source, are denouncing this as a "missed opportunity". "We expected to see more ambition to reduce pollution at the source," said Angeliki Lyssimachou, head of science and policy at the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are dubbed "forever chemicals" because they don't easily break down in the environment and accumulate in humans and animals over time. Health costs are estimated at €52 to €84 billion a year and some of the chemicals have been classified as carcinogenic. These chemical compounds are non-stick, waterproof and resistant to high temperatures. They are also present in many everyday items such as non-stick frying pans, fire-fighting foams and medical devices. Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resilience said she was in favour of banning PFAS in consumer products such as cosmetics and food packaging. However, she stressed that it would be difficult to ban all PFASs, as some do not yet have an effective alternative. "The problem is that we need PFASs for many different products. For example, medical products like inhalers (...) or many things for which there is no substitution. In terms of the ecological transition, semiconductors, digitisation or the defence industry," Roswall told Euronews. In a leaked document, the Commission's estimated range for the annual cost of PFAS decontamination in Europe was wide, at anywhere from €5 all the way to €100 billion. For the water sector alone, the cost could increase to up to €18 billion annually for drinking water treatment. For some pollutants, such as TFA (trifluoroacetic acid, a type of PFAS), the clean-up is not so simple. "According to the water companies, it's a very expensive process that involves extracting all the minerals from the water and adding them back. At the end of the day, you're going to lose a lot of water," says Angeliki Lyssimachou. "So you're going to consume a lot more energy. The Commission wants to apply the "polluter pays" principle and reserve public funding for sites where it has not been possible to identify who is responsible. The European Water Resilience Strategy aims to restore the water cycle and ensure access to clean, affordable water at a time when Europe is facing extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. 34% of the EU is affected by water shortages. "Water is life. Water resilience is essential for our citizens, our farmers, the environment and businesses. The Commission's Water Resilience Strategy sets out the path towards a sustainable, resilient, smart and competitive water economy. We must act now to protect this resource," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement. The European action plan also includes raising awareness for these issues through public debates, increasing European funding for infrastructure modernisation, supporting digitisation through the EU's Copernicus Earth observation programme, and supporting innovation. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called on Thursday for stricter measures limiting religious symbols and rituals in education, asking for a ban on full-coverage veils worn by some Muslim women to be extended to schools and universities. The country's overall ban on burkas and niqabs in public places, introduced in 2018, has not been applied to educational institutions. However, Frederiksen, who is also the leader of the country's Social Democrats party, wants to change this, stating that limiting the ban in this way had been a mistake. "There are gaps in the legislation that allow Muslim social control and oppression of women at educational institutions in Denmark," Frederiksen told domestic media. "You have the right to be a person of faith and practice your religion, but democracy takes precedence." Meanwhile, opponents of the general ban, including civil society organisations such as Amnesty International, said it infringes on women's right to dress as they choose. "All women should be free to dress as they please and to wear clothing that expresses their identity or beliefs," the NGO said in 2018. The announcement is a direct response to recommendations from the Commission for the Forgotten Women's Struggle, which earlier this year called for action. In 2022, the same government-formed commission proposed to impose a ban on the wearing of hijabs in primary schools to ensure 'that women with minority backgrounds can enjoy the same rights and freedoms as other Danish women'. At the time, the ban proposal sparked a backlash and protests in Denmark. The plan was rejected in 2023. Frederiksen also wants prayer rooms to be removed from educational institutions, objecting to the fact that they have been set up at several universities and colleges. The Danish PM does not believe these rooms create inclusiveness, but rather "provide a breeding ground for discrimination and pressure", she explained. While Frederiksen is not asking for an outright ban, she said that Minister for Education and Children Mattias Tesfaye and Minister for Higher Education Christina Egelund will enter into a dialogue with schools and universities about finding a common solution, and "clarify that prayer rooms do not belong there". The Danish society cannot allow itself to be ruled by religious conservatism, Frederiksen told the domestic press. "You're welcome to have your religion, but when you're at school, you're there to be at school and take part in your education," she concluded. North Korea's dictator Kim Jong-un has once again affirmed his "unconditional support" for Russia's all-out war against Ukraine during a meeting with a top Russian official. The authoritarian ruler made the comment during talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang on Wednesday, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim reiterated his 'unconditional support for the stand of Russia and its foreign policies in all the crucial international political issues including the Ukrainian issue", KCNA reported. The two countries' ties have strengthened in recent years, with Pyongyang sending thousands of troops to Russia to participate in its war against Ukraine. The North Korean soldiers have been deployed in Russia's Kursk region, parts of which were seized by the Ukrainian army in a surprise offensive last August. Speculation about North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia first arose at the end of 2024, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and South Korean officials accusing Pyongyang of sending soldiers to support Moscow's war efforts. However, it wasn't until April that Moscow and Pyongyang officially confirmed the presence of North Korean troops on the battlefield. A monitoring group comprising South Korea, the US, Japan and eight other countries last week classified Russia and North Korea's military alliance as 'illegal", saying it flagrantly violates UN sanctions. The report said their pact was allowing North Korea to fund its banned ballistic missile programme. The group also expressed concern that Russia might also transfer sophisticated technologies to help North Korea enhance its nuclear weapons programme. In late April, North Korea unveiled the country's first naval destroyer, named the Choe Hyon, which experts say was likely built with Russian assistance, in further proof of growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Euronews
3 days ago
- Health
- Euronews
Forever chemicals: Brussels' mission to clean up Europe's water
The European Commission plans to launch a vast operation to clean up PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), also known as "forever chemicals" in water through the creation of public-private partnerships. These were the conclusions of the European Water Resilience Strategy, adopted on Wednesday in Brussels. In 2022, out of 1,300 monitoring sites in Europe, 59% of rivers, 35% of lakes and 73% of coastal waters exceeded the environmental quality standard for perfluorooctanesulphonic acid (PFOS), a type of PFAS, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). In Europe, only 37% of surface waters are in good or very good ecological health and 29% have achieved good chemical status, according to the agency. Environmental associations, which are campaigning for a ban on PFAS at the source, are denouncing this as a "missed opportunity". "We expected to see more ambition to reduce pollution at the source," said Angeliki Lyssimachou, head of science and policy at the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are dubbed "forever chemicals" because they don't easily break down in the environment and accumulate in humans and animals over time. Health costs are estimated at €52 to €84 billion a year and some of the chemicals have been classified as carcinogenic. These chemical compounds are non-stick, waterproof and resistant to high temperatures. They are also present in many everyday items such as non-stick frying pans, fire-fighting foams and medical devices. Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resilience said she was in favour of banning PFAS in consumer products such as cosmetics and food packaging. However, she stressed that it would be difficult to ban all PFASs, as some do not yet have an effective alternative. "The problem is that we need PFASs for many different products. For example, medical products like inhalers (...) or many things for which there is no substitution. In terms of the ecological transition, semiconductors, digitisation or the defence industry," Roswall told Euronews. In a leaked document, the Commission's estimated range for the annual cost of PFAS decontamination in Europe was wide, at anywhere from €5 all the way to €100 billion. For the water sector alone, the cost could increase to up to €18 billion annually for drinking water treatment. For some pollutants, such as TFA (trifluoroacetic acid, a type of PFAS), the clean-up is not so simple. "According to the water companies, it's a very expensive process that involves extracting all the minerals from the water and adding them back. At the end of the day, you're going to lose a lot of water," says Angeliki Lyssimachou. "So you're going to consume a lot more energy. The Commission wants to apply the "polluter pays" principle and reserve public funding for sites where it has not been possible to identify who is responsible. The European Water Resilience Strategy aims to restore the water cycle and ensure access to clean, affordable water at a time when Europe is facing extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. 34% of the EU is affected by water shortages. "Water is life. Water resilience is essential for our citizens, our farmers, the environment and businesses. The Commission's Water Resilience Strategy sets out the path towards a sustainable, resilient, smart and competitive water economy. We must act now to protect this resource," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement. The European action plan also includes raising awareness for these issues through public debates, increasing European funding for infrastructure modernisation, supporting digitisation through the EU's Copernicus Earth observation programme, and supporting innovation.
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Doctor says three toxic household items 'must be thrown away immediately'
A gastroenterologist, Dr Saurabh Sethi, has highlighted the three home items that he claims are the most noxious and insists they should be immediately discarded for health concerns. Topping his list are scented candles. He remarked: "These contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormone levels,and cause respiratory issues." Choosing unscented or natural options is better, according to Dr Sethi, who recommends: "Opt for unscented or natural candles made from soy or beeswax." His warning extends to plastic cutting boards too; he asserts: "These can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into your food, which can accumulate in the body. Switch to a wooden one to minimise risk." Lastly, Dr Sethi warns against scratched or damaged non-stick pans, stating: "These contain PFAs, which have been linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive issues", reports the Mirror. He advises: "Damaged pans can release these particles into your food. So make sure to either replace these pans as soon as they are scratched or chipped. Or replace those with safer alternatives, such as stainless steel or cast iron." For context, phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are chemical compounds often added to plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to enhance their flexibility, strength, and longevity. Frequently called plasticizers, they are common not only in plastics but also in personal care products, household goods, medical instruments, and food packaging. Phthalates, known as endocrine disruptors, can meddle with the body's hormone systems. They have the potential to mimic or block hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, leading to: Inhaling them (like from scented products) may result in: Animal studies suggest some phthalates may encourage tumour development. Some health agencies classify DEHP as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Microplastics are minuscule plastic particles often invisible to the naked eye - and they are considered harmful for both environmental and human health reasons. Microplastics can transport toxic chemicals, either from the plastic itself or absorbed from the environment. These include: These chemicals may interfere with: PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - a large group of human-made chemicals (over 10,000 types) used since the 1940s to make products resistant to water, oil, heat, and stains. PFAS, often dubbed "forever chemicals" due to their persistent nature in the environment and human body, are commonly found in a plethora of household items and materials. These forever chemicals make their way into numerous products we encounter daily, such as: Research has highlighted worrying health implications associated with PFAs exposure:
Associated Press
25-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Waste Energy Corp Files Patent Application to Cut Emissions, Eliminate PFAS, and Maximize Profits with Automated Carbon Credit Optimization
FAIRFIELD, CA / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2025 / Waste Energy Corp ('Waste Energy' or the 'Company'), (OTCQB:WAST), an emerging waste-to-energy (WTE) company at the forefront of sustainable innovation, dedicated to diverting plastic and tires waste streams from oceans, streams, nature and food supplies, today announced the filing of a patent application for an 'Advanced AI-Powered Emissions Monitoring & Carbon Credits Creation & Optimization System'. Once accepted, the patent pending system will feature PFAS control, automated feedstock monitoring and purity assurance, robust AI-powered emissions monitoring and carbon credit automation & optimization. This breakthrough technology is designed to set a new industry standard in environmental compliance, operational efficiency, and revenue optimization. This patent-pending system will be one of, if not the first system of its kind to integrate AI-driven emissions monitoring with automated feedstock purity assurance and PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) control. This technology ensures that only the purest feedstock enters the waste-to-energy conversion process, reducing operational inefficiencies and maximizing fuel output quality. By using advanced machine learning algorithms, the system can detect and filter harmful contaminants, including PFAS-a group of persistent environmental pollutants linked to significant health and ecological risks. This capability allows Waste Energy Corp to further its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility while maintaining the integrity of its pyrolysis operations. Key Features and Benefits of the Technology: Automated Feedstock Purity Assurance: The system leverages real-time data analysis to automatically verify feedstock purity before it enters the conversion process. This reduces reliance on manual inspections and ensures a consistent, high-quality input stream-enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing downtime due to contamination. Comprehensive PFAS Detection and Control: The technology actively monitors for PFAS and other hazardous materials throughout the feedstock processing cycle. By eliminating these harmful compounds early in the process, the system safeguards environmental health and improves the overall safety of waste-to-energy conversion. Human-Error-Free Carbon Credit Creation & Optimization: Automation removes the need for manual oversight in generating carbon credits, ensuring compliance with international carbon market standards. This streamlined approach guarantees both efficiency and accuracy, turning emissions reductions into financial assets with minimal administrative overhead. Enhanced Emissions Control Through Data Aggregation: The system continuously aggregates data from emissions monitoring sensors, offering real-time insights into environmental performance. By detecting anomalies and trends early, companies can proactively reduce emissions, stay ahead of regulatory requirements, and strengthen their sustainability credentials. Financial and Environmental Value Creation: By optimizing carbon credit generation and improving emissions management, this technology opens up new revenue streams for Waste Energy and similar companies while supporting global decarbonization efforts. Businesses that adopt this system will benefit from cost savings, increased revenue opportunities, regulatory compliance, and enhanced market positioning as sustainability leaders. 'This patent filing represents a pivotal step forward in our mission to deliver cleaner energy solutions,' said Scott Gallagher, CEO of Waste Energy Corp. 'Our AI-powered system is designed not only to monitor emissions in real time but also to actively remove harmful substances like PFAS from the feedstock stream before they enter our machine-an essential breakthrough for environmental protection. By eliminating human error, ensuring feedstock purity, and automating carbon credit generation, we're creating a highly efficient platform that enhances profitability while reinforcing our commitment to sustainability. This technology reflects our dedication to transforming waste into energy responsibly, maximizing both environmental impact and revenue potential for our stakeholders.' For more information about Waste Energy Corp, please visit Company Contact: Scott Gallagher, CEO (727) 417-7807 [email protected] About Waste Energy Corp Waste Energy Corp is committed to redefining waste as an asset and to reducing the volume of non-recyclable waste in landfills and incinerators. Specializing in the conversion of waste plastics and used tires into clean diesel fuel. The company will combine AI & Pyrolysis technologies to reduce the volume of plastic and tire waste in landfills while developing a new, clean, US based energy source. Waste Energy Corp. trades on the OTCQB market, over the counter under the ticker symbol: WAST. Waste Energy Corp is an SEC exchange act, fully reporting company. For more information on Waste Energy Corp, please visit For additional investor or financial information visit: Forward-Looking Statements .
