by Michele Late
Fossil Fuel Companies Worsen Water Crisis
Half of long-term Western U.S. water issues are tied to fossil fuel producers, cement makers … Scented cleaning products can pollute interior air … and more.
Parkinson’s Risk Higher Near Dry Cleaners
Chemicals from dry cleaners can expose nearby residents … Wildfire pollution spreading into waterways … and more.
Wait Times Increasing for Cancer Care
Many cancer patients face treatment delays of a month or longer … More than a third of U.S. counties are now “maternity deserts” … Most Americans feeling adverse effects from extreme heat … and more.
Microplastics Linked to Fatty Liver Disease
Plastic used in food packaging is most common type found in liver…workers exposed to pesticides at higher risk for Lou Gehrig’s disease…last year’s measles outbreak cost $5.4 million to contain…and more
The Watch: Federal Policy Changes Could Strain Hospitals Nationwide
More hospitals could reduce services, cut staff or close…discrimination tied to fewer health screenings, more emergency care…tribal communities exposed to high lithium levels in drinking water…and more
The Watch: Study Finds Microplastics In Blood Of Most Heart Attack Victims
Plastics used in everyday products most common in heart attack patients’ blood…early heat exposure can slow development of children’s brains…younger U.S. seniors not receiving needed care…and more
The Watch: Marketplace Insurance Costs Expected To Jump Again
Double-digit price increases predicted for ACA users next year…U.S. ranks far behind other countries tackling climate change…federal cuts could force hundreds of hospitals to close…and more
The Watch: U.S. Faces Fast Increases in Dangerous Heat Stress
Longer heat seasons bring more illnesses, death … U.S. women regularly experience severe complications after childbirth … Healthcare spending may soar with growth in uninsured … and more.
People Of Color Still Face Higher Cancer Death Rates
Gaps in prevention, screening cause disparities in cancer death rates…a third of U.S. women have trouble getting reproductive care…exposure to shockwaves linked to later aggression…and more
Unplugged Oil, Gas Wells Pose Health Risks Across U.S.
Air pollution, groundwater contamination among health risks from orphan wells…exposure to common chemicals can be harmful during pregnancy…heat waves worsen wildfires, burn more land…and more
Federal Policy Changes, Economy Stressing US Workers
More than half of US workers feel job security pressure…preventable health crises costing large numbers of US lives…mental health declining for mothers of children, teens…and more
Stronger Hurricanes to Cause More Damage
Texas faces worst potential hurricane losses…most Americans support measles vaccines…microplastics in chicken nuggets, other processed foods can harm mental health
Deaths, Illnesses From Wildfire Smoke Mount Worldwide
A billion people worldwide had ‘significant’ indoor exposure to wildfire air pollution…abortion restrictions increase women’s mental distress…nurses exposed to disinfectants face higher risk of cardiovascular disease…and more
More Climate Disasters are Harming Mental Health
Depression, anxiety, PTSD intensify after climate disasters…millions could lose federal health care under signup changes…personal care products expose women of color to formaldehyde…and more
Trump’s Public Health Leaders Undermine Trust for Some
Americans split on how politics affects public health…low-water incidents can increase illnesses…more than half of US counties lack air-quality monitoring…and more
Measles Could Surge Without More Vaccinations
A once-eliminated disease could infect thousands…Half of Americans breathe unhealthy air…Job burnout remains high for health workers since pandemic…And more.
Texas Ranks Highest for Harmful Chemicals in Water
Unsafe drinking water linked to disinfectants … Arsenic in rice could rise with climate change … Mattresses may expose kids to harmful chemicals … and more.
Hospitals, patients face threats to emergency care
Low payments, high demand put hospital EDs at risk … patients fare worse at hospitals serving Black communities …microplastics from Texas bays polluting Gulf … and more
