forever | Common News Update

Jan132023 by adminNo Comments

‘Forever chemicals’ still in use in UK make-up

Science

ReutersBy Esme StallardBBC News Climate and ScienceMajor beauty brands Urban Decay, Revolution and Inglot are selling make-up in the UK containing "forever chemicals", BBC News has found.These pollutants - known as PFAS - have been linked to serious health concerns including cancer.They are not illegal in the UK but five European countries are expected to propose an EU-wide ban on Friday.L'Oréal, which owns Urban Decay, told the BBC it was "well underway" with phasing out the chemicals.PFAS, which stands for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, are resistant to oil and water, making them highly valuable to the make-up industry. Historically they have been added to products to make them last longer, improve finish and preserve the colour of eyeshadows and lipsticks. Many brands are now "PFA...

Aug22022 by adminNo Comments

Pollution: ‘Forever chemicals’ in rainwater exceed safe levels

Science

Getty ImagesNew research shows that rainwater in most locations on Earth contains levels of chemicals that "greatly exceed" safety levels.These synthetic substances called PFAS are used in non-stick pans, fire-fighting foam and water-repellent clothes. Dubbed 'forever chemicals', they persist for years in the environment.Such is their prevalence now that scientists say there is no safe space on Earth to avoid them.The researchers from Stockholm University say it is "vitally important" that the use of these substances is rapidly restricted. More research needed on climate extinction threatThe race to replace persistent chemicals in our homesDriest July in England since 1935 - Met OfficeScientists fear PFAS may pose health risks including cancer, though research has so far been inconclusive....

May42022 by adminNo Comments

Maine passes first PFAS biosolids ban, taking stand against forever chemicals

Science

BANGOR, Maine, May 4 (UPI) -- Maine has become the first state to ban fertilizer using sewage sludge containing "forever chemicals" -- synthetic compounds found in items from food wrappers to carpeting that fail to break down in the environment. The move, along with a ban approved last year on all PFAS-containing products, puts Maine at the forefront of the fight against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer and high cholesterol. The chemicals accumulate over decades, filtering into soil, water, plants and animals -- and eventually into people's bloodstreams. "Maine is one of the few states that is really taking this problem seriously and taking action to address the issue," Jared Hayes, a policy analyst with the Envi...

Mar142021 by adminNo Comments

Climate change: ‘Forever plant’ seagrass faces uncertain future

Science

Ayuntamiente de IbizaThe green, underwater meadows of Posidonia seagrass that surround the Balearic Islands are one of the world's most powerful, natural defences against climate change. A hectare of this ancient, delicate plant can soak up 15 times more carbon dioxide every year than a similar sized piece of the Amazon rainforest.But this global treasure is now under extreme pressure from tourists, from development and ironically from climate change. Posidonia oceanica is found all over the Mediterranean but the area between Mallorca and Formentera is of special interest, having been designated a world heritage site by Unesco over 20 years ago.Here you'll find around 55,000 hectares of the plant, which helps prevent coastal erosion, acts as a nursery for fish, but also plays a globally si...

May132020 by adminNo Comments

Coronavirus: Twitter allows staff to work from home ‘forever’

Technology

Twitter has told staff that they can work from home "forever" if they wish as the company looks towards the future after the coronavirus pandemic.The decision came as the social media giant said its work-from-home measures during the lockdown had been a success.But it also said it would allow workers to return to the office if they choose when it reopens.Earlier this month Google and Facebook said their staff can work from home until the end of the year. Twitter said: "The past few months have proven we can make that work. So if our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever, we will make that happen."The announcement has been described as "an era-defining moment" by one digital inn...