Flawed recycling results in dangerous chemicals in black plastic

Unsafe recycling of electronic waste has resulted in the distribution of dangerous chemicals into new products made out of black plastic. Published in Environment International, a new study documents the presence of bromide and lead found in 600 consumer products made out of black plastic and clarifies its potential negative impact on human and ecological health. "There are environmental and health impacts arising from the production and use of plastics in general, but black plastics pose greater...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/flawed-recycling-results-in-dangerous-chemicals-in-black-plastic
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Traces of opioids discovered in mussels in Puget Sound

America's opioid crisis is far-reaching — even to Seattle area harbors. State agencies uncovered traces of oxycodone in native bay mussels. Biologist Jennifer Lanksbury told NPR member radio station KUOW, "Oxycodone is in the news right now but there are a number of other pharmaceutical products that we found. Antibiotics, the anti-depressants, chemotherapy drugs, heart medications that we're finding in mussels." Related: "Microplastics have been found in mussels everywhere scientists...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/traces-of-opioids-discovered-in-mussels-in-puget-sound
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Southern California is losing its clouds, increasing the risk of more intense wildfires

Elevated summer temperatures in California have resulted in decreased levels of the low-atmosphere clouds that were once common throughout the southern coastal regions of the state, which has resulted in an increased risk of wildfire. Clouds often dissipate under heat. "Clouds that used to burn off by noon or 1 o'clock are now gone by 10 or 11, if they form at all," bioclimatolgist and study lead author Park Williams told Phys.org. Due to a warming climate and an expanding urban heat island, cloud...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/southern-california-is-losing-its-clouds-increasing-the-risk-of-more-intense-wildfires
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Canada set to purchase Kinder Morgan pipeline for $4.5 billion

The Canadian government is planning to buy the Trans Mountain oil pipeline from major energy corporation Kinder Morgan for $4.5 billion in an effort to secure its construction. The controversial project, which would triple the current capacity of the Trans Mountain pipeline and run from the tar sands of Alberta to the Pacific Coast, is a major priority for Ottawa. “It must be built. It will be built,” Canadian finance minister Bill Morneau told the Guardian. The pipeline has suffered delays due...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/canada-set-to-purchase-kinder-morgan-pipeline-for-4-5-billion
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United Kingdom moves to ban most of its ivory trade

British Environment Minister Michael Gove has introduced a bill to Parliament that would ban the purchase, sale, possession for sale, and international trade of ivory. Though the bill contains several exceptions for ivory found in museums, musical instruments and some antiques, it would be one of the most comprehensive ivory bans of any country. The United Kingdom is the largest legal ivory exporter and the bill, if passed into law, would certainly put a dent in this lucrative trade. Nonetheless,...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/united-kingdom-moves-to-ban-most-of-its-ivory-trade
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"Once-in-a-1000-years" flood batters Maryland town for the second time in two years

Ellicott City, Maryland was devastated by a flash flood in 2016 — and scientists said that rainstorm was the type of event that happens once in a thousand years, according to Slate. But then it occurred again over the weekend. Over 300 residents were evacuated, and there were over 1,000 calls to 911. Related: Via Slate Images via

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/once-in-a-1000-years-flood-batters-maryland-town-for-the-second-time-in-two-years
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This lightweight, soda can-sized air purifier destroys mold, VOCs and odors

Did you know that indoor air pollution can be as bad or worse than outdoor air pollution? From off-gassing chemicals in paints to mold and dust, the contaminated air we breathe inside our homes and offices negatively impacts our health and can lead to fatigue and dizziness or even respiratory diseases in the long-term. Fortunately, air purification technology has improved in recent years to offer affordable and easy ways to combat indoor air pollutants. Read on to see our review of one such product,...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building https://inhabitat.com/this-lightweight-soda-can-sized-air-purifier-destroys-mold-vocs-and-odors
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