Mar 27, 2019Karen Wang, PhD
Knowing what to do with old electronics can feel super confusing sometimes. If properly disposed or recycled, the metals in electronic waste can be salvaged and reclaimed. Yay for recycling ♻️! However, e-waste can contain nasty toxics that can harm human health. If...
Mar 26, 2019Karen Wang, PhD
Electronics has a big impact on both human health and the environment. Between large volumes of waste, hazardous chemical use, and the overuse of natural resources, electronic manufacturing can be a very environmentally unfriendly business. @Greenpeace’s ‘Guide to...
Mar 21, 2019Emma Zang-Schwartz, MPH
Getting new gadgets is always exciting. Whether it’s a cell phone, an electric toothbrush, or even a blender, it’s fun to learn all about the new features. But, what happens to the old ones? If it still works, maybe you resell it, or it goes to a friend,...
Dec 2, 2018Karen Wang, PhD and Emma Zang-Schwartz, MPH
Trying to get pregnant should be an exciting time of planning for the next stage of your life, not one full of doctors visits, constant testing, and worrying about body temperatures. But, if you and your partner are struggling with infertility, you are not alone....
Jul 5, 2018Emma Zang-Schwartz, MPH
Have you ever seen labels, certification, and statements on everything from your eggs and coffee to your mattress and clothing and wondered, what does that mean? Things that say organic might feel pretty common, but what about things saying they are grass fed, or GOTS...
May 29, 2018Because Health
We know it feels like you have to be productive all day, but electronics like computers, keyboards, and tv’s are often covered in flame retardants so they don’t overheat and catch fire. But, it also means we are touching computers covered in chemicals then...
Apr 11, 2018Emma Zang-Schwartz, MPH
What is BPA?BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical that is often used in plastics to make them clear and strong. It is also in epoxy resins that can line water pipes and food cans, and is used in receipt paper. Although BPA is the most well-known bisphenol, there are...
Apr 11, 2018Emma Zang-Schwartz, MPH
What are they?Flame retardants are a group of chemicals that are added to a variety of different products to help them meet flammability standards. These standards were set back in the 70s, and we have learned a lot since then about flammability, chemicals, and even...
Jan 11, 2016Charles MargulisChemical Industry, Laws & Regulations, Legal Action
Sharon Lerner A NEW SET OF BILLS that aims to update the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act may nullify the efforts of states such as Maine and California to regulate dangerous chemicals. The Senate’s bill, passed last month, just before the holidays, is particularly...
Apr 9, 2013Caroline CoxChildren's Health, Food, Laws & Regulations, Personal Stories, Plastics, Uncategorized
Is BPA (bisphenol A) just one more acronym in the alphabet soup of chemical names that we all hear about from time to time? Well, yes it is. But it’s also one of the scarier parts of the alphabet soup. For starters, it’s one of the most widely used...
