Chemicals
Study finds brominated flame retardants in firefighter turnout gear, including newer PFAS-free models
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A U.S. study has found brominated flame retardants in firefighter turnout gear, including in newer models marketed as PFAS-free. Published on December 16 in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the research reports that some of these flame retardants appear at higher extractable levels than PFAS in certain gear layers, raising fresh questions about potential health risks to firefighters.
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent pollutant known as a forever chemical, has more than tripled in the global environment over the past two decades, largely due to refrigerants that protect the ozone layer. While current levels remain below known safe thresholds, the chemical's long-term accumulation raises concerns for human health and aquatic life. Researchers urge scrutiny of newer replacements to avoid unintended environmental consequences.
Imeripotiwa na AI Imethibitishwa ukweli
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that 168 common industrial and agricultural chemicals can harm beneficial bacteria in the human gut, with some also promoting resistance to antibiotics. Drawing on a large laboratory screen, the team created a machine learning model to predict which chemicals may pose risks to the microbiome.