By Stephen Lester. Just over a month ago, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded its investigation into the train accident that occurred in February last year in East Palestine, OH. A Norfolk Southern train with more than a hundred cars many of which were carrying toxic chemicals derailed causing 38 cars to come off the tracks. Five of these tanker cars contained vinyl chloride, a highly toxic chemical known to cause cancer, liver damage, central nervous system and other adverse health effects. Concerned that the derailed cars might explode

By Leila Waid. The climate change crisis worsens year by year, yet somehow, it feels like not enough progress is ever achieved. Frustratingly, there are many people who choose to ignore the issue, don’t believe it is real, or simply don’t think that there is anything they can do about it. So, how can environmental justice advocates reach these groups of people who don’t want to discuss the issue, let alone even think about it? Researchers from all different fields of studies, not just those in environmental health, have spent

By Sophie Jackson. I don’t often question my use of everyday household products. I tend to assume that someone has tested them, and they have been proven safe, hence, why they have ended up in my shopping cart and onto a shelf in my home. However, as I scrolled through the news and came across an article about toxic metals found in tampons, I lost that sense of assurance. The study analyzed 14 different brands of tampons for the presence of 16 metals. The metals evaluated were detected in each

By Prasa Thapa. On a Sunday morning, as I flipped eggs in my non-stick Cuisinart pan, I recalled an article I had read the previous week about the “forever chemicals” and its presence in the non-stick cookware. This sparked a curiosity about the items I won that might have forever chemicals and I couldn’t resist myself as I started looking for articles as I had my breakfast. Forever chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds known for their exceptional durability and resistance to degradation. These

By Claire Robinson. In the summer, I love spending as much time outdoors as I possibly can. But in recent years, climate change has increased the frequency and severity of wildfires such that their smoke sometimes spreads even to states far away. This is how I found that wildfire smoke gives me migraines so serious that I have to stay inside. I am far from the only one whose disability is exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Krystal Vasquez, who has a chronic illness, similarly says that wildfire smoke

By Gregory Kolen. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their emancipation, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day has evolved into a broader celebration of African American freedom, culture, and achievements. As we reflect on Juneteenth, it is crucial to recognize its relevance to ongoing struggles for justice, including the environmental justice movement. Both movements, at their core, seek to address deep-seated inequities and strive for a future where all people can thrive.