arsenic
Coverage of arsenic in the Nexus archive.
- UT study: Dangerous levels of lead, arsenic found in Austin’s Colony drinking water
A University of Texas study found dangerous levels of lead and arsenic in the drinking water of Austin’s Colony. The neighborhood learned of the findings with the release of the research on Thursday evening.
- Tiny snake native to Illinois prairies facing new potential hurdles in Chicago region and beyond
Smooth greensnakes, a non-venomous species native to Illinois prairies, face declining populations due to habitat loss and new threats like soil toxins seeping into their eggs and fungal infections. A study by Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum scientist Allison Sacerdote-Velat highlights exposure to heavy metals (arsenic, copper, iron, lead) and disease risks linked to industrial land use and agriculture.
- Americans voices concerns over tap water safety: survey
A survey revealed that most Americans are unaware that arsenic, nitrates, and PFAS may be present in their tap water, despite concerns about its safety.
- Carcinogen from LA fire cleanup may have spread up to 9 miles downwind, study shows
A study in Nature found that a potent carcinogen, chromium-6, may have spread up to nine miles downwind from LA fire cleanup zones, affecting areas with 3 million residents. Researchers from UCLA and UC Davis detected airborne metals like lead and arsenic, noting concentrations declined over time but emphasizing lingering health risks.
- Pilsen residents warn of toxic metals from metal scrapper, ask Pritzker to slow permit renewal
Pilsen residents are urging Governor JB Pritzker to delay the permit renewal of Sims Metal Management, a scrap metal operation accused of releasing toxic metals into the air. Despite a 2025 pollution control system installed by Sims, recent tests show increased levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and other metals, sparking community protests and calls for further scrutiny.
- “A Huge Setback”: New EPA Directive Could Weaken Hundreds of Chemical Regulations
The Trump administration, led by EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi, is challenging the credibility of the EPA's IRIS program, which provides toxicity assessments for chemicals. This move could undermine hundreds of environmental regulations, including standards for arsenic in drinking water and lead in paint, by allowing companies to dispute rules based on IRIS data.
- Trump administration proposes more flexible regulations for coal plants’ toxic waste disposal
The Trump administration is proposing more flexible regulations for coal plants' toxic waste disposal, specifically addressing coal ash containing mercury and arsenic. Improper management of coal ash ponds poses risks to groundwater and drinking water sources.