News & Commentary

Mercury’s Journey from Coal-Burning Power Plants to Your Plate

May 2, 2023 ExplainerUnited StatesSusan Cosier

The EPA wants to lower people’s exposure to this potent neurotoxin by going after the pollutant’s biggest source. 

A Growing Concern: Microplastic Pollution on Farm Fields

February 2, 2021 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Scientists are showing that we are sending tons of tiny plastic particles into our soils each year, potentially affecting crops and our health.

Indiana Dunes Finally Gets Its Due, but Conservationists Are Clamoring for More

November 7, 2019 DispatchIndianaSusan Cosier

After a century of advocacy, the Hoosier State has a national park, and its immense popularity is making a case for more protected lakeshore.

America’s Dairyland May Have a PFAS Problem

October 11, 2019 DispatchMidwest, Wisconsin, MaineSusan Cosier

The toxic chemicals have been showing up in milk around the country, prompting midwestern farmers to take a closer look at their land.

After Children Began Getting Sick by the Dozens, Parents Took a Hard Look at Their Town’s Toxic Legacy

May 30, 2019 DispatchIndiana, Massachusetts, North CarolinaSusan Cosier

The carcinogen TCE has been lurking in the ground beneath Franklin, Indiana, for decades. Now families are demanding answers.

Could These Country Roads Be Toxic to Kids?

April 9, 2019 DispatchIowaSusan Cosier

A county in eastern Iowa has been replacing gravel with slag, a steel industry byproduct. It’s hard, sharp, and potentially a public health concern.

Plastic: What Gets Thrown in the Great Lakes, Stays in the Great Lakes

November 5, 2018 DispatchMidwestSusan Cosier

We need to take control of the 10,000 tons of plastic entering the lakes each year—whether we recycle, reuse, or just outright ban the stuff.

Can the Great Lakes Become Fishable, Drinkable, and Swimmable Again?

January 29, 2018 DispatchMidwest, Canada, Ohio, IllinoisSusan Cosier

A joint United States–Canada report maps out the way to clean up the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem

In East Chicago, Knowing Your Soil Is Toxic Is Only Half the Battle

May 23, 2017 DispatchIndianaSusan Cosier

Because it can take years before the government does anything about it.

Sometimes Art Has to Get Gritty—Especially When Big Oil Provides the Muse

August 10, 2016 PerspectivesChicagoSusan Cosier

A new exhibit displays the many forms of petcoke and the Chicagoans determined to rid it from their communities.

Better Living Through Chemistry?

May 20, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Chemical regulation needs a makeover, but Congress’ efforts at reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act are still a work in progress.

From the Outside In

April 24, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

The dose may make the poison, but a new study finds even low levels of certain toxins might affect our health.

Pesticide Patrol

April 2, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

A new report says the most widely used weed killer probably causes cancer.

Spreading Like Wildfire

March 5, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Flame retardants are winding up everywhere—like in some of the Great Lakes’ greatest wildlife.

Back from the Dead Zone

February 23, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Doing just a little to curb fertilizer pollution in the Mississippi could go a long way to breathing life back into the Gulf.

The Sour Side of Strawberries

January 22, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

California is regulating a harmful pesticide used on strawberries and other crops, but does it go far enough?

Preemies and Plastic: A Growing Problem?

December 16, 2014 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

A chemical used in medical equipment could cause health problems in an already vulnerable population: preemies.

Just Say No to Receipts

October 30, 2014 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

New research shows that a harmful chemical found on cash register paper gets onto your skin and into your body.

Caution: Do Not Touch, Eat, or Inhale

October 9, 2014 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

A new government report adds four more industrial chemicals to a growing number of carcinogens.