News & Commentary

“Forever Chemicals” Called PFAS Show Up in Your Food, Clothes, and Home

September 18, 2025 ExplainerUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall, Molly M. Ginty

These toxic chemicals are so common in consumer products and manufacturing that they’re everywhere—including inside our bodies.

Microplastic Is Inside Your Body

June 16, 2025 ExplainerUnited States, InternationalSusan Cosier

As plastic pollution piles up across the globe, researchers are busy investigating the potential negative outcomes to our health.

As the EPA Downsizes, Our Health Could Suffer 

May 28, 2025 ExplainerUnited StatesShelia Hu

The Trump administration sidelines the scientists studying the health risks of environmental toxins—and leaves an opening for polluters.

Why We Need the EPA

March 14, 2025 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Let’s not forget what America looked like before we had the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Our rivers caught on fire, our air was full of smog, and it stank (literally).

America’s Failing Drinking Water System

October 5, 2023 ExplainerUnited States, Buffalo, Houston, Puerto Rico, California, FlintNicole Greenfield

First, Flint, Michigan; then, Jackson, Mississippi. Communities around the country wonder if their water quality problems will lead to the next national crisis.

How Exactly Does Lead Exposure Harm the Brain?

September 28, 2023 ExplainerUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

The metal is highly toxic to neural development in children. Here’s why—and what the country can do to prevent it. 

Three Ways We Can Make Schools Healthier This Year

August 24, 2022 ExplainerUnited StatesNicole Greenfield

From lead plumbing to a lack of air-conditioning, schools across the United States are jeopardizing the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff.

Eight Ways Biden’s Plan Could Build Equity into Our Infrastructure

September 7, 2021 ExplainerUnited StatesCourtney Lindwall

From the workplace to the streets to the kitchen, the administration’s agenda could build back better for all. Here’s how.

What Can We Do to Fix the Drinking Water Problem in America?

October 7, 2019 ExplainerUnited States, Flint, Newark, Michigan, New Jersey

Seth Siegel, author of the new book “Troubled Water: What’s Wrong with What We Drink,” says we must change people’s mind-sets and get to the root of the issue to ensure safe drinking water for everyone.

We Could Do a Lot More to Regulate Fracking

July 18, 2018 ExplainerUnited States

Lax monitoring of the country’s fracking boom does little to allay concerns about the air, water, and health impacts of this oil and gas extraction method.

Flint Drinking Water Settlement FAQ

March 28, 2017 ExplainerFlintNRDC

The residents of Flint, Michigan, will finally get their lead pipes replaced and have access to safe drinking water. Here's what you need to know.

Cut Environmental Justice at the EPA, and We All Lose

March 17, 2017 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Trump likens our “inner cities” to war zones . . . then guts the programs geared to safeguard clean air and water for low-income communities of color.

Is Water a Human Right?

March 3, 2016 ExplainerUnited States, Flint, New York, Jackson, Michigan, Mississippi, InternationalBrian Palmer

A look at what U.S. and international laws have to say about our right to clean drinking water.

EJ: Getting Us (All of Us) to Environmentalism 4.0

March 2, 2016 ExplainerUnited States, Flint, Michigan, ChicagoBrian Palmer

“Environmental justice” isn’t only about what is put in whose backyard—it’s the future of the environmental movement.

Lead by the Numbers

February 18, 2016 ExplainerFlint, Michigan, United StatesNicole Greenfield

This Harper’s-inspired index on lead puts the Flint Water Crisis into new perspective.

Go Easy on the Salt

February 11, 2016 ExplainerFlint, Michigan, United StatesBrian Palmer

But it’s still worth asking why Flint River water is so corrosive in the first place. What made the water so efficient at stripping lead from service pipes?

How California Will Weather Drought

January 5, 2016 ExplainerCalifornia, United States, West

Researchers outline four key actions the Golden State must take to ensure there's enough water to go around.

Hot Water

August 18, 2015 ExplainerWest, United StatesBrian Palmer

Uranium mining threatens aquifers that could provide the drought-stricken West with emergency water supplies.

10 Threats from the Canadian Tar Sands Industry

August 13, 2015 ExplainerCanadaNicole Greenfield

At every turn, the Tar Sands Invasion would put people and the environment in harm's way.

More Than a Drop in the Bucket

January 28, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesJason Bittel

Making sure the Clean Water Act covers small streams and headwaters would protect the drinking water of millions of Americans.