toxics
-
Big Coal and Oil Play Dirty but EPA Mercury Ruling Proves We’d Rather Keep It Clean
Starting today, we can begin to breathe, eat, and drink a bit easier. The EPA begins enforcement of the Mercury and Air Toxics standard, a 20-year-old mandate that set limits on mercury emissions from coal and oil-fired power plants. These safeguards are not for show. They reflect a raft of highly credible research proving that mercury, […]
-
![]()
![]()
Ask Umbra on whether balloons are eco-friendly
Is there such a thing as a balloon that doesn't blow? Ask Umbra bursts a few bubbles.
-
![]()
![]()
Coal-fired power plants close down rather than clean up their emissions
As a result of the EPA's new rules mandating lower toxic emissions, coal-fired power plants are closing their doors. The coal industry is complaining that the new rules are too expensive, will hike electricity rates, and cost jobs. The EPA has these facts on its side, though, according to Business Insider:
-
![]()
![]()
NASA will clean up contaminated soil with salad dressing
There's an upside to the end of the space shuttle program: Now that the shuttle has been grounded, NASA can turn its attention to acres of contaminated soil and groundwater, the result of chemical spills from shuttle launches. And they're doing it in a novel way: with an oil-based emulsion that's made of corn and looks like dressing. The technique was first designed in scribbles on the back of a napkin, perhaps after eating a salad.
-
![]()
![]()
Unwet and wild: Ask Umbra on dry shampoo
Dry shampoo is the latest hair-care craze. Ask Umbra investigates the tangled truth.
-
![]()
![]()
Dirty blonde: Ask Umbra on composting dyed hair
Is dyed hair toxic for compost bins? Ask Umbra breaks down the question.
-
![]()
![]()
Ask Umbra on nail polish and its disposal
Send your question to Umbra! Q. Dear Umbra, How do I dispose of my formaldehyde-laden nail polish in an environmentally safe fashion? Can I recycle the glass bottle and plastic top in my recycling with the polish inside? JacquiePetaluma, CA Don’t just toe the line! Use less toxic polish.Photo: Maureen LunnA. Dearest Jacquie, What a […]
-
Good news: New EPA boiler regs include output-based standards
Finally the day you’ve all been waiting for has arrived: EPA has released its new boiler emissions rules for hazardous pollutants! (The cool kids call it “the boiler MACT.”) Most review and discussion of these rules so far has been silent on the most significant aspect: they introduce output-based emissions standards. As Grist readers know, […]
-
Homeland Security Chairman Peter King ignores poison gas disaster threat to New York City
Congressman Peter King (R-NY), the Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, faced protests from hundreds of New Yorkers and interfaith leaders this weekend over his plans to single out Muslim communities in upcoming Congressional hearings. While Rep. King seeks to look tough on terrorism by scapegoating people for their religious beliefs, last week he showed […]
