Essentials for Successful Lead Service Line Replacement

National Groups Publish Guidelines for Replacing Lead Pipes Toxic lead materials in plumbing systems are an unfortunate legacy from decades of lead pipe installation in homes and communities across the country. They continue to affect the safety of drinking water, with crises in cities like Flint, Michigan, and Newark, New Jersey, providing examples of the […]

Using Proven Materials for Water Systems Part 1: Health & Toxicity

Using Proven Materials for Water Systems Part 1: Health & Toxicity Flint, Michigan may be the first city that comes to mind when you think of the crises that can occur in cities where lead service lines are still prevalent in their water systems. However, Flint is hardly alone in this category. Other cities, such […]

Building Evolution – A Look at Materials, Part 2: Issues and Alternatives

Building Evolution – A Look at Materials, Part 2: Issues and Alternatives In our previous post, we discussed the risks associated with increased use of plastics for ‎construction and interior furnishings. The adjacent diagram shows where plastic materials ‎commonly appear in low-rise and multi-story commercial ‎and multi-unit residential structures.‎ (Click the image to view at full […]

Louisiana Residents Fight Massive Plastic Facility and Associated Pollution

Environmentalists and residents recently forced Formosa Plastics, a plastics supplier described by judges as a “serial offender” against the environment, to suspend the construction of a proposed 2,400 acre petrochemical complex in St. James Parish, Louisiana.

NRDC: A Growing Concern: Microplastic Pollution on Farm Fields

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

How Does Plastic Cause Air Pollution?

There are many factors that contribute to air pollution: the burning of fossil fuels, the release of chemical pesticides, and now plastic pollution. But how does plastic cause air pollution?

AWWA Study: Wildfire caused widespread drinking water distribution network contamination

This work outlines factors that influence wildfire-induced drinking water quality threats based on the findings from the Tubbs Fire (2017) and Camp Fire (2018) and explores scientific and policy issues.

Industrial Plastic Production Raises Safety, Pollution Concerns

A number of serious accidents at plastic manufacturing plants – most recently in the Houston area — have threatened communities and contaminated the environment, bringing into question whether or not the plants’ ends justify their means:

Study: PVC Pipes Emit Dangerous Contaminants in Air, Water, Amplifying Fire Risks

The study urges that the presence of plastic piping (HDPE, PP, PVC) in areas prone to fire risks creates “serious impacts on environment, public health and infrastructure.

Plastic Pipes – A Fire Safety and Cancer Causing Health Risk?

Developers, builders, and code officials need to reduce and restrict the use of plastics installed in buildings before they cause harm to either firefighters or building occupants.