Pollution & Toxins

When a toxic waste disaster unfolded in the 1970s, a White housewife became the face of the movement. Down the street, Black mothers worked twice as hard to be heard.

As U.S. restrictions tighten, Cuba’s efforts to protect its ecosystems are faltering — with rising deforestation, strained conservation programs, and growing pressure on protected areas.

Earth Day coordinator Denis Hayes grew up in Camas, Washington, surrounded by natural beauty and unchecked pollution.

Toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie. As Toledo tries to clean up, restoring wetlands could help.

The Trump administration has already rolled back planned limits on PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to cancer and other health problems.

Researchers have found PFAS in the bodies of wild animals everywhere they’ve looked. Now they’re beginning to understand the health effects.

Train derailments and chemical disasters could happen in any community — even yours.

The health risks from tiny airborne particulate matter may soon face stricter federal regulation. But improving air quality remains a complex challenge.

A massive new plastics plant will soon start operating in Pennsylvania, even as support grows for international limits on plastic production.

One man’s mission to remove trash from the polluted river in Baghdad has inspired a nationwide movement that shows how environmental efforts inspire peace.