Pollution & Toxins

Experts say the new administration can jumpstart climate protections by taking on rising methane emissions, but it won’t be easy or quick.

“Routine flaring” from oil wells produces emissions that harm the climate and human health. Two states have proposed new rules to reduce it, just as the true scope of the problem emerges.

Antibiotic use in agriculture is a ticking time bomb, posing looming health risks to people and the environment.

The most widely used class of insecticides is dangerous for much more than its intended target, new research finds.

More than 1,500 scientific studies on the health and climate impacts of fracking prove its dangerous effect on communities, wildlife and nature.

Swapping bioplastics for regular plastics isn't necessarily an environmental win — and the reasons are complex.

To meet ambitious climate goals, L.A. needs more local water. A critical step is battling the ghosts of industry past — polluted groundwater that dates back to World War II.

A range of new tactics aim to curb cigarette butt pollution, including groundbreaking legislation that could hold tobacco companies accountable for their products’ waste.

A sweeping “circular economy” bill in the California legislature aims to drastically reduce plastic waste and boost domestic recycling.

The technology exists to hold polluters accountable, but can it now be used to help monitor pollution and prevent toxic messes?