BFFP Newsletter 🌍📰 : Pipeline fire in Texas, USA, BFFP member leads efforts to protect communities, and other stories!

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Subject: BFFP Newsletter 🌍📰 : Pipeline fire in Texas, USA, BFFP member leads efforts to protect communities, and other stories!

Latest News and Updates

September 19, 2024

Energy Transfer pipeline burning near the residential community of Deer Park / La Porte, Texas, U.S. (Photo: Fenceline Watch)

Urge the U.S. EPA to Release Info About the Pipeline Fire in Texas

On Monday, September 16th, an Energy Transfer pipeline carrying natural gas liquids (NGL) exploded in the Deer Park / La Porte area of Texas, resulting in flames more than 300 feet (91 meters) high.

The fire is still burning today, and more than 4,000 homes are without electricity. There is also currently a heat wave, and the lack of air conditioning is forcing people outside and exposing them to toxic chemicals.

These NGLs (such as propane, butane, and ethane) are extracted from natural gas to make plastics and petrochemicals. Unfortunately, it is still not entirely clear which specific chemicals are inside the burning pipeline.

Fenceline Watch – a BFFP Member and community-based environmental justice organization in Houston, Texas – has been providing hands-on support for impacted community members, and is now requesting groups to sign a letter asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for full public disclosure of information regarding what is in the air as a way to protect the people in this residential suburban community.

Sign the letter!

microplastic pollution entering the brain

Image credit: Plastic Soup Foundation, 2024

New Research Reveals Microplastics Found in Human Brain

A new report reveals that indoor environments may be a major source of microplastic pollution, with particles being inhaled and entering the brain. Researchers from the University of São Paolo found microplastics, mainly polypropylene, in the brains of deceased residents, raising concerns about the long-term health impacts. Scientists alongside #BreakFreeFromPlastic member, Plastic Soup Foundation, urges urgent action as the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations approach, demanding stronger measures to address plastic pollution.

Find out more

New Report Exposes Fashion Brands’ Role in Microplastic Pollution

A new report from Changing Markets reveals how major fashion brands are ramping up their use of synthetic fibres while using delay tactics to dodge real change. The industry’s role fueling microplastic pollution has been exposed and urgent regulation and action is needed to reduce the production of plastic-based materials.

Read the report

New Article from Health Care Without Harm Europe

Akif Görgülü, Chemicals & Plastics Policy Coordinator of Health Care Without Harm Europe writes about the impact of plastic pollution on reproductive health and generational wellbeing.

They mention that “As children grow, their exposure to microplastics through everyday items further increases the risk of reduced fertility, weakened immune systems, and other chronic conditions. Without significant changes to how we manage plastic pollution and chemical additives, current and future generations may face growing health challenges due to the pervasive presence of microplastics in our bodies.”

Read and share

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Subject: BFFP Newsletter 🌍📰 : Pipeline fire in Texas, USA, BFFP member leads efforts to protect communities, and other stories!