From temporary shutdowns like those related to COVID-19 to seasonal occupancy, long periods of reduced water use can lead to a variety of potential hazards when turning the tap back on. While there is currently no standard for safely reopening a building, this guide to flushing fixtures before using inactive plumbing can help keep you safe.

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We dig into the state of American public water systems, evidence from Tap Score water data, and a cost evaluation which concludes: Tap water wins out over bottled water. Skip the trip to the store and slow the spread of COVID-19.

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PFAS, or per- or poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals found in all sorts of products, like nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, and stain-resistant fabrics. We didn't know they had negative health effects, until now. What’s worse, these compounds are extremely stable, meaning that they don’t break down in the environment at all. This makes them very hard to get rid of, and they’ve started building up in out bodies. Learn more about what we know about the health effects of PFAS.

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To know if your environment impacts your health, we rely on research in the field of toxicology. What is toxicology? We’re here to break down the jargon. Read this primer on toxicology and our short list of how you can reduce your exposure to environmental risks–from household products to drinking water.

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Mold has been living on our planet for millions of years, and there is always some mold everywhere. The infamous “toxic mold”–which refers to the varieties that release mycotoxins into the air–are the largest cause for concern. However, there are many more types of insidious mold that can cause a range of damaging health effects–via allergens and irritants. Learn how to identify mold, clean it up, and stop the source.

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Did you know it took almost 100 years for US health regulations to protect citizens from the dangers of lead paint? Meanwhile, hundreds of new pharmaceuticals, industrial solvents, fertilizers, and other new chemicals enter the US economy (and water supply)...

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