Health Risk

Calcasieu Pass

Gas flaring continues at Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass

The controversial LNG export terminal Calcasieu Pass has had operational problems for more than two years, resulting in chronic air pollution. A landowner reports witnessing excessive gas flaring at the site in late September.

injection wells

Oil and gas injection wells risk to groundwater in Texas

A legal filing to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by a group of NGOs alleges that tens of thousands of oil and gas injection wells pose threats to groundwater. EPA has launched an investigation.

plastics treaty

Decades of petchems unease not enough to clinch a plastics treaty

For more than 50 years, the health and safety hazards of a petrochemicals complex in northern Spain have been worrying locals. Despite that, and the unease of such communities globally, UN talks this week failed to clinch a plastics treaty.

gas flaring

Gas flaring in Iraq: BP faces legal action over death of young man

An Iraqi man’s son died of leukemia a year ago. He says that BP’s excessive gas flaring in southern Iraq is the cause, and he is seeking damages from the British oil giant.

U.S. LNG

Louisiana LNG could be “nail in the coffin” for local fishermen

Commercial fishing in southwest Louisiana is already facing hard times. But the rush to build Louisiana LNG export terminals may put an end to a once-vibrant industry.

gas cooking

New study reveals severity of indoor air pollution from gas cooking

The largest-ever study of European homes with gas stoves finds indoor air pollution at levels that pose increased health risks. Experts say a switch to electric appliances is necessary.

injection wells

New study finds overwhelming evidence of harms from fracking

A review of the scientific literature reveals enormous public health, environmental, and climate damage from fracking. Authors say that “no rules or regulations can make these practices safe.”

gas stoves

Gas stoves emit benzene equivalent to secondhand smoke

Benzene is a known human carcinogen, with clear links to cancer. A new study finds alarming levels of benzene emitted from normally-functioning gas stoves.

U.S. LNG

Democrats call for greater scrutiny of U.S. LNG approvals

The Biden administration has supported an expansion of gas exports. But members of his own party warn that the buildout of U.S. LNG pollutes local communities and amounts to a major setback for the climate.

gas stove pollution

San Francisco bans gas furnaces, gas stove pollution still a risk

The electrification movement gains momentum with a new regional ban on gas appliances, but toxic gas stove pollution remains a health and climate hazard.

cancer alley louisiana

“Cancer Alley”: Louisiana petchems target Black communities

The global plastics and petrochemical industry wants to build toxic facilities in Black communities. But residents of “Cancer Alley,” Louisiana, are fighting back.

Calcasieu Pass

Louisiana LNG terminals spread pollution on local districts

A new report finds that two large Louisiana LNG export facilities are flaring constantly and under-reporting their emissions. At the same time, many more projects are on the drawing board.

lng in europe

Ramp-up of LNG in Europe a health risk

The residents of the Spanish town of Ferrol have lived for years in the shadow of an LNG terminal, but a growing body of research suggests such infrastructure poses a health risk to communities like theirs – which should serve as a wake-up call as we brace ourselves for major build-out of LNG in Europe.

Cooking with gas a health hazard, EU not regulating it

Indoor air pollution from gas cooking poses a health hazard to over 100 million European households, according to a new study.

Gas flares in Nigeria oil heartland harm children

Gas flaring, routinely carried out by companies producing oil in Nigeria, poses a significant hazard to the health of those exposed to it, especially children.