toxic chemicals

Energy grid reliability is again at the fore following an ice storm that crippled much of Michigan. Additionally, environmental concerns about transporting toxic chemicals and how and where they are stored is, once again, a priority following a train derailment in Ohio. 6th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) joined WEMU's David Fair and Lisa Wozniak from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters with new and updated information on the path forward.

The Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center is diving deep into research in an effort to better understand how toxic chemicals interact and spread through the environment, our wildlife and, ultimately, humans. The center’s senior scientist, Dr. Gillian Zaharias Miller, joined WEMU’s David Fair to share the details of current and future research in the ongoing quest for solutions.

New concerns are being raised about the spread of contamination from the Gelman 1,4 dioxane plume into Ann Arbor Township. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran has more.

We've known for a long time that chemicals and pollution lead to poor health outcomes, particularly in communities of color and lower income portions of our county and state. With lead, mercury, PFAS, and dioxane, we understand there is a potentially higher risk for cancer. But what if you are exposed to all of them? University of Michigan researcher Justin Colacino is leading a team and a newly launched, $13 million study to find out, and he discusses his project with WEMU's David Fair.

A renewed call for action has emerged following the release of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium into the Huron River this past summer. WEMU's Cathy Shafran reports.

Ann Arbor officials are taking the first steps towards ensuring the community’s drinking water remains safe and reliable. WEMU’s Taylor Pinson has the story.

The Huron River has, once again, been put at risk because of a chemical spill. First it was PFAS contamination, and now it's Hexavalent Chromium. In both instances, the same Wixom-based company is responsible. Yet, the laws in Michigan do not allow for holding the company liable. That wasn't always the case. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, got together with the author of Michigan's original and now-dismantled polluter pay legislation. Former Ann Arbor State Senator Lana Pollack weighed in on the need to re-institute liability laws to better protect the environment.

The vacant property on Water Street in downtown Ypsilanti has received $4.3-million from the state. The money will cover the costs of cleaning up contamination with the hopes of attracting a developer. WEMU's Josh Hakala has more.

The same Wixom company that dumped PFAs into the Huron River may be causing more damage with the release of a carcinogenic chemical into the sewer system. Monitoring continues to see if the contamination will reach Washtenaw County. Huron River Watershed Council executive director, Rebecca Esselman, joined WEMU's David Fair with the latest on the health of the Huron River.

State health officials have lifted all of the contact restrictions on all parts of the Huron River. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.