Britt E. Erickson

Washington, D.C.

Senior Editor at C&EN

chemistry, food, health, environment--reporter since 1997. Views are my own

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Articles

EPA to delay limits on PFAS in drinking water

3 weeks ago | cen.acs.org | Britt E. Erickson

The US Environmental Protection Agency plans to give drinking-water utilities an extra 2 years to meet strict limits for two of the most toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). In a May 14 press release, the agency says that it will defend the limits for those two PFAS.
Proposed White House budget would slash science funding

1 month ago | cen.acs.org | Krystal Vasquez |Laurel Oldach |Britt E. Erickson |Fionna Samuels

US president Donald J. Trump has proposed massive cuts to federal science programs for fiscal year 2026, which runs from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026. The proposal, also referred to as the "skinny" budget because it provides less detail than a full budget request, is in line with Trump's calls during his first term as president to slash funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other US federal agencies.
White House proposes to slash science spending

1 month ago | pubs.acs.org | Krystal Vasquez |Laurel Oldach |Britt E. Erickson |Fionna Samuels

Monday, May 12, 2025 Please be aware that pubs.acs.org is undergoing maintenance from Saturday February 1 to Monday Febraury 3, that may have an impact on your experience. During this time, you may not be able to access certain features like login, purchasing single articles, saving searches or running existing saved searches, modifying your e-Alert preferences, or accessing Librarian administrative functions. We appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the ACS Publications platform.
EPA's plan to protect species from insecticides draws unusual support

1 month ago | cen.acs.org | Britt E. Erickson

After decades of debate in the US over how to manage insecticides' unintended harms to endangered species, farm groups are supporting the US Environmental Protection Agency's latest strategy to protect more than 900 species. The plan, released April 29, updates a draft version released in July 2024.
Inhance sues EPA to keep PFAS data confidential

1 month ago | cen.acs.org | Britt E. Erickson

Inhance Technologies, a small Texas-based company that fluorinates plastic containers, is fighting to keep its R&D testing data confidential. In a lawsuit filed against the US Environmental Protection Agency on April 2, the firm claims that disclosure of data related to long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in treated containers would cause significant competitive harm.
Inhance sues EPA to keep PFAS data confidential

2 months ago | pfascentral.org | Britt E. Erickson

By Britt E. Erickson | C&EN | April 9, 2025 Read the full article by Britt E. Erickson (C&EN) "Inhance Technologies, a small Texas-based company that fluorinates plastic containers, is fighting to keep its R&D testing data confidential.
EPA kicks chemical regulations down the road

2 months ago | pubs.acs.org | Britt E. Erickson

Friday, April 11, 2025 Please be aware that pubs.acs.org is undergoing maintenance from Saturday February 1 to Monday Febraury 3, that may have an impact on your experience. During this time, you may not be able to access certain features like login, purchasing single articles, saving searches or running existing saved searches, modifying your e-Alert preferences, or accessing Librarian administrative functions. We appreciate your patience as we continue to improve the ACS Publications platform.
EPA kicks chemical regulations down the road

2 months ago | cen.acs.org | Britt E. Erickson

Workers in chemical plants, along with communities near such facilities, will have to wait longer for regulations that aim to reduce cancer and other health risks associated with widely used solvents like trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and carbon tetrachloride, and common building block chemicals like formaldehyde and 1,3-butadiene. While attention has focused on President Donald J.
West Virginia enacts nation's first broad ban on synthetic food dyes

2 months ago | cen.acs.org | Britt E. Erickson

West Virginia became the first state in the US this week to ban seven synthetic dyes in all food and beverages sold in the state. The ban also targets two food preservatives-butylated hydroxyanisole and propyl paraben-making it the strongest food additive law in the country. Consumer and industry groups say West Virginia's action is part of a growing trend among states because of a lack of federal food safety oversight.
EPA kicks chemical regulations down the road

2 months ago | cen.acs.org | Britt E. Erickson

Workers in chemical plants, along with communities near such facilities, will have to wait longer for regulations that aim to reduce cancer and other health risks associated with widely used solvents like trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and carbon tetrachloride, and common building block chemicals like formaldehyde and 1,3-butadiene. While attention has focused on President Donald J.