In this opinion piece, architect Martha Lewis addresses the ecological polycrisis of the twenty-first century and its impact on the architectural sector, emphasizing the urgent need for architects to reassess material choices and construction methodologies to mitigate environmental consequences.

Tests by Consumer Reports found bisphenols and phthalates, chemicals used in plastic, in a wide range of packaged foods, raising concerns due to their potential health effects, including disruptions to the endocrine system and associated health issues.

Scientists are investigating how exposure to environmental stressors during pregnancy affects the health of both fetuses and pregnant individuals, highlighting the need for further research to protect the almost 130 million people worldwide who give birth annually.

A study by environmental health experts at New York University suggests that phthalates, chemicals commonly found in plastic food containers and cosmetic products, may have contributed to approximately 10 percent of preterm births in the United States in 2018.

NBC’s Cynthia McFadden interviews an expert from Toxic Free Future about their recent report revealing that over 36 million pounds of vinyl chloride are transported daily on more than 200 rail cars, highlighting the risks similar to those seen in the East Palestine train derailment.

Despite its harmful effects, BADGE is not included in Europe’s new food safety guidelines, which focus on bisphenol A (BPA) and a few other bisphenols, highlighting regulatory gaps in addressing this chemical commonly found in common materials.

The Plastic Health Map collates research on the potential human health effects of plastic chemicals, aiding the transition to a more sustainable and safer plastic-free world by providing data from over 3,500 primary studies from 1960 to 2022 via a user-friendly dashboard.

The Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters offers an up-to-date map and incident database tracking hazardous chemical incidents since January 2021.

The Equitable and Just National Climate Platform is a collaborative effort between environmental justice and national environmental groups to develop inclusive and equitable national climate policy ideas and advocate for shared policy goals.

The Environmental Justice Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform is a national network of grassroots organizations advocating for safer chemicals and a pollution-free economy, focusing on communities disproportionately impacted by toxic chemicals and pollution.