Vickie Mullins recalls a traumatic moment in her 8-year-old grandson’s life.
Will Atwater | North Carolina Health News
Posted inNews, Health
Could floating plant islands help remove PFAS from waterways in the Cape Fear Basin?
The cultural practice of harvesting woodland plants and herbs for medicinal purposes along the Cape Fear River Basin is a risky proposition for tribal communities like the Cape Fear Band …
Posted inNews, Health
Forever chemicals, forever concerns: Cape Fear River’s ongoing PFAS problem
Six years after the discovery of PFAS chemicals in the Cape Fear River, area residents are still trying to figure out what that means for them and their families. “The further I look into …
Posted inNews, Health
Understanding September’s asthma toll on children and communities of color
September is an exciting time for many, as summer’s long, hot days begin to give way to cooler temperatures and fall colors. Primary school and college students return to classes, and crowds pack high school bleachers and college stadiums on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons to cheer on their favorite fall sports teams, among other fun autumn activities. But for children and communities of color — especially Black Americans — experts suggest grabbing an inhaler before heading out to enjoy seasonal pastimes.
Posted inNews, Health
Rising concerns: Loss of wetlands could increase inland flooding risks
A few months ago, Jemonde Taylor stood, like a proud shepherd, on a bank and looked down at a section of Walnut Creek that runs through Southeast Raleigh’s Rochester Heights community, where he s the rector at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church. As the chair of Raleigh’s Stormwater Advisory Committee, Taylor values wetlands’ vital role in flood mitigation, air and water purification, and wildlife habitat, among other things. For these reasons, he’s concerned about the potential loss of intermittent wetlands.
Posted inNews, Health
Warmer seas drive more bacterial infections, threatening fishermen, health
Last month, three people died as a result of infections from a category of bacteria you’ve likely never heard of: Vibrio. It is commonly present in coastal and brackish water, especially during warmer months.
Posted inBusiness & Economy, News
Lithium mining debate: Can Gaston County embrace green energy without sacrificing rural life?
In early May, it’s possible to find fields of wheat and lavender-colored straw flowers bordering two-lane roads that wind through Gaston County. This part of Cherryville Township lies roughly 35 miles northwest of Charlotte and about 82 miles southwest of Black Mountain. Continue driving, and one quickly discovers white signs lining county roads revealing what many locals see as a threat to the pastoral lifestyle that drew them here. The message in bold, black letters reads: “Gaston County Pit Mine,” enclosed in a red circle with a line drawn through the middle.
Posted inNews
Proposed bill raises alarm over potential weakening of NC water quality regulations
Recently, state lawmakers discussed this year’s regulatory reform bill and, despite a bevy of amendments and question marks about its effects on the environment and potential conflicts with the Clean Water Act, the bill received a favorable report and is moving on in the state Senate.
Posted inUncategorized
Critics skeptical as chemical companies agree to $1.19 billion PFAS settlement
On Friday, three large chemical manufacturers agreed to contribute $1.19 billion to a fund to settle lawsuits brought by water utilities across the country that allege that the companies contaminated drinking water supplies with per- and polyfluorinated chemicals, or PFAS.
Posted inNews
Cape Fear Indians worry about river contamination and what that means for cultural traditions
Before Europeans came to North Carolina, the Skarure Woccon tribe (Cape Fear Indians) sustained themselves by hunting, fishing and harvesting herbs and other plants in the lower Cape Fear River Basin. More popularly known as Tuscarora Indians, many tribal members continue to live spread across land, including Bladen, Columbus and Pender counties, where they still follow cultural traditions. Some tribal members fish in the Cape Fear River, hunt on adjacent land, and harvest wild plants for food, healing and rituals. However, a chemical commercially known as GenX in the river may force members of the tribe to reconsider long-held cultural practices to protect their health.