Even small amounts of lead can lower a child's IQ level and shorten attention span. Children with lead in their blood are also more likely to become aggressive, violent and delinquent.

Of the some 80,000 chemicals manufactured and used in the United States, the EPA has issued regulations to control just five "existing" and four "new" chemicals. Today, we'll learn a little about each of them.

The EPA has been under concerted attack by members of the new Congress. Makes me wonder: are EPA's new, weakened rules on hazardous air pollutants intended as a peace offering -- or white flag -- to their opponents?

Large-scale, community farming in the city requires soil and water testing and an array of permits. But that's not stopping gardeners in New Orleans.

Behind Puerto Rico's beaches, palm trees, white sand and abundant sunlight hours lurks a threat to the health of almost 100,000 residents -- hundreds and thousands of tons of toxic coal ash.

New Orleans city and school leaders want to remove contaminants from playgrounds, where even the most benign-looking spots can harbor arsenic on swing sets and lead and arsenic in soil.

Forty years ago, Congress passed the Clean Air Act of 1970. Nearly every Clean Air Act program that we now take for granted was bitterly opposed by industry. That same pattern holds true today.

Recently, the EPA announced that cement companies will have to clean up high levels of mercury, soot, and smog coming from their plants. Like most EPA efforts, this initiative drew industry ire.

Toxic chemicals have infiltrated most facets of our lives. They are in everything from our toothpaste and favorite soap to our national parks, which c...