Latest news with #Midwestern
Newsweek
12 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Map Shows States Where Drinking Water Contamination is Highest
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new study by researchers at Columbia University has revealed the states that have higher rates of arsenic in public drinking water systems, most of which are in the West and Midwest. Michigan, South Dakota, Nevada, and California were all states that had areas with levels of higher than 5 micrograms per liter of arsenic in the drinking water. The study found that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water may increase the risk of below average birth weight and other adverse birth outcomes. Why It Matters Arsenic is a natural element that can be found in soils, sediments, and groundwater, meaning it can feed into public drinking water systems. Water sources in some parts of the U.S. have higher naturally occurring levels of inorganic arsenic than other areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At high levels, exposure to arsenic can cause symptoms ranging from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to dehydration and shock. Long-term exposure has been associated with skin disorders and increased risks for diabetes, high blood pressure, and several types of cancer. While EPA has determined that there is a safe level of exposure at less than 10 micrograms per liter, the new study suggests that the maximum level of accepted arsenic exposure may still be associated with health risks. A map showing the levels of arsenic in drinking water in different locations. A map showing the levels of arsenic in drinking water in different locations. Uncredited/JAMA Network What To Know The study was conducted via review of 14,000 pregnancies across 35 cohort sites participating in the National Institutes of Health's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, and its findings were published on the medical journal site JAMA Network earlier this week. It also assessed the level of arsenic in public drinking water systems in various areas nationwide—based on data from 2017 to 2019, with the exception of Michigan, as data was not available in that time period for the state and instead was taken from 2009 to 2011. The findings, as shown in the map above, revealed that Western and Midwestern states were more likely to have higher levels of arsenic in public drinking water. The disparity is because some states "have elevated arsenic levels primarily due to natural geology, with some contribution from human activities," Vasilis Vasiliou, chair and professor of environmental health sciences at Yale School of Public Health, told Newsweek. "Arsenic naturally leaches from rocks into groundwater in regions with volcanic, mineral-rich, or sedimentary formations," which is common in the Southwest, Midwest, and parts of California's Central Valley, he said. "Many affected communities depend on groundwater-fed wells, which are more prone to arsenic contamination than surface water," he added. Vasiliou said that agricultural runoff and irrigation practices were also factors at play, particularly in areas like California's Central Valley or Nebraska's farming regions. "Small rural and Indigenous communities often bear the highest burden, especially those relying on underfunded or poorly monitored water systems," he added. "Many small water systems lack the capacity for frequent testing or advanced arsenic removal. Without federal or state investment, meaningful reduction in exposure is unlikely," Vasiliou said. While the EPA continues to maintain that exposure to arsenic in drinking water at a level of less than 10 micrograms per liter "protects public health based on the best available science and ensures that the cost of the standard is achievable," some states have taken measures into their own hands. New Jersey and New Hampshire have since enacted stricter limits of 5 micrograms per liter. "The 10 micrograms per liter limit is a political and economic compromise, not a health-based standard, and likely insufficient to fully protect the public, especially over a lifetime of exposure," Vasiliou said. What People Are Saying Vasilis Vasiliou, chair and professor of environmental health sciences at Yale School of Public Health, told Newsweek: "Even at low-to-moderate levels of chronic exposure (e.g., 5—10 µg/L), arsenic has been linked to cardiovascular disease, including increased risk of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and ischemic heart disease—possibly due to endothelial damage and oxidative stress. It has also been linked to type 2 diabetes, as arsenic can impair pancreatic β-cell function and glucose metabolism. Low-level exposure has also been associated with reduced cognitive performance, particularly in children, and possibly neurodegeneration in older adults. Chronic exposure, even at levels near or below the EPA maximum, has been linked to bladder, lung, skin, and possibly kidney and liver cancers. Arsenic disrupts immune function as well, increasing susceptibility to infections and possibly reducing vaccine effectiveness." He added: "The current EPA maximum contaminant level of 10 µg/L was set in 2001, and enforced in 2006, based largely on cancer risk, balancing feasibility and cost. However, more recent studies suggest adverse health effects at levels well below 10 µg/L, especially for sensitive populations. A growing number of researchers argue that no safe threshold may exist for certain outcomes like prenatal exposure, cardiovascular disease, and cancer." What Happens Next The authors of the study called for further research to determine the influence of arsenic on public health, and stressed the importance of updating health-based water safety standards at both federal and state levels.
International Business Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- International Business Times
Who Is Leanna Perry? Drunk Passenger Who Grabbed Woman's Hair in Bizarre Meltdown Is NYC Fashionista Who Has Worked with Top Brands
The drunk passenger who grabbed a woman's hair and spat in her face during a chaotic outburst on a Southwest Airlines flight is a New York City-based artist, who has worked with several high-profile brands such as Maybelline, Steve Madden, and Adidas, according to her online portfolio. Leanna Perry, a 32-year-old illustrator, was caught on camera lashing out at other passengers and having a violent meltdown as both travelers and airline staff made desperate efforts to remove her from a plane at LaGuardia Airport early Tuesday morning. Perry's bizarre outburst prompted some witnesses to say she appeared "possessed" before she was taken off the aircraft forcefully and charged with assault. Violent Meltdown of a Fashionista A passenger who captured the bizarre incident on video told the Daily Mail that Perry was so violent, she even "knocked the glasses off a Southwest employee." After being atken off the flight, Perry was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault, the Port Authority Police Department said. Prior to her dramatic meltdown, Perry had showcased her artwork on her personal website and social media platforms — all of which she quickly took down after the Daily Mail reached out for comment. According to her now-deleted accounts, she had recently created pieces and worked for major brands like Adidas, MAC, Maybelline, Hot Topic, Shein, and more. Her impressive portfolio also included art created for renowned fashion designers Betsey Johnson and Nicole Miller. A year ago, she had announced on her now-removed LinkedIn profile that she began working for cosmetics giant Maybelline New York. In her position, Perry said that she would "be designing the look of the brand across all e-commerce platforms' with the 'iconic NYC brand." High-Flying Life Perry lives in a sprawling one-bedroom apartment in a high-rise building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with a monthly rent of $4,000. Social media posts have shown her actively participating in New York City's fashion scene, attending various runway shows and industry events. Originally from the small Midwestern town of Lee's Summit, Missouri — located roughly half an hour from Kansas City — Perry was raised alongside her three brothers. Perry has also worked with fashion designers Betsey Johnson and Nicole Miller, according to her online résumé. Authorities said that Perry was "intoxicated" when she was removed from the plane prior to takeoff. Video footage captured her shouting at a female passenger, hurling the insult "fat ass bitch," and forcefully pulling the woman's hair. Video footage shows Perry screaming, "Shut the f–k up, don't f–king touch me!" at the shocked woman before other passengers and airline crew stepped in to intervene. Despite repeated requests from both the crew and fellow travelers to release the woman's hair, Perry refused to let go. Eventually, airline staff managed to separate them, restraining Perry by zip-tying her hands behind her back.
Indianapolis Star
a day ago
- Climate
- Indianapolis Star
Firefighter electrocuted, power still out after 80-mph storm hits Central Indiana
About 62,000 remained without power across Indiana June 19, according to AES Indiana and Duke outage maps, after parts of the state were hit with winds up to 80 mph the evening before. A 29-year-old Indianapolis firefighter was hospitalized after being electrocuted and falling about 12 feet while responding to a home with downed power lines and a tree limb on fire, according to a press release. He is now in stable condition. The line of powerful storms also caused nearly 300 buildings to be damaged and 60-mph-plus winds throughout Midwestern states, according to the National Weather Service of Indianapolis. No tornados have been confirmed. Meteorologist Aaron Updike said that could change as more damage reports come in today. Tippecanoe County is being investigated for a possible tornado, he said. Temperatures will reach the low to mid-90s the rest of the week. Updike encouraged those working outside to focus on heat safety, such as by taking breaks inside or under shade. Weather forecast: Next week's heat wave could feel as hot as 105 degrees in Indianapolis
Indianapolis Star
a day ago
- Climate
- Indianapolis Star
Firefighter electrocuted, power still out after 80-mph storm hits Central Indiana
About 62,000 remained without power across Indiana June 19, according to AES Indiana and Duke outage maps, after parts of the state were hit with winds up to 80 mph the evening before. A 29-year-old Indianapolis firefighter was hospitalized after being electrocuted and falling about 12 feet while responding to a home with downed power lines and a tree limb on fire, according to a press release. He is now in stable condition. The line of powerful storms also caused nearly 300 buildings to be damaged and 60-mph-plus winds throughout Midwestern states, according to the National Weather Service of Indianapolis. No tornados have been confirmed. Meteorologist Aaron Updike said that could change as more damage reports come in today. Tippecanoe County is being investigated for a possible tornado, he said. Temperatures will reach the low to mid-90s the rest of the week. Updike encouraged those working outside to focus on heat safety, such as by taking breaks inside or under shade. Weather forecast: Next week's heat wave could feel as hot as 105 degrees in Indianapolis
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Iowa football star facing crucial NFL season with Packers to avoid 'bust' label
Former Iowa football star facing crucial NFL season with Packers to avoid 'bust' label The NFL is an unforgiving business. For all the excitement, big plays, and stars that are produced, the other side of the coin is the dark side of the league, which puts pressure on players to perform and do so in a hurry. The term "bust" is being tossed around to young players sooner than ever before these days if they don't enter the NFL and produce Pro Bowl-worthy statistics in their first season. If a player continues to not live up to their draft stock, those claims get even louder. One former Iowa football star, Lukas Van Ness, is facing those claims as he enters his third year in the NFL. After being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft at No. 13 overall, his production hasn't gotten to where the Packers had hoped. With pressure to perform mounting, Lukas Van Ness is facing the "bust" label, per CBS Sports, and needs a strong year to rid himself of that distinction. Lukas Van Ness, GB, DE #90 Season: 3rd, Drafted: No. 13 (2023) Van Ness felt destined for the Green Bay Packers even before he landed in Lambeau, coming out of Iowa with a background in hockey, but he's been more of an intriguing Midwestern story than a difference-making pass rusher so far. Nicknamed "Hercules" in college, he's yet to make his first official NFL start, managing seven total sacks since 2023 as part of the club's edge rotation. Coach Matt LaFleur indicated this summer Van Ness could also be deployed as an interior defender to help spark his impact. Why he will bust: LaFleur's toying with his position suggests Van Ness doesn't fit ideally into any one spot. Why he won't: The Packers' entire defense is on the rise, and another offseason in Jeff Hafley's system could be key. Our prediction: Will bust - Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports After his career at Iowa, which saw him tally 71 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks, Van Ness tested out of this world for NFL teams, which skyrocketed his draft stock when paired with his frame. Since entering the NFL, he has appeared in 34 regular-season games for the Packers, but has not started. He has registered 65 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks in two years. To avoid the "bust" label, many eyes in Green Bay are on Van Ness to increase his production in 2025. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
