Wed, Sep 13 2017

East Bay Express Insert for Coastal Cleanup Day

Just in time for California Coastal Cleanup Day, an insert in today’s East Bay Express provides readers with ways to help protect San Francisco Bay.

Thu, May 18 2017

Local coverage of RMP findings on flea control pesticide fipronil

A report from ABC7's Dan Ashley last night highlighted key findings from a recent RMP study on the pesticide fipronil. The study identified spot-on flea control products as likely to be an important source of this contaminant to the Bay.

Thu, Dec 15 2016

The Dirt on Flea Control: New RMP Study featured in Estuary News

It’s hard to go to the big box pet store and not stumble over the flea control displays.

Wed, Dec 16 2015

Estuary News features RMP study on microplastic pollution

December's issue of Estuary News features an article, "Unhealthy Fiber in Bay Diet," that highlights the surprising result of a preliminary study of Bay microplastic pollution, which showed that San Francisco Bay has higher levels of microplastic than other major urban waterbodies in th

Tue, Dec 8 2015

New Microplastic Fact Sheet puts Bay study findings in context

The same week that the U.S. House of Representatives passes a bill to ban microbeads in cosmetic products, the Bay's Regional Monitoring Program releases a fact sheet that describes our recent study on microbeads and other microplastic particles in Bay water and treated wastewater.

Fri, Oct 9 2015

Plastic microbeads are in the news, and SFEI is providing the science

In the wake of the passage of the microbead ban, KQED released a story about its potential hazards. As a science resource, Dr.

Fri, Oct 9 - Fri, Oct 16 2015

SFEI science informs state policy on microplastic pollution

Last week, the Governor signed AB 888, a bill that bans microplastic beads in personal care products. Companies have until 2020 to phase out the use of these "microbeads." California now has strongest state law in the nation on this issue. 



SFEI science played a key role in informing policymakers about microbeads and microplastic pollution. Media stories on a Regional Monitoring Program study of microplastics in San Francisco Bay water and treated wastewater broadcast the latest findings to a wide audience. The study indicated that our Bay had higher levels of microplastic pollution than the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay. Clearly identifiable microbeads derived from personal care products were detected at all nine sites examined in San Francisco Bay.

Wed, Sep 23 2015

KPIX and KNTV Television interview Rebecca Sutton about microplastic contamination in the Bay

With separate news crews, KPIX and KNTV followed up on the San Jose Mercury and Contra Costa Times stories by Paul Rogers regarding the surprising findings revealed by a new study. Led by SFEI's Rebecca Sutton, the study on microplastics uncovers the widespread extent and high level of microplastic contamination in the S.F. Bay. Microbeads -- the small synthetic granules found in cosmetics, soaps, and even toothpaste -- form the primary focus of the study. The study's early results have prompted concern from the public regarding the potential impacts to human health and the cumulative impacts to our S.F. Bay ecosystem.

Wed, Jun 17 2015

New Developments in Emerging Contaminants and Green Chemistry

SFEI tracks contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), building the knowledge necessary to prevent tomorrow’s pollution problems. SFEI also aids pollution prevention efforts through our Green Chemistry focus area.

Thu, Jun 11 2015

Latest Estuary News takes a look “Beyond the Blubber”

Ariel Rubissow-Okamoto’s article “Beyond the Blubber,” based on interviews with SFEI Senior Scientist Rebecca Sutton and NIST Investigator John Kucklick, provides the scientists’ perspective on a just-completed RMP study that searched Bay biota for unknown contaminants.