On today’s Underreported, guest host Alice Rhee asks how everyday substances--like cinnamon and hand soap--get into our water supplies, and how they may affect our health. Then we talk to two women who proudly identify as geeks. Plus, we look at Pentecostalism's growing popularity among Hispanics in Harlem. And we explore the complexities of sisterhood.
The Christmas and New Year's holidays are over, but some of the remnants might still be in our water supply. During the holidays, researchers at the University of Washington found spikes in the levels of cinnamon and vanilla in Puget Sound--Dr. Rick Keil suspects it was due to an uptick in holiday baking.
As American consumers have embraced antibacterial hand soap, compounds in the soap have been building up in lakes and streams around the US. Dr. Rolf Halden of Johns Hopkins studies the distribution of antibacterial soap products in natural waters, and talks about how the buildup might affect the health of humans, animals, and the environment.
After hearing about the everyday substances that collect in our water supplies, you may be wondering whether it is safe to drink New York City tap water. We ask Eric Goldstein of the Natural Resources Defense Council how clean our drinking water is.
To get the latest information on your state's water quality, visit the EPA's website here.
Annalee Newitz and Charlie Anders, the editors of the new collection of essays She’s Such a Geek!, celebrate women who are passionate about science, technology, video games, and other subjects that are often dismissed as nerdy and male-dominated.
She’s Such a Geek! is available for purchase at amazon.com
New Pentecostal churches are cropping up all over the globe--including New York City. New York Times Metro reporter David Gonzalez spent a year covering one Hispanic congregation in West Harlem. He tells us what he learned about the little-understood faith, which is the fasting growing branch of Christianity in the world.
“House Afire" a three-part series by David Gonzalez
Real-life sisters Terri Apter and Marion Quinn explore the complex feelings—from jealousy to unshakeable love—that make sisterhood so unique.
The Sister Knot is available for purchase at amazon.com
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