What We’re Reading: Prime Energy Drink Investigation; Washington State Fined; EPA Proposes PFAS Disclosure Rule

Prime Energy Drink Accused of Being Marketed to Kids

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has urged FDA regulators to investigate the energy drink Prime, created by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI, according to Reuters. Schumer expressed concerns about the beverage’s high caffeine content, which he claimed was being marketed to children. Prime Energy reportedly contains 200 mg of caffeine per 12 oz, equivalent to 6 cans of Coca-Cola or nearly 2 Red Bulls, prompting Schumer to label it a “serious health concern” for children.

Washington Fined for Not Providing Timely Psychiatric Services to Inmates

The state has been found in contempt by a federal judge for failing to provide prompt psychiatric services to individuals with mental illnesses who are being held in jails, according to The Associated Press. The judge ordered the state to pay fines exceeding $100 million for violating the constitutional rights of these individuals since 2015. This ruling stems from a lawsuit filed on behalf of people with mental illnesses and disabilities who were awaiting competency evaluations and faced extensive delays due to a lack of funding, staff personnel, and available beds in mental health facilities.

EPA Proposes Rule Requiring Disclosure of Toxic “Forever” Chemicals

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule that would mandate companies to disclose whether their products contain the toxic “forever” chemicals perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, according to Kaiser Health News. These chemicals, which do not degrade in nature and have been linked to health issues, would need to be reported for products manufactured or imported since 2011. Although the rule has received criticism from some industries due to potential compliance costs, environmental activists argue that the data collection effort is insufficient to address the pervasive presence and potential harm of PFAS.