A Canadian man accused of supplying toxic chemicals used in multiple suicides around the world has pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide. Kenneth Law, 60, entered guilty pleas in an Ontario court on Friday as part of an agreement with prosecutors, who dropped more serious murder charges against him. Authorities allege that the former chef sold approximately 1,200 packages of toxic substances to people he encountered through online suicide forums across 40 countries. Roughly one-quarter of those shipments were sent to the United Kingdom.&nbsp;The charges against Law relate solely to Canadian victims. However, families of British victims have expressed frustration that UK prosecutors will not pursue separate charges against him over the deaths of 79 Britons allegedly linked to the substances he supplied. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it agreed to the Canadian plea arrangement on the condition that the British deaths be considered during sentencing.&nbsp;According to a CPS letter obtained by the BBC, Law will not face prosecution in the UK because he could challenge extradition after being convicted of comparable offences in Canada. Specialist CPS prosecutor Andrew Hudson said incorporating UK victims into the Canadian sentencing process represented the quickest and most effective route to justice. Hudson explained that a successful extradition was far from guaranteed and would have taken years to conclude, while any UK prosecution could have been blocked under double jeopardy principles.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-judge-orders-removal-of-trump-s-name-from-iconic-kennedy-center-blocks-closure-plan-1780089485420">Federal judge orders removal of Trump's name from iconic Kennedy Center, blocks closure plan</a><h2>Families reflect on their loss</h2>One of the Canadian victims was 19-year-old Ashtyn Prosser-Blake, who died by suicide in March 2023. "He was just such a super happy, really gentle soul, always looking to stand up for the underdog, the kids that got picked on," his mother, Kim Prosser, told the BBC. Prosser said her son's mental health deteriorated after the COVID-19 pandemic. After attending college in Toronto for a year, he returned home but continued to struggle.&nbsp;"The pain of losing my son Ashtyn doesn't ease because someone sits behind bars," she said. “There is no solace in my healing journey to see someone else suffer.” In the United Kingdom, David Parfett's son Thomas, 22, is among those whose deaths have been linked to substances allegedly supplied by Law. "Tom was somebody who really saw the joy in life. He would find humour in the weirdest places. I often think about his laugh," Parfett said.&nbsp;“Tom was a massive football fan, and he was a good footballer as well. I miss the opportunity to enjoy the 2026 World Cup with him.” Thomas reportedly paid the equivalent of £50 for the substance before his body was discovered in a hotel in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, in 2021. While welcoming Law’s guilty plea, Parfett said he remained disappointed that a UK trial would not take place. "I would have preferred Kenneth Law to be tried here [in the UK]. I would have wanted to have seen him in court answering charges related to my son's death," he told the BBC.&nbsp;Parfett is now calling for a public inquiry into the deaths linked to Law’s products. He said authorities must understand this issue and stop other people, unfortunately suffering the loss of a family member due to a very preventable suicide. The toll here is astonishing, multiple deaths, including of children, and yet we don't see any coordinated attempt to really understand it.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/extreme-heat-puts-dangerous-stress-on-your-heart-doctors-warn-1780078567983/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/extreme-heat-puts-dangerous-stress-on-your-heart-doctors-warn-1780078567983/embed</a><h2>International investigation</h2>Law was arrested in May 2023 following a major international investigation involving at least 11 law enforcement agencies and authorities from around a dozen countries, including the UK, the United States, and Italy. His arrest came shortly after a newspaper investigation alleged he was selling poisonous substances to vulnerable young people. An undercover journalist reportedly communicated directly with Law while posing as a customer.&nbsp;According to reports, Law advised the journalist on how to use the substances to best ensure death. Canadian investigators previously told the BBC that Law operated multiple websites selling products and equipment intended to help people end their lives. Under Canadian law, individuals convicted of aiding suicide can face prison sentences of up to 14 years.

Canadian man Kenneth Law pleads guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide after selling toxic chemicals online. Families of UK victims seek accountability and a public inquiry

A Canadian man accused of supplying toxic chemicals used in multiple suicides around the world has pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide. Kenneth Law, 60, entered guilty pleas in an Ontario court on Friday as part of an agreement with prosecutors, who dropped more serious murder charges against him. Authorities allege that the former chef sold approximately 1,200 packages of toxic substances to people he encountered through online suicide forums across 40 countries. Roughly one-quarter of those shipments were sent to the United Kingdom. The charges against Law relate solely to Canadian victims. However, families of British victims have expressed frustration that UK prosecutors will not pursue separate charges against him over the deaths of 79 Britons allegedly linked to the substances he supplied. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it agreed to the Canadian plea arrangement on the condition that the British deaths be considered during sentencing. According to a CPS letter obtained by the BBC, Law will not face prosecution in the UK because he could challenge extradition after being convicted of comparable offences in Canada. Specialist CPS prosecutor Andrew Hudson said incorporating UK victims into the Canadian sentencing process represented the quickest and most effective route to justice. Hudson explained that a successful extradition was far from guaranteed and would have taken years to conclude, while any UK prosecution could have been blocked under double jeopardy principles. Also Read: Federal judge orders removal of Trump's name from iconic Kennedy Center, blocks closure plan Families reflect on their loss One of the Canadian victims was 19-year-old Ashtyn Prosser-Blake, who died by suicide in March 2023. "He was just such a super happy, really gentle soul, always looking to stand up for the underdog, the kids that got picked on," his mother, Kim Prosser, told the BBC. Prosser said her son's mental health deteriorated after the COVID-19 pandemic. After attending college in Toronto for a year, he returned home but continued to struggle. "The pain of losing my son Ashtyn doesn't ease because someone sits behind bars," she said. “There is no solace in my healing journey to see someone else suffer.” In the United Kingdom, David Parfett's son Thomas, 22, is among those whose deaths have been linked to substances allegedly supplied by Law. "Tom was somebody who really saw the joy in life. He would find humour in the weirdest places. I often think about his laugh," Parfett said. “Tom was a massive football fan, and he was a good footballer as well. I miss the opportunity to enjoy the 2026 World Cup with him.” Thomas reportedly paid the equivalent of £50 for the substance before his body was discovered in a hotel in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, in 2021. While welcoming Law’s guilty plea, Parfett said he remained disappointed that a UK trial would not take place. "I would have preferred Kenneth Law to be tried here [in the UK]. I would have wanted to have seen him in court answering charges related to my son's death," he told the BBC. Parfett is now calling for a public inquiry into the deaths linked to Law’s products. He said authorities must understand this issue and stop other people, unfortunately suffering the loss of a family member due to a very preventable suicide. The toll here is astonishing, multiple deaths, including of children, and yet we don't see any coordinated attempt to really understand it. https://www.wionews.com/videos/extreme-heat-puts-dangerous-stress-on-your-heart-doctors-warn-1780078567983/embed International investigation Law was arrested in May 2023 following a major international investigation involving at least 11 law enforcement agencies and authorities from around a dozen countries, including the UK, the United States, and Italy. His arrest came shortly after a newspaper investigation alleged he was selling poisonous substances to vulnerable young people. An undercover journalist reportedly communicated directly with Law while posing as a customer. According to reports, Law advised the journalist on how to use the substances to best ensure death. Canadian investigators previously told the BBC that Law operated multiple websites selling products and equipment intended to help people end their lives. Under Canadian law, individuals convicted of aiding suicide can face prison sentences of up to 14 years.

Kenneth Law pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide after selling toxic substances linked to deaths in Canada, the UK, and beyond

'Poison seller' who sold toxic chemicals worldwide pleads guilty to aiding suicides

New reasearch has highligted a significant issue with Lithium-Ion batteries being used in clean energy. These batteries contain toxic PFAs chemicals, also known as 'forever chemicals'.

Toxic chemicals found in clean energy batteries, threat of PFAS in Lithium-ion cells

A new research has detected presence of flame retardant in human breast milk in the US. It has been reported that all samples contained at least some level of dangerous chemicals. The dangerous compounds are part of the brominated flame retardant class. These chemicals are commonly used in plastic, televisions, appliances and electronics. The research has also revealed that bromophenols, a largely unregulated subclass of the flame retardants, were present in breast milk. This is the first time these chemicals have been found to be present in human breast milk.

These chemicals can prove to be potent neurotoxins especially for developing children. The findings of the study were termed "disturbing" by Erica Schreder, a toxicologist with Toxic Free Future and co-author of the study.

“The production and use of these compounds continues, and they are likely to impact children’s health until governments require companies to end their use and switch to safer solutions,” the study’s authors wrote as quoted by The Guardian.

The team of researchers included those from Emory University, Seattle Children's Research Institute and the University of Washington. The researchers checked milk samples collected from 50 mothers from across the US.

<h2>Brominated flame retardants</h2>

This is a class of at least 75 chemicals which are used to prevent combustion in electronics and consumer products. In the 1970s some of the older version of these chemicals were removed from the marketplace for being toxic. Newer iterations of these chemicals have raised health concerns.

The Guardian reported that many of these compounds have been linked with increased impulsivity, memory impairment, impaired motor skills, lower intelligence and decreased attention in children. Some of the chemicals are carcinogenic.

Schreder said that government laws and rules have helped making breast milk safer but unregulated flame retardants are still a problem.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hiv-suffering-geneva-patient-is-latest-to-be-in-long-term-remission-617751">HIV-suffering 'Geneva patient' is latest to be in long-term remission</a>

Bromophenols have been linked to brain development disorders. The research found presence of chemicals in 88 per cent of the samples.

To evade regulations on a particular chemical, companies slightly alter properties of that chemical. This practice is called "regrettable substitution". Schreder said that industry's actions with brominated flame retardants is a "classic" case of this practice.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/constipation-found-to-be-linked-to-cognitive-decline-report-617769">Constipation found to be linked to cognitive decline: Report</a>

“The parallels between these chemicals are extremely disturbing, and we’re seeing bromophenols building up in breast milk,” Schreder said as quoted by The Guardian.

“I hope we can learn our lesson this time and put policies in place that address the entire class and make sure chemicals used in products are known to be safe.”

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>. 
 
 
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A new research has detected presence of flame retardant in human breast milk in the US. It has been reported that all samples contained at least some level of dangerous chemicals.

A new research has detected presence of flame retardant in human breast milk in the US. It has been reported that all samples contained at least some level of dangerous chemicals. The dangerous compounds are part of the brominated flame retardant class. These chemicals are commonly used in plastic, televisions, appliances and electronics. The research has also revealed that bromophenols, a largely unregulated subclass of the flame retardants, were present in breast milk. This is the first time these chemicals have been found to be present in human breast milk. These chemicals can prove to be potent neurotoxins especially for developing children. The findings of the study were termed "disturbing" by Erica Schreder, a toxicologist with Toxic Free Future and co-author of the study. “The production and use of these compounds continues, and they are likely to impact children’s health until governments require companies to end their use and switch to safer solutions,” the study’s authors wrote as quoted by The Guardian. The team of researchers included those from Emory University, Seattle Children's Research Institute and the University of Washington. The researchers checked milk samples collected from 50 mothers from across the US. Brominated flame retardants This is a class of at least 75 chemicals which are used to prevent combustion in electronics and consumer products. In the 1970s some of the older version of these chemicals were removed from the marketplace for being toxic. Newer iterations of these chemicals have raised health concerns. The Guardian reported that many of these compounds have been linked with increased impulsivity, memory impairment, impaired motor skills, lower intelligence and decreased attention in children. Some of the chemicals are carcinogenic. Schreder said that government laws and rules have helped making breast milk safer but unregulated flame retardants are still a problem. Also Read | HIV-suffering 'Geneva patient' is latest to be in long-term remission Bromophenols have been linked to brain development disorders. The research found presence of chemicals in 88 per cent of the samples. To evade regulations on a particular chemical, companies slightly alter properties of that chemical. This practice is called "regrettable substitution". Schreder said that industry's actions with brominated flame retardants is a "classic" case of this practice. Also Read | Constipation found to be linked to cognitive decline: Report “The parallels between these chemicals are extremely disturbing, and we’re seeing bromophenols building up in breast milk,” Schreder said as quoted by The Guardian. “I hope we can learn our lesson this time and put policies in place that address the entire class and make sure chemicals used in products are known to be safe.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Toxic flame retardant chemicals found in breast milk: Study

The Indian manufacturer of cough syrups that Uzbekistan said last year had poisoned 19 children had used a toxic industrial-grade ingredient rather than the legitimate pharmaceutical version, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The company, Marion Biotech, bought the ingredient — propylene glycol (PG) — from trader Maya Chemtech India, as reported by Reuters. But Maya did not have a licence to sell pharmaceutical-grade materials and "dealt in industrial-grade only," according to a source at the firm with knowledge of the Marion investigation.

"We did not know Marion was going to use it to make cough syrups," said the person, who declined to be identified while the case is investigated. "We are not told where our material is used."

The two sources said the syrup was made with industrial-grade PG, a toxic material widely used in liquid detergents, antifreeze, paints or coatings, and to enhance the effectiveness of pesticides.

"Marion bought commercial-grade propylene glycol," said a second source, an investigator, who declined to be named while the inquiry is ongoing.

"They were supposed to take Indian Pharmacopoeia-grade," the source added, referring to national standards for the composition of pharmaceutical products.

Marion also did not test the ingredient before using it in the syrups it sold to Uzbekistan, the investigator said.

India's drugs and cosmetics rules say manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety of the ingredients they use.

Maya is not facing charges, according to the company source, but the investigation is ongoing. Deepak Sharma, an Assistant Drugs Controller for the national capital territory of Delhi, where Maya is based, declined to comment, saying the case was being investigated by federal drugs authorities.

Marion, which says it deals in pharmaceuticals, herbal and cosmetics products, previously denied any wrongdoing. Neither the company nor India's drug regulator or health ministry responded to requests for comment.

An analysis last year by Uzbekistan's health ministry showed the Marion-made cough syrups, Ambronol and DOK-1 Max, contained unacceptable amounts of toxins diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG), used in products that are not for human consumption.

Uzbekistan in January arrested four people in relation to the 19 deaths, including two executives at a company that imported the Marion drugs. Reuters could not establish the status of the case.

Uzbekistan's health ministry did not respond to a question on possible penalties there.

<h2>'Spurious and adulterated'</h2>

DEG and EG have been used by unscrupulous actors as a substitute for propylene glycol because they are cheaper, according to pharmaceutical manufacturing experts.

The World Health Organization told Reuters earlier this month its working theory is that in 2021, when prices of propylene glycol spiked, one or more suppliers mixed the cheaper toxic liquids with the legitimate chemical.

Asked to comment on the ingredients used by Marion, a WHO spokesperson said, "It is important that product manufacturers only use appropriately qualified suppliers."

Tests in January by an Indian government laboratory found 22 samples of Marion-made syrups were "adulterated and spurious," the country's drug controller said in March.

Authorities in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where Marion is based, cancelled Marion's licence in March. Police arrested three of its employees and issued warrants for the arrest of two directors. The three employees have since been released on bail, said Uttar Pradesh police officer Vijay Kumar.

One of them, operations head Tuhin Bhattacharya, said he had stopped working for Marion, which Reuters could not verify. Reuters could not contact the other two, chemists Mool Singh and Atul Rawat, or their lawyers.

A lawyer for the two Marion directors told the state's Allahabad High Court in April that the drugs had been found "not of standard quality" but not adulterated, adding that the directors had not committed any offence in India as the drugs were meant exclusively for export, according to a court order seen by Reuters.

The court barred police from arresting the directors, Jaya Jain and Sachin Jain unless they had been convicted. Their lawyer, Rohan Gupta, did not respond; Reuters could not reach the directors.

India's drug regulator ordered the country's drugmakers not to buy PG from Maya in March, Reuters has reported.

<h2>Standards</h2>

Besides the deaths in Uzbekistan, at least 70 children died in Gambia last year after taking cough syrups made by another company in India that were found to be contaminated with the toxins, and tainted cough syrups made in Indonesia were linked to the deaths of more than 200 children there.

The deaths prompted an international inquiry into the pharmaceutical supply chain.

International standards allow only trace amounts of EG and DEG in pharmaceutical-grade propylene glycol. Limits for the industrial or commercial grade version are not as stringent, because they are not supposed to be ingested by humans.

The toxins were found in cough syrups exported to Gambia by the other Indian company, Maiden Pharmaceuticals. The WHO linked these syrups to the children's deaths; Maiden has denied any wrongdoing.

Gambia told India's drug regulator in June that from July 1 it would make it mandatory for all pharmaceutical products from India to be inspected and tested in India, at the cost of the Indian exporter, prior to shipment -- the first known restrictions on national exports following the deaths linked to Indian-made syrups.

India made it mandatory for companies to have their cough syrups tested before export in June.

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The Indian manufacturer of cough syrups that Uzbekistan said last year had poisoned 19 children had used a toxic industrial-grade ingredient rather than the legitimate pharmaceutical version, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The Indian manufacturer of cough syrups that Uzbekistan said last year had poisoned 19 children had used a toxic industrial-grade ingredient rather than the legitimate pharmaceutical version, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The company, Marion Biotech, bought the ingredient — propylene glycol (PG) — from trader Maya Chemtech India, as reported by Reuters. But Maya did not have a licence to sell pharmaceutical-grade materials and "dealt in industrial-grade only," according to a source at the firm with knowledge of the Marion investigation. "We did not know Marion was going to use it to make cough syrups," said the person, who declined to be identified while the case is investigated. "We are not told where our material is used." The two sources said the syrup was made with industrial-grade PG, a toxic material widely used in liquid detergents, antifreeze, paints or coatings, and to enhance the effectiveness of pesticides. "Marion bought commercial-grade propylene glycol," said a second source, an investigator, who declined to be named while the inquiry is ongoing. "They were supposed to take Indian Pharmacopoeia-grade," the source added, referring to national standards for the composition of pharmaceutical products. Marion also did not test the ingredient before using it in the syrups it sold to Uzbekistan, the investigator said. India's drugs and cosmetics rules say manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety of the ingredients they use. Maya is not facing charges, according to the company source, but the investigation is ongoing. Deepak Sharma, an Assistant Drugs Controller for the national capital territory of Delhi, where Maya is based, declined to comment, saying the case was being investigated by federal drugs authorities. Marion, which says it deals in pharmaceuticals, herbal and cosmetics products, previously denied any wrongdoing. Neither the company nor India's drug regulator or health ministry responded to requests for comment. An analysis last year by Uzbekistan's health ministry showed the Marion-made cough syrups, Ambronol and DOK-1 Max, contained unacceptable amounts of toxins diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG), used in products that are not for human consumption. Uzbekistan in January arrested four people in relation to the 19 deaths, including two executives at a company that imported the Marion drugs. Reuters could not establish the status of the case. Uzbekistan's health ministry did not respond to a question on possible penalties there. 'Spurious and adulterated' DEG and EG have been used by unscrupulous actors as a substitute for propylene glycol because they are cheaper, according to pharmaceutical manufacturing experts. The World Health Organization told Reuters earlier this month its working theory is that in 2021, when prices of propylene glycol spiked, one or more suppliers mixed the cheaper toxic liquids with the legitimate chemical. Asked to comment on the ingredients used by Marion, a WHO spokesperson said, "It is important that product manufacturers only use appropriately qualified suppliers." Tests in January by an Indian government laboratory found 22 samples of Marion-made syrups were "adulterated and spurious," the country's drug controller said in March. Authorities in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where Marion is based, cancelled Marion's licence in March. Police arrested three of its employees and issued warrants for the arrest of two directors. The three employees have since been released on bail, said Uttar Pradesh police officer Vijay Kumar. One of them, operations head Tuhin Bhattacharya, said he had stopped working for Marion, which Reuters could not verify. Reuters could not contact the other two, chemists Mool Singh and Atul Rawat, or their lawyers. A lawyer for the two Marion directors told the state's Allahabad High Court in April that the drugs had been found "not of standard quality" but not adulterated, adding that the directors had not committed any offence in India as the drugs were meant exclusively for export, according to a court order seen by Reuters. The court barred police from arresting the directors, Jaya Jain and Sachin Jain unless they had been convicted. Their lawyer, Rohan Gupta, did not respond; Reuters could not reach the directors. India's drug regulator ordered the country's drugmakers not to buy PG from Maya in March, Reuters has reported. Standards Besides the deaths in Uzbekistan, at least 70 children died in Gambia last year after taking cough syrups made by another company in India that were found to be contaminated with the toxins, and tainted cough syrups made in Indonesia were linked to the deaths of more than 200 children there. The deaths prompted an international inquiry into the pharmaceutical supply chain. International standards allow only trace amounts of EG and DEG in pharmaceutical-grade propylene glycol. Limits for the industrial or commercial grade version are not as stringent, because they are not supposed to be ingested by humans. The toxins were found in cough syrups exported to Gambia by the other Indian company, Maiden Pharmaceuticals. The WHO linked these syrups to the children's deaths; Maiden has denied any wrongdoing. Gambia told India's drug regulator in June that from July 1 it would make it mandatory for all pharmaceutical products from India to be inspected and tested in India, at the cost of the Indian exporter, prior to shipment -- the first known restrictions on national exports following the deaths linked to Indian-made syrups. India made it mandatory for companies to have their cough syrups tested before export in June. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian pharmaceutical firm used toxic industrial-grade ingredient in syrup: Sources

US and Russia locked horns on Tuesday as another controversy erupted, with Moscow accusing Washington of planning a 'toxic chemicals provocation' in Ukraine.

A shipment of chemical substances arrived in the city of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine on 10 February which was accompanied by a group of foreign citizens, claimed Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Forces (NBCP).

Kirillov also slammed former US envoy to Russia John Sullivan for his remarks where he had accused Russian troops of planning "to use chemical weapons" in Ukraine war.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-overreacting-by-banning-tiktok-on-federal-devices-566857">China says US 'overreacting' by banning TikTok on federal devices</a>

"We warn that in case of provocations using toxic chemicals, the true culprits will be identified and punished. We will continue to work to expose the criminal activities of the West in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention," Kirillov stressed.

Speaking at a news briefing, Kirillov detailed about the shipments carrying toxic chemicals. He said that the shipment had 16 sealed metal containers and added that eight of them had a chemical hazard sign, the inscription BZ and two red lines, on them. The signs reportedly indicated a class of chemical weapon agents under the international signal system.&nbsp;

He went on to say that five other boxes had CS-Riot and three CR-Riot inscriptions which were marked with a single red line. As per international classification, a single red line mark indicates presence of tear gas or lachrymatory agent in the shipments.&nbsp;

Kirillov claimed that the contentious shipment was placed on US-made armoured vehicles and another shipment arrived in Kramatorsk on 19 February.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-amritpal-singh-the-sikh-man-from-indian-state-of-punjab-dubbed-as-bhindranwale-20-566842">Who is Amritpal Singh, the radical Sikh leader from Indian state of Punjab dubbed as 'Bhindranwale 2.0'?</a>

The other shipment, he claimed, delivered shrapnel with a special labeling on it warning it had substances like liquid irritants in it.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepals-coalition-government-changes-course-566850">Nepal's coalition government changes course</a>

"The facts of the simultaneous supply of toxic chemicals and means of protection against them indicate an attempt to carry out large-scale provocations using the combat psychotropic toxic substance BZ during the conflict," Kirillov added.

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US and Russia locked horns on Tuesday as another controversy erupted, with Moscow accusing Washington of planning a 'toxic chemicals provocation' in Ukraine. A shipment of chemical substances arrived in the city of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine on 10 February which was accompanied by a group of foreign citizens, claimed Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Forces (NBCP).

US and Russia locked horns on Tuesday as another controversy erupted, with Moscow accusing Washington of planning a 'toxic chemicals provocation' in Ukraine. A shipment of chemical substances arrived in the city of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine on 10 February which was accompanied by a group of foreign citizens, claimed Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Forces (NBCP). Kirillov also slammed former US envoy to Russia John Sullivan for his remarks where he had accused Russian troops of planning "to use chemical weapons" in Ukraine war. Also Read | China says US 'overreacting' by banning TikTok on federal devices "We warn that in case of provocations using toxic chemicals, the true culprits will be identified and punished. We will continue to work to expose the criminal activities of the West in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention," Kirillov stressed. Speaking at a news briefing, Kirillov detailed about the shipments carrying toxic chemicals. He said that the shipment had 16 sealed metal containers and added that eight of them had a chemical hazard sign, the inscription BZ and two red lines, on them. The signs reportedly indicated a class of chemical weapon agents under the international signal system. He went on to say that five other boxes had CS-Riot and three CR-Riot inscriptions which were marked with a single red line. As per international classification, a single red line mark indicates presence of tear gas or lachrymatory agent in the shipments. Kirillov claimed that the contentious shipment was placed on US-made armoured vehicles and another shipment arrived in Kramatorsk on 19 February. Also Read | Who is Amritpal Singh, the radical Sikh leader from Indian state of Punjab dubbed as 'Bhindranwale 2.0'? The other shipment, he claimed, delivered shrapnel with a special labeling on it warning it had substances like liquid irritants in it. Watch | Nepal's coalition government changes course "The facts of the simultaneous supply of toxic chemicals and means of protection against them indicate an attempt to carry out large-scale provocations using the combat psychotropic toxic substance BZ during the conflict," Kirillov added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia accuses US of planning 'toxic chemicals' provocation in Ukraine

Many residents of East Palestine, Ohio, have now returned to their homes,&nbsp;after Norfolk Southern train derailed earlier this month and dumped more than 100,000 gallons of hazardous chemicals into the air and water.&nbsp;

The track has been cleaned and the enormous cloud of smoke from the burning vinyl chloride has drifted away. Rail service has resumed in the town.

Nonetheless, the 4,700 people of East Palestine claim that they continue to smell chemical residue in the air, notice an oily sheen in the water, and feel queasy and sick.&nbsp;The disaster's long-term ramifications are a growing source of concern, as reported by Vox.&nbsp;

Pete Buttigieg, the secretary of transportation, visited East Palestine this week and expressed regret for his delay in addressing the derailment. President Joe Biden was criticised for travelling to Ukraine this week rather than Ohio by former President Donald Trump, who also paid a visit to the region, as reported by AFP.

Other government representatives are attempting to reassure the public that most of the risk has subsided. Mike DeWine, the governor of Ohio, and Michael Regan, the administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), visited East Palestine this week and drank tap water at a resident's house, as per a Vox report.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ohio-toxic-train-crash-authorities-suspend-waste-removal-as-contamination-fear-looms-565984">Ohio toxic train crash: Authorities suspend waste removal as contamination fear looms</a>

“You don’t know who to trust. That’s a big part of it — the uncertainty. You don’t know if you’re going to have to move,” one resident, Carolyn Brown, told&nbsp;ABC News. “We need to feel that we’re safe.”

<h2>What lies ahead for the people of East Palestine, Ohio?</h2>

The National Transportation Safety Board found that 11 of the 38 vehicles that derailed on February 3 contained hazardous chemicals. These substances included flammable carcinogenic gases like vinyl chloride and poisonous flammable liquids like butyl acrylate. The situation was made more difficult by some leaks, flaring, and burns.

“Each of the chemicals that leaked are respiratory irritants, and some of their breakdown products are also irritants,” said&nbsp;Marilyn Howarth, an environmental toxicologist at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, who spoke to Vox.

Researchers studying occupational health have shown that employees who are frequently exposed to substances like vinyl chloride had greater incidences of liver cancer.

As per&nbsp;Howarth, the signal may not appear for 20 years or more. Unlike the population of East Palestine, these employees were exposed to larger amounts and in confined settings. The impacts of exposure from the railway crash are not yet known, but it will be important to monitor vinyl chloride concentrations in the area for years to come because the severe effects have a long latency.

Meanwhile, contaminants from burning vinyl chloride, such as dioxin, and other compounds that leak, such as butyl acrylate, can contaminate water sources for years and spread across watersheds and underground aquifers that provide drinking water.

An analysis of data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/oh/east-palestine-ohio-train-derailment-emergency-response">US Environmental Protection Agency</a>’s&nbsp;measurements of pollutants released from the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, suggests if the concentrations of certain of these pollutants continue to be high, it may eventually pose a risk to the residents' health. The compounds could be stirred up by temperature changes or strong winds and released into the atmosphere.

According to the research, acrolein was a molecule that was most abundant in East Palestine.

Plants, algae, rodents, and microbes can all be treated by acrolein. The substance is poisonous and clear at room temperature. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can irritate and cause inflammation of the skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory system.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Ohio train derailment: Environmental disaster

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ohio-train-derailment-environmental-disaster-565563/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

East Palestine's residents will also need to monitor their health, as per Philip Landrigan, head of the public health department at Boston College, who examined 20,000 first responders and rescue personnel in New York City after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

He told&nbsp;Vox that of the most important takeaways from that research, according to him, was the necessity of routine health checks to identify issues as they developed over time, in addition to determining exactly what was in the dust that people were breathing in.

<h2>Who pays for the cleanup?</h2>

The cleanup following the train disaster and the response has been mandated by the EPA to be covered by Norfolk Southern. According to the EPA&nbsp;administrator Regan, if they fall short, the rail operator may be fined $70,000 per day.

“Norfolk Southern will pay for the mess that they created and the trauma that they inflicted on this community,” he said during a press conference this week.

Some locals are currently considering suing the railroad company. Norfolk Southern has also pledged to help and provide the town with $5.6 million in financial support, as per ABC news.&nbsp;But, re-establishing confidence between the community and the government will be one of the biggest challenges.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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Many residents of East Palestine, Ohio, have now returned to their homes, after Norfolk Southern train derailed earlier this month and dumped more than 100,000 gallons of hazardous chemicals into the air and water.

Many residents of East Palestine, Ohio, have now returned to their homes, after Norfolk Southern train derailed earlier this month and dumped more than 100,000 gallons of hazardous chemicals into the air and water. The track has been cleaned and the enormous cloud of smoke from the burning vinyl chloride has drifted away. Rail service has resumed in the town. Nonetheless, the 4,700 people of East Palestine claim that they continue to smell chemical residue in the air, notice an oily sheen in the water, and feel queasy and sick. The disaster's long-term ramifications are a growing source of concern, as reported by Vox. Pete Buttigieg, the secretary of transportation, visited East Palestine this week and expressed regret for his delay in addressing the derailment. President Joe Biden was criticised for travelling to Ukraine this week rather than Ohio by former President Donald Trump, who also paid a visit to the region, as reported by AFP. Other government representatives are attempting to reassure the public that most of the risk has subsided. Mike DeWine, the governor of Ohio, and Michael Regan, the administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), visited East Palestine this week and drank tap water at a resident's house, as per a Vox report. ALSO READ | Ohio toxic train crash: Authorities suspend waste removal as contamination fear looms “You don’t know who to trust. That’s a big part of it — the uncertainty. You don’t know if you’re going to have to move,” one resident, Carolyn Brown, told ABC News. “We need to feel that we’re safe.” What lies ahead for the people of East Palestine, Ohio? The National Transportation Safety Board found that 11 of the 38 vehicles that derailed on February 3 contained hazardous chemicals. These substances included flammable carcinogenic gases like vinyl chloride and poisonous flammable liquids like butyl acrylate. The situation was made more difficult by some leaks, flaring, and burns. “Each of the chemicals that leaked are respiratory irritants, and some of their breakdown products are also irritants,” said Marilyn Howarth, an environmental toxicologist at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, who spoke to Vox. Researchers studying occupational health have shown that employees who are frequently exposed to substances like vinyl chloride had greater incidences of liver cancer. As per Howarth, the signal may not appear for 20 years or more. Unlike the population of East Palestine, these employees were exposed to larger amounts and in confined settings. The impacts of exposure from the railway crash are not yet known, but it will be important to monitor vinyl chloride concentrations in the area for years to come because the severe effects have a long latency. Meanwhile, contaminants from burning vinyl chloride, such as dioxin, and other compounds that leak, such as butyl acrylate, can contaminate water sources for years and spread across watersheds and underground aquifers that provide drinking water. An analysis of data from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s measurements of pollutants released from the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, suggests if the concentrations of certain of these pollutants continue to be high, it may eventually pose a risk to the residents' health. The compounds could be stirred up by temperature changes or strong winds and released into the atmosphere. According to the research, acrolein was a molecule that was most abundant in East Palestine. Plants, algae, rodents, and microbes can all be treated by acrolein. The substance is poisonous and clear at room temperature. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can irritate and cause inflammation of the skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory system. ALSO WATCH | Ohio train derailment: Environmental disaster East Palestine's residents will also need to monitor their health, as per Philip Landrigan, head of the public health department at Boston College, who examined 20,000 first responders and rescue personnel in New York City after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. He told Vox that of the most important takeaways from that research, according to him, was the necessity of routine health checks to identify issues as they developed over time, in addition to determining exactly what was in the dust that people were breathing in. Who pays for the cleanup? The cleanup following the train disaster and the response has been mandated by the EPA to be covered by Norfolk Southern. According to the EPA administrator Regan, if they fall short, the rail operator may be fined $70,000 per day. “Norfolk Southern will pay for the mess that they created and the trauma that they inflicted on this community,” he said during a press conference this week. Some locals are currently considering suing the railroad company. Norfolk Southern has also pledged to help and provide the town with $5.6 million in financial support, as per ABC news. But, re-establishing confidence between the community and the government will be one of the biggest challenges. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EXPLAINED | Ohio train derailment: What could be the long-term health hazards of the disaster?

The ongoing row amid Sri Lanka, China and a batch of toxic organic fertilizers continue. In the latest on that, Sri Lanka has agreed to China's request to reinspect the rejected stock of the Chinese fertilizers.

Sri Lanka receives toxic chemicals from China will re-inspect fertiliser stock

Sri Lanka has become the latest victim of China's toxic counterfeit culture. After receiving the first consignment of organic fertilizers from China, the Sri Lankan agriculture ministry has found that 20,000 metric tons of fertilizers are toxic.

Sri Lanka receives toxic chemicals from China, will sue Chinese company

Pakistan authorities have initiated a probe regarding a ship containing dangerous liquid which has arrived in Pakistan`s Gadani shipbreaking yard despite Interpol's warning.

Dawn reported that authorities have launched an investigation into the anchoring of a ship at the Gadani shipbreaking yard despite Interpol`s warning that the ship contains dangerous chemicals.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fm-qureshi-rules-out-providing-military-bases-to-us-for-operations-in-afghanistan-387459">Pakistan FM Qureshi rules out providing military bases to US for operations in Afghanistan</a>

The Environment Protection Agency, Balochistan, has sealed the plot of Gadani shipbreaking yard, where the ship has anchored for scrapping and sent the samples of loaded material to three private laboratories in Karachi.

The Lasbela deputy commissioner has ordered the investigation and asked the authorities concerned to ascertain as to how the ship reached Gadani despite information shared with Pakistani authorities about the presence of dangerous material in the ship.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-security-assistance-to-pakistan-remains-suspended-pentagon-387246">US security assistance to Pakistan remains suspended: Pentagon</a>

"We have sealed plot No-58 where the ship was brought for scrapping," Imran Saeed Kakar, Deputy Director of Environment Department, Balochistan said.&nbsp;No permission was granted to the owner who brought the ship to Gadani for scrapping, he added.

The newspaper continued to report that the Deputy Director said the further process would start after receiving reports from the three laboratories."If the mercury sludge is found in more than the authorised quantity then a case would be registered against the person who purchased the ship through his agent from Mumbai and the plot would be sealed permanently and the owner would face legal action," he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-journalist-asad-ali-toor-attacked-by-masked-men-at-home-in-islamabad-387584/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to The News International, on April 22, Interpol had asked the Pakistan Interpol and FIA to&nbsp;not allow&nbsp;the ship into Pakistan.

The ship contains 1,500 tonnes of mercury mixed oil. Due to this, Bangladesh and India did not allow the ship. In Mumbai, the name of the ship was changed from FS Ordient to Cherish. After changing the name, the ship reached Karachi from Mumbai on April 21. The owners of the ship had succeeded to bring it to Gadani.

Pakistan authorities have initiated a probe regarding a ship containing dangerous liquid which has arrived in Pakistan`s Gadani shipbreaking yard despite Interpol's warning.

Pakistan authorities have initiated a probe regarding a ship containing dangerous liquid which has arrived in Pakistan`s Gadani shipbreaking yard despite Interpol's warning. Dawn reported that authorities have launched an investigation into the anchoring of a ship at the Gadani shipbreaking yard despite Interpol`s warning that the ship contains dangerous chemicals. Also Read | Pakistan FM Qureshi rules out providing military bases to US for operations in Afghanistan The Environment Protection Agency, Balochistan, has sealed the plot of Gadani shipbreaking yard, where the ship has anchored for scrapping and sent the samples of loaded material to three private laboratories in Karachi. The Lasbela deputy commissioner has ordered the investigation and asked the authorities concerned to ascertain as to how the ship reached Gadani despite information shared with Pakistani authorities about the presence of dangerous material in the ship. Also Read | US security assistance to Pakistan remains suspended: Pentagon "We have sealed plot No-58 where the ship was brought for scrapping," Imran Saeed Kakar, Deputy Director of Environment Department, Balochistan said. No permission was granted to the owner who brought the ship to Gadani for scrapping, he added. The newspaper continued to report that the Deputy Director said the further process would start after receiving reports from the three laboratories."If the mercury sludge is found in more than the authorised quantity then a case would be registered against the person who purchased the ship through his agent from Mumbai and the plot would be sealed permanently and the owner would face legal action," he added. According to The News International, on April 22, Interpol had asked the Pakistan Interpol and FIA to not allow the ship into Pakistan. The ship contains 1,500 tonnes of mercury mixed oil. Due to this, Bangladesh and India did not allow the ship. In Mumbai, the name of the ship was changed from FS Ordient to Cherish. After changing the name, the ship reached Karachi from Mumbai on April 21. The owners of the ship had succeeded to bring it to Gadani.

Ship containing hazardous material reaches Pakistan's Gadani, probe ordered

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