PFAS & drinking-water policy: The U.S. EPA is facing backlash after shelving microplastics testing in its drinking-water monitoring plan, even as it moves ahead with other Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule checks, while PFAS cleanup efforts continue in parallel. PFAS settlement: Chemours is set to pay about $450M to settle a U.S. “forever chemicals” case, keeping PFAS liability and remediation in the spotlight. Industrial safety in petrochemicals: A major fire at Haldia Petrochemicals’ naphtha pipeline in West Bengal left one dead and 20+ injured, with reports pointing to a leak and rapid spread to nearby infrastructure. Regulation tightening in explosives: Hunan, China, rolled out new fireworks safety rules covering accountability, explosive-material management, and enforcement coordination. Sustainable materials R&D: Researchers reported a lignin-based, high-performance wood adhesive using an ion-exchange approach to reduce fossil-derived cross-linkers and formaldehyde concerns. Bio-based pharma alternatives: A German study says many PFAS-containing medicine ingredients can be replaced with PFAS-free options, supporting future “PFAS-free prescribing” where therapeutically suitable. Industry & infrastructure: Topwell Chemicals highlighted Africa’s only organic pigment plant in Durban at Coatings For Africa 2026, while AGC Biologics expanded U.S. sterile fill-finish capacity via a partnership with Pyramid Pharma Services. Energy transition pressure: A Middle East supply shock is again framed as a wake-up call for chemicals firms to reduce fossil feedstock dependence. Market watch: A new report projects growth for cetane improver 2-EHN through 2035, driven by diesel demand and emissions compliance.