Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. With research and education, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
- 10 questions for Agriculture Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins10 questions for Agriculture Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins rcoleman January 16, 2025 Brooke Rollins, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as the next secretary of the Department of Agriculture, will testify January 23 before the Senate Agriculture Committee. The panel’s confirmation hearing is a vital chance to ask her about her stance on farm subsidies, food prices and other key issues. Texas-born Rollins is the president and CEO of the conservative think tank America First Policy Institute, or AFPI. Her previous roles include serving as policy director for Texas then-Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican, followed by leading the Texas Public Policy…
- EWG statement on the introduction of the New York Food Chemical Safety ActEWG statement on the introduction of the New York Food Chemical Safety Act rcoleman January 15, 2025 ALBANY, N.Y. – On January 15, New York Sen. Brian Kavanagh (D-District 27) and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles (D-District 125) introduced a bill – the New York Food Chemical Safety Act – that would protect New Yorkers from toxic food chemicals. If enacted, it would ban or regulate use of nine harmful substances in the state. The bill, S. 1239, would ban three chemicals – potassium bromate, propylparaben and Red Dye No. 3* – from food manufactured, distributed or sold in the Empire State. It would also ban six food dyes from…
- A baker’s dozen of food chemicals the FDA should ban nextA baker’s dozen of food chemicals the FDA should ban next rcoleman January 15, 2025 It’s good news the Food and Drug Administration has decided to ban Red Dye No. 3 from being used in food, as it announced today. But that’s just the start – many other toxic chemicals can still be added to food and food packaging, and the FDA should move swiftly to ban them. The ban on Red 3 is years overdue. In 1990, the FDA banned it from cosmetics, citing its risk of causing cancer. At the time, it pledged to extend the ban to…
- EPA report confirms PFAS in food from tainted sludge on crop fieldsEPA report confirms PFAS in food from tainted sludge on crop fields rcoleman January 14, 2025 WASHINGTON – Today the Environmental Protection Agency released a long-awaited study finding millions of U.S. farm acres are likely contaminated from the use of sludge containing the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. Sewage sludge, a byproduct of wastewater treatment, often contains PFAS from unregulated industrial discharges. When the sludge is applied as fertilizer, the forever chemicals can contaminate food and feed crops, farm animals and irrigation water, posing serious risks to the food supply. Some farmers have had to euthanize animals due to unsafe PFAS…
- ‘Forever chemicals’ in sludge may taint nearly 70 million farmland acres‘Forever chemicals’ in sludge may taint nearly 70 million farmland acres rcoleman January 13, 2025 Nearly 70 million acres of U.S. farmland could be contaminated by the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, according to estimates from biosolids industry groups. This contamination stems from the widespread use of sewage sludge as fertilizer. The practice remains largely unregulated, despite mounting evidence it could contaminate food and water, creating public health risks. State and federal policymakers need to tackle this threat with steps such as banning the use of PFAS-contaminated sewage sludge on farm fields. Sewage sludge, also known as biosolids, is the byproduct…
- Ready to eat healthy? 5 ways to cut UPF in the New YearReady to eat healthy? 5 ways to cut UPF in the New Year JR Culpepper January 9, 2025 You may have heard about the risks of consuming so-called ultra-processed food, or UPF. It’s been in the news a lot, most recently because of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s just-issued executive order requiring agencies to “crack down on ultra–processed foods and further investigate food dyes.” He issued the order because of growing concern about UPF’s health harms.So if your New Year’s resolutions for 2025 center on cutting back on UPF consumption, you’re not alone. Ideally it will become second nature, with habits you can practice throughout the…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 22Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 22 JR Culpepper January 8, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook looks into why so many chemicals of concern are found in food sold throughout the U.S.Cook speaks with EWG’s Vice President of Government Affairs Melanie Benesh about problematic additives that other countries have banned from food people eat every day, including substances linked to cancer and behavioral problems in children.They discuss how failures by the Food and Drug Administration have allowed companies to add troubling chemicals linked to serious health problems into countless foods, and…
- 7 steps for healthier cleaning of your dorm room after winter break7 steps for healthier cleaning of your dorm room after winter break JR Culpepper January 7, 2025 .has--background.block-content--type-curated-block-list { padding-top: 3rem; padding-bottom: 3rem; } As winter break winds down, college students are gearing up to return to campus for the spring semester. Dust, dirt and odors might have collected while you were away, but before you start cleaning up, consider healthier ways to spruce up your personal space.And with cold and flu season still in full swing, cleaning high-touch surfaces is an important way to help reduce exposure to germs, for a safer start to the year ahead. Many cleaning products contain…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 21Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 21 JR Culpepper January 2, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with entrepreneur and EWG board member Shazi Vizram. She’s the creator of the groundbreaking baby food company Happy Baby and has launched her newest venture, HealthyBaby. Her line of baby personal care products are all EWG Verified®, signaling that they are free from EWG’s chemicals of concern and meet EWG’s strictest health standards. That’s important for babies – the most vulnerable population when it comes to chemical exposure. Yet many other baby products…
- Over 53,000 people call on President Biden to ban toxic weedkiller linked to Parkinson’s diseaseOver 53,000 people call on President Biden to ban toxic weedkiller linked to Parkinson’s disease rcoleman December 30, 2024 WASHINGTON – Over 53,000 people have signed a petition urging President Joe Biden to ban the use of paraquat, a highly toxic weedkiller that has been scientifically linked to Parkinson’s disease and other health harms. The petition was circulated through a partnership between the Environmental Working Group and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, alongside a coalition of farmworker, labor, health, and environmental organizations. Millions of pounds of paraquat continue to be sprayed across American farmland each year. The petitioners…
- Workout worries: Healthy ways to hit the gym and avoid harmful chemicalsWorkout worries: Healthy ways to hit the gym and avoid harmful chemicals rcoleman December 23, 2024 A cardio or yoga class or some weightlifting can be great for kicking off a healthier new year and new you. But common products used before, during and after you work out may expose you to an array of harmful substances. You could be consuming chemicals of concern in pre-workout drinks. They can also lurk in the sprays and wipes used to clean weightlifting and cardio machines, other equipment and even your post-workout protein bar or shake. But you shouldn’t have to worry about…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 20Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 20 JR Culpepper December 23, 2024 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook takes a look at advocacy and elections, and how people can become more engaged in the political process.Cook speaks with Jessa Arnold – an activist, author, educator and podcast host. Her book, “Raising Our Hands,” dives deep into conversations with white women about their identity, role in the U.S., and what can be done to help spur beneficial change.Disclaimer: This transcript was compiled using software and may include typographical errors.Ken: Hi there folks, this is…
- FDA finalizes new ‘healthy’ labeling rule for food packagingFDA finalizes new ‘healthy’ labeling rule for food packaging JR Culpepper December 19, 2024 WASHINGTON – Today the Food and Drug Administration announced a final rule updating the definition of “healthy” claims that food manufacturers can use on their product packaging. The rule is a step in the right direction but fails to fully address the growing crisis of preventable, diet-related chronic diseases in the U.S.The new rule aims to help consumers find foods that legitimately support a healthy dietary pattern and to encourage manufacturers to develop healthier products. Manufacturers can voluntarily use the “healthy” claim on product labels if they meet…
- How the Trump administration could decide the fate of MoCRAHow the Trump administration could decide the fate of MoCRA JR Culpepper December 19, 2024 MoCRA is the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act – a much-needed step forward in reforming federal laws to ensure cosmetics are safer for consumers. This new law aims to strengthen regulation in beauty and personal care products. While companies are working to fully implement the law, its fate under the Trump administration is uncertain.The incoming president’s new priorities, potential federal agency funding slashes in Congress, and staffing shortages at the Food and Drug Administration could combine to significantly hinder the agency’s ability to enforce new rules created through…
- Delayed FDA ban on formaldehyde in hair straighteners imperils salon workers, consumersDelayed FDA ban on formaldehyde in hair straighteners imperils salon workers, consumers rcoleman December 19, 2024 WASHINGTON – Despite more than a decade of warnings and mounting evidence about the health risks posed by formaldehyde in hair-straightening products, the Food and Drug Administration is once again delaying a proposed ban on the ingredient, putting salon workers and consumers at risk.According to the federal government’s latest Unified Agenda of upcoming rules, the FDA’s long-awaited rule has now slipped to March 2025. That’s yet another setback for the ban, since the agency has already missed a series of self-imposed deadlines for releasing the proposal this year,…
- Hidden ‘forever chemicals’ in popular high-end smartwatch and fitness tracker bandsHidden ‘forever chemicals’ in popular high-end smartwatch and fitness tracker bands rcoleman December 18, 2024 Looking to give a fitness tracker or smartwatch this holiday season? New University of Notre Dame research reveals a hidden concern: The wristbands on these popular products might expose wearers to the harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. Many high-end smartwatch bands are made with fluoroelastomer, a material prized for its strength, flexibility and resistance to sweat – perfect for everyday wear. But products made with this material contain toxic PFAS, known to harm health. While forever chemicals are prized for their durability and water resistance, their…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 19Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 19 JR Culpepper December 17, 2024 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook looks at solar power, in particular the industry’s big success in California – until the utilities decimated it.Ken speaks with Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar & Storage Association, who was instrumental in passing the Million Solar Roofs Initiative into law with then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. The law provided a huge boost to the state’s push for cleaner, cheaper energy, with more than 2 million solar rooftops installed.The demand…
- Biden administration approves staggering $15B loan for PG&EBiden administration approves staggering $15B loan for PG&E JR Culpepper December 17, 2024 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Biden administration is approving an eye-watering $15 billion loan to utility Pacific Gas & Electric Company, or PG&E, raising troubling questions about who’ll pay for it and whether the company’s already overcharged 16 million ratepayers will be on the hook.PG&E says the low-interest loan, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, will support grid upgrades and clean energy programs, ultimately benefiting Californians – but it doesn’t detail how. And it’s hard to take the utility’s claims at face value, given its history of offloading costs…
- EPA must limit discharges of ‘forever chemicals’ to protect public healthEPA must limit discharges of ‘forever chemicals’ to protect public health rcoleman December 17, 2024 Environmentalists are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to protect public health and water resources by quickly proposing a rule that would limit manufacturing discharges of the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS into waterways like rivers and streams.The health harms of PFAS, including from contaminated water, are well known. But there are still no federal limits on how much PFAS industrial facilities can release into our water. Without those standards, communities near these companies and also downstream of the discharges remain at risk. On December 9, actor…
- EWG statement on FY25 NDAA mandating DOD buy Safer Choice products made without PFASEWG statement on FY25 NDAA mandating DOD buy Safer Choice products made without PFAS Iris Myers December 10, 2024 WASHINGTON – The newly passed National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, for fiscal year 2025 includes a provision requiring the Department of Defense to prioritize purchasing cleaning products certified under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice program. These products are made with ingredients that are safer for people and the environment, and made without the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. The following is a statement from John Reeder, vice president of federal affairs, at the Environmental Working Group:The DOD manages over 2.3 billion square feet…
- EWG comments to California Department of Pesticide Regulation on the 2023 Draft Air Monitoring Network ReportEWG comments to California Department of Pesticide Regulation on the 2023 Draft Air Monitoring Network Report rcoleman December 9, 2024 EWG submits comments to California Department of Pesticide Regulation on the 2023 Draft Air Monitoring Network Report urging the agency to present the data within the air monitoring report in a more meaningful and scientifically appropriate manner. File Download Document EWG Comments to DPR AMN_Final.pdf Areas of Focus Farming & Agriculture Farm Pollution Toxic Chemicals Pesticides Regional Issues California Disqus Comments Authors Alexis Temkin, Ph.D. November 12, 2024
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 18Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 18 JR Culpepper December 9, 2024 In this podcast episode, EWG President and Co-founder Ken Cook and his guests discuss the intersection between animal welfare and environmentalism. Cook first speaks with veterinarian Crystal Heath, who has been raising the alarm about how her profession, from veterinarian school to factory farms, enables and endorses animal abuse.Then he talks with Wayne Pacelle, founder of Animal Wellness Action, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, and former CEO of the Humane Society. They discuss Pacelle’s advocacy for animal welfare across many industries,…
- EPA finalizes ban on all uses of notorious cancer-causing solvent TCEEPA finalizes ban on all uses of notorious cancer-causing solvent TCE JR Culpepper December 9, 2024 WASHINGTON – The Biden Environmental Protection Agency today prohibited all uses of the toxic solvent trichloroethylene, or TCE. The rule is a crucial victory in efforts to tackle health harms, like cancer, that TCE exposure can cause.The agency also banned all consumer uses of the chemical perchloroethylene, or perc, which is used for dry cleaning and automotive care products. Perc has been linked to health harms, including damage to the kidneys, liver and the immune system.“U.S. communities large and small have tap water with potentially harmful…
- Statement from Jerry Ensminger and Mike Partain on final EPA TCE banStatement from Jerry Ensminger and Mike Partain on final EPA TCE ban JR Culpepper December 9, 2024 WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency today banned all uses of the cancer-causing solvent trichloroethylene, or TCE. For years, the Environmental Working Group has called for the ban, citing the devastating illnesses and deaths affecting military families and others who drank tap water contaminated with TCE. The Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina, is one of the most polluted on record, as shown by the harm it has caused. Retired Marine Corps Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger, who was stationed for many years at…
- How EWG saved Christmas: Healthy stocking stuffers under $20How EWG saved Christmas: Healthy stocking stuffers under $20 JR Culpepper December 5, 2024 .has--background.block-content--type-curated-block-list { padding-top: 3rem; padding-bottom: 3rem; } Rushing downstairs on Christmas morning to check your stocking is one of the oldest and most treasured Yuletide traditions. But finding the perfect stocking stuffers isn’t always as enjoyable. Those small gifts can quickly add up – especially if you have a bunch of them to track down. That’s why EWG is offering safer cosmetic holiday gift ideas that won’t break the bank. Every product below costs $20 or less, and most are available on Amazon or from big box…
- Unwrapping the risks of synthetic dyes and titanium dioxide in holiday treatsUnwrapping the risks of synthetic dyes and titanium dioxide in holiday treats JR Culpepper December 5, 2024 The holiday season is when many indulge in seasonal treats, with peppermint-flavored candy, frosted cookies and brightly colored confections filling our tables and stomachs. But behind the festive colors lies a darker truth. Many of these snacks get their splashy appearance from synthetic food dyes and other additives, like titanium dioxide. And they may pose health risks beyond the inevitable sugar coma.What's in the color?Holiday goodies frequently get their bright colors from synthetic dyes like Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, Green Dye No. 3,…
- Is your black plastic spatula serving up toxic chemicals?Is your black plastic spatula serving up toxic chemicals? rcoleman December 5, 2024 Black plastic can be found in many kitchens, used for spatulas, tongs, storage containers and more – but these utensils may be leaching chemicals that could harm you. Harmful chemicals can seep from black plastic kitchenware if it's used regularly, particularly at high heat. These chemicals can get into your food if you use a black plastic utensil to scrape the bottom of a hot pan, for instance, or dip into or stir hot oil or leave it out on or near a hot stove. The harmful…
- EWG statement on Biden EPA’s proposal to ban most uses of chlorpyrifosEWG statement on Biden EPA’s proposal to ban most uses of chlorpyrifos rcoleman December 3, 2024 WASHINGTON – The Biden Environmental Protection Agency on Monday announced a proposed rule to prohibit most uses of the insecticide chlorpyrifos. The agency previously pushed to ban all uses of the crop chemical on foods, but the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tossed that ban in a November 2, 2023 ruling. The following is a statement from Environmental Working Group Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber:This action builds on President Biden’s historic chemical safety record, including actions taken to protect us from PFAS, asbestos, TCE, methylene…
- Parkinson’s is preventable – with the help of a paraquat banParkinson’s is preventable – with the help of a paraquat ban rcoleman November 26, 2024 A 2024 study adds to the growing scientific consensus that Parkinson’s disease is largely caused by pesticides and other environmental risk factors, not just genetics. Tackling these factors could help with preventing the disease in the future, the study says.Lifestyle factors and exposure to certain chemicals can play a large role in development of the disease, especially in combination with underlying genetic risk factors, the study finds. Exposure to paraquat, a highly toxic weedkiller, is one such likely contributor. The study was authored by neurologists Drs. Ray…
- Toxic chemicals in the kitchen: 5 low-stress clean swapsToxic chemicals in the kitchen: 5 low-stress clean swaps rcoleman November 26, 2024 .has--background.block-content--type-curated-block-list { padding-top: 3rem; padding-bottom: 3rem; } It’s likely no surprise that the objects in a typical kitchen can expose the average person – and the environment – to toxic chemicals. Some simple fixes can reduce this risk. But the prospect of change may feel overwhelming. EWG is here to help. For decades, EWG has empowered you to make safer choices to protect your health when the federal government has fallen short. With EWG in your corner, you don’t have to wait for action from Washington to keep yourself…
- Top 5 ways to reduce your microplastic exposureTop 5 ways to reduce your microplastic exposure JR Culpepper November 25, 2024 This holiday season, make sure the only things sneaking into your cooking are your family’s secret ingredients – not potentially harmful microplastics. While microplastics are almost everywhere, in the kitchen you’ll find these tiny pieces of plastic in chopping boards, plastic containers and even sea salt. They are formed when larger plastic products degrade and break apart. These plastic particles can then eventually end up in your food and water. EWG has worked for more than 30 years to tackle toxic substances, and our recent research found that people could be…
- Unwrapping the mystery behind peppermint-flavored treatsUnwrapping the mystery behind peppermint-flavored treats rcoleman November 25, 2024 With the holiday season fast approaching, peppermint treats take center stage. From candy canes to lattes, this refreshing flavor seems to be everywhere. But while the aroma and taste of peppermint bring holiday cheer, there's often more to these products than meets the eye. Hidden behind that festive label is a mix of what may be synthetic ingredients and artificial colors and sugars that may be less merry than you think.For more than 30 years, EWG has been a trusted leader in the fight to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, including…
- Safer men’s products for you and your familySafer men’s products for you and your family JR Culpepper November 20, 2024 .has--background.block-content--type-curated-block-list { padding-top: 3rem; padding-bottom: 3rem; } There’s no better time to help the men in your life develop their self-care routine – or to fine-tune your own – than in November, Men’s Health Awareness Month. Men’s daily personal care routines have been the subject of considerable online mockery. And, though unjustified, the derision shouldn’t come as a total surprise. The reality is a combination of social stigmas, cultural norms and historical events and trends that have at times influenced men to spend less time and money on their…
- New EPA data show millions more exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking waterNew EPA data show millions more exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water rcoleman November 19, 2024 WASHINGTON – New data released by the Environmental Protection Agency shows more than 11 million additional people have the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in their drinking water. The findings come from tests of the nation’s drinking water supply conducted as part of the EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, or UCMR 5, which requires water utilities across the U.S. to test drinking water for 29 different PFAS compounds. This round of data confirms the presence of one or more PFAS compounds at 2,394 locations. Added…
- How factory farms can contaminate carrots with dangerous pathogens like E. coliHow factory farms can contaminate carrots with dangerous pathogens like E. coli rcoleman November 19, 2024 A California carrot company has initiated a voluntary recall following an E. coli outbreak that has caused at least one death and sickened many others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Factory farms can increase the likelihood of E. coli and other pathogens, such as salmonella and giardia, contaminating carrots and many other vegetables and fruits. That’s because these dangerous bacteria, commonly found in animal manure, can wash or drift with dust into irrigation waterways whose water is then sprayed on food crops…
- Senate farm bill proposal makes climate a USDA prioritySenate farm bill proposal makes climate a USDA priority rcoleman November 19, 2024 If enacted, the farm bill released this week by Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) would finally make it a permanent Department of Agriculture priority to support farmers harmed by the extreme weather caused by climate change. The Senate bill would ensure that the climate guardrails included in the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, would apply to future conservation investments when that spending expires. The proposal would also update long-standing programs for farmers to ensure their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions get treated with the same urgency…
- Greenwashing: Truth versus hype about consumer productsGreenwashing: Truth versus hype about consumer products rcoleman November 19, 2024 Many consumer product companies tout the environmental and health benefits of what they sell, but some of these claims fall short of the hype – a problem known as “greenwashing.” Greenwashing is the persuasive deception or misleading details about a product that make it sound better for the environment than it actually is. If you’ve bought cosmetics or other products with green-colored packaging or boasts about being “all natural” on the label, there’s a chance such packaging lured you in. Although many claims are valid, some product labels aren’t…
- EWG statement on President-elect Donald Trump nominating RFK Jr. to lead HHSEWG statement on President-elect Donald Trump nominating RFK Jr. to lead HHS rcoleman November 14, 2024 WASHINGTON – The following statement is from Ken Cook, president and co-founder of the Environmental Working Group: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the latest revenge-prank nomination to emerge from the patio of Mar-a-Lago. Unfortunately, this joke will be at the expense of all Americans, not just those who voted for Donald Trump. Far from being funny, the decision to make Bobby Kennedy America’s top health official could well be deadly. President-elect Trump has selected someone guaranteed to seriously erode the credibility of the federal government…
- EWG statement on nomination of former Rep. Lee Zeldin to be Trump’s EPA administratorEWG statement on nomination of former Rep. Lee Zeldin to be Trump’s EPA administrator rcoleman November 12, 2024 WASHINGTON – The following statement is from Ken Cook, president and co-founder of the Environmental Working Group: The most important thing to know about Trump’s nominee for the EPA is not his name, or his record, or his views on any particular environmental issue. The most important thing to know is that his mandate from Trump is to destroy the EPA. Lee Zeldin seems perfectly fine for the job. In announcing the former congressman for the position, Trump promised “fair and swift…
- EWG President Ken Cook statement on the election of Donald TrumpEWG President Ken Cook statement on the election of Donald Trump rcoleman November 6, 2024 WASHINGTON – The following is a statement from Ken Cook, Environmental Working Group president and co-founder, on the election of Donald Trump to a second term:Every polluter in America rejoices today in the election of Donald Trump. They are joined by elated polluters around the world. For every business whose profit depends on the toxic contamination of food, air, water and people with impunity, Trump’s victory is an occasion to celebrate. EWG is beyond proud to have earned the trust of tens of millions of supporters, across the…
- EWG experts available to comment on new global nitrous oxide pollution assessmentEWG experts available to comment on new global nitrous oxide pollution assessment rcoleman October 30, 2024 WASHINGTON – A new multi-organization assessment underscores the threat of increasing emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide, and agriculture’s role in that rise.The “Global Nitrous Oxide Assessment” will be released on October 31. EWG experts can address questions from journalists about the American agriculture industry’s growing contribution to the climate crisis. They can also discuss U.S. farmers’ role in lowering nitrous oxide emissions. The report is by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, U.N. Environment Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization, and the International Nitrogen…
- Nora StrandeNora Strande monica@ewg.org October 29, 2024 Nora Strande Intern Nora is an intern with the Government Affairs team, focusing on projects related to the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. Hailing from Woodbury, MN, she is actively working to regulate PFAS in her community, particularly in the East Metro 3M PFAS Plume. Driven by the memory of her older sister Amara, who died of cancer shortly after testifying for a ban of non-essential uses of PFAS in Minnesota, Nora has continued the fight against PFAS pollution. As a passionate advocate, she is committed to advancing PFAS legislation, including efforts to elevate…
- How factory farms can contaminate onions with dangerous pathogens like E. coliHow factory farms can contaminate onions with dangerous pathogens like E. coli rcoleman October 29, 2024 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration report that onions are the likely source of the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak that killed one person and sickened dozens more. The exact location where these onions, used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, were grown has not yet been confirmed. But the affected onions, pulled off the market by McDonald’s and other fast food companies, were apparently supplied by a California produce company’s Colorado processing facility. Factory farms can increase the likelihood of E.…
- Your guide to a healthier “everything shower” with EWG Verified® picksYour guide to a healthier “everything shower” with EWG Verified® picks JR Culpepper October 28, 2024 .has--background.block-content--type-curated-block-list { padding-top: 3rem; padding-bottom: 3rem; } Enter the “everything shower” – a social media trend where users share their favorite products for an indulgent, often lengthy, shower routine complete with hair masks, body scrubs and shaving essentials. While these extras aren’t necessary for your everyday shower, taking time for an extended, self-care-focused ritual can offer a refreshing reset.But many personal care products contain concerning ingredients, such as undisclosed fragrances, harsh preservatives and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We’ve curated a list of EWG Verified® products to make sure your “everything shower”…
- Unmasking the ingredients in fall’s favorite flavor: pumpkin spiceUnmasking the ingredients in fall’s favorite flavor: pumpkin spice rcoleman October 25, 2024 Pumpkin spice season is officially here.As soon as the temperature drops and the first leaves start to change color, everything edible from lattes to muffins, cheeses and ice cream takes on this warm, comforting flavor. While pumpkin spice is beloved for its association with fall, the flavor itself rarely contains actual pumpkin. It’s usually just a blend of spices that reminds us of pumpkin pie.So beware: Some products get their cozy flavor with potentially harmful food chemicals.What’s in your pumpkin spice?The traditional blend of pumpkin spice contains common…
- Breast cancer cases are on the rise, and chemical exposures play a roleBreast cancer cases are on the rise, and chemical exposures play a role rcoleman October 25, 2024 Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer. And with cases on the rise, October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to look closely at the part everyday chemical exposures play.Between 2012 and 2021, breast cancer incidence went up by roughly 1 percent per year. Rates are higher among women ages 20 to 49 than among women age 50 or older. Less than 1 percent of all breast cancer cases occur in men. In 2024 alone, an estimated 310,720 new cases of breast cancer will…
- What the Building Chips in America Act could mean for public health and the environmentWhat the Building Chips in America Act could mean for public health and the environment rcoleman October 25, 2024 A new law meant to expedite building of semiconductor facilities in the U.S. creates questions about how it might also adversely affect the environment and public health. For decades, U.S. semiconductor production has relied on toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS and other hazardous substances. Tests for these chemicals downstream from semiconductor facilities have identified a complex mixture of known and unknown PFAS. These releases of PFAS and other hazardous chemicals have contaminated the air and water, including in the birthplace of the…
