environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-24--EWG News Roundup (4/24): PFAS Cleanup Will Be Costly, But Necessary, Farm Workers Deserve Protection

EWG News Roundup (4/24): PFAS Cleanup Will Be Costly, But Necessary, Farm Workers Deserve Protections and More

This week , EWG published a study in the European water industry journal Water Solutions that found that the removal of the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS from drinking water costs local communities millions of dollars .
“ This research reveals that escaping PFAS pollution is nearly impossible , ” said Olga Naidenko , Ph.D. , EWG vice president for science investigations .
“ Communities across the world are bearing the burden of removing these toxic chemicals from their drinking water .
This crisis calls for immediate action to ensure that all people have safe water.
” The Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut the minimum wage for some seasonal farm workers who travel to the U.S. on guest worker visas .
EWG strongly disagrees , making the case that farm workers should be getting a pay raise instead of a cut – since they are at serious risk when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic .
This week , EWG concluded a partnership with the PFAS Project at Northeastern University ’ s Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute that maintained a joint map that showed the scope of PFAS contamination throughout the nation .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislative attention to the issue of widespread PFAS contamination .
Since 2017 , the project has led to more than 600 news stories and more than 860,000 map views .
For decades , PFAS-based firefighting foams have been widely used by the military , fire training centers and airports .
EWG made the case that it is now time for these operations to leave the toxic product behind and adopt alternatives .
Here ’ s some news you can use going into the weekend .
The Environmental Working Group publishes an annual Dirty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest pesticide residues when grown conventionally .
Chemistry World : Environment agency scraps limits on mercury from US coal power plants The Environmental Working Group ’ s president , Ken Cook , called the rule ‘ beyond stupid ’ , and former EPA director Gina McCarthy , president of the Natural Resources Defense Council , dubbed the rule ‘ an absolute abomination ’ .
“ It ’ s beyond stupid to repeal a rule that has contributed so much to cleaner air and protecting children from a potent neurotoxin , ” Environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
Serious Eats : Special Sauce : Tom Colicchio on How to Save Restaurants And then right after that , I get a phone call from a friend of mine who is a lobbyist in DC who works for the Environmental Working Group , but he has also worked with us at Food Policy Action among lobbying efforts .
The Daily Yonder : New Stimulus Package Passed by Senate Missed the Mark , Rural Advocates Say Scott Faber , Senior V.P .
of Government Affairs for the Environmental Working Group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As more and more become sick , food supply chains could quickly unravel , causing food prices to spike… ” The Fresno Bee ( Calif. ) : Is protecting farmworkers a national security issue ?
Fresno-area farmers say yes The national Environmental Working Group on Thursday warned that a rash of sickened food industry workers could trigger soaring food costs , making it more difficult for families to put food on the table .
Reprinted by Daily Republic ( Fairfield-Sun City , Calif. ) ; Lincoln Journal Star ( Neb . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 1 other media outlet CNN : Trouble in farm country because of Covid-19 However , according to the Environmental Working Group 's Farm Subsidy Database , in 2019 , 334 farms in Mountrail County received $ 6.9 million in federal farm subsidies , suggesting many farms with many crops to harvest .
Reprinted by The World News ; Erie News Now Fern ’ s Ag Insider : Farmers to get up to $ 250,000 each in coronavirus cash , with more possible Because payments are linked to volume of production , large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war aid , said the Environmental Working Group , which prefers land stewardship spending .
EWG said its analysis of USDA records showed that Smith and Sons , a cotton and grain operator in Texas , received $ 1.45 million trade war aid in 2019 .
Reprinted by Successful Farming Mother Jones : The Government Will Spend $ 3 Billion to Direct Fresh Produce and Dairy to Food Banks An analysis by Environmental Working Group found that 10 percent of recipients—many of them wealthy owners of large farms—received more than half of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's $ 19 Billion in COVID-19 Relief for Farmers and Food Banks Sparks Questions About Who Will Benefit As Philpott explained at Mother Jones : During Trump 's trade wars in 2018 and 2019 , the administration handed a total of $ 8.6 billion in direct payments , mainly to soybean growers who had seen exports to China plunge because of high tariffs imposed by China .
An analysis by Environmental Working Group found that 10 % of recipients—many of them wealthy owners of large farms—received more than half of the allotted funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another helpful link for products like these can be found at the Environmental Working Group , a non-profit that links consumers to eco-friendly products .
Curbed : How to start an eco-friendly laundry routine he Williams sisters say they use the Environmental Working Group ’ s Guide to Healthy Cleaning database to check ingredient by ingredient for environmental toxins when researching laundry products .
WKBW ( Buffalo , N.Y. ) : What to look for in your cleaning supplies Gembar recommends using the Think Dirty App to scan specific products to see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group is a resource to do your research about cleaning supplies .
InStyle : Everyone Wants to Use Clean Beauty Products , But Does Anyone Know What `` Clean '' Really Means ?
Beautycounter , Juice Beauty and W3LL PEOPLE have products that are EWG-verified , adhering to the organization ’ s list of over 1,500 “ unacceptable ” chemicals and limiting ones that are scientifically questionable for health .
Reprinted by Yahoo !
US Magazine : Happy Earth Day !
Find Out What Eco-Friendly Beauty Products the Stars are Loving Right Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopelessly devoted to Biossance , an EWG-verified brand focused on sustainability and clean formulas .
Wear Attitude ‘ s Natural Care 30 SPF Mineral Sunscreen Face and Body whenever you go out this spring , an EWG-verified , cruelty-free and vegan brand committed to full transparency and operating in good manufacturing practices .
Byrdie : They 're Here : The Winners of Byrdie 's 2020 Eco Awards Biossance ships all of its products carbon neutral , thanks to the brand ’ s funding of tree planting and reforestation projects .
All of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vegan , non-toxic , EWG Verified formulas and come in renewable sugarcane packaging and compostable boxes .
The New York Times : The Types of Plastics Families Should Avoid The Environmental Working Group ’ s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database is a useful resource for identifying phthalate-free products .
In the clean beauty space , nontoxic means that a product shouldn ’ t include any ingredient that ’ s been deemed toxic at any dose by a third-party resource like the European Union or Environmental Working Group .
Allure : The Best Natural and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Use “ ‘ Clean beauty ‘ is a much better term for the consumer as the products are non-toxic and still effective , ” says King .
“ ‘ Non-toxic ’ means free from undesirable ingredients listed by the Environmental Working Group .
Reprinted by Lady Click Glamour : The Best Organic Makeup Brands You Need on Your Radar Champion safety status from the EWG and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics .
Reprinted by MSN Medium-Authority Magazine : The Future Of Beauty : “ Use a Selfie To Create Hyper-Customized Skin Care Products ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are 100 % clean , have gone through stringent efficacy tests , and have a transparent supply chain with an EWG rating between 1–3 .
Mind Body Green : Caffeine In Skin Care : 5 Benefits Of Moving It From Your Mug To Your Moisturizer Caffeine is generally a very safe ingredient , Ciraldo notes .
It earned a score of 1 on the EWG 's Skin Deep scale , confirming that it 's a low-hazard ingredient with a good amount of studies available on the topic .
People : Kourtney Kardashian Uses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's on Sale It ’ s one of the nontoxic products , which she chooses based on their EWG cosmetic score , that she says she ’ s using every day .
The Environmental Working Group is a great resource for learning about which products are healthy and which aren ’ t .
Poosh : 12 Ways to SAVE THE EARTH IN 2020 Look for keywords like “ fragrance ” and “ SLS ” and check your product safety on the Environmental Working Group Healthy Living App .
Apartment Therapy : 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meets certification standards set by GOTS , GOLS , Organic Exchange OCS100 , MADE SAFE , GREENGUARD Gold , Rainforest Alliance , PETA , and Green America , and it ’ s been recommended by AllergyKids Foundation , The Ecology Center , Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , American Sustainable Business Council , and many more .
Nearly 80 % of all meat found in U.S. grocery stores contains antibiotic-resistant bacteria , according to the Environmental Working Group .
The Union Journal : Wet Markets vs .
Factory Farms : Which Are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meat discovered in UNITED STATE food store consists of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms , according to the Environmental Working Group .
Findings suggest that these drug-resistant genetics spread out much more thoroughly as well as swiftly on ranches than researchers formerly believed .
Nearly three-fourths of those communities , according to an Environmental Working Group analysis of its tap-water database , are in California and four other states where agriculture is big business : Texas , Kansas , Oklahoma and Arizona .
Current and former military bases have some of the nation ’ s highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
The Progressive : Wisconsin ’ s Fight Against the F-35s Data compiled by the advocacy organization Environmental Working Group—and collected by the Department of Defense—shows 678 sites across the country where military bases were suspected of introducing PFAS contaminants into the water , and 328 where the chemicals were found in drinking water next to a base .
Stars and Stripes : 'Forever chemicals ' are hundreds of times over safe levels at Katterbach Kaserne site in Germany , Army report says Sometimes called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so long to break down in the environment , PFAS have been confirmed or are suspected at 678 military installations in the continental U.S. , Alaska and Hawaii , according to an analysis of Defense Department data published this month by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group .
The Hill : EPA is abandoning those suffering from toxic PFAS pollution But reporting is not enough .
The Environmental Working Group estimates that at least 2,500 industrial facilities across the U.S. could be discharging PFAS into the air and water .
Reprinted by Common Dreams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government affairs at the Environmental Working Group , said the Effluent Guidelines Program makes sure facilities are paying the cost to clean up their pollution and that financial burden does not fall on the utilities or water ratepayers .
Inside EPA : Environmentalists Seek To Close ‘ Loopholes ’ In Bid To Curb New PFAS Uses Submitted April 9 , the comments are signed by national and local groups , including Earthjustice , Environmental Defense Fund , Environmental Working Group , Natural Resources Defense Council , Safer Chemicals Healthy Families , Sierra Club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Doctors : Choose the Best Water Filter to Remove Chemicals from Your Drinking Water Could your tap water be contaminated with forever chemicals ?
A new study by theEnvironmental Working Group found that potentially harmful `` forever chemicals '' known asperfluorinated chemicals or PFAs ( PFOA & PFO ) may be found in our drinking water at a much higher rate than previously estimated .
The chemicals , called “ forever chemicals ” because they don ’ t break down in nature , have permeated water reservoirs across the U.S. , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the vast majority of drinking water samples recently tested by the Environmental Working Group .
Reprinted by The Journal Times ( Racine , Wisc . )
Environmental Working Group lab tests found that PFAS is widespread in U.S. drinking water .
And a recent report by the Environmental Working Group detected widespread contamination of U.S. drinking water supplies with man-made `` forever chemicals , '' including in cities such as Miami , Philadelphia , and New Orleans .
Albany Times-Union : Cohoes to consider halting PFAS burning at Norlite And a recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that other sites such as airports or industrial spots may have similar deposits of PFAS from firefighting practices .
By leaving the SNAP increase out of a coronavirus relief bill that passed the Senate on Tuesday , Congress `` missed an opportunity ... to help ensure every family has enough to eat , '' said Scott Faber , senior vice president of the Environmental Working Group , which advocates on food policy .
Best Gaming Pro : Top 10 Best Sunscreen Mist With Vitamins 2020 Scores tremendous protected score of 1 by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skin deep .
Mashable : Skip the grocery store by growing your own produce indoors EWG.org ( the Environmental Working Group ) publishes an annual `` Dirty Dozen '' list that highlights grocery store fruits and veggies that tested for the highest pesticide content .
Choose organic produce where you can , focusing on buying organic foods from the EWG 's Dirty Dozen list and cutting yourself some slack with the Clean 15 foods list .
Strawberries once again tops the Environmental Working Group 's `` Dirty Dozen '' list .
News 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Pesticides in Produce aims to help choose when to go organic Each year , the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) releases an updated Shopper 's Guide to Pesticides in Produce .
Reprinted by News 12 Long Island ; News 12 The Bronx ; News 12 New Jersey ; other associated publications Before It ’ s News : Sprouted foods are only as “ organic ” as the water they use Then in Jan of 2018 , the EWG dropped a bombshell report demonstrating that more than half the country has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of failing water infrastructure being piped into cities and peoples homes .
The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) found nearly 50,000 American public water systems contaminated with hundreds of harmful chemicals .
The report highlights the game-changing Environmental Working Group studies on umbilical cord blood that I helped EWG develop and release , where we found 180 carcinogens in babies ( and 217 chemicals that were toxic to the brain or nervous system ) , even before the babies were born – chemicals that could set a trajectory for disease much @ @ @ @

This week, EWG published a study in the European water industry journal Water Solutions that found that the removal of the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS from drinking water costs local communities millions of dollars.
“This research reveals that escaping PFAS pollution is nearly impossible,” said Olga Naidenko, Ph.D., EWG vice president for science investigations. “Communities across the world are bearing the burden of removing these toxic chemicals from their drinking water. This crisis calls for immediate action to ensure that all people have safe water.”
The Trump administration indicated this week that it may cut the minimum wage for some seasonal farm workers who travel to the U.S. on guest worker visas. EWG strongly disagrees, making the case that farm workers should be getting a pay raise instead of a cut – since they are at serious risk when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week, EWG concluded a partnership with the PFAS Project at Northeastern University’s Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute that maintained a joint map that showed the scope of PFAS contamination throughout the nation. The project brought significant public, media and legislative attention to the issue of widespread PFAS contamination. Since 2017, the project has led to more than 600 news stories and more than 860,000 map views.
For decades, PFAS-based firefighting foams have been widely used by the military, fire training centers and airports. EWG made the case that it is now time for these operations to leave the toxic product behind and adopt alternatives.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
Berkeley Wellness: Do Kids Need Organic Food?
The Environmental Working Group publishes an annual Dirty Dozen list of fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues when grown conventionally.
Mercury Pollution from Coal Fired Power Plants
Chemistry World: Environment agency scraps limits on mercury from US coal power plants
The Environmental Working Group’s president, Ken Cook, called the rule ‘beyond stupid’, and former EPA director Gina McCarthy, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, dubbed the rule ‘an absolute abomination’.
Green Matters: EPA Rolls Backs Mercury Regulations, Bailing Out the Fossil Fuel Industry
“It’s beyond stupid to repeal a rule that has contributed so much to cleaner air and protecting children from a potent neurotoxin,” Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook said in a statement.
COVID-19 and Food Workers and Restaurants
Serious Eats: Special Sauce: Tom Colicchio on How to Save Restaurants
And then right after that, I get a phone call from a friend of mine who is a lobbyist in DC who works for the Environmental Working Group, but he has also worked with us at Food Policy Action among lobbying efforts.
COVID-19 and Farmworkers
The Daily Yonder: New Stimulus Package Passed by Senate Missed the Mark, Rural Advocates Say
Scott Faber, Senior V.P. of Government Affairs for the Environmental Working Group, criticized S.A. 1578 in a statement: “As more and more become sick, food supply chains could quickly unravel, causing food prices to spike…”
The Fresno Bee (Calif.): Is protecting farmworkers a national security issue? Fresno-area farmers say yes
The national Environmental Working Group on Thursday warned that a rash of sickened food industry workers could trigger soaring food costs, making it more difficult for families to put food on the table. Reprinted by Daily Republic (Fairfield-Sun City, Calif.); Lincoln Journal Star (Neb.); Atlantic Broadband; WiscNews; ArcaMax; 1 other media outlet
COVID-19 and Farm Subsidies
CNN: Trouble in farm country because of Covid-19
However, according to the Environmental Working Group's Farm Subsidy Database, in 2019, 334 farms in Mountrail County received $6.9 million in federal farm subsidies, suggesting many farms with many crops to harvest. Reprinted by The World News; Erie News Now
Trump Administration Farmer Bailout
Fern’s Ag Insider: Farmers to get up to $250,000 each in coronavirus cash, with more possible
Because payments are linked to volume of production, large farmers got the major share of trade war aid, said the Environmental Working Group, which prefers land stewardship spending. EWG said its analysis of USDA records showed that Smith and Sons, a cotton and grain operator in Texas, received $1.45 million trade war aid in 2019. Reprinted by Successful Farming
Mother Jones: The Government Will Spend $3 Billion to Direct Fresh Produce and Dairy to Food Banks
An analysis by Environmental Working Group found that 10 percent of recipients—many of them wealthy owners of large farms—received more than half of the allotted funds.
Common Dreams: USDA's $19 Billion in COVID-19 Relief for Farmers and Food Banks Sparks Questions About Who Will Benefit
As Philpott explained at Mother Jones: During Trump's trade wars in 2018 and 2019, the administration handed a total of $8.6 billion in direct payments, mainly to soybean growers who had seen exports to China plunge because of high tariffs imposed by China. An analysis by Environmental Working Group found that 10% of recipients—many of them wealthy owners of large farms—received more than half of the allotted funds. Reprinted by Citizen Truth; AlterNet
Cleaning Products
Brad’s Deals: 5 Earth-Friendly Alternatives to Disposable Household Items
Another helpful link for products like these can be found at the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit that links consumers to eco-friendly products.
Curbed: How to start an eco-friendly laundry routine
he Williams sisters say they use the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning database to check ingredient by ingredient for environmental toxins when researching laundry products.
WKBW (Buffalo, N.Y.): What to look for in your cleaning supplies
Gembar recommends using the Think Dirty App to scan specific products to see what is in them. The Environmental Working Group is a resource to do your research about cleaning supplies.
EWG VERIFIED®
InStyle: Everyone Wants to Use Clean Beauty Products, But Does Anyone Know What "Clean" Really Means?
Beautycounter, Juice Beauty and W3LL PEOPLE have products that are EWG-verified, adhering to the organization’s list of over 1,500 “unacceptable” chemicals and limiting ones that are scientifically questionable for health. Reprinted by Yahoo!
US Magazine: Happy Earth Day! Find Out What Eco-Friendly Beauty Products the Stars are Loving Right Now
Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness is hopelessly devoted to Biossance, an EWG-verified brand focused on sustainability and clean formulas.
Beauty News NYC: Beauty Best Bets for Earth Day
Wear Attitude‘s Natural Care 30 SPF Mineral Sunscreen Face and Body whenever you go out this spring, an EWG-verified, cruelty-free and vegan brand committed to full transparency and operating in good manufacturing practices.
Byrdie: They're Here: The Winners of Byrdie's 2020 Eco Awards
Biossance ships all of its products carbon neutral, thanks to the brand’s funding of tree planting and reforestation projects. All of the brand’s products are made with vegan, non-toxic, EWG Verified formulas and come in renewable sugarcane packaging and compostable boxes.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
The New York Times: The Types of Plastics Families Should Avoid
The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database is a useful resource for identifying phthalate-free products.
Harper’s Bazaar: The Ultimate Guide to Clean Beauty
In the clean beauty space, nontoxic means that a product shouldn’t include any ingredient that’s been deemed toxic at any dose by a third-party resource like the European Union or Environmental Working Group.
Allure: The Best Natural and Organic Makeup Brands That Makeup Artists Actually Use
“‘Clean beauty‘ is a much better term for the consumer as the products are non-toxic and still effective,” says King. “‘Non-toxic’ means free from undesirable ingredients listed by the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by Lady Click
Glamour: The Best Organic Makeup Brands You Need on Your Radar
Champion safety status from the EWG and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Reprinted by MSN
Medium-Authority Magazine: The Future Of Beauty: “Use a Selfie To Create Hyper-Customized Skin Care Products” With Navneet Kaur of Yours
These ingredients are 100% clean, have gone through stringent efficacy tests, and have a transparent supply chain with an EWG rating between 1–3.
Mind Body Green: Caffeine In Skin Care: 5 Benefits Of Moving It From Your Mug To Your Moisturizer
Caffeine is generally a very safe ingredient, Ciraldo notes. It earned a score of 1 on the EWG's Skin Deep scale, confirming that it's a low-hazard ingredient with a good amount of studies available on the topic.
People: Kourtney Kardashian Uses This Lengthening Mascara Every Day - and It's on Sale
It’s one of the nontoxic products, which she chooses based on their EWG cosmetic score, that she says she’s using every day.
EWG’s Consumer Guides
Root + Revel: Fertility Treatment: Overview of Mind-Body Tools + Resources
The Environmental Working Group is a great resource for learning about which products are healthy and which aren’t.
Healthy Living App
Poosh: 12 Ways to SAVE THE EARTH IN 2020
Look for keywords like “fragrance” and “SLS” and check your product safety on the Environmental Working Group Healthy Living App.
Mattresses
Apartment Therapy: 10 Organic Mattresses You Can Shop Now
It meets certification standards set by GOTS, GOLS, Organic Exchange OCS100, MADE SAFE, GREENGUARD Gold, Rainforest Alliance, PETA, and Green America, and it’s been recommended by AllergyKids Foundation, The Ecology Center, Environmental Working Group (EWG), American Sustainable Business Council, and many more.
Meat Eaters Guide to Climate Change + Health
Peta: There’s a Bigger, Scarier Public Health Crisis Skulking Behind COVID-19
Nearly 80% of all meat found in U.S. grocery stores contains antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to the Environmental Working Group.
The Union Journal: Wet Markets vs. Factory Farms: Which Are Worse?
Nearly 80% of all meat discovered in UNITED STATE food store consists of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, according to the Environmental Working Group. Findings suggest that these drug-resistant genetics spread out much more thoroughly as well as swiftly on ranches than researchers formerly believed.
Nitrate in Tap Water
Food & Environment Reporting Network (FERN): Coronavirus forces California farmworkers to scramble for safe drinking water
Nearly three-fourths of those communities, according to an Environmental Working Group analysis of its tap-water database, are in California and four other states where agriculture is big business: Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arizona.
PFAS Military Map
The American Legion: A toxic mess
Current and former military bases have some of the nation’s highest PFAS levels, according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
The Progressive: Wisconsin’s Fight Against the F-35s
Data compiled by the advocacy organization Environmental Working Group—and collected by the Department of Defense—shows 678 sites across the country where military bases were suspected of introducing PFAS contaminants into the water, and 328 where the chemicals were found in drinking water next to a base.
Stars and Stripes: 'Forever chemicals' are hundreds of times over safe levels at Katterbach Kaserne site in Germany, Army report says
Sometimes called “forever” chemicals because they take so long to break down in the environment, PFAS have been confirmed or are suspected at 678 military installations in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii, according to an analysis of Defense Department data published this month by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.
PFAS Polluters Map
The Hill: EPA is abandoning those suffering from toxic PFAS pollution
But reporting is not enough. The Environmental Working Group estimates that at least 2,500 industrial facilities across the U.S. could be discharging PFAS into the air and water. Reprinted by Common Dreams
PFAS Regulation
E&E News: Lawmakers eye future stimulus for PFAS limits
Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, said the Effluent Guidelines Program makes sure facilities are paying the cost to clean up their pollution and that financial burden does not fall on the utilities or water ratepayers.
Inside EPA: Environmentalists Seek To Close ‘Loopholes’ In Bid To Curb New PFAS Uses
Submitted April 9, the comments are signed by national and local groups, including Earthjustice, Environmental Defense Fund, Environmental Working Group, Natural Resources Defense Council, Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, Sierra Club and Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water.
PFAS Tap Water Contamination
The Doctors: Choose the Best Water Filter to Remove Chemicals from Your Drinking Water
Could your tap water be contaminated with forever chemicals? A new study by theEnvironmental Working Group found that potentially harmful "forever chemicals" known asperfluorinated chemicals or PFAs (PFOA & PFO) may be found in our drinking water at a much higher rate than previously estimated.
The Capital Times (Madison, Wisc.): High PFAS levels found in Starkweather Creek sediment
The chemicals, called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in nature, have permeated water reservoirs across the U.S., and at least trace amounts have been detected in the vast majority of drinking water samples recently tested by the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by The Journal Times (Racine, Wisc.)
Earth Maven: Senate Bill Introduced Earlier This Year Would Regulate Dangerous Chemicals
Environmental Working Group lab tests found that PFAS is widespread in U.S. drinking water.
Public News Service: COVID-19 Worsens Water Crisis for Families in Rural California
And a recent report by the Environmental Working Group detected widespread contamination of U.S. drinking water supplies with man-made "forever chemicals," including in cities such as Miami, Philadelphia, and New Orleans.
Albany Times-Union: Cohoes to consider halting PFAS burning at Norlite
And a recent survey by the Environmental Working Group suggested that other sites such as airports or industrial spots may have similar deposits of PFAS from firefighting practices.
SNAP
AgriPulse: SNAP benefits increase by $2B a month with emergency increase
By leaving the SNAP increase out of a coronavirus relief bill that passed the Senate on Tuesday, Congress "missed an opportunity ... to help ensure every family has enough to eat," said Scott Faber, senior vice president of the Environmental Working Group, which advocates on food policy.
EWG Guide to Sunscreens
Best Gaming Pro: Top 10 Best Sunscreen Mist With Vitamins 2020
Scores tremendous protected score of 1 by the environmental working group’s pores and skin deep.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Mashable: Skip the grocery store by growing your own produce indoors
EWG.org (the Environmental Working Group) publishes an annual "Dirty Dozen" list that highlights grocery store fruits and veggies that tested for the highest pesticide content.
Eating Well: 7 Tips for Clean Eating
Choose organic produce where you can, focusing on buying organic foods from the EWG's Dirty Dozen list and cutting yourself some slack with the Clean 15 foods list.
Growing Produce: Eager to Feed Your COVID-19 Diet? Eat Fresh
Strawberries once again tops the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" list.
News 12 Brooklyn: EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce aims to help choose when to go organic
Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases an updated Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Reprinted by News 12 Long Island; News 12 The Bronx; News 12 New Jersey; other associated publications
Tap Water Database
Before It’s News: Sprouted foods are only as “organic” as the water they use
Then in Jan of 2018, the EWG dropped a bombshell report demonstrating that more than half the country has been drinking carcinogenic radioactive tap water, the result of failing water infrastructure being piped into cities and peoples homes.
Camille Styles: 8 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Healthier
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found nearly 50,000 American public water systems contaminated with hundreds of harmful chemicals.
Umbilical Cord Blood Study
Dr. Greene: Chemicals, Cancer, & Change
The report highlights the game-changing Environmental Working Group studies on umbilical cord blood that I helped EWG develop and release, where we found 180 carcinogens in babies (and 217 chemicals that were toxic to the brain or nervous system), even before the babies were born – chemicals that could set a trajectory for disease much later in life.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-24--After the Pandemic, Kentucky Can Rebuild the Economy and Create Jobs by Investing in Clean Energy

After the Pandemic , Kentucky Can Rebuild the Economy and Create Jobs by Investing in Clean Energy The coronavirus pandemic will leave in its wake an urgent need to rebuild state economies .
In Kentucky , building out the state ’ s huge potential for wind and solar power can play a major role – but only if state leaders seize the opportunity and if its elected representatives in Washington support extension of the federal tax credits for wind and solar .
Nationwide and in Kentucky , the clean energy industry is being hit hard by the pandemic-triggered economic crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the U.S. clean energy sector lost more than 100,000 jobs in March – 1,500 of them in Kentucky .
Before the pandemic , Kentucky employed nearly 40,000 people in the energy efficiency , renewables and energy storage sectors , according to Clean Jobs America 2020 , a report from the environmental entrepreneurs coalition E2 .
The Kentucky power sector is overwhelmingly dominated by coal .
In 2019 , coal provided 73 percent of the state ’ s electricity , followed by natural gas at 21 percent .
Hydro power generated 5 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power generated only 0.1 percent , and the state has no utility-scale wind power at all .
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association , Kentucky ranks 45th among the states in installed solar capacity .
The state has few renewable incentives and no mandates to guarantee renewable development , including no statewide renewable energy standard .
Yet the cost of new utility-scale wind and solar development is now competitive with existing coal-fired power plants , and the Energy Information Administration , or EIA , projects that by next year , renewable generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why have renewables had such a hard time gaining traction in the Bluegrass State ?
Because despite the U.S. coal industry ’ s death spiral , in Kentucky , coal is still king .
Coal-mining-related jobs in the state fell by over 20 percent last year , but Kentucky is still the fifth-largest coal producer in the nation .
In fiscal year 2019 , the industry generated almost $ 93 million in state revenue .
In 2015 , when the Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule to cut carbon pollution , the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renewables or energy efficiency .
According to E & E News , the law was inspired by the American Legislative Exchange Council , a conservative “ bill mill . ''
In an op-ed for the Lexington Herald Leader , U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell – Kentucky ’ s most powerful politician – urged states to defy the EPA and not implement the “ extreme ” rule .
The consequence of relying on aging and increasingly expensive coal plants shows in Kentuckians ‘ monthly utility bills .
According to the EIA , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kentucky was $ 123.57 , almost 17 percent higher than in California , the leading solar state , and about 13 percent higher than in Iowa , where more than 30 percent of electricity is powered by wind .
Kentucky has two main state policies for supporting development of renewables .
Its net metering law allows homeowners who install solar panels or other renewable technology to sell excess power back to utilities .
Enacted in 2004 , the law was revised last year and is under review by the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the level of compensation for utility customers .
The state also offers incentives for businesses to purchase renewable power through electric utilities .
Solar developers have been attracted to Kentucky primarily by the Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency , a co-op of 10 publicly owned utilities .
That leaves an extension of the federal investment tax credit for solar as the other critical policy component in Kentucky ’ s renewable power development equation .
An extension of the production tax credit for wind could also be a primary driver of the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technical potential for wind , rooftop solar and utility-scale solar is more than 2.4 million gigawatt hours – enough to power the state for 34 years , based on electricity generated in state in 2019 .
Technical potential is not economic potential , but build-out of even just a fraction of Kentucky ’ s technical potential for wind and solar would dramatically shift the energy mix and be a powerful economic engine .
Between mid-March and mid-April , the coronavirus pandemic forced about 400,000 Kentuckians – a fifth of the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment .
The continuing closure of coal plants is also triggering the loss of jobs and local communities ’ tax base : Two Kentucky coal plants , which supply a fourth of the state ’ s coal-fired power , will shut down this year .
Nationwide , there are already nearly three times as many renewable power sector jobs as in the conventional coal , natural gas and nuclear power sectors .
Solar installers and wind turbine technicians have been projected to be the fastest growing jobs in the U.S. by the Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Colorado , where Xcel Energy is replacing lost jobs at a coal plant with renewables and energy storage .
It ’ s time for Kentucky to seriously reconsider its energy policy .
When the pandemic passes , economic recovery could get a major boost from policies that embrace – rather than shun – renewable power .
The state ’ s leaders , both at home and in Washington , should grab the opportunity to bring good-paying jobs back .
Congress should go big with investments in clean energy , and few states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kentucky .

The coronavirus pandemic will leave in its wake an urgent need to rebuild state economies. In Kentucky, building out the state’s huge potential for wind and solar power can play a major role – but only if state leaders seize the opportunity and if its elected representatives in Washington support extension of the federal tax credits for wind and solar.
Nationwide and in Kentucky, the clean energy industry is being hit hard by the pandemic-triggered economic crisis. A BW Research Partners analysis found that the U.S. clean energy sector lost more than 100,000 jobs in March – 1,500 of them in Kentucky. Before the pandemic, Kentucky employed nearly 40,000 people in the energy efficiency, renewables and energy storage sectors, according to Clean Jobs America 2020, a report from the environmental entrepreneurs coalition E2.
The Kentucky power sector is overwhelmingly dominated by coal. In 2019, coal provided 73 percent of the state’s electricity, followed by natural gas at 21 percent. Hydro power generated 5 percent of Kentucky’s electricity, solar power generated only 0.1 percent, and the state has no utility-scale wind power at all. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Kentucky ranks 45th among the states in installed solar capacity.
The state has few renewable incentives and no mandates to guarantee renewable development, including no statewide renewable energy standard. Yet the cost of new utility-scale wind and solar development is now competitive with existing coal-fired power plants, and the Energy Information Administration, or EIA, projects that by next year, renewable generation will likely surpass coal generation nationwide.
Why have renewables had such a hard time gaining traction in the Bluegrass State? Because despite the U.S. coal industry’s death spiral, in Kentucky, coal is still king.
Coal-mining-related jobs in the state fell by over 20 percent last year, but Kentucky is still the fifth-largest coal producer in the nation. In fiscal year 2019, the industry generated almost $93 million in state revenue.
In 2015, when the Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule to cut carbon pollution, the state passed legislation that prohibited replacing coal with renewables or energy efficiency. According to E&E News, the law was inspired by the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative “bill mill." In an op-ed for the Lexington Herald Leader, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell – Kentucky’s most powerful politician – urged states to defy the EPA and not implement the “extreme” rule.
The consequence of relying on aging and increasingly expensive coal plants shows in Kentuckians‘ monthly utility bills. According to the EIA, in 2018, the average monthly electricity bill in Kentucky was $123.57, almost 17 percent higher than in California, the leading solar state, and about 13 percent higher than in Iowa, where more than 30 percent of electricity is powered by wind.
Kentucky has two main state policies for supporting development of renewables.
Its net metering law allows homeowners who install solar panels or other renewable technology to sell excess power back to utilities. Enacted in 2004, the law was revised last year and is under review by the state’s Public Service Commission, which will determine the level of compensation for utility customers.
The state also offers incentives for businesses to purchase renewable power through electric utilities. Solar developers have been attracted to Kentucky primarily by the Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency, a co-op of 10 publicly owned utilities.
That leaves an extension of the federal investment tax credit for solar as the other critical policy component in Kentucky’s renewable power development equation. An extension of the production tax credit for wind could also be a primary driver of the state’s significant wind potential.
Kentucky’s technical potential for wind, rooftop solar and utility-scale solar is more than 2.4 million gigawatt hours – enough to power the state for 34 years, based on electricity generated in state in 2019. Technical potential is not economic potential, but build-out of even just a fraction of Kentucky’s technical potential for wind and solar would dramatically shift the energy mix and be a powerful economic engine.
Between mid-March and mid-April, the coronavirus pandemic forced about 400,000 Kentuckians – a fifth of the state’s civilian labor force – to file for unemployment.
The continuing closure of coal plants is also triggering the loss of jobs and local communities’ tax base: Two Kentucky coal plants, which supply a fourth of the state’s coal-fired power, will shut down this year.
Nationwide, there are already nearly three times as many renewable power sector jobs as in the conventional coal, natural gas and nuclear power sectors. Solar installers and wind turbine technicians have been projected to be the fastest growing jobs in the U.S. by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Kentucky should look to Colorado, where Xcel Energy is replacing lost jobs at a coal plant with renewables and energy storage.
It’s time for Kentucky to seriously reconsider its energy policy. When the pandemic passes, economic recovery could get a major boost from policies that embrace – rather than shun – renewable power. The state’s leaders, both at home and in Washington, should grab the opportunity to bring good-paying jobs back. Congress should go big with investments in clean energy, and few states could gain more from that initiative than Kentucky.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-24--Letter to Senate and House Leadership on Addressing the COVID-19 Crisis

Click on the pdf above to see a joint letter from EWG , other environmental health organizations and public health @ @ @ @ @ pass vital legislation to ensure that healthy , safe and affordable food is available to @ @ @ @ @ challenges facing farmers , food workers and farmworkers who are risking their own health to @ @ @ @ @ .

Click on the pdf above to see a joint letter from EWG, other environmental health organizations and public health institutions calling on Congress to pass vital legislation to ensure that healthy, safe and affordable food is available to all and to minimize the challenges facing farmers, food workers and farmworkers who are risking their own health to keep our food system going.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-27--As Pandemic Rages, Federal Nuclear Regulators Put Keeping Reactors Running Ahead of Public Health an

As Pandemic Rages, Federal Nuclear Regulators Put Keeping Reactors Running Ahead of Public Health and Safety

As Pandemic Rages , Federal Nuclear Regulators Put Keeping Reactors Running Ahead of Public Health and Safety The federal government ’ s toothless nuclear “ watchdog ” has historically shown more concern for keeping dangerous aging reactors running than for Americans ’ safety from a nuclear accident .
So how is the Nuclear Regulatory Commission , or NRC , responding to the coronavirus pandemic ?
• Letting nuclear power plants cut back their workforces to facilitate social distancing – but letting them make up for the reduced numbers by requiring the remaining control room operators and other key employees to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger of worker exhaustion that could contribute to a reactor accident .
• Telling the agency ’ s on-site safety inspectors – two or more resident inspectors at each plant – to work from home , and allowing plants to defer required inspections of piping systems critical to cooling the reactors .
• Keeping reactor refueling crews of up to 1,500 technicians traveling from plant to plant , working in crowded conditions and staying in nearby communities , increasing the likelihood of crew members spreading the virus .
The U.S. has 58 nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 states .
Each plant employs 500 to 1,000 workers .
Every 18 to 24 months , plants are powered down for four to six weeks for refueling , done in the spring or fall , when electric demand is low .
According to the Nuclear Energy Institute , or NEI , the lobbying arm of the nuclear industry , refueling is scheduled at 56 plants this year .
On March 20 , the NEI wrote the NRC to request that refueling crews have “ unfettered access to travel across state lines ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food services , and to be prioritized for personal protective equipment .
The NRC responded by allowing a reduction in the required number of plant personnel , and allowing an increased work week for remaining employees of 12-hour days for up to 14 days straight .
That worries Beyond Nuclear , a nonprofit that advocates “ for an energy future that is sustainable , benign and democratic.
” “ Nuclear plant operators on extended 12-hour shifts , who can now be assigned to work two consecutive 84-hour weeks , will suffer excessive fatigue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of plant oversight , Paul Gunter , said in a news release .
“ This not only compromises their immune systems , but makes catastrophic mistakes more likely.
” The release cited the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear accident , in 1979 , which it said was attributed to “ mechanical failure worsened by operator fatigue and error.
” One week after the Nuclear Institute ’ s letter , the NRC directed resident inspectors to work from home , “ only coming on site for risk-significant in-plant operations.
” The agency has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postponement of inspections and maintenance .
“ There are some ancillary activities during an outage that can be deferred , ” an NRC spokesperson told Bloomberg .
Among the “ ancillary ” activities that can be deferred is inspection of piping critical to cooling the reactors .
Beyond Nuclear says three plants , in Illinois , Florida and Texas , have requested 18-month deferments of inspections of steam generator tubes that are subject to extreme heat , radiation and vibration .
Failure of the piping , says the International Atomic Energy Agency , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large release events ” of radiation .
At least four nuclear plants – Fermi 2 , near Detroit , Susquehanna , near Berwick , Pa. , Limerick , near Pottstown , Pa. , and Vogtle , near Waynesboro , Ga. – have seen cases of COVID-19 .
The Pottstown Mercury reports that local officials asked Exelon , the owner of Limerick , to postpone refueling because they found the company ’ s plans to address the pandemic inadequate .
Regardless , the company went ahead with refueling and didn ’ t begin social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were “ terrified ” that they ’ re working in a “ breeding ground ” for COVID-19 .
Nearly 30 Limerick workers have tested positive for the virus , according to The Philadelphia Inquirer .
But Vogtle has by far the biggest outbreak , with 143 workers testing positive .
It ’ s unknown how many nuclear plant workers nationwide have tested positive , because the NRC has not reported cases .
“ The key question , ” Edwin Lyman , director of nuclear power safety for the Union of Concerned Scientists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much additional risk will the NRC allow nuclear plants to accept in order to keep them running during the crisis ?
”

The federal government’s toothless nuclear “watchdog” has historically shown more concern for keeping dangerous aging reactors running than for Americans’ safety from a nuclear accident. So how is the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or NRC, responding to the coronavirus pandemic?
Letting nuclear power plants cut back their workforces to facilitate social distancing – but letting them make up for the reduced numbers by requiring the remaining control room operators and other key employees to work back-to-back 84-hour weeks, heightening the danger of worker exhaustion that could contribute to a reactor accident.
Telling the agency’s on-site safety inspectors – two or more resident inspectors at each plant – to work from home, and allowing plants to defer required inspections of piping systems critical to cooling the reactors.
Keeping reactor refueling crews of up to 1,500 technicians traveling from plant to plant, working in crowded conditions and staying in nearby communities, increasing the likelihood of crew members spreading the virus.
The U.S. has 58 nuclear power plants housing 96 nuclear reactors in 29 states. Each plant employs 500 to 1,000 workers. Every 18 to 24 months, plants are powered down for four to six weeks for refueling, done in the spring or fall, when electric demand is low. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, or NEI, the lobbying arm of the nuclear industry, refueling is scheduled at 56 plants this year.
On March 20, the NEI wrote the NRC to request that refueling crews have “unfettered access to travel across state lines” and unrestricted access to local hotels and food services, and to be prioritized for personal protective equipment. The NRC responded by allowing a reduction in the required number of plant personnel, and allowing an increased work week for remaining employees of 12-hour days for up to 14 days straight.
That worries Beyond Nuclear, a nonprofit that advocates “for an energy future that is sustainable, benign and democratic.”
“Nuclear plant operators on extended 12-hour shifts, who can now be assigned to work two consecutive 84-hour weeks, will suffer excessive fatigue,” Beyond Nuclear’s director of plant oversight, Paul Gunter, said in a news release. “This not only compromises their immune systems, but makes catastrophic mistakes more likely.” The release cited the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear accident, in 1979, which it said was attributed to “mechanical failure worsened by operator fatigue and error.”
One week after the Nuclear Institute’s letter, the NRC directed resident inspectors to work from home, “only coming on site for risk-significant in-plant operations.” The agency has also allowed utilities operating the plants to request postponement of inspections and maintenance. “There are some ancillary activities during an outage that can be deferred,” an NRC spokesperson told Bloomberg.
Among the “ancillary” activities that can be deferred is inspection of piping critical to cooling the reactors. Beyond Nuclear says three plants, in Illinois, Florida and Texas, have requested 18-month deferments of inspections of steam generator tubes that are subject to extreme heat, radiation and vibration. Failure of the piping, says the International Atomic Energy Agency, could lead to “core damage or large release events” of radiation.
At least four nuclear plants – Fermi 2, near Detroit, Susquehanna, near Berwick, Pa., Limerick, near Pottstown, Pa., and Vogtle, near Waynesboro, Ga. – have seen cases of COVID-19.
The Pottstown Mercury reports that local officials asked Exelon, the owner of Limerick, to postpone refueling because they found the company’s plans to address the pandemic inadequate. Regardless, the company went ahead with refueling and didn’t begin social distancing until workers told the press they were “terrified” that they’re working in a “breeding ground” for COVID-19.
Nearly 30 Limerick workers have tested positive for the virus, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. But Vogtle has by far the biggest outbreak, with 143 workers testing positive. It’s unknown how many nuclear plant workers nationwide have tested positive, because the NRC has not reported cases.
“The key question,” Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety for the Union of Concerned Scientists, told Utility Dive, “is how much additional risk will the NRC allow nuclear plants to accept in order to keep them running during the crisis?”
Good question.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-28--EWG: Without Worker Protections, Trump’s Planned Order To Keep Meat Plants Open During Pandemic Coul

EWG: Without Worker Protections, Trump’s Planned Order To Keep Meat Plants Open During Pandemic Could Be a Death Sentence

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced today he will use the Defense Production Act to declare meat-processing plants essential infrastructure , forcing them to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic , despite the growing numbers of food and farm workers sickened by the virus , according to a report by Bloomberg News .
The Trump administration has already waived regulations limiting meat-processing line speeds and tried to cut farm and food workers ’ pay , and Trump ’ s Occupational and Safety Health Administration has done little or nothing to ensure these essential workers are protected from the virus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6,500 workers from meat processing facilities who are either sick from COVID-19 or in isolation , reported Bloomberg .
In response , here is a statement from Scott Faber , EWG senior vice president for government affairs : Sending workers back to meat-processing plants without proper protection is tantamount to a death sentence .
Rather than escalating this danger with reckless fiats , President Trump should be ensuring food and farm workers have adequate PPE , plenty of space to work safely and free testing – not to mention paid sick leave and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These workers have been on the front lines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic , risking their lives to feed the rest of us .
President Trump should order OSHA to issue immediate , urgent standards to protect them .
See all of EWG ’ s work on COVID-19 and Farms .

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed an executive order today declaring meat-processing plants essential infrastructure and allowing the Agriculture Department to use the Defense Production Act to force them to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the growing numbers of food and farm workers sickened by the virus, according to a report by Bloomberg News.
The Trump administration has already waived regulations limiting meat-processing line speeds and tried to cut farm and food workers’ pay, and Trump’s Occupational and Safety Health Administration has done little or nothing to ensure these essential workers are protected from the virus and its impacts.
There are at least 6,500 workers from meat processing facilities who are either sick from COVID-19 or in isolation, reported Bloomberg.
In response, here is a statement from Scott Faber, EWG senior vice president for government affairs:
Sending workers back to meat-processing plants without proper protection is tantamount to a death sentence. Rather than escalating this danger with reckless fiats, President Trump should be ensuring food and farm workers have adequate PPE, plenty of space to work safely and free testing – not to mention paid sick leave and medical care if they do get sick. These workers have been on the front lines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, risking their lives to feed the rest of us. President Trump should order OSHA to issue immediate, urgent standards to protect them.
See all of EWG’s work on COVID-19 and Farms.
Updated to clarify that President Trump issued an executive order, and did not invoke the Defense Production Act as previously stated.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-28--Five Ways To Clean Up Your Beauty Routine During COVID-19 Lockdown

Being stuck at home for weeks on end stinks .
But it ’ s necessary to flatten the curve of the coronavirus , so let ’ s make the best of it .
EWG came up with ways to take advantage of this time of self-isolation with little or no contact with other people besides those in your pandemic “ pod.
” Here are five ideas to consider that can benefit your skin and your overall health .
Since many of us are spending most of our time indoors , now is the perfect chance to pare down your makeup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Give your skin a break from harsh , pore-clogging makeup and choose a bare-face look .
Not only will this give your skin an opportunity to breathe , but it will also reduce the number of products you use each day and , in turn , the number of potentially hazardous chemicals you ’ re exposed to .
Who cares if you have a breakout or less than perfect skin ?
There ’ s no one around to judge .
( Plus , Zoom ’ s “ touch up my appearance ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Consider resetting your skin with steps you may typically overlook , like face serums , essences and masks .
Remember , though , that not all skincare products are free of ingredients of concern , so use EWG ’ s Skin Deep® database to find ones without ingredients that may affect your health .
Skin Deep is an online resource that rates more than 80,000 personal care products based on the hazards associated with their ingredients .
Check out Skin Deep ’ s serums and essences or masks category to find better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , consult our list of serums and essences best bets , which have fewer ingredients of concern and are under $ 10 .
Remember , too , that just because you aren ’ t wearing makeup everyday doesn ’ t mean you should forgo your daily sunscreen .
Sun protection is essential if your home-office desk is close to a window or if you go for daily walks .
Look for safer , more effective sunscreens in our 2019 Guide to Sunscreen ( and keep an eye out for the forthcoming release of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also want to consider incorporating facial massages into your routine .
These can help relieve built-up tension and stress .
While you ’ re at it , consider applying this same principle to your nails .
Give them a break from polish and/or acrylics .
Pamper them instead with EWG VERIFIED™ soaps , hand sanitizers and lotions .
Have you always wanted to try a natural deodorant but were scared off by thought of not being at your best at work or on a date ?
Whether “ natural ” or otherwise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with fewer ingredients of concern .
Better yet , choose one of the 24 deodorants that are EWG VERIFIED , which means they meet EWG ’ s strictest standards for transparency and health .
3 .
Consider going longer between wash days .
This might be the perfect time to try a new hair-washing routine and experiment with washing your locks less frequently .
Some hair stylists and dermatologists claim that daily washing strips the hair of beneficial oil , or sebum , thus making the scalp produce more oil to compensate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you ’ re reducing the number of products you ’ re using per day , which in turn can reduce your body burden .
You might also consider experimenting with new shampoos and conditioners with fewer ingredients that may affect our health or that of the environment .
Shampooing less frequently isn ’ t for everyone , though , so consult your dermatologist if you have questions about your scalp or hair .
If you ’ re trying a lower-maintenance routine , this is a good time to skip dyeing and/or chemically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although hair dye has been flying off store shelves since the start of the pandemic , we recommend avoiding or limiting dyeing or straightening hair as much as possible , since a study last year found that its use was linked to an increased risk of breast cancer .
4 .
‘ Marie Kondo ’ your personal care products and replace with cleaner alternatives .
Although not required by the Food and Drug Administration , some personal care product manufacturers list expiration dates on their products .
As with food , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time beyond which these products should no longer be used , whether because of increased risk of bacterial contamination or changes in other qualities of the product .
But not all products are labeled with an expiration date .
In those cases , you ’ ll have to decide whether to get rid of products based on when the product was purchased .
Many authorities suggest disposing of products within a few months to a year after purchase .
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that eye makeup , for example , should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the growth of infection-causing bacteria .
When you throw out products , make sure you follow the recycling and disposal guidelines on the product package .
If you have unused or gently used products that you no longer need or want and that haven ’ t expired , consider donating them to organizations like Project Beauty Share , or contact your local shelters to see if they ’ re accepting donations .
Once you ’ ve discarded your expired products that no longer bring you joy à la Marie , check Skin Deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to try out all of those at-home ideas you always see on social media but have never before had time to try .
Here are a few easy DIYs that EWG staff love : Many of the staff at EWG love using coconut oil in our beauty routines .
Coconut oil can be used as a mask for your hair , a deep hand or body moisturizer , or even a makeup remover .
With all the hand-washing you ’ re doing , make sure to keep your hands moisturized .
Mix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop of jojoba oil .
You can then use the mixture as a moisturizer , or slather it on and leave it on overnight , wearing a pair of cotton gloves , for a more hydrating hand treatment .
Thoroughly combine brown sugar and coconut oil , adding a drop or two of essential oil , if you like .
Mix well and then use in your next bath or shower .
Combine Epsom salts , coarse sea salt , baking soda and a few drops of essential oil of your choice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few tablespoons to your next bath for a relaxing soak .
Put one ripe avocado and one tablespoon of honey in a bowl and mix until thoroughly combined .
Apply evenly to face and rinse with water after 15 to 20 minutes .
Disclaimer : Before trying new products or DIY mixtures , make sure you aren ’ t allergic to any of the ingredients in the recipes and consult your doctor or dermatologist .
Also , these recipes do not contain preservatives , which are essential to preventing microbial growth in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough for a one-time use and then disposing of the rest .

Being stuck at home for weeks on end stinks. But it’s necessary to flatten the curve of the coronavirus, so let’s make the best of it.
EWG came up with ways to take advantage of this time of self-isolation with little or no contact with other people besides those in your pandemic “pod.” Here are five ideas to consider that can benefit your skin and your overall health.
1. Pamper your skin.
Since many of us are spending most of our time indoors, now is the perfect chance to pare down your makeup routine and focus on your #skingoals.
Give your skin a break from harsh, pore-clogging makeup and choose a bare-face look. Not only will this give your skin an opportunity to breathe, but it will also reduce the number of products you use each day and, in turn, the number of potentially hazardous chemicals you’re exposed to.
Who cares if you have a breakout or less than perfect skin? There’s no one around to judge. (Plus, Zoom’s “touch up my appearance” feature is perfect for this situation.)
Consider resetting your skin with steps you may typically overlook, like face serums, essences and masks. Remember, though, that not all skincare products are free of ingredients of concern, so use EWG’s Skin Deep® database to find ones without ingredients that may affect your health.
Skin Deep is an online resource that rates more than 80,000 personal care products based on the hazards associated with their ingredients. Check out Skin Deep’s serums and essences or masks category to find better products. If price is a factor, consult our list of serums and essences best bets, which have fewer ingredients of concern and are under $10.
Remember, too, that just because you aren’t wearing makeup everyday doesn’t mean you should forgo your daily sunscreen. Sun protection is essential if your home-office desk is close to a window or if you go for daily walks. Look for safer, more effective sunscreens in our 2019 Guide to Sunscreen (and keep an eye out for the forthcoming release of our 2020 Guide.)
You might also want to consider incorporating facial massages into your routine. These can help relieve built-up tension and stress.
While you’re at it, consider applying this same principle to your nails. Give them a break from polish and/or acrylics. Pamper them instead with EWG VERIFIED™ soaps, hand sanitizers and lotions.
2. Try a natural deodorant.
Have you always wanted to try a natural deodorant but were scared off by thought of not being at your best at work or on a date?
Whether “natural” or otherwise, use Skin Deep to search for deodorants with fewer ingredients of concern. Better yet, choose one of the 24 deodorants that are EWG VERIFIED, which means they meet EWG’s strictest standards for transparency and health.
3. Consider going longer between wash days.
This might be the perfect time to try a new hair-washing routine and experiment with washing your locks less frequently. Some hair stylists and dermatologists claim that daily washing strips the hair of beneficial oil, or sebum, thus making the scalp produce more oil to compensate.
Washing your hair less frequently also means that you’re reducing the number of products you’re using per day, which in turn can reduce your body burden. You might also consider experimenting with new shampoos and conditioners with fewer ingredients that may affect our health or that of the environment. Shampooing less frequently isn’t for everyone, though, so consult your dermatologist if you have questions about your scalp or hair.
If you’re trying a lower-maintenance routine, this is a good time to skip dyeing and/or chemically straightening your hair for a few weeks. Although hair dye has been flying off store shelves since the start of the pandemic, we recommend avoiding or limiting dyeing or straightening hair as much as possible, since a study last year found that its use was linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
4. ‘Marie Kondo’ your personal care products and replace with cleaner alternatives.
Although not required by the Food and Drug Administration, some personal care product manufacturers list expiration dates on their products. As with food, the date is a good indication of the time beyond which these products should no longer be used, whether because of increased risk of bacterial contamination or changes in other qualities of the product.
But not all products are labeled with an expiration date. In those cases, you’ll have to decide whether to get rid of products based on when the product was purchased.
Many authorities suggest disposing of products within a few months to a year after purchase. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that eye makeup, for example, should be replaced every three months to prevent the growth of infection-causing bacteria.
When you throw out products, make sure you follow the recycling and disposal guidelines on the product package.
If you have unused or gently used products that you no longer need or want and that haven’t expired, consider donating them to organizations like Project Beauty Share, or contact your local shelters to see if they’re accepting donations.
Once you’ve discarded your expired products that no longer bring you joy à la Marie, check Skin Deep to find safer replacements.
5. Try some DIYs.
Take this time to try out all of those at-home ideas you always see on social media but have never before had time to try.
Here are a few easy DIYs that EWG staff love:
Coconut oil for everything
Many of the staff at EWG love using coconut oil in our beauty routines. Coconut oil can be used as a mask for your hair, a deep hand or body moisturizer, or even a makeup remover.
Easy hand treatment to help hydrate dry hands
With all the hand-washing you’re doing, make sure to keep your hands moisturized. Mix coconut oil and shea butter with a drop of jojoba oil. You can then use the mixture as a moisturizer, or slather it on and leave it on overnight, wearing a pair of cotton gloves, for a more hydrating hand treatment.
Simple body scrub
Thoroughly combine brown sugar and coconut oil, adding a drop or two of essential oil, if you like. Mix well and then use in your next bath or shower.
Relaxing bath salts
Combine Epsom salts, coarse sea salt, baking soda and a few drops of essential oil of your choice, and mix the ingredients well. Add a few tablespoons to your next bath for a relaxing soak.
Avocado face mask
Put one ripe avocado and one tablespoon of honey in a bowl and mix until thoroughly combined. Apply evenly to face and rinse with water after 15 to 20 minutes.
Disclaimer: Before trying new products or DIY mixtures, make sure you aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients in the recipes and consult your doctor or dermatologist. Also, these recipes do not contain preservatives, which are essential to preventing microbial growth in personal care products. We recommend making enough for a one-time use and then disposing of the rest.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-28--How Michigan Reduced Industrial Discharges of PFAS

At least 2,500 industrial facilities across the nation could be discharging the toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS into the air and water , according to an updated EWG analysis of government data .
But one state has seen substantial drops in industrial PFAS discharges : Michigan .
Now other states are learning from Michigan ’ s success .
How did Michigan reduce PFAS releases from electroplaters , paper factories and other polluters ?
Michigan set water quality standards for PFOA and PFOS , the two most notorious PFAS compounds , for discharges into drinking water supplies .
State law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 420 parts per trillion , or ppt , for PFOA and 11 ppt for PFOS .
In 2018 , state officials required many wastewater treatment plants to determine whether they were receiving PFOA and PFOS , and ultimately discharging the chemicals into rivers and lakes .
So far , 68 of the 95 wastewater treatment plants identified by state officials either have no upstream industrial source of PFAS pollution or have industrial sources that discharge PFAS at amounts too low to violate state water quality standards .
But in several cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polluters to make substantial reductions in discharges in PFOS .
Treatment plant operators in Belding , Bronson , Detroit , Howell , Iona , Kalamazoo , Lapeer and Wixom with upstream polluters to reduce discharges by anywhere from 49 percent to 99 percent , according to state records reviewed by EWG .
Many of those facilities are electroplating companies , which use PFAS to reduce hexavalent chromium vapors during manufacturing .
Other companies discharging PFAS in Michigan include chemical manufacturers , plastics makers , auto parts manufacturers , aviation component manufacturers and foundries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Michigan Department of Environment , Great Lakes and Energy to identify PFAS dischargers who were suspected of causing wastewater utilities to exceed state water quality standards for PFOS .
Among the suspected industrial dischargers identified by the state were General Motors , Ford , Bayer Crop Science , International Paper and BASF .
In most cases , industrial polluters installed carbon filters to reduce the amount of PFAS being sent to water treatment operators , records show .
In some cases , the polluter treated the PFAS-contaminated wastewater before it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs were paid by the –industrial polluters , not the wastewater treatment plants .
Despite these reductions , several wastewater plants still reported releases above the standard set by the state .
For now , the permits issued to treatment plant operators will not have limits on PFOA and PFOS discharges .
That will change in the next year , when state permits will include strict limits if water quality standards are not being met .
So far , wastewater utilities will only have to report PFOA and PFOS detections , but will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFAS .
Currently there are no restrictions on industrial PFAS discharges under the federal Clean Water Act .
In many communities , industrial discharges are the most significant source of PFAS pollution entering drinking water supplies .
In January , the House passed the PFAS Action Act ( H.R .
535 ) , which would , among other things , establish deadlines for the Environmental Protection Agency to determine how to regulate industrial discharges of PFAS under the Clean Water Act .
• Require the EPA to establish effluent limitation and pretreatment standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as chemical companies , paper mills and textile mills within four years .
• Ensure that those priority industries obtain a permit before discharging PFAS .
• Ensure that those priority industries pretreat their PFAS waste before sending it to a publicly owned sewage treatment plant .
• Prohibit indirect discharges of industrial PFAS into municipal wastewater treatment plants without advance notice .
A similar version of these provisions has been championed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand ( D-N.Y. ) and Reps. Chris Pappas ( D-N.H. ) and Antonio Delgado ( D-N.Y. ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities across the nation could be discharging the toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS into the air and water , according to EWG ’ s analysis of government data .
EWG reviewed online databases from the EPA , as well as data from a survey by the State of New York .
This estimate does not include the 446 public water systems known to be contaminated with PFAS or the 678 military installations with known or suspected PFAS contamination .
Until recently , chemical companies have not been required to report industrial releases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inventory , or TRI .
Of the industrial facilities known or suspected of using PFAS , EWG found that 2,467 are already reporting other toxic chemical releases through the TRI .
Last year , Congress included a provision in must-pass legislation that will add 172 PFAS to the TRI , but that reporting will not start until next year .

At least 2,500 industrial facilities across the nation could be discharging the toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS into the air and water, according to an updated EWG analysis of government data. But one state has seen substantial drops in industrial PFAS discharges: Michigan. Now other states are learning from Michigan’s success.
How did Michigan reduce PFAS releases from electroplaters, paper factories and other polluters?
Michigan set water quality standards for PFOA and PFOS, the two most notorious PFAS compounds, for discharges into drinking water supplies. State law prohibits releases from wastewater utilities of more than 420 parts per trillion, or ppt, for PFOA and 11 ppt for PFOS.
In 2018, state officials required many wastewater treatment plants to determine whether they were receiving PFOA and PFOS, and ultimately discharging the chemicals into rivers and lakes. So far, 68 of the 95 wastewater treatment plants identified by state officials either have no upstream industrial source of PFAS pollution or have industrial sources that discharge PFAS at amounts too low to violate state water quality standards.
Source: Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality
But in several cases, wastewater treatment plant operators worked with industrial polluters to make substantial reductions in discharges in PFOS. Treatment plant operators in Belding, Bronson, Detroit, Howell, Iona, Kalamazoo, Lapeer and Wixom with upstream polluters to reduce discharges by anywhere from 49 percent to 99 percent, according to state records reviewed by EWG.
Many of those facilities are electroplating companies, which use PFAS to reduce hexavalent chromium vapors during manufacturing. Other companies discharging PFAS in Michigan include chemical manufacturers, plastics makers, auto parts manufacturers, aviation component manufacturers and foundries, among others.
EWG used records from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to identify PFAS dischargers who were suspected of causing wastewater utilities to exceed state water quality standards for PFOS. Among the suspected industrial dischargers identified by the state were General Motors, Ford, Bayer Crop Science, International Paper and BASF.
In most cases, industrial polluters installed carbon filters to reduce the amount of PFAS being sent to water treatment operators, records show. In some cases, the polluter treated the PFAS-contaminated wastewater before it was sent to the treatment plant. The costs were paid by the –industrial polluters, not the wastewater treatment plants.
Despite these reductions, several wastewater plants still reported releases above the standard set by the state. For now, the permits issued to treatment plant operators will not have limits on PFOA and PFOS discharges. That will change in the next year, when state permits will include strict limits if water quality standards are not being met. So far, wastewater utilities will only have to report PFOA and PFOS detections, but will have to test for dozens of different PFAS.
Currently there are no restrictions on industrial PFAS discharges under the federal Clean Water Act. In many communities, industrial discharges are the most significant source of PFAS pollution entering drinking water supplies. In January, the House passed the PFAS Action Act (H.R. 535), which would, among other things, establish deadlines for the Environmental Protection Agency to determine how to regulate industrial discharges of PFAS under the Clean Water Act.
The PFAS Action Act would:
Require the EPA to establish effluent limitation and pretreatment standards for PFAS for priority industry categories, such as chemical companies, paper mills and textile mills within four years.
Ensure that those priority industries obtain a permit before discharging PFAS.
Ensure that those priority industries pretreat their PFAS waste before sending it to a publicly owned sewage treatment plant.
Prohibit indirect discharges of industrial PFAS into municipal wastewater treatment plants without advance notice.
A similar version of these provisions has been championed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Reps. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Antonio Delgado (D-N.Y.).
Overall, more than 2,500 industrial facilities across the nation could be discharging the toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS into the air and water, according to EWG’s analysis of government data. EWG reviewed online databases from the EPA, as well as data from a survey by the State of New York. This estimate does not include the 446 public water systems known to be contaminated with PFAS or the 678 military installations with known or suspected PFAS contamination.
Until recently, chemical companies have not been required to report industrial releases of PFAS through the federal Toxic Release Inventory, or TRI. Of the industrial facilities known or suspected of using PFAS, EWG found that 2,467 are already reporting other toxic chemical releases through the TRI. Last year, Congress included a provision in must-pass legislation that will add 172 PFAS to the TRI, but that reporting will not start until next year.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-01--COVID-19 Farm Bailout Funds Should Help Farmworkers, Not Big Farmers

Congress should direct the Department of Agriculture to use COVID-19 relief funds to ensure that farmworkers – not big farmers – have protections , free testing and paid sick leave .
Last month , USDA announced a $ 19 billion COVID-19 relief initiative , including $ 16 billion in direct payments to farmers .
These new payments come on top of more than $ 14 billion in payments made to offset the effects of the Trump administration ’ s trade war with China and more than $ 15 billion in ongoing , annual taxpayer-funded farm subsidies .
Despite the surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged to spend any COVID-19 disaster funds to provide growers or farmworkers with personal protective equipment or funds for housing and transportation options that will reduce the spread of the virus .
USDA ’ s proposal is pending at the Office of Management and Budget .
So far , bailout spending has provided $ 590 million to farmers in the 100 counties with the most farmworkers , but there was no requirement that funds be used to improve worker conditions .
Instead , the lion ’ s share of bailout funds flowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The harvest season is about to begin , bringing thousands of farmworkers into the fields , but the Trump administration has so far refused to issue mandatory protections from COVID-19 .
Although some farmworkers are able to spread out in fields , many migrant and seasonal workers are housed and transported in ways that increase the likelihood the virus will spread .
Despite appeals from Congress , neither the Occupational Safety and Health Administration nor the USDA has yet issued emergency standards requiring food and farm employers to meet safety guidelines developed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , the Trump administration has ordered meat plants to stay open without requiring them to provide any protections , and has sought to limit the liability of employers .
Many food and farm workers are not eligible for free COVID-19 testing .
If they do become sick , many are ineligible for paid sick leave , increasing the likelihood they will infect their co-workers .
The Families First Act passed by Congress requires some employers to provide two weeks of paid sick leave , but many food and farm companies are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been deemed essential workers , farm and food workers do not receive hazard pay to reflect the risks they face .
Because many are undocumented , many are ineligible for health benefits other workers enjoy , such as Medicaid .
As a result , undocumented workers are not only denied hazard pay and sick pay but also lack access to health care , increasing the likelihood that the virus will spread as they continue to work .
To address these risks , the Trump administration must issue emergency standards that require employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space to work without spreading the virus , and housing and transportation options that will reduce the likelihood of transmission .
What ’ s more , USDA funds should be used to provide hazard pay to food and farm workers – not a pay cut – to reflect the risks they take and to attract new workers as others become sick .
To reduce transmission of the virus among workers , all food and farm workers should be provided free testing , two weeks of paid sick leave – regardless of the size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care , such as Medicaid .
Because many food and farm workers are undocumented , these and other benefits , including state benefits such as child care and overtime pay , should be provided regardless of immigration status .
USDA should also take steps to ensure farm payments flow to farmers in need .
Through Freedom of Information Act requests , EWG learned that most bailout funding has flowed to the largest , most successful farms – not to the family farms in greatest need of help .
Between August 2018 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of MFP recipients collected 14 percent of all MFP funds , with 6,000 farmers each harvesting more than $ 300,000 .
One farmer , Smith & Sons in Texas , received $ 2.3 million .
Another , Deline Farms in Missouri , received $ 2.2 million .
By contrast , the bottom 80 percent of MFP recipients – or about 500,000 farmers – each received about $ 7,000 in the same time period .
Unlike with hunger or housing assistance programs , millionaires can still receive MFP payments ( and other farm subsidies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to retain the same meager “ means ” test that applies to most farm subsidies – that farm couples can receive payments so long as their annual average net income does not exceed $ 1.8 million .
The agency also did nothing to close loopholes that allow distant relations or silent partners to collect subsidies , regardless of whether they live or work on the farm .
As a result , EWG keeps finding city dwellers on the list of MFP recipients .
Even Trump campaign advisors and billionaires are cashing in .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that funds flow to farmers in need , some legislators are pushing to lift limits and increase funding for COVID-19 relief .

Congress should direct the Department of Agriculture to use COVID-19 relief funds to ensure that farmworkers – not big farmers – have protections, free testing and paid sick leave.
Last month, USDA announced a $19 billion COVID-19 relief initiative, including $16 billion in direct payments to farmers. These new payments come on top of more than $14 billion in payments made to offset the effects of the Trump administration’s trade war with China and more than $15 billion in ongoing, annual taxpayer-funded farm subsidies.
Despite the surge in funding, USDA has not yet pledged to spend any COVID-19 disaster funds to provide growers or farmworkers with personal protective equipment or funds for housing and transportation options that will reduce the spread of the virus. USDA’s proposal is pending at the Office of Management and Budget.
So far, bailout spending has provided $590 million to farmers in the 100 counties with the most farmworkers, but there was no requirement that funds be used to improve worker conditions. Instead, the lion’s share of bailout funds flowed to the largest and most successful farmers.
The harvest season is about to begin, bringing thousands of farmworkers into the fields, but the Trump administration has so far refused to issue mandatory protections from COVID-19. Although some farmworkers are able to spread out in fields, many migrant and seasonal workers are housed and transported in ways that increase the likelihood the virus will spread.
Despite appeals from Congress, neither the Occupational Safety and Health Administration nor the USDA has yet issued emergency standards requiring food and farm employers to meet safety guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Instead, the Trump administration has ordered meat plants to stay open without requiring them to provide any protections, and has sought to limit the liability of employers.
Many food and farm workers are not eligible for free COVID-19 testing. If they do become sick, many are ineligible for paid sick leave, increasing the likelihood they will infect their co-workers. The Families First Act passed by Congress requires some employers to provide two weeks of paid sick leave, but many food and farm companies are exempt from the requirement.
Although they have been deemed essential workers, farm and food workers do not receive hazard pay to reflect the risks they face. Because many are undocumented, many are ineligible for health benefits other workers enjoy, such as Medicaid. As a result, undocumented workers are not only denied hazard pay and sick pay but also lack access to health care, increasing the likelihood that the virus will spread as they continue to work.
To address these risks, the Trump administration must issue emergency standards that require employers to provide personal protective equipment, enough space to work without spreading the virus, and housing and transportation options that will reduce the likelihood of transmission.
What’s more, USDA funds should be used to provide hazard pay to food and farm workers – not a pay cut – to reflect the risks they take and to attract new workers as others become sick.
To reduce transmission of the virus among workers, all food and farm workers should be provided free testing, two weeks of paid sick leave – regardless of the size of their employer – and access to health care, such as Medicaid.
Because many food and farm workers are undocumented, these and other benefits, including state benefits such as child care and overtime pay, should be provided regardless of immigration status.
USDA should also take steps to ensure farm payments flow to farmers in need. Through Freedom of Information Act requests, EWG learned that most bailout funding has flowed to the largest, most successful farms – not to the family farms in greatest need of help. Between August 2018 and October 2019, the top 1 percent of MFP recipients collected 14 percent of all MFP funds, with 6,000 farmers each harvesting more than $300,000. One farmer, Smith & Sons in Texas, received $2.3 million. Another, Deline Farms in Missouri, received $2.2 million.
By contrast, the bottom 80 percent of MFP recipients – or about 500,000 farmers – each received about $7,000 in the same time period.
Unlike with hunger or housing assistance programs, millionaires can still receive MFP payments (and other farm subsidies). Trump’s USDA chose to retain the same meager “means” test that applies to most farm subsidies – that farm couples can receive payments so long as their annual average net income does not exceed $1.8 million. The agency also did nothing to close loopholes that allow distant relations or silent partners to collect subsidies, regardless of whether they live or work on the farm.
As a result, EWG keeps finding city dwellers on the list of MFP recipients. Even Trump campaign advisors and billionaires are cashing in. But instead of supporting limits to ensure that funds flow to farmers in need, some legislators are pushing to lift limits and increase funding for COVID-19 relief.