environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-07--Celebrating Mother’s Day With a Wish for Healthy Babies

My life ’ s work is to protect and promote babies ’ health , and as all parents know ( and now the whole world is learning , or seeing in the background on a Zoom call ) , our personal and professional lives are never really separate .
This is true now more than ever , for all of us and certainly for me , having just launched my new company , healthynest , to be there during a time when parents need us .
Many years ago , I launched my first dream company , Happy Family Organics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gift to moms .
I was sure I was doing my part to change the world so that every baby could have access to clean organic food to support a happy , healthy life .
I could never have imagined where the next two decades would take me , professionally or personally .
A few years later , our oldest child , Zane , was diagnosed with autism at age 2 .
Zane is now 10 , and like the one in six families whose children are diagnosed with developmental disorders every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his challenging special needs .
We never stop asking questions about his autism and looking for answers .
Armed with hundreds of research studies and direct access to the world ’ s leading obstetricians , developmental pediatricians , neurologists , and environmental biologists and toxicologists , we had our second beautiful connected baby , Asha , now 3 .
We ’ ve learned so much along this journey about what environmental factors – besides nutrition alone – can make a difference in a baby ’ s health , and I want to share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everywhere , because sharing , connecting and supporting is what we all need , always , but maybe now more than ever .
Something we come back to again and again is that from the moment your baby is born , and for the first three years , they ’ re creating 1 million or more new neural connections per second !
Their physical and emotional environment can shape a developing mind .
Babies deserve a safe space free from toxins , to protect their growing bodies and brains .
Emotionally , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When we smile at them and experience delight at whatever it is they ’ re doing , they learn that when they do something , someone cares , and this motivates them to do more .
Each of these seemingly small , instinctual interactions is growing their brains by the second .
Renowned developmental pediatrician Stephen Cowan M.D.
, who has many videos on our site , says : Trust your instincts .
Trust your intuition , as long as you can move fear out of it – because fear will cloud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never wrong .
Babies are deeply , unconditionally forgiving , and they do n't expect you to get everything right .
Along with advice from greats like Dr. Cowan , EWG has been essential to me as a mother trying to create science-backed products I trust for my own family .
That 's why I launched my new company , healthynest , with EWG VERIFIED™ cleaning and personal care products , and why we worked closely with EWG scientists to make the safest products for mom and baby we could imagine , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way .
EWG 's VERIFIED program allows us as parents , entrepreneurs and consumers to work together to move the market toward a safer future for us all .
Safer products and stricter standards mean a healthier future for many Mother 's Days to come .
It ’ s an honor to wish all of you a Happy Mother 's Day .
I hope that healthynest – with the information , products and the developmental activities and support you all deserve – will be a gift to you and all superhero parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can all focus on what matters most – a safe , happy , and healthy life .
The first 250 people to sign up will receive a gift of one month of our very special healthynest diapering and development program : At healthynest , we want to hear from you .
When parents share our ups and downs , we learn and get better together .
I ’ ve learned a lot the hard way , and we would love to hear tips and advice from your amazing journey that make life easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach out to us on Instagram @ healthynesting or Healthynest with your best advice – what you wish someone had told you before becoming a parent .
# whatiwishediknew .
Disclaimer : Any views or opinions represented by any third-party materials belong solely to the third party and do not represent the views of EWG .

My life’s work is to protect and promote babies’ health, and as all parents know (and now the whole world is learning, or seeing in the background on a Zoom call), our personal and professional lives are never really separate.
This is true now more than ever, for all of us and certainly for me, having just launched my new company, healthynest, to be there during a time when parents need us.
Many years ago, I launched my first dream company, Happy Family Organics, on Mother's Day, as a gift to moms. I was sure I was doing my part to change the world so that every baby could have access to clean organic food to support a happy, healthy life. I could never have imagined where the next two decades would take me, professionally or personally.
A few years later, our oldest child, Zane, was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Zane is now 10, and like the one in six families whose children are diagnosed with developmental disorders every year, we have navigated life with his challenging special needs. We never stop asking questions about his autism and looking for answers. Armed with hundreds of research studies and direct access to the world’s leading obstetricians, developmental pediatricians, neurologists, and environmental biologists and toxicologists, we had our second beautiful connected baby, Asha, now 3.
We’ve learned so much along this journey about what environmental factors – besides nutrition alone – can make a difference in a baby’s health, and I want to share that hard-fought knowledge, to empower parents everywhere, because sharing, connecting and supporting is what we all need, always, but maybe now more than ever.
Something we come back to again and again is that from the moment your baby is born, and for the first three years, they’re creating 1 million or more new neural connections per second! Their physical and emotional environment can shape a developing mind.
Babies deserve a safe space free from toxins, to protect their growing bodies and brains. Emotionally, they need us to be engaged and connected. When we smile at them and experience delight at whatever it is they’re doing, they learn that when they do something, someone cares, and this motivates them to do more. Each of these seemingly small, instinctual interactions is growing their brains by the second.
Renowned developmental pediatrician Stephen Cowan M.D., who has many videos on our site, says: Trust your instincts. Trust your intuition, as long as you can move fear out of it – because fear will cloud your intuition, and your intuition is never wrong. Babies are deeply, unconditionally forgiving, and they don't expect you to get everything right.
Along with advice from greats like Dr. Cowan, EWG has been essential to me as a mother trying to create science-backed products I trust for my own family. That's why I launched my new company, healthynest, with EWG VERIFIED™ cleaning and personal care products, and why we worked closely with EWG scientists to make the safest products for mom and baby we could imagine, even trying to eliminate single use plastic along the way. EWG's VERIFIED program allows us as parents, entrepreneurs and consumers to work together to move the market toward a safer future for us all. Safer products and stricter standards mean a healthier future for many Mother's Days to come.
It’s an honor to wish all of you a Happy Mother's Day. I hope that healthynest – with the information, products and the developmental activities and support you all deserve – will be a gift to you and all superhero parents throughout their journey, so that we can all focus on what matters most – a safe, happy, and healthy life.
Shazi Visram
Founder/Chief Mom, healthynest
EWG board member since 2017
The first 250 people to sign up will receive a gift of one month of our very special healthynest diapering and development program:
Developmental activities customized for baby
Access to videos – customized activities and additional expert content
One month of healthynest diapers
Wet and dry wipes
At healthynest, we want to hear from you. When parents share our ups and downs, we learn and get better together. I’ve learned a lot the hard way, and we would love to hear tips and advice from your amazing journey that make life easier for any of us. Email or reach out to us on Instagram @healthynesting or Healthynest with your best advice – what you wish someone had told you before becoming a parent. #whatiwishediknew.
Disclaimer: Any views or opinions represented by any third-party materials belong solely to the third party and do not represent the views of EWG.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-11--Deep in the Heart of Texas, the Pandemic Threatens Renewable Energy

Deep in the Heart of Texas , the Pandemic Threatens Renewable Energy When you think of energy and Texas , you think of oil .
But besides being the leading oil and natural gas production and refining state , Texas is also a national leader in renewable energy .
Texas is first nationwide in installed wind capacity , enough to power nearly eight million homes .
Although solar fills just over 1 percent of the Lone Star State ’ s power needs , Texas is the fourth-ranked state for installed solar capacity .
But as in other states , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tempered Texas ’ once-bright outlook for renewables .
Before the crisis , Texas had more than 39,000 jobs in renewables , second in the nation , according to the environmental entrepreneurs coalition E2 .
But the BW Research Partnership reports that in March alone , Texas lost more than 4,000 clean energy jobs , as 100,000 clean energy jobs were lost nationwide .
That makes the state one of the top 10 for lost clean energy jobs .
The pandemic has threatened the Texas renewable sector in fundamental ways .
For example : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solar installer , fears supply chain disruption .
Bret Biggart , the company ’ s CEO , told PV Magazine , “ All of our warehouses and all of our locations are now filled with supplies .
If we can ’ t get the parts that we need after burning through a month or two of inventory , we ’ ll have an issue.
” • Swinerton Renewable Energy planned a huge wind farm in the heart of the West Texas oil patch , until investors got cold feet because they feared the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Wind Energy Association has estimated that the pandemic threatens the jobs of almost 30 percent of the nation ’ s 120,000-strong wind industry workforce , tens of billions of dollars of investments , and billions more in tax and lease payments .
One-fourth of all installed U.S. wind capacity – 25,000 megawatts – is at risk of not being built .
Of the 6,000 megawatts currently at some stage of construction in Texas , half may be at risk , according to the most recent Energy Information Administration data .
The Solar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has estimated up to 250,000 lost jobs due to the pandemic .
SEIA President Abigail Ross Hopper told the Associated Press , “ There are many smaller companies going out of business as we speak .
Up to half our jobs are at risk.
” According to E2 , nearly two-thirds of solar workers are employed at businesses with 19 or fewer employees .
The solar and wind industries are urging Congress to extend the federal tax credits for wind and solar and , in the near term , for direct payments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy sector .
They have had apparent success in requesting an extension of “ safe harbor ” provisions for renewable projects under construction so that stalled projects can qualify for federal wind and solar tax credits .
On Friday , in response to Sen. Charles Grassley ( R-Iowa ) , the Treasury Department signaled that it “ plans to modify the relevant rules in the near future.
” The success of wind and solar power in Texas hinges on favorable state policy for jumpstarting the industry and allowing expansion by supporting the necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solar farms to more densely populated urban centers .
Another strength is that wind and solar are uniquely compatible with the state ’ s sprawling oil industry .
As state Rep. Brooks Landgraf , who represents West Texas , told the Financial Times , “ Thankfully , I come from a part of Texas where we have the ability to produce hydrocarbon-based energy and solar energy and wind energy .
It ’ s in our culture in the Permian Basin to produce energy.
” Congress must not let the renewable sector in Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pull itself out of the pandemic-induced economic slump quickly .
Wind and solar investment can readily accomplish that .
It is time for Congress to shore up an industry that is critical not only to Texas ’ economy but also to the entire nation ’ s economic well-being .

When you think of energy and Texas, you think of oil. But besides being the leading oil and natural gas production and refining state, Texas is also a national leader in renewable energy.
Texas is first nationwide in installed wind capacity, enough to power nearly eight million homes. Although solar fills just over 1 percent of the Lone Star State’s power needs, Texas is the fourth-ranked state for installed solar capacity. But as in other states, the economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic tempered Texas’ once-bright outlook for renewables.
Before the crisis, Texas had more than 39,000 jobs in renewables, second in the nation, according to the environmental entrepreneurs coalition E2. But the BW Research Partnership reports that in March alone, Texas lost more than 4,000 clean energy jobs, as 100,000 clean energy jobs were lost nationwide. That makes the state one of the top 10 for lost clean energy jobs.
The pandemic has threatened the Texas renewable sector in fundamental ways. For example:
Freedom Solar, a Texas-based residential solar installer, fears supply chain disruption. Bret Biggart, the company’s CEO, told PV Magazine, “All of our warehouses and all of our locations are now filled with supplies. If we can’t get the parts that we need after burning through a month or two of inventory, we’ll have an issue.”
Swinerton Renewable Energy planned a huge wind farm in the heart of the West Texas oil patch, until investors got cold feet because they feared the loss of federal tax credits.
The American Wind Energy Association has estimated that the pandemic threatens the jobs of almost 30 percent of the nation’s 120,000-strong wind industry workforce, tens of billions of dollars of investments, and billions more in tax and lease payments. One-fourth of all installed U.S. wind capacity – 25,000 megawatts – is at risk of not being built. Of the 6,000 megawatts currently at some stage of construction in Texas, half may be at risk, according to the most recent Energy Information Administration data.
The Solar Energy Industries Association, or SEIA, has estimated up to 250,000 lost jobs due to the pandemic. SEIA President Abigail Ross Hopper told the Associated Press, “There are many smaller companies going out of business as we speak. Up to half our jobs are at risk.” According to E2, nearly two-thirds of solar workers are employed at businesses with 19 or fewer employees.
The solar and wind industries are urging Congress to extend the federal tax credits for wind and solar and, in the near term, for direct payments to soften the financial blow to the renewable energy sector. They have had apparent success in requesting an extension of “safe harbor” provisions for renewable projects under construction so that stalled projects can qualify for federal wind and solar tax credits. On Friday, in response to Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), the Treasury Department signaled that it “plans to modify the relevant rules in the near future.”
The success of wind and solar power in Texas hinges on favorable state policy for jumpstarting the industry and allowing expansion by supporting the necessary transmission infrastructure to connect remote wind and solar farms to more densely populated urban centers.
Another strength is that wind and solar are uniquely compatible with the state’s sprawling oil industry. As state Rep. Brooks Landgraf, who represents West Texas, told the Financial Times, “Thankfully, I come from a part of Texas where we have the ability to produce hydrocarbon-based energy and solar energy and wind energy. It’s in our culture in the Permian Basin to produce energy.”
Congress must not let the renewable sector in Texas falter. The state will need to pull itself out of the pandemic-induced economic slump quickly. Wind and solar investment can readily accomplish that. It is time for Congress to shore up an industry that is critical not only to Texas’ economy but also to the entire nation’s economic well-being.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-08--As Homes Become Classrooms, Calif. Gov. Newsom Moves To Protect Kids From Pesticide Drift

SAN FRANCISCO – California Gov .
Gavin Newsom has directed all counties to tighten restrictions on pesticide spraying near homes , to protect children from toxic chemicals drifting from crop fields while they are homebound during the coronavirus pandemic .
Newsome ’ s order signals a new approach to California agriculture regulation , calling for “ transitioning away from harmful chemicals.
” At Newsom ’ s direction , the California Department of Pesticide Regulation , or DPR , issued guidance to all 58 county agriculture commissioners to take a series of aggressive steps to ensure kids are not exposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school , including : • Strictly enforcing all applicable pesticide health protections around homes and schools during the COVID-19 emergency .
• Prohibiting pesticide applications when there is a reasonable possibility of contamination of people not involved in the pesticide application process .
The Newsom administration will take a much tougher approach to penalizing farm operations that violate the rules , imposing fines up to $ 5,000 “ per person per incident ” and ensuring that county agriculture commissioners “ prioritize investigations of violations near homes and schools.
” Previous administrations treated each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violation regardless of the number of people affected , and local investigations did not prioritize schools or homes .
DPR will also boost its promotion of the use of California ’ s System for Pesticide Incident Reporting , a mobile app for reporting pesticide drift .
No previous California governor has taken such an aggressive approach with the state ’ s powerful chemical-based agribusiness sector when it comes to protecting residents and farmworkers from pesticide drift from nearby farm fields .
People who live near farms and environmental and farmworker justice advocates have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more than two decades .
“ This order recognizes the extraordinary importance of reducing the threat of pesticide exposure among California ’ s most vulnerable communities during this COVID-19 crisis with a focus on growing a strong , climate smart agricultural economy while transitioning away from the use of harmful chemicals , ” said Adam Vega , coordinator , Ventura County Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety .
“ This administration has spoken about its commitment to California ’ s farmers , but that commitment under no circumstances should come down to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmers or the farmworkers , ” Vega said .
“ This is the perfect example , and opportunity , of what a working group on agriculture and essential workers could address immediately.
” “ Farmworkers and their families are of course the most vulnerable of all .
They are the frontline essential workers feeding us right now , ” said actor , director and producer Laura Dern .
“ This issue is deeply personal to me .
My mom , like so many , has been exposed to pesticide drift that invades her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and seriously affected her beloved pets .
“ That ’ s why I ’ m so grateful for Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s announcement of sweeping new state guidance to protect children and everyone else from pesticide spray drift that affects their homes , ” Dern said .
“ His policy pledges would reduce the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture , and charts a hopeful , sustainable future that balances the needs of California ’ s farms with the health concerns of millions of people in nearby communities.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom for his leadership , ” said Dern ’ s mother , actor , writer and director Diane Ladd , who lives in Ventura County .
“ And to all the organizations who are working together now to protect all Californians , especially our children and even our pets , from dangerous pesticide spray that drifts from farm fields onto our property and into our homes .
It is especially important to protect anyone whose health conditions make them especially vulnerable to toxic pesticides that pose acute risk to our respiratory or nervous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community has been ravaged by neighboring farms overspraying children , ill neighbors , preschools and elementary schools , I am forever grateful to Gov .
Gavin Newsom for his bold , visionary leadership to safeguard all Californians , ” said Heather Collins , of Ojai in Ventura County .
“ The landmark guidance his administration announced on May 7 will hold county agriculture commissioners accountable to protect residents from farm pesticide drift.
” “ It will give homes the same protection from pesticide drift accorded now to schools , ” Collins said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the direction of the governor ’ s goal of ‘ intricately connecting the areas of healthy soils , alternative pest management strategies , agricultural economies , community and worker health and safety , food systems and environmental resource priorities all while transitioning away from harmful chemicals.
’ ” '' The governor 's letter and the directive from CalEPA make it very clear that there 's a new sheriff in town when it comes to pesticide abuse , who will put protecting people above promoting pesticides , '' said James Wheaton , president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal assistance to the groups asking for reform .
“ This is a new day for California ’ s kids and all residents of the state , ” said EWG President Ken Cook .
“ It recognizes that during the crisis , homes are classrooms , and kids at home deserve the same protections from pesticide drift that apply to schools .
Now those days spent at home learning will not be interrupted by a blast of dangerous pesticides wafting through windows and doors .
Once again the governor is using the power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health – the exact opposite of the leadership we are unfortunately seeing from elected officials in Washington.
” Newsom ’ s order comes almost exactly after a year he announced the ban of the neurotoxic pesticide chlorpyrifos over the risk it poses to children .
Under the Obama administration , the Environmental Protection Agency proposed to ban the brain-damaging pesticide , but in 2017 , Trump EPA chief Andrew Wheeler overruled his agency ’ s own scientists to reverse the pending ban .
The pesticide drift that poses a risk to children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agricultural operations , not from organic farms , where the pesticide control technologies are much safer .
The organic agriculture sector in California is big – and getting bigger each year .
According to California Certified Organic Farmers , in 2017 the state ’ s organic farming , processing and handling industry produced more than $ 14 billion in sales .
Newsom ’ s desire for the state ’ s agriculture sector to be free of toxic chemicals could open the door to calls for organic to be the prevailing system of farming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group is a nonprofit , non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment .
Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .

SAN FRANCISCO – California Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed all counties to tighten restrictions on pesticide spraying near homes, to protect children from toxic chemicals drifting from crop fields while they are homebound during the coronavirus pandemic. Newsome’s order signals a new approach to California agriculture regulation, calling for “transitioning away from harmful chemicals.”
At Newsom’s direction, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, or DPR, issued guidance to all 58 county agriculture commissioners to take a series of aggressive steps to ensure kids are not exposed to pesticides while forced to stay home from school, including:
Strictly enforcing all applicable pesticide health protections around homes and schools during the COVID-19 emergency.
Prohibiting pesticide applications when there is a reasonable possibility of contamination of people not involved in the pesticide application process.
The Newsom administration will take a much tougher approach to penalizing farm operations that violate the rules, imposing fines up to $5,000 “per person per incident” and ensuring that county agriculture commissioners “prioritize investigations of violations near homes and schools.” Previous administrations treated each instance of pesticide abuse as a single violation regardless of the number of people affected, and local investigations did not prioritize schools or homes.
DPR will also boost its promotion of the use of California’s System for Pesticide Incident Reporting, a mobile app for reporting pesticide drift.
No previous California governor has taken such an aggressive approach with the state’s powerful chemical-based agribusiness sector when it comes to protecting residents and farmworkers from pesticide drift from nearby farm fields. People who live near farms and environmental and farmworker justice advocates have been calling for such action from Sacramento for more than two decades.
“This order recognizes the extraordinary importance of reducing the threat of pesticide exposure among California’s most vulnerable communities during this COVID-19 crisis with a focus on growing a strong, climate smart agricultural economy while transitioning away from the use of harmful chemicals,” said Adam Vega, coordinator, Ventura County Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety.
“This administration has spoken about its commitment to California’s farmers, but that commitment under no circumstances should come down to a choice between who suffers more – the farmers or the farmworkers,” Vega said. “This is the perfect example, and opportunity, of what a working group on agriculture and essential workers could address immediately.”
“Farmworkers and their families are of course the most vulnerable of all. They are the frontline essential workers feeding us right now,” said actor, director and producer Laura Dern. “This issue is deeply personal to me. My mom, like so many, has been exposed to pesticide drift that invades her home and surroundings and seriously compromised her health and seriously affected her beloved pets.
“That’s why I’m so grateful for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement of sweeping new state guidance to protect children and everyone else from pesticide spray drift that affects their homes,” Dern said. “His policy pledges would reduce the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture, and charts a hopeful, sustainable future that balances the needs of California’s farms with the health concerns of millions of people in nearby communities.”
“I’m so grateful to Governor Newsom for his leadership,” said Dern’s mother, actor, writer and director Diane Ladd, who lives in Ventura County. “And to all the organizations who are working together now to protect all Californians, especially our children and even our pets, from dangerous pesticide spray that drifts from farm fields onto our property and into our homes. It is especially important to protect anyone whose health conditions make them especially vulnerable to toxic pesticides that pose acute risk to our respiratory or nervous systems.”
“As a resident whose community has been ravaged by neighboring farms overspraying children, ill neighbors, preschools and elementary schools, I am forever grateful to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his bold, visionary leadership to safeguard all Californians,” said Heather Collins, of Ojai in Ventura County. “The landmark guidance his administration announced on May 7 will hold county agriculture commissioners accountable to protect residents from farm pesticide drift.”
“It will give homes the same protection from pesticide drift accorded now to schools,” Collins said. “And it will lead California in the direction of the governor’s goal of ‘intricately connecting the areas of healthy soils, alternative pest management strategies, agricultural economies, community and worker health and safety, food systems and environmental resource priorities all while transitioning away from harmful chemicals.’”
"The governor's letter and the directive from CalEPA make it very clear that there's a new sheriff in town when it comes to pesticide abuse, who will put protecting people above promoting pesticides," said James Wheaton, president of the Environmental Law Foundation, which provided legal assistance to the groups asking for reform.
“This is a new day for California’s kids and all residents of the state,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “It recognizes that during the crisis, homes are classrooms, and kids at home deserve the same protections from pesticide drift that apply to schools. Now those days spent at home learning will not be interrupted by a blast of dangerous pesticides wafting through windows and doors. Once again the governor is using the power and authority of his office to protect public health – the exact opposite of the leadership we are unfortunately seeing from elected officials in Washington.”
Newsom’s order comes almost exactly after a year he announced the ban of the neurotoxic pesticide chlorpyrifos over the risk it poses to children. Under the Obama administration, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed to ban the brain-damaging pesticide, but in 2017, Trump EPA chief Andrew Wheeler overruled his agency’s own scientists to reverse the pending ban.
The pesticide drift that poses a risk to children learning from home comes largely from conventional agricultural operations, not from organic farms, where the pesticide control technologies are much safer.
The organic agriculture sector in California is big – and getting bigger each year. According to California Certified Organic Farmers, in 2017 the state’s organic farming, processing and handling industry produced more than $14 billion in sales. Newsom’s desire for the state’s agriculture sector to be free of toxic chemicals could open the door to calls for organic to be the prevailing system of farming in the state.
###
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-13--Investigation: Counties With Meatpacking Plants Report Twice the National Average Rate of COVID-19 I

Investigation: Counties With Meatpacking Plants Report Twice the National Average Rate of COVID-19 Infections

Counties with or near meatpacking plants have almost twice the rate of known COVID-19 infections as the national average , according to a geospatial analysis by the Environmental Working Group .
Based on cases reported by Johns Hopkins University as of May 6 , EWG ’ s analysis found that counties containing or within 15 miles of one or more meatpacking plants reported 373 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents .
That is roughly double the U.S. average of 199 cases per 100,000 in all counties with reported cases .
EWG ’ s analysis dramatically quantifies a fact attested to by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meatpacking plants , along with prisons and senior living facilities , are the hottest hot spots for COVID-19 infections .
The interactive map below shows the locations of 106 meatpacking plants in 26 states and a 15-mile radius around each .
Counties that fall at least in part within that radius are outlined in red to reflect hot spots .
Clicking on a plant location brings up more detail on the facility and the counties .
Our finding is bolstered by a Bloomberg report that in the first week after President Trump on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the coronavirus spread in counties with major meatpacking plants at more than twice the national rate of increase .
Meat plant outbreaks are among the largest drivers of the recent eight-fold growth in COVID-19 cases in rural America .
Before Trump ’ s order , at least 30 plants temporarily closed to address their outbreaks , although most have remained open without pause .
In at least one state , the governor overrode public health officials to force a plant to remain open .
Because there is no authoritative list of U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports to identify individual plants with known outbreaks .
The 15-mile radius represents the average U.S. one-way commute , according to the Department of Transportation .
But it ’ s likely that many meat plant workers commute much farther , especially in rural areas with few other employment options .
Most of the plants on EWG ’ s map are found in clusters , at least in part because of the increasing consolidation of the meat and poultry industry .
The map shows that because the 15-mile radius around meatpacking plants often crosses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case clusters not only endanger one community but can also spread the virus to neighboring counties or states .
For example , news reports indicate 669 infections as of May 6 at Tyson Foods in Dakota City , Neb .
The 15-mile radius around Dakota City includes seven counties in Nebraska , Iowa and South Dakota , which together average 1,000 cases per 100,000 people .
Some counties are at especially high risk , because they are within a 15-mile radius of two or more plants , creating a deadly Venn diagram with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , Tama , Black Hawk and Marshall counties in central Iowa have three meatpacking plants – National Beef Packing in the town of Tama , Tyson Foods in Waterloo and JBS in Marshalltown .
The three counties together average 1,483 cases per 100,000 residents .
The 15-mile radius around the National Beef and JBS plants overlap in Tama , Marshall and Jasper counties .
The total of 9,364 cases for all facilities on the map is undoubtedly a significant undercount .
The map shows only plants with confirmed outbreaks .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to release information about which specific facilities have cases .
And companies have frequently failed to report outbreaks to their own workers at affected facilities , let alone to the public .
According to the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting , as of May 12 , there have been at least 12,500 reported COVID-19 cases tied to meatpacking facilities in at least 180 plants in 31 states .
As of May 12 , the Food and Environment Reporting Network ’ s map of all meat and food processing plant COVID-19 outbreaks shows infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s analysis shows that Nebraska and Iowa have the highest numbers of meat-industry-related COVID-19 cases by far , with eight affected plants in each state .
States With the Most Meatpacking Workers Infected With COVID-19 Source : Compiled by EWG .
Facility outbreaks and infected workers from news reports and company press releases , March-May 6 .
Statewide cases from Johns Hopkins University as of May 6 .
The largest number of cases in a single plant EWG found in news stories from March 23 to May 6 was at the Tyson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ind.
, with 900 infections – almost half of all cases in the seven counties within 15 miles .
The Smithfield Foods pork plant in Sioux Falls , S.D.
, has 800 cases , making up a third of cases in the five surrounding counties .
Meatpacking Plants With the Most COVID-19 Cases *The number of infected workers reported by the news media exceeds the confirmed cases in nearby counties reported by Johns Hopkins University .
Source : Compiled by EWG .
Number of infected workers from news reports of company press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of confirmed cases from Johns Hopkins University .
In total , according to the North American Meat Institute , more than 500,000 people are employed at some 7,600 slaughter and processing facilities .
Four companies dominate the U.S. meat and poultry industry : JBS USA , Tyson Foods , Cargill and Smithfield Foods .
Tyson , JBS and Smithfield accounted for 75 percent of all infected workers reported in news stories .
EWG ’ s map shows 21 Tyson plants with COVID-19 outbreaks – more by far than any other company .
JBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , and Cargill has three .
Perdue , a big player in the poultry business , has outbreaks at six plants .
Meatpacking Companies With the Most Infected Workers It ’ s not surprising Tyson has so many outbreaks .
In a commentary for Civil Eats , Magaly Licolli of Venceremos , which advocates for the rights of poultry workers , reported that Tyson did not distribute personal protective equipment to its workers until April 23 – more than three months after the U.S. ’ first reported COVID-19 case – when more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected .

Counties with or near meatpacking plants have almost twice the rate of known COVID-19 infections as the national average, according to a geospatial analysis by the Environmental Working Group.
Based on cases reported by Johns Hopkins University as of May 6, EWG’s analysis found that counties containing or within 15 miles of one or more meatpacking plants reported 373 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents. That is roughly double the U.S. average of 199 cases per 100,000 in all counties with reported cases.
EWG’s analysis dramatically quantifies a fact attested to by news reports from across the nation: Meatpacking plants, along with prisons and senior living facilities, are the hottest hot spots for COVID-19 infections.
The interactive map below shows the locations of 106 meatpacking plants in 26 states and a 15-mile radius around each. Counties that fall at least in part within that radius are outlined in red to reflect hot spots. Clicking on a plant location brings up more detail on the facility and the counties.
Our finding is bolstered by a Bloomberg report that in the first week after President Trump on April 28 ordered meatpacking plants to reopen, the coronavirus spread in counties with major meatpacking plants at more than twice the national rate of increase.
Meat plant outbreaks are among the largest drivers of the recent eight-fold growth in COVID-19 cases in rural America. Before Trump’s order, at least 30 plants temporarily closed to address their outbreaks, although most have remained open without pause. In at least one state, the governor overrode public health officials to force a plant to remain open.
Because there is no authoritative list of U.S. meatpacking plants, EWG relied on news reports to identify individual plants with known outbreaks. The 15-mile radius represents the average U.S. one-way commute, according to the Department of Transportation. But it’s likely that many meat plant workers commute much farther, especially in rural areas with few other employment options.
Most of the plants on EWG’s map are found in clusters, at least in part because of the increasing consolidation of the meat and poultry industry. The map shows that because the 15-mile radius around meatpacking plants often crosses county or state lines, seemingly isolated case clusters not only endanger one community but can also spread the virus to neighboring counties or states.
For example, on April 30, the Sioux City Journal reported 669 infections at Tyson Foods in Dakota City, Neb. The 15-mile radius around Dakota City includes seven counties in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota, which together average 1,000 cases per 100,000 people.
Some counties are at especially high risk, because they are within a 15-mile radius of two or more plants, creating a deadly Venn diagram with overlapping zones of potential plant-linked infections.
For example, Tama, Black Hawk and Marshall counties in central Iowa have three meatpacking plants – National Beef Packing in the town of Tama, Tyson Foods in Waterloo and JBS in Marshalltown. The three counties together average 1,483 cases per 100,000 residents. The 15-mile radius around the National Beef and JBS plants overlap in Tama, Marshall and Jasper counties.
The total of 9,364 cases for all facilities on the map is undoubtedly a significant undercount. The map shows only plants with confirmed outbreaks. Some states, counties and health districts refuse to release information about which specific facilities have cases. And companies have frequently failed to report outbreaks to their own workers at affected facilities, let alone to the public.
According to the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, as of May 12, there have been at least 12,500 reported COVID-19 cases tied to meatpacking facilities in at least 180 plants in 31 states. As of May 12, the Food and Environment Reporting Network’s map of all meat and food processing plant COVID-19 outbreaks shows infections of 13,342 meat industry workers.
EWG’s analysis shows that Nebraska and Iowa have the highest numbers of meat-industry-related COVID-19 cases by far, with eight affected plants in each state.
States With the Most Meatpacking Workers Infected With COVID-19
State Facility Outbreaks Infected Workers Confirmed Cases Statewide Share of Confirmed State Cases From Facility Outbreaks Iowa 8 1,784 10,111 18% Nebraska 8 1,263 6,373 20% Indiana 2 902 21,033 4% South Dakota 1 800 2,721 29% Wisconsin 6 566 8,566 7% Missouri 7 486 8,438 6% Minnesota 3 386 7,829 5% Colorado 5 381 17,178 2% Kentucky 5 373 5,765 6% Kansas 5 337 5,648 6%
Source: Compiled by EWG. Facility outbreaks and infected workers from news reports and company press releases, March-May 6. Statewide cases from Johns Hopkins University as of May 6.
The largest number of cases in a single plant EWG found in news stories from March 23 to May 6 was at the Tyson Foods beef-and-pork packing facility, in Logansport, Ind., with 900 infections – almost half of all cases in the seven counties within 15 miles. The Smithfield Foods pork plant in Sioux Falls, S.D., has 800 cases, making up a third of cases in the five surrounding counties.
Meatpacking Plants With the Most COVID-19 Cases
Company Location Infected Workers Confirmed Cases in Counties Within 15 Miles Share of Confirmed County Cases From Nearby Facility Outbreaks Tyson Foods Logansport, Ind. 900 1,963 45.8% Smithfield Foods Sioux Falls, S.D. 800 2,409 33.2% Tyson Foods Perry, Iowa 730 683 100%* Tyson Foods Dakota City, Neb. 669 2,386 28.0% Tyson Foods Waterloo, Iowa 444 1,826 24.3% Triumph Foods St. Joseph, Mo. 422 442 95.5% JBS Worthington, Minn. 350 1,133 30.9% JBS Green Bay, Wis. 300 1,697 17.7% Tyson Foods Goodlettsville, Tenn. 298 4,221 7.1% Cargill Dodge City, Kan. 288 875 32.9% JBS Greeley, Colo. 280 2,364 11.8% National Beef Packing Co. Tama, Iowa 258 1,292 20.0% Tyson Foods Wallula, Wash. 251 1,082 23.2% JBS Grand Island, Neb. 250 1,365 18.3% Tyson Foods Columbus Junction, Iowa 221 1,408 15.7%
*The number of infected workers reported by the news media exceeds the confirmed cases in nearby counties reported by Johns Hopkins University.
Source: Compiled by EWG. Number of infected workers from news reports of company press releases, March 23-May 6. Number of confirmed cases from Johns Hopkins University.
In total, according to the North American Meat Institute, more than 500,000 people are employed at some 7,600 slaughter and processing facilities. Four companies dominate the U.S. meat and poultry industry: JBS USA, Tyson Foods, Cargill and Smithfield Foods.
Tyson, JBS and Smithfield accounted for 75 percent of all infected workers reported in news stories. EWG’s map shows 21 Tyson plants with COVID-19 outbreaks – more by far than any other company. JBS and Smithfield each have 10 plants with cases, and Cargill has three. Perdue, a big player in the poultry business, has outbreaks at six plants.
Meatpacking Companies With the Most Infected Workers
Company Facility Outbreaks Infected Workers Tyson Foods 21 4,295 JBS 10 1,652 Smithfield Foods 10 1,040 Triumph Foods 1 422 Cargill 3 344 National Beef Packing Co. 3 258 Perdue Farms 6 258 Tyson Fresh Meats 1 164 American Foods Group 1 145 Wayne Farms 3 80
Source: EWG, from news reports and company press releases, March 23-May 6.
It’s not surprising Tyson has so many outbreaks. In a commentary for Civil Eats, Magaly Licolli of Venceremos, which advocates for the rights of poultry workers, reported that Tyson did not distribute personal protective equipment to its workers until April 23 – more than three months after the U.S.’ first reported COVID-19 case – when more than 5,000 of its workers had been infected.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-13--EWG Comments to FCC on Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Rule

Environmental Working Group objects to the Federal Communications Commission ’ s proposal to apply the outdated , insufficiently protective radiofrequency @ @ @ @ @ limits to 5G technology and to RF emissions above 6 GHz .
EWG urges the @ @ @ @ @ and to restart the RF exposure limits reevaluation process .

The snap of a coffee lid, the pop of a chip bag opening, the crinkle of an empty wrapper – all ways that we use plastic before discarding and forgetting about it. But we’re reminded of the pollution...


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-13--Duke Energy Demands Indiana Households and Companies Pay for Electricity Not Used During Pandemic

Duke Energy Demands Indiana Households and Companies Pay for Electricity Not Used During Pandemic WASHINGTON – Duke Energy , the biggest investor-owned power utility in the country , is asking Indiana regulators to force the state ’ s residents and companies to pay for electricity they have not used due to the coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered businesses and kept people at home .
Last week , Duke Energy Indiana and four other big investor-owned utilities petitioned the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission , arguing that lower electricity sales should be considered an expense caused by the pandemic and therefore the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost revenue from ratepayers .
The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition , an alliance of public interest , social justice , watchdog and environmental groups from across the six states Duke serves , issued this response : Using the coronavirus pandemic to demand that families and businesses pay for electricity they did not use is a cynical exploitation of a public health and economic emergency that has cost Indiana more than 1,400 deaths and more than 600,000 jobs .
Duke , with nationwide profits in 2018 of about $ 2.6 billion , is trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hardworking Indiana residents and businesses at the height of an unprecedented economic crisis .
Duke is the U.S. poster child for its poor treatment of ratepayers , but it ’ s not surprising that its cohorts also joined the petition , which is symptomatic of monopoly utilities to view ratepayer bank accounts as company property .
We urge Indiana regulators to quickly dismiss this petition – as we would hope regulators would in any other state where Duke or other utilities are brazen enough to propose it .
Duke and the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on ensuring that all customers retain power in this emergency , deferring payments if necessary until Indiana and the rest of the nation recover .
The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition will closely monitor the situation in Indiana and other states in Duke ’ s service area , and will make sure that ratepayers , public officials and the news media are made aware of any efforts by the utility to make families and businesses pay for electricity not used during the pandemic .
The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition of public interest , social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formed to hold Duke Energy , the largest investor-owned U.S. electric utility , accountable for its policies , which impact almost eight million Americans in six states – and by extension , impede the nation ’ s progress toward a clean energy future .

WASHINGTON – Duke Energy, the biggest investor-owned power utility in the country, is asking Indiana regulators to force the state’s residents and companies to pay for electricity they have not used due to the coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered businesses and kept people at home.
Last week, Duke Energy Indiana and four other big investor-owned utilities petitioned the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, arguing that lower electricity sales should be considered an expense caused by the pandemic and therefore the utilities should be allowed to recover the lost revenue from ratepayers.
The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition, an alliance of public interest, social justice, watchdog and environmental groups from across the six states Duke serves, issued this response:
Using the coronavirus pandemic to demand that families and businesses pay for electricity they did not use is a cynical exploitation of a public health and economic emergency that has cost Indiana more than 1,400 deaths and more than 600,000 jobs. Duke, with nationwide profits in 2018 of about $2.6 billion, is trying to enrich its investors at the expense of hardworking Indiana residents and businesses at the height of an unprecedented economic crisis. Duke is the U.S. poster child for its poor treatment of ratepayers, but it’s not surprising that its cohorts also joined the petition, which is symptomatic of monopoly utilities to view ratepayer bank accounts as company property. We urge Indiana regulators to quickly dismiss this petition – as we would hope regulators would in any other state where Duke or other utilities are brazen enough to propose it. Duke and the other utilities behind the petition should instead focus on ensuring that all customers retain power in this emergency, deferring payments if necessary until Indiana and the rest of the nation recover.
The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition will closely monitor the situation in Indiana and other states in Duke’s service area, and will make sure that ratepayers, public officials and the news media are made aware of any efforts by the utility to make families and businesses pay for electricity not used during the pandemic.
The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition of public interest, social justice, watchdog and environmental groups was formed to hold Duke Energy, the largest investor-owned U.S. electric utility, accountable for its policies, which impact almost eight million Americans in six states – and by extension, impede the nation’s progress toward a clean energy future.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-13--Work Conditions Make Farmworkers Uniquely Vulnerable to COVID-19

Depending on the season , an estimated 1 million to 2.7 million workers , mostly undocumented , toil on the nation ’ s farms .
Without farmworkers , the American food system would collapse – and during the coronavirus pandemic , they are especially essential to ensuring that food arrives on grocery shelves .
But farmworkers are especially at risk of falling ill from COVID-19 .
They live and work in crowded spaces , lacking in personal protective equipment or enough room for social distancing .
They are exposed to toxic pesticides , contaminated drinking water and air polluted with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The interactive map below overlays confirmed COVID-19 cases with counties estimated to have the highest concentrations of farmworkers , which shows where farm labor is concentrated across the country and the rise in cases of COVID-19 in those areas .
Clicking on a county brings up more detailed information .
Below we discuss the reasons farmworkers are uniquely vulnerable to the coronavirus .
Many Farmworkers Live and Work in Unhealthy Environments Farmworkers often work in poor , unsanitary conditions , with no room to self-isolate at home .
Immigrant workers with H-2A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers – often live in dormitory-style housing with up to 10 or 20 people sharing rooms , bathrooms and bars of soap .
Sometimes they live in converted hotels , with several workers sleeping in bunk beds in the same room .
Workers often get to and from job sites in shared vans or trucks , making social distancing impossible .
Because COVID-19 can spread quickly through airborne droplets or close contact with other people or contaminated surfaces , one case at a work site or dormitory could very quickly infect many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lack of hand soap , or hand-washing stations that are too far away to be used frequently .
As CNN reported last month , some employers are reducing the number of workers transported on buses and creating more space in between workers in the fields .
But workers have raised concerns about inadequate supplies of soap and protective equipment and a failure to enforce social distancing guidelines .
Workers have also complained that some companies are providing supervisors , but not workers , with protective masks .
Even before the pandemic struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Substandard working and living conditions , lack of money and time to get and cook nutritious food , and seasonal unemployment contribute to high rates of obesity , hypertension , diabetes and high cholesterol .
Underlying health problems can put people at higher risk for severe cases of COVID-19 .
Farmworkers ’ health is further compromised by a lack of access to healthcare because of language barriers , ineligibility for or cost of insurance , lack of reliable transportation , no paid sick leave and limited rural medical facilities .
These problems all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to identify and address emerging health concerns .
Farmworkers are often exposed to dangerous pesticides .
An increasing array of data shows an association between pesticide exposure and harmful effects on the immune system , as reported in a comprehensive review published this month .
For example , organophosphate pesticides are a group of widely used highly toxic pesticides that are known to alter several immune functions in animal studies .
People with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe cases if infected with COVID-19 .
Contaminants in Tap Water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ System Farmworkers often lack access to clean water .
Small rural water systems have fewer customers among whom they can distribute the costs of water treatment and maintenance , making it harder for the system to provide clean water .
Under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act , small water systems are not always subject to the same treatment requirements as larger systems .
Many small systems are not required to monitor for unregulated contaminants , which makes it more difficult to identify emerging problems .
Many rural families get their water from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Environmental Protection Agency .
As a result , poor rural farmworker communities often have tap water tainted with agricultural pollution , and state programs to provide safe drinking water often fall short .
The problem has been made worse by some shoppers ’ hoarding bottled water during the COVID-19 crisis .
The toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS – estimated to contaminate the water systems of 110 million Americans – are also not regulated by the EPA .
Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS chemicals can harm the immune system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties with high concentrations of farmworkers have reported high levels of PFAS in drinking water sources .
For example , water samples from municipal wells serving the City of Fresno , in Fresno County , Calif. , the nation ’ s leading agricultural producer , reported a peak of 840 parts per trillion , or ppt , of total PFAS .
In the California Water Service-Visalia , in neighboring Tulare County , the second-ranking agricultural producer in the nation , the highest measurement of total PFAS was 271 ppt in a municipal well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other independent scientists indicates that a safe level of PFAS in drinking water is 1 ppt .
Arsenic is a naturally occurring contaminant , but exhaustive groundwater pumping , common in farming areas like California ’ s Central Valley , can make the pollution worse .
A growing body of evidence indicates that arsenic exposure suppresses the immune system .
People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to dangerous symptoms of COVID-19 .
 Last month , a study from the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the microscopic dust particles known as PM2.5 , COVID-19 patients are at higher risk of death .
The study ’ s lead researcher told The New York Times that places like the Central Valley are likely to see higher rates of severe COVID-19 cases and deaths .
Dusty conditions in agricultural regions contribute to some of the “ highest airborne concentrations of particulate matter , ” according to Michigan State University toxicologist Jack Harkema .
Farmworkers are also frequently exposed to lung irritants from dust , pollen and crops , which can trigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a risk factor for severe cases of COVID-19 .
PM2.5 in rural communities in Washington State is associated with childhood asthma .
Industrial agriculture produces two potent greenhouse gases , methane and nitrous oxide .
Noxious air pollutants , such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide , can come from concentrated animal feeding operations .
A 2017 study by Dutch researchers showed that air pollution from livestock farms affects workers ’ respiratory health as well as that of neighboring residents .
Air pollution has been linked to respiratory diseases , asthma and other diseases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of COVID-19 .
Farmworkers in regions prone to wildfires , such as California , have likely already suffered respiratory harm from smoke and particulates from recent record-breaking wildfire seasons .
Some California farmworkers have reported they were pressured to keep working in smoky conditions .
EWG ’ s review of the top 100 counties estimated to have the highest farmworker populations found high levels of PM2.5 and other pollutants in the air , such as nitrogen dioxide , ozone and sulfur dioxide .
The ranking of the counties with the highest number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agriculture figures for hired labor expenses .
The USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture provides data on how much is spent on farm labor by county .
This gives an approximate idea of how many farmworkers were employed in each county .
In 2018 , nearly a third of these counties with high farm labor costs had average annual levels of particulate matter higher than the World Health Organization 's recommended guideline for yearly exposure of 10 micrograms per cubic meter .
Of the 10 counties with the highest annual levels of PM2.5 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central Valley , are among the top 100 counties thought to have the highest farmworker populations .
The table below shows the top 10 counties with the highest annual levels of PM2.5 , along with their rank on the list of counties with the most farmworkers .
Source : EWG , from EPA air quality data and USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture .
The Pandemic Puts Farmworkers ’ Jobs at Risk , With Little Emergency Aid Even though farmworkers are considered essential workers , they are losing their jobs to the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of COVID-19 aid packages , with aid instead going to the farmers they work for , who do not have to pass on the aid to their employees .
The loss of both work and a place to stay makes it impossible for farmworkers to self-isolate .
Undocumented workers do not qualify for assistance in the COVID-19 aid packages and can not seek unemployment benefits .
For those still employed , the White House is considering cutting farmworker wages .
Farmworkers need economic stability and resources to stay safe .
They should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay cut .
Farmworkers Have Been Hit Hard by the Trump Administration ’ s Regulatory Rollbacks As part of the Trump administration ’ s push for deregulation , the EPA has proposed loosening a rule meant to prevent farmworker exposure to pesticides .
The existing rule requires pesticide applicators to take steps to protect everyone within a safety zone from pesticide exposure .
If someone is in the zone , spraying must stop until people move to a safe distance .
The EPA has proposed limiting safety zones to the edge of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the distance necessary to protect workers .
The EPA also reversed course on a proposed rule to ban chlorpyrifos , a toxic pesticide linked to neurotoxic effects in children and harm to the immune system .
The Trump administration has also repealed 19 different regulations aimed at improving air quality , including more stringent emissions standards for cars and light trucks .
The air and water rollbacks affect all Americans but raise the risks even higher for farmworkers .
Congress Should Take Action To Protect Farmworkers As Congress develops new legislation to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue an emergency temporary standard to mandate that employers offer adequate protections , including personal protective equipment , to all farmworkers .
• Expand farmworker benefits for newly unemployed farmworkers by increasing the number of weeks that workers are eligible for unemployment benefits , regardless of immigration status .
• Expand healthcare coverage : Congress should provide free COVID-19 testing regardless of immigration status , pay for medical treatment related to COVID-19 , provide universal paid sick days , paid family and medical leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicaid expenditures , and adopt policies to help unemployed farm workers get health insurance .
• Support farmers in need : To make sure farmers can continue to supply the food chain , Congress should place a moratorium on farm foreclosures and expand grant and loan programs .
• Enforce farmworker safety rules : Congress should ensure that the USDA and the EPA enforce laws that keep our food supply safe , especially environmental laws that protect farmworkers from pesticides .
• Provide farmworkers with hazard pay instead of a cut in pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like California , which has introduced legislation to protect and support farmworkers .
A package of five bills , introduced by state Assembly Members Robert Rivas and Eduardo Garcia would expand sick leave , temporary housing , child care and health care benefits .

Depending on the season, an estimated 1 million to 2.7 million workers, mostly undocumented, toil on the nation’s farms. Without farmworkers, the American food system would collapse – and during the coronavirus pandemic, they are especially essential to ensuring that food arrives on grocery shelves.
But farmworkers are especially at risk of falling ill from COVID-19. They live and work in crowded spaces, lacking in personal protective equipment or enough room for social distancing. They are exposed to toxic pesticides, contaminated drinking water and air polluted with harmful dust particles and farm machinery exhaust.
The interactive map below overlays confirmed COVID-19 cases with counties estimated to have the highest concentrations of farmworkers, which shows where farm labor is concentrated across the country and the rise in cases of COVID-19 in those areas. Clicking on a county brings up more detailed information. Below we discuss the reasons farmworkers are uniquely vulnerable to the coronavirus.
Many Farmworkers Live and Work in Unhealthy Environments
Farmworkers often work in poor, unsanitary conditions, with no room to self-isolate at home. Immigrant workers with H-2A visas – commonly referred to as guest workers – often live in dormitory-style housing with up to 10 or 20 people sharing rooms, bathrooms and bars of soap. Sometimes they live in converted hotels, with several workers sleeping in bunk beds in the same room. Workers often get to and from job sites in shared vans or trucks, making social distancing impossible.
Photo: Gregory Bull via Associated Press
Because COVID-19 can spread quickly through airborne droplets or close contact with other people or contaminated surfaces, one case at a work site or dormitory could very quickly infect many people.
In the fields, workers report a lack of hand soap, or hand-washing stations that are too far away to be used frequently. As CNN reported last month, some employers are reducing the number of workers transported on buses and creating more space in between workers in the fields. But workers have raised concerns about inadequate supplies of soap and protective equipment and a failure to enforce social distancing guidelines. Workers have also complained that some companies are providing supervisors, but not workers, with protective masks.
Farmworkers Have Higher Rates of Underlying Medical Conditions
Even before the pandemic struck, farmworkers suffered from poor health. Substandard working and living conditions, lack of money and time to get and cook nutritious food, and seasonal unemployment contribute to high rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Underlying health problems can put people at higher risk for severe cases of COVID-19.
Farmworkers’ health is further compromised by a lack of access to healthcare because of language barriers, ineligibility for or cost of insurance, lack of reliable transportation, no paid sick leave and limited rural medical facilities. These problems all make it harder to treat underlying conditions and to identify and address emerging health concerns.
Farmworkers Are Exposed to Toxic Pesticides
Farmworkers are often exposed to dangerous pesticides. An increasing array of data shows an association between pesticide exposure and harmful effects on the immune system, as reported in a comprehensive review published this month. For example, organophosphate pesticides are a group of widely used highly toxic pesticides that are known to alter several immune functions in animal studies. People with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe cases if infected with COVID-19.
Contaminants in Tap Water in Agricultural Areas Can Harm the Immune System
Farmworkers often lack access to clean water. Small rural water systems have fewer customers among whom they can distribute the costs of water treatment and maintenance, making it harder for the system to provide clean water. Under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, small water systems are not always subject to the same treatment requirements as larger systems. Many small systems are not required to monitor for unregulated contaminants, which makes it more difficult to identify emerging problems.
Many rural families get their water from private wells, which are not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. As a result, poor rural farmworker communities often have tap water tainted with agricultural pollution, and state programs to provide safe drinking water often fall short. The problem has been made worse by some shoppers’ hoarding bottled water during the COVID-19 crisis.
The toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS – estimated to contaminate the water systems of 110 million Americans – are also not regulated by the EPA. Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS chemicals can harm the immune system and make vaccines less effective. Some counties with high concentrations of farmworkers have reported high levels of PFAS in drinking water sources.
For example, water samples from municipal wells serving the City of Fresno, in Fresno County, Calif., the nation’s leading agricultural producer, reported a peak of 840 parts per trillion, or ppt, of total PFAS. In the California Water Service-Visalia, in neighboring Tulare County, the second-ranking agricultural producer in the nation, the highest measurement of total PFAS was 271 ppt in a municipal well used for emergencies. Research by EWG and other independent scientists indicates that a safe level of PFAS in drinking water is 1 ppt.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring contaminant, but exhaustive groundwater pumping, common in farming areas like California’s Central Valley, can make the pollution worse. A growing body of evidence indicates that arsenic exposure suppresses the immune system. People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to dangerous symptoms of COVID-19.
Many Farming Areas Have Unhealthy Air
Last month, a study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that in areas of heavy air pollution from the microscopic dust particles known as PM2.5, COVID-19 patients are at higher risk of death. The study’s lead researcher told The New York Times that places like the Central Valley are likely to see higher rates of severe COVID-19 cases and deaths. Dusty conditions in agricultural regions contribute to some of the “highest airborne concentrations of particulate matter,” according to Michigan State University toxicologist Jack Harkema.
Farmworkers are also frequently exposed to lung irritants from dust, pollen and crops, which can trigger attacks of asthma, thought to be a risk factor for severe cases of COVID-19.
PM2.5 in rural communities in Washington State is associated with childhood asthma.
Industrial agriculture produces two potent greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide. Noxious air pollutants, such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, can come from concentrated animal feeding operations. A 2017 study by Dutch researchers showed that air pollution from livestock farms affects workers’ respiratory health as well as that of neighboring residents. Air pollution has been linked to respiratory diseases, asthma and other diseases thought to be risk factors for severe cases of COVID-19.
Farmworkers in regions prone to wildfires, such as California, have likely already suffered respiratory harm from smoke and particulates from recent record-breaking wildfire seasons. Some California farmworkers have reported they were pressured to keep working in smoky conditions.
Photo: Eric Risberg via Associated Press
EWG’s review of the top 100 counties estimated to have the highest farmworker populations found high levels of PM2.5 and other pollutants in the air, such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone and sulfur dioxide.
The ranking of the counties with the highest number of farmworkers was based on Department of Agriculture figures for hired labor expenses. The USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture provides data on how much is spent on farm labor by county. This gives an approximate idea of how many farmworkers were employed in each county. In 2018, nearly a third of these counties with high farm labor costs had average annual levels of particulate matter higher than the World Health Organization's recommended guideline for yearly exposure of 10 micrograms per cubic meter.
Of the 10 counties with the highest annual levels of PM2.5, seven of them, all in the Central Valley, are among the top 100 counties thought to have the highest farmworker populations. The table below shows the top 10 counties with the highest annual levels of PM2.5, along with their rank on the list of counties with the most farmworkers.
Farmworker Counties Suffer From PM2.5 Pollution
Top 10 counties with the highest annual levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), 2018 Annual mean level of PM2.5 (micrograms per cubic meter), 2018 Rank among counties with most farmworkers, (estimated based on labor expenditures), 2017 Kern, Calif. 19.4 µg/m3 4 Klamath, Ore. 18.6 µg/m3 Not in top 100 counties Kings, Calif. 17.7 µg/m3 20 San Joaquin, Calif. 17.6 µg/m3 9 Tulare, Calif. 17.3 µg/m3 7 Stanislaus, Calif. 17.2 µg/m3 13 Fresno, Calif. 17.1µg/m3 2 Shasta, Calif. 15.9 µg/m3 Not in top 100 counties Merced, Calif. 15.1 µg/m3 10 Calaveras, Calif. 14.6 µg/m3 Not in top 100 counties
Source: EWG, from EPA air quality data and USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture.
The Pandemic Puts Farmworkers’ Jobs at Risk, With Little Emergency Aid
Even though farmworkers are considered essential workers, they are losing their jobs to the pandemic. Nonetheless, farmworkers have largely been left out of COVID-19 aid packages, with aid instead going to the farmers they work for, who do not have to pass on the aid to their employees. The loss of both work and a place to stay makes it impossible for farmworkers to self-isolate.
Undocumented workers do not qualify for assistance in the COVID-19 aid packages and cannot seek unemployment benefits. For those still employed, the White House is considering cutting farmworker wages. Farmworkers need economic stability and resources to stay safe. They should be given hazard pay, not a pay cut.
Farmworkers Have Been Hit Hard by the Trump Administration’s Regulatory Rollbacks
As part of the Trump administration’s push for deregulation, the EPA has proposed loosening a rule meant to prevent farmworker exposure to pesticides. The existing rule requires pesticide applicators to take steps to protect everyone within a safety zone from pesticide exposure. If someone is in the zone, spraying must stop until people move to a safe distance.
The EPA has proposed limiting safety zones to the edge of a farmer’s property, rather than the distance necessary to protect workers. The EPA also reversed course on a proposed rule to ban chlorpyrifos, a toxic pesticide linked to neurotoxic effects in children and harm to the immune system.
The Trump administration has also repealed 19 different regulations aimed at improving air quality, including more stringent emissions standards for cars and light trucks. The air and water rollbacks affect all Americans but raise the risks even higher for farmworkers.
Congress Should Take Action To Protect Farmworkers
As Congress develops new legislation to address the COVID-19 pandemic, it should:


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-14--NYT: Trump EPA Won’t Limit Rocket Fuel Chemical in Drinking Water

WASHINGTON – In defiance of a federal court order , the Trump administration will not adopt any limits on perchlorate , a rocket fuel chemical associated with brain damage in infants and young children .
The New York Times reported today that Environmental Protection Agency chief Andrew Wheeler has decided not to set a legal limit on perchlorate in drinking water , despite the agency ’ s acknowledgement that the contaminant can harm children ’ s IQ .
EPA staff confirmed the decision to the Times and said the agency will soon notify the White House that reducing levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the public interest.
” “ The science on perchlorate is very clear : It harms infants and the developing fetus , ” said Olga Naidenko , Ph.D. , vice president for science investigations at EWG .
“ Once again the Trump EPA decided to ignore the science and side with the chemical industry instead of protecting future generations from perchlorate.
” In 2001 , a groundbreaking EWG investigation reported that perchlorate contaminated the drinking water of millions of people in California and nationwide .
Perchlorate , a synthetic ingredient in rocket fuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ naturally , was used in vast quantities by large aerospace contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Aerojet , which for decades have lobbied to evade responsibility for cleaning up the contamination of public water systems near their factories .
EWG ’ s national Tap Water Database includes records of perchlorate detected in 375 water utilities serving an estimated 12.1 million people .
But those records do not include smaller water systems , so the number of Americans drinking water contaminated with perchlorate is likely much higher .
Perchlorate is extremely mobile in soil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It blocks the thyroid from taking in iodide , which is critical to the thyroid ’ s ability to regulate many body functions .
Too little iodide can cause an array of health harms , including reduced thyroid hormones and an impact on metabolism , as well as physical and cognitive development .
Children and the developing fetus are most at risk from perchlorate contamination .
The EPA decision defies a federal court order requiring the agency to set a national safe drinking water standard for perchlorate .
In 2011 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health-protective drinking water limit , but those efforts by the EPA stalled once the Trump administration came to power .
In 2019 , EWG urged the EPA to abandon its initial proposal for a legal limit of 56 parts per billion , or ppb , arguing that it ignores the risks to children ’ s health and the latest scientific research , and fails to follow the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act to use the best available peer-reviewed science for setting drinking water standards .
EWG , the Natural Resources Defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2 ppb , which is the drinking water standard in Arizona , California , Massachusetts , New Jersey , New York and Texas , which have set their own legal limits for the chemical .
Studies have shown perchlorate also contaminates irrigation water and fertilizer , food and food packaging .
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit , non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment .
Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .

WASHINGTON – In defiance of a federal court order, the Trump administration will not adopt any limits on perchlorate, a rocket fuel chemical associated with brain damage in infants and young children.
The New York Times reported today that Environmental Protection Agency chief Andrew Wheeler has decided not to set a legal limit on perchlorate in drinking water, despite the agency’s acknowledgement that the contaminant can harm children’s IQ. EPA staff confirmed the decision to the Times and said the agency will soon notify the White House that reducing levels of perchlorate in drinking water is “not in the public interest.”
“The science on perchlorate is very clear: It harms infants and the developing fetus,” said Olga Naidenko, Ph.D., vice president for science investigations at EWG. “Once again the Trump EPA decided to ignore the science and side with the chemical industry instead of protecting future generations from perchlorate.”
In 2001, a groundbreaking EWG investigation reported that perchlorate contaminated the drinking water of millions of people in California and nationwide. Perchlorate, a synthetic ingredient in rocket fuel, flares and fireworks that also occurs naturally, was used in vast quantities by large aerospace contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Aerojet, which for decades have lobbied to evade responsibility for cleaning up the contamination of public water systems near their factories.
EWG’s national Tap Water Database includes records of perchlorate detected in 375 water utilities serving an estimated 12.1 million people. But those records do not include smaller water systems, so the number of Americans drinking water contaminated with perchlorate is likely much higher.
Perchlorate is extremely mobile in soil and groundwater and does not readily degrade. It blocks the thyroid from taking in iodide, which is critical to the thyroid’s ability to regulate many body functions. Too little iodide can cause an array of health harms, including reduced thyroid hormones and an impact on metabolism, as well as physical and cognitive development. Children and the developing fetus are most at risk from perchlorate contamination.
The EPA decision defies a federal court order requiring the agency to set a national safe drinking water standard for perchlorate. In 2011, the Obama administration announced plans to establish a health-protective drinking water limit, but those efforts by the EPA stalled once the Trump administration came to power.
In 2019, EWG urged the EPA to abandon its initial proposal for a legal limit of 56 parts per billion, or ppb, arguing that it ignores the risks to children’s health and the latest scientific research, and fails to follow the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act to use the best available peer-reviewed science for setting drinking water standards.
EWG, the Natural Resources Defense Council and other groups endorse a limit of 2 ppb, which is the drinking water standard in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Texas, which have set their own legal limits for the chemical.
Studies have shown perchlorate also contaminates irrigation water and fertilizer, food and food packaging.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-14--California Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act Moves Forward in Assembly

SACRAMENTO , Calif. – The California Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act , A.B .
2762 , today passed out of the State Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials .
The following is the statement of EWG President Ken Cook on the vote to advance A.B .
2762 , which bans 12 chemicals from cosmetics , including formaldehyde , mercury , PFAS , long-chain parabens , and phthalates .
“ Today ’ s vote to ban 12 ingredients from cosmetics is just the first step in the legislative process .
But this vote is an important milestone in the history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , groups like EWG and the industry ’ s trade association , the Personal Care Products Council , support legislation to modernize the rules governing these everyday products .
Industry and consumer advocates agree that ingredients like formaldehyde and mercury have no place in cosmetics and other personal care products .
This is good news for consumers , who should not have to worry about the presence of these chemicals , and good news for cosmetics companies , which benefit from greater harmony among global rules .
We applaud PCPC for standing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Women for Wellness , and CalPIRG in support of A.B .
2762.
” To find out more about A.B .
2762 , visit https : //www.ewg.org/californiacosmetics/toxic12 .
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit , non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment .
Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .
https : //www.ewg.org/californiacosmetics

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, A.B. 2762, today passed out of the State Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials.
The following is the statement of EWG President Ken Cook on the vote to advance A.B. 2762, which bans 12 chemicals from cosmetics, including formaldehyde, mercury, PFAS, long-chain parabens, and phthalates.
“Today’s vote to ban 12 ingredients from cosmetics is just the first step in the legislative process. But this vote is an important milestone in the history of cosmetics regulation. For the first time, groups like EWG and the industry’s trade association, the Personal Care Products Council, support legislation to modernize the rules governing these everyday products. Industry and consumer advocates agree that ingredients like formaldehyde and mercury have no place in cosmetics and other personal care products. This is good news for consumers, who should not have to worry about the presence of these chemicals, and good news for cosmetics companies, which benefit from greater harmony among global rules. We applaud PCPC for standing with EWG, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Black Women for Wellness, and CalPIRG in support of A.B. 2762.”
To find out more about A.B. 2762, visit https://www.ewg.org/californiacosmetics/toxic12.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action. https://www.ewg.org/californiacosmetics


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-14--EWG Comments to EPA on the “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science” Proposed Rule

EWG Comments to EPA on the “ Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science ” Proposed Rule The Environmental Working Group ( @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Protection Agency ’ s proposal to apply polluter-friendly limitations to the types of scientific @ @ @ @ @ for environmental policy rulemaking at the EPA .
EWG urges the EPA to withdraw the @ @ @ @ @ is completely at odds with the EPA ’ s core mission of protecting human health @ @ @ @

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) objects to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to apply polluter-friendly limitations to the types of scientific data that can be considered for environmental policy rulemaking at the EPA. EWG urges the EPA to withdraw the proposed Science Transparency Rule which is completely at odds with the EPA’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment.