environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-12-08--Study: Nitrate in Wisconsin’s Drinking Water Linked to Cancer, Preterm Births and Up To $74 Million

Study: Nitrate in Wisconsin’s Drinking Water Linked to Cancer, Preterm Births and Up To $74 Million in Yearly Healthcare Costs

Nitrate contamination of drinking water in Wisconsin may cause nearly 30 cases a year of colorectal and other cancers and increase the risk of very premature births , very low birth weight and birth defects , according to a peer-reviewed study by scientists from Clean Wisconsin and the Environmental Working Group .
The study , published in the journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment , estimates annual medical costs in Wisconsin of up to $ 34 million for treating colorectal cancers attributable to nitrate pollution .
Annual medical costs in the state for nitrate-attributable very preterm births , very low birth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 40 million .
* The report found a 40 percent reduction in nitrates statewide would reduce associated medical costs by more than one-fifth .
Scott Laeser , water program director for Clean Wisconsin , told Wisconsin Public Radio : “ We have to recognize that there 's a cost of inaction , and what this study attempts to do is quantify that cost of inaction . ''
Nitrate is the most common groundwater contaminant in Wisconsin , and nitrate concentrations are increasing in wells across the state .
Fertilizer and manure runoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contamination in Wisconsin and other agricultural areas .
As a sign of growing concern about nitrate and fecal matter in the state ’ s water supply , in 2018 the state imposed restrictions on manure-spreading in 15 counties where drinking water was contaminated with nitrates and other bacteria .
The federal drinking water standard for nitrate of 10 parts per million , or ppm , was set more than 50 years ago to protect against blue baby syndrome , a potentially fatal condition that starves infants of oxygen if they ingest too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increased risk of cancer and changes in fetal development to drinking water contaminated with nitrate at just one-tenth of the federal standard .
Based on risk estimates from different epidemiological studies , EWG and Clean Wisconsin researchers reported that each year , up to 137 to 149 cases of very low birth weight and 72 to 79 cases of very preterm birth could be due to nitrate exposure from drinking water in the state , as well as 66 to 233 annual cases of colorectal cancer , the most common cancer associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in drinking water is also associated with kidney , thyroid , bladder and ovarian cancers.4 , 5 Researchers estimated that annual medical costs for treatment of drinking water nitrate-attributable colorectal cancers in Wisconsin range between $ 10 and $ 34 million .
Direct costs can include those associated with inpatient and outpatient care , specialty and ancillary medical services , tests and medications , as well as copayments and deductibles .
Additional costs can come from an inability to work or reduced work hours following diagnosis and treatment , caretaker expenses and loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 Extrapolating from calculations by the American Cancer Society,9 the study estimated that every year up to $ 14 million in lost earnings could be due to nitrate-attributable colorectal cancer in Wisconsin .
Drawing on a 2009 study by the National Cancer Institute,10 researchers estimated that nitrate-attributable costs of caretaker time can reach up to $ 8 million a year .
The new study reports that annual medical costs for nitrate-attributable very preterm births , very low birth weights and neural tube defects may reach $ 40 million .
In addition to immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and caretakers , overall costs include life-long consequences and health complications for the child.11 , 12 , 13 In Wisconsin , about 90 percent of very low birth weight babies are born very preterm , according to 2019 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Compared to children born full term , infants born preterm are more likely to suffer from sensory , neural , behavioral , respiratory and motor difficulties,14 may require special education to assist with academic studies and general development,15 and may earn less as adults.16 The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water sources and installing treatment to remove nitrate from drinking water holds the promise of eliminating or mitigating these future costs , both economic and personal .
* All costs reported have been converted , where necessary , to 2019 dollars using the medical services component of the Consumer Product Index .

Nitrate contamination of drinking water in Wisconsin may cause nearly 300 cases a year of colorectal and other cancers and increase the risk of very premature births, very low birth weight and birth defects, according to a peer-reviewed study by scientists from Clean Wisconsin and the Environmental Working Group.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, estimates annual medical costs in Wisconsin of up to $34 million for treating colorectal cancers attributable to nitrate pollution. Annual medical costs in the state for nitrate-attributable very preterm births, very low birth weights and neural tube defects may reach $40 million.*
The report found a 40 percent reduction in nitrates statewide would reduce associated medical costs by more than one-fifth. Scott Laeser, water program director for Clean Wisconsin, told Wisconsin Public Radio: “We have to recognize that there's a cost of inaction, and what this study attempts to do is quantify that cost of inaction."
Nitrate is the most common groundwater contaminant in Wisconsin, and nitrate concentrations are increasing in wells across the state. Fertilizer and manure runoff are the main causes of nitrate water contamination in Wisconsin and other agricultural areas.
As a sign of growing concern about nitrate and fecal matter in the state’s water supply, in 2018 the state imposed restrictions on manure-spreading in 15 counties where drinking water was contaminated with nitrates and other bacteria.
The federal drinking water standard for nitrate of 10 parts per million, or ppm, was set more than 50 years ago to protect against blue baby syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that starves infants of oxygen if they ingest too much nitrate. But newer studies have linked an increased risk of cancer and changes in fetal development to drinking water contaminated with nitrate at just one-tenth of the federal standard.
Based on risk estimates from different epidemiological studies, EWG and Clean Wisconsin researchers reported that each year, up to 137 to 149 cases of very low birth weight and 72 to 79 cases of very preterm birth could be due to nitrate exposure from drinking water in the state, as well as 66 to 233 annual cases of colorectal cancer, the most common cancer associated with nitrate.1, 2, 3 Nitrate in drinking water is also associated with kidney, thyroid, bladder and ovarian cancers.4, 5
Researchers estimated that annual medical costs for treatment of drinking water nitrate-attributable colorectal cancers in Wisconsin range between $10 and $34 million. Direct costs can include those associated with inpatient and outpatient care, specialty and ancillary medical services, tests and medications, as well as copayments and deductibles. Additional costs can come from an inability to work or reduced work hours following diagnosis and treatment, caretaker expenses and loss of quality of life.6, 7, 8
Extrapolating from calculations by the American Cancer Society,9 the study estimated that every year up to $14 million in lost earnings could be due to nitrate-attributable colorectal cancer in Wisconsin. Drawing on a 2009 study by the National Cancer Institute,10 researchers estimated that nitrate-attributable costs of caretaker time can reach up to $8 million a year.
The new study reports that annual medical costs for nitrate-attributable very preterm births, very low birth weights and neural tube defects may reach $40 million. In addition to immediate medical costs and the costs for families and caretakers, overall costs include life-long consequences and health complications for the child.11, 12, 13
In Wisconsin, about 90 percent of very low birth weight babies are born very preterm, according to 2019 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Compared to children born full term, infants born preterm are more likely to suffer from sensory, neural, behavioral, respiratory and motor difficulties,14 may require special education to assist with academic studies and general development,15 and may earn less as adults.16
The prevention of ongoing nitrate pollution of drinking water sources and installing treatment to remove nitrate from drinking water holds the promise of eliminating or mitigating these future costs, both economic and personal.
* All costs reported have been converted, where necessary, to 2019 dollars using the medical services component of the Consumer Product Index.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-12-09--New Rule Makes It Harder for EPA To Fight Air Pollution and Climate Change

WASHINGTON – With just over 40 days left in office , on Wednesday the Trump administration finalized a rule making it harder for the Environmental Protection Agency to enact clean air standards that protect public health and address the climate crisis .
Outgoing EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced changes to the Clean Air Act that dramatically alter the way the agency calculates the cost and benefits of policies to reduce air pollution .
The changes mean that when the EPA evaluates proposed clean air standards , it must consider all costs to affected industries – but discount many of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risks of respiratory illnesses , immune system damage and early deaths , and reducing the greenhouse gas pollution that causes global warming .
“ For four years , this administration has waged war on public health by kowtowing to polluters , ” said EWG President Ken Cook .
“ Now , on the way out the door , this amounts to sabotaging the efforts of the incoming administration to protect Americans from dirty air.
” The new rule will almost certainly face court challenges and immediate efforts by the Biden administration to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts will take time and waste resources that could be spent advancing one of President-elect Joe Biden ’ s top priorities – curbing climate-disrupting air pollution .
“ It will literally be a breath of fresh air to soon have a president and an EPA working each day to make Americans and the planet healthier and safe , ” said Cook .
“ But Administrator Wheeler and President Trump are hellbent on making that job as difficult as possible.
” The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit , non-partisan organization that empowers people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment .
Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .

WASHINGTON – With just over 40 days left in office, on Wednesday the Trump administration finalized a rule making it harder for the Environmental Protection Agency to enact clean air standards that protect public health and address the climate crisis.
Outgoing EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced changes to the Clean Air Act that dramatically alter the way the agency calculates the cost and benefits of policies to reduce air pollution. The changes mean that when the EPA evaluates proposed clean air standards, it must consider all costs to affected industries – but discount many of the public health benefits, such as lowering the risks of respiratory illnesses, immune system damage and early deaths, and reducing the greenhouse gas pollution that causes global warming.
“For four years, this administration has waged war on public health by kowtowing to polluters,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “Now, on the way out the door, this amounts to sabotaging the efforts of the incoming administration to protect Americans from dirty air.”
The new rule will almost certainly face court challenges and immediate efforts by the Biden administration to overturn it. But Cook said those efforts will take time and waste resources that could be spent advancing one of President-elect Joe Biden’s top priorities – curbing climate-disrupting air pollution.
“It will literally be a breath of fresh air to soon have a president and an EPA working each day to make Americans and the planet healthier and safe,” said Cook. “But Administrator Wheeler and President Trump are hellbent on making that job as difficult as possible.”
###
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--2020-12-09--Harmful BPA Replacements Contaminate Store Receipts

“ Would you like your receipt ?
” Maybe not .
Your exchange with the grocery store checkout clerk may seem like an odd time to worry about hormone-disrupting chemicals , but for decades , receipts printed on thermal paper have been treated with the potent endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A .
Considerable progress has been made to remove this toxic chemical from food cans and reusable food and drink containers , but manufacturers still rely heavily on it as a color developer in inkless thermal paper .
In response to public and regulatory pressure to remove BPA from the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a closely related , structurally and toxicologically similar alternative .
A rapidly growing body of scientific evidence strongly indicates that BPS disrupts hormones and harms reproductive , developmental , metabolic and cardiovascular health , just like its predecessor , BPA .
Other preliminary evidence suggests BPS may play a role in altering immune function or in the development of certain cancers and asthma .
Scientists and public health advocates call this regrettable substitution – replacing one harmful chemical in consumer products with another that may be just as bad .
In this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ongoing regrettable substitution since 2012 , when BPS was detected in all thermal receipt paper samples tested by researchers at the New York State Department of Health .
In 2010 , EWG-commissioned tests of thermal paper found the amount of BPA on a receipt is 250 to 1,000 times greater than that found in a BPA-based food can lining .
And in 2014 , the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reported similar levels of BPA and BPS in samples of thermal paper .
In food cans , BPA is bound into resins that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or BPS in thermal paper is “ free , ” making it likely more prone to migrate out of the coating .
Besides sales receipts , thermal paper is widely used for printed tickets , boarding passes and luggage tags .
BPA and its alternatives are components of a heat-reactive mixture that coats the paper surface , causing it to change color when the paper is exposed to heat , revealing printed text and images .
Exposure to BPA and BPS in the U.S. is widespread and pervasive .
A 2018 study of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and BPS in 95 and 89 percent of participants , respectively .
Cashiers who handle BPS-containing receipts at work have significantly higher BPS levels in their urine after clocking out , meaning BPS exposure from thermal paper is a real concern .
In Europe , BPA-coated thermal paper was banned at the beginning of this year .
The European Chemicals Agency , or ECHA , estimates that 61 percent of thermal paper in Europe will be BPS-based by 2022 , and the remaining 39 percent will use other non-BPA alternatives .
But in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulation banning BPA in receipts .
Without a ban , thermal paper remains a likely source of exposure to both BPA and BPS for Americans .
Bisphenol chemicals like BPA and BPS are now considered ubiquitous in the environment , and urgent action is needed to limit their damaging effects on people and the environment .
Whereas the Food and Drug Administration has failed to ban or restrict most uses of BPA , other countries are already moving to regulate BPS .
Belgium is evaluating the risks posed to people and the environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment , or RAC , to classify it as “ toxic to reproduction.
” These assessments by Belgium and RAC should conclude early next year .
As BPA , BPS and other bisphenols tend to be linked to similar health harms , EWG advocates for evaluating and regulating them as an entire class to avoid regrettable substitution .
Manufacturers must embrace the safest alternatives to bisphenols in thermal paper , and should be open in reporting what alternative coatings they ’ ve selected .
As of yet , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 , the Environmental Protection Agency rated an alternative chemical called Pergafast 201 as a low to moderate human health hazard but high to very high environmental hazard .
Another option , Alpha Free , might have a preferable toxicological profile but could create print that fades quickly .
Manufacturers must assess the safety of current alternatives and develop new materials that are safer by design .
Businesses that use thermal paper must implement best practices to reduce paper handling for both employees and customers .
Although it may not be possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper , to limit those encounters , try following these tips : • When possible , say “ no ” to paper receipts .
Take advantage of email or text receipts .
• If you do accept a paper receipt , store it separately in an envelope ( BPA and BPS can contaminate currency and other items stored next to receipts ) and then wash your hands , especially before preparing food or eating .
• Avoid using lotions , hand sanitizers or anything else wet or greasy on your hands immediately before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase the amount of chemicals transferred onto the skin and its capacity to absorb BPA or BPS .
• Since bisphenol residues from receipts contaminate the recycled paper stream , put receipts and other thermal paper into the trash rather than the recycle bin .
• Rochester JR. Bisphenol A and human health : a review of the literature .
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• Kolla S , Morcos M , Martin B , Vandenberg LN .
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• Kolla S , McSweeney DB , Pokharel A , Vandenberg LN .
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• Aung MT , Ferguson KK , Cantonwine DE , McElrath TF , Meeker JD .
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“Would you like your receipt?” Maybe not.
Your exchange with the grocery store checkout clerk may seem like an odd time to worry about potentially harmful chemicals, but for decades, receipts printed on thermal paper have been treated with the potent endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A.
Considerable progress has been made to remove this toxic chemical from food cans and reusable food and drink containers, but manufacturers still rely heavily on it as a color developer in inkless thermal paper. In response to public and regulatory pressure to remove BPA from the market, they have turned to bisphenol S, a closely related, structurally and toxicologically similar alternative.
A rapidly growing body of scientific evidence strongly indicates that BPS disrupts hormones and harms reproductive, developmental, metabolic and cardiovascular health, just like its predecessor, BPA. Other preliminary evidence suggests BPS may play a role in altering immune function or in the development of certain cancers and asthma.
Scientists and public health advocates call this regrettable substitution – replacing one harmful chemical in consumer products with another that may be just as bad. In this case, we’ve known about this ongoing regrettable substitution since 2012, when BPS was detected in all thermal receipt paper samples tested by researchers at the New York State Department of Health.
In 2010, EWG-commissioned tests of thermal paper found the amount of BPA on a receipt is 250 to 1,000 times greater than that found in a BPA-based food can lining. And in 2014, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reported similar levels of BPA and BPS in samples of thermal paper. In food cans, BPA is bound into resins that line the cans. But the BPA or BPS in thermal paper is “free,” making it likely more prone to migrate out of the coating.
Besides sales receipts, thermal paper is widely used for printed tickets, boarding passes and luggage tags. BPA and its alternatives are components of a heat-reactive mixture that coats the paper surface, causing it to change color when the paper is exposed to heat, revealing printed text and images.
Exposure to BPA and BPS in the U.S. is widespread and pervasive. A 2018 study of more than 1,800 American adults detected BPA and BPS in 95 and 89 percent of participants, respectively. Cashiers who handle BPS-containing receipts at work have significantly higher BPS levels in their urine after clocking out, meaning BPS exposure from thermal paper is a real concern.
In Europe, BPA-coated thermal paper was banned at the beginning of this year. The European Chemicals Agency, or ECHA, estimates that 61 percent of thermal paper in Europe will be BPS-based by 2022, and the remaining 39 percent will use other non-BPA alternatives. But in the U.S., there is no federal regulation banning BPA in receipts. Without a ban, thermal paper remains a likely source of exposure to both BPA and BPS for Americans.
Bisphenol chemicals like BPA and BPS are now considered ubiquitous in the environment, and urgent action is needed to limit their damaging effects on people and the environment. Whereas the Food and Drug Administration has failed to ban or restrict most uses of BPA, other countries are already moving to regulate BPS.
Belgium is evaluating the risks posed to people and the environment by BPS and has proposed to the ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment, or RAC, to classify it as “toxic to reproduction.” These assessments by Belgium and RAC should conclude early next year. As BPA, BPS and other bisphenols tend to be linked to similar health harms, EWG advocates for evaluating and regulating them as an entire class to avoid regrettable substitution.
Manufacturers must embrace the safest alternatives to bisphenols in thermal paper, and should be open in reporting what alternative coatings they’ve selected. As of yet, there is no perfect phenol-free solution.
In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency rated an alternative chemical called Pergafast 201 as a low to moderate human health hazard but high to very high environmental hazard. Another option, Alpha Free, might have a preferable toxicological profile but could create print that fades quickly. Manufacturers must assess the safety of current alternatives and develop new materials that are safer by design.
Businesses that use thermal paper must implement best practices to reduce paper handling for both employees and customers. Although it may not be possible to avoid all exposure to bisphenols in thermal paper, to limit those encounters, try following these tips:
When possible, say “no” to paper receipts. Take advantage of email or text receipts.
If you do accept a paper receipt, store it separately in an envelope (BPA and BPS can contaminate currency and other items stored next to receipts) and then wash your hands, especially before preparing food or eating.
Prevent children from touching receipts.
Avoid using lotions, hand sanitizers or anything else wet or greasy on your hands immediately before touching receipts. Wetness or greasiness may increase the amount of chemicals transferred onto the skin and its capacity to absorb BPA or BPS.
Since bisphenol residues from receipts contaminate the recycled paper stream, put receipts and other thermal paper into the trash rather than the recycle bin.
Regrettable Substitution: BPA vs. BPS
Health Concerns Strength of Evidence BPA BPS Endocrine disruption
Altered sex and thyroid hormone concentrations, hormone mimicry, impaired endocrine gland function Definitive1-4 (government classification) Strong3-5 Reproductive and developmental toxicity
Infertility, impaired gonadal function, lower sperm quality, miscarriage, preterm birth, impaired brain development and behavior, impaired genital development and sexual function, early puberty Definitive1, 2, 6-10 (government classification) Strong9-16 Metabolic and cardiovascular harm
Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, impaired liver function Strong2, 17-20 Strong16-22 Cancer Breast, ovarian and prostate cancer Strong2, 23 Preliminary16 Other harms Asthma, childhood wheezing, impaired immune function Strong2, 24 Preliminary16, 24, 25
References:


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-12-10--EWG VERIFIED™ Diapers Launches Nationwide With New Healthynest Diapers

WASHINGTON – Today the Environmental Working Group published a new comprehensive Guide to Safer Diapers , an analysis of the chemicals and materials used in baby diapers , to help parents and caregivers sort through the vast array of product options – and related advertising claims – available on the market .
EWG also launched EWG VERIFIED™ Diapers , with Healthynest as the first diaper brand to meet EWG ’ s rigorous criteria for health and ingredient disclosure .
If you ’ re a new parent , it can be confusing to keep up with the latest recommendations about giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more and more scientists find a connection between the ingredients used in consumer products and potential health hazards , new parents often feel as if they ’ re on their own navigating decisions when it comes to buying important things like diapers .
“ In just the first year , a typical baby wears about 2,500 diapers , ” said Nneka Leiba , vice president of Healthy Living Science at EWG .
“ But many disposable diapers contain chemicals that can harm their health , like pesticides and other chemicals linked to cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety of diapers isn ’ t adequately regulated , our new criteria set the standard for health that parents can rely on.
” The Consumer Products Safety Commission – the agency that regulates the $ 13 billion diaper industry – doesn ’ t require manufacturers of disposable diapers to disclose their ingredients publicly or ensure that their products are made without , or are not contaminated with , harmful substances like formaldehyde and pesticides .
The agency requires that baby diapers only be tested for lead .
“ We were shocked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really regulated , ” said EWG President Ken Cook .
“ Our children deserve the best .
And yet we don ’ t know what ingredients are used to make a product our babies wear all day long.
” “ At EWG , we ’ re striving to make clean and healthy consumer products the norm .
I am delighted that we ’ ve added healthy diapers to the growing list of EWG VERIFIED products .
And I ’ m hopeful that other companies will follow Healthynest ’ s lead to clean up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Healthynest is a personal care brand for babies led by founder Shazi Visram .
Visram is a member of EWG ’ s board of directors .
“ At Healthynest , we ’ re dedicated to evolving and improving the baby care category so parents can have choices that perform while also supporting the absolute highest standard of safety and ethics , ” said Visram , who pioneered the organic baby food category with her first company , Happy Family .
“ As a parent focused on eliminating toxic exposure to our children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have always been surprised by the lack of transparency in the diaper category , leading to unregulated material lists and leaving families with unanswered questions about the safety of such a key product in a baby 's life .
We 've spent the past two plus years developing the Healthynest diapers , and are so very proud to launch the first ever EWG VERIFIED diaper , which is certified free of toxins and utilizes the latest and cleanest technology so that baby can have the very best.
” For a 2019 study by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Occupational Health & Safety , researchers tested 23 diapers and found a number of volatile organic compounds , phthalates , formaldehyde , pesticides and other harmful chemicals .
Several of the chemicals were found at levels higher than what the agency says pose a risk for infant health .
Three pesticides , including glyphosate , and two corresponding metabolites were detected in the diapers the agency tested .
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies glyphosate as “ probably carcinogenic to humans , ” and California ’ s Proposition 65 registry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A newborn ’ s skin is significantly thinner and more permeable than that of an adult and can more readily absorb some chemicals .
The area around a baby ’ s genitals is even thinner and more susceptible to exposure to potentially harmful chemicals , like dyes , chlorine and phthalates , all of which can be found in diapers .
Although some brands claiming to make “ greener ” or healthier options disclose their ingredients , many larger brands that dominate the market have chosen not to .
When you see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diapers , you can trust that they meet EWG ’ s strictest standards for your baby ’ s health .
For more than a decade , EWG has been at the forefront of chemical ingredient disclosure in personal care products , believing that people have the right to know what is in the products they purchase and use every day .
The EWG VERIFIED program was created to fill the void left by our nation ’ s antiquated law regulating consumer products , and now includes household cleaners and diapers .
EWG is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rigorous evaluator of chemical safety in consumer products .
EWG awards this prestigious mark only to diaper products that meet stringent ingredient and transparency requirements .
An EWG VERIFIED baby diaper is the gold standard in the health and wellness space .
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 .
Healthynest is a platform for new parents designed to protect and enrich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevating everyday moments and routines in the home , during the monumental , life-shaping first few years of baby 's life .
The company gives parents a safe place to access the newest information , connect with supportive coaches and experts , and find enlightened products like plant-based diapers , wipes and cleaning products for baby 's environment , all meeting rigorous food grade quality standards .
All products are thoughtfully paired with enrichment activities that encourage the development of deeper connections .
To learn more about Healthynest , visit www.healthybaby.com .

WASHINGTON – Today the Environmental Working Group published a new comprehensive Guide to Safer Diapers, an analysis of the chemicals and materials used in baby diapers, to help parents and caregivers sort through the vast array of product options – and related advertising claims – available on the market. EWG also launched EWG VERIFIED™ Diapers, with Healthynest as the first diaper brand to meet EWG’s rigorous criteria for health and ingredient disclosure.
If you’re a new parent, it can be confusing to keep up with the latest recommendations about giving your baby a healthy start. As more and more scientists find a connection between the ingredients used in consumer products and potential health hazards, new parents often feel as if they’re on their own navigating decisions when it comes to buying important things like diapers.
“In just the first year, a typical baby wears about 2,500 diapers,” said Nneka Leiba, vice president of Healthy Living Science at EWG. “But many disposable diapers contain chemicals that can harm their health, like pesticides and other chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive development and dermatitis. Because the safety of diapers isn’t adequately regulated, our new criteria set the standard for health that parents can rely on.”
The Consumer Products Safety Commission – the agency that regulates the $13 billion diaper industry – doesn’t require manufacturers of disposable diapers to disclose their ingredients publicly or ensure that their products are made without, or are not contaminated with, harmful substances like formaldehyde and pesticides. The agency requires that baby diapers only be tested for lead.
“We were shocked to learn that baby diapers aren’t really regulated,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “Our children deserve the best. And yet we don’t know what ingredients are used to make a product our babies wear all day long.”
“At EWG, we’re striving to make clean and healthy consumer products the norm. I am delighted that we’ve added healthy diapers to the growing list of EWG VERIFIED products. And I’m hopeful that other companies will follow Healthynest’s lead to clean up the diaper world,” Cook added.
Healthynest is a personal care brand for babies led by founder Shazi Visram. Visram is a member of EWG’s board of directors.
“At Healthynest, we’re dedicated to evolving and improving the baby care category so parents can have choices that perform while also supporting the absolute highest standard of safety and ethics,” said Visram, who pioneered the organic baby food category with her first company, Happy Family.
“As a parent focused on eliminating toxic exposure to our children,” she said, “I have always been surprised by the lack of transparency in the diaper category, leading to unregulated material lists and leaving families with unanswered questions about the safety of such a key product in a baby's life. We've spent the past two plus years developing the Healthynest diapers, and are so very proud to launch the first ever EWG VERIFIED diaper, which is certified free of toxins and utilizes the latest and cleanest technology so that baby can have the very best.”
For a 2019 study by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, researchers tested 23 diapers and found a number of volatile organic compounds, phthalates, formaldehyde, pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Several of the chemicals were found at levels higher than what the agency says pose a risk for infant health.
Three pesticides, including glyphosate, and two corresponding metabolites were detected in the diapers the agency tested. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” and California’s Proposition 65 registry lists it as a known carcinogen.
A newborn’s skin is significantly thinner and more permeable than that of an adult and can more readily absorb some chemicals. The area around a baby’s genitals is even thinner and more susceptible to exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, like dyes, chlorine and phthalates, all of which can be found in diapers.
Although some brands claiming to make “greener” or healthier options disclose their ingredients, many larger brands that dominate the market have chosen not to. When you see the EWG VERIFIED mark on a package of diapers, you can trust that they meet EWG’s strictest standards for your baby’s health.
For more than a decade, EWG has been at the forefront of chemical ingredient disclosure in personal care products, believing that people have the right to know what is in the products they purchase and use every day. The EWG VERIFIED program was created to fill the void left by our nation’s antiquated law regulating consumer products, and now includes household cleaners and diapers.
EWG is widely recognized as the most trusted and rigorous evaluator of chemical safety in consumer products. EWG awards this prestigious mark only to diaper products that meet stringent ingredient and transparency requirements. An EWG VERIFIED baby diaper is the gold standard in the health and wellness space.
###
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.
Healthynest is a platform for new parents designed to protect and enrich the fullest potential of every baby by elevating everyday moments and routines in the home, during the monumental, life-shaping first few years of baby's life. The company gives parents a safe place to access the newest information, connect with supportive coaches and experts, and find enlightened products like plant-based diapers, wipes and cleaning products for baby's environment, all meeting rigorous food grade quality standards. All products are thoughtfully paired with enrichment activities that encourage the development of deeper connections. To learn more about Healthynest, visit www.healthybaby.com.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-12-10--EWG’s Healthy Living: Quick Tips to Safer Diapers

In their first year alone , a baby will wear an estimated 2,500 disposable diapers .
When buying diapers , parents are likely to consider absorbency , fit and comfort as the most important features .
But recent scientific research highlights the fact that the ingredients and materials used to make the diapers may be just as important , if not more so : The diaper itself could potentially harm a child ’ s health .
Our skin is a dynamic organ that develops and matures over time .
A newborn ’ s skin is significantly thinner and more permeable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more readily absorb chemicals .
The skin in the area around a baby ’ s genitals is even thinner and more susceptible to exposure to potentially harmful chemicals , such as dyes , chlorine and phthalates , all of which may be found in diapers .
A 2019 study by the French Agency for Food , Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety , or ANSES , tested 23 diapers from bestselling products on the French market .
Researchers found a number of volatile organic compounds , phthalates , formaldehyde , pesticides and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detected exceeded levels the agency deems a risk to infant health .
Exposure to chemicals at an early age can have serious and long-lasting health implications .
According to the World Health Organization , exposure to hazardous chemicals , air pollutants and pesticides can lead to irreversible damage and impair children ’ s physical and cognitive development .
Long-term exposure to high concentrations of volatile organic compounds , or VOCs , can damage the liver , kidneys and central nervous system .
In addition , some VOCs , pesticides and formaldehyde are linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interfere with hormones that can affect proper growth and development .
Unlike menstrual products , baby diapers are not classified as medical devices , so they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration .
The diaper industry is regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission , which does not require diaper manufacturers to disclose their ingredients or test their products or materials for a variety of chemicals to ensure safety .
The agency requires that baby diapers be tested for lead .
There are a lot of diaper options on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unscented , and many other types .
Because of the lack of adequate regulations and ingredient disclosure in the diaper industry , and the frequent use of potentially harmful chemicals , parents may find it hard to figure out which options are best for their little ones and the environment .
EWG ’ s comprehensive Guide to Safer Diapers outlines what every parent or caregiver should know before buying another diaper .
EWG has also added diapers to the growing list of products that are EWG VERIFIED® , certifying that they meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
EWG VERIFIED diapers are free from our extensive list of ingredients and materials linked to harm , and all ingredients must be disclosed .
• Read the ingredients .
Be wary of products that do not disclose the ingredients .
If your brand of choice does not , contact the manufacturer to encourage it to disclose all ingredients .
• Consider buying cloth diapers .
They are not a feasible option for everyone , and not all cloth diapers are made equally .
However , organic cloth diapers may be a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemicals in disposable products .
They also tend to be better for the environment , as they produce less plastic waste and use less energy to manufacture .
• Although it may be near-impossible to find disposable diapers made without plastic components , look for brands that minimize the use of plastic in their products and packaging .
Plastic materials can emit VOCs that can harm health .
Note that even plastics produced from plants , or bioplastics , may have concerns similar to their petroleum-based counterparts .
• Choose a brand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totally chlorine-free techniques , rather than elemental chlorine-free , or ECF , techniques .
ECF uses a chlorine derivative , which is linked to skin , nose and throat irritation and is toxic to aquatic systems .
• Avoid products with fragrances or lotions , or other skin-conditioning agents .
If you ’ d like to apply a lotion to your baby , choose a product that meets your standards and apply it before diapering .
This allows you to have more control over what is going on your baby ’ s skin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs a conditioning product .
• Look for brands free from phthalates , parabens , bisphenols , the fluorinated compounds known as PFAS , and flame-retardant chemicals .
• Choose plain , undyed diapers or ones with minimal designs .
Many of the dyes used in diapers have been linked to health harms or may be contaminated with toxic heavy metals .
• Ensure that your brand of choice has tested its products adequately for harmful ingredients and contaminants .
• Look for environmental certifications , like the Forest Stewardship Council ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are responsibly sourced .
Choose an EWG VERIFIED diaper , if possible .

In their first year alone, a baby will wear an estimated 2,500 disposable diapers. When buying diapers, parents are likely to consider absorbency, fit and comfort as the most important features. But recent scientific research highlights the fact that the ingredients and materials used to make the diapers may be just as important, if not more so: The diaper itself could potentially harm a child’s health.
Our skin is a dynamic organ that develops and matures over time. A newborn’s skin is significantly thinner and more permeable than that of an adult and can more readily absorb chemicals. The skin in the area around a baby’s genitals is even thinner and more susceptible to exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, such as dyes, chlorine and phthalates, all of which may be found in diapers.
Stay informed by signing up to receive email tips, action alerts, promotions to support our work and more from EWG. You can opt-out at any time.
A 2019 study by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, or ANSES, tested 23 diapers from bestselling products on the French market. Researchers found a number of volatile organic compounds, phthalates, formaldehyde, pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Several of the chemicals detected exceeded levels the agency deems a risk to infant health.
Exposure to chemicals at an early age can have serious and long-lasting health implications. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to hazardous chemicals, air pollutants and pesticides can lead to irreversible damage and impair children’s physical and cognitive development. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, can damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. In addition, some VOCs, pesticides and formaldehyde are linked to cancer, and some phthalates can interfere with hormones that can affect proper growth and development.
Unlike menstrual products, baby diapers are not classified as medical devices, so they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The diaper industry is regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which does not require diaper manufacturers to disclose their ingredients or test their products or materials for a variety of chemicals to ensure safety. The agency requires that baby diapers be tested for lead.
There are a lot of diaper options on the market: reusable and disposable, scented and unscented, and many other types. Because of the lack of adequate regulations and ingredient disclosure in the diaper industry, and the frequent use of potentially harmful chemicals, parents may find it hard to figure out which options are best for their little ones and the environment.
EWG’s comprehensive Guide to Safer Diapers outlines what every parent or caregiver should know before buying another diaper. EWG has also added diapers to the growing list of products that are EWG VERIFIED®, certifying that they meet our strictest standards for health and transparency. EWG VERIFIED diapers are free from our extensive list of ingredients and materials linked to harm, and all ingredients must be disclosed.
Quick Tips for Choosing Safer Diapers


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-12-09--Next Agriculture Secretary Must Confront New Food and Farm Challenges

WASHINGTON – President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Tom Vilsack to be secretary of agriculture , according to news reports .
Here is a statement from Scott Faber , EWG ’ s senior vice president for government affairs : The job description for secretary of agriculture has changed since 2009 .
The next secretary of agriculture must make ending hunger , protecting food and farm workers , combating the climate crisis , supporting family farms , addressing discrimination against Black farmers , ending the obesity epidemic , and keeping our food safe his top priorities .
We need a secretary who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not just the needs of the most successful farm businesses and the companies that produce farm chemicals .
To do so , the next secretary should increase anti-hunger assistance , provide food and farm workers with personal protective equipment and other safeguards , provide new incentives for farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions , end unlimited farm subsidies to millionaires , restore school nutrition standards , advance organic standards , and set tough new standards for pathogens in our meat and poultry .
These challenges – ending hunger , protecting our environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family farmers and workers , supporting healthy diets , and keeping our food safe – should be Secretary Vilsack ’ s priorities .
In his previous service , too often , Secretary Vilsack failed to meet these challenges .
During his tenure under President Obama , Secretary Vilsack refused to support efforts to link crop insurance subsidies to environmental standards , surrendered efforts to make the environmental impacts of food production part of the dietary advice our government gives consumers , played down the environmental impacts of ethanol production on the climate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impacts of pesticide drift on nearby farmers .
He refused to reform our farm subsidy and loan program programs to support family farmers in need or to level the playing field for Black farmers who had been the victims of long-standing discrimination by USDA .
Too often , Secretary Vilsack put the needs of industry and large commercial farms ahead of the needs of family farmers , workers , ordinary people and the environment .
The burden will be on Secretary Vilsack and President-elect Biden to demonstrate how Secretary Vilsack would govern differently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

WASHINGTON – President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Tom Vilsack to be secretary of agriculture, according to news reports. Here is a statement from Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs:
The job description for secretary of agriculture has changed since 2009. The next secretary of agriculture must make ending hunger, protecting food and farm workers, combating the climate crisis, supporting family farms, addressing discrimination against Black farmers, ending the obesity epidemic, and keeping our food safe his top priorities.
We need a secretary who will meet the needs of all Americans, not just the needs of the most successful farm businesses and the companies that produce farm chemicals. To do so, the next secretary should increase anti-hunger assistance, provide food and farm workers with personal protective equipment and other safeguards, provide new incentives for farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, end unlimited farm subsidies to millionaires, restore school nutrition standards, advance organic standards, and set tough new standards for pathogens in our meat and poultry.
These challenges – ending hunger, protecting our environment, confronting racism in agriculture, helping family farmers and workers, supporting healthy diets, and keeping our food safe – should be Secretary Vilsack’s priorities.
In his previous service, too often, Secretary Vilsack failed to meet these challenges.
During his tenure under President Obama, Secretary Vilsack refused to support efforts to link crop insurance subsidies to environmental standards, surrendered efforts to make the environmental impacts of food production part of the dietary advice our government gives consumers, played down the environmental impacts of ethanol production on the climate, and did too little to address the impacts of pesticide drift on nearby farmers. He refused to reform our farm subsidy and loan program programs to support family farmers in need or to level the playing field for Black farmers who had been the victims of long-standing discrimination by USDA.
Too often, Secretary Vilsack put the needs of industry and large commercial farms ahead of the needs of family farmers, workers, ordinary people and the environment. The burden will be on Secretary Vilsack and President-elect Biden to demonstrate how Secretary Vilsack would govern differently if given a second chance to serve.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-12-11--California Bill Would Sharply Reduce Lead Leaching From Faucets

SACRAMENTO , Calif. – State legislation introduced today would set a legally enforceable limit on the amount of lead leaching from drinking water faucets and fixtures , reducing by five times the amount now allowed by a plumbing industry standard .
Assembly Bill 100 , by Assemblymember Chris Holden ( D-Pasadena ) , would restrict the amount of lead leaching from faucets and fixtures to no more than 1 microgram .
No federal or state laws explicitly limit the amount of lead that may leach from drinking water faucets and fixtures sold in California .
The industry standard was recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 , 2024 , from leaching more than 1 microgram of lead on average , but still allows faucets certified before 2024 to be sold .
Holden ’ s bill , however , would require that all faucets sold in California meet the lower standard beginning on January 1 , 2022 .
“ We all expect the water we drink will keep us and our children healthy , and not make us sick , ” said Holden .
“ This legislation ensures that faucets and plumbing fixtures sold in California leach as little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EWG ’ s senior advocate for California government affairs , said lead is a severe neurotoxin that can cause permanent brain damage , especially in children , who absorb half of the lead they ingest .
“ It makes no sense that faucets sold in California aren ’ t legally prevented from leaching significant amounts of lead into drinking water , ” said Little .
“ This bill will make sure that California residents , schools and child care centers will be able to find the more health-protective faucets on store shelves by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Californians should n't have to research faucet safety in order to protect their families , ” said Andria Ventura , policy director at Clean Water Action .
“ They should be guaranteed that the faucets they buy or are installed in their homes , schools and businesses reduce the amount of lead in their drinking water to the optimum level.
” Last year , Holden authored a prior version of the bill , which was passed by the Assembly before being held by the Senate Appropriations Committee .
In 2018 , he also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into law , that requires licensed child care centers to test their drinking water for lead contamination .
California has led the nation with new laws to protect public health .
In the past two years , Gov .
Gavin Newsom has signed into law new or stricter public health and safety standards for cosmetics , jewelry , firefighting foam , and worker and child lead-poisoning prevention .
A.B.100 is co-sponsored by EWG and Clean Water Action .
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit , non-partisan organization that empowers people to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .
https : //www.ewg.org/key-issues/toxics/lead Since our founding during the campaign to pass the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972 , Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise , solution-oriented thinking and people power to the table .
We will protect clean water in the face of attacks from a polluter friendly Administration .
www.cleanwateraction.org

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – State legislation introduced today would set a legally enforceable limit on the amount of lead leaching from drinking water faucets and fixtures, reducing by five times the amount now allowed by a plumbing industry standard. Assembly Bill 100, by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), would restrict the amount of lead leaching from faucets and fixtures to no more than 1 microgram.
No federal or state laws explicitly limit the amount of lead that may leach from drinking water faucets and fixtures sold in California. The industry standard was recently revised to prohibit faucets certified beginning January 1, 2024, from leaching more than 1 microgram of lead on average, but still allows faucets certified before 2024 to be sold. Holden’s bill, however, would require that all faucets sold in California meet the lower standard beginning on January 1, 2022.
“We all expect the water we drink will keep us and our children healthy, and not make us sick,” said Holden. “This legislation ensures that faucets and plumbing fixtures sold in California leach as little lead as possible.”
Susan Little, EWG’s senior advocate for California government affairs, said lead is a severe neurotoxin that can cause permanent brain damage, especially in children, who absorb half of the lead they ingest.
“It makes no sense that faucets sold in California aren’t legally prevented from leaching significant amounts of lead into drinking water,” said Little. “This bill will make sure that California residents, schools and child care centers will be able to find the more health-protective faucets on store shelves by the end of next year.”
“Californians shouldn't have to research faucet safety in order to protect their families,” said Andria Ventura, policy director at Clean Water Action. “They should be guaranteed that the faucets they buy or are installed in their homes, schools and businesses reduce the amount of lead in their drinking water to the optimum level.”
Last year, Holden authored a prior version of the bill, which was passed by the Assembly before being held by the Senate Appropriations Committee. In 2018, he also authored another bill, which was signed into law, that requires licensed child care centers to test their drinking water for lead contamination.
California has led the nation with new laws to protect public health. In the past two years, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law new or stricter public health and safety standards for cosmetics, jewelry, firefighting foam, and worker and child lead-poisoning prevention.
A.B.100 is co-sponsored by EWG and Clean Water Action.
###
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/key-issues/toxics/lead
Since our founding during the campaign to pass the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972, Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking and people power to the table. We will protect clean water in the face of attacks from a polluter friendly Administration. www.cleanwateraction.org


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-12-11--EWG News Roundup (12/11): EWG VERIFIED™ Diapers Launches Nationwide, Tom Vilsack as Biden’s Top Pick

EWG News Roundup (12/11): EWG VERIFIED™ Diapers Launches Nationwide, Tom Vilsack as Biden’s Top Pick for Ag Secretary and More

This week , EWG VERIFIED™ Diapers launched , with Healthynest as the first diaper brand to meet EWG ’ s rigorous criteria for health and ingredient disclosure .
EWG also published its comprehensive Guide to Safer Diapers , which breaks down the chemicals and materials in baby diapers and what they mean for parents .
“ In just the first year , a typical baby wears about 2,500 diapers , ” said Nneka Leiba , vice president of Healthy Living Science at EWG .
“ But many disposable diapers contain chemicals that can harm their health , like pesticides and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development and dermatitis .
Because the safety of diapers isn ’ t adequately regulated , our new criteria set the standard for health that parents can rely on.
” On Tuesday , news reports indicated that President-elect Biden is expected to tap Tom Vilsack to be secretary of agriculture .
Vilsack had served as agriculture secretary during the Obama administration from 2009 to 2017 .
Environmental groups , food and farm worker advocates , and social justice organizations have expressed strong concern over Vilsack ’ s taking another turn leading the agency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ agriculture has changed since 2009 .
The next secretary of agriculture must make ending hunger , protecting food and farm workers , combating the climate crisis , supporting family farms , addressing discrimination against Black farmers , ending the obesity epidemic , and keeping our food safe his top priorities , ” said Scott Faber , EWG ’ s senior vice president for government affairs .
The Biden administration will have its hands full when it comes to addressing the many aspects of the Covid-19 crisis facing food and farm workers .
EWG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could take to protect these labor pools .
The outgoing Trump Environmental Protection Agency released an `` interim strategy '' for addressing industrial discharges of the toxic fluorinated “ forever chemicals ” called PFAS .
But the plan lacks any sort of enforceable standards or a timeline for developing standards or regulations .
In other PFAS news , Amazon announced this week it will remove PFAS from its Amazon Kitchen brand products .
And finally , EWG broke down a study we conducted with Clean Wisconsin that shows the health and economic consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; a harmful BPA replacement found in retail receipts ; and a new EPA rule that will make it more difficult for the incoming agency head to fight air pollution and climate change .
Here ’ s some news you can use going into the weekend .
Fortune : Why this organic-food founder is trying to clean up the diaper business Then Visram turned to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , an advocacy organization where she already sat on the board , to develop a third-party certification for her new product @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diapers this week , which is a certification that proves a brand of diaper has met rigorous criteria for health and ingredient disclosure .
The Bump : Healthynest Has Just Launched the First-Ever EWG Verified Diaper Earlier this year , the Environmental Working Group launched a new safety criteria for diapers—a long overdue regulation of one of the most important baby products on the market .
The American Prospect : Biden on the Farm Biden should “ scrap it and start over , ” argued Scott Faber , senior vice president for government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times Union : Defense bill phases out military uses of PFAs , Biden admin expected to do more Most expect that one of the first things the Biden administration will do is finalize the designation as PFOA and PFAS as hazardous substances , '' said Scott Faber , senior vice president for government affairs for the non-profit Environmental Working Group .
Mother Jones : Will Biden Pick a USDA Secretary Who Sees Our Food Crises Clearly ?
According to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group , just 10 percent of farms grabbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doled out by USDA farm programs between 1995 and 2020 .
“ I can ’ t think of a food or ag issue EWG works on or Food Policy Action tracks that Vilsack didn ’ t disappoint or sell out on during the Obama administration , ” said Ken Cook , head of the Environmental Working Group , on social media .
“ We ’ re putting together a list.
” Daily Kos : Jon Ossoff , Raphael Warnock and … Daniel Blackman ?
Meet the third Democrat on the GA runoff ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandatory GMO labeling legislation that would preempt state labeling laws while creating a national , mandatory GMO labeling standard for all GMO foods Common Dreams : Eco ‘ Sabotage ’ : Trump EPA Issues Last-Minute Rule to Make Action on Climate and Pollution Harder for Biden '' For four years , this administration has waged war on public health by kowtowing to polluters , '' Environmental Working Group president Ken Cook said of Trump 's first term .
`` Now , on the way out the door , this amounts to sabotaging the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans from dirty air . ''
A report from the Environmental Working Group cited by the Iowa Capital Dispatch in its Water Works reporting stated that algae toxin-related responses have cost U.S. communities over $ 1.1 billion in the last 10 years .
Insider : Asbestos , a toxic mineral linked to cancer , was found in eye shadow and a children ’ s makeup kit The researchers from the Environmental Working Group , a nonprofit research and advocacy organization , analyzed samples of 21 cosmetic products made from talc , including eye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and children 's makeup kits .
The researchers from the Environmental Working Group looked at 21 samples that included talc , including eye shadow , face powder , and kids ’ makeup kits .
Business Insider : Blueland is a new household cleaning startup that helps you reduce single-use plastic consumption- here ’ s how the products perform The key highlights are that all the products are free from volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ) , which are harmful to pregnant or nursing women and children , and anything on the Environmental Working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve Tried Hundreds of Primers , and This $ 8 Crayon Is The Only One That Worked I ’ ve been a fan of the Environmental Working Group-vetted brand since trying its easy-to-use , affordable mineral sunscreen , so I took a risk and ordered six of the $ 8 pencils , sight unseen .
Medium : Calling Products “ Pro-Aging ” Doesn ’ t Change Their Message That Aging Is Bad My quest for answers found me on the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) Skin Deep database .
Yahoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Risk , Say Doctors For a full list of what to watch out for , check out EWG 's Skin Deep Database , so you can research toxic chemicals that might be in your beauty and personal care products .
EcoWatch : 5 All Natural Hair Brands ( Vetted by the Environmental Working Group ) Enter : Skin Deep , the EWG 's database of cosmetic products—ranging from makeup and skincare to haircare , fragrance , and nail care .
Green Matters : Smelly Pits ?
These Are The 10 Strongest Natural Deoderants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formulated with probiotics , as well as witch hazel , sage oil , and triethyl citrate – a safe additive that Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) scores as a 1 in terms of safety .
Popsugar : I Created A New Skin-Care Routine Using The Clean Beauty Brand You ’ ve Been Hearing About It not only creates products with good-for-you ingredients while excluding anything you don ’ t want , like parabens , sulfates SLS and SLES , phthalates .
.
.
you get the picture , but is also Leaping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sephora that has full EWG approval .
According to the Environmental Working Group ’ s Farm Subsidy Database , Lenawee farmers received $ 384 million in farm subsidies between 1995 and 2020 , for commodities ( mostly corn , soybeans , wheat , dairy ) , crop insurance , disaster and conservation programs .
Web ’ s Favorites : Are Air Purifiers Worth It ?
The Experts ’ Guide to Clean Air In Your HomeThe Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) and other consumer health organizations advocate limiting the quantity of carpeting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and doors , particularly within the initial 72 hours of setup , or picking natural materials such as wool , bamboo , or jute , which do not have this off-gassing issue .
The Fresno Bee ( Calif. ) : Toxic tap water in Latino towns is a legacy of racist policies , California officials say “ We didn ’ t just find a lot of nitrate in majority-Latino communities , we also found that as nitrate levels rise , the likelihood that a community is majority-Latino also goes up , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of economics with the Environmental Working Group .
Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Scott Faber in a Dec. 3 written statement applauded the inclusion in the bill of provisions to bar Defense Department ( DOD ) purchases of some PFAS-containing items , expand PFAS research and speed development of PFAS-free firefighting foams and gear , but said the legislation “ falls far short ” of addressing the contamination crisis affecting service members and communities .
“ PFAS is perhaps the only environmental issue that really remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Faber , senior vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group , said by phone .
Treehugger : This Acronym Will Help You Choose Ethical , Sustainable Seafood Check out the Environmental Working Group 's Consumer Guide to Seafood or the Environmental Defense Fund 's Seafood Selector that includes a sushi-specific guide .
Consulting the Environmental Working Group ’ s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen is a no-brainer when you want to choose between conventional and organic produce , but what about dairy products ?
The Kitchn : The 9 Biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , According to Nutritionists Don ’ t let “ health halo ” labels confuse you .
“ Buying organic is beneficial for certain foods ( especially the Environmental Working Group ’ s Dirty Dozen fruit and vegetable list ) . ''
Who : 10 Best Sunscreens : Most Effective Sunscreen in Australia But if you want the best of the best ( like the stuff approved by the Environmental Working Group or EWG ) , here is a list that can help .

This week, EWG VERIFIED® Diapers launched, with Healthynest as the first diaper brand to meet EWG’s rigorous criteria for health and ingredient disclosure. EWG also published its comprehensive Guide to Safer Diapers, which breaks down the chemicals and materials in baby diapers and what they mean for parents.
“In just the first year, a typical baby wears about 2,500 diapers,” said Nneka Leiba, vice president of Healthy Living Science at EWG. “But many disposable diapers contain chemicals that can harm their health, like pesticides and other chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive development and dermatitis. Because the safety of diapers isn’t adequately regulated, our new criteria set the standard for health that parents can rely on.”
On Tuesday, news reports indicated that President-elect Biden is expected to tap Tom Vilsack to be secretary of agriculture. Vilsack had served as agriculture secretary during the Obama administration from 2009 to 2017. Environmental groups, food and farm worker advocates, and social justice organizations have expressed strong concern over Vilsack’s taking another turn leading the agency.
“The job description for secretary of agriculture has changed since 2009. The next secretary of agriculture must make ending hunger, protecting food and farm workers, combating the climate crisis, supporting family farms, addressing discrimination against Black farmers, ending the obesity epidemic, and keeping our food safe his top priorities,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs.
The Biden administration will have its hands full when it comes to addressing the many aspects of the Covid-19 crisis facing food and farm workers. EWG laid out six steps the incoming administration could take to protect these labor pools.
The outgoing Trump Environmental Protection Agency released an "interim strategy" for addressing industrial discharges of the toxic fluorinated “forever chemicals” called PFAS. But the plan lacks any sort of enforceable standards or a timeline for developing standards or regulations.
In other PFAS news, Amazon announced this week it will remove PFAS from its Amazon Kitchen brand products.
And finally, EWG broke down a study we conducted with Clean Wisconsin that shows the health and economic consequences of nitrate pollution in Wisconsin drinking water; a harmful BPA replacement found in retail receipts; and a new EPA rule that will make it more difficult for the incoming agency head to fight air pollution and climate change.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
EWG VERIFIED®: Diapers
Fortune: Why this organic-food founder is trying to clean up the diaper business
Then Visram turned to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an advocacy organization where she already sat on the board, to develop a third-party certification for her new product. R
Treehugger: EWG Releases New Guide to Safe Disposable Diapers
It just launched EWG VERIFIED Diapers this week, which is a certification that proves a brand of diaper has met rigorous criteria for health and ingredient disclosure.
The Bump: Healthynest Has Just Launched the First-Ever EWG Verified Diaper
Earlier this year, the Environmental Working Group launched a new safety criteria for diapers—a long overdue regulation of one of the most important baby products on the market.
Biden’s Agricultural Policy
The American Prospect: Biden on the Farm
Biden should “scrap it and start over,” argued Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group.
Biden’s PFAS Policy
Times Union: Defense bill phases out military uses of PFAs, Biden admin expected to do more
Most expect that one of the first things the Biden administration will do is finalize the designation as PFOA and PFAS as hazardous substances," said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs for the non-profit Environmental Working Group.
Biden’s Vilsack Pick for Secretary of Agriculture
Mother Jones: Will Biden Pick a USDA Secretary Who Sees Our Food Crises Clearly?
According to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group, just 10 percent of farms grabbed 76 percent of the $424.4 billion doled out by USDA farm programs between 1995 and 2020.
Successful Farming: Farm Groups Cheer, Progressives Lament Return of Vilsack to USDA
“I can’t think of a food or ag issue EWG works on or Food Policy Action tracks that Vilsack didn’t disappoint or sell out on during the Obama administration,” said Ken Cook, head of the Environmental Working Group, on social media. “We’re putting together a list.”
Georgia Runoff Election
Daily Kos: Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock and … Daniel Blackman? Meet the third Democrat on the GA runoff ballot
Working with Environmental Working Group to advance mandatory GMO labeling legislation that would preempt state labeling laws while creating a national, mandatory GMO labeling standard for all GMO foods
Trump Administration
Common Dreams: Eco ‘Sabotage’: Trump EPA Issues Last-Minute Rule to Make Action on Climate and Pollution Harder for Biden
"For four years, this administration has waged war on public health by kowtowing to polluters," Environmental Working Group president Ken Cook said of Trump's first term. "Now, on the way out the door, this amounts to sabotaging the efforts of the incoming administration to protect Americans from dirty air."
Algae Blooms
Silicon Prairie News: Corn pollinating drone technology earns Iowa City agtech firm $7.5 million investment
A report from the Environmental Working Group cited by the Iowa Capital Dispatch in its Water Works reporting stated that algae toxin-related responses have cost U.S. communities over $1.1 billion in the last 10 years.
Asbestos in Talc
Insider: Asbestos, a toxic mineral linked to cancer, was found in eye shadow and a children’s makeup kit
The researchers from the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization, analyzed samples of 21 cosmetic products made from talc, including eye shadow, face and body powder, and children's makeup kits.
One Green Planet: Cancer-Causing Asbestos Found In Powder-Based Makeup
The researchers from the Environmental Working Group looked at 21 samples that included talc, including eye shadow, face powder, and kids’ makeup kits.
Cleaning Products
Business Insider: Blueland is a new household cleaning startup that helps you reduce single-use plastic consumption- here’s how the products perform
The key highlights are that all the products are free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to pregnant or nursing women and children, and anything on the Environmental Working Group's restricted list.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Instyle: I’ve Tried Hundreds of Primers, and This $8 Crayon Is The Only One That Worked
I’ve been a fan of the Environmental Working Group-vetted brand since trying its easy-to-use, affordable mineral sunscreen, so I took a risk and ordered six of the $8 pencils, sight unseen.
Medium: Calling Products “Pro-Aging” Doesn’t Change Their Message That Aging Is Bad
My quest for answers found me on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep database.
Yahoo: Simple Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk, Say Doctors
For a full list of what to watch out for, check out EWG's Skin Deep Database, so you can research toxic chemicals that might be in your beauty and personal care products.
EcoWatch: 5 All Natural Hair Brands (Vetted by the Environmental Working Group)
Enter: Skin Deep, the EWG's database of cosmetic products—ranging from makeup and skincare to haircare, fragrance, and nail care.
Green Matters: Smelly Pits? These Are The 10 Strongest Natural Deoderants
The brand’s deodorant sprays are formulated with probiotics, as well as witch hazel, sage oil, and triethyl citrate – a safe additive that Environmental Working Group (EWG) scores as a 1 in terms of safety.
EWG VERIFIED®: Cosmetics
Popsugar: I Created A New Skin-Care Routine Using The Clean Beauty Brand You’ve Been Hearing About
It not only creates products with good-for-you ingredients while excluding anything you don’t want, like parabens, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates . . . you get the picture, but is also Leaping Bunny certified and the only brand at Sephora that has full EWG approval.
Farm Subsidies
Monroe News (Monroe, Mich): Pandemic Is Causing Food Shortages
According to the Environmental Working Group’s Farm Subsidy Database, Lenawee farmers received $384 million in farm subsidies between 1995 and 2020, for commodities (mostly corn, soybeans, wheat, dairy), crop insurance, disaster and conservation programs.
Healthy Living Home Guide
Web’s Favorites: Are Air Purifiers Worth It? The Experts’ Guide to Clean Air In Your HomeThe Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other consumer health organizations advocate limiting the quantity of carpeting in your house, ventilating by opening windows and doors, particularly within the initial 72 hours of setup, or picking natural materials such as wool, bamboo, or jute, which do not have this off-gassing issue.
Nitrates in Tap Water
The Fresno Bee (Calif.): Toxic tap water in Latino towns is a legacy of racist policies, California officials say
“We didn’t just find a lot of nitrate in majority-Latino communities, we also found that as nitrate levels rise, the likelihood that a community is majority-Latino also goes up,” said Anne Weis Schechinger, a senior analyst of economics with the Environmental Working Group.
PFAS in Firefighting Foam
Inside EPA: FY21 Defense Conference Bill Drops Several Provisions on PFAS Cleanups
Environmental Working Group (EWG) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Scott Faber in a Dec. 3 written statement applauded the inclusion in the bill of provisions to bar Defense Department (DOD) purchases of some PFAS-containing items, expand PFAS research and speed development of PFAS-free firefighting foams and gear, but said the legislation “falls far short” of addressing the contamination crisis affecting service members and communities.
Roll Call: ‘Forever chemical” provisions in NDAA fall short, say advocates
“PFAS is perhaps the only environmental issue that really remains a truly bipartisan issue,” Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, said by phone.
Seafood Guide
Treehugger: This Acronym Will Help You Choose Ethical, Sustainable Seafood
Check out the Environmental Working Group's Consumer Guide to Seafood or the Environmental Defense Fund's Seafood Selector that includes a sushi-specific guide.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Organic Authority: Spinach and Mushroom Vegetarian Lasagna With Organic Cheese
Consulting the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen is a no-brainer when you want to choose between conventional and organic produce, but what about dairy products?
The Kitchn: The 9 Biggest Mistakes People Make at the Grocery Store, According to Nutritionists
Don’t let “health halo” labels confuse you. “Buying organic is beneficial for certain foods (especially the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen fruit and vegetable list)."
EWG Guide to Sunscreen
Who: 10 Best Sunscreens: Most Effective Sunscreen in Australia
But if you want the best of the best (like the stuff approved by the Environmental Working Group or EWG), here is a list that can help.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-12-11--CDC Investigates Potential Link Between ‘Forever Chemicals’ and Decreased Effectiveness of Covid-19

CDC Investigates Potential Link Between ‘Forever Chemicals’ and Decreased Effectiveness of Covid-19 Vaccines

WASHINGTON – A federal health agency is investigating whether exposure to the fluorinated `` forever chemicals '' called PFAS could affect the potential effectiveness and duration of a Covid-19 vaccine .
In a Nov. 6 letter to Rep. Dan Kildee ( D-Mich. ) , Dr. Robert Redfield , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , said the CDC ’ s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry , or ATSDR , is “ assessing the intersection between PFAS exposure and COVID-19 , ” the disease caused by the coronavirus .
The CDC is currently carrying out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and first responders .
Redfield said as part of that study , ATSDR will measure PFAS levels in the participants “ to determine the association ” between PFAS in their blood and the risk of coronavirus infection and contracting Covid-19 .
The study will also gauge the connection of PFAS levels and antibody response to the coronavirus that “ may shed light on the potential impact of PFAS exposure on vaccine response and potential duration of vaccine protection , ” including for any future Covid-19 vaccines .
“ Many first responders who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , including firefighters and servicemembers , already have elevated levels of PFAS in their blood .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must assess whether PFAS chemicals have an impact on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines , ” said Kildee .
“ When it comes to protecting public health , we must always promote transparency and make information available to the public .
In Congress , I will continue to make every effort possible to clean up and reduce PFAS chemicals in our environment.
” PFAS compounds are in the blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ umbilical cord blood of newborn babies .
PFAS are called “ forever chemicals ” because they build up in our bodies and don ’ t break down in the environment .
Some population groups are exposed to higher levels of PFAS than others , including firefighters , military personnel and communities who are located near PFAS manufacturing plants or have PFAS-contaminated drinking water .
In his letter , Redfield notes that the CDC and ATSDR are looking at how to incorporate Covid-19 research into the current epidemiological PFAS study taking place in eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of scientific research links elevated PFAS exposure with immune system harm and decreased response to vaccines , including studies showing a weaker response to tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations in infants and influenza vaccines for adults .
In a Nov. 17 article in The Guardian , Dr. Philippe Grandjean , who led the study on PFAS exposure and diminished response to tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations , raised concerns about the potential for people with high levels of PFAS to experience similar reactions to a Covid-19 vaccine .
“ People with high exposure to PFAS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after four vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus , ” Grandjean said .
“ So if a vaccine for Covid is similar , the PFAS will likely inhibit the response from a vaccine .
But it is an unknown at this stage.
” “ We would have to cross our fingers and hope for the best , ” he said .
CDC ’ s announcement comes at a critical moment , as Covid-19 cases and deaths from the virus are near record levels in almost every state .
Yesterday , the Food and Drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant emergency-use authorization to one of the Covid-19 vaccines that has been developed .
“ Everyone should get vaccinated once safe and effective vaccines are available , ” said Scott Faber , EWG ’ s senior vice president for government affairs .
“ To ensure that these and future vaccines are as effective as possible , we must address the PFAS contamination crisis .
No one should have to worry that the toxic chemicals building up in our blood are making our vaccines less effective.
” More than 200 million Americans are likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFAS .
Nevertheless , the Environmental Protection Agency , the Food and Drug Administration and the Defense Department have for decades failed to address the chemicals ’ health risks .
There are no federal limits on PFAS releases into air and drinking water sources , and no requirements to clean up PFAS pollution where it has been detected .
PFAS chemicals are allowed for use in food packaging , personal products , clothing and many other consumers products .
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have made cleaning up PFAS pollution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pledging to set enforceable legal limits for PFAS in drinking water and designating PFAS as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund cleanup law .
The president-elect has also pledged to prioritize PFAS substitutes in the marketplace .
That means Biden could direct the EPA and the FDA to quickly phase out non-essential uses of PFAS in food packaging and other everyday products .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civic action .

WASHINGTON – A federal health agency is investigating whether exposure to the fluorinated "forever chemicals" called PFAS could affect the potential effectiveness and duration of a Covid-19 vaccine.
In a Nov. 6 letter to Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, or ATSDR, is “assessing the intersection between PFAS exposure and COVID-19,” the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The CDC is currently carrying out a study looking at Covid-19 among healthcare workers and first responders. Redfield said as part of that study, ATSDR will measure PFAS levels in the participants “to determine the association” between PFAS in their blood and the risk of coronavirus infection and contracting Covid-19.
The study will also gauge the connection of PFAS levels and antibody response to the coronavirus that “may shed light on the potential impact of PFAS exposure on vaccine response and potential duration of vaccine protection,” including for any future Covid-19 vaccines.
“Many first responders who are at high risk of being exposed to COVID-19, including firefighters and servicemembers, already have elevated levels of PFAS in their blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must assess whether PFAS chemicals have an impact on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines,” said Kildee. “When it comes to protecting public health, we must always promote transparency and make information available to the public. In Congress, I will continue to make every effort possible to clean up and reduce PFAS chemicals in our environment.”
PFAS compounds are in the blood of virtually all Americans, including the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies. PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they build up in our bodies and don’t break down in the environment.
Some population groups are exposed to higher levels of PFAS than others, including firefighters, military personnel and communities who are located near PFAS manufacturing plants or have PFAS-contaminated drinking water.
In his letter, Redfield notes that the CDC and ATSDR are looking at how to incorporate Covid-19 research into the current epidemiological PFAS study taking place in eight states across the U.S.
A growing body of scientific research links elevated PFAS exposure with immune system harm and decreased response to vaccines, including studies showing a weaker response to tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations in infants and influenza vaccines for adults.
In a Nov. 17 article in The Guardian, Dr. Philippe Grandjean, who led the study on PFAS exposure and diminished response to tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations, raised concerns about the potential for people with high levels of PFAS to experience similar reactions to a Covid-19 vaccine.
“People with high exposure to PFAS have non-protective and very low antibody levels after four vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus,” Grandjean said. “So if a vaccine for Covid is similar, the PFAS will likely inhibit the response from a vaccine. But it is an unknown at this stage.”
“We would have to cross our fingers and hope for the best,” he said.
CDC’s announcement comes at a critical moment, as Covid-19 cases and deaths from the virus are near record levels in almost every state. Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration's advisory committee recommended the agency grant emergency-use authorization to one of the Covid-19 vaccines that has been developed.
“Everyone should get vaccinated once safe and effective vaccines are available,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs. “To ensure that these and future vaccines are as effective as possible, we must address the PFAS contamination crisis. No one should have to worry that the toxic chemicals building up in our blood are making our vaccines less effective.”
More than 200 million Americans are likely drinking water and eating food contaminated with PFAS. Nevertheless, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration and the Defense Department have for decades failed to address the chemicals’ health risks. There are no federal limits on PFAS releases into air and drinking water sources, and no requirements to clean up PFAS pollution where it has been detected. PFAS chemicals are allowed for use in food packaging, personal products, clothing and many other consumers products.
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have made cleaning up PFAS pollution a top priority for their incoming administration, pledging to set enforceable legal limits for PFAS in drinking water and designating PFAS as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund cleanup law.
The president-elect has also pledged to prioritize PFAS substitutes in the marketplace. That means Biden could direct the EPA and the FDA to quickly phase out non-essential uses of PFAS in food packaging and other everyday products.
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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.