environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-20--EWG News Roundup (3/20): Test, Test, Test! Lessons Learned From COVID-19, Defense Department PFAS Co

EWG News Roundup (3/20): Test, Test, Test! Lessons Learned From COVID-19, Defense Department PFAS Contamination Sites Grow and More

This week EWG detailed the public and environmental health lessons learned at this stage of the coronavirus crisis .
The biggest takeaway so far is the importance of testing early and often .
The rate of new cases of the virus within different countries has varied considerably and has seemed to depend on how much testing is being done .
The Department of Defense released new data showing that more than 600 military sites and surrounding communities could be contaminated with perfluorinated chemicals , or PFAS .
This new number of potentially contaminated facilities is far more than previously disclosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department has failed to treat PFAS pollution with the urgency service members and their families rightly deserve , ” said EWG ’ s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber .
“ We ’ ve all known for decades that PFAS are toxic , but the Defense Department is still trying to understand the scope of the problem.
” EWG also took a look at the global electric car boom and how U.S. domestic energy policy is holding back that growth in the States .
Finally , EWG is very proud to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entrepreneur and innovator in the clean beauty sector , has joined the Environmental Working Group board of directors .
Here ’ s some news you can use going into the weekend .
Except for All Good 's kids ' spray sunscreens , the brand receives a top rating from the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) based on their ingredient list .
Mummy Matters : Is the Tap Water in Your House Safe For Your Baby ?
According to the EWG , tap water contains some of the most harmful contaminants linked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Best Sunscreens for Babies and Kids When looking for a sunscreen with natural ingredients check out the EWG ( environmental working group ) their website helps you understand all the ingredients in sunscreens and which ones you ’ ll want to avoid .
Here are two that we recommend .
Los Angeles Times : Column : Citing coronavirus , judge blocks Trump plan to take food stamps from 700,000 people LaMalfa ’ s family farm had collected $ 5.1 million in government crop subsidies from 1995 through that year , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , 11 % of the residents of Butte County , LaMalfa ’ s home county , were receiving SNAP benefits .
Reprinted by kinetic by windstream ; Hawaiian Telecom ; Technorati ; ArcaMax ; 2 other media outlets McLean County is among the top recipients of any county in the U.S .
It was No .
1 as of October 2019 , according to the Environmental Working Group ’ s online database of payments .
Hype Hair : Report : Nearly 20 Percent Of Talc-Based Cosmetics Contain Asbestos The EWG released a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 percent of talc-based cosmetics products contain asbestos .
The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) published an article about the test results .
The report stated there is “ concern over the presence of asbestos in cosmetics , particularly those marketed toward children and that include talc as an ingredient.
” Global Cosmetic Industry : EWG 's Update on FDA Talc Testing and More AspenClean is launching a collection of nine cleaning products that meet the EWG ’ s criteria for health , ingredient disclosure and transparency .
These are the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark .
AspenClean announced its collection of nine cleaning products that meet the Environmental Working Group ’ s rigorous criteria for health , ingredient disclosure and transparency .
California 's Cleaning Product Right To Know Act The Washington Times : Cleaning products can kill COVID-19 , but consumers should know what 's in them The Environmental Working Group added that the law “ will help protect the health of consumers and workers yet be workable for business.
” Women ’ s Voices for the Earth called the law “ groundbreaking.
” '' Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection Agency can legally make sanitizing or disinfecting claims , '' says Samara Geller , a senior research and database analyst for the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
`` Those products will bear an EPA registration number on the label . ''
When writing this guide , we consulted the website of the Environmental Working Group , an organization that seeks to `` empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment . ''
Reprinted by Fresh News Now ; USA online journal Vox : How Mrs. Meyer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Everspring ’ s products have received mixed reviews from the EWG , due to synthetic ingredients like methylisothiazolinone , a possible allergy trigger that could also present a hazard to aquatic life — and Mrs. Meyer ’ s has gotten pushback on this issue as well .
Reprinted by MSN ; The World News When the Environmental Working Group , a nonprofit advocacy organization , reviewed more than 2,000 cleaning products , it found that more than half contained ingredients that irritate the lungs .
Before It ’ s News : These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Cancer-Causing Chemicals ( Video ) It ’ s also contained in a few other soaps and household cleaners .
According to research by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , formaldehyde is dangerous and causes skin allergies , irritations , and cancer .
Congressional Hearing on the Impact of PFAS Exposure on Servicemembers NGWA The Groundwater Association : House Appropriations Committee holds hearing on impact of PFAS exposure on service members Scott Faber , senior vice president of government affairs for the Environmental Working Group , asked Congress to address other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain PFAS , which include food packaging , sunscreen , and textiles .
But the head of the Environmental Working Group , a nonprofit public health advocacy organization , denounced her , saying , “ Nancy Beck is the last person who should be in charge of safeguarding the American people from dangerous products.
” Reprinted by LexBlog Yahoo !
: 833 Beauty Products Now Have This Nontoxic Label If your goals for 2017 include moving toward greener , less toxic beauty products — which is likely , since a recent survey found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards more natural salves and makeup — then you may want to take a peek at the Environmental Working Group ‘ s updated EWG Verified database , which lists products that are considered toxin-free .
Viva : Do Primers Really Work ?
Why This Makeup Must-Have Belongs In Your Beauty Bag Revlon has scored a coup in having the US-based Environmental Working Group verify this latest of its products to be a first from a global brand in the mass cosmetic market to meet its rigorous beauty evaluation standards around ingredients and transparency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Years with A New Modern Look MyChelle is a founding member of the Environmental Working Group 's `` Verified for Your Health '' program .
The brand is also listed as one of PETA 's certified cruelty-free companies and certified by Leaping Bunny .
Women ’ s Health : The 16 Best Natural Nail Polishes That You 'd Never Know Were Natural A study done by Duke University , Boston University , and the Environmental Working Group that was published in Environment International further proved this idea .
In the study , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stewart : Hypoallergenic , Fragrance Free , and Unscented : How to Tell If There 's Truly No Fragrance in Your Skincare And , he adds , the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) has an extensive online database where you can see if there 's fragrance in the products you use .
Reprinted by MSN Collective Evolution : 11 Commonly Used Chemicals In Conventional Shampoos That May Be Detrimental To Your Health EWG Skin Deep lists this as a moderate overall hazard , associated with irritation and allergic contact dermatitis .
Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conventional Shampoos That May Be Detrimental To Your Health Learn to read labels .
This can be a challenge , since many ingredients are listed by a chemical name .
Two great resources to help you get started are EWG ’ s Skin Deep database and Ruth Winter ’ s book A Consumer ’ s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients , which has a wealth of information .
The caution from EWG ’ s Guide to Healthy Cleaning ( www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners ) raises alarms : “ Hazardous industrial chemicals lurk in far too many bottles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on laundry room shelves.
” The scientists recommended avoiding any and all products containing PFAS .
You may find additional helpful tips in the Environmental Working Group 's `` Guide to Avoiding PFCS . ''
Reprinted by New Paper 24 I use the EWG ( environmental working group ) app to determine if a product is clean .
If you ’ re not using this app , I highly recommend it !
It rates the product and tells you what chemicals are in a product .
The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mattress… Natural News : Don ’ t drink the water : Testing shows at least 20 % of schools in California have LEAD-CONTAMINATED drinking water In an email to the Environmental Working Group , the California State Water Resources Control Board ( SWRCB ) confirmed that 1,166 out of 6,595 schools that participated in a recent test had at least one fountain that served water with more than 5 parts per billion ( ppb ) of lead .
The Washington Post : Fred Tutman sees himself as the voice of the Patuxent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning for us A report in January issued by the Environmental Working Group , a D.C.-based environmental activist organization specializing in chemical research , concluded that drinking water in the District and Prince George ’ s County contained levels of PFAS that the EWG considered unsafe .
The Columbus Dispatch : Coronavirus stalls testing for forever chemicals in Ohio ’ s public water systems “ If these are testing results and not below the detection limit , we would raise concern that the total concentration of PFAS is nearly 200 ppt , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemistry and nanotechnology at Environmental Working Group , a health and environmental nonprofit .
“ Many states have or are in the process of setting limits near 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS and other [ forever chemicals ] .
” Indianapolis Star : 'Forever chemicals ' were found in Indianapolis ' tap water .
Here 's why that matters .
The long-lasting `` forever chemicals '' also known as PFAS showed up in Indianapolis tap water at a level of 15 parts per trillion , according to a study by the Environmental Working Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier this month , the nonprofit Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) announced that its scientists , alongside those at Indiana University , had conducted a review of 26 PFASs and determined that all displayed at least one ‘ characteristic ’ of known human carcinogens .
The nonprofit research organization Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) tracked nitrate levels in Minnesota source water from 1995 to 2018 and uncovered the issue .
Providing Financial Assistance to States for Testing and Treatment Act “ We applaud Sen. Shaheen for introducing the PFAS Testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical relief to communities in New Hampshire and around the country that have been hardest hit by the PFAS contamination crisis , ” said Colin O ’ Neil , legislative director for the Environmental Working Group .
The Epoch Times : The Surprising Health Benefits of Potatoes The answer to this question is clear .
If you are familiar with the Environmental Working Group ’ s yearly report called the Dirty Dozen , you probably already know that potatoes , while not part of the dozen , are not far behind .
AZ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you shouldn ’ t slack on sunscreen The Environmental Working Group has a full list of harmful sunscreen ingredients at ewg.org/sunscreen and Rejuvena Health & Aesthetics recommends the following… AZ Foothills : 5 Sunscreen Ingredients You Should Stay Away From The Environmental Working Group has a full list of harmful sunscreen ingredients at ewg.org/sunscreen and Rejuvena Health & Aesthetics recommends the following… Natural News : The unwanted side effects of sunscreen , and some natural alternatives One particular study , analyzed by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , found a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a one-week period of applying three different active sunscreen ingredients – namely 4-MBC , octinoxate and oxybenzone .
Reprinted by Chemicals News Business Insider : 12 cities with the worst tap water in the US The nonprofit Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) recently tested for PFAS in the tap water of 44 different communities across 31 states .
Miami had one of the highest concentrations : 57 parts per trillion .
Reprinted by Yahoo !
; E-News USA ; Easy Branches

This week EWG detailed the public and environmental health lessons learned at this stage of the coronavirus crisis. The biggest takeaway so far is the importance of testing early and often. The rate of new cases of the virus within different countries has varied considerably and has seemed to depend on how much testing is being done.
The Department of Defense released new data showing that more than 600 military sites and surrounding communities could be contaminated with perfluorinated chemicals, or PFAS. This new number of potentially contaminated facilities is far more than previously disclosed by Pentagon officials.
“The Defense Department has failed to treat PFAS pollution with the urgency service members and their families rightly deserve,” said EWG’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber. “We’ve all known for decades that PFAS are toxic, but the Defense Department is still trying to understand the scope of the problem.”
EWG also took a look at the global electric car boom and how U.S. domestic energy policy is holding back that growth in the States.
Finally, EWG is very proud to announce that Barbara Paldus, a leading entrepreneur and innovator in the clean beauty sector, has joined the Environmental Working Group board of directors.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
Business Insider: The best sunscreen
Except for All Good's kids' spray sunscreens, the brand receives a top rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) based on their ingredient list.
Mummy Matters: Is the Tap Water in Your House Safe For Your Baby?
According to the EWG, tap water contains some of the most harmful contaminants linked to adverse effects upon children.
Traveling Mom: Best Sunscreens for Babies and Kids
When looking for a sunscreen with natural ingredients check out the EWG (environmental working group) their website helps you understand all the ingredients in sunscreens and which ones you’ll want to avoid. Here are two that we recommend.
Trump Administration Farm Bailouts
Los Angeles Times: Column: Citing coronavirus, judge blocks Trump plan to take food stamps from 700,000 people
LaMalfa’s family farm had collected $5.1 million in government crop subsidies from 1995 through that year, according to the Environmental Working Group. At the time, 11% of the residents of Butte County, LaMalfa’s home county, were receiving SNAP benefits. Reprinted by kinetic by windstream; Hawaiian Telecom; Technorati; ArcaMax; 2 other media outlets
WGLT (Illinois State University): McLean County's USDA Trade Relief Payments Climb To $68 Million
McLean County is among the top recipients of any county in the U.S. It was No. 1 as of October 2019, according to the Environmental Working Group’s online database of payments.
Asbestos
Hype Hair: Report: Nearly 20 Percent Of Talc-Based Cosmetics Contain Asbestos
The EWG released a new report last week showing that nearly 20 percent of talc-based cosmetics products contain asbestos.
Medical Health News: FDA Tests Raise Concerns About Asbestos in Cosmetics
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) published an article about the test results. The report stated there is “concern over the presence of asbestos in cosmetics, particularly those marketed toward children and that include talc as an ingredient.”
AspenClean EWG VERIFIED® Products
Global Cosmetic Industry: EWG's Update on FDA Talc Testing and More
AspenClean is launching a collection of nine cleaning products that meet the EWG’s criteria for health, ingredient disclosure and transparency. These are the first cleaning products to earn the EWG Verified mark.
Green Lodging News: AspenClean Brings First EWG VERIFIED Cleaners to Consumers
AspenClean announced its collection of nine cleaning products that meet the Environmental Working Group’s rigorous criteria for health, ingredient disclosure and transparency.
California's Cleaning Product Right To Know Act
The Washington Times: Cleaning products can kill COVID-19, but consumers should know what's in them
The Environmental Working Group added that the law “will help protect the health of consumers and workers yet be workable for business.” Women’s Voices for the Earth called the law “groundbreaking.”
Cleaning Products
Women’s Health: Are Natural Disinfectants Effective? Experts Debunk Common Cleaning Myths
"Only disinfectants or sanitizers registered with the Environmental Protection Agency can legally make sanitizing or disinfecting claims," says Samara Geller, a senior research and database analyst for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). "Those products will bear an EPA registration number on the label."
Business Insider: The best dish soap
When writing this guide, we consulted the website of the Environmental Working Group, an organization that seeks to "empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment." Reprinted by Fresh News Now; USA online journal
Vox: How Mrs. Meyer’s took over the hand soap aisle
Some of Everspring’s products have received mixed reviews from the EWG, due to synthetic ingredients like methylisothiazolinone, a possible allergy trigger that could also present a hazard to aquatic life — and Mrs. Meyer’s has gotten pushback on this issue as well. Reprinted by MSN; The World News
Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Prettified homemade cleaners having a moment
When the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit advocacy organization, reviewed more than 2,000 cleaning products, it found that more than half contained ingredients that irritate the lungs.
Before It’s News: These 6 Dangerous Dish Soaps That Are Full of Cancer-Causing Chemicals (Video)
It’s also contained in a few other soaps and household cleaners. According to research by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), formaldehyde is dangerous and causes skin allergies, irritations, and cancer.
Congressional Hearing on the Impact of PFAS Exposure on Servicemembers
NGWA The Groundwater Association: House Appropriations Committee holds hearing on impact of PFAS exposure on service members
Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs for the Environmental Working Group, asked Congress to address other products commonly used by the military that contain PFAS, which include food packaging, sunscreen, and textiles.
Consumer Product Safety Commission and Nancy Beck
JD Supra: Trump’s pick as top consumer product watchdog? Chemical industry insider
But the head of the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit public health advocacy organization, denounced her, saying, “Nancy Beck is the last person who should be in charge of safeguarding the American people from dangerous products.” Reprinted by LexBlog
EWG VERIFIED®
Yahoo!: 833 Beauty Products Now Have This Nontoxic Label
If your goals for 2017 include moving toward greener, less toxic beauty products — which is likely, since a recent survey found that half of American women are leaning towards more natural salves and makeup — then you may want to take a peek at the Environmental Working Group‘s updated EWG Verified database, which lists products that are considered toxin-free.
Viva: Do Primers Really Work? Why This Makeup Must-Have Belongs In Your Beauty Bag
Revlon has scored a coup in having the US-based Environmental Working Group verify this latest of its products to be a first from a global brand in the mass cosmetic market to meet its rigorous beauty evaluation standards around ingredients and transparency.
Beauty Packaging: MyChelle Marks 20 Years with A New Modern Look
MyChelle is a founding member of the Environmental Working Group's "Verified for Your Health" program. The brand is also listed as one of PETA's certified cruelty-free companies and certified by Leaping Bunny.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Women’s Health: The 16 Best Natural Nail Polishes That You'd Never Know Were Natural
A study done by Duke University, Boston University, and the Environmental Working Group that was published in Environment International further proved this idea. In the study, they had women paint their nails.
Martha Stewart: Hypoallergenic, Fragrance Free, and Unscented: How to Tell If There's Truly No Fragrance in Your Skincare
And, he adds, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has an extensive online database where you can see if there's fragrance in the products you use. Reprinted by MSN
Collective Evolution: 11 Commonly Used Chemicals In Conventional Shampoos That May Be Detrimental To Your Health
EWG Skin Deep lists this as a moderate overall hazard, associated with irritation and allergic contact dermatitis.
Get Healthy: 11 Commonly Used Chemicals In Conventional Shampoos That May Be Detrimental To Your Health
Learn to read labels. This can be a challenge, since many ingredients are listed by a chemical name. Two great resources to help you get started are EWG’s Skin Deep database and Ruth Winter’s book A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, which has a wealth of information.
Whole Foods Magazine: Cleaner, Greener Household Cleaners
The caution from EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning (www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners) raises alarms: “Hazardous industrial chemicals lurk in far too many bottles and boxes under Americans’ sinks and on laundry room shelves.”
EWG’s Guide to Avoiding PFCS
Mercola: PFAS Chemical Producers Under Criminal Investigation
The scientists recommended avoiding any and all products containing PFAS. You may find additional helpful tips in the Environmental Working Group's "Guide to Avoiding PFCS." Reprinted by New Paper 24
EWG’s Healthy Living App
Skinny Fitalicious: Branch Basics Non Toxic Cleaning Products
I use the EWG (environmental working group) app to determine if a product is clean. If you’re not using this app, I highly recommend it! It rates the product and tells you what chemicals are in a product.
Healthy Living Home Guide
Eco Child’s Play
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) offers the following cautions when choosing a mattress…
Lead in California Drinking Water
Natural News: Don’t drink the water: Testing shows at least 20% of schools in California have LEAD-CONTAMINATED drinking water
In an email to the Environmental Working Group, the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) confirmed that 1,166 out of 6,595 schools that participated in a recent test had at least one fountain that served water with more than 5 parts per billion (ppb) of lead.
New PFAS Testing Report
The Washington Post: Fred Tutman sees himself as the voice of the Patuxent, and he says the river has a warning for us
A report in January issued by the Environmental Working Group, a D.C.-based environmental activist organization specializing in chemical research, concluded that drinking water in the District and Prince George’s County contained levels of PFAS that the EWG considered unsafe.
The Columbus Dispatch: Coronavirus stalls testing for forever chemicals in Ohio’s public water systems
“If these are testing results and not below the detection limit, we would raise concern that the total concentration of PFAS is nearly 200 ppt,” said David Andrews, a researcher in chemistry and nanotechnology at Environmental Working Group, a health and environmental nonprofit. “Many states have or are in the process of setting limits near 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS and other [forever chemicals].”
Indianapolis Star: 'Forever chemicals' were found in Indianapolis' tap water. Here's why that matters.
The long-lasting "forever chemicals" also known as PFAS showed up in Indianapolis tap water at a level of 15 parts per trillion, according to a study by the Environmental Working Group, a national research and advocacy organization.
PFAS and Cancer Paper
Chemical Watch: PFAS study pointing to carcinogenicity sparks debate (subscription)
Earlier this month, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) announced that its scientists, alongside those at Indiana University, had conducted a review of 26 PFASs and determined that all displayed at least one ‘characteristic’ of known human carcinogens.
Nitrate in Minnesota Tap Water
Water Online: Minnesota's Nitrate Problem Is Getting Worse
The nonprofit research organization Environmental Working Group (EWG) tracked nitrate levels in Minnesota source water from 1995 to 2018 and uncovered the issue.
Providing Financial Assistance to States for Testing and Treatment Act
Water Online: Shaheen, Carper & Schumer Introduce Landmark Legislation To Fund PFAS Cleanup
“We applaud Sen. Shaheen for introducing the PFAS Testing and Treatment Act, which will provide critical relief to communities in New Hampshire and around the country that have been hardest hit by the PFAS contamination crisis,” said Colin O’Neil, legislative director for the Environmental Working Group.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
The Epoch Times: The Surprising Health Benefits of Potatoes
The answer to this question is clear. If you are familiar with the Environmental Working Group’s yearly report called the Dirty Dozen, you probably already know that potatoes, while not part of the dozen, are not far behind.
EWG Guide to Sunscreens
AZ Big Media: Here’s why you shouldn’t slack on sunscreen
The Environmental Working Group has a full list of harmful sunscreen ingredients at ewg.org/sunscreen and Rejuvena Health & Aesthetics recommends the following…
AZ Foothills: 5 Sunscreen Ingredients You Should Stay Away From
The Environmental Working Group has a full list of harmful sunscreen ingredients at ewg.org/sunscreen and Rejuvena Health & Aesthetics recommends the following…
Natural News: The unwanted side effects of sunscreen, and some natural alternatives
One particular study, analyzed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), found a significant drop in testosterone levels in men during a one-week period of applying three different active sunscreen ingredients – namely 4-MBC, octinoxate and oxybenzone. Reprinted by Chemicals News
Tap Water Database Update
Business Insider: 12 cities with the worst tap water in the US
The nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently tested for PFAS in the tap water of 44 different communities across 31 states. Miami had one of the highest concentrations: 57 parts per trillion. Reprinted by Yahoo!; E-News USA; Easy Branches


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-23--Without Congressional Support, the Pandemic Could Stall Growth of Renewable Energy

Without Congressional Support , the Pandemic Could Stall Growth of Renewable Energy The remarkable growth of renewable energy production from wind and solar has created thousands of green jobs and helped reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions .
Last year , solar represented 40 percent of all power capacity additions in the U.S. , according to Solar Energy Industries Association .
Wind power capacity increased by more than 185 percent from 2009 to the end of last year , the Energy Information Administration reports .
Clean energy investments topped $ 50 billion over the past five years , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheaper than natural gas .
But now comes the coronavirus .
The pandemic could undermine the capacity of wind and solar developers to use time-sensitive tax credits .
What ’ s more , Wall Street ’ s woes have also reduced financing for clean energy projects .
“ The renewable energy industry is definitely not immune to the supply-chain disruptions that accompany a pandemic like this , ” Bill Parsons , chief operating officer of the American Council on Renewable Energy , told Morning Consult .
“ .
.
.
COVID-19 is already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector , and we expect that impact will only worsen over time.
” As Congress develops a stimulus package to respond to COVID-19 , it ’ s critical that legislation accelerate the development of wind and solar .
Investing in wind and solar now could help create high-paying jobs when the economy begins to rebound .
There are already three times as many jobs in renewable energy as in coal , nuclear and natural gas .
Making a rapid transition to more wind and solar , while also expanding the production of EVs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including high-paying manufacturing jobs .
“ With fossil fuel companies devastated by crashing prices and the toll on fracking and shale , this is a particularly good time to invest in green energy alternatives , ” Robert Kuttner , a professor of social planning at Brandeis University , wrote in The New York Times .
“ If government is going to spend huge sums to keep the economy afloat , we should get something tangible beyond mere survival.
” That ’ s not the only reason that investing in renewables now makes so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must dramatically reduce emissions from the energy sector to combat climate change .
And we know it can be done .
But reducing air emissions from coal and natural gas production will also reduce the risk of infectious disease and the impact of future pandemics .
In the past 10 years , rapid growth in wind and solar has lowered the cost of solar by almost 90 percent and wind by nearly 70 percent .
And the potential capacity of wind and solar is huge : more than 14 million megawatts – or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently produce .
But much of that clean energy progress could depend on what Congress does in the next few days .
More than 160 members of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and 18 Democratic senators are calling on Congress to include renewable energy in the stimulus package .
More than two dozen public interest groups , including EWG , and renewable energy groups are urging an extension of renewable tax credits and other measures to boost renewables .
Lawmakers must heed this advice and make clean energy tax credits a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The remarkable growth of renewable energy production from wind and solar has created thousands of green jobs and helped reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Last year, solar represented 40 percent of all power capacity additions in the U.S., according to Solar Energy Industries Association. Wind power capacity increased by more than 185 percent from 2009 to the end of last year, the Energy Information Administration reports. Clean energy investments topped $50 billion over the past five years, and new windmills and solar farms are now cheaper than natural gas.
But now comes the coronavirus.
The pandemic could undermine the capacity of wind and solar developers to use time-sensitive tax credits. What’s more, Wall Street’s woes have also reduced financing for clean energy projects.
“The renewable energy industry is definitely not immune to the supply-chain disruptions that accompany a pandemic like this,” Bill Parsons, chief operating officer of the American Council on Renewable Energy, told Morning Consult. “. . . COVID-19 is already having a damaging impact on the renewable sector, and we expect that impact will only worsen over time.”
As Congress develops a stimulus package to respond to COVID-19, it’s critical that legislation accelerate the development of wind and solar.
Why?
Investing in wind and solar now could help create high-paying jobs when the economy begins to rebound.
There are already three times as many jobs in renewable energy as in coal, nuclear and natural gas. Making a rapid transition to more wind and solar, while also expanding the production of EVs, would create even more jobs, including high-paying manufacturing jobs.
“With fossil fuel companies devastated by crashing prices and the toll on fracking and shale, this is a particularly good time to invest in green energy alternatives,” Robert Kuttner, a professor of social planning at Brandeis University, wrote in The New York Times. “If government is going to spend huge sums to keep the economy afloat, we should get something tangible beyond mere survival.”
That’s not the only reason that investing in renewables now makes so much sense.
We all know we must dramatically reduce emissions from the energy sector to combat climate change. And we know it can be done. But reducing air emissions from coal and natural gas production will also reduce the risk of infectious disease and the impact of future pandemics.
In the past 10 years, rapid growth in wind and solar has lowered the cost of solar by almost 90 percent and wind by nearly 70 percent. And the potential capacity of wind and solar is huge: more than 14 million megawatts – or 14 times as much electricity as we currently produce.
But much of that clean energy progress could depend on what Congress does in the next few days.
More than 160 members of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and 18 Democratic senators are calling on Congress to include renewable energy in the stimulus package. More than two dozen public interest groups, including EWG, and renewable energy groups are urging an extension of renewable tax credits and other measures to boost renewables.
Lawmakers must heed this advice and make clean energy tax credits a priority for the COVID-19 stimulus bill.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-23--EWG Board Member Michelle Pfeiffer Applauds “First Step” Towards Cosmetics Safety Reform

SAN FRANCISCO – EWG board member Michelle Pfeiffer applauded Rep. Frank Pallone ( D-N.J. ) for taking the first serious action toward updating the woefully outdated law governing the cosmetics industry .
On March 11 , the House Energy and Commerce Committee ’ s Subcommittee on Health approved landmark cosmetics safety legislation , the first step toward finally protecting consumers from potentially toxic chemical ingredients in personal care products .
The Cosmetics Safety Enhancement Act of 2019 ( H.R .
5279 ) , authored by Pallone , would modernize how FDA regulates personal care products by requiring companies to demonstrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemicals of concern to FDA review .
The bill would also require companies to report adverse reactions , like burns , and provide more transparency about product ingredients .
Pfeiffer and fellow board member and EWG President Ken Cook went to Capitol Hill last May to support efforts by Pallone , Sens .
Dianne Feinstein ( D-Calif. ) and Susan Collins ( R-Maine ) , Rep. John Shimkus ( R-Ill. ) and others who have worked to update the law .
“ Thanks to Chairman Pallone for taking on such an important and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulation for personal care products , ” Pfeiffer said .
“ We know much more today about the impacts of chemicals on our health than we did when the government regulated cosmetics decades ago .
Companies now have safer , healthier ingredient choices available for products that people use and apply to their skin every day , and more and more companies are embracing fully transparent information for consumers .
The subcommittee ’ s vote is an encouraging step to bring federal safeguards in line with consumer demands and up-to-date science.
” Currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ register with the FDA , submit cosmetic ingredient information , adopt good manufacturing practices , provide access to safety records or report serious adverse events when they occur .
The agency also does not have the authority to recall contaminated personal care products .
“ Michelle first found EWG after doing her own research about what products were the safest for her family , and no one is more committed to seeing these much-needed reforms become law than Chairman Pallone , ” said Cook .
“ EWG has advocated for new federal cosmetics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it feels like the moment is upon us .
EWG and all of our supporters are grateful for the tireless leadership of Chairman Pallone , Sens .
Feinstein and Collins , Rep. Shimkus and others for getting us to this critical point.
” Pfeiffer ’ s commitment to cleaning up the personal care and cosmetics industries goes beyond her lobbying in support of policy reforms in Washington .
“ The actress and environmentalist recently launched the first-ever genderless fine fragrance line that is entirely transparent in disclosing its ingredients .
Henry Rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scents that meets EWG ’ s rigorous criteria for health , ingredient disclosure and transparency , making it the first fine fragrance line to earn the EWG VERIFIED™ mark.
” Since its launch , Henry Rose and Michelle have received a number of accolades , including the Women ’ s Wear Daily Founder Award ; Refinery29 Beauty Innovator Awards 2019 : Sustainable Shop ; Fast Company 100 Most Creative People in Business 2019 ; and Good Housekeeping Sustainable Packaging Awards 2019 : Standout Scent .
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthier lives in a healthier environment .
Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .

SAN FRANCISCO – EWG board member Michelle Pfeiffer applauded Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) for taking the first serious action toward updating the woefully outdated law governing the cosmetics industry.
On March 11, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health approved landmark cosmetics safety legislation, the first step toward finally protecting consumers from potentially toxic chemical ingredients in personal care products.
The Cosmetics Safety Enhancement Act of 2019 (H.R. 5279), authored by Pallone, would modernize how FDA regulates personal care products by requiring companies to demonstrate the safety of their products and subjecting chemicals of concern to FDA review. The bill would also require companies to report adverse reactions, like burns, and provide more transparency about product ingredients.
Pfeiffer and fellow board member and EWG President Ken Cook went to Capitol Hill last May to support efforts by Pallone, Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) and others who have worked to update the law.
“Thanks to Chairman Pallone for taking on such an important and overdue cause to modernize federal law and regulation for personal care products,” Pfeiffer said. “We know much more today about the impacts of chemicals on our health than we did when the government regulated cosmetics decades ago. Companies now have safer, healthier ingredient choices available for products that people use and apply to their skin every day, and more and more companies are embracing fully transparent information for consumers. The subcommittee’s vote is an encouraging step to bring federal safeguards in line with consumer demands and up-to-date science.”
Currently, cosmetics companies do not have to register with the FDA, submit cosmetic ingredient information, adopt good manufacturing practices, provide access to safety records or report serious adverse events when they occur. The agency also does not have the authority to recall contaminated personal care products.
“Michelle first found EWG after doing her own research about what products were the safest for her family, and no one is more committed to seeing these much-needed reforms become law than Chairman Pallone,” said Cook. “EWG has advocated for new federal cosmetics industry standards for nearly 20 years, and it feels like the moment is upon us. EWG and all of our supporters are grateful for the tireless leadership of Chairman Pallone, Sens. Feinstein and Collins, Rep. Shimkus and others for getting us to this critical point.”
Pfeiffer’s commitment to cleaning up the personal care and cosmetics industries goes beyond her lobbying in support of policy reforms in Washington.
“The actress and environmentalist recently launched the first-ever genderless fine fragrance line that is entirely transparent in disclosing its ingredients. Henry Rose is a new collection of six distinct scents that meets EWG’s rigorous criteria for health, ingredient disclosure and transparency, making it the first fine fragrance line to earn the EWG VERIFIED™ mark.”
Since its launch, Henry Rose and Michelle have received a number of accolades, including the Women’s Wear Daily Founder Award; Refinery29 Beauty Innovator Awards 2019: Sustainable Shop; Fast Company 100 Most Creative People in Business 2019; and Good Housekeeping Sustainable Packaging Awards 2019: Standout Scent.
###
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--2020-03-23--FOIA Data: Tap Water at 28 Military Bases Tainted With ‘Forever Chemicals’ Above States’ Safety Stan

FOIA Data: Tap Water at 28 Military Bases Tainted With ‘Forever Chemicals’ Above States’ Safety Standards

WASHINGTON – Drinking water at more than two dozen U.S. military installations is contaminated with toxic fluorinated chemicals , or PFAS , at levels that exceed the standards set or proposed by a number of states , according to EWG ’ s analysis of Defense Department data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act .
Among the most contaminated sites in EWG ’ s analysis are Fort Bragg , in North Carolina , the West Point Military Academy , in New York , and the Yuma Proving Ground , in Arizona .
The complete list of sites is here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that more than 600 military sites and surrounding communities may have drinking water or groundwater contaminated by PFAS – a more than 50 percent increase from previous estimates .
The report said none of the sites have PFAS in excess of the non-binding health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion , or ppt , recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency .
“ No one – on or off base – is drinking water above EPA ’ s level of 70 parts per trillion where DoD is the known source of PFOS and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemicals in the PFAS family , the report said .
But Pentagon data , released to EWG last April , shows 28 installations where drinking water was contaminated with individual or total PFAS chemicals above the much lower legal limits set or proposed by one or more states .
Those states include New Hampshire , which has set a legal limit of 12 ppt for PFOA and 15 ppt for PFOS , and New York , which has proposed legal limits of 10 ppt for both PFOS and PFOA .
EWG scientists and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for PFAS in drinking water is 1 ppt .
“ It ’ s deeply troubling that service members and their families are drinking water that may have unsafe levels of PFAS , ” said Scott Faber , EWG ’ s senior vice president for government affairs .
At Fort Bragg , home to more than 100,000 active duty personnel and family members , the maximum detection of all PFAS was 62.1 ppt .
At West Point , the maximum detection of all PFAS was 55 ppt .
Most of the bases are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limits for PFAS in drinking water .
But one , the Center Strafford Training Site in New Hampshire , had total PFAS of 60.6 ppt – four or five times that state ’ s legal limits for PFOA and PFOS .
Some PFAS chemicals have been linked to cancer , liver damage and harm to the reproductive and immune systems .
Because they build up in our bodies and do not break down in the environment , they have become known as “ forever chemicals.
” The primary source of PFAS pollution at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as AFFF .
EWG has so far confirmed PFAS in the tap water or groundwater at 328 military sites .
Until recently , PFAS contaminated the drinking water of dozens of bases , and many communities near these installations continue to drink contaminated water .
Through Freedom of Information Act requests , EWG also discovered that many of the highest PFAS detections in the nation have been found on or near military installations .
Defense Department officials have understood the risks of AFFF since the early 1970s , when Navy and Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was toxic to fish .
In 2001 , a Defense Department memo concluded that the main ingredient in AFFF was “ persistent , bioaccumulating and toxic.
” The National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020 included important bipartisan PFAS reforms , including a provision to phase out AFFF by 2024 .
But the NDAA fell short of what ’ s needed to address the serious public health risks posed by PFAS , especially PFOA and PFOS .
“ Congress should do much more to accelerate the cleanup of legacy PFAS contamination , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Congress should increase funding for programs like the Defense Environmental Restoration Program and designate PFAS as hazardous substances under EPA ’ s Superfund program , which will ensure that PFAS manufacturers pay their fair share of cleanup costs.
” 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 – Drinking water at more than two dozen U.S. military installations is contaminated with toxic fluorinated chemicals, or PFAS, at levels that exceed the standards set or proposed by a number of states, according to EWG’s analysis of Defense Department data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.
Among the most contaminated sites in EWG’s analysis are Fort Bragg, in North Carolina, the West Point Military Academy, in New York, and the Yuma Proving Ground, in Arizona. The complete list of sites is here.
On Feb. 13, the Pentagon reported that more than 600 military sites and surrounding communities may have drinking water or groundwater contaminated by PFAS – a more than 50 percent increase from previous estimates. The report said none of the sites have PFAS in excess of the non-binding health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion, or ppt, recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.
“No one – on or off base – is drinking water above EPA’s level of 70 parts per trillion where DoD is the known source of PFOS and PFOA,” the two most notorious chemicals in the PFAS family, the report said.
But Pentagon data, released to EWG last April, shows 28 installations where drinking water was contaminated with individual or total PFAS chemicals above the much lower legal limits set or proposed by one or more states.
Those states include New Hampshire, which has set a legal limit of 12 ppt for PFOA and 15 ppt for PFOS, and New York, which has proposed legal limits of 10 ppt for both PFOS and PFOA. EWG scientists and other experts have concluded the safe level for PFAS in drinking water is 1 ppt.
“It’s deeply troubling that service members and their families are drinking water that may have unsafe levels of PFAS,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs.
At Fort Bragg, home to more than 100,000 active duty personnel and family members, the maximum detection of all PFAS was 62.1 ppt. At West Point, the maximum detection of all PFAS was 55 ppt.
Most of the bases are in states that have not yet set legal limits for PFAS in drinking water. But one, the Center Strafford Training Site in New Hampshire, had total PFAS of 60.6 ppt – four or five times that state’s legal limits for PFOA and PFOS.
Some PFAS chemicals have been linked to cancer, liver damage and harm to the reproductive and immune systems. Because they build up in our bodies and do not break down in the environment, they have become known as “forever chemicals.” The primary source of PFAS pollution at military bases is PFAS-based firefighting foam, known as AFFF.
EWG has so far confirmed PFAS in the tap water or groundwater at 328 military sites. Until recently, PFAS contaminated the drinking water of dozens of bases, and many communities near these installations continue to drink contaminated water. Through Freedom of Information Act requests, EWG also discovered that many of the highest PFAS detections in the nation have been found on or near military installations.
Defense Department officials have understood the risks of AFFF since the early 1970s, when Navy and Air Force studies first showed the firefighting foam was toxic to fish. In 2001, a Defense Department memo concluded that the main ingredient in AFFF was “persistent, bioaccumulating and toxic.”
The National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020 included important bipartisan PFAS reforms, including a provision to phase out AFFF by 2024. But the NDAA fell short of what’s needed to address the serious public health risks posed by PFAS, especially PFOA and PFOS.
“Congress should do much more to accelerate the cleanup of legacy PFAS contamination,” said Faber. “To do so, Congress should increase funding for programs like the Defense Environmental Restoration Program and designate PFAS as hazardous substances under EPA’s Superfund program, which will ensure that PFAS manufacturers pay their fair share of cleanup costs.”
###
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--2020-03-25--EWG Sends Open Letter to Produce Industry: Do More to Protect Consumers and Farmworkers from Pathoge

EWG Sends Open Letter to Produce Industry: Do More to Protect Consumers and Farmworkers from Pathogens and Pesticides

The following letter from the Environmental Working Group is to members of the board of directors of the agribusiness front group Alliance for Food and Farming .
EWG calls on these business leaders and the entire industry to step up and do a much better job preventing foodborne illnesses and protecting both consumers and farmworkers from pesticide exposure .
EWG Sends Open Letter to Produce Industry : Do More To Protect Consumers and Farmworkers from Pathogens and Pesticides During this time of the coronavirus crisis , the Environmental Working Group stands firmly in defense of food safety for all Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have advocated for everyone to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables .
This message has not changed in our nearly three decades of work .
We also advocate for keeping the nation ’ s food supply safe from microbial contamination and toxic pesticides .
In keeping with our mission , EWG challenges the board members of the Alliance for Food and Farming and the organizations they work for to explain to consumers why the produce industry is fighting a key element of the nation ’ s food safety law that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Microbial contamination on produce is the leading cause of foodborne illness .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , which is currently on the front lines in coordinating the response to the COVID-19 pandemic , estimates that each year one in six Americans , or 48 million people , get sick from foodborne illnesses , 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die .
It ’ s been a decade since Congress passed the Food Safety Modernization Act , which gave the Food and Drug Administration the power to set produce safety standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test their irrigation water for dangerous and deadly pathogens before they water their fields .
Industry groups – the United Fresh Produce Association and the Produce Marketing Association , among others – lobbied the Trump administration to defer the FDA ’ s safety rules .
Under pressure from these supporters of the AFF , and from other players in the produce industry , in 2019 the FDA postponed irrigation water testing until 2022 for large farms and 2023 for small farms .
Tom Stenzel , president and CEO of the United Fresh Produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of food safety at the Produce Marketing Association , are both members of the AFF board .
Other organizations represented on the board include the California Fresh Fruit Association , the California Strawberry Commission , the Western Growers Association , Potatoes USA and California Citrus Giant , among others .
The Northwest Horticultural Council , which represents the tree fruit industry in Washington , Oregon and Idaho , also pressed the Trump administration to forego implementing the water testing rule .
Kate Tynan , a senior vice president of the council , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Contaminated romaine lettuce , which recently sent 85 people to the hospital and caused kidney failure in 15 people , should serve as a reminder to both the produce industry and consumers of the importance of testing irrigation water for pathogens like E coli .
Right now the entire nation is seeing what happens when there is a lack of testing , and the widespread effect it can have on public health , the economy and , in the case of the coronavirus , our very way of life .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members , the groups the alliance works for and the entire produce industry to better protect those who work long days in farm fields handling pesticides while also picking and sorting the fruits and vegetables that find their way into the kitchens of America ’ s families .
People with respiratory health problems have a high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 .
That ’ s why it is most worrisome that multiple studies have linked occupational exposure to pesticides with significant increases in asthma , chronic coughs , chronic bronchitis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory impairments .
The nation ’ s farmworkers are the most exposed to agricultural pesticides .
In 2017 , nearly 50 farmworkers became ill , some vomiting and later hospitalized , while picking cabbage at a farm in Bakersfield , Calif. , when the neurotoxic insecticide chlorpyrifos drifted into the field from a nearby farm .
Chlorpyrifos , which can cause damage to young children ’ s brains at even low levels , was poised to be banned by the Environmental Protection Agency in late 2016 , but the Trump EPA reversed course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Farm Bureau and other chemical agriculture groups heaped praise on then-EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for vacating the ban .
Over the objections of major organizations representing chemical agriculture interests , conventional fruit and vegetable growers , the state of California recently prohibited all uses of chlorpyrifos to protect both workers from occupational exposure and kids from dietary exposure from food .
Hawaii and New York have also banned chlorpyrifos , and the Maryland legislature just passed a limited ban .
EWG ’ s 2020 to Pesticides in Produce™ – which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publishing – highlights the Department of Agriculture ’ s annual pesticide residue tests , which found chlorpyrifos and other pesticides on one of the foods most widely consumed by children : raisins .
In fact , 99 percent of the raisin samples USDA researchers tested had at least two different pesticides , with some raisins contaminated with more than 20 pesticides .
We urge all members of the AFF board , the outfits they represent and the entire produce industry to step up and do what they must in order to better prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers from pesticide exposure , rather than attack EWG for providing consumers with information about pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables .

The following letter from the Environmental Working Group is to members of the board of directors of the agribusiness front group Alliance for Food and Farming. EWG calls on these business leaders and the entire industry to step up and do a much better job preventing foodborne illnesses and protecting both consumers and farmworkers from pesticide exposure.
EWG Sends Open Letter to Produce Industry: Do More To Protect Consumers and Farmworkers from Pathogens and Pesticides
March 25, 2020
During this time of the coronavirus crisis, the Environmental Working Group stands firmly in defense of food safety for all Americans. From the day EWG was founded, we have advocated for everyone to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. This message has not changed in our nearly three decades of work. We also advocate for keeping the nation’s food supply safe from microbial contamination and toxic pesticides.
In keeping with our mission, EWG challenges the board members of the Alliance for Food and Farming and the organizations they work for to explain to consumers why the produce industry is fighting a key element of the nation’s food safety law that would protect the public from deadly foodborne pathogens.
Microbial contamination on produce is the leading cause of foodborne illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is currently on the front lines in coordinating the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, estimates that each year one in six Americans, or 48 million people, get sick from foodborne illnesses, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die.
It’s been a decade since Congress passed the Food Safety Modernization Act, which gave the Food and Drug Administration the power to set produce safety standards and require fruit and vegetable growers to test their irrigation water for dangerous and deadly pathogens before they water their fields.
Industry groups – the United Fresh Produce Association and the Produce Marketing Association, among others – lobbied the Trump administration to defer the FDA’s safety rules. Under pressure from these supporters of the AFF, and from other players in the produce industry, in 2019 the FDA postponed irrigation water testing until 2022 for large farms and 2023 for small farms.
Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of the United Fresh Produce Association, and Trevor Suslow, vice president of food safety at the Produce Marketing Association, are both members of the AFF board. Other organizations represented on the board include the California Fresh Fruit Association, the California Strawberry Commission, the Western Growers Association, Potatoes USA and California Citrus Giant, among others.
The Northwest Horticultural Council, which represents the tree fruit industry in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, also pressed the Trump administration to forego implementing the water testing rule. Kate Tynan, a senior vice president of the council, sits on the AFF board, too.
Contaminated romaine lettuce, which recently sent 85 people to the hospital and caused kidney failure in 15 people, should serve as a reminder to both the produce industry and consumers of the importance of testing irrigation water for pathogens like E coli.
Right now the entire nation is seeing what happens when there is a lack of testing, and the widespread effect it can have on public health, the economy and, in the case of the coronavirus, our very way of life.
In addition, we call on all AFF board members, the groups the alliance works for and the entire produce industry to better protect those who work long days in farm fields handling pesticides while also picking and sorting the fruits and vegetables that find their way into the kitchens of America’s families.
People with respiratory health problems have a high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. That’s why it is most worrisome that multiple studies have linked occupational exposure to pesticides with significant increases in asthma, chronic coughs, chronic bronchitis, chest tightening and wheezing, and other respiratory impairments. The nation’s farmworkers are the most exposed to agricultural pesticides.
In 2017, nearly 50 farmworkers became ill, some vomiting and later hospitalized, while picking cabbage at a farm in Bakersfield, Calif., when the neurotoxic insecticide chlorpyrifos drifted into the field from a nearby farm.
Chlorpyrifos, which can cause damage to young children’s brains at even low levels, was poised to be banned by the Environmental Protection Agency in late 2016, but the Trump EPA reversed course and left it legal for conventional agriculture. The Farm Bureau and other chemical agriculture groups heaped praise on then-EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for vacating the ban.
Over the objections of major organizations representing chemical agriculture interests, conventional fruit and vegetable growers, the state of California recently prohibited all uses of chlorpyrifos to protect both workers from occupational exposure and kids from dietary exposure from food. Hawaii and New York have also banned chlorpyrifos, and the Maryland legislature just passed a limited ban.
EWG’s 2020 to Pesticides in Produce™ – which the AFF has demanded we cease and desist publishing – highlights the Department of Agriculture’s annual pesticide residue tests, which found chlorpyrifos and other pesticides on one of the foods most widely consumed by children: raisins. In fact, 99 percent of the raisin samples USDA researchers tested had at least two different pesticides, with some raisins contaminated with more than 20 pesticides.
We urge all members of the AFF board, the outfits they represent and the entire produce industry to step up and do what they must in order to better prevent foodborne illness and protect both farmworkers and consumers from pesticide exposure, rather than attack EWG for providing consumers with information about pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables.
Sincerely,
Ken Cook
President
Environmental Working Group
cc: Tim York, Chairman, Markon
Kate Tynan, Vice Chair, Northwest Horticultural Council
Rick Tomlinson, Secretary/Treasurer, California Strawberry Commission
Kasey Cronquist, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
John Guerard, California Fresh Carrot Advisory Board
Alyssa Houtby, California Citrus Mutual
Cindy Jewell, California Giant
Ian LeMay, California Fresh Fruit Association
Lisa Lochridge, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
Cory Lunde, Western Growers Association
Kathleen Nave, California Table Grape Commission
Blair Richardson, Potatoes USA
Kori Tuggle, Church Brothers, LLCl
Tom Stenzel, United Fresh Produce Association
Trevor Suslow, Produce Marketing Association
Kori Tuggle, Church Brothers, LLC


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-25--OUT NOW: EWG’s 2020 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™

WASHINGTON – Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides , according to the Environmental Working Group ’ s 2020 Dirty Dozen™ .
Yet the dirtiest produce commodity is not a fresh fruit or vegetable but a dried one – raisins .
NOTE : As all Americans struggle to adapt to the reality of daily life during the coronavirus pandemic , it is important to know that there is no evidence people can be exposed through food .
The spread pattern for coronavirus is quite different from those of foodborne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why , even though the risks of COVID-19 are serious , consumers should continue eating plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables , whether they are conventional or organic .
The Dirty Dozen , together with the Clean Fifteen™ , is part of EWG ’ s annual Shopper ’ s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ , which analyzes Department of Agriculture test data to identify the fresh fruits and vegetables that are most and least contaminated with pesticide residues .
The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen include fresh fruits and vegetables only , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Guide also includes a separate evaluation of raisins , which the USDA tested for the first time since 2007 .
Almost every sample of non-organic raisins tested by the USDA – 99 percent – had residues of at least two pesticides , as did 91 percent of organic raisins .
“ If we included raisins in our calculations , they would be number one on the Dirty Dozen , ” said EWG Toxicologist Thomas Galligan , Ph.D. “ Although raisins are a popular snack , consumers concerned about their pesticide consumption may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce from our Clean Fifteen list instead.
” Children under the age of 15 eat a total of about 208 million pounds of raisins each year – about half of the raisins consumed in the U.S. , according to Zion Market Research .
The average American consumed about 1.25 pounds of raisins in 2017 , the latest year for which the USDA has information .
Zion ’ s industry analysis shows that slightly less than two-thirds of raisins are consumed as ingredients in other foods , with the rest eaten as a stand-alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to eat raisins buy organic .
For those looking for another dried fruit , EWG recommends prunes , which USDA tests found had much lower pesticide residues than either conventional and organic raisins .
The neurotoxic insecticide chlorpyrifos , which can harm the brain and nervous system in children at even low levels , was detected on 5 percent , or 34 out of 670 samples , of conventional raisins , and 6 percent , or five out of 86 , of the organic raisin samples .
The State of California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply is produced , recently banned all uses of chlorpyrifos because of the risks it poses to both children and farmworkers .
Conventional agriculture operations , including produce industry groups , successfully pressured the Trump administration to allow chlorpyrifos to remain legal nationwide .
The USDA ’ s tests , conducted under its Pesticide Data Program , also found the controversial class of chemicals called neonicotinoids on almost one-fifth of fruits and vegetables .
Neonics are the fastest growing class of insecticides , despite a decade of research making it clear that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pollinator species .
Some studies on human health also suggest that exposure to neonics may be harmful to the developing fetus and children .
Residues of at least one of three neonicotinoid pesticides banned in the European Union – imidacloprid , clothianidin and thiamethoxam – were found on more than half the samples of potatoes , spinach and lettuce tested .
At least one of these neonics was also found on more than one-fourth of the samples of U.S. cherries , watermelon and strawberries .
Legal Does Not Mean Safe Before conducting its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peels fruits and vegetables as consumers would .
Most pesticide residues the agency finds fall within government-mandated restrictions .
But legal limits aren ’ t always safe .
The Environmental Protection Agency ’ s safety levels , called “ tolerances , ” help agency regulators determine whether farmers are applying pesticides properly .
If tolerance levels were set to protect all children eating produce , as EWG believes they should be , more fruits and vegetables would fail to meet them .
A recent EWG investigation found that the EPA has failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s health safety factor to the allowable limits for almost 90 percent of the most common pesticides .
Pesticides are toxic by design .
They are created expressly to kill living organisms – insects , plants and fungi that are considered pests .
But many pesticides pose health dangers to people , too – including brain and nervous system toxicity , cancer and hormone disruption .
These hazards have been confirmed by independent scientists and physicians , U.S. and international government agencies .
How To Use EWG ’ s Shopper ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2004 , ranks the pesticide contamination of 47 popular conventional fruits and vegetables .
It is based on the results of tests by the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration of more than 43,000 samples of produce .
The Shopper ’ s Guide is designed to help consumers make the healthiest choices for their families , given budgetary and other constraints .
EWG recommends that whenever possible , consumers purchase organic versions of produce on the Dirty Dozen list .
When organic versions are unavailable or not affordable , EWG advises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even if conventionally grown .
“ Although we believe consumers should be concerned about pesticide residues on the food they eat , the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure , ” said EWG Toxicologist Alexis Temkin , Ph.D. “ With the Shopper ’ s Guide , consumers don ’ t have to choose between pesticides and a healthy diet.
” The USDA ’ s pesticide analyses are not comprehensive .
The agency rotates which fruits and vegetables it tests each year .
Its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pesticide used in crop production – including glyphosate , or Roundup , the most heavily used pesticide in the U.S. A series of tests commissioned by EWG have found high levels of glyphosate in many oat-based breakfast products marketed to children .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , “ Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food.
” The agency recommends consumers always wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after nose-blowing , coughing , sneezing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimates roughly one in six Americans get sick each year from foodborne illnesses like E.coli and salmonella , and 3,000 die .
Many of the most recent foodborne outbreaks have occurred from people eating tainted produce items , including leafy greens and melons .
To better protect consumers , both the CDC and the FDA recommend thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before preparing them to eat .
Other tips to protect yourself and your family from getting ill from foodborne pathogens include peeling produce when possible , removing the outer layers of leafy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water the cutting boards and other surfaces where food is prepared , and cooking vegetables at higher heat than you may normally do .
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic , some government functions have been reduced , and it is as yet unclear what that could mean for the EPA ’ s and the USDA ’ s capacity to conduct critical monitoring and enforcement .
The Alliance for Food and Farming , the agribusiness front group that regularly attacks EWG ’ s Shopper ’ s Guide , has already used the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety in its latest attempt to keep consumers in the dark about pesticide residues on foods .
“ Infants , babies and young children are exquisitely vulnerable to even low levels of pesticide exposure , so it ’ s important parents and caregivers take steps to safeguard children from these chemicals while also providing them diets rich in healthy fruits and vegetables , ” said Dr. Philip Landrigan , a world-renowned pediatrician and epidemiologist .
“ For many Americans , choosing an all-organic diet is not possible , so using EWG ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide their families with a mix of both conventional and organic fruits and veggies without the pesticide punch.
” Dr. Landrigan is director of the Program in Global Public Health and the Common Good in the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society at Boston College , a member of the National Academy of Medicine and one of the principal authors of the 1993 National Academy of Sciences study “ Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children.
” The study led to the enactment of the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s health in the setting of safety standards for pesticides on foods .
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 .
Visit www.ewg.org for more information .

WASHINGTON – Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group’s 2020 Dirty Dozen™. Yet the dirtiest produce commodity is not a fresh fruit or vegetable but a dried one – raisins.
NOTE: As all Americans struggle to adapt to the reality of daily life during the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to know that there is no evidence people can be exposed through food. The spread pattern for coronavirus is quite different from those of foodborne pathogens like salmonella and E.coli. That is why, even though the risks of COVID-19 are serious, consumers should continue eating plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables, whether they are conventional or organic.
The Dirty Dozen, together with the Clean Fifteen™, is part of EWG’s annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™, which analyzes Department of Agriculture test data to identify the fresh fruits and vegetables that are most and least contaminated with pesticide residues. The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen include fresh fruits and vegetables only, but this year’s Shopper’s Guide also includes a separate evaluation of raisins, which the USDA tested for the first time since 2007.
Almost every sample of non-organic raisins tested by the USDA – 99 percent – had residues of at least two pesticides, as did 91 percent of organic raisins.
“If we included raisins in our calculations, they would be number one on the Dirty Dozen,” said EWG Toxicologist Thomas Galligan, Ph.D. “Although raisins are a popular snack, consumers concerned about their pesticide consumption may want to consider buying fresh or frozen produce from our Clean Fifteen list instead.”
Children under the age of 15 eat a total of about 208 million pounds of raisins each year – about half of the raisins consumed in the U.S., according to Zion Market Research. The average American consumed about 1.25 pounds of raisins in 2017, the latest year for which the USDA has information. Zion’s industry analysis shows that slightly less than two-thirds of raisins are consumed as ingredients in other foods, with the rest eaten as a stand-alone snack.
EWG suggests that consumers who want to eat raisins buy organic. For those looking for another dried fruit, EWG recommends prunes, which USDA tests found had much lower pesticide residues than either conventional and organic raisins.
Chlorpyrifos
The neurotoxic insecticide chlorpyrifos, which can harm the brain and nervous system in children at even low levels, was detected on 5 percent, or 34 out of 670 samples, of conventional raisins, and 6 percent, or five out of 86, of the organic raisin samples.
The State of California, where the majority of the U.S. raisin supply is produced, recently banned all uses of chlorpyrifos because of the risks it poses to both children and farmworkers.
Conventional agriculture operations, including produce industry groups, successfully pressured the Trump administration to allow chlorpyrifos to remain legal nationwide.
Neonicotinoids
The USDA’s tests, conducted under its Pesticide Data Program, also found the controversial class of chemicals called neonicotinoids on almost one-fifth of fruits and vegetables.
Neonics are the fastest growing class of insecticides, despite a decade of research making it clear that they are highly toxic to honeybees and other pollinator species. Some studies on human health also suggest that exposure to neonics may be harmful to the developing fetus and children.
Residues of at least one of three neonicotinoid pesticides banned in the European Union – imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam – were found on more than half the samples of potatoes, spinach and lettuce tested. At least one of these neonics was also found on more than one-fourth of the samples of U.S. cherries, watermelon and strawberries.
Legal Does Not Mean Safe
Before conducting its tests, USDA washes, scrubs and peels fruits and vegetables as consumers would. Most pesticide residues the agency finds fall within government-mandated restrictions.
But legal limits aren’t always safe. The Environmental Protection Agency’s safety levels, called “tolerances,” help agency regulators determine whether farmers are applying pesticides properly. If tolerance levels were set to protect all children eating produce, as EWG believes they should be, more fruits and vegetables would fail to meet them.
A recent EWG investigation found that the EPA has failed to add the Food Quality Protection Act–mandated children’s health safety factor to the allowable limits for almost 90 percent of the most common pesticides.
Pesticides are toxic by design. They are created expressly to kill living organisms – insects, plants and fungi that are considered pests. But many pesticides pose health dangers to people, too – including brain and nervous system toxicity, cancer and hormone disruption. These hazards have been confirmed by independent scientists and physicians, U.S. and international government agencies.
How To Use EWG’s Shopper’s Guide
The guide, released every year since 2004, ranks the pesticide contamination of 47 popular conventional fruits and vegetables. It is based on the results of tests by the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration of more than 43,000 samples of produce.
The Shopper’s Guide is designed to help consumers make the healthiest choices for their families, given budgetary and other constraints. EWG recommends that whenever possible, consumers purchase organic versions of produce on the Dirty Dozen list. When organic versions are unavailable or not affordable, EWG advises consumers to continue eating fresh produce, even if conventionally grown.
“Although we believe consumers should be concerned about pesticide residues on the food they eat, the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure,” said EWG Toxicologist Alexis Temkin, Ph.D. “With the Shopper’s Guide, consumers don’t have to choose between pesticides and a healthy diet.”
The USDA’s pesticide analyses are not comprehensive. The agency rotates which fruits and vegetables it tests each year. Its tests also don’t cover every pesticide used in crop production – including glyphosate, or Roundup, the most heavily used pesticide in the U.S. A series of tests commissioned by EWG have found high levels of glyphosate in many oat-based breakfast products marketed to children.
COVID-19 and Foodborne Pathogens
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food.” The agency recommends consumers always wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after nose-blowing, coughing, sneezing or using the bathroom.
The CDC estimates roughly one in six Americans get sick each year from foodborne illnesses like E.coli and salmonella, and 3,000 die. Many of the most recent foodborne outbreaks have occurred from people eating tainted produce items, including leafy greens and melons. To better protect consumers, both the CDC and the FDA recommend thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before preparing them to eat.
Other tips to protect yourself and your family from getting ill from foodborne pathogens include peeling produce when possible, removing the outer layers of leafy greens, washing with soap and warm water the cutting boards and other surfaces where food is prepared, and cooking vegetables at higher heat than you may normally do.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, some government functions have been reduced, and it is as yet unclear what that could mean for the EPA’s and the USDA’s capacity to conduct critical monitoring and enforcement.
The Alliance for Food and Farming, the agribusiness front group that regularly attacks EWG’s Shopper’s Guide, has already used the coronavirus outbreak to play on fears about safety in its latest attempt to keep consumers in the dark about pesticide residues on foods.
Pesticides and Children’s Health
“Infants, babies and young children are exquisitely vulnerable to even low levels of pesticide exposure, so it’s important parents and caregivers take steps to safeguard children from these chemicals while also providing them diets rich in healthy fruits and vegetables,” said Dr. Philip Landrigan, a world-renowned pediatrician and epidemiologist.
“For many Americans, choosing an all-organic diet is not possible, so using EWG’s guide can help give consumers the tools to provide their families with a mix of both conventional and organic fruits and veggies without the pesticide punch.”
Dr. Landrigan is director of the Program in Global Public Health and the Common Good in the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society at Boston College, a member of the National Academy of Medicine and one of the principal authors of the 1993 National Academy of Sciences study “Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children.” The study led to the enactment of the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act, which emphasized the importance of children’s health in the setting of safety standards for pesticides on foods.
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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. Visit www.ewg.org for more information.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-16--What if Lots of Food and Farm Workers Get Sick at the Same Time?

More than 20 million people grow , harvest , pack , process , transport , serve and sell our food .
The food and farm industry rivals the energy and health care sectors in terms of number of jobs .
But many of the people who feed us are unusually susceptible to the COVID-19 virus sweeping the nation .
As more and more become sick , our food supply chains could quickly unravel , causing food prices to spike and increasing the number of Americans who struggle with hunger .
Millions of restaurant workers have lost their jobs as restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they and millions of grocery store employees , school service workers and delivery drivers continue to work without adequate protection .
These workers are not only exposed at work but while traveling to and from work .
Grocery store workers are unusually susceptible to COVID-19 .
Cashiers and other grocery employees come into close contact with customers , increasing the chance the virus will spread .
Thousands of grocery workers have gotten sick and dozens have died .
Now workers in meat-packing facilities are also getting sick , forcing the closure of two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in meat-packing facilities work shoulder-to-shoulder and use crowded spaces to eat and change clothes for work .
While harder to document , farmworkers are also getting sick , just as the harvest season is about to begin .
Although some farmworkers are able to spread out in fields , many migrant and seasonal workers are housed and transported in ways that increase the likelihood that the virus will spread .
Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are often housed in hotels that have been converted to function like dormitories .
Despite the critical role food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , few receive protections from the COVID-19 virus .
Some food and farm companies have provided personal protective equipment , but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , or OSHA , and the Department of Agriculture have not yet issued emergency standards requiring food companies to meet safety guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
What ’ s more , many food and farm workers are not eligible for free COVID-19 testing .
If they do become sick , many are ineligible for paid sick leave , increasing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Families First Act passed by Congress requires some employers to provide two weeks of paid sick leave , but many food and farm companies are exempt from the requirement .
Although they have been deemed essential workers , farm and food workers do not receive hazard pay to reflect the risks they face .
Instead , in the middle of the pandemic , some Trump officials have proposed to cut wages for some farmworkers .
Because many are undocumented , many food and farm workers are ineligible for health benefits other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , undocumented workers are not only denied hazard pay and sick pay , but also lack access to health care , increasing the likelihood that the virus will spread as they continue to work .
Replacing sick workers will not be easy .
Farmers were already facing labor shortages before the pandemic .
Now , fewer farm and food workers are migrating to the U.S. as borders tighten and officials have been slow to update the visa process to reflect the crisis .
What ’ s more , food and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and poorly compensated , so food processors and farm labor contractors may struggle to find other workers willing to risk their lives to work in meat plants , packing sheds or produce fields .
What would happen if tens of thousands of these workers got sick at the same time ?
Food prices are mostly driven by the cost of labor , transportation and marketing , not by the wholesale price of ingredients .
While the salaries earned by food processing workers and farm workers are near or below the poverty line , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major factor in the price of food .
The price effect of these factors varies greatly among food categories and regions .
But , aside from meat and dairy , the price of crops typically has little impact on the price of food sold in grocery stores and restaurants .
So as more food and farm workers become sick and food and farm labor costs increase , the retail price of food will likely increase as well .
Food already accounts for 12 percent of household spending , but the poorest Americans spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What should policymakers do to protect our food supply chains from COVID-19 ?
First , OSHA and the USDA must be directed to issue emergency standards that require employers to provide personal protective equipment , enough space to work without spreading the virus , and housing and transportation options that will reduce the spread of the virus .
Second , food and farm workers should be provided hazard pay -- not a pay cut , as some have proposed -- to reflect the risks they take and to attract new workers as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus among workers , all food and farm workers should be provided free testing , two weeks of paid sick leave , regardless of the size of their employer , and access to health care , such as Medicaid .
Because many food and farm workers are undocumented , these and other benefits should be provided regardless of immigration status , including state benefits such as child care and overtime pay .
Third , USDA programs to purchase surplus commodities should be quickly expanded to offset the impacts of supply chains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closures .
Food that might otherwise be destroyed should be redirected to food banks , and more resources should be provided to food banks .
To ensure that farm and food workers can feed themselves , policymakers should increase the standard SNAP benefit , commonly known as food stamps , by 15 percent and suspend rules that would limit assistance .
Fourth , disaster programs intended to help farmers impacted by COVID-19 should be tailored to help struggling farmers who serve local markets .
Farm foreclosures should be postponed , loans to small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to farmers should be streamlined .
Fifth , policymakers should ensure that the USDA , Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration enforce laws that keep our food supply safe , especially environmental laws that protect farmworkers from pesticides and laws that limit line speeds in meat and poultry processing .
Critical rules have already been rolled back during the COVID-19 crisis , including food inspections .
Even though workers are getting sick , USDA is moving forward with proposals to privatize inspections in chicken and pork processing plants .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be our top priority as policymakers develop the next COVID-19 stimulus bill .
Thousands of food and farm workers are getting sick and , in some cases , dying from illnesses caused by COVID-19 .
But policymakers have so far done nothing to ensure that these essential food and farm workers have adequate safety protections .
Actions taken so far to provide access to COVID-19 testing and paid sick leave exclude many of these essential workers .
Nor have policymakers undertaken the steps needed to ensure that farm and food workers receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Farm and food workers are working long hours , at enormous personal risks , to feed us .
Congress , the USDA and OSHA must make every effort to protect these essential workers and recognize the critical contribution they are making to our nation .
Food and farm workers have always taken care of us .
Now we must take care of them .

More than 20 million people grow, harvest, pack, process, transport, serve and sell our food. The food and farm industry rivals the energy and health care sectors in terms of number of jobs.
But many of the people who feed us are unusually susceptible to the COVID-19 virus sweeping the nation. As more and more become sick, our food supply chains could quickly unravel, causing food prices to spike and increasing the number of Americans who struggle with hunger.
Millions of restaurant workers have lost their jobs as restaurants have been forced to close. But they and millions of grocery store employees, school service workers and delivery drivers continue to work without adequate protection. These workers are not only exposed at work but while traveling to and from work.
Grocery store workers are unusually susceptible to COVID-19. Cashiers and other grocery employees come into close contact with customers, increasing the chance the virus will spread. Thousands of grocery workers have gotten sick and dozens have died.
Now workers in meat-packing facilities are also getting sick, forcing the closure of two meat processing facilities so far. Workers in meat-packing facilities work shoulder-to-shoulder and use crowded spaces to eat and change clothes for work.
Photo: El Nariz via Shutterstock
While harder to document, farmworkers are also getting sick, just as the harvest season is about to begin. Although some farmworkers are able to spread out in fields, many migrant and seasonal workers are housed and transported in ways that increase the likelihood that the virus will spread. Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are often housed in hotels that have been converted to function like dormitories.
Photo: David A. Litman via Shutterstock
Despite the critical role food and farm workers play in our economy, few receive protections from the COVID-19 virus. Some food and farm companies have provided personal protective equipment, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, and the Department of Agriculture have not yet issued emergency standards requiring food companies to meet safety guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What’s more, many food and farm workers are not eligible for free COVID-19 testing. If they do become sick, many are ineligible for paid sick leave, increasing the likelihood that they will infect their co-workers. The Families First Act passed by Congress requires some employers to provide two weeks of paid sick leave, but many food and farm companies are exempt from the requirement.
Although they have been deemed essential workers, farm and food workers do not receive hazard pay to reflect the risks they face. Instead, in the middle of the pandemic, some Trump officials have proposed to cut wages for some farmworkers. Because many are undocumented, many food and farm workers are ineligible for health benefits other workers enjoy, such as Medicaid. As a result, undocumented workers are not only denied hazard pay and sick pay, but also lack access to health care, increasing the likelihood that the virus will spread as they continue to work.
Replacing sick workers will not be easy. Farmers were already facing labor shortages before the pandemic. Now, fewer farm and food workers are migrating to the U.S. as borders tighten and officials have been slow to update the visa process to reflect the crisis. What’s more, food and farm work can be difficult, dangerous and poorly compensated, so food processors and farm labor contractors may struggle to find other workers willing to risk their lives to work in meat plants, packing sheds or produce fields.
What would happen if tens of thousands of these workers got sick at the same time?
Food prices are mostly driven by the cost of labor, transportation and marketing, not by the wholesale price of ingredients. While the salaries earned by food processing workers and farm workers are near or below the poverty line, the cost of labor is often a major factor in the price of food.
The price effect of these factors varies greatly among food categories and regions. But, aside from meat and dairy, the price of crops typically has little impact on the price of food sold in grocery stores and restaurants. So as more food and farm workers become sick and food and farm labor costs increase, the retail price of food will likely increase as well. Food already accounts for 12 percent of household spending, but the poorest Americans spend about one-third of their income on food.
What should policymakers do to protect our food supply chains from COVID-19?
First, OSHA and the USDA must be directed to issue emergency standards that require employers to provide personal protective equipment, enough space to work without spreading the virus, and housing and transportation options that will reduce the spread of the virus.
Second, food and farm workers should be provided hazard pay -- not a pay cut, as some have proposed -- to reflect the risks they take and to attract new workers as others become sick.
To reduce transmission of the virus among workers, all food and farm workers should be provided free testing, two weeks of paid sick leave, regardless of the size of their employer, and access to health care, such as Medicaid. Because many food and farm workers are undocumented, these and other benefits should be provided regardless of immigration status, including state benefits such as child care and overtime pay.
Third, USDA programs to purchase surplus commodities should be quickly expanded to offset the impacts of supply chains disrupted by school, hotel and restaurant closures.
Food that might otherwise be destroyed should be redirected to food banks, and more resources should be provided to food banks. To ensure that farm and food workers can feed themselves, policymakers should increase the standard SNAP benefit, commonly known as food stamps, by 15 percent and suspend rules that would limit assistance.
Fourth, disaster programs intended to help farmers impacted by COVID-19 should be tailored to help struggling farmers who serve local markets. Farm foreclosures should be postponed, loans to small family farms should be expanded and aid to farmers should be streamlined.
Fifth, policymakers should ensure that the USDA, Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration enforce laws that keep our food supply safe, especially environmental laws that protect farmworkers from pesticides and laws that limit line speeds in meat and poultry processing. Critical rules have already been rolled back during the COVID-19 crisis, including food inspections. Even though workers are getting sick, USDA is moving forward with proposals to privatize inspections in chicken and pork processing plants.
The safety of our food and farm workers must be our top priority as policymakers develop the next COVID-19 stimulus bill.
Thousands of food and farm workers are getting sick and, in some cases, dying from illnesses caused by COVID-19. But policymakers have so far done nothing to ensure that these essential food and farm workers have adequate safety protections. Actions taken so far to provide access to COVID-19 testing and paid sick leave exclude many of these essential workers. Nor have policymakers undertaken the steps needed to ensure that farm and food workers receive hazard pay for the risks they face.
Farm and food workers are working long hours, at enormous personal risks, to feed us. Congress, the USDA and OSHA must make every effort to protect these essential workers and recognize the critical contribution they are making to our nation. Food and farm workers have always taken care of us. Now we must take care of them.