environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-11-12--PFAS Chemicals Harm the Immune System, Decrease Response to Vaccines, New EWG Review Finds

Toxic PFAS chemicals , notorious for contaminating drinking water supplies across the U.S. , are harmful to nearly every human organ , and the immune system is particularly vulnerable .
PFAS mixtures , which are used in a variety of consumer products , can be found in the body of nearly every American and in the developing fetus .
Studies suggest a connection between PFAS exposure and suppressed immune function , lower vaccine effectiveness , hypersensitivity and greater risk of autoimmune diseases .
A recent review of human epidemiological studies by Rappazzo et al .
shows that PFAS may influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues , such as asthma .
[ i ] A study published in October by renowned environmental health expert Philippe Grandjean , M.D.
, and colleagues at the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health found that higher levels of PFAS in the blood , specifically PFBA , were associated with increased severity of Covid-19 infections .
PFBS is one of the only known PFAS to substantially accumulate in lung tissue , and this connection may be linked to the study findings .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledged in a statement that PFAS exposure harms the immune system and may put certain populations at greater risk of contracting Covid-19 and greater risk of increased severity of infection .
Tests commissioned by Environmental Working Group , Commonweal and Rachel ’ s Network , in 2005 and 2009 , revealed that American babies are born contaminated , via the umbilical cord , with PFAS and other toxic chemicals .
[ ii ] In a 2016 review of PFAS immunotoxicity , the National Toxicology Program concluded that two of the most studied members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFOA and PFOS , can pose “ an immune hazard to humans based on a high level of evidence that PFOA ( and PFOS ) suppressed the antibody response from animal studies and a moderate level of evidence from studies in humans.
” [ iii ] These studies on antibody response are some of the strongest evidence of adverse effects on the human immune system .
The link between higher blood levels of PFAS and reduced antibody production following vaccination has been observed in studies of both children and adults .
Although nutrition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response , PFAS also clearly plays a role .
The developing immune system may be particularly vulnerable to immunotoxicity in the earliest stages of life , so it is essential to protect children ’ s health from PFAS during that time .
A study published in 2017 reported that elevated PFAS levels during the first six months of infancy were associated with a weaker response to tetanus vaccination .
[ iv ] In a 2013 study of 431 Danish children , PFOS and PFOA levels in blood were linked to decreased levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ v ] A drinking water guideline for PFOA and PFOS of 1 part per trillion , or ppt , would protect children from this health harm .
Research presented at a national conference on PFAS in June 2019 showed a lower response to the measles vaccination among a group of 237 West African children who had been exposed to low levels of PFAS .
[ vi ] A 22 and 26 percent decreased antibody response was associated with a doubling of PFOS and PFDA levels in blood , respectively .
Children at four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had levels of PFAS in their blood ranging from medians of 0.1 ng/ml , for PFHxS , to 0.68 ng/ml , for PFOA , and 0.77 ng/ml , for PFOS , demonstrating immunotoxicity even at very low levels .
In 2008 , EWG tested American newborns ’ cord blood and found medians of 0.69 ng/ml for PFOA and 1.54 ng/ml for PFOS .
[ vii ] PFAS immunotoxicity can also affect vaccine response later in life , as PFOA levels in adults ’ blood corresponded to reduced immunity from a flu vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of adults , PFAS chemicals , especially in long-chain versions , were linked to decreased response following tetanus-diphtheria boosters .
[ ix ] Children are especially vulnerable to asthma , an example of immune system hypersensitivity also linked to exposure to multiple PFAS chemicals .
A 2013 study of Taiwanese children was one of the first to connect nine PFAS chemicals with juvenile asthma , asthma severity and immune system markers .
[ x ] A 2019 study connected the sum of PFAS in blood , as well as PFOS and PFHxS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adolescents .
[ xi ] A 2016 analysis related PFOS , PFOA and PFHxS levels with significant increases in adolescent food allergies , another immune system hypersensitivity .
[ xii ] Some studies also point to lower resistance to disease , yet another result of immune system suppression .
Higher maternal levels of PFOS and PFOA during pregnancy were linked to increased fever in young children , which shows an increased risk of infections .
[ xiii ] In another Norwegian study , prenatal PFAS exposure affected people ’ s ability to fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ xiv ] EWG ’ s child-protective drinking water standard for PFAS chemicals of 1 ppt represents a concentration that , according to current epidemiological research , would safeguard the immune system .
This standard would ensure drinking water is not at risk but would not eliminate exposure through contaminated food , food wrappers , dust and consumer products , all of which would need to have lower levels of PFAS for the immune system to be protected .
In July , a peer-reviewed study by EWG published in the journal Chemosphere concluded that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wastewater treatment all further contribute to environmental contamination that can lead to exposure to PFAS from air or water .
This exposure can further compromise the immune system and put people at greater risk of falling seriously ill from Covid-19 .
In addition to causing immune system harm , PFAS has been linked to cancer .
A peer-reviewed study by EWG and a team of scientists at Indiana University published in March in the International Journal of Environmental Health and Public Health found strong and moderate evidence that multiple PFAS chemicals exhibit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The scientific research , including epidemiological studies , that shows damage to the immune system and decreased response to vital vaccines with early life PFAS exposure should strengthen the argument made to policymakers about a sweeping package of reforms to address the unfolding President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to make protecting the environment and the public from these “ forever chemicals ” a top priority in his administration , including setting enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water and designating PFAS as hazardous substances under the Superfund cleanup law .
EWG will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress to take a series of steps to protect the public from further exposure to PFAS chemicals , including : • Reduce industrial emissions of PFAS in the air and water .
• Designate PFAS as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund law .
• Phase out the use of PFAS in household products .
• Place a moratorium on the approval of new PFAS .
Look for information about PFAS chemicals here .

Toxic PFAS chemicals, notorious for contaminating drinking water supplies across the U.S., are harmful to nearly every human organ, and the immune system is particularly vulnerable. PFAS mixtures, which are used in a variety of consumer products, can be found in the body of nearly every American and in the developing fetus.
Studies suggest a connection between PFAS exposure and suppressed immune function, lower vaccine effectiveness, hypersensitivity and greater risk of autoimmune diseases. A recent review of human epidemiological studies by Rappazzo et al. shows that PFAS may influence antibody response to vaccination and other health issues, such as asthma.[i]
A study published in October by renowned environmental health expert Philippe Grandjean, M.D., and colleagues at the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health found that higher levels of PFAS in the blood, specifically PFBA, were associated with increased severity of Covid-19 infections. PFBS is one of the only known PFAS to substantially accumulate in lung tissue, and this connection may be linked to the study findings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry have acknowledged in a statement that PFAS exposure harms the immune system and may put certain populations at greater risk of contracting Covid-19 and greater risk of increased severity of infection.
Tests commissioned by Environmental Working Group, Commonweal and Rachel’s Network, in 2005 and 2009, revealed that American babies are born contaminated, via the umbilical cord, with PFAS and other toxic chemicals.[ii]
In a 2016 review of PFAS immunotoxicity, the National Toxicology Program concluded that two of the most studied members of this large family of chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, can pose “an immune hazard to humans based on a high level of evidence that PFOA (and PFOS) suppressed the antibody response from animal studies and a moderate level of evidence from studies in humans.”[iii] These studies on antibody response are some of the strongest evidence of adverse effects on the human immune system.
The link between higher blood levels of PFAS and reduced antibody production following vaccination has been observed in studies of both children and adults. Although nutrition, exercise and other factors affect immune response, PFAS also clearly plays a role. The developing immune system may be particularly vulnerable to immunotoxicity in the earliest stages of life, so it is essential to protect children’s health from PFAS during that time.
A study published in 2017 reported that elevated PFAS levels during the first six months of infancy were associated with a weaker response to tetanus vaccination.[iv] In a 2013 study of 431 Danish children, PFOS and PFOA levels in blood were linked to decreased levels of antibodies against tetanus and diphtheria.[v] A drinking water guideline for PFOA and PFOS of 1 part per trillion, or ppt, would protect children from this health harm.
Research presented at a national conference on PFAS in June 2019 showed a lower response to the measles vaccination among a group of 237 West African children who had been exposed to low levels of PFAS.[vi] A 22 and 26 percent decreased antibody response was associated with a doubling of PFOS and PFDA levels in blood, respectively. Children at four and a half months in this study had levels of PFAS in their blood ranging from medians of 0.1 ng/ml, for PFHxS, to 0.68 ng/ml, for PFOA, and 0.77 ng/ml, for PFOS, demonstrating immunotoxicity even at very low levels. In 2008, EWG tested American newborns’ cord blood and found medians of 0.69 ng/ml for PFOA and 1.54 ng/ml for PFOS.[vii]
PFAS immunotoxicity can also affect vaccine response later in life, as PFOA levels in adults’ blood corresponded to reduced immunity from a flu vaccine.[viii] In a small study of adults, PFAS chemicals, especially in long-chain versions, were linked to decreased response following tetanus-diphtheria boosters.[ix]
Children are especially vulnerable to asthma, an example of immune system hypersensitivity also linked to exposure to multiple PFAS chemicals. A 2013 study of Taiwanese children was one of the first to connect nine PFAS chemicals with juvenile asthma, asthma severity and immune system markers.[x] A 2019 study connected the sum of PFAS in blood, as well as PFOS and PFHxS, with asthma in a study of Norwegian adolescents.[xi] A 2016 analysis related PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS levels with significant increases in adolescent food allergies, another immune system hypersensitivity.[xii]
Some studies also point to lower resistance to disease, yet another result of immune system suppression. Higher maternal levels of PFOS and PFOA during pregnancy were linked to increased fever in young children, which shows an increased risk of infections.[xiii] In another Norwegian study, prenatal PFAS exposure affected people’s ability to fight off cold and stomach infections.[xiv]
EWG’s child-protective drinking water standard for PFAS chemicals of 1 ppt represents a concentration that, according to current epidemiological research, would safeguard the immune system. This standard would ensure drinking water is not at risk but would not eliminate exposure through contaminated food, food wrappers, dust and consumer products, all of which would need to have lower levels of PFAS for the immune system to be protected.
In July, a peer-reviewed study by EWG published in the journal Chemosphere concluded that PFAS disposal approaches of incineration, landfilling and wastewater treatment all further contribute to environmental contamination that can lead to exposure to PFAS from air or water. This exposure can further compromise the immune system and put people at greater risk of falling seriously ill from Covid-19.
In addition to causing immune system harm, PFAS has been linked to cancer. A peer-reviewed study by EWG and a team of scientists at Indiana University published in March in the International Journal of Environmental Health and Public Health found strong and moderate evidence that multiple PFAS chemicals exhibit several of the key characteristics of carcinogens.
The scientific research, including epidemiological studies, that shows damage to the immune system and decreased response to vital vaccines with early life PFAS exposure should strengthen the argument made to policymakers about a sweeping package of reforms to address the unfolding
President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to make protecting the environment and the public from these “forever chemicals” a top priority in his administration, including setting enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water and designating PFAS as hazardous substances under the Superfund cleanup law.
EWG will work with the incoming Biden-Harris administration and Congress to take a series of steps to protect the public from further exposure to PFAS chemicals, including:
Reduce industrial emissions of PFAS in the air and water.
Designate PFAS as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund law.
Set a national drinking water standard for PFAS in tap water.
Phase out the use of PFAS in household products.
Place a moratorium on the approval of new PFAS.
Expand PFAS reporting by industry.
Look for information about PFAS chemicals here.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-11-13--EWG News Roundup (11/13): What a Biden Presidency Means for Food and Toxics, Studies Show PFAS Harm

EWG News Roundup (11/13): What a Biden Presidency Means for Food and Toxics, Studies Show PFAS Harm Immune System and More

On Saturday , the Associated Press , NBC News and other major news outlets projected Joe Biden will become the 46th president of the United States , capturing more votes than any other presidential candidate in history .
The historic election of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is an opportunity for the nation to advance the health , safety and equity of all Americans , said EWG .
“ While millions of Americans and billions around the world celebrate this moment , it also opens a game-changing path forward , ” said EWG President Ken Cook .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a president and vice president who are ready for the enormous challenges the country faces and will work hard to meet them , not spend each day making them worse.
” As President-elect Biden ’ s transition gets into gear , EWG broke down what the incoming Biden-Harris administration could mean for food and farm workers and the toxic “ forever chemicals ” known as PFAS .
Also this week , EWG scientists reviewed recent studies showing PFAS chemicals harm the immune system , increasing the risk of Covid-19 for certain populations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s some news you can use going into the weekend .
Carolina Public Press ( N.C. ) : Gauging the lead threat in NC waters and aquatic life “ Lead is considered the number one environmental threat to children ’ s health by the federal government ” and , even “ at very low levels , is linked to subtle developmental delays and reduced IQ in children , ” the Working Group report said , echoing the current guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that any level of lead in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 8 Better-For-The-Planet Products That Every New Parent Needs To Know About Earth Mama 's Organic Diaper Balm is n't just unrivaled in environmental standards—it 's EWG Verified with the lowest hazard rating possible , meaning its ingredients do n't harm wildlife from animals to plants—the soothing calendula balm is also chosen by hospitals for the most fragile NICU babies .
Parents Need To Know : Best Sunscreen For Babies Buying Guide As an example , the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) is a non profit organization dedicated to protecting human health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implications are important , crucial issues won ’ t change , said Craig Cox , senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources at the Environmental Working Group , which is critical of federal farm policy , contending that current subsidy and other programs foster unsustainable practices .
Organizations closely scrutinizing PFAS , like the Environmental Working Group , are sounding an upbeat note on how a Biden administration might approach the chemicals .
Scott Faber , senior vice president for government affairs at EWG , highlighted the plan 's emphasis on both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MCL and the prospect of designating PFAS as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund law .
Inside Climate News : With Biden ’ s Win , Climate Activists See New Potential But Say They ’ ll ‘ Push Where We Need To Push ’ '' The most important consideration now is to realize how dramatically different the playing field is than the last time we had a serious debate on energy and climate , which was 11 years ago , '' said Ken Cook , president of the Environmental Working Group .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a flashlight .
The landscape has completely changed just in that short period of time . ''
LexBlog : Chemical regulation in the new administration : PFAS top of list ?
Organizations closely scrutinizing PFAS , like the Environmental Working Group ( https : //www.ewg.org/proposedpfaslegislation ) , are touting loudly that the Biden administration will address PFAS and speculating on how the Biden Administration might approach the chemicals by setting enforceable drinking water limits , designating the substances as hazardous and finding PFAS substitutes for consumer items .
Chilled Magazine : One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DRAM Apothecary , is partnering with Coors Distributing Co. DRAM is widely distributed and sold in 24 states .
“ Most of the CBD sparkling waters we ’ ve seen entering the market contain natural flavorings , which the Environmental Working Group have confirmed are far from ‘ natural.
’ We ’ re thrilled to partner with Coors who will widen our reach and allow more people to enjoy a delicious , functional and truly natural beverage made from clean ingredients.
” The Star ( Toronto , Canada ) : These 5 Tips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tasha Stoiber , a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group , suggests choosing rugs free of PFAS — a category of chemicals that do not break down in the environment and can cause health issues .
Stoiber also recommends rugs with backings made of natural rubber , and not PVC .
Little Rock Soiree ( Ark . )
: How to Choose a Nontoxic Mattress If you ’ re looking for a nontoxic mattress , make sure you know what to look for ( and what to avoid ) when you start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Working Group is a great resource !
MSN : 11 Common Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredients Derms Want You to Avoid According to the Environmental Working Group 's website , `` Companies are allowed to use almost any ingredient they wish .
The U.S. government does n't review the safety of products before they 're sold . ''
MSN : The Truth About Petrolatum : Does it Belong in Your Skin Care ?
The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , a U.S. non-profit organization that does environmental and safety studies , says there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 cosmetic products on the market , including 15 percent of lipsticks and 40 percent of baby lotions and oils .
Plus , it 's used as an active ingredient for healing cuts and burns .
Eat This , Not That : Common Things That Give You Cancer , Say Doctors The Rx : For a full list of what to watch out for , check out EWG 's Skin Deep Database , so you can research toxic chemicals that might be in your beauty and personal care products .
GreenMatters : Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s What You Should Know .
Parabens are dangerous hormone disruptors that can cause cancer , so before making any purchases , check the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) app to quantify the product 's toxicity by EWG standards .
According to the Environmental Working Group , an activist group , COVID-19 infection rates in communities within 15 miles of meat plants are twice the national average .
Inna Organic , which is the only brand from Taiwan that is both EWG-verified and COSMOS certified- organic , offers an array of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delight for the skin and the senses .
A collaboration with MOM 's Organic Market and the Environmental Working Group , Ugly & Stoned aims to put the issue of food waste on the dinner table and showcase a simple and creative solution to the problem .
Parade : Hummus Is A Go-To Snack for Many of Us , but Is It Actually Healthy ?
Nutritionists Weigh in Sterling advises consumers to be aware of an article that the Environmental Working Group published an article in July 2020 stating that chickpeas—and therefore hummus—contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glyphosate , which has been linked with cancer .
Consumer Reports : New Jersey Sues Solvay Over Alleged Water Contamination From New PFAS Compound “ It is concerning that the use and discharge of these new problematic chemicals has been ongoing for over two decades , according to the company , ” says David Andrews , senior scientist at the advocacy organization Environmental Working Group .
“ The replacement of long-chain PFAS compounds with newer similarly toxic chemicals is a systemic problem that urgently needs to be fixed.
” Lawyers and Settlements : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lawsuits on the Rise David Andrews , senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group , says “ This entire family of PFAS is a significant concern , and they should not be in tap water or bottled water .
He finds it ironic that the International Bottled Water Association ( IBWA ) requested last year that the FDA set limits on the compounds .
Natural News : Toxic chemicals in Kentucky tap water part of broader problem ; 200 million Many people assume their tap water is tested regularly by authorities to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies show that drinking this water is taking a gamble with your health .
An analysis of utility tests carried out by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) found toxic PFAS chemicals in the drinking water of 800,000 Kentucky residents from 2012 and 2017 in concentrations that were five times higher than those considered safe by scientists from the EWG .
Organic Authority : ‘ Forever Chemicals ’ In Your Sparkling Water : Is It Safe To Drink ?
All of the brands tested by Consumer Reports were within limits largely regarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the limit recommended as safe by the Environmental Working Group , the equivalent of roughly one grain of sand in an olympic-sized swimming pool .
Learning Disabilities Association of America : McDonald ’ s : Get Rid of Toxic PFAS Good Housekeeping : The 50 Best Charities to Give to Right Now The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) provides consumer advocacy and research regarding the safety of food , cosmetics , water , children ’ s products , and more .
( It ’ s famous for its “ Dirty Dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Treehugger : USDA Suggests Organic is Overrated , But Not Everyone Agrees Treehugger reached out to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , which is well-known for its work on pesticide testing and the resulting Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists that it releases annually .
E & E News : Experts distrust the tap ; but prefer it to bottles Olga Naidenko , who leads the Environmental Working Group 's research on children 's environmental health , uses a BPA-free plastic pitcher with a carbon filter because she 's most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tap .
Water monitoring data collected in 2010–15 show that more than 7 million people in the US across 27 states had utility-supplied tap water that had detectable 1,4-dioxane , according to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , an advocacy organization .

On Saturday, the Associated Press, NBC News and other major news outlets projected Joe Biden will become the 46th president of the United States, capturing more votes than any other presidential candidate in history. The historic election of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is an opportunity for the nation to advance the health, safety and equity of all Americans, said EWG.
“While millions of Americans and billions around the world celebrate this moment, it also opens a game-changing path forward,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “On January 20, we will have a president and vice president who are ready for the enormous challenges the country faces and will work hard to meet them, not spend each day making them worse.”
As President-elect Biden’s transition gets into gear, EWG broke down what the incoming Biden-Harris administration could mean for food and farm workers and the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.
Also this week, EWG scientists reviewed recent studies showing PFAS chemicals harm the immune system, increasing the risk of Covid-19 for certain populations of people with underlying health problems.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
Carolina Public Press (N.C.): Gauging the lead threat in NC waters and aquatic life
“Lead is considered the number one environmental threat to children’s health by the federal government” and, even “at very low levels, is linked to subtle developmental delays and reduced IQ in children,” the Working Group report said, echoing the current guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that any level of lead in the blood of children is unsafe.
MindBodyGreen: 8 Better-For-The-Planet Products That Every New Parent Needs To Know About
Earth Mama's Organic Diaper Balm isn't just unrivaled in environmental standards—it's EWG Verified with the lowest hazard rating possible, meaning its ingredients don't harm wildlife from animals to plants—the soothing calendula balm is also chosen by hospitals for the most fragile NICU babies.
Parents Need To Know: Best Sunscreen For Babies Buying Guide
As an example, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non profit organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment.
2020 Presidential Election
Associated Press: Key departures signal agriculture shakeup for Capitol Hill
While the leadership implications are important, crucial issues won’t change, said Craig Cox, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources at the Environmental Working Group, which is critical of federal farm policy, contending that current subsidy and other programs foster unsustainable practices.
E&E News: Biden plans PFAS rules, hazardous designation
Organizations closely scrutinizing PFAS, like the Environmental Working Group, are sounding an upbeat note on how a Biden administration might approach the chemicals.
Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at EWG, highlighted the plan's emphasis on both setting limits in drinking water through an MCL and the prospect of designating PFAS as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund law.
Inside Climate News: With Biden’s Win, Climate Activists See New Potential But Say They’ll ‘Push Where We Need To Push’
"The most important consideration now is to realize how dramatically different the playing field is than the last time we had a serious debate on energy and climate, which was 11 years ago," said Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group. "Back then, battery storage was something for a flashlight. The landscape has completely changed just in that short period of time."
LexBlog: Chemical regulation in the new administration: PFAS top of list?
Organizations closely scrutinizing PFAS, like the Environmental Working Group (https://www.ewg.org/proposedpfaslegislation), are touting loudly that the Biden administration will address PFAS and speculating on how the Biden Administration might approach the chemicals by setting enforceable drinking water limits, designating the substances as hazardous and finding PFAS substitutes for consumer items.
Consumer Products
Chilled Magazine: One of the leading-selling CBD infused beverages, DRAM Apothecary, is partnering with Coors Distributing Co. DRAM is widely distributed and sold in 24 states.
“Most of the CBD sparkling waters we’ve seen entering the market contain natural flavorings, which the Environmental Working Group have confirmed are far from ‘natural.’ We’re thrilled to partner with Coors who will widen our reach and allow more people to enjoy a delicious, functional and truly natural beverage made from clean ingredients.”
The Star (Toronto, Canada): These 5 Tips can help make your home more eco-friendly
Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, suggests choosing rugs free of PFAS — a category of chemicals that do not break down in the environment and can cause health issues. Stoiber also recommends rugs with backings made of natural rubber, and not PVC.
Little Rock Soiree (Ark.): How to Choose a Nontoxic Mattress
If you’re looking for a nontoxic mattress, make sure you know what to look for (and what to avoid) when you start shopping. This guide from the Environmental Working Group is a great resource!
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
MSN: 11 Common Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredients Derms Want You to Avoid
According to the Environmental Working Group's website, "Companies are allowed to use almost any ingredient they wish. The U.S. government doesn't review the safety of products before they're sold."
MSN: The Truth About Petrolatum: Does it Belong in Your Skin Care?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a U.S. non-profit organization that does environmental and safety studies, says there's petrolatum in one out of every 14 cosmetic products on the market, including 15 percent of lipsticks and 40 percent of baby lotions and oils. Plus, it's used as an active ingredient for healing cuts and burns.
Eat This, Not That: Common Things That Give You Cancer, Say Doctors
The Rx: For a full list of what to watch out for, check out EWG's Skin Deep Database, so you can research toxic chemicals that might be in your beauty and personal care products.
GreenMatters: Is Soap Bad For the Environment? Here’s What You Should Know.
Parabens are dangerous hormone disruptors that can cause cancer, so before making any purchases, check the Environmental Working Group (EWG) app to quantify the product's toxicity by EWG standards.
COVID-19 & Meat Plants
Oregon Business: Brand Energizer
According to the Environmental Working Group, an activist group, COVID-19 infection rates in communities within 15 miles of meat plants are twice the national average.
EWG VERIFIED®
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog: Inna Organic Frankincense Boosting Revitalizing Toner
Inna Organic, which is the only brand from Taiwan that is both EWG-verified and COSMOS certified- organic, offers an array of wonderful cruelty-free skincare products that are a delight for the skin and the senses.
Food Scores
CNN: Today’s trash is tomorrow’s booze
A collaboration with MOM's Organic Market and the Environmental Working Group, Ugly & Stoned aims to put the issue of food waste on the dinner table and showcase a simple and creative solution to the problem.
Glyphosate in Hummus
Parade: Hummus Is A Go-To Snack for Many of Us, but Is It Actually Healthy? Nutritionists Weigh in
Sterling advises consumers to be aware of an article that the Environmental Working Group published an article in July 2020 stating that chickpeas—and therefore hummus—contain high levels of a weed-killing herbicide, glyphosate, which has been linked with cancer.
PFAS in Drinking Water
Consumer Reports: New Jersey Sues Solvay Over Alleged Water Contamination From New PFAS Compound
“It is concerning that the use and discharge of these new problematic chemicals has been ongoing for over two decades, according to the company,” says David Andrews, senior scientist at the advocacy organization Environmental Working Group. “The replacement of long-chain PFAS compounds with newer similarly toxic chemicals is a systemic problem that urgently needs to be fixed.”
Lawyers and Settlements: PFAS & PFOA Water Contamination and Firefighter Lawsuits on the Rise
David Andrews, senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group, says “This entire family of PFAS is a significant concern, and they should not be in tap water or bottled water. He finds it ironic that the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) requested last year that the FDA set limits on the compounds.
Natural News: Toxic chemicals in Kentucky tap water part of broader problem; 200 million Many people assume their tap water is tested regularly by authorities to ensure it’s safe, but recent studies show that drinking this water is taking a gamble with your health. An analysis of utility tests carried out by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found toxic PFAS chemicals in the drinking water of 800,000 Kentucky residents from 2012 and 2017 in concentrations that were five times higher than those considered safe by scientists from the EWG.
Organic Authority: ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Your Sparkling Water: Is It Safe To Drink?
All of the brands tested by Consumer Reports were within limits largely regarded as safe; one part per trillion is the limit recommended as safe by the Environmental Working Group, the equivalent of roughly one grain of sand in an olympic-sized swimming pool.
Learning Disabilities Association of America: McDonald’s: Get Rid of Toxic PFAS
Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database and their interactive PFAS map
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Good Housekeeping: The 50 Best Charities to Give to Right Now
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides consumer advocacy and research regarding the safety of food, cosmetics, water, children’s products, and more. (It’s famous for its “Dirty Dozen” list of pesticides in produce.)
Treehugger: USDA Suggests Organic is Overrated, But Not Everyone Agrees
Treehugger reached out to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which is well-known for its work on pesticide testing and the resulting Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists that it releases annually.
Tap Water Database
E&E News: Experts distrust the tap; but prefer it to bottles
Olga Naidenko, who leads the Environmental Working Group's research on children's environmental health, uses a BPA-free plastic pitcher with a carbon filter because she's most concerned about disinfection byproducts coming from her tap.
Chemical & Engineering News: 1,4 Dioxane: Another forever chemical plagues drinking-water utilities
Water monitoring data collected in 2010–15 show that more than 7 million people in the US across 27 states had utility-supplied tap water that had detectable 1,4-dioxane, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an advocacy organization.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-11-16--EWG Comments to California OEHHA to Prioritize Chemicals for Proposition 65 Review

EWG submitted comments to California 's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee @ @ @ @ @ four per- and polyfluorinated substances ( PFAS ) , some of the most toxic parabens @ @ @ @ @ harmful to the reproductive system and fetal development , for review under Proposition 65 .

EWG submitted comments to California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee to recommend the prioritization of four per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), some of the most toxic parabens, glyphosate and other chemicals harmful to the reproductive system and fetal development, for review under Proposition 65.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-11-16--5 Tips for Safer Cell Phone Use During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Covid-19 has made us all depend more on wireless technology .
Whether you ’ re working remotely , attending school online or just staying in touch with family and friends , you ’ re more reliant than ever on Wi-Fi and cell service .
Although these technologies can empower us to keep working , learning and socializing while safely at home , they also come with their own risks .
Cell phone and Wi-Fi routers rely on non-ionizing electromagnetic fields in the radiofrequency range , or RF-EMF , to transmit signals wirelessly .
This type of radiation has been linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disorders in kids , and to migraines .
The World Health organization categorizes radiofrequency radiation as possibly carcinogenic to humans .
But more research still needs to be done .
Here are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to RF-EMF radiation while staying connected .
• Use a headset or speaker phone so you don ’ t need to hold the phone against your head when speaking .
• Keep your phone , tablet and other wireless devices away from your body , even when they ’ re not in use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your pocket , tucked into clothes or on your lap .
• Keep devices in airplane mode when you can .
Asks your kids to keep their devices in airplane mode when they ’ re playing games or in class .
• Make sure you have strong service .
Fewer bars equals more radiation , since the phone has to work harder to broadcast its signal .
Try using Wi-Fi to connect instead if your cell signal is weak .
• Create a separate space for your Wi-Fi router .
Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right next to the office desk .

Covid-19 has made us all depend more on wireless technology. Whether you’re working remotely, attending school online or just staying in touch with family and friends, you’re more reliant than ever on Wi-Fi and cell service.
Although these technologies can empower us to keep working, learning and socializing while safely at home, they also come with their own risks.
Cell phone and Wi-Fi routers rely on non-ionizing electromagnetic fields in the radiofrequency range, or RF-EMF, to transmit signals wirelessly. This type of radiation has been linked to brain cancer, emotional and hyperactivity disorders in kids, and to migraines. The World Health organization categorizes radiofrequency radiation as possibly carcinogenic to humans. But more research still needs to be done.
Here are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to RF-EMF radiation while staying connected.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-11-16--7 Ways Children Will Be Healthier Under the Biden Administration

The Trump administration ’ s assault on science has been a disaster for children , according to a report in February from the Union of Concerned Scientists .
Now the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris offers the possibility of reversing the damage done to children ’ s health under the Trump administration , with its many rollbacks of public health protections and disregard for the heightened risk toxic chemicals pose to kids .
During the campaign , Biden promised to “ make decisions that are driven by data and science , ” according to the campaign ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity .
The new administration will work to rebuild faith in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , after accusations the agency failed in its response to the pandemic .
It could re-establish the children ’ s environmental health program at the Environmental Protection Agency , defunded in 2019 .
And it is placing an emphasis on environmental justice – “ righting the wrongs in communities that bear the brunt of pollution , ” according to the transition plan .
Specifically , the Biden-Harris team will act to counter the damage done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s health from such environmental health hazards as : President-elect Biden will act to regulate or ban toxic pesticides .
The Democratic platform calls for a ban on chlorpyrifos – the insecticide linked to damage to children ’ s brains and nervous systems , currently permitted on non-organic produce grown in all but three states .
Even small amounts of chlorpyrifos can impair children ’ s IQ and cause harm to the brain .
Other pesticides are likely to come under scrutiny .
The weedkiller glyphosate , a probable human carcinogen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s foods , like oat cereals , beans and lentils .
Children between ages 1 and 2 are the group most exposed to dicamba , another highly toxic pesticide , which is linked to an increased risk of cancer .
The EPA has long discounted scientists ’ findings about the health hazards of the fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS , found in 99 percent of Americans , but the Biden team says it will make these “ forever chemicals ” a priority .
They are linked to low birth weight , endocrine disruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pregnant women particularly vulnerable .
The incoming administration will address PFAS contamination by setting enforceable limits for PFAS in the Safe Drinking Water Act and designating the compounds as hazardous substances under Superfund , which would jumpstart the cleanup of PFAS by making polluters pay their fair share of the cost .
The Biden-Harris team also says it will make new safe substitutes a priority .
Biden has pledged to make lead pollution a priority .
It is a potent neurotoxin that can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system , yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dust in older buildings and in their water .
No level of lead exposure is safe for children , but testing and monitoring has been insufficient under the Trump administration .
Children of color and in low-income households are affected disproportionately .
The incoming administration has said it will emphasize working to test and remediate lead in drinking water and housing , with “ funds for replacing and remediating lead service lines and lead paint in households , daycares , and schools in order to ensure all communities have access to safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition , Biden will double federal spending on “ clean drinking water and water infrastructure and focus new funding on low-income rural , suburban , and urban areas that are struggling to replace pipes and treatment facilities – and especially on communities at high risk of lead or other kinds of contamination.
” Trump rolled back 21 rules dealing with air pollution and is in the process of rolling back five more , changes that have been especially harmful to children .
In addition to the greater risk posed by kids ’ developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoors .
Air pollution can lead to serious health problems affecting the respiratory system and the brain .
The Biden campaign pledged to issue a report in its first 100 days in office identifying how it will bring about the air and water quality improvements and update the relevant analytical tools .
The incoming administration plans to “ achieve a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 , ” and to ask states to prioritize emissions reductions in disadvantaged communities .
It will create a screening tool to “ identify communities threatened by … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and water pollution .
Finally , it will direct the EPA and Justice Department to pursue cases against corporate polluters that disproportionately affect Black people and Latinos .
Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change .
Extreme heat can have a severe effect on kids , yet they ’ re less capable of recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and more likely to become dehydrated more quickly .
Children growing up today are likely to suffer the worst impacts of the climate crisis , which will be most pronounced among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Biden campaign promised a comprehensive plan to address the crisis .
It includes investments in clean energy and in climate research and innovation , investing in infrastructure to address adaptation , such as zero-emissions public transportation , and cracking down on greenhouse gas polluters .
Specifically , the incoming administration has pledged to set up a task force within the Department of Health and Human Services to decrease the risks of climate change to children , among other vulnerable populations .
Many environmental and public health harms affect communities of color and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged to eliminate “ systemic racism in our laws , policies , institutions , and hearts ” and “ mobilize across the board to advance racial equity , ” including by making investments designed to end health disparities caused by racial differences .
His plan promises to elevate environmental justice in the federal government through specific advisory councils and the addition of dedicated environmental justice staff on the White House Council on Environmental Quality .
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity nationwide : In 2020 , nearly one in eight households , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food insecurity .
Black people and Latinos are about two and 2.5 times more likely , respectively , to live in food insecure households than non-Hispanic white people .
This means not only that millions of kids are going hungry but also that they are more likely to suffer from chronic health problems like asthma and anemia in addition to learning , social and behavioral problems .
The pandemic – and Trump ’ s disastrous response to it – have only made things worse .
Children suffering from food insecurity are likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden supports a 15 percent increase in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or SNAP , commonly called food stamps .
During her own run for president , Harris offered a plan that included support for the SNAP for Kids Act – a 27 percent increase in assistance for school-age kids – and expanded funding for a program that increases access to fresh produce in food deserts .
Many other Biden-Harris campaign promises touch on children ’ s health , including improving safe , affordable and reliable child care , combatting the causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential jobs , ending violence against women , increasing the federal minimum wage , and addressing discrimination and other forms of racism in housing laws and practices .

The Trump administration’s assault on science has been a disaster for children, according to a report in February from the Union of Concerned Scientists. Now the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris offers the possibility of reversing the damage done to children’s health under the Trump administration, with its many rollbacks of public health protections and disregard for the heightened risk toxic chemicals pose to kids.
During the campaign, Biden promised to “make decisions that are driven by data and science,” according to the campaign’s plan on environmental justice and equitable economic opportunity. The new administration will work to rebuild faith in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after accusations the agency failed in its response to the pandemic. It could re-establish the children’s environmental health program at the Environmental Protection Agency, defunded in 2019. And it is placing an emphasis on environmental justice – “righting the wrongs in communities that bear the brunt of pollution,” according to the transition plan.
Specifically, the Biden-Harris team will act to counter the damage done in the past four years to children’s health from such environmental health hazards as:
Pesticides
President-elect Biden will act to regulate or ban toxic pesticides. The Democratic platform calls for a ban on chlorpyrifos – the insecticide linked to damage to children’s brains and nervous systems, currently permitted on non-organic produce grown in all but three states. Even small amounts of chlorpyrifos can impair children’s IQ and cause harm to the brain.
Other pesticides are likely to come under scrutiny. The weedkiller glyphosate, a probable human carcinogen, can be found on popular children’s foods, like oat cereals, beans and lentils. Children between ages 1 and 2 are the group most exposed to dicamba, another highly toxic pesticide, which is linked to an increased risk of cancer.
PFAS
The EPA has long discounted scientists’ findings about the health hazards of the fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS, found in 99 percent of Americans, but the Biden team says it will make these “forever chemicals” a priority. They are linked to low birth weight, endocrine disruption and weakened childhood immunity, with children and pregnant women particularly vulnerable.
The incoming administration will address PFAS contamination by setting enforceable limits for PFAS in the Safe Drinking Water Act and designating the compounds as hazardous substances under Superfund, which would jumpstart the cleanup of PFAS by making polluters pay their fair share of the cost. The Biden-Harris team also says it will make new safe substitutes a priority.
Lead and other water contaminants
Biden has pledged to make lead pollution a priority. It is a potent neurotoxin that can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, yet children are exposed to it in paint and dust in older buildings and in their water. No level of lead exposure is safe for children, but testing and monitoring has been insufficient under the Trump administration. Children of color and in low-income households are affected disproportionately.
The incoming administration has said it will emphasize working to test and remediate lead in drinking water and housing, with “funds for replacing and remediating lead service lines and lead paint in households, daycares, and schools in order to ensure all communities have access to safe drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.” In addition, Biden will double federal spending on “clean drinking water and water infrastructure and focus new funding on low-income rural, suburban, and urban areas that are struggling to replace pipes and treatment facilities – and especially on communities at high risk of lead or other kinds of contamination.”
Air pollution
Trump rolled back 21 rules dealing with air pollution and is in the process of rolling back five more, changes that have been especially harmful to children. In addition to the greater risk posed by kids’ developing bodies, they generally spend more time outdoors. Air pollution can lead to serious health problems affecting the respiratory system and the brain.
The Biden campaign pledged to issue a report in its first 100 days in office identifying how it will bring about the air and water quality improvements and update the relevant analytical tools. The incoming administration plans to “achieve a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035,” and to ask states to prioritize emissions reductions in disadvantaged communities. It will create a screening tool to “identify communities threatened by … multi-source environmental pollution,” including air and water pollution. Finally, it will direct the EPA and Justice Department to pursue cases against corporate polluters that disproportionately affect Black people and Latinos.
The climate crisis
Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Extreme heat can have a severe effect on kids, yet they’re less capable of recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and more likely to become dehydrated more quickly. Children growing up today are likely to suffer the worst impacts of the climate crisis, which will be most pronounced among low-income children and children of color.
The Biden campaign promised a comprehensive plan to address the crisis. It includes investments in clean energy and in climate research and innovation, investing in infrastructure to address adaptation, such as zero-emissions public transportation, and cracking down on greenhouse gas polluters.
Specifically, the incoming administration has pledged to set up a task force within the Department of Health and Human Services to decrease the risks of climate change to children, among other vulnerable populations.
Structural racism
Many environmental and public health harms affect communities of color and low-income communities disproportionately. President-elect Biden has pledged to eliminate “systemic racism in our laws, policies, institutions, and hearts” and “mobilize across the board to advance racial equity,” including by making investments designed to end health disparities caused by racial differences. His plan promises to elevate environmental justice in the federal government through specific advisory councils and the addition of dedicated environmental justice staff on the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Food insecurity
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity nationwide: In 2020, nearly one in eight households, and one in four children, experience food insecurity. Black people and Latinos are about two and 2.5 times more likely, respectively, to live in food insecure households than non-Hispanic white people. This means not only that millions of kids are going hungry but also that they are more likely to suffer from chronic health problems like asthma and anemia in addition to learning, social and behavioral problems. The pandemic – and Trump’s disastrous response to it – have only made things worse.
Children suffering from food insecurity are likely to fare better under the Biden administration. Biden supports a 15 percent increase in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, commonly called food stamps. During her own run for president, Harris offered a plan that included support for the SNAP for Kids Act – a 27 percent increase in assistance for school-age kids – and expanded funding for a program that increases access to fresh produce in food deserts.
Many other Biden-Harris campaign promises touch on children’s health, including improving safe, affordable and reliable child care, combatting the causes of maternal mortality, protecting people in essential jobs, ending violence against women, increasing the federal minimum wage, and addressing discrimination and other forms of racism in housing laws and practices.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-11-18--Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes From EWG Staff

Whether you observe Thanksgiving this year with an intimate gathering or a virtual event , your day will still likely center on the traditional holiday meal .
And no matter how many people you feed , you ’ ll want to make sure to provide the absolute best for your guests and yourself – without extra stress !
I asked our staff to provide some of their favorite Thanksgiving recipes to help inspire you in the kitchen .
These delicious dishes are healthier than most traditional Thanksgiving offerings and will leave you and your guests asking for seconds .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Food Scores database to find good choices for quick and healthy meals and snacks for the rest of the long weekend .
The database lets you search for ratings for more than 80,000 different foods , based on nutrition , ingredients and how much processing went into their production .
We also want to remind you that some fruits and veggies are best bought organic , to avoid heavy pesticide loads .
Check out EWG ’ s Shopper ’ s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ to find out which produce is OK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s best to buy organic .
We hope you enjoy these recipes , and we ’ d love to see pictures of your favorites .
Share them with us using the hashtag # EWGEats .

Whether you observe Thanksgiving this year with an intimate gathering or a virtual event, your day will still likely center on the traditional holiday meal. And no matter how many people you feed, you’ll want to make sure to provide the absolute best for your guests and yourself – without extra stress!
I asked our staff to provide some of their favorite Thanksgiving recipes to help inspire you in the kitchen. These delicious dishes are healthier than most traditional Thanksgiving offerings and will leave you and your guests asking for seconds.
In addition, you can use EWG’s Food Scores database to find good choices for quick and healthy meals and snacks for the rest of the long weekend. The database lets you search for ratings for more than 80,000 different foods, based on nutrition, ingredients and how much processing went into their production.
We also want to remind you that some fruits and veggies are best bought organic, to avoid heavy pesticide loads. Check out EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ to find out which produce is OK to buy conventional and when it’s best to buy organic.
We hope you enjoy these recipes, and we’d love to see pictures of your favorites. Share them with us using the hashtag #EWGEats.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-11-19--National Black Farmers Association and EWG Applaud the Justice for Black Farmers Act

The following is the statement of John Boyd , founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association , and Scott Faber , EWG ’ s senior vice president for government affairs , on the introduction of the Justice for Black Farmers Act , by Sens .
Cory Booker ( D-N.J. ) , Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
and Kristen Gillibrand ( D-N.Y. ) .
The Justice for Black Farmers Act is the most ambitious legislative proposal ever developed to address historic and ongoing discrimination against Black farmers .
Black farmers have been systemically denied access to land , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through government and private discrimination , and the institutional racism that has driven Black land loss is being reinforced through the USDA ’ s broken policies .
By providing new access to land and credit , the Justice for Black Farmers Act will help right these historic wrongs .
By providing new oversight and accountability within the USDA , the Justice for Black Farmers Act will help address the roots of the USDA ’ s racist history .
By making an unprecedented investment in training through historically Black colleges and universities and groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Justice for Black Farmers Act will ensure that Black farmers have the tools they need to succeed .
These reforms are long overdue .
But until we know the race of subsidy and loan recipients , we simply will not know whether these reforms have worked .
We applaud the leadership of Sens .
Booker , Warren and Gillibrand and urge Congress to make farm subsidy and loan transparency a priority as well .

The following is the statement of John Boyd, founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association, and Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs, on the introduction of the Justice for Black Farmers Act, by Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).
The Justice for Black Farmers Act is the most ambitious legislative proposal ever developed to address historic and ongoing discrimination against Black farmers. Black farmers have been systemically denied access to land, subsidies, loans and other critical tools through government and private discrimination, and the institutional racism that has driven Black land loss is being reinforced through the USDA’s broken policies.
By providing new access to land and credit, the Justice for Black Farmers Act will help right these historic wrongs. By providing new oversight and accountability within the USDA, the Justice for Black Farmers Act will help address the roots of the USDA’s racist history. By making an unprecedented investment in training through historically Black colleges and universities and groups like the National Black Farmers Association, the Justice for Black Farmers Act will ensure that Black farmers have the tools they need to succeed.
These reforms are long overdue. But until we know the race of subsidy and loan recipients, we simply will not know whether these reforms have worked. We applaud the leadership of Sens. Booker, Warren and Gillibrand and urge Congress to make farm subsidy and loan transparency a priority as well.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-11-19--Let’s Talk Turkey: Decoding the Label on Your Bird

Labels on turkeys can be confusing !
It ’ s difficult to sort the certifications and claims that are superfluous from the ones that actually mean something .
Fortunately , EWG can help you find the facts .
Check out our Label Decoder for meat , eggs and milk to help you make better and more informed choices .
Most turkeys raised and sold in the U.S. are : • Likely treated with antibiotics and growth-boosting hormones For a better alternative , look for one or more of these labels : • Raised with continuous access to an outdoor pasture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Painful physical alterations to the animals are prohibited • Animals can not be confined in cages or crates , and there is a minimum amount of space per animal • No antibiotics given to healthy animals • Animals must have year-round access to the outdoors , including direct sunlight and fresh air *Note that this is a five-step program .
EWG recommends you look for products marked “ Step 3 ” or above .
• Steps 4+ are raised outside on pasture , and Step 3 requires some outdoor access • No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards to minimize painful physical alterations to the animals • The USDA defines free range as “ allowed access to the outside ” but does not specify the quality of the range , or quantity of time • There are no regular on-farm inspections to verify this claim • There is no legal definition for this term , so it is essentially meaningless • Does not mean the animal was raised in sufficient open space • Does not bar GMO feed or require organic feed • Does not indicate that the producer didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Labels on turkeys can be confusing! It’s difficult to sort the certifications and claims that are superfluous from the ones that actually mean something. Fortunately, EWG can help you find the facts. Check out our Label Decoder for meat, eggs and milk to help you make better and more informed choices.
Most turkeys raised and sold in the U.S. are:
Bred for abnormally large, white turkey breasts
Raised in cramped and crowded conditions
Likely treated with antibiotics and growth-boosting hormones
Possibly injected with saline/brine, oils, flavors or preservatives
For a better alternative, look for one or more of these labels:
Animal Welfare Approved
Raised with continuous access to an outdoor pasture
No feedlots
No antibiotics given to healthy animals
Painful physical alterations to the animals are prohibited
Slaughter facilities are audited
Certified Humane
Animals cannot be confined in cages or crates, and there is a minimum amount of space per animal
No antibiotics given to healthy animals
Slaughter facilities are audited
USDA Organic
Animals must have year-round access to the outdoors, including direct sunlight and fresh air
Pastures are managed to maximize soil fertility
Animals are fed certified organic feed only
GMO feed is prohibited
Global Animal Partnership
*Note that this is a five-step program. EWG recommends you look for products marked “Step 3” or above.
Steps 4+ are raised outside on pasture, and Step 3 requires some outdoor access
Cages, crates and crowding are prohibited
No antibiotics given to healthy animals
Detailed standards to minimize painful physical alterations to the animals
Don’t bother with these labels:
Free Range
The USDA defines free range as “allowed access to the outside” but does not specify the quality of the range, or quantity of time
There are no regular on-farm inspections to verify this claim
Humanely Raised
There is no legal definition for this term, so it is essentially meaningless
Natural


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-11-20--EWG News Roundup (11/20): Biden Administration Prioritizing Children’s Health, Justice for Black Far

EWG News Roundup (11/20): Biden Administration Prioritizing Children’s Health, Justice for Black Farmers, EWG’s Thanksgiving Tips and More

As President-elect Biden ’ s transition gets into gear , EWG broke down seven ways the new administration could make great strides for children ’ s health .
On Thursday , Sens .
Cory Booker ( D-N.J. ) , Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
and Kristen Gillibrand ( D-N.Y. ) introduced the landmark Justice for Black Farmers Act , which seeks to reverse decades of institutional racism by the U.S. Department of Agriculture by transferring up to 32 million acres of farm land , or 160 acres per farmer , free of charge through land grants from the USDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the National Black Farmers Association , and Scott Faber , EWG ’ s senior vice president for government affairs , applauded the proposal in a joint statement : Over the past eight months of the quarantine , we ’ ve gotten very well acquainted with screens – especially cell phone screens .
EWG counted down five tips for safer cell phone use to reduce our exposure to harmful radiation .
And finally , Thanksgiving is right around the corner , and EWG has provided a few tips on recipes , picking out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sweet potatoes .
Here ’ s some news you can use going into the weekend .
North Carolina Health News : Gauging the lead threat in NC waters and aquatic life “ Lead is considered the number one environmental threat to children ’ s health by the federal government ” and , even “ at very low levels , is linked to subtle developmental delays and reduced IQ in children , ” the Working Group report said , echoing the current guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that any level of lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dingell , who voiced optimism during a Nov. 10 interview with Inside EPA on PFAS legislation , expanded on her plans during an Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) -sponsored Facebook live event Nov. 17 .
She said lawmakers backing the comprehensive package of PFAS legislation that passed in January plan to reintroduce it this coming January , noting it will be a “ top priority ” in the upcoming Congress .
Scott Faber , senior vice president for government affairs for the Environmental Working Group , which has long advocated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan ’ s PFAS promises in a Nov. 9 blog post , noting the “ huge impact on public health ” that would result from setting a federal SDWA standard for PFAS .
Such a measure would “ dramatically reduce our overall exposure to PFAS , ” he said , while a Superfund hazardous substance designation for PFAS would “ kick-start the cleanup process ” and also compel polluters to pay their share of cleanup costs .
Dingell 's comments came during an event hosted by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner Rob Bilott , the subject of the movie `` Dark Waters , '' who has spent years working on litigation around PFAS .
The bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency to set cleanup standards and enforceable drinking water limits for at least some PFAS , she said during a forum hosted by the Environmental Working Group .
NJ Spotlight : Clock ticking on ‘ forever chemicals ’ ?
Biden win spurs revival of plans for federal regulation “ We think this can be a very fast environmental win .
We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water , ” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell , a Michigan Democrat who sponsored the bill .
She spoke Tuesday during a Facebook Live event staged by Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , a nonprofit that urges the federal government to set national health standards for the chemicals in drinking water .
The Counter : Biden advisors push a new plan to slow global warming : A soil carbon bank for farmers Before the Biden administration can sell carbon credits , says Craig Cox , the senior vice president for agriculture and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , environmental benefits must be better confirmed by science , and a massive amount of new soil carbon data must be collected .
Dingell and others , including the Environmental Working Group , a nonprofit that focuses on chemical contamination and other environmental issues , hope President-elect Joe Biden will take the threat of PFAS more seriously .
Times Union ( Albany , N.Y. ) : Environmentalists see hope that Biden Administration will get tough on PFAS “ We think this can be a very fast environmental win , ” Michigan Rep. Debbie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Environmental Working Group , which advocates on PFAS and other pollution issues .
Michigan Radio ( Mich. ) : Will the Biden administration clean up PFAS ?
Melanie Benesh is with the Environmental Working Group .
She says if chemicals in the PFAS family are designated as hazardous , the EPA can go to work to crack down on the sources of PFAS contamination .
Olga Naidenko , vice president of science investigations at the Environmental Working Group , said her organization believes vaccination `` remains essential '' for public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown PFAS can decrease the production of antibodies in response to vaccines .
The Fern : ‘ Justice ’ bill would transfer up to 32 million acres to Black farmers “ The Justice for Black Farmers Act is the most ambitious legislative proposal ever developed to address historic and ongoing discrimination against Black farmers , ” said John Boyd , president of the National Black Farmers Association , and Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group , two of the six dozen local and national groups that endorsed the bill .
The Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Capitol Hill ag shakeup could favor South While the leadership implications are important , crucial issues won ’ t change , said Craig Cox , senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources at the Environmental Working Group .
Topping the list , he said , is “ the urgent need to really take a hard look at crop subsidies and crop insurance , ” and what those programs cost taxpayers .
Other priorities should include addressing unjust treatment for Black farmers , the contamination of ground and surface water from fertilizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in the climate crisis .
The New Republic : Can Biden Keep His Promise To Make Farms Climate Friendly ?
“ We could be spending billions of dollars paying farmers to do pretty much what they ’ re doing now , and the carbon sequestration benefits of that will be pretty minimal , ” said Ken Cook , co-founder and president of the Environmental Working Group .
HuffPost : Should You Be Using Clean Mascara ?
Experts Weigh In .
“ So any product with a smaller ingredient list , especially if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Working Group , the gold standard for clean beauty , they ’ re better.
” Lamb said there is potential for eczema or an allergic reaction from non-natural mascaras .
The Cut : How This Beauty Boutique Owner Gets Her Skin So Good Just stay informed — she looks to the EWG Skin Deep Database and “ lots of Googling ” — and approach everything with nuance .
Hello Glow : How to Make Your Own Citrus Sunshine Perfume The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) reports that many perfumes on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones that claim to contain “ natural essences ” actually don ’ t .
“ Having the FSA check that people are in compliance is super important , but their regulation is vague , ” says Anne Schechinger , senior economic analyst for the Environmental Working Group .
Global Research : Crisis , What Crisis ?
Hypocrisy and Public Health in the UK Research by US-based EWG found glyphosate residues on popular oat cereals , oatmeal , granola and snack bars .
Almost 75 % of the 45 samples tested had glyphosate levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of children ’ s health with an adequate margin of safety .
Particularly pay attention to the EWG 's `` Dirty Dozen '' - the produce with the most pesticide residue .
For Women First : How to Clean Potatoes in 10 Minutes Without Having to Do Any ScrubbingWell , according to the EWG , these tubers are among the “ dirty dozen ” produce products that frequently have lingering pesticides .
This dishwasher method can rinse all of those away , though .
MSN : 40 Supermarket Buys That Are A Waste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area where tap water is not safe ( you can look these details up on EWG ’ s Tap Water Database ) , buying bottled water is nothing but a waste of money and plastic .
Medium : Groundwater is Liquid Gold .
Our Protections Should Say That .
The Environmental Working Group estimated 12,600 cases of cancer per year may be linked to nitrate pollution in the US drinking water .

As President-elect Biden’s transition gets into gear, EWG broke down seven ways the new administration could make great strides for children’s health.
On Thursday, Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) introduced the landmark Justice for Black Farmers Act, which seeks to reverse decades of institutional racism by the U.S. Department of Agriculture by transferring up to 32 million acres of farm land, or 160 acres per farmer, free of charge through land grants from the USDA. John Boyd, founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association, and Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs, applauded the proposal in a joint statement:
The Justice for Black Farmers Act is the most ambitious legislative proposal ever developed to address historic and ongoing discrimination against Black farmers. Black farmers have been systemically denied access to land, subsidies, loans and other critical tools through government and private discrimination, and the institutional racism that has driven Black land loss is being reinforced through the USDA’s broken policies.
Over the past eight months of the quarantine, we’ve gotten very well acquainted with screens – especially cell phone screens. EWG counted down five tips for safer cell phone use to reduce our exposure to harmful radiation.
And finally, Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and EWG has provided a few tips on recipes, picking out a turkey and healthy ways to serve sweet potatoes.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
North Carolina Health News: Gauging the lead threat in NC waters and aquatic life
“Lead is considered the number one environmental threat to children’s health by the federal government” and, even “at very low levels, is linked to subtle developmental delays and reduced IQ in children,” the Working Group report said, echoing the current guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that any level of lead in the blood of children is unsafe.
Biden’s Plan for PFAS
Inside EPA: Dingell Outlines Democrats’ Plans to Speed PFAS Legislation, Regulation
Dingell, who voiced optimism during a Nov. 10 interview with Inside EPA on PFAS legislation, expanded on her plans during an Environmental Working Group (EWG)-sponsored Facebook live event Nov. 17. She said lawmakers backing the comprehensive package of PFAS legislation that passed in January plan to reintroduce it this coming January, noting it will be a “top priority” in the upcoming Congress.
Inside EPA: Environmentalists Back Biden’s PFAS Plan But Seek to Speed Strict Limits
Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs for the Environmental Working Group, which has long advocated for PFAS measures, also touted the Biden plan’s PFAS promises in a Nov. 9 blog post, noting the “huge impact on public health” that would result from setting a federal SDWA standard for PFAS. Such a measure would “dramatically reduce our overall exposure to PFAS,” he said, while a Superfund hazardous substance designation for PFAS would “kick-start the cleanup process” and also compel polluters to pay their share of cleanup costs.
E&E News: House Democrats aim to resurrect PFAS package
Dingell's comments came during an event hosted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Speakers included Taft Stettinius & Hollister partner Rob Bilott, the subject of the movie "Dark Waters," who has spent years working on litigation around PFAS.
Bloomberg Law: Dingell Says ‘Forever Chemicals’ Top Congressional Priority
The bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency to set cleanup standards and enforceable drinking water limits for at least some PFAS, she said during a forum hosted by the Environmental Working Group.
NJ Spotlight: Clock ticking on ‘forever chemicals’? Biden win spurs revival of plans for federal regulation
“We think this can be a very fast environmental win. We need a strong national protective standard for drinking water,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat who sponsored the bill. She spoke Tuesday during a Facebook Live event staged by Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit that urges the federal government to set national health standards for the chemicals in drinking water.
The Counter: Biden advisors push a new plan to slow global warming: A soil carbon bank for farmers
Before the Biden administration can sell carbon credits, says Craig Cox, the senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources for the Environmental Working Group, environmental benefits must be better confirmed by science, and a massive amount of new soil carbon data must be collected.
New Mexico Political Report: Concerned leaders hopeful Biden administration will address PFAS contamination
Dingell and others, including the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit that focuses on chemical contamination and other environmental issues, hope President-elect Joe Biden will take the threat of PFAS more seriously.
Times Union (Albany, N.Y.): Environmentalists see hope that Biden Administration will get tough on PFAS
“We think this can be a very fast environmental win,” Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell said during an online discussion sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, which advocates on PFAS and other pollution issues.
Michigan Radio (Mich.): Will the Biden administration clean up PFAS?
Melanie Benesh is with the Environmental Working Group. She says if chemicals in the PFAS family are designated as hazardous, the EPA can go to work to crack down on the sources of PFAS contamination.
Covid-19 Vaccine and PFAS
E&E News: PFAS exposure could hinder vaccine for hard-hit communities
Olga Naidenko, vice president of science investigations at the Environmental Working Group, said her organization believes vaccination "remains essential" for public health. But she noted epidemiological studies have shown PFAS can decrease the production of antibodies in response to vaccines.
Justice for Black Farmers Act
The Fern: ‘Justice’ bill would transfer up to 32 million acres to Black farmers
“The Justice for Black Farmers Act is the most ambitious legislative proposal ever developed to address historic and ongoing discrimination against Black farmers,” said John Boyd, president of the National Black Farmers Association, and Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group, two of the six dozen local and national groups that endorsed the bill.
2020 Presidential Election
The Times and Democrat (Orangeburg, S.C.): Capitol Hill ag shakeup could favor South
While the leadership implications are important, crucial issues won’t change, said Craig Cox, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources at the Environmental Working Group. Topping the list, he said, is “the urgent need to really take a hard look at crop subsidies and crop insurance,” and what those programs cost taxpayers. Other priorities should include addressing unjust treatment for Black farmers, the contamination of ground and surface water from fertilizer and manure, and agriculture’s role in the climate crisis.
The New Republic: Can Biden Keep His Promise To Make Farms Climate Friendly?
“We could be spending billions of dollars paying farmers to do pretty much what they’re doing now, and the carbon sequestration benefits of that will be pretty minimal,” said Ken Cook, co-founder and president of the Environmental Working Group.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
HuffPost: Should You Be Using Clean Mascara? Experts Weigh In.
“So any product with a smaller ingredient list, especially if it’s been cleared by the Environmental Working Group, the gold standard for clean beauty, they’re better.” Lamb said there is potential for eczema or an allergic reaction from non-natural mascaras.
The Cut: How This Beauty Boutique Owner Gets Her Skin So Good
Just stay informed — she looks to the EWG Skin Deep Database and “lots of Googling” — and approach everything with nuance.
Hello Glow: How to Make Your Own Citrus Sunshine Perfume
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that many perfumes on the market today are filled with chemicals—even the ones that claim to contain “natural essences” actually don’t.
Farm Subsidies
The Counter: Government watchdog report finds child farmers erroneously receiving subsidy payments
“Having the FSA check that people are in compliance is super important, but their regulation is vague,” says Anne Schechinger, senior economic analyst for the Environmental Working Group.
Glyphosate in Cereals
Global Research: Crisis, What Crisis? Hypocrisy and Public Health in the UK
Research by US-based EWG found glyphosate residues on popular oat cereals, oatmeal, granola and snack bars. Almost 75% of the 45 samples tested had glyphosate levels higher than what EWG scientists consider protective of children’s health with an adequate margin of safety.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
EcoWatch: 10 Tips for Cleaner Grocery Shopping
Particularly pay attention to the EWG's "Dirty Dozen" - the produce with the most pesticide residue.
For Women First: How to Clean Potatoes in 10 Minutes Without Having to Do Any ScrubbingWell, according to the EWG, these tubers are among the “dirty dozen” produce products that frequently have lingering pesticides. This dishwasher method can rinse all of those away, though.
Tap Water Database
MSN: 40 Supermarket Buys That Are A Waste of Money
Unless you live in an area where tap water is not safe (you can look these details up on EWG’s Tap Water Database), buying bottled water is nothing but a waste of money and plastic.
Medium: Groundwater is Liquid Gold. Our Protections Should Say That.
The Environmental Working Group estimated 12,600 cases of cancer per year may be linked to nitrate pollution in the US drinking water.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-11-20--With New Laws To Protect Public Health, California Continues Environmental Leadership

In the wake of the Trump administration ’ s rollback of more than 100 federal environmental regulations , California has again showed leadership , with new laws to protect public health .
In the past two years , EWG ’ s team in Sacramento shepherded numerous legislative proposals to Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s desk , with nearly every bill signed into law .
The EWG-sponsored bills championed new or stricter public health and safety standards for cosmetics , jewelry , drinking water fixtures , firefighting foam , and worker and child lead-poisoning prevention .
Here ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ash Kalra , requires the Department of Public Health to quickly inform the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health when a worker is exposed to high levels of lead at his or her workplace .
This bill requires the department to report the case to the division within five days of verifying the worker ’ s high blood lead level .
The division must then investigate the worker ’ s exposure .
AB 35 was signed into law by the governor and went into effect at the beginning of the year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would have imposed a strict limit on the amount of lead that drinking water faucets and fixtures sold in California could leach into drinking water .
Although this bill received overwhelming bipartisan and industry support , the Senate Appropriations Committee did not let it move forward .
EWG plans to back a similar proposal in 2021 .
AB 2276 , by Assemblymembers Eloise Reyes , Cristina Garcia and Rudy Salas , imposes additional requirements on health care providers and the Department of Public Health to ensure that children who are most at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead exposure .
This bill enacted several legislative changes recommended by the state auditor after she found that only 30 percent of the state ’ s infants and toddlers have received required blood lead tests .
AB 2276 was signed into law and will go into effect Jan. 1 .
AB 2762 , by Assemblymembers Al Muratsuchi , Bill Quirk and Buffy Wicks , prohibits the sale in California of cosmetics that contain any one of 24 highly toxic chemicals .
This is the first law in the nation that bans two dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formaldehyde and the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS .
All of the chemicals the bill bans from use in cosmetics are also prohibited in those sold in the European Union .
AB 2762 was signed into law and becomes effective Jan. 1 , 2025 , to allow manufacturers time to comply .
SB 647 , by Sen. Holly Mitchell , enacts the strictest limit in the nation on lead and cadmium in children ’ s and adult jewelry .
This bill was signed into law and goes into effect Jan. 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , prohibits or severely limits the use in California of firefighting foam containing PFAS .
This bill mirrors legislation enacted in some other states and nations that have also moved away from these toxic foams , to protect the health of firefighters and drinking water quality .
SB 1044 was signed into law and takes effect Jan. 1 .
HR 58 , by Assemblymember Eloise Reyes , and SR 59 , by Sen. Nancy Skinner , were resolutions establishing October 2019 as Children ’ s Environmental Health Month in California .
Here are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session that EWG did not sponsor : SB 86 , by Sen. Maria Elena Durazo , requires reporting to the state about applications of the solid form of the neurotoxic pesticide chlorpyrifos .
As a result of an agreement last year between state agencies and manufacturers of the pesticide , the use of gaseous chlorpyrifos in California will end Dec. 31 .
SB 312 , by Sen. Connie Leyva , requires cosmetics manufacturers to disclose to the state toxic fragrance and flavor ingredients in cosmetics and requires the state to provide that information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not sponsor this bill .
AB 1057 , by Assemblymember Monique Limón , changes the mission statement of the state ’ s oil and gas regulatory agency and increases the amount of financial security oil companies must put up to be used in any future cleanups .
AB 1989 , by Assemblymember Cristina Garcia , requires manufacturers to disclose to the state the ingredients in menstrual products , although certain ingredients considered trade secrets are exempt .
Along with other public health advocates , EWG lobbied to improve the bill ’ s @ @ @

In the wake of the Trump administration’s rollback of more than 100 federal environmental regulations, California has again showed leadership, with new laws to protect public health. In the past two years, EWG’s team in Sacramento shepherded numerous legislative proposals to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, with nearly every bill signed into law.
The EWG-sponsored bills championed new or stricter public health and safety standards for cosmetics, jewelry, drinking water fixtures, firefighting foam, and worker and child lead-poisoning prevention. Here’s a list:
AB 35, by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, requires the Department of Public Health to quickly inform the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health when a worker is exposed to high levels of lead at his or her workplace. This bill requires the department to report the case to the division within five days of verifying the worker’s high blood lead level. The division must then investigate the worker’s exposure. AB 35 was signed into law by the governor and went into effect at the beginning of the year.
AB 2060, by Assemblymember Chris Holden, would have imposed a strict limit on the amount of lead that drinking water faucets and fixtures sold in California could leach into drinking water. Although this bill received overwhelming bipartisan and industry support, the Senate Appropriations Committee did not let it move forward. EWG plans to back a similar proposal in 2021.
AB 2276, by Assemblymembers Eloise Reyes, Cristina Garcia and Rudy Salas, imposes additional requirements on health care providers and the Department of Public Health to ensure that children who are most at risk of lead poisoning are tested for lead exposure. This bill enacted several legislative changes recommended by the state auditor after she found that only 30 percent of the state’s infants and toddlers have received required blood lead tests. AB 2276 was signed into law and will go into effect Jan. 1.
AB 2762, by Assemblymembers Al Muratsuchi, Bill Quirk and Buffy Wicks, prohibits the sale in California of cosmetics that contain any one of 24 highly toxic chemicals. This is the first law in the nation that bans two dozen chemicals in cosmetics, including mercury, formaldehyde and the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS. All of the chemicals the bill bans from use in cosmetics are also prohibited in those sold in the European Union. AB 2762 was signed into law and becomes effective Jan. 1, 2025, to allow manufacturers time to comply.
SB 647, by Sen. Holly Mitchell, enacts the strictest limit in the nation on lead and cadmium in children’s and adult jewelry. This bill was signed into law and goes into effect Jan. 1.
SB 1044, by Sen. Ben Allen, prohibits or severely limits the use in California of firefighting foam containing PFAS. This bill mirrors legislation enacted in some other states and nations that have also moved away from these toxic foams, to protect the health of firefighters and drinking water quality. SB 1044 was signed into law and takes effect Jan. 1.
HR 58, by Assemblymember Eloise Reyes, and SR 59, by Sen. Nancy Skinner, were resolutions establishing October 2019 as Children’s Environmental Health Month in California.
Here are some important bills enacted during the 2019-2020 session that EWG did not sponsor:
SB 86, by Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, requires reporting to the state about applications of the solid form of the neurotoxic pesticide chlorpyrifos. As a result of an agreement last year between state agencies and manufacturers of the pesticide, the use of gaseous chlorpyrifos in California will end Dec. 31.
SB 312, by Sen. Connie Leyva, requires cosmetics manufacturers to disclose to the state toxic fragrance and flavor ingredients in cosmetics and requires the state to provide that information to the public. EWG supported but did not sponsor this bill.
AB 1057, by Assemblymember Monique Limón, changes the mission statement of the state’s oil and gas regulatory agency and increases the amount of financial security oil companies must put up to be used in any future cleanups.
AB 1989, by Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, requires manufacturers to disclose to the state the ingredients in menstrual products, although certain ingredients considered trade secrets are exempt. Along with other public health advocates, EWG lobbied to improve the bill’s disclosure requirements.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-11-20--Thanksgiving’s Superfood Sweet Potatoes – Without the Sugar Splurge

This year many Americans are rethinking how they will celebrate Thanksgiving during the Covid-19 pandemic .
Although this holiday will probably look different from any in recent memory , it 's still important to celebrate with familiar foods and rituals .
If you ’ re gathering in person , keep the number of diners small – ideally including no one outside your coronavirus “ pod ” – wear masks when not eating , practice social distancing and keep the dining room well-ventilated .
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed this county-by-county map to help you understand the level of risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re sharing an intimate meal , preparing traditional recipes to deliver to family and neighbors or having a virtual dinner with family and friends , EWG has tips for making Thanksgiving healthier .
The season of sugar is upon us , and sweet holiday dishes often play a part in longstanding family traditions ( and annual gains in body fat ) .
One favorite holiday food is sweet potato casserole , topped high with caramelized , gooey marshmallows .
This tried-and-true candied dish is a time-honored but controversial indulgence – beloved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others and not exactly healthy .
At over 50 grams of sugar a serving , it just may be the sweetest dish at the Thanksgiving table .
Sweet potatoes are nutritional superfoods , packed with vitamin A , vitamin C and potassium ; low in bad fats and sodium , and high in dietary fiber .
However , candied sweet potatoes or yams – they ’ re actually two different vegetables – are a different story .
Although the sweet potato is the main ingredient of this decadent side dish , most recipes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sugar before baking .
And that ’ s before the addition of sugary marshmallows .
Kraft , one of the leading marshmallow brands in the U.S. , makes its marshmallows with about four teaspoons of sugar per serving , according to EWG ’ s Food Scores database .
Kraft marshmallows are more than half sugar by weight .
They also contain artificial dye .
Study after study has shown sugar to be bad for our health .
Consuming sugar has been linked to cancer , heart disease , high blood pressure , stroke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 25 grams a day for women and 36 grams per day for men .
This year , bring delicious and nutritious sweet potatoes to your table without the sticky sugar .
Instead , give the casserole a healthy makeover by ditching the marshmallows for a topping of crushed pineapple or nuts , granola and dried fruit .
Or roast your sweet potatoes to bring out their natural sweetness , mash or whip them until creamy , add them to a salad or puree them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so explore and experiment .
You might discover a new Thanksgiving tradition – and tasty , healthy dishes to enjoy any time .
Please consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 .
This material is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice .

This year many Americans are rethinking how they will celebrate Thanksgiving during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although this holiday will probably look different from any in recent memory, it's still important to celebrate with familiar foods and rituals.
If you’re gathering in person, keep the number of diners small – ideally including no one outside your coronavirus “pod” – wear masks when not eating, practice social distancing and keep the dining room well-ventilated. Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed this county-by-county map to help you understand the level of risk in your own community.
But whether you’re sharing an intimate meal, preparing traditional recipes to deliver to family and neighbors or having a virtual dinner with family and friends, EWG has tips for making Thanksgiving healthier.
The season of sugar is upon us, and sweet holiday dishes often play a part in longstanding family traditions (and annual gains in body fat). One favorite holiday food is sweet potato casserole, topped high with caramelized, gooey marshmallows. This tried-and-true candied dish is a time-honored but controversial indulgence – beloved by some family members, revolting to others and not exactly healthy. At over 50 grams of sugar a serving, it just may be the sweetest dish at the Thanksgiving table.
Sweet potatoes are nutritional superfoods, packed with vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium; low in bad fats and sodium, and high in dietary fiber. However, candied sweet potatoes or yams – they’re actually two different vegetables – are a different story.
Although the sweet potato is the main ingredient of this decadent side dish, most recipes ask for up to six cups of sugar before baking. And that’s before the addition of sugary marshmallows.
Kraft, one of the leading marshmallow brands in the U.S., makes its marshmallows with about four teaspoons of sugar per serving, according to EWG’s Food Scores database. Kraft marshmallows are more than half sugar by weight. They also contain artificial dye.
Study after study has shown sugar to be bad for our health. Consuming sugar has been linked to cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression and obesity. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 25 grams a day for women and 36 grams per day for men.
This year, bring delicious and nutritious sweet potatoes to your table without the sticky sugar. Instead, give the casserole a healthy makeover by ditching the marshmallows for a topping of crushed pineapple or nuts, granola and dried fruit. Or roast your sweet potatoes to bring out their natural sweetness, mash or whip them until creamy, add them to a salad or puree them into a soup.
Recipes abound, so explore and experiment. You might discover a new Thanksgiving tradition – and tasty, healthy dishes to enjoy any time.
Please consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. This material is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.