environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-09--FDA Studies: ‘Short-chain’ PFAS Chemicals More Toxic Than Previously Thought

New studies by the Food and Drug Administration indicate that a common fluorinated chemical in food packaging and stain-resistant carpets and textiles is much more toxic than earlier studies by the chemical industry suggested .
The FDA studies – published in the peer-reviewed scientific journals Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology and Food and Chemical Toxicology – looked at a fluorotelomer alcohol , one of the “ forever chemicals ” called PFAS .
This compound , known as 6:2 FTOH , is one of the most important so-called short-chain PFAS compounds , which the industry maintains are safer than the long-chain chemicals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Long-chain ” and “ short-chain ” refer to the number of fluorine atoms in the compounds . )
The findings indicate that the human health risks of this important short-chain PFAS have been significantly underestimated .
And the studies show , once again , that the more we learn about short-chain PFAS , the more concerns emerge .
For decades , PFAS chemicals have been used in products from food wrappers to firefighting foam .
Although two notoriously hazardous long-chain PFAS chemicals – PFOA , formerly used to make DuPont ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingredient in 3M ’ s Scotchgard – have been phased out in the U.S. , hundreds of newer , short-chain fluorinated compounds remain in use .
One of the new FDA studies shows that 6:2 FTOH accumulates in the fat , liver and plasma of rats and persists for over a year – half of the lifespan of laboratory rats .
The second study reviewed industry claims about the compound ’ s safety and found that these claims ignored publicly available information that indicated their products were more toxic .
The FDA reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product of PFAS polymers or plastic .
This breakdown product , or metabolite , is known as PFHxA .
The manufacturers then said the data from those tests were enough to assess the safety of all PFAS plastics made with the fluorotelomer compound .
But in reality , fluorotelomers and their metabolites and impurities are much more toxic with aggregate exposure than the manufacturers claimed .
When long-chain PFOA and PFOS were phased out under pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency , they were replaced in many products by short-chain fluorotelomers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the industry that a research publication paid for by the industry ’ s trade association to defend continued use described fluorotelomers as the “ cornerstone in replacement fluorochemistry.
” But the new FDA studies found that testing the parent fluorotelomer , instead of its metabolite PFHxA , leads to drastically different results .
The new studies found that the short-chain chemicals build up in lab animals just as much as the long-chains do .
In fact , the study found that lower doses of 6:2 FTOH stayed in the body for longer periods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used in short-term toxicity studies .
Environmental and public health advocates have been raising concerns for more than a decade about the inadequacy of industry studies of PFAS in food packaging .
6:2 FTOH is used in most of the plastic coatings on food wrappers and food contact materials .
When EWG reviewed the FDA ’ s approvals of new PFAS chemicals from 2008 to 2017 , nine of 11 chemicals were plastics based on 6:2 FTOH .
These recent FDA approvals included chemicals from Chemours , Daikin , Solvay , AGC and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for PFAS , it looked for PFHxA but not for the fluorotelomers .
The lack of testing for 6:2 FTOH is very concerning , especially because fluorotelomers readily migrate out of packaging materials and into foods .
Fluorotelemors are also present at high levels in textile coatings , firefighting foam and house dust .
A recent study found high levels of PFAS – the majority of it 6:2 FTOH – in dust and nap mats in U.S. child care centers .
EWG has set a health-based standard of 1 part per trillion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in drinking water , and we recommend that all PFAS be regulated as a class .
We have raised concerns that the chemical industry focuses its toxicity studies on just one compound , when in the real world , people are exposed to a mixture of different PFAS compounds that in combination could be more toxic .
These studies confirm those fears .
They indicate that the use of all fluorotelomers , and especially those based on the 6:2 chemistry , should be reassessed .
PFAS should not be used in food packing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class and ending non-essential uses could have helped avoid this case of “ regrettable substitution ” – replacing one toxic chemical for another that may be just as hazardous .

New studies by the Food and Drug Administration indicate that a common fluorinated chemical in food packaging and stain-resistant carpets and textiles is much more toxic than earlier studies by the chemical industry suggested.
The FDA studies – published in the peer-reviewed scientific journals Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology and Food and Chemical Toxicology – looked at a fluorotelomer alcohol, one of the “forever chemicals” called PFAS. This compound, known as 6:2 FTOH, is one of the most important so-called short-chain PFAS compounds, which the industry maintains are safer than the long-chain chemicals they were designed to replace. (“Long-chain” and “short-chain” refer to the number of fluorine atoms in the compounds.)
The findings indicate that the human health risks of this important short-chain PFAS have been significantly underestimated. And the studies show, once again, that the more we learn about short-chain PFAS, the more concerns emerge.
For decades, PFAS chemicals have been used in products from food wrappers to firefighting foam. Although two notoriously hazardous long-chain PFAS chemicals – PFOA, formerly used to make DuPont’s Teflon, and PFOS, formerly an ingredient in 3M’s Scotchgard – have been phased out in the U.S., hundreds of newer, short-chain fluorinated compounds remain in use.
One of the new FDA studies shows that 6:2 FTOH accumulates in the fat, liver and plasma of rats and persists for over a year – half of the lifespan of laboratory rats. The second study reviewed industry claims about the compound’s safety and found that these claims ignored publicly available information that indicated their products were more toxic.
The FDA reported that PFAS manufacturers tested only one breakdown product of PFAS polymers or plastic. This breakdown product, or metabolite, is known as PFHxA. The manufacturers then said the data from those tests were enough to assess the safety of all PFAS plastics made with the fluorotelomer compound. But in reality, fluorotelomers and their metabolites and impurities are much more toxic with aggregate exposure than the manufacturers claimed.
When long-chain PFOA and PFOS were phased out under pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency, they were replaced in many products by short-chain fluorotelomers.
The use of fluorotelomers is so important to the industry that a research publication paid for by the industry’s trade association to defend continued use described fluorotelomers as the “cornerstone in replacement fluorochemistry.”
But the new FDA studies found that testing the parent fluorotelomer, instead of its metabolite PFHxA, leads to drastically different results.
The new studies found that the short-chain chemicals build up in lab animals just as much as the long-chains do. In fact, the study found that lower doses of 6:2 FTOH stayed in the body for longer periods of time than the large doses typically used in short-term toxicity studies.
Environmental and public health advocates have been raising concerns for more than a decade about the inadequacy of industry studies of PFAS in food packaging.
6:2 FTOH is used in most of the plastic coatings on food wrappers and food contact materials. When EWG reviewed the FDA’s approvals of new PFAS chemicals from 2008 to 2017, nine of 11 chemicals were plastics based on 6:2 FTOH. These recent FDA approvals included chemicals from Chemours, Daikin, Solvay, AGC and Archroma.
When the FDA tested foods for PFAS, it looked for PFHxA but not for the fluorotelomers. The lack of testing for 6:2 FTOH is very concerning, especially because fluorotelomers readily migrate out of packaging materials and into foods.
Fluorotelemors are also present at high levels in textile coatings, firefighting foam and house dust. A recent study found high levels of PFAS – the majority of it 6:2 FTOH – in dust and nap mats in U.S. child care centers.
EWG has set a health-based standard of 1 part per trillion, or ppt, for exposure to PFAS in drinking water, and we recommend that all PFAS be regulated as a class. We have raised concerns that the chemical industry focuses its toxicity studies on just one compound, when in the real world, people are exposed to a mixture of different PFAS compounds that in combination could be more toxic.
These studies confirm those fears. They indicate that the use of all fluorotelomers, and especially those based on the 6:2 chemistry, should be reassessed. PFAS should not be used in food packing or cookware. Treating PFAS as a class and ending non-essential uses could have helped avoid this case of “regrettable substitution” – replacing one toxic chemical for another that may be just as hazardous.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-06--EWG News Roundup (3/6): PFAS Resemble Cancer-Causing Chemicals, Nitrate Taints Minnesota Drinking Wa

EWG News Roundup (3/6): PFAS Resemble Cancer-Causing Chemicals, Nitrate Taints Minnesota Drinking Water and More

This week EWG published a study in the journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health that reviewed 26 fluorinated chemicals , or PFAS , and found that all display at least one characteristic of known human carcinogens .
“ Our research has shown that PFAS impact biological functions linked to an increased risk of cancer , ” says Alexis Temkin , Ph.D. , EWG toxicologist and the primary author of the new study .
“ This is worrisome , given that all Americans are exposed to PFAS mixtures on a daily basis , from contamination in water , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published a study that shows nitrate contamination of drinking water has increased across Minnesota ’ s farm country .
EWG analyzed data from 115 water utilities , serving over 500,000 Minnesotans , with elevated levels of nitrate between 1995 and 2018 .
About 63 percent , or 72 , of these systems saw increases in nitrate during that time , affecting 218,000 people .
The spread of COVID-19 , or coronavirus , has prompted concern and questions across the nation .
EWG offered some helpful tips to keep you and your family safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed onto a petition urging federal regulators to require the cosmetics industry to test for the presence of asbestos in cosmetics and to share the results .
Here ’ s some news you can use going into the weekend .
Business Insider : I use this gentle baby balm to ease my toddler ’ s skin irritation when her eczema flares up On top of that , all of their products carry the Environmental Working Group 's EWG Verified guarantee that they do not contain potentially harmful ingredients .
Reprinted by News of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : Ohio EPA : Water systems at schools , daycares being tested first for PFAS “ The states need to continue passing their own limits and not wait for the U.S. EPA to act , ” said Scott Faber , senior vice president for government affairs for the nonprofit Environmental Working Group .
Children ’ s Health Defense : What ’ s in Children ’ s Drinking Water ?
Far Too Often , Something Neurotoxic As the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) points out , “ A baby fed exclusively powdered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most water for its small size of any age group ” ; in this scenario , tap water may represent up to 85 % of a formula-fed baby ’ s diet .
Reprinted by Before It ’ s News ; Waking Times ; InfoWars ; Health Nut News Mama Natural : Diaper Rash Cream : Three We Recommend ( And Two We Don ’ t ! )
The problem ?
Desitin is rated as a 4 in the Environmental Working Group database , but some individual ingredients rate up to a 5 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baby Products You Can Buy It wasn ’ t until recently that our editors really started researching the ingredients in some of the most popular baby products on the market and cross-checking them with a handy little resource called the Skin Deep database by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
Parents : How to Tame Your Kid ’ s Sweet Tooth in 30 Days Cold cereals pack 9 grams of added sugar per serving on average—and ones marketed to families generally pack even more , according to an analysis by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Are the Worst Sunscreens of 2018 for Babies and Kids , Says EWG As parents , we want to believe that applying sunscreen to our children is protecting them from the sun 's potentially harmful rays .
But according to a report from the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , some sunscreens can actually be unsafe for kids and babies .
Parents : What Parents Need to Know About Blue-Green Algae Poisoning Some organizations also monitor algal conditions online .
For example , check out this interactive map from the Environmental Working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mind , Environmental Working Group , a nonprofit environmental research organization , has been tracking nitrate levels in Minnesota ’ s water between 1995 and 2018 .
Daily Yonder : EWG Analysis : Nitrate Pollution of Drinking Water in Rural Minnesota Is Getting Worse Nitrate contamination of drinking water has increased across Minnesota ’ s farm country , an Environmental Working Group analysis of state data has found .
Reprinted by News Break Forum News Service : Nitrate levels on the rise in Minnesota drinking water , group says The trend appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the state , according to the Environmental Working Group 's report .
And even though most of the nitrate levels surveyed fall below the federal legal limit , members of the group still say their findings are a cause for concern .
Reprinted by Brainerd Dispatch ( Minn. ) ; West Central Tribune ( Wilmar , Minn. ) ; The Bemidji Pioneer ( Minn. ) ; Duluth News Tribune ; St. Paul Pioneer Press ; 9 other media outlets Using data from the Minnesota Department of Health , the Environmental Working Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevated levels of the toxic chemical , then tracked the levels from 1995 to 2018 .
Bluestem Prairie : It ’ s all over now , baby blue ?
EWG analysis concludes nitrates rising in MN drinking water In an analysis released today by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , In Minnesota ’ s Farm Country , Nitrate Pollution of Drinking Water is Getting Worse , the group 's Senior Analyst of Economics Anne Weir Schechinger concludes… A new report shows that nitrate pollution in drinking water across rural Minnesota is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed that nitrate levels have increased between 1995 and 2018 .
The Environmental Working Group used data from the Minnesota Department of Health to complete the study .
Fox 9 ( Minneapolis ) : Tests show nitrate increase for almost two-thirds of Minnesota farm country ’ s drinking water According to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) analysis , 72 systems tested out of 115 showed increases between 1995 and 2018 .
EWG says 218,000 people are impacted by the increases in nitrate .
Reprinted by News Break United Press International : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers say Researchers affiliated with the Washington , D.C.-based Environmental Working Group show in the analysis how PFAS -- or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances -- can act like established cancer-causing chemicals by altering DNA , compromising the immune system or encouraging cell proliferation .
Reprinted by Breitbart Buzzfeed : Here Are The Ways That PFAS Chemicals Might Cause Cancer , A New Study Says “ We found that every single one of them exhibited at least one of the key characteristics ” of carcinogens , said toxicologist Alexis Temkin of the advocacy group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study with researchers from Indiana University .
Auburn Mass .
Daily : Letter Sent To The Attorney General Urging Action Towards Companies That Have Produced PFAS According to the Environmental Working Group , these companies were aware of the serious health risks associated with exposure to PFAS .
Because of the widespread use of PFAS across an abundance of industries , many people have been exposed and unknowingly consumed these chemicals .
`` This is the first time in recent memory we 've heard about the EPA considering investigating users or manufacturers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attorney for the Environmental Working Group .
`` So it 's certainly a change from recent years at EPA .
We think it 's long overdue , and we certainly welcome that action by the EPA . ''
HuffPost : Farmers Convicted Of Fraud Still Got Trump Bailout Funds Three farm operations accused of violating federal farm subsidy rules received more than $ 300,000 in payments from the $ 28 billion agriculture bailout Trump launched in 2018 , according to data that the Environmental Working Group , a liberal nonprofit that wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HuffPost .
Reprinted by Yahoo !
; The Union Journal ; Head Topics The New York Times : Chemical Industry Executive Nominated to Lead Consumer Watchdog Agency The Environmental Working Group , a nonprofit public health advocacy organization , said the recent movement to protect the public from water contaminants came only after intense pressure from Congress , and criticized the E.P.A .
for failing to consider regulations earlier .
Reprinted by E-News ; The World News ; The Entrepreneur Fund ; Head SN ; Head Topics Ken Cook , president of NGO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Beck `` is just about the last person who should be in charge of safeguarding the American people from dangerous consumer products .
“ Her track record , both in and out of government , is riddled with disregard for the risks that toxic chemicals in consumer goods pose to human health .
Once again , we see the president appointing someone who will work to subvert the mission of the agency she would head.
” An Environmental Working Group Study released in January found that out of 44 test samples in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only one location had no detectable levels of PFAS .
PFAS has been associated with different types of cancer and thyroid problems .
The Press ( Millbury , Ohio ) : Bihn cautiously optimistic by EPA ’ s plan for TMDL in Lake Erie A March 2019 report by the Environmental Working Group estimates that the number of CAFOs in the Maumee Watershed has increased by 126 percent between 2005 and 2018 .
Organizations allied with plaintiff lawyers including the American Association of Justice and the Environmental Working Group filed thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talc safety .
Megan Evans shares a few alternatives that she uses at home to help reduce some of the indoor air pollution for her family .
For more information on clean and safer products for the home and more check out the Environmental Working Group .
Business Insider : 11 natural cleaning brands that don ’ t use harsh or harmful chemicals According to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , these are common but problematic ingredients you should look out for and avoid while shopping for cleaning products : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or developmental irritant ) MSN : Effective Natural Cleaing Products That Have No Mystery Ingredients Whether you want to add a capful to your mopping bucket or to a spray bottle filled with water , it revitalizes stained or dingy floors without any superfluous additives or fragrances .
Even better , it has an A rating from the Environmental Working Group !
Refinery 29 : Biossance Is The Cult Skincare Brand NYC Girls Love - & It Just Arrived Here Biossance prides itself on not using any of the EU 's 1,500 banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been verified by the Environmental Working Group .
Reprinted by Yahoo !
; MSN The brand was created based on some of the strictest health , safety and environmental standards set forth by two industry leading non-profit organizations — the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute and the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , of which Pfeiffer sits on the board .
Buzzfeed : 28 Beauty Products You Should Have On Hand At All Times , I ’ m Serious It 's also free of parabens , baking soda , phthalates , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for safety by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
Buzzfeed : 40 Highly-Reviewed Beauty Products From Amazon That I ’ m Surprised You Haven ’ t Bought Yet “ I found this gem on the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) website .
Do you know how hard it is to find a skin product that is safe from dangerous chemicals , gentle on sensitive skin , and that despite all this , still works effectively ?
... ” Sierra Club : Is There an Eco Way to Brush My Teeth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even `` natural '' toothpastes have ingredients that can be toxic to humans , animals , or the environment , including titanium dioxide , limonene , and sodium lauryl sulfate .
AARP : How to Extract Helpful Info From Online Users ’ Product Reviews In the beauty area , check sites like TotalBeauty and Good Housekeeping ; for ingredient safety , I like to consult the Environmental Working Group 's Skin Deep Database at ewg.org .
Glam : A Case For Clean Fragrance : The Brands That Believe In Ingredient Transparency The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sauce behind perfumes , but for consumers concerned with the ingredients they are putting on their bodies , this vague language is problematic .
According to the Environmental Working Group , the average fragrance product contains 14 secret chemicals .
For more information on how to avoid common environmental toxins , check out the Environmental Working Group Consumer Guides ( ewg.org/consumer-guides ) .
Essence : The Upgrade : 3 Apps To Help You Become A More Conscious Consumer The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) knows that knowing which products to choose from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daunting task , that 's why they created the Healthy Living app to `` empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment . ''
Reason : Trump ’ s Proposed Cuts to Farm Subsidies Don ’ t Go Nearly Deep Enough The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office is one of many offices and groups that ’ s long urged a reduction in crop-insurance subsidies .
The nonprofit Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) is another .
Reprinted by Before It ’ s News GC3 is part of a broad alliance of industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies and the nonprofit Environmental Working Group that is working to pass a bill that would coordinate federal research and development into sustainable chemistry .
Reprinted by FocusTechnica Business Insider : The best bug sprays and repellents The nonprofit Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) does not recommend using any bug spray on children under six months of age but suggests treating clothes with permethrin .
The GW Hatchet ( George Washington University ) : Milken leader educates public about antibiotic resistance through new website More than three-quarters of meat and poultry products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” – bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics – according to a 2018 report from the Environmental Working Group , a non-profit environmental research organization .
Mashed : What you ’ re really eating when you eat a Beyond Burger A study by the Environmental Working Group ( via Scientific American ) , said red meat products are responsible for up to 40 times more greenhouse gases than most vegetable and grain products .
NBC News : How DuPont may avoid paying to clean up a toxic ‘ forever chemical ’ A 2019 study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute at Northeastern University and the Environmental Working Group , a nonprofit focused on the environment , identified at least 610 locations in 43 states that are known to be contaminated by PFAS , including drinking water systems serving an estimated 19 million people .
Reprinted by The World News According to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) Washington , DC , for the first time : Toxic fluorinated chemicals , known as PFAS ( a family of manmade Forever Chemicals – lasting forever in the environment ) have been discovered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the major metropolitan areas of America .
Reprinted by Counter Currents ; Axis of Logic ; City Watch LA Illinois may not have the worst contamination of PFAS “ forever chemicals , ” according to a new study by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , but the toxic compounds are present in water systems and groundwater in Bloomington , Chicago , Galesburg , Peoria and the Quad Cities , and state Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the legislature recognize the danger , and some are pressing for reforms .
Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFAS “ forever chemicals , ” according to a new study by the Environmental Working Group , but the toxic compounds are present in water systems and groundwater in Bloomington , Chicago , Galesburg , Peoria and the Quad Cities , and state Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the legislature recognize the danger , and some are pressing for reforms .
Reprinted by Canton Daily Ledger ( Ill. ) Village News ( Fallbrook , Calif. ) : Recent study shows most water filters do not remove cancer-linked PFAS chemicals from drinking water According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nonprofit environmental watch group , those levels are `` hundreds or thousands of times too week . ''
Instead , they endorsed 1 ppt which they said is the same as what is recommended by the best independent studies of PFAS .
Lancaster Online ( Penn . )
: Can your well water make you sick ?
No testing is required in Pennsylvania The nitrate standard of 10ppm was set in the 1960s based on methemoglobinemia , or blue-baby syndrome , said Sydney Evans , science analyst with the Environmental Working Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research organization .
WHYY PBS : Can your well water make you sick ?
No testing is required in Pennsylvania .
The nitrate standard of 10ppm was set in the 1960s based on methemoglobinemia , or blue-baby syndrome , said Sydney Evans , science analyst with the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , an environmental health research organization .
Choose organic produce where you can , focusing on buying organic foods from the EWG 's Dirty Dozen list and cutting yourself some slack with the Clean 15 foods list .
Nevertheless , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intake of organic items , start with foods where the organic label makes more of a difference .
Berkman suggests reviewing the `` Dirty Dozen '' list compiled by the Environmental Working Group .
Reprinted by WTOP News ( D.C. ) If you ’ re travelling to a sunny destination , don ’ t forget your sunscreen .
There can be a lot of harmful chemicals in sunscreen products so check out Environmental Working Group ’ s “ Guide to Sunscreens ” to help choose the best one for you and your family @

This week EWG published a study in the journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health that reviewed 26 fluorinated chemicals, or PFAS, and found that all display at least one characteristic of known human carcinogens.
“Our research has shown that PFAS impact biological functions linked to an increased risk of cancer,” says Alexis Temkin, Ph.D., EWG toxicologist and the primary author of the new study. “This is worrisome, given that all Americans are exposed to PFAS mixtures on a daily basis, from contamination in water, food and everyday products.”
EWG also published a study that shows nitrate contamination of drinking water has increased across Minnesota’s farm country. EWG analyzed data from 115 water utilities, serving over 500,000 Minnesotans, with elevated levels of nitrate between 1995 and 2018. About 63 percent, or 72, of these systems saw increases in nitrate during that time, affecting 218,000 people.
The spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, has prompted concern and questions across the nation. EWG offered some helpful tips to keep you and your family safe.
And finally, nearly 25,000 Americans signed onto a petition urging federal regulators to require the cosmetics industry to test for the presence of asbestos in cosmetics and to share the results.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
Business Insider: I use this gentle baby balm to ease my toddler’s skin irritation when her eczema flares up
On top of that, all of their products carry the Environmental Working Group's EWG Verified guarantee that they do not contain potentially harmful ingredients. Reprinted by News of the day
The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio): Ohio EPA: Water systems at schools, daycares being tested first for PFAS
“The states need to continue passing their own limits and not wait for the U.S. EPA to act,” said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs for the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.
Children’s Health Defense: What’s in Children’s Drinking Water? Far Too Often, Something Neurotoxic
As the Environmental Working Group (EWG) points out, “A baby fed exclusively powdered formula mixed with tap water drinks the most water for its small size of any age group”; in this scenario, tap water may represent up to 85% of a formula-fed baby’s diet. Reprinted by Before It’s News; Waking Times; InfoWars; Health Nut News
Mama Natural: Diaper Rash Cream: Three We Recommend (And Two We Don’t!)
The problem? Desitin is rated as a 4 in the Environmental Working Group database, but some individual ingredients rate up to a 5.
Mini Magazine: We Tested the Cleanest Baby Products You Can Buy
It wasn’t until recently that our editors really started researching the ingredients in some of the most popular baby products on the market and cross-checking them with a handy little resource called the Skin Deep database by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Parents: How to Tame Your Kid’s Sweet Tooth in 30 Days
Cold cereals pack 9 grams of added sugar per serving on average—and ones marketed to families generally pack even more, according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group.
Parents: These Are the Worst Sunscreens of 2018 for Babies and Kids, Says EWG
As parents, we want to believe that applying sunscreen to our children is protecting them from the sun's potentially harmful rays. But according to a report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some sunscreens can actually be unsafe for kids and babies.
Parents: What Parents Need to Know About Blue-Green Algae Poisoning
Some organizations also monitor algal conditions online. For example, check out this interactive map from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Nitrate in Minnesota Tap Water
City Pages: Minnesota’s polluted drinking water is getting a lot worse
With that in mind, Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit environmental research organization, has been tracking nitrate levels in Minnesota’s water between 1995 and 2018.
Daily Yonder: EWG Analysis: Nitrate Pollution of Drinking Water in Rural Minnesota Is Getting Worse
Nitrate contamination of drinking water has increased across Minnesota’s farm country, an Environmental Working Group analysis of state data has found. Reprinted by News Break
Forum News Service: Nitrate levels on the rise in Minnesota drinking water, group says
The trend appears to be most prevalent in rural parts of the state, according to the Environmental Working Group's report. And even though most of the nitrate levels surveyed fall below the federal legal limit, members of the group still say their findings are a cause for concern. Reprinted by Brainerd Dispatch (Minn.); West Central Tribune (Wilmar, Minn.); The Bemidji Pioneer (Minn.); Duluth News Tribune; St. Paul Pioneer Press; 9 other media outlets
Star Tribune (Minneapolis): Nitrate problem worsening in rural Minnesota’s drinking water
Using data from the Minnesota Department of Health, the Environmental Working Group studied 115 public utilities across Minnesota with elevated levels of the toxic chemical, then tracked the levels from 1995 to 2018.
Bluestem Prairie: It’s all over now, baby blue? EWG analysis concludes nitrates rising in MN drinking water
In an analysis released today by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), In Minnesota’s Farm Country, Nitrate Pollution of Drinking Water is Getting Worse, the group's Senior Analyst of Economics Anne Weir Schechinger concludes…
KWLM (Wilmar, Minn.): Nitrate Problem Worsening In Rural Minnesota’s Drinking Water
A new report shows that nitrate pollution in drinking water across rural Minnesota is getting worse. The analysis released yesterday showed that nitrate levels have increased between 1995 and 2018. The Environmental Working Group used data from the Minnesota Department of Health to complete the study.
Fox 9 (Minneapolis): Tests show nitrate increase for almost two-thirds of Minnesota farm country’s drinking water
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analysis, 72 systems tested out of 115 showed increases between 1995 and 2018. EWG says 218,000 people are impacted by the increases in nitrate. Reprinted by News Break
PFAS Chemicals and Cancer Study
United Press International: PFAS should be classified as carcinogens, researchers say
Researchers affiliated with the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group show in the analysis how PFAS -- or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances -- can act like established cancer-causing chemicals by altering DNA, compromising the immune system or encouraging cell proliferation. Reprinted by Breitbart
Buzzfeed: Here Are The Ways That PFAS Chemicals Might Cause Cancer, A New Study Says
“We found that every single one of them exhibited at least one of the key characteristics” of carcinogens, said toxicologist Alexis Temkin of the advocacy group Environmental Working Group, which conducted the study with researchers from Indiana University.
Auburn Mass. Daily: Letter Sent To The Attorney General Urging Action Towards Companies That Have Produced PFAS
According to the Environmental Working Group, these companies were aware of the serious health risks associated with exposure to PFAS. Because of the widespread use of PFAS across an abundance of industries, many people have been exposed and unknowingly consumed these chemicals.
EPA Criminal Investigations of PFAS Polluters
WTAP (Parkersburg, W.Va.): EPA launching PFAS investigations
"This is the first time in recent memory we've heard about the EPA considering investigating users or manufacturers of PFAS," said Melanie Benesh, an attorney for the Environmental Working Group. "So it's certainly a change from recent years at EPA. We think it's long overdue, and we certainly welcome that action by the EPA."
Trump Administration Farm Bailouts
HuffPost: Farmers Convicted Of Fraud Still Got Trump Bailout Funds
Three farm operations accused of violating federal farm subsidy rules received more than $300,000 in payments from the $28 billion agriculture bailout Trump launched in 2018, according to data that the Environmental Working Group, a liberal nonprofit that wants to reform farm subsidies, shared with HuffPost. Reprinted by Yahoo!; The Union Journal; Head Topics
Consumer Product Safety Commission and Nancy Beck
The New York Times: Chemical Industry Executive Nominated to Lead Consumer Watchdog Agency
The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit public health advocacy organization, said the recent movement to protect the public from water contaminants came only after intense pressure from Congress, and criticized the E.P.A. for failing to consider regulations earlier. Reprinted by E-News; The World News; The Entrepreneur Fund; Head SN; Head Topics
Chemical Watch: Trump's intention to nominate Nancy Beck to CPSC draws mixed response (subscription)
Ken Cook, president of NGO the Environmental Working Group, said that Dr Beck "is just about the last person who should be in charge of safeguarding the American people from dangerous consumer products. “Her track record, both in and out of government, is riddled with disregard for the risks that toxic chemicals in consumer goods pose to human health. Once again, we see the president appointing someone who will work to subvert the mission of the agency she would head.”
EPA Regulation of PFAS in Drinking Water
Engineering News-Record: EPA Proposes Regulating Two PFAS Chemicals
An Environmental Working Group Study released in January found that out of 44 test samples in 31 states and the District of Columbia, only one location had no detectable levels of PFAS. PFAS has been associated with different types of cancer and thyroid problems.
Algae Blooms
The Press (Millbury, Ohio): Bihn cautiously optimistic by EPA’s plan for TMDL in Lake Erie
A March 2019 report by the Environmental Working Group estimates that the number of CAFOs in the Maumee Watershed has increased by 126 percent between 2005 and 2018.
Asbestos
Legal Newsline: Johnson & Johnson claims FDA’s new asbestos testing based on ‘faulty assumptions’
Organizations allied with plaintiff lawyers including the American Association of Justice and the Environmental Working Group filed thousands of signed form letters from citizens concerned about talc safety.
Cleaning Products
ABC 10 (Sacramento, Calif.): Non-toxic cleaning products explained | Meg Unprocessed
Megan Evans shares a few alternatives that she uses at home to help reduce some of the indoor air pollution for her family. For more information on clean and safer products for the home and more check out the Environmental Working Group.
Business Insider: 11 natural cleaning brands that don’t use harsh or harmful chemicals
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), these are common but problematic ingredients you should look out for and avoid while shopping for cleaning products:
Formaldehyde (respiratory irritant, carcinogen)
Sodium hypochlorite (respiratory irritant)
Ammonium hydroxide (respiratory irritant)
Borax and boric acid (possible reproductive or developmental irritant)
MSN: Effective Natural Cleaing Products That Have No Mystery Ingredients
Whether you want to add a capful to your mopping bucket or to a spray bottle filled with water, it revitalizes stained or dingy floors without any superfluous additives or fragrances. Even better, it has an A rating from the Environmental Working Group!
EWG VERIFIED®
Refinery 29: Biossance Is The Cult Skincare Brand NYC Girls Love - & It Just Arrived Here
Biossance prides itself on not using any of the EU's 1,500 banned ingredients in its products and has even been verified by the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by Yahoo!; MSN
Ask Men: Editor Approved Grooming Brands for Women’s History Month
The brand was created based on some of the strictest health, safety and environmental standards set forth by two industry leading non-profit organizations — the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute and the Environmental Working Group (EWG), of which Pfeiffer sits on the board.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Buzzfeed: 28 Beauty Products You Should Have On Hand At All Times, I’m Serious
It's also free of parabens, baking soda, phthalates, and made with six ingredients rated green for safety by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Buzzfeed: 40 Highly-Reviewed Beauty Products From Amazon That I’m Surprised You Haven’t Bought Yet
“I found this gem on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website. Do you know how hard it is to find a skin product that is safe from dangerous chemicals, gentle on sensitive skin, and that despite all this, still works effectively?...”
Sierra Club: Is There an Eco Way to Brush My Teeth?
According to the Environmental Working Group, even "natural" toothpastes have ingredients that can be toxic to humans, animals, or the environment, including titanium dioxide, limonene, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
AARP: How to Extract Helpful Info From Online Users’ Product Reviews
In the beauty area, check sites like TotalBeauty and Good Housekeeping; for ingredient safety, I like to consult the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database at ewg.org.
Glam: A Case For Clean Fragrance: The Brands That Believe In Ingredient Transparency
The priority was always to protect the secret sauce behind perfumes, but for consumers concerned with the ingredients they are putting on their bodies, this vague language is problematic. According to the Environmental Working Group, the average fragrance product contains 14 secret chemicals.
EWG’s Consumer Guides
Delicious Living: A doable environmental detox
For more information on how to avoid common environmental toxins, check out the Environmental Working Group Consumer Guides (ewg.org/consumer-guides).
EWG’s Healthy Living App
Essence: The Upgrade: 3 Apps To Help You Become A More Conscious Consumer
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) knows that knowing which products to choose from the thousands on shelves can be a daunting task, that's why they created the Healthy Living app to "empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment."
Farm Subsidies
Reason: Trump’s Proposed Cuts to Farm Subsidies Don’t Go Nearly Deep Enough
The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office is one of many offices and groups that’s long urged a reduction in crop-insurance subsidies. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) is another. Reprinted by Before It’s News
Green Chemistry
Green Biz: Signs of progress for green chemistry
GC3 is part of a broad alliance of industry associations, chemical manufacturers, consumer product companies and the nonprofit Environmental Working Group that is working to pass a bill that would coordinate federal research and development into sustainable chemistry. Reprinted by FocusTechnica
Insect Repellent
Business Insider: The best bug sprays and repellents
The nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) does not recommend using any bug spray on children under six months of age but suggests treating clothes with permethrin.
Meat Eaters Guide to Climate Change + Health
The GW Hatchet (George Washington University): Milken leader educates public about antibiotic resistance through new website
More than three-quarters of meat and poultry products available in U.S. supermarkets contain “superbugs” – bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics – according to a 2018 report from the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit environmental research organization.
Mashed: What you’re really eating when you eat a Beyond Burger
A study by the Environmental Working Group (via Scientific American), said red meat products are responsible for up to 40 times more greenhouse gases than most vegetable and grain products.
New PFAS Testing Report
NBC News: How DuPont may avoid paying to clean up a toxic ‘forever chemical’
A 2019 study by the Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute at Northeastern University and the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit focused on the environment, identified at least 610 locations in 43 states that are known to be contaminated by PFAS, including drinking water systems serving an estimated 19 million people. Reprinted by The World News
Dissident Voice: Forever-Chemicals Tap Water
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Washington, DC, for the first time: Toxic fluorinated chemicals, known as PFAS (a family of manmade Forever Chemicals – lasting forever in the environment) have been discovered in drinking water in dozens of cities, including the major metropolitan areas of America. Reprinted by Counter Currents; Axis of Logic;City Watch LA
The McDonough County Voice (Ill.): Many drinking-water systems contaminated: study
Illinois may not have the worst contamination of PFAS “forever chemicals,” according to a new study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), but the toxic compounds are present in water systems and groundwater in Bloomington, Chicago, Galesburg, Peoria and the Quad Cities, and state Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the legislature recognize the danger, and some are pressing for reforms.
The Register-Mail (Galesburg, Ill.): Bill Knight: Many drinking-water systems contaminated: study
Illinois may not have the worst contamination of PFAS “forever chemicals,” according to a new study by the Environmental Working Group, but the toxic compounds are present in water systems and groundwater in Bloomington, Chicago, Galesburg, Peoria and the Quad Cities, and state Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the legislature recognize the danger, and some are pressing for reforms. Reprinted by Canton Daily Ledger (Ill.)
Village News (Fallbrook, Calif.): Recent study shows most water filters do not remove cancer-linked PFAS chemicals from drinking water
According the Environmental Working Group, an independent, nonprofit environmental watch group, those levels are "hundreds or thousands of times too week." Instead, they endorsed 1 ppt which they said is the same as what is recommended by the best independent studies of PFAS.
Nitrate in Tap Water
Lancaster Online (Penn.): Can your well water make you sick? No testing is required in Pennsylvania
The nitrate standard of 10ppm was set in the 1960s based on methemoglobinemia, or blue-baby syndrome, said Sydney Evans, science analyst with the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an environmental health research organization.
WHYY PBS: Can your well water make you sick? No testing is required in Pennsylvania.
The nitrate standard of 10ppm was set in the 1960s based on methemoglobinemia, or blue-baby syndrome, said Sydney Evans, science analyst with the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an environmental health research organization.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Eating Well: 7 Tips for Clean Eating
Choose organic produce where you can, focusing on buying organic foods from the EWG's Dirty Dozen list and cutting yourself some slack with the Clean 15 foods list.
U.S. News and World Report: Organic Meal Kit Delivery Services
Nevertheless, if you're looking to boost your intake of organic items, start with foods where the organic label makes more of a difference. Berkman suggests reviewing the "Dirty Dozen" list compiled by the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by WTOP News (D.C.)
EWG Guide to Sunscreens
Health First Network: Stay Healthy While Traveling
If you’re travelling to a sunny destination, don’t forget your sunscreen. There can be a lot of harmful chemicals in sunscreen products so check out Environmental Working Group’s “Guide to Sunscreens” to help choose the best one for you and your family.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-16--PFAS Could Contaminate More Than 600 Military Installations, DOD Says

WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense has released new data showing that more than 600 military sites and surrounding communities could be contaminated with perfluorinated chemicals , or PFAS – far more installations than have been previously disclosed by Pentagon officials .
Details about the new facilities likely contaminated with PFAS leaked last week , a day after a House appropriations subcommittee hearing during which members heard heart-wrenching testimony from retired Army pilot Jim Holmes , who believes his 17-year-old daughter ’ s death from brain cancer could have been caused by exposure to PFAS-contaminated water on the base where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the hearing by EWG ’ s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber , who urged Congress and the Pentagon to accelerate efforts to clean up legacy PFAS pollution at military installations around the country .
Previously , DOD testified that 401 of its installations could be contaminated with PFAS , which have been linked to cancer , liver damage and harm to the reproductive and immune systems .
The updated list of installations identified by DOD can be found here .
The DOD ’ s use of firefighting foam made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film-forming foam , or AFFF , is the primary source of PFAS pollution at military installations .
EWG has so far confirmed PFAS in the tap water or groundwater at 328 military sites .
Until recently , PFAS contaminated the drinking water of dozens of bases , and many communities near these installations continue to drink contaminated water .
Through Freedom of Information Act requests , EWG also discovered that many of the highest PFAS detections in the nation have been found on or near DOD installations .
In particular , within DOD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detections in groundwater at 14 installations that were above 1 million parts per trillion , or ppt , far above the 70 ppt drinking water advisory level recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency .
“ DOD has failed to treat PFAS pollution with the urgency service members and their families rightly deserve , ” said EWG ’ s Scott Faber .
“ We ’ ve all known for decades that PFAS are toxic , but DOD is still trying to understand the scope of the problem.
” DOD officials have understood the risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Navy and Air Force studies first showed the firefighting foam was toxic to fish ; since the early 1980s , when the Air Force conducted its own animal studies on AFFF ; and since the early 2000s , when the maker of PFOS , the main ingredient in AFFF , exited the market .
In 2001 , a DOD memo concluded that the main ingredient in AFFF was “ persistent , bioaccumulating and toxic.
” “ DOD waited a decade to warn service members and has been slow to switch to PFAS-free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFAS pollution , ” Faber said .
“ What ’ s more , some DOD officials have argued for cleanup and screening levels that are less protective of our service members and their families than those proposed by EPA.
” The National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020 included important bipartisan PFAS reforms , including a provision to phase out AFFF by 2024 .
But the NDAA fell short of what ’ s needed to address the serious public health risks posed by PFAS , especially PFOA and PFOS .
“ In light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do much more to accelerate the cleanup of legacy PFAS contamination , ” said Faber .
“ To do so , Congress should increase funding for programs like the Defense Environmental Restoration Program and designate PFAS as hazardous substances under EPA ’ s Superfund program , which will ensure that PFAS manufacturers pay their fair share of cleanup costs.
” The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit , non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment .
Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives @ @ @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense has released new data showing that more than 600 military sites and surrounding communities could be contaminated with perfluorinated chemicals, or PFAS – far more installations than have been previously disclosed by Pentagon officials.
Details about the new facilities likely contaminated with PFAS leaked last week, a day after a House appropriations subcommittee hearing during which members heard heart-wrenching testimony from retired Army pilot Jim Holmes, who believes his 17-year-old daughter’s death from brain cancer could have been caused by exposure to PFAS-contaminated water on the base where he was stationed.
Holmes was joined at the hearing by EWG’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber, who urged Congress and the Pentagon to accelerate efforts to clean up legacy PFAS pollution at military installations around the country.
Previously, DOD testified that 401 of its installations could be contaminated with PFAS, which have been linked to cancer, liver damage and harm to the reproductive and immune systems.
The updated list of installations identified by DOD can be found here.
The DOD’s use of firefighting foam made with PFAS, also known as aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF, is the primary source of PFAS pollution at military installations.
(Note: Several of the installations where PFAS contamination is suspected include more than one military operation on the site, which is why some reports list the number of facilities at 651. When those locations with duplicate installations are considered, the actual number is just over 600 bases.)
EWG has so far confirmed PFAS in the tap water or groundwater at 328 military sites. Until recently, PFAS contaminated the drinking water of dozens of bases, and many communities near these installations continue to drink contaminated water.
Through Freedom of Information Act requests, EWG also discovered that many of the highest PFAS detections in the nation have been found on or near DOD installations.
In particular, within DOD documents, EWG found evidence of PFAS detections in groundwater at 14 installations that were above 1 million parts per trillion, or ppt, far above the 70 ppt drinking water advisory level recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.
“DOD has failed to treat PFAS pollution with the urgency service members and their families rightly deserve,” said EWG’s Scott Faber. “We’ve all known for decades that PFAS are toxic, but DOD is still trying to understand the scope of the problem.”
DOD officials have understood the risks of AFFF since the early 1970s, when Navy and Air Force studies first showed the firefighting foam was toxic to fish; since the early 1980s, when the Air Force conducted its own animal studies on AFFF; and since the early 2000s, when the maker of PFOS, the main ingredient in AFFF, exited the market. In 2001, a DOD memo concluded that the main ingredient in AFFF was “persistent, bioaccumulating and toxic.”
“DOD waited a decade to warn service members and has been slow to switch to PFAS-free alternatives to AFFF or clean up legacy PFAS pollution,” Faber said. “What’s more, some DOD officials have argued for cleanup and screening levels that are less protective of our service members and their families than those proposed by EPA.”
The National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020 included important bipartisan PFAS reforms, including a provision to phase out AFFF by 2024. But the NDAA fell short of what’s needed to address the serious public health risks posed by PFAS, especially PFOA and PFOS.
“In light of these new revelations, Congress should do much more to accelerate the cleanup of legacy PFAS contamination,” said Faber. “To do so, Congress should increase funding for programs like the Defense Environmental Restoration Program and designate PFAS as hazardous substances under EPA’s Superfund program, which will ensure that PFAS manufacturers pay their fair share of cleanup costs.”
###
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-17--Lessons From Coronavirus: Testing Is Essential To Save Lives and Protect Human Health

Testing , testing , testing – the novel coronavirus has revealed the critical importance of swift and accurate testing and reporting , something that for decades the Environmental Working Group has advocated for across multiple areas of public health and the environment .
The rate of new cases of the virus within different countries has varied considerably and has seemed to depend on how quickly governments have swept into action .
In fact , slowing its spread hinges on finding those who test positive for the virus and ensuring they ’ re quarantined immediately .
This requires a coordinated effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into contact with infected individuals , and testing as many of them possible , as quickly as possible .
Widespread testing enables the detection of virus carriers without symptoms who could infect others .
And only testing can uncover the full scope of the problem .
The actual number of people infected with coronavirus – and able to spread it to others – may be five to 10 times greater than the number of confirmed cases , the New York Times reported this week , summarizing new research published in the journal Science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection facilitates the rapid dissemination of novel coronavirus ( SARS-CoV2 ) , ” emphasized how the lack of testing creates pathways for other people to become infected .
Most infected carriers have very mild symptoms and can unknowingly transmit the disease to people who can experience life-threatening complications from COVID-19 .
Ignoring testing or slow-walking those procedures – the initial response by the Trump administration – doesn ’ t make the virus go away .
It has had the opposite effect , allowing it to spread fast through communities , countries and entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The message of this research is loud and clear : To protect the most vulnerable populations , such as people of advanced age , cancer patients and anyone with a weakened immune system , testing is essential – and can serve as a basis for the most health-protective protocols now being put in place , such as mandatory quarantine for those who have tested positive , and social distancing .
As the Science article reported , asymptomatic patients in China who were probably never tested were likely the majority of those who transmitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even less adequate , making the public health system and hospitals across the country brace for the consequences , not to mention the crippling impacts to the entire economy , and the staggering and long-lasting changes to everyday life for all Americans .
The coronavirus pandemic also reveals a key feature of our human species – we range considerably in our capacity to tackle harmful exposures , due to age , health status and a variety of other genetic and environmental factors that scientists are only now beginning to understand .
These biological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They also affect our bodies ’ ability to tackle toxic chemicals , such as the per- and polyfluorinated substances known as PFAS .
Testing and then removing the sources of exposure are the only measures that can protect the health of the most vulnerable and everyone else who may be exposed .
For instance , the U.S. should do a much better job of testing and monitoring for drinking water contaminants .
Without this , it ’ s impossible to verify the quality of drinking water across the country .
EWG ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found PFAS contamination in all but one sample .
Many of these water systems had previously reported that they had no PFAS contamination .
Twelve percent of the country is served by small drinking water systems that are infrequently tested , and more than 13 million households in the U.S. depend on private wells that are rarely , if ever , tested for even the most common contaminants .
PFAS contamination of water supplies throughout the country demonstrates why testing should drive the development and implementation of public health policies .
Lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a health crisis , just like the one unfolding now in the U.S. and at least 100 other countries .
Every U.S. drinking water source should be periodically tested for all regulated contaminants , in addition to many others that are currently unregulated but extremely toxic .
This will be a herculean task , largely because tests conducted for many water systems will likely find a mix of different pollutants and require additional and costly filtration technologies .
Many large drinking water systems do undertake additional testing for unregulated contaminants .
This testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Environmental Protection Agency does not even collect the results or provide them to the public , because the agency is not required to do so under the outdated federal Safe Drinking Water Act .
Congress and the EPA should expand monitoring considerably for unregulated contaminants in drinking water , and mandate more frequent testing , and for a larger number of contaminants .
Additionally , the agency should collect all drinking water test results conducted by every water system and well across the country and make them readily available to state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Until such testing is done on a significant scale , the various protections from exposure , such as social distancing for coronavirus , or using filters in the case of tap water , are prudent steps people should take .
Another example of a pathway of exposure to deadly pathogens is the food supply .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates roughly one in six Americans get sick each year from foodborne illnesses like E.coli and salmonella , and 3,000 die .
There have been significant advances in testing meat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other dangerous contaminants , but that is largely the result of regular inspections by officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture ’ s Food Safety Inspection Service .
Last year , the Trump administration announced plans to make significant cuts in the number of government food safety inspectors at pork processing plants .
The inspections and testing will now be conducted by owners and employees of those facilities .
Operations also will speed up pork slaughter lines .
Pat Basu was the chief veterinarian with the Food Safety Inspection Service between 2016 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration ’ s proposal and warned that , if implemented , it could have dire consequences on public health : “ [ E ] verything could be okay for a while , until some disease is missed , and we have an outbreak all over the country , ” Basu told the Washington Post .
“ It would be an economic disaster that would be very hard to recover from.
” Whether the issue is polluted drinking water , tainted food or the coronavirus , the only way to safeguard human health on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contagions is robust testing procedures .
Policies and programs that require removal , and coordination between public health officials from every level of government will also make these possible .
For more EWG recommendations on coronavirus , read the EWG article “ Avoiding Coronavirus the Clean Way ” .

Testing, testing, testing – the novel coronavirus has revealed the critical importance of swift and accurate testing and reporting, something that for decades the Environmental Working Group has advocated for across multiple areas of public health and the environment.
The rate of new cases of the virus within different countries has varied considerably and has seemed to depend on how quickly governments have swept into action. In fact, slowing its spread hinges on finding those who test positive for the virus and ensuring they’re quarantined immediately. This requires a coordinated effort to identify all who could have come into contact with infected individuals, and testing as many of them possible, as quickly as possible. Widespread testing enables the detection of virus carriers without symptoms who could infect others. And only testing can uncover the full scope of the problem.
The actual number of people infected with coronavirus – and able to spread it to others – may be five to 10 times greater than the number of confirmed cases, the New York Times reported this week, summarizing new research published in the journal Science. The study, “Substantial undocumented infection facilitates the rapid dissemination of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2),” emphasized how the lack of testing creates pathways for other people to become infected. Most infected carriers have very mild symptoms and can unknowingly transmit the disease to people who can experience life-threatening complications from COVID-19.
Ignoring testing or slow-walking those procedures – the initial response by the Trump administration – doesn’t make the virus go away. It has had the opposite effect, allowing it to spread fast through communities, countries and entire continents in a matter of days.
The message of this research is loud and clear: To protect the most vulnerable populations, such as people of advanced age, cancer patients and anyone with a weakened immune system, testing is essential – and can serve as a basis for the most health-protective protocols now being put in place, such as mandatory quarantine for those who have tested positive, and social distancing.
As the Science article reported, asymptomatic patients in China who were probably never tested were likely the majority of those who transmitted the coronavirus. U.S. testing has been even less adequate, making the public health system and hospitals across the country brace for the consequences, not to mention the crippling impacts to the entire economy, and the staggering and long-lasting changes to everyday life for all Americans.
The coronavirus pandemic also reveals a key feature of our human species – we range considerably in our capacity to tackle harmful exposures, due to age, health status and a variety of other genetic and environmental factors that scientists are only now beginning to understand.
These biological differences apply not only to coronavirus. They also affect our bodies’ ability to tackle toxic chemicals, such as the per- and polyfluorinated substances known as PFAS. Testing and then removing the sources of exposure are the only measures that can protect the health of the most vulnerable and everyone else who may be exposed.
For instance, the U.S. should do a much better job of testing and monitoring for drinking water contaminants. Without this, it’s impossible to verify the quality of drinking water across the country. EWG’s recent testing of 44 public water utilities found PFAS contamination in all but one sample. Many of these water systems had previously reported that they had no PFAS contamination. Twelve percent of the country is served by small drinking water systems that are infrequently tested, and more than 13 million households in the U.S. depend on private wells that are rarely, if ever, tested for even the most common contaminants.
PFAS contamination of water supplies throughout the country demonstrates why testing should drive the development and implementation of public health policies. Lack of testing and/or disclosure are a recipe for a health crisis, just like the one unfolding now in the U.S. and at least 100 other countries. Every U.S. drinking water source should be periodically tested for all regulated contaminants, in addition to many others that are currently unregulated but extremely toxic. This will be a herculean task, largely because tests conducted for many water systems will likely find a mix of different pollutants and require additional and costly filtration technologies.
Many large drinking water systems do undertake additional testing for unregulated contaminants. This testing is not systematic across the country, and the Environmental Protection Agency does not even collect the results or provide them to the public, because the agency is not required to do so under the outdated federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
Congress and the EPA should expand monitoring considerably for unregulated contaminants in drinking water, and mandate more frequent testing, and for a larger number of contaminants. Additionally, the agency should collect all drinking water test results conducted by every water system and well across the country and make them readily available to state and local health agencies and the public.
Until such testing is done on a significant scale, the various protections from exposure, such as social distancing for coronavirus, or using filters in the case of tap water, are prudent steps people should take.
Another example of a pathway of exposure to deadly pathogens is the food supply. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates roughly one in six Americans get sick each year from foodborne illnesses like E.coli and salmonella, and 3,000 die. There have been significant advances in testing meat, poultry and produce for these and other dangerous contaminants, but that is largely the result of regular inspections by officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service.
Last year, the Trump administration announced plans to make significant cuts in the number of government food safety inspectors at pork processing plants. The inspections and testing will now be conducted by owners and employees of those facilities. Operations also will speed up pork slaughter lines.
Pat Basu was the chief veterinarian with the Food Safety Inspection Service between 2016 and 2018. He strongly opposed the Trump administration’s proposal and warned that, if implemented, it could have dire consequences on public health: “[E]verything could be okay for a while, until some disease is missed, and we have an outbreak all over the country,” Basu told the Washington Post. “It would be an economic disaster that would be very hard to recover from.”
Whether the issue is polluted drinking water, tainted food or the coronavirus, the only way to safeguard human health on a large scale from dangerous contaminants and contagions is robust testing procedures. Policies and programs that require removal, and coordination between public health officials from every level of government will also make these possible.
For more EWG recommendations on coronavirus, read the EWG article “Avoiding Coronavirus the Clean Way”.
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.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-19--As Electric Vehicles Boom Globally, Federal Policy Is Holding Back Growth in U.S.

As Electric Vehicles Boom Globally , Federal Policy Is Holding Back Growth in U.S. More carbon dioxide emissions come from transportation than from generating power , according to the federal Energy Information Administration .
In 2017 , transportation accounted for 29 percent of total carbon pollution , just ahead of the 28 percent from the power sector .
And a recent report from Environment America shows that well over half of transportation emissions come from light-duty vehicles such as cars , SUVs , pickups and vans .
Clearly , to reach near-zero carbon emissions by 2050 , we must move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to one powered by electricity .
But that won ’ t happen without government policies to promote the transition .
Globally , the auto industry is pushing ahead .
Boston Consulting Group reports that the top 29 automakers have committed to invest $ 300 billion in EVs by the end of this decade .
The report estimates that in just five years , buyers will be able to choose among 400 fully electric or hybrid EVs .
But analysts at Atlas Public Policy say the vast majority of automakers ’ investment will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t act .
“ All things being equal , the strongest markets are now driven by public policy , ” Atlas founder Nick Nigro told E & E News .
“ It ’ s up to U.S. policymakers if the U.S. is going to reclaim that mantle of policy leadership.
” Boston Consulting Group ’ s analysis shows that China and the European Union command half the EV market now , due to their emissions standards and incentives .
The analysis projects that in 10 years , fully electric and hybrid vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the U.S. , under current conditions , will lag far behind : In 2025 , U.S. sales of EVs will be less than a third of the EU ’ s .
As emission standards drive EV sales worldwide , the Trump Administration continues its attempts to roll back Obama-era emission standards .
One bright spot in federal policy is that the Department of Energy is committing over $ 100 million to battery research .
EWG is joining other environmental groups in urging Congress to include an extension and expansion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stimulus legislation precipitated by the coronavirus pandemic .
Meanwhile , state governments are not sitting still .
Details have to be worked out , but SmartCities Dive reports that 12 mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states have formed a consortium to reduce carbon transportation emissions in the region by 25 percent , which includes support for EVs and charging infrastructure .
California recently released its proposed Transportation Electrification Framework to build out charging infrastructure for the five million fully electric vehicles it plans to put on the road by 2030 .
A recent report by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s transportation electrification goals could add up to $ 140 billion to the state ’ s economic output and create up to half a million new jobs .
The private sector is also filling federal policy gaps .
According to Utility Dive , ChargePoint , a private industry installer of EV charging stations , and the National Association of Truckstop Owners recently announced a $ 1 billion initiative to install charging stations at 4,000 travel plazas and gas stations nationwide .
Congress must step up .
We can not effectively reduce carbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day .
Our economy and quality of life depend on it .

More carbon dioxide emissions come from transportation than from generating power, according to the federal Energy Information Administration. In 2017, transportation accounted for 29 percent of total carbon pollution, just ahead of the 28 percent from the power sector. And a recent report from Environment America shows that well over half of transportation emissions come from light-duty vehicles such as cars, SUVs, pickups and vans.
Clearly, to reach near-zero carbon emissions by 2050, we must move from a transportation system dependent on oil to one powered by electricity. But that won’t happen without government policies to promote the transition.
Globally, the auto industry is pushing ahead. Boston Consulting Group reports that the top 29 automakers have committed to invest $300 billion in EVs by the end of this decade. The report estimates that in just five years, buyers will be able to choose among 400 fully electric or hybrid EVs. But analysts at Atlas Public Policy say the vast majority of automakers’ investment will be outside the U.S. – if Congress doesn’t act.
“All things being equal, the strongest markets are now driven by public policy,” Atlas founder Nick Nigro told E&E News. “It’s up to U.S. policymakers if the U.S. is going to reclaim that mantle of policy leadership.”
Boston Consulting Group’s analysis shows that China and the European Union command half the EV market now, due to their emissions standards and incentives. The analysis projects that in 10 years, fully electric and hybrid vehicles will be half of global auto sales. But the U.S., under current conditions, will lag far behind: In 2025, U.S. sales of EVs will be less than a third of the EU’s.
As emission standards drive EV sales worldwide, the Trump Administration continues its attempts to roll back Obama-era emission standards. One bright spot in federal policy is that the Department of Energy is committing over $100 million to battery research. EWG is joining other environmental groups in urging Congress to include an extension and expansion of the federal electric vehicle tax credit in economic stimulus legislation precipitated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, state governments are not sitting still. Details have to be worked out, but SmartCities Dive reports that 12 mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states have formed a consortium to reduce carbon transportation emissions in the region by 25 percent, which includes support for EVs and charging infrastructure.
California recently released its proposed Transportation Electrification Framework to build out charging infrastructure for the five million fully electric vehicles it plans to put on the road by 2030. A recent report by Next10 finds that by 2030, California’s transportation electrification goals could add up to $140 billion to the state’s economic output and create up to half a million new jobs.
The private sector is also filling federal policy gaps. According to Utility Dive, ChargePoint, a private industry installer of EV charging stations, and the National Association of Truckstop Owners recently announced a $1 billion initiative to install charging stations at 4,000 travel plazas and gas stations nationwide.
Congress must step up. We cannot effectively reduce carbon emissions without electrifying the vehicles we drive every day. Our economy and quality of life depend on it.