environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-30--‘Forever Chemicals’ in Milk: EWG Tests All Negative, But More Food Testing Needed

Tests of 10 samples of supermarket milk commissioned by EWG found none contaminated with the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS – a welcome result , but more testing of milk and other foods is essential to ensure that the U.S. food supply is safe from contamination with these widespread “ forever chemicals.
” In February 2019 , EWG scientists purchased 10 milk samples from supermarkets in California , Virginia and Maryland to test for the presence of PFAS compounds .
Exposure to PFAS is associated with changes in hormonal balance and thyroid function , weakened immune response , increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and elevated risk of cancer .
All samples were analyzed by an accredited , independent laboratory for 30 different PFAS .
According to the analysis , none of the chemicals was present above the detection limits .
PFAS contamination of milk has been reported in several dairies around the nation , including in Maine and New Mexico .
In Maine , the contamination was likely due to application of tainted biosolids – treated sewage sludge used as soil conditioner – to farm land .
In New Mexico , contamination was likely due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2019 , the Food and Drug Administration tested 10 milk samples for 17 different PFAS and reported no detections above their reporting limits of 7 to 42 parts per trillion , or ppt .
A lower detection and reporting limit will likely be necessary to understand fully the risk of PFAS contamination in milk , since there are concerns that the FDA ’ s reporting limit is too high .
In response to test results showing PFAS levels of nearly 690 ppt at a dairy in Maine , the state tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in May and June of last year found no PFAS above the reporting limit of 50 ppt in 26 milk samples collected from grocery stores .
The retail samples included three farms that reported the application of biosolids .

Tests of 10 samples of supermarket milk commissioned by EWG found none contaminated with the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS – a welcome result, but more testing of milk and other foods is essential to ensure that the U.S. food supply is safe from contamination with these widespread “forever chemicals.”
In February 2019, EWG scientists purchased 10 milk samples from supermarkets in California, Virginia and Maryland to test for the presence of PFAS compounds. Exposure to PFAS is associated with changes in hormonal balance and thyroid function, weakened immune response, increased cholesterol, harm to the developing fetus and elevated risk of cancer.
Table 1. Milk Samples Purchased in February 2019
Product Location Organic Great Value Vitamin D Organic Whole Milk Ellicott City, Md. Great Value Vitamin D Milk Ellicott City, Md. Cloverland Farms Dairy 1% Lowfat Milk Ellicott City, Md. Lehigh Valley DairyPure 2% Reduced Fat Milk Alexandria, Va Harris Teeter Skim Milk Alexandria, Va. Fairlife 1% Low Fat Ultra-filtered Milk Alexandria, Va. Horizon Organic Vitamin D Milk Burlingame, Calif. Lucerne Reduced Fat Milk, 2% Burlingame, Calif. Clover 1% Lowfat Milk Vitamin A&D San Mateo, Calif. Organic Pastures Organic Whole Raw Milk Grass-Grazed San Mateo, Calif.
All samples were analyzed by an accredited, independent laboratory for 30 different PFAS. According to the analysis, none of the chemicals was present above the detection limits.
Table 2: PFAS Chemicals Analyzed and Detection Limits
Chemical Detection limit,
parts per trillion PFOS 0.4 PFOA 0.3 GenX 0.5 10:2 FTSA 1.0 4:2 FTSA 1.0 6:2 FTSA 1.0 8:2 FTSA 2.0 ADONA 0.3 FOSA 0.5 N-EtFOSAA 1.0 N-MeFOSAA 1.0 PFBA 2.0 PFBS 0.3 PFDA 0.9 PFDoDA 0.3 PFDoDS 0.5 PFDS 0.6 PFHpA 0.4 PFHpS 0.4 PFHxA 0.4 PFHxDA 0.3 PFHxS 0.4 PFNA 0.4 PFNS 0.6 PFODA 0.5 PFPeA 2.0 PFPeS 0.4 PFTeDA 0.3 PFTrDA 0.4 PFUnA 0.4
PFAS contamination of milk has been reported in several dairies around the nation, including in Maine and New Mexico. In Maine, the contamination was likely due to application of tainted biosolids – treated sewage sludge used as soil conditioner – to farm land. In New Mexico, contamination was likely due to PFAS-polluted groundwater on the farm in question.
In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration tested 10 milk samples for 17 different PFAS and reported no detections above their reporting limits of 7 to 42 parts per trillion, or ppt. A lower detection and reporting limit will likely be necessary to understand fully the risk of PFAS contamination in milk, since there are concerns that the FDA’s reporting limit is too high.
In response to test results showing PFAS levels of nearly 690 ppt at a dairy in Maine, the state tested retail samples from all dairies. Sampling by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in May and June of last year found no PFAS above the reporting limit of 50 ppt in 26 milk samples collected from grocery stores. The retail samples included three farms that reported the application of biosolids.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-27--EWG News Roundup (3/27): 2020 Dirty Dozen™, Keeping a Healthy Home During Coronavirus and More

This week , EWG released the 2020 Shopper ’ s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ , and this year the food with the highest number of pesticides residues wasn ’ t a fresh fruit or vegetable – it was raisins .
“ If we included raisins in our calculations , they would be number one on the Dirty Dozen™ , ” said EWG Toxicologist Thomas Galligan , Ph.D. “ Although raisins are a popular snack , consumers concerned about their pesticide consumption may want to consider buying fresh or frozen produce from our Clean Fifteen™ list instead.
” In response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Guide levied by the produce industry , EWG sent an open letter to industry leaders calling on them to step up their efforts to protect both consumers and farm workers from deadly foodborne pathogens and toxic pesticides .
Also , as the novel coronavirus spreads throughout the nation , EWG offered tips for safer cleaning products and healthier indoor air quality to help people protect themselves and their families .
The COVID-19 federal stimulus package consumed Congress this week .
EWG argued that without support for the renewable energy sector , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the dust settled on $ 2.2 trillion package that left out support for wind and solar , we urged lawmakers to include essential funding for renewables in subsequent packages .
EWG uncovered new Freedom of Information Act data that shows drinking water in 28 military bases are potentially tainted with toxic fluorinated chemicals , or PFAS , at levels that exceed the standards set or proposed by a number of states .
Earlier this week , EWG board member Michelle Pfeiffer applauded Rep. Frank Pallone ( D-N.J. ) for taking the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law governing the cosmetics industry .
And finally , EWG was proud to announce that Erica Reid , a nationally recognized leader in the healthy lifestyle sector , has joined EWG ’ s board of directors .
Here ’ s some news you can use going into the weekend .
Parents : What Parents Need to Know About Blue-Green Algae Poisoning Your local lake might post warning signs about algae blooms , and you should always pay attention to them .
Some organizations also monitor algal conditions online .
For example , check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Forbes : Here ’ s Why You Should Only Buy Organic Strawberries , Spinach And Kale The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , a U.S. based advocacy and research group , released its 2020 Dirty Dozen list this week , an annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evaluating which fruits and vegetables are most contaminated by pesticides , and therefore potentially carcinogenic .
MarketWatch : Here are the ‘ dirty dozen ’ fruit and vegetables laced with legal pesticides — even organics have traces The analysis comes from the Environmental Working Group .
Each year since 2004 it has ranked its Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists and combines them as a shopper ’ s guide for consumers .
The “ dirtiest ” of all is not a fresh fruit or vegetable , but a dried one — raisins .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organic Consumers Association ; Herald Writeup Better Homes & Gardens : These 12 Foods Are Most Likely to Carry Pesticide Residue , Even After You Wash Them The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) just released its 2020 Dirty Dozen list , which shows the fruits and veggies most contaminated with residues from pesticides according to research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture .
Good Housekeeping : What Are the Dirty Dozen Foods ?
Take a Look at the Full 2020 List Each spring , the Environmental Working Group ( also known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fruits and vegetables that experts at the nonprofit say contain elevated levels of pesticides that may be concerning .
Reprinted by Yahoo !
Agri Pulse : Daybreak March 26 : Will Phase 3 be enough ?
Strawberries lead the Environmental Working Group ’ s latest Dirty Dozen list examining USDA and FDA data on pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables .
Delish : These Are The Fruits And Vegetables Loaded With The Most Pesticides , According To The Annual 'Dirty Dozen ' List The Environmental Working Group released its annual `` Dirty Dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a list of the fresh fruits and vegetables that have be found to be treated with the most pesticides .
Reprinted by MSN Dr. Axe : Dirty Dozen List : Are You Eating the Most Pesticide-Laden Produce ?
Environmental Working group analyzed USDA pesticide residue data and found that almost 70 percent of non-organic produce sampled tested positive for pesticide contamination .
Fair Warning : Pesticides and Produce : Environmental Group Lists Cleanest and Dirtiest Fruits and Vegetables Nearly all conventionally-grown raisins are contaminated by traces of two or more pesticides , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Agriculture cited in Shopper ’ s Guide to Pesticides in Produce , the report by the Environmental Working Group , based in Washington , D.C. Reprinted by IowaWatch MindBodyGreen : 2020 's Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 Lists Are Out — Here 's What You Should Know Every year , the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) analyzes data from the USDA to determine which fruits and vegetables in the U.S. have the most pesticides and which have the least .
NewsMax Health : Boost Your Immune System With These Healthy Foods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , nearly 70 % of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains potentially harmful chemical pesticides .
New York Post : Raisins are ‘ dirty ’ and full of pesticides , scientists say Shoppers would be hard-pressed to find a way to avoid pesticides on their fresh fruits and vegetables since nearly 70 % of all produce sold in the U.S. contains pesticide residues , according to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , which just released its annual Shopper ’ s Guide to Pesticides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Releases Its New Dirty Dozen with Surprising Results The Environmental Working Group has released its latest Dirty Dozen .
The list , which EWG has been compiling annually since 2004 , highlights the most contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables on the American market based on testing carried out by the USDA and FDA .
Real Simple : The 2020 Dirty Dozen List Is Here—These Are the Fruits and Vegetables You Might Want to Consider Buying Organic According to a new report from the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , these foods are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ synthetic pesticide residue—and nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of these chemicals .
Reprinted by Yahoo !
Tree Hugger : Eat your fruits and vegetables : New Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen list released In this year ’ s annual Shopper ’ s Guide to Pesticides in Produce , Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) found that once again strawberries were the fresh produce item most likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues .
Well+Good : This Surprising Pantry Food has Even More Pesticide Residue Than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy everything organic , the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) releases an annual ranking of the produce items with the highest amount of pesticide residue ( known as the Dirty Dozen ) and the produce items with the least ( aka the Clean 15 ) .
Politico : Stimulus inbound : What ’ s in it for ag ?
The Environmental Working Group is asking the produce industry to offer better protections for ag laborers exposed to certain pesticides amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Reprinted by Fresh Plaza New Food Magazine : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illnesses and pesticide exposure The Environmental Working Group has sent an open letter to members of the board of directors of the agribusiness front group Alliance for Food and Farming .
Along with Renfrew , a panel of experts from the FDA , Environmental Working Group and others provided witness testimony about the health impact cosmetic ingredients can have on consumers .
The Environmental Working Group ’ s subsidy analysis shows that those payments favored larger producers , says Sarah Graddy , EWG communications director .
Reprinted by Ag News Feed '' Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection Agency can legally make sanitizing or disinfecting claims , '' says Samara Geller , a senior research and database analyst for the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
`` Those products will bear an EPA registration number on the label . ''
The Active Times : Air Fresheners May Cause Health Risks : Here ’ s What to Use Instead “ You want to be wary of this category especially due to respiratory health concerns , ” Samara Geller , senior research and database analyst for the Environmental Working Group ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Please Do n't Flush Your Clorox Wipes , No Matter How Bad COVID-19 Gets The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) rated Clorox wipes a D ( on a scale of A/verified to F ) for containing ingredients known to cause respiratory and developmental concerns — so there is a chance using them frequently could worsen a COVID-19 patient 's respiratory symptoms .
Thymol also is among less-toxic cleaning chemicals recommended by the Environmental Working Group , a nonprofit organization .
Women ’ s Health : The 20 Best Natural Makeup Brands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : the Environmental Working Group .
“ The EWG started the EWG Verified program as a way to help consumers recognize products that do not contain harmful ingredients , fully disclose ingredients , and are made with sustainable manufacturing practices , ” says Carla Burns , EWG research analyst .
The Dieline : Billie Unveils New Line Along With Clean Calculator That Rates Safety Of Your Beauty Products The products are all EWG ( Environmental Work Group ) certified and made from safe ingredients , including plant-based and vegan alternatives to harsh and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Environmental Working Group .
“ The EWG started the EWG Verified program as a way to help consumers recognize products that do not contain harmful ingredients , fully disclose ingredients , and are made with sustainable manufacturing practices , ” says Carla Burns , EWG research analyst .
Golf Digest : Best Sunscreen And Lip Balm For Golf While we recognize the ease of use of chemical-based sunscreens and their effectiveness in preventing burns and other skin damage from UV rays , Golf Digest does not endorse those products based on advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Vine Pair : Just How Natural Are ‘ Natural ’ Flavorings ?
In fact , in its research of 80,000 food products , the non-profit Environmental Working Group found that natural flavors are the fourth most common ingredient listed on food labels , behind salt , water , and sugar .
Heavy : Kourtney Kardashian ’ s POOSH : What to Know About the Lifestyle Brand Kourtney has been advocating for clean beauty products for years , even going so far as to join with the Environmental Working Group to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Their purpose was to lobby for legislation that would give the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) the power to investigate and prevent the sales of dangerous cosmetics .
Reprinted by News of the day The Washington Post : Why you don ’ t have to give up all meat to have a healthy diet An Environmental Working Group and CleanMetrics study found that chicken was the meat with the least effect on the environment ( though still worse than plant foods and most fish and dairy ) .
The Hill : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to last decades It ’ s also troubling we ca n't answer an equally disturbing question : When will DOD clean up legacy PFAS at military installations ?
” said Scott Faber with the Environmental Working Group , which tracks the spread of PFAS .
That ’ s how many persons are now drinking PFAS-tainted water , according to an analysis of EPA-mandated national testing results by the Environmental Working Group .
A recent report by the Environmental Working Group cites the latest statistics on PFAS ’ reach into everyday American life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 million people , in at least 610 locations across 43 states are known to be contaminated with one or more of the thousands of known PFAS compounds .
Medical News Today : PFAS may have a lot in common with carcinogens The study , appearing in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , was a collaboration between the Environmental Working Group , in Washington , D.C. , and the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Indiana University Bloomington ’ s School of Public Health .
Great Lakes Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Actions taken in each state or province and standards set , if any An interactive map of PFAS sites across the U.S. from the Environmental Working Group and Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute at Northeastern University is available online HERE .
Chemistry World : US military sites that may be contaminated by PFAS grow by 60 % Meanwhile , the Environmental Working Group says it found evidence within DOD documents that PFAS has been detected in groundwater at 14 military installations at levels above 1 million parts per trillion ( ppt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drinking water lifetime health advisory level recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) .

This week, EWG released the 2020 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™, and this year the food with the highest number of pesticides residues wasn’t a fresh fruit or vegetable – it was raisins.
“If we included raisins in our calculations, they would be number one on the Dirty Dozen™,” said EWG Toxicologist Thomas Galligan, Ph.D. “Although raisins are a popular snack, consumers concerned about their pesticide consumption may want to consider buying fresh or frozen produce from our Clean Fifteen™ list instead.”
In response to the perennial criticism of the Shopper’s Guide levied by the produce industry, EWG sent an open letter to industry leaders calling on them to step up their efforts to protect both consumers and farm workers from deadly foodborne pathogens and toxic pesticides.
Also, as the novel coronavirus spreads throughout the nation, EWG offered tips for safer cleaning products and healthier indoor air quality to help people protect themselves and their families.
The COVID-19 federal stimulus package consumed Congress this week. EWG argued that without support for the renewable energy sector, clean energy growth could stall. And when the dust settled on $2.2 trillion package that left out support for wind and solar, we urged lawmakers to include essential funding for renewables in subsequent packages.
EWG uncovered new Freedom of Information Act data that shows drinking water in 28 military bases are potentially tainted with toxic fluorinated chemicals, or PFAS, at levels that exceed the standards set or proposed by a number of states.
Earlier this week, EWG board member Michelle Pfeiffer applauded Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) for taking the first serious action toward updating the woefully outdated law governing the cosmetics industry.
And finally, EWG was proud to announce that Erica Reid, a nationally recognized leader in the healthy lifestyle sector, has joined EWG’s board of directors.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
Parents: What Parents Need to Know About Blue-Green Algae Poisoning
Your local lake might post warning signs about algae blooms, and you should always pay attention to them. Some organizations also monitor algal conditions online. For example, check out this interactive map from 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.
2020 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Forbes: Here’s Why You Should Only Buy Organic Strawberries, Spinach And Kale
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a U.S. based advocacy and research group, released its 2020 Dirty Dozen list this week, an annual shopper’s guide for fresh produce evaluating which fruits and vegetables are most contaminated by pesticides, and therefore potentially carcinogenic.
MarketWatch: Here are the ‘dirty dozen’ fruit and vegetables laced with legal pesticides — even organics have traces
The analysis comes from the Environmental Working Group. Each year since 2004 it has ranked its Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists and combines them as a shopper’s guide for consumers. The “dirtiest” of all is not a fresh fruit or vegetable, but a dried one — raisins. Reprinted by MorningStar; Namex News; Organic Consumers Association; Herald Writeup
Better Homes & Gardens: These 12 Foods Are Most Likely to Carry Pesticide Residue, Even After You Wash Them
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) just released its 2020 Dirty Dozen list, which shows the fruits and veggies most contaminated with residues from pesticides according to research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Good Housekeeping: What Are the Dirty Dozen Foods? Take a Look at the Full 2020 List
Each spring, the Environmental Working Group (also known as the EWG) publishes a list of fruits and vegetables that experts at the nonprofit say contain elevated levels of pesticides that may be concerning. Reprinted by Yahoo!
Agri Pulse: Daybreak March 26: Will Phase 3 be enough?
Strawberries lead the Environmental Working Group’s latest Dirty Dozen list examining USDA and FDA data on pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables.
Delish: These Are The Fruits And Vegetables Loaded With The Most Pesticides, According To The Annual 'Dirty Dozen' List
The Environmental Working Group released its annual "Dirty Dozen" list this week, which is a list of the fresh fruits and vegetables that have be found to be treated with the most pesticides. Reprinted by MSN
Dr. Axe: Dirty Dozen List: Are You Eating the Most Pesticide-Laden Produce?
Environmental Working group analyzed USDA pesticide residue data and found that almost 70 percent of non-organic produce sampled tested positive for pesticide contamination.
Fair Warning: Pesticides and Produce: Environmental Group Lists Cleanest and Dirtiest Fruits and Vegetables
Nearly all conventionally-grown raisins are contaminated by traces of two or more pesticides, according to test data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited in Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, the report by the Environmental Working Group, based in Washington, D.C. Reprinted by IowaWatch
MindBodyGreen: 2020's Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 Lists Are Out — Here's What You Should Know
Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzes data from the USDA to determine which fruits and vegetables in the U.S. have the most pesticides and which have the least.
NewsMax Health: Boost Your Immune System With These Healthy Foods
But according to research conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), nearly 70% of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains potentially harmful chemical pesticides.
New York Post: Raisins are ‘dirty’ and full of pesticides, scientists say
Shoppers would be hard-pressed to find a way to avoid pesticides on their fresh fruits and vegetables since nearly 70% of all produce sold in the U.S. contains pesticide residues, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which just released its annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.
Organic Authority: EWG Releases Its New Dirty Dozen with Surprising Results
The Environmental Working Group has released its latest Dirty Dozen. The list, which EWG has been compiling annually since 2004, highlights the most contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables on the American market based on testing carried out by the USDA and FDA.
Real Simple: The 2020 Dirty Dozen List Is Here—These Are the Fruits and Vegetables You Might Want to Consider Buying Organic
According to a new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), these foods are the most likely to be contaminated with synthetic pesticide residue—and nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of these chemicals. Reprinted by Yahoo!
Tree Hugger: Eat your fruits and vegetables: New Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen list released
In this year’s annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that once again strawberries were the fresh produce item most likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues.
Well+Good: This Surprising Pantry Food has Even More Pesticide Residue Than Strawberries
Because it can be expensive to buy everything organic, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases an annual ranking of the produce items with the highest amount of pesticide residue (known as the Dirty Dozen) and the produce items with the least (aka the Clean 15).
Open Letter to Food Industry
Politico: Stimulus inbound: What’s in it for ag?
The Environmental Working Group is asking the produce industry to offer better protections for ag laborers exposed to certain pesticides amid the coronavirus pandemic. Reprinted by Fresh Plaza
New Food Magazine: EWG calls for measures to prevent foodborne illnesses and pesticide exposure
The Environmental Working Group has sent an open letter to members of the board of directors of the agribusiness front group Alliance for Food and Farming.
Cosmetic Safety Enhancement Act of 2019
Glossy: Cosmetics reform bill passes first vote in legislative process
Along with Renfrew, a panel of experts from the FDA, Environmental Working Group and others provided witness testimony about the health impact cosmetic ingredients can have on consumers.
Trump Administration Farm Bailouts
Western Farmer-Stockman: Digging into 2020 election topics
The Environmental Working Group’s subsidy analysis shows that those payments favored larger producers, says Sarah Graddy, EWG communications director. Reprinted by Ag News Feed
Cleaning Products
Women’s Health: Are Natural Disinfectants Effective? Experts Debunk Common Cleaning Myths
"Only disinfectants or sanitizers registered with the Environmental Protection Agency can legally make sanitizing or disinfecting claims," says Samara Geller, a senior research and database analyst for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). "Those products will bear an EPA registration number on the label."
The Active Times: Air Fresheners May Cause Health Risks: Here’s What to Use Instead
“You want to be wary of this category especially due to respiratory health concerns,” Samara Geller, senior research and database analyst for the Environmental Working Group (EWG) said.
Green Matters: Please Don't Flush Your Clorox Wipes, No Matter How Bad COVID-19 Gets
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rated Clorox wipes a D (on a scale of A/verified to F) for containing ingredients known to cause respiratory and developmental concerns — so there is a chance using them frequently could worsen a COVID-19 patient's respiratory symptoms.
Macomb Daily (Mich.): Macomb County facilities receiving 'deep cleaning' to nix COVID-19
Thymol also is among less-toxic cleaning chemicals recommended by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization.
EWG VERIFIED®
Women’s Health: The 20 Best Natural Makeup Brands, According To Beauty Editors
Another great resource: the Environmental Working Group. “The EWG started the EWG Verified program as a way to help consumers recognize products that do not contain harmful ingredients, fully disclose ingredients, and are made with sustainable manufacturing practices,” says Carla Burns, EWG research analyst.
The Dieline: Billie Unveils New Line Along With Clean Calculator That Rates Safety Of Your Beauty Products
The products are all EWG (Environmental Work Group) certified and made from safe ingredients, including plant-based and vegan alternatives to harsh and planet-unfriendly substances.
General Health: 20 Best Clean Makeup Brands – Natural, Organic Makeup
Another great resource: the Environmental Working Group. “The EWG started the EWG Verified program as a way to help consumers recognize products that do not contain harmful ingredients, fully disclose ingredients, and are made with sustainable manufacturing practices,” says Carla Burns, EWG research analyst.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Golf Digest: Best Sunscreen And Lip Balm For Golf
While we recognize the ease of use of chemical-based sunscreens and their effectiveness in preventing burns and other skin damage from UV rays, Golf Digest does not endorse those products based on advice from the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org).
Food Scores
Vine Pair: Just How Natural Are ‘Natural’ Flavorings?
In fact, in its research of 80,000 food products, the non-profit Environmental Working Group found that natural flavors are the fourth most common ingredient listed on food labels, behind salt, water, and sugar.
Kourtney Kardashian
Heavy: Kourtney Kardashian’s POOSH: What to Know About the Lifestyle Brand
Kourtney has been advocating for clean beauty products for years, even going so far as to join with the Environmental Working Group to meet with a congressional committee in 2018. Their purpose was to lobby for legislation that would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the power to investigate and prevent the sales of dangerous cosmetics. Reprinted by News of the day
Meat Eaters Guide to Climate Change + Health
The Washington Post: Why you don’t have to give up all meat to have a healthy diet
An Environmental Working Group and CleanMetrics study found that chicken was the meat with the least effect on the environment (though still worse than plant foods and most fish and dairy).
New PFAS Testing Report
The Hill: Pentagon cleanup of toxic 'forever chemicals' likely to last decades
It’s also troubling we can't answer an equally disturbing question: When will DOD clean up legacy PFAS at military installations?” said Scott Faber with the Environmental Working Group, which tracks the spread of PFAS.
Healthy Living Magazine: Toxic Shock
That’s how many persons are now drinking PFAS-tainted water, according to an analysis of EPA-mandated national testing results by the Environmental Working Group.
Water & Wastes Digest: Better Capex, Opex Options for PFAS Treatment
A recent report by the Environmental Working Group cites the latest statistics on PFAS’ reach into everyday American life — drinking water systems serving an estimated 19 million people, in at least 610 locations across 43 states are known to be contaminated with one or more of the thousands of known PFAS compounds.
PFAS and Cancer Paper
Medical News Today: PFAS may have a lot in common with carcinogens
The study, appearing in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, was a collaboration between the Environmental Working Group, in Washington, D.C., and the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Indiana University Bloomington’s School of Public Health.
PFAS Interactive Map
Great Lakes Now: PFAS Around the Great Lakes Region: Actions taken in each state or province and standards set, if any
An interactive map of PFAS sites across the U.S. from the Environmental Working Group and Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute at Northeastern University is available online HERE.
PFAS Military Site Contamination
Chemistry World: US military sites that may be contaminated by PFAS grow by 60%
Meanwhile, the Environmental Working Group says it found evidence within DOD documents that PFAS has been detected in groundwater at 14 military installations at levels above 1 million parts per trillion (ppt), which far exceeds the 70ppt drinking water lifetime health advisory level recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-27--EWG: More Stimulus Support for Nutrition Programs, Food and Farm Workers and Clean Energy Jobs

WASHINGTON – Following passage today of the $ 2.2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package , Environmental Working Group urged Congress to @ @ @ @ @ , food and farm workers , and the renewable energy sector in the expected next @ @ @ @ @ following statement is from EWG President Ken Cook .
It ’ s critical that Congress @ @ @ @ @ equal to the challenges facing our country .
The bill passed by the House today @ @ @ @ @ hospitals , to millions of newly unemployed Americans , and to restaurants and other small @ @ @ @ @ But this bill does not go far enough to meet the needs of America ’ @ @ @ @ @ and farm workers , or to protect our environment .
In the coming weeks , @ @ @ @ @ to increase the standard SNAP benefit , support the people who make our food , @ @ @ @ @ facing the renewable energy sector , which already employs three times as many people as @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON – Following passage today of the $2.2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package, Environmental Working Group urged Congress to include support for hungry families, food and farm workers, and the renewable energy sector in the expected next round of aid.
The following statement is from EWG President Ken Cook.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-27--Citing Coronavirus, Trump EPA Halts Enforcement of Critical Key Environmental Laws

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration ’ s unprecedented move to exploit the coronavirus pandemic to suspend enforcement of critical environmental laws is shameful and further evidence of the administration ’ s utter disregard for public health , EWG said .
In a shocking move that has stunned former EPA officials , the agency will let the chemical , coal , petroleum , electric utility and other industries use “ enforcement discretion ” to determine for themselves whether they should be required to monitor and report air and water pollution discharges .
“ Under the policy , EPA does not expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring and reporting obligations ” by industry , the agency said in a news release Thursday .
As long as industrial operations , like chemical production facilities and coal-fired power plants , claim they can not adhere to pollution control and monitoring requirements due to disruptions caused by COVID-19 , they can ignore those environmental laws indefinitely .
The agency ’ s order , issued by Susan Bodine , assistant administrator for enforcement , says “ facilities with environmental compliance obligations should act responsibly.
” If companies “ acted responsibly ” we wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules in the first place .
But we did , and do , and this is a shameful , defining act of deregulation for the Trump administration that has made clear its view that we are NOT all in this together .
— Ken Cook ( @ EWGPrez ) March 27 , 2020 “ Using the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to turn over pollution control laws to polluters further demonstrates the glaring reality that the Trump administration has absolutely no regard for public health , ” Cook added .
“ At a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk , giving polluters license to ignore regulations on emissions of toxic chemicals and air pollutants is reckless and irresponsible.
” The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit , non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment .
Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration’s unprecedented move to exploit the coronavirus pandemic to suspend enforcement of critical environmental laws is shameful and further evidence of the administration’s utter disregard for public health, EWG said.
In a shocking move that has stunned former EPA officials, the agency will let the chemical, coal, petroleum, electric utility and other industries use “enforcement discretion” to determine for themselves whether they should be required to monitor and report air and water pollution discharges.
“Under the policy, EPA does not expect to seek penalties for noncompliance with routine monitoring and reporting obligations” by industry, the agency said in a news release Thursday. As long as industrial operations, like chemical production facilities and coal-fired power plants, claim they cannot adhere to pollution control and monitoring requirements due to disruptions caused by COVID-19, they can ignore those environmental laws indefinitely.
The agency’s order, issued by Susan Bodine, assistant administrator for enforcement, says “facilities with environmental compliance obligations should act responsibly.”
In a tweet, EWG President Ken Cook said:
If companies “acted responsibly” we wouldn’t have needed EPA and environmental rules in the first place. But we did, and do, and this is a shameful, defining act of deregulation for the Trump administration that has made clear its view that we are NOT all in this together. — Ken Cook (@EWGPrez) March 27, 2020
“Using the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to turn over pollution control laws to polluters further demonstrates the glaring reality that the Trump administration has absolutely no regard for public health,” Cook added. “At a time when all Americans’ health is at risk, giving polluters license to ignore regulations on emissions of toxic chemicals and air pollutants is reckless and irresponsible.”
###
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--2020-03-26--The Coronavirus Stimulus Must Address Three Crises: The Pandemic, the Economy and Climate Change

The Coronavirus Stimulus Must Address Three Crises : The Pandemic , the Economy and Climate Change Congress is on the brink of approving the biggest stimulus package in U.S. history – $ 2.2 trillion to fight the public health and economic crises of the coronavirus pandemic .
Subsequent rounds of stimulus are expected , presenting an opportunity to make strategic investments in renewable energy that would not only boost the economy ’ s recovery but also simultaneously tackle a third crisis threatening our future : climate change .
These three challenges are inextricably linked .
Clean energy already provides nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector added 110,000 jobs in 2018 , according to Clean Jobs America 2019 , a report from E2 , a nationwide coalition of business leaders .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers have found global warming increases lung-damaging smog , which makes people more vulnerable to respiratory diseases like COVID-19 , and the World Health Organization has linked a warmer climate to an increase in viral outbreaks .
But the current stimulus package does not include money for renewables , and Republican lawmakers are excoriating attempts to add it .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vying for stimulus dollars , despite receiving massive tax cuts in 2017 , states ’ passing ratepayer-funded nuclear bailout legislation totaling over $ 15 billion , and billions in ongoing federal fossil fuel subsidies .
• The rapidly shrinking coal industry wants $ 800 million in annual cuts to federal taxes , fees and royalty payments , only a quarter of which is for beneficiary payments to miners with black lung disease .
• The nuclear industry wants an investment tax credit of up to $ 26 billion over 10 years , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environment at Vermont Law School .
• The American Petroleum Institute wants Congress to relax various reporting requirements and regulations .
And big banks are still financing fossil fuel projects .
Banking on Climate Change – a new report by a coalition led by the Rainforest Action Network and endorsed by 250 organizations around the world , including EWG – found that 35 global banks have dumped $ 2.7 trillion into the fossil fuel industry since the Paris climate agreement in December 2015 .
The worst offenders were U.S.-based JPMorgan Chase , Wells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whether the handouts to dirty energy make it into the final stimulus package is up to Congress .
But not including support for renewable energy in the bill is a grave error .
“ If we allow the stimulus to re-entrench [ financing for ] fossil fuel .
.
.
we ’ re totally screwed , to be blunt , ” Ayana Elizabeth Johnson , founder of Ocean Collective , told Climate Wire .
“ We just simply can ’ t afford that now.
” More than two dozen public interest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have urged Congress to extend and expand the existing federal tax credits for clean energy .
Over 100 climate and social policy experts endorsed a sweeping $ 2 trillion package to implement a Green New Deal .
They said that decarbonizing the economy would require an additional $ 800 billion annually , or about 4 percent of GDP , until the goal was reached .
That would mean achieving 100 percent carbon-free energy for generating electricity by the end of this decade , electrifying transportation , implementing energy efficiency measures for homes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living-wage jobs , while also ensuring a just transition for low-income households and people of color .
“ A Green New Deal might be expensive , but doing nothing about climate change will almost certainly cost far more , ” former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich wrote last month in his syndicated column .
“ If we don ’ t launch something as bold as a Green New Deal , we ’ ll spend trillions coping with the consequences of our failure to be bold.
” As with the virus , the fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis is not going away .
Tom Kiernan , CEO of the American Wind Energy Association , told GreenTech Media , “ While we ’ re disappointed clean energy sector relief did not make it into the phase three stimulus package , we will continue working with Congress and other renewable leaders to find solutions to the specific challenges COVID-19 is causing our members .
”

Congress is on the brink of approving the biggest stimulus package in U.S. history – $2.2 trillion to fight the public health and economic crises of the coronavirus pandemic. Subsequent rounds of stimulus are expected, presenting an opportunity to make strategic investments in renewable energy that would not only boost the economy’s recovery but also simultaneously tackle a third crisis threatening our future: climate change.
These three challenges are inextricably linked. Clean energy already provides nearly 3.3 million U.S. jobs, and the sector added 110,000 jobs in 2018, according to Clean Jobs America 2019, a report from E2, a nationwide coalition of business leaders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers have found global warming increases lung-damaging smog, which makes people more vulnerable to respiratory diseases like COVID-19, and the World Health Organization has linked a warmer climate to an increase in viral outbreaks.
But the current stimulus package does not include money for renewables, and Republican lawmakers are excoriating attempts to add it. Meanwhile, dirty energy is at the taxpayer trough vying for stimulus dollars, despite receiving massive tax cuts in 2017, states’ passing ratepayer-funded nuclear bailout legislation totaling over $15 billion, and billions in ongoing federal fossil fuel subsidies.
The rapidly shrinking coal industry wants $800 million in annual cuts to federal taxes, fees and royalty payments, only a quarter of which is for beneficiary payments to miners with black lung disease.
The nuclear industry wants an investment tax credit of up to $26 billion over 10 years, according to the Institute for Energy and the Environment at Vermont Law School.
The American Petroleum Institute wants Congress to relax various reporting requirements and regulations.
And big banks are still financing fossil fuel projects. Banking on Climate Change – a new report by a coalition led by the Rainforest Action Network and endorsed by 250 organizations around the world, including EWG – found that 35 global banks have dumped $2.7 trillion into the fossil fuel industry since the Paris climate agreement in December 2015. The worst offenders were U.S.-based JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citi and Bank of America.
Whether the handouts to dirty energy make it into the final stimulus package is up to Congress. But not including support for renewable energy in the bill is a grave error.
“If we allow the stimulus to re-entrench [financing for] fossil fuel . . . we’re totally screwed, to be blunt,” Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, founder of Ocean Collective, told Climate Wire. “We just simply can’t afford that now.”
More than two dozen public interest and renewable energy groups, including EWG, have urged Congress to extend and expand the existing federal tax credits for clean energy. Over 100 climate and social policy experts endorsed a sweeping $2 trillion package to implement a Green New Deal. They said that decarbonizing the economy would require an additional $800 billion annually, or about 4 percent of GDP, until the goal was reached.
That would mean achieving 100 percent carbon-free energy for generating electricity by the end of this decade, electrifying transportation, implementing energy efficiency measures for homes and commercial buildings, and creating millions of living-wage jobs, while also ensuring a just transition for low-income households and people of color.
“A Green New Deal might be expensive, but doing nothing about climate change will almost certainly cost far more,” former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich wrote last month in his syndicated column. “If we don’t launch something as bold as a Green New Deal, we’ll spend trillions coping with the consequences of our failure to be bold.”
As with the virus, the fight to help renewable energy withstand the economic crisis is not going away.
Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association, told GreenTech Media, “While we’re disappointed clean energy sector relief did not make it into the phase three stimulus package, we will continue working with Congress and other renewable leaders to find solutions to the specific challenges COVID-19 is causing our members.”
So will EWG.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-26--16 Effective and Safe Products To Guard Against Coronavirus

You can combat the novel coronavirus effectively while using products that are safe for you and your family .
EWG screened hundreds of disinfectants and sanitizers approved and recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , and checked them against our Guide to Healthy Cleaning .
Here ’ s our list of 16 well-rated products with fewer ingredient concerns .
( For details about how we compiled the list , see Methodology . )
[ 1 ] Product on EPA ’ s List N or the American Chemistry Council list .
Products on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s emerging viral pathogen guidance , with demonstrated efficacy against viruses harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 , or have demonstrated efficacy against another human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 .
Can ’ t Find These Products ?
What To Do Instead Look on the label of EPA-registered products for these safer active ingredients , which are lower in toxicity compared to others .
If products with these active ingredients are unavailable , try : • Three percent household-strength hydrogen peroxide .
Never mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar , because the combination forms caustic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the sanitize setting on your automatic dishwasher .
• Sodium hypochlorite , which is linked to harm to the skin and respiratory system and the environment .
When improperly mixed with other cleaners or acids , sodium hypochlorite can be fatally poisonous .
Sodium hypochlorite is also found in chlorine bleach .
• Quaternary ammonium compounds , also known as quats , which are linked to asthma and suspected of causing reproductive toxicity and birth defects in humans .
Quats also persist in the environment .
• Read labels thoroughly , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gloves and other personal protective equipment as directed .
• Never mix cleaning products or disinfectants together .
• Clean visibly dirty or greasy areas with soap and water before applying any disinfectant or sanitizer .
• Focus on surfaces you come in frequent contact with , like doorknobs , handrails , faucets and light switches .
• Don ’ t apply more or less of the product than directed .
• Leave the product in contact with the surface as directed before rinsing or wiping dry .
We screened the hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC for expected effectiveness at killing the virus .
Based on the CDC ’ s interim recommendation that “ most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective ” for disinfection , and on the data on harder-to-kill viruses ( the basis for the EPA ’ s emerging viral pathogen guidance ) , we expanded our screening to include company lists of EPA-registered , antimicrobial cleaners .
Then , using our Guide to Healthy Cleaning as a tool , we assessed a subset of these products for ingredients that may affect human or environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of 16 products the guide rates A or B that are either 1 ) listed as complying with the EPA ’ s emerging viral pathogen guidance ( with demonstrated efficacy against viruses harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 ) or having an approved claim of being effective against the human coronavirus , or 2 ) have an approved claim against one or more harder to kill , non-enveloped viruses , like rhinovirus or norovirus , found listed on the package and/or company website .
The envelope refers to the structure of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are easiest to kill .
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 .

You can combat the novel coronavirus effectively while using products that are safe for you and your family.
EWG screened hundreds of disinfectants and sanitizers approved and recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and checked them against our Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Here’s our list of 16 well-rated products with fewer ingredient concerns. (For details about how we compiled the list, see Methodology.)
Product Clorox Commercial Solutions Disinfecting Bio Stain & Odor Remover* Clorox Pet Solutions Advanced Disinfecting Stain & Odor Remover* Lysol Hydrogen Peroxide Action Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Oxygen Splash Lysol Hydrogen Peroxide Bathroom Cleaner, Cool Spring Breeze Lysol Hydrogen Peroxide Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Citrus Sparkle Zest Lysol Hydrogen Peroxide Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes, Oxygen Splash Lysol Power Bathroom Cleaner, Island Breeze Purell Multi Surface Disinfectant, Fragrance Free Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray, Eucalyptus, Spearmint & Thyme Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray, Fresh Citrus & Thyme Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray, Lavender Vanilla & Thyme Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, Lemongrass Citrus Scent Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner, Lemongrass Citrus Scent Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes, Lemongrass Citrus Scent Windex Multi Surface Disinfectant Cleaner Windex Multi Surface Disinfectant Cleaner, Glade Rainshower
[1]Product on EPA’s List N or the American Chemistry Council list. Products on these lists either comply with the EPA’s emerging viral pathogen guidance, with demonstrated efficacy against viruses harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2, or have demonstrated efficacy against another human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 .
Can’t Find These Products? What To Do Instead
Look on the label of EPA-registered products for these safer active ingredients, which are lower in toxicity compared to others.
Hydrogen peroxide
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
Citric acid
L-lactic acid
Caprylic acid (octanoic acid)
Thymol
If products with these active ingredients are unavailable, try:
Three percent household-strength hydrogen peroxide. Never mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar, because the combination forms caustic peracetic acid.
For dishware, use the sanitize setting on your automatic dishwasher.
Avoid These Active Ingredients
Sodium hypochlorite, which is linked to harm to the skin and respiratory system and the environment. When improperly mixed with other cleaners or acids, sodium hypochlorite can be fatally poisonous. Sodium hypochlorite is also found in chlorine bleach.
Quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as quats, which are linked to asthma and suspected of causing reproductive toxicity and birth defects in humans. Quats also persist in the environment.
Important Tips
Read labels thoroughly, including all directions and warnings.
Wear gloves and other personal protective equipment as directed.
Ventilate the area while cleaning.
Never mix cleaning products or disinfectants together.
Clean visibly dirty or greasy areas with soap and water before applying any disinfectant or sanitizer.
Focus on surfaces you come in frequent contact with, like doorknobs, handrails, faucets and light switches.
Don’t apply more or less of the product than directed.
Leave the product in contact with the surface as directed before rinsing or wiping dry.
Methodology
We screened the hundreds of products recommended by the EPA and the CDC for expected effectiveness at killing the virus. Based on the CDC’s interim recommendation that “most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective” for disinfection, and on the data on harder-to-kill viruses (the basis for the EPA’s emerging viral pathogen guidance), we expanded our screening to include company lists of EPA-registered, antimicrobial cleaners.
Then, using our Guide to Healthy Cleaning as a tool, we assessed a subset of these products for ingredients that may affect human or environmental health.
We came up with a list of 16 products the guide rates A or B that are either 1) listed as complying with the EPA’s emerging viral pathogen guidance (with demonstrated efficacy against viruses harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2) or having an approved claim of being effective against the human coronavirus, or 2) have an approved claim against one or more harder to kill, non-enveloped viruses, like rhinovirus or norovirus, found listed on the package and/or company website. The envelope refers to the structure of the virus. Enveloped viruses, like SARS-CoV-2, are easiest to kill.
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--2020-03-26--Cooped Up Because of Coronavirus? Keep the Air Fresh

With the spread of the novel coronavirus , suddenly you and your family are probably hunkered down indoors for most of the day , while also washing your hands and wiping down surfaces to stave off the spread of the virus in your household .
Throw in the fact that your windows are closed because it ’ s still cold in many parts of the country , and you ’ ve got a combination of factors that can have a direct negative effect on the air quality in your home : frequent use of toxic chemicals and no way for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality can lead to respiratory irritation , skin irritation , rashes and even asthma , which afflicts one in 10 kids and is one of the risk factors for significant complications from the COVID-19 virus .
There are other factors that contribute to lower quality of air indoors , but one of the big ones is the chemicals in many cleaning products , including disinfectants .
This is the time when putting your family ’ s health first may mean bringing out harsher disinfectants .
But there are still steps you can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
To keep the air clean indoors : • Open the windows .
Indoor air is typically not as clean as the air outdoors .
The simplest way to minimize the impact of toxic chemicals in cleaners is to open the windows and let fresh air in .
• Keep the kids away .
As much as possible , clean while the kids are out of the house for a walk in the neighborhood , or in another room .
While you ’ re cleaning , it ’ s also a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kitchen and bathroom to exchange air .
• Use “ clean ” cleaners whenever possible .
You may not have lots of options when it comes to disinfectants , but whenever possible , buy the one with the least toxic chemicals .
( Make sure to consult the Environmental Protection Agency ’ s list of disinfectants that can combat the coronavirus . )
• Use the least toxic product necessary .
If a household member contracts COVID-19 , the illness caused by the novel coronavirus , you ’ ll need to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re simply trying to all stay healthy .
( Here is guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on cleaning and disinfecting to prevent the spread of the coronavirus . )
• Minimize use of other air pollutants .
This is a good time to cut back on the products you may use that emit chemicals that aren ’ t necessary to preventing the spread of the virus , including nail polish , fragrance , oven cleaners , air fresheners and other spray products .
Check EWG ’ s Guide To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products with fewer toxic chemicals , including the first EWG VERIFIED™ cleaner .
• Inspect your air filter .
Even without the threat of a virus , an air filter is a good way to boost indoor air quality .
Use the highest-rated filter your central air system can handle and make sure it is installed and maintained properly .
If your home doesn ’ t have central air , consider a portable air filter certified by California ’ s Air Resources Board .
It typically won ’ t remove cleaning fumes but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

With the spread of the novel coronavirus, suddenly you and your family are probably hunkered down indoors for most of the day, while also washing your hands and wiping down surfaces to stave off the spread of the virus in your household.
Throw in the fact that your windows are closed because it’s still cold in many parts of the country, and you’ve got a combination of factors that can have a direct negative effect on the air quality in your home: frequent use of toxic chemicals and no way for them to escape.
Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory irritation, skin irritation, rashes and even asthma, which afflicts one in 10 kids and is one of the risk factors for significant complications from the COVID-19 virus.
There are other factors that contribute to lower quality of air indoors, but one of the big ones is the chemicals in many cleaning products, including disinfectants.
This is the time when putting your family’s health first may mean bringing out harsher disinfectants. But there are still steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home.
To keep the air clean indoors:
Open the windows. Indoor air is typically not as clean as the air outdoors. The simplest way to minimize the impact of toxic chemicals in cleaners is to open the windows and let fresh air in.
Keep the kids away. As much as possible, clean while the kids are out of the house for a walk in the neighborhood, or in another room. While you’re cleaning, it’s also a good idea to turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to exchange air.
Use “clean” cleaners whenever possible. You may not have lots of options when it comes to disinfectants, but whenever possible, buy the one with the least toxic chemicals. (Make sure to consult the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of disinfectants that can combat the coronavirus.)
Use the least toxic product necessary. If a household member contracts COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, you’ll need to take more elaborate precautions than if you’re simply trying to all stay healthy. (Here is guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on cleaning and disinfecting to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.)
Minimize use of other air pollutants. This is a good time to cut back on the products you may use that emit chemicals that aren’t necessary to preventing the spread of the virus, including nail polish, fragrance, oven cleaners, air fresheners and other spray products. Check EWG’s Guide To Healthy Cleaning to find the household cleaning products with fewer toxic chemicals, including the first EWG VERIFIED™ cleaner.
Inspect your air filter. Even without the threat of a virus, an air filter is a good way to boost indoor air quality. Use the highest-rated filter your central air system can handle and make sure it is installed and maintained properly. If your home doesn’t have central air, consider a portable air filter certified by California’s Air Resources Board. It typically won’t remove cleaning fumes but it will remove particles.
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--2020-03-26--Erica Reid, Noted Healthy Lifestyle Leader, Joins EWG Board

WASHINGTON – Erica Reid , a nationally recognized leader in the healthy lifestyle sector , has joined EWG ’ s board of directors .
Erica Reid is a noted author and the founder of nécessité , a global healthy lifestyle brand that empowers consumers to embrace and support clean beauty brands and other sustainable products , from home and interior to food and fashion .
Reid is the author of `` Shut Up and Cook !
, '' a collection of modern , healthy and easy-to-make recipes , and `` The Thriving Child : Parenting Successfully Through Allergies , Asthma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She and her husband , LA Reid , a noted record executive , music and film producer , and author , live in Los Angeles with their two children .
“ When I was on this journey over 18 years ago of making more mindful health choices for my family and me , I had no support , ” said Reid .
“ I was left alone to figure it out .
I am very thankful to know like-minded individuals today have more guidance , support and direction to aid them in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great organization like EWG there to help .
I am proud to serve as a member of the board.
” “ Erica ’ s journey into healthy living has motivated and inspired countless others to take steps to protect themselves and their families , and I ’ m thrilled she will now bring her considerable experience and passion to EWG , ” said EWG President and fellow board member Ken Cook .
“ Erica ’ s appointment to the board comes at an exciting time , as EWG begins thinking through our next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to better protect the environmental health of all Americans.
” The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit , non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment .
Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .

WASHINGTON – Erica Reid, a nationally recognized leader in the healthy lifestyle sector, has joined EWG’s board of directors.
Erica Reid is a noted author and the founder of nécessité, a global healthy lifestyle brand that empowers consumers to embrace and support clean beauty brands and other sustainable products, from home and interior to food and fashion.
Reid is the author of "Shut Up and Cook!," a collection of modern, healthy and easy-to-make recipes, and "The Thriving Child: Parenting Successfully Through Allergies, Asthma, and Other Common Challenges." She and her husband, LA Reid, a noted record executive, music and film producer, and author, live in Los Angeles with their two children.
“When I was on this journey over 18 years ago of making more mindful health choices for my family and me, I had no support,” said Reid. “I was left alone to figure it out. I am very thankful to know like-minded individuals today have more guidance, support and direction to aid them in their quest for better health, with a great organization like EWG there to help. I am proud to serve as a member of the board.”
“Erica’s journey into healthy living has motivated and inspired countless others to take steps to protect themselves and their families, and I’m thrilled she will now bring her considerable experience and passion to EWG,” said EWG President and fellow board member Ken Cook. “Erica’s appointment to the board comes at an exciting time, as EWG begins thinking through our next phase in consumer empowerment and market change to better protect the environmental health of all Americans.”
Reid joins fellow board members Michelle Pfeiffer, Meg Cadoux Hirshberg, Laura Turner Seydel, Dr. Harvey Karp and Nina Montee Karp, David Baker, Robert Fetherstonhaugh, Christine Gardner, Barbara Paldus, Mark Hyman, M.D., C.J. Kettler, Elise Museles, Randy Paynter, Drummond Pike, William Ross, Kim Rozenfeld and Ken Cook.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-30--Hair Dye Is Flying Off Store Shelves

Hair Dye Is Flying Off Store Shelves

Americans are stocking up on hair dye , according to a new report by NPR .
The article lists some of Nielsen 's data about what Americans were buying the week ending March 21 .
Sales for hair dye increased by almost 20 percent from last year .
This spike is not unexpected .
As of March 30 , at least 29 states , 79 counties , 14 cities and one territory have issued orders to stay at home , instructing nonessential businesses to close up shop until further notice .
This includes salons and spas .
Consumers planning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care to read the ingredients .
In December , researchers at the National Institutes of Health , or NIH , found chemicals commonly used in hair dyes and chemical hair straighteners were linked to an increased risk of breast cancer .
The study , published by the International Journal of Cancer , found that participants who regularly used permanent hair dye in the year before the study ’ s start were 9 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than women who did not .
But the risk from permanent dye was more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than in white women who participated in the study .
In August 2017 , a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women of color use more beauty products and are disproportionately exposed to worrisome chemicals compared to white women .
The researchers called on health care providers to become more aware of how exposure to environmental chemicals may affect the reproductive health of vulnerable populations .
This complemented an EWG analysis of more than 1,000 personal care products marketed to black women that found a smaller share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this demographic scored low in potentially harmful ingredients when compared to products aimed at the general public in the Skin Deep database .
Some of the commonly used ingredients in hair straighteners and dyes that have been linked to serious health impacts include : • p-Phenylenediamine , and other phenylenediamines , is a common ingredient in hair dyes and a strong skin sensitizer that has been shown to induce tumors in the mammary gland of rats .
• Resorcinol , used in hair dyes , can affect the proper functioning of hormones and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used in high concentrations in certain keratin hair straighteners , is a known human carcinogen .
The federal law governing the safety of personal care products has remained largely unchanged since 1938 .
Currently , there are no requirements for safety testing of ingredients before they are used in products that we routinely bring into our homes .
The current law leaves the federal government powerless to screen personal care products for chemicals that have been linked to harm .
Last week , EWG board member Michelle Pfeiffer applauded Rep. Frank Pallone ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action toward updating the woefully outdated law governing the cosmetics industry .
On March 11 , the House Energy and Commerce Committee ’ s Subcommittee on Health approved landmark cosmetics safety legislation , the first step toward finally protecting consumers from potentially toxic chemical ingredients in personal care products .
The Cosmetics Safety Enhancement Act of 2019 ( H.R .
5279 ) would modernize how the Food and Drug Administration regulates personal care products by requiring companies to substantiate the safety of their products and subjecting chemicals of concern to FDA review .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ report adverse health reactions , like burns , and provide more transparency about ingredients on their labels .
And in February , the California State Assembly reintroduced the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act , A.B .
2762 .
If passed , the law would ban 12 toxic ingredients , such as mercury and formaldehyde , from the beauty and personal care products Californians use every day .
EWG offers tools for consumers looking for healthier alternatives .
When shopping for personal care products , use Skin Deep® to look up questionable ingredients .
And consult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help shoppers quickly and easily identify products that meet EWG ’ s strictest health and transparency standards .
For updates on cosmetics legislation , please visit : https : //www.ewg.org/cosmeticsnews .

Americans are stocking up on hair dye, according to a new report by NPR. The article lists some of Nielsen's data about what Americans were buying the week ending March 21. Sales for hair dye increased by almost 20 percent from last year.
This spike is not unexpected. As of March 30, at least 29 states, 79 counties, 14 cities and one territory have issued orders to stay at home, instructing nonessential businesses to close up shop until further notice. This includes salons and spas.
Consumers planning to color their hair at home should take care to read the ingredients. In December, researchers at the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, found chemicals commonly used in hair dyes and chemical hair straighteners were linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
The study, published by the International Journal of Cancer, found that participants who regularly used permanent hair dye in the year before the study’s start were 9 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than women who did not. But the risk from permanent dye was more than six times greater in black women than in white women who participated in the study.
In August 2017, a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women of color use more beauty products and are disproportionately exposed to worrisome chemicals compared to white women. The researchers called on health care providers to become more aware of how exposure to environmental chemicals may affect the reproductive health of vulnerable populations.
This complemented an EWG analysis of more than 1,000 personal care products marketed to black women that found a smaller share of hair and beauty products marketed to this demographic scored low in potentially harmful ingredients when compared to products aimed at the general public in the Skin Deep database.
Some of the commonly used ingredients in hair straighteners and dyes that have been linked to serious health impacts include:
p-Phenylenediamine, and other phenylenediamines, is a common ingredient in hair dyes and a strong skin sensitizer that has been shown to induce tumors in the mammary gland of rats.
Resorcinol, used in hair dyes, can affect the proper functioning of hormones and trigger allergic reactions.
Formaldehyde, used in high concentrations in certain keratin hair straighteners, is a known human carcinogen.
The federal law governing the safety of personal care products has remained largely unchanged since 1938. Currently, there are no requirements for safety testing of ingredients before they are used in products that we routinely bring into our homes. The current law leaves the federal government powerless to screen personal care products for chemicals that have been linked to harm.
Last week, EWG board member Michelle Pfeiffer applauded Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) for taking the first serious action toward updating the woefully outdated law governing the cosmetics industry. On March 11, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health approved landmark cosmetics safety legislation, the first step toward finally protecting consumers from potentially toxic chemical ingredients in personal care products.
The Cosmetics Safety Enhancement Act of 2019 (H.R. 5279) would modernize how the Food and Drug Administration regulates personal care products by requiring companies to substantiate the safety of their products and subjecting chemicals of concern to FDA review. The bill would also require companies to report adverse health reactions, like burns, and provide more transparency about ingredients on their labels.
And in February, the California State Assembly reintroduced the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, A.B. 2762. If passed, the law would ban 12 toxic ingredients, such as mercury and formaldehyde, from the beauty and personal care products Californians use every day.
EWG offers tools for consumers looking for healthier alternatives. When shopping for personal care products, use Skin Deep® to look up questionable ingredients. And consult EWG VERIFIED™, which was created to help shoppers quickly and easily identify products that meet EWG’s strictest health and transparency standards.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-03-31--Trump Rollback of Auto Emissions Standards = 1 Billion More Tons of Air Pollution

Trump Rollback of Auto Emissions Standards = 1 Billion More Tons of Air Pollution WASHINGTON – Today the Trump administration is set to release a final rule rolling back auto fuel efficiency standards , which will let cars and light trucks emit 1 billion more tons , or more , of carbon pollution over the lifetime of the vehicle fleet than under the standards set by the Obama administration .
“ This is one of the most reckless and unconscionable decisions made by any president , and doing it in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis is doubly insidious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times said the Obama-era fuel standards were the single largest effort by the federal government to fight global warming and the health hazards of carbon dioxide emissions .
Several automakers supported the standards , which required them to increase fuel efficiency to 54 miles per gallon by 2025 .
Under the Trump rollback , vehicle fleets will be required to average about 40 miles per gallon .
Air pollution from automobiles is one of the major drivers of the climate crisis and can cause or worsen serious health problems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and respiratory system , putting people at greater risk of falling ill from viruses , including COVID-19 .
The Trump administration ’ s own estimates show the increase in air pollution from tailpipes as a result of the rollback will mean more Americans will die , two people briefed on the rule told The Washington Post .
The Post cited an analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund that the rollback will increase tailpipe emissions by 1.5 billion tons over five years .
“ These achievable mileage standards would combat climate change and reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tailpipe pollution , ” said Cook .
“ At a moment when all Americans are at increased risk from the coronavirus , the president has once again put the profits of the fossil fuel and auto industries ahead of public health.
” President Trump and his administration have overseen an unprecedented assault on federal policies aimed at reducing industrial pollution from tailpipes , power plants and coal , oil and natural gas extraction operations .
The administration has repealed , or is in the process of repealing , at least 95 different environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and adverse impact on the nation ’ s air quality , and dozens of others that will indirectly increase air pollution .
“ Let ’ s also be clear that leading auto companies cravenly pressed Trump immediately after the election for relief from the Obama-era standards , including companies taxpayers bailed out in 2009 during the financial meltdown , ” Cook said .
“ While many in the auto industry believe Trump ’ s deregulation hawks have taken things too far , their initial lobbying triggered this process .
Those companies are fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rollback.
” Less than a month after Trump took office , the Auto Alliance , a lobby group representing the 17 largest companies that sell cars in the U.S. , wrote then-EPA chief Scott Pruitt , urging him to roll back the Obama mileage standards .
As the EPA worked toward the rollback finalized today , Ford , Honda , BMW and Volkswagen signed an agreement with the State of California to continue to raise mileage standards to levels similar to those called for in the Obama rule .
But Toyota , GM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Trump administration ’ s efforts to take away California ’ s right to set its own tougher mileage standards .
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit , non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment .
Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .

WASHINGTON – Today the Trump administration is set to release a final rule rolling back auto fuel efficiency standards, which will let cars and light trucks emit 1 billion more tons, or more, of carbon pollution over the lifetime of the vehicle fleet than under the standards set by the Obama administration.
“This is one of the most reckless and unconscionable decisions made by any president, and doing it in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis is doubly insidious,” said EWG President Ken Cook.
The New York Times said the Obama-era fuel standards were the single largest effort by the federal government to fight global warming and the health hazards of carbon dioxide emissions. Several automakers supported the standards, which required them to increase fuel efficiency to 54 miles per gallon by 2025. Under the Trump rollback, vehicle fleets will be required to average about 40 miles per gallon.
Air pollution from automobiles is one of the major drivers of the climate crisis and can cause or worsen serious health problems, including damage to the heart, lungs and respiratory system, putting people at greater risk of falling ill from viruses, including COVID-19.
The Trump administration’s own estimates show the increase in air pollution from tailpipes as a result of the rollback will mean more Americans will die, two people briefed on the rule told The Washington Post. The Post cited an analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund that the rollback will increase tailpipe emissions by 1.5 billion tons over five years.
“These achievable mileage standards would combat climate change and reduce the number of early deaths caused by tailpipe pollution,” said Cook. “At a moment when all Americans are at increased risk from the coronavirus, the president has once again put the profits of the fossil fuel and auto industries ahead of public health.”
President Trump and his administration have overseen an unprecedented assault on federal policies aimed at reducing industrial pollution from tailpipes, power plants and coal, oil and natural gas extraction operations.
The administration has repealed, or is in the process of repealing, at least 95 different environmental rules, with 25 having a direct and adverse impact on the nation’s air quality, and dozens of others that will indirectly increase air pollution.
“Let’s also be clear that leading auto companies cravenly pressed Trump immediately after the election for relief from the Obama-era standards, including companies taxpayers bailed out in 2009 during the financial meltdown,” Cook said. “While many in the auto industry believe Trump’s deregulation hawks have taken things too far, their initial lobbying triggered this process. Those companies are fully and equally responsible for Trump’s rollback.”
Less than a month after Trump took office, the Auto Alliance, a lobby group representing the 17 largest companies that sell cars in the U.S., wrote then-EPA chief Scott Pruitt, urging him to roll back the Obama mileage standards. As the EPA worked toward the rollback finalized today, Ford, Honda, BMW and Volkswagen signed an agreement with the State of California to continue to raise mileage standards to levels similar to those called for in the Obama rule. But Toyota, GM, Fiat Chrysler and other companies sided with the Trump administration’s efforts to take away California’s right to set its own tougher mileage standards.
###
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--2020-03-31--Air Pollution, on the Rise Under Trump, Puts People at Risk of Severe Illness From Coronavirus

As the novel coronavirus sweeps across the U.S. and the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 climbs by the hour , the Americans at greatest risk are the elderly and those with underlying health conditions .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the highest-risk group includes people who suffer from heart and lung disease and asthma – all conditions that can be caused or made worse by moderate to heavy air pollution .
And the European Public Health Alliance , or EPHA , warns that people “ living in polluted cities are more at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lung and heart conditions caused or worsened by long-term exposure to air pollution are less able to fight off lung infections and more likely to die ” from COVID-19 , said Dr. Sara De Matteis , associate professor of occupational and environmental medicine at Cagliari University , in Italy , and a member of EPHA .
That ’ s especially troubling in light of the rise in U.S. air pollution levels , and the weakening of air pollution regulations , during the Trump administration .
On Tuesday , the Trump administration released its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s fuel efficiency standards for automobiles , which will allow cars and light trucks to cumulatively emit nearly 1 billion more tons of lung-damaging carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the vehicle fleet than under the standards put in place during the Obama administration , The New York Times reported .
“ The new rule , which is expected to be implemented by late spring , will roll back a 2012 rule that required automakers ’ fleets to average about 54 miles per gallon by 2025 .
Instead , the fleets would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the Times said .
Since taking office , President Trump and his administration have overseen an unprecedented assault on federal policies aimed at reducing industrial pollution from power plants , tail pipes and coal , oil and natural gas extraction operations , including carbon dioxide , nitrogen oxide , mercury and methane .
The administration has or is in the process of repealing at least 95 different environmental rules , with 25 having a direct and adverse impact on the nation ’ s air quality , and dozens of others that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 16 rules Trump has officially repealed are the Clean Power Plan , President Obama ’ s signature climate change initiative .
The plan set strict limits on carbon emissions coal-fired power plants , which contribute to the health issues that increase susceptibility to COVID-19 .
The administration has repealed a rule requiring the oil and gas industry to report methane emissions .
It is seeking to revoke California ’ s ability to set its own stringent auto emissions standards , and has abolished a requirement that each state track emissions from cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on federal highways .
On Tuesday , the Trump administration released its final rule rolling back President Obama ’ s fuel efficiency standards for automobiles , which will allow cars and light trucks to emit nearly 1 billion more tones of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the vehicle fleet than under the standards put in place during the Obama administration , the New York Times reported .
The Environmental Protection Agency is poised to make significant changes to a 2011 rule that drove a 70 percent reduction in mercury emissions from coal-fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emissions to go back up .
Regular exposure to mercury can impair brain and nervous system development in babies and children , and damage the lungs and immune systems in adults and people of advanced age , putting them at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 .
And last week the EPA said it will let the fossil fuel , chemical , electricity utilities and other industries use “ enforcement discretion ” to determine for themselves whether they should be required to monitor and report air and water pollution discharges .
Air Pollution on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mellon recently published research showing an increase in one form of air pollution by 5.5 percent between 2016 and 2018 after it declined by 24 percent between 2009 and 2016 .
Among the reasons the researchers suspect for the rise in annual average fine particulate matter , or PM2.5 , are likely policies adopted by the Trump EPA , including significant decreases in Clean Air Act enforcement actions .
PM2.5 most notably comes from coal mining and the burning of fossil fuels , including from power plants and combustible engines .
The authors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premature deaths in 2018 alone due to the spike in air pollution In addition , EPA air emissions data published in June of last year showed a significant increase in bad air days between 2017 and 2019 .
In Wake of Coronavirus , Worldwide Emissions Plummet – But Will Return New satellite data show steep reductions in air pollution in the U.S. , as major cities and states have ordered millions of Americans to shelter in place and many businesses to close .
But the damage from increased air pollution has already been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from underlying health problems and who live or work in dense urban areas or near big sources of emissions such as power plants , refineries and chemical plants at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 .
During the 2003 SARS outbreak in China , caused by a similar coronavirus , residents of areas with the highest levels of air pollution were twice as likely to die as those who lived in places with lower levels , according to a study conducted by a team of scientists from China and the U.S. To make up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now easing restrictions on manufacturing and other industrial operations that have idled since the pandemic first exploded .
That will eventually happen in the U.S. , when these unprecedented efforts to quell the coronavirus and flatten the curve of infection takes hold .
Entire industries will ramp back up , and hundreds of millions of Americans will return to their daily commutes to work and school , producing a surge of tailpipe and factory emissions .
The lesson to be learned is that protecting public health does not depend solely on the response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a specific pollutant .
Public health is the sum product of many interrelated policies and practices .
Protections targeting a single industrial sector or geographic region have profound ripple effects throughout society .
Congress Must Act to Reduce Air Pollution Through Clean Energy Incentives Key tax credits for renewable energy have helped spark a revolution in the wind , solar , battery storage and electric vehicle industries , and created more than 3.3 million clean energy jobs .
Now those credits are expiring , and Congress failed to reinstate these incentives in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round of aid lawmakers consider must extend and expand these tax credits and take additional steps to bolster the clean energy industry .
This will simultaneously address the three great crises confronting the nation : the pandemic , the economic collapse and climate change .

As the novel coronavirus sweeps across the U.S. and the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 climbs by the hour, the Americans at greatest risk are the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the highest-risk group includes people who suffer from heart and lung disease and asthma – all conditions that can be caused or made worse by moderate to heavy air pollution. And the European Public Health Alliance, or EPHA, warns that people “living in polluted cities are more at risk from Covid-19.”
“Patients with chronic lung and heart conditions caused or worsened by long-term exposure to air pollution are less able to fight off lung infections and more likely to die” from COVID-19, said Dr. Sara De Matteis, associate professor of occupational and environmental medicine at Cagliari University, in Italy, and a member of EPHA.
That’s especially troubling in light of the rise in U.S. air pollution levels, and the weakening of air pollution regulations, during the Trump administration.
Trump’s Assault on Air Pollution Regulations
On Tuesday, the Trump administration released its final rule rolling back President Obama’s fuel efficiency standards for automobiles, which will allow cars and light trucks to cumulatively emit nearly 1 billion more tons of lung-damaging carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the vehicle fleet than under the standards put in place during the Obama administration, The New York Times reported.
“The new rule, which is expected to be implemented by late spring, will roll back a 2012 rule that required automakers’ fleets to average about 54 miles per gallon by 2025. Instead, the fleets would have to average about 40 miles per gallon,” the Times said.
Since taking office, President Trump and his administration have overseen an unprecedented assault on federal policies aimed at reducing industrial pollution from power plants, tail pipes and coal, oil and natural gas extraction operations, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury and methane.
The administration has or is in the process of repealing at least 95 different environmental rules, with 25 having a direct and adverse impact on the nation’s air quality, and dozens of others that will indirectly increase air pollution.
Among the 16 rules Trump has officially repealed are the Clean Power Plan, President Obama’s signature climate change initiative. The plan set strict limits on carbon emissions coal-fired power plants, which contribute to the health issues that increase susceptibility to COVID-19.
The administration has repealed a rule requiring the oil and gas industry to report methane emissions. It is seeking to revoke California’s ability to set its own stringent auto emissions standards, and has abolished a requirement that each state track emissions from cars, light trucks and other vehicles traveling on federal highways.
On Tuesday, the Trump administration released its final rule rolling back President Obama’s fuel efficiency standards for automobiles, which will allow cars and light trucks to emit nearly 1 billion more tones of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the vehicle fleet than under the standards put in place during the Obama administration, the New York Times reported.
The Environmental Protection Agency is poised to make significant changes to a 2011 rule that drove a 70 percent reduction in mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, which could cause mercury emissions to go back up. Regular exposure to mercury can impair brain and nervous system development in babies and children, and damage the lungs and immune systems in adults and people of advanced age, putting them at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
And last week the EPA said it will let the fossil fuel, chemical, electricity utilities and other industries use “enforcement discretion” to determine for themselves whether they should be required to monitor and report air and water pollution discharges.
Air Pollution on the Rise Under Trump
Economists at Carnegie Mellon recently published research showing an increase in one form of air pollution by 5.5 percent between 2016 and 2018 after it declined by 24 percent between 2009 and 2016.
Among the reasons the researchers suspect for the rise in annual average fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, are likely policies adopted by the Trump EPA, including significant decreases in Clean Air Act enforcement actions. PM2.5 most notably comes from coal mining and the burning of fossil fuels, including from power plants and combustible engines. The authors of the study estimate an additional 9,700 premature deaths in 2018 alone due to the spike in air pollution
In addition, EPA air emissions data published in June of last year showed a significant increase in bad air days between 2017 and 2019.
In Wake of Coronavirus, Worldwide Emissions Plummet – But Will Return
New satellite data show steep reductions in air pollution in the U.S., as major cities and states have ordered millions of Americans to shelter in place and many businesses to close.
But the damage from increased air pollution has already been done, leaving many people who suffer from underlying health problems and who live or work in dense urban areas or near big sources of emissions such as power plants, refineries and chemical plants at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
During the 2003 SARS outbreak in China, caused by a similar coronavirus, residents of areas with the highest levels of air pollution were twice as likely to die as those who lived in places with lower levels, according to a study conducted by a team of scientists from China and the U.S.
To make up for lost production time, China is now easing restrictions on manufacturing and other industrial operations that have idled since the pandemic first exploded.
That will eventually happen in the U.S., when these unprecedented efforts to quell the coronavirus and flatten the curve of infection takes hold. Entire industries will ramp back up, and hundreds of millions of Americans will return to their daily commutes to work and school, producing a surge of tailpipe and factory emissions.
The lesson to be learned is that protecting public health does not depend solely on the response to an emergency or the regulation of a specific pollutant. Public health is the sum product of many interrelated policies and practices. Protections targeting a single industrial sector or geographic region have profound ripple effects throughout society.
Congress Must Act to Reduce Air Pollution Through Clean Energy Incentives
Key tax credits for renewable energy have helped spark a revolution in the wind, solar, battery storage and electric vehicle industries, and created more than 3.3 million clean energy jobs. Now those credits are expiring, and Congress failed to reinstate these incentives in the latest coronavirus stimulus package.
The next round of aid lawmakers consider must extend and expand these tax credits and take additional steps to bolster the clean energy industry. This will simultaneously address the three great crises confronting the nation: the pandemic, the economic collapse and climate change.