environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-26--The Pentagon Should Address All Types of PFAS on Military Bases

The toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS belong to a family with hundreds of different members .
They are linked to an array of health risks , including cancer , thyroid disruption , reproductive and developmental harms , reduced effectiveness of vaccines and high cholesterol .
But in its efforts to address the widespread PFAS contamination on U.S. military bases , the Pentagon has largely focused on the most notorious of these so-called forever chemicals .
The Department of Defense , or DOD , says there are as many as 678 military sites where PFAS contaminate groundwater or drinking water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , EWG has so far confirmed and mapped PFAS in the tap water or groundwater at 328 of these military installations , each of which often has several kinds of PFAS .
However , the Pentagon is largely focusing on just two kinds of PFAS , saying its “ first priority is to address drinking water [ contaminated with ] PFOS and PFOA from DOD activities.
” Both of those chemicals have been largely phased out in the U.S. , although they linger in water , soil or dump sites in more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studied PFAS compounds .
But data analyzed by Environmental Working Group , obtained from public databases or through FOIA requests , shows that at least eight different PFAS compounds have been detected in groundwater or drinking water or both at military bases , often in high concentrations , as shown in the table below .
Source : EWG , from Department of Defense testing results obtained through public records requests .
These numbers likely represent a significant undercount .
The type of PFAS found at a particular site depends on which ones are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is used and reporting thresholds .
Not all sites have been tested for all of the above PFAS .
There are also likely other kinds of PFAS that have not been tested for at all .
Contamination From Various PFAS in Military Firefighting Foams Most of the PFAS contaminating military sites probably came from firefighting foam , known as aqueous film-forming foam , or AFFF , which is formulated with mixtures of PFAS chemicals .
DOD worked with 3M to develop PFAS-based AFFF in the 1960s and has long known about the risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foam .
By the 1970s , DOD knew that PFAS harmed the health of lab animals and were building up in human blood but for decades did not inform service members , their families or neighboring communities .
In 2001 , the Environmental Protection Agency warned DOD about risks from AFFF and urged the department to seek alternatives .
DOD failed nonetheless to inform service members , their families or neighboring communities .
Early formulations of AFFF were made with PFOS and chemicals that broke down into PFOA .
PFOS-based foams were widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production , in 2001 .
Both PFOA and PFOS are “ long-chain ” chemicals that contain eight carbon atoms .
Of the chemicals listed above , PFHxS , PFDA and PFNA are other long-chain PFAS chemicals that were also likely used in AFFF at one time .
PFHpA is a breakdown product of long-chain PFAS .
Although long-chain PFAS are no longer used in AFFF , the pollution remains .
In recent years , AFFF manufacturers have largely reformulated to limit or eliminate long-chain PFAS in favor of “ short-chain ” PFAS with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and PFHxA , listed above , are both short-chain chemicals .
Despite chemical companies ’ claims that short-chain PFAS chemicals are safer , they share many of the same toxicity concerns as long-chain PFAS .
The exact formulas of both the legacy foams and the newer short-chain foams are protected as confidential business information .
However , all foams probably contain complex mixtures of different PFAS compounds , including mixtures of those we list above , chemicals that break down into those PFAS , PFAS impurities , and other PFAS that DOD hasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified 40 different groups of PFAS chemicals in AFFF formulations and contaminated groundwater .
Therefore , it is likely that all military sites where AFFF was used have dozens of different PFAS compounds , if not more .
All eight of the PFAS commonly found on military sites are hazardous to health .
In 2018 , the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry , or ATSDR , created a comprehensive Toxicological Profile on 14 PFAS , including all eight compounds typically found at military sites .
Multiple PFAS have been associated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reproductive toxicity , increases in cholesterol and lipid levels , changes to hormone levels and increased cancer risk .
The toxic effects of PFOA and PFOS are well documented .
One of the largest epidemiological studies in history found probable links between PFOA and six diseases : kidney and testicular cancer , ulcerative colitis , preeclampsia , thyroid disease and high cholesterol .
Other significant health effects associated with PFOA and PFOS exposure include reproductive and developmental harms and reduced effectiveness of vaccines .
An EWG analysis published in March found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and affect biological functions linked to an increased risk of cancer .
Here are details of what is known about the health hazards of the other six PFAS commonly found on military bases .
• PFBS is a PFAS chemical developed as a replacement for PFOS .
The draft EPA toxicological profile for PFBS found evidence of health effects similar to those of PFOS , including thyroid , kidney and developmental effects , asthma and other pulmonary disorders , elevated serum cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins levels .
Other studies also show evidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFAS formerly used in stain-resistant fabrics , firefighting foam and food packaging .
Epidemiological studies suggest that PFHxS causes liver damage , decreases antibody response to vaccines , increases the risk of osteoporosis , and disrupts hormone function .
Animal studies show that PFHxS is associated with changes to thyroid hormone levels and reduced immune response .
Studies also associate PFHxS with reproductive harms and potential neurotoxicity .
• PFHpA is a seven-carbon PFAS chemical that is a breakdown product of longer compounds .
The ATSDR has identified the liver as a sensitive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other PFAS .
• PFHxA is a short-chain compound that breaks down from other PFAS chemicals .
One type of PFAS chemical used in food packaging that breaks down into PFHxA is 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol , or 6:2 FTOH .
A recent study by the Food and Drug Administration found that health risks from 6:2 FTOH and breakdown products like PFHxA have been significantly underestimated .
Another FDA study found that many of the toxicological effects of PFHxA are “ broadly similar to those noted with PFOA : decreased bodyweights , hepatocellular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anemia , ” albeit at higher doses .
Recent toxicity tests from the National Toxicology Program also indicated PFHxA can alter thyroid hormone levels .
• PFDA is a long-chain , 10-carbon PFAS chemical associated with increases in serum lipids , including total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein , decreased antibody response to vaccines , and decreases in body weight and growth .
PFDA has also been associated with increased risk of preterm birth .
• PFNA is a long-chain PFAS chemical used historically as a processing aid in the production of other kinds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFNA is associated with increases in serum lipids , immune effects , and developmental and thyroid effects .
In response to those health concerns , several states have taken steps either to propose or set drinking water limits for all eight PFAS commonly found at DOD sites .
The chart below summarizes these limits .
* These compounds are included in the state ’ s limit for all PFAS combined .
The EPA has taken the first step in a long process to set national drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more to complete .
It ’ s also unclear how protective a limit the EPA will eventually set .
DOD should not wait for the EPA to act before cleaning up these eight PFAS at military sites .
The presence of these eight PFAS chemicals is also well documented in drinking water and in people .
More data on where these PFAS chemicals are released into the environment will be available next year .
Six of the eight PFAS – PFOS , PFOA , PFNA , PFHxS , PFHpA and PFBS – were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 under the EPA ’ s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule , or UCMR .
Every five years the EPA requires water utilities to test for no more than 30 chemicals that are not currently subject to national drinking water standards .
Based on both published and unpublished UCMR data , EWG estimates that 110 million Americans are exposed to PFAS through their drinking water .
Since 1999 , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has measured several types of PFAS in the U.S. population as part of the National Health and Nutrition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the eight compounds discussed in this report – PFOA , PFOS , PFBS , PFHpA , PFHxS , PFDA and PFNA – have been included in NHANES surveys .
Five of the eight – PFOA , PFOS , PFHxS , PFDA and PFNA – discussed in this report will also be included in reporting requirements under the Toxic Release Inventory , as required by the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020 .
This analysis shows that in addition to PFOA and PFOS , a toxic cocktail of various PFAS contaminates water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFOS , other PFAS also pose a risk to human health .
DOD should work to remedy contamination from all of these PFAS at its installations .
Congress should also designate them as “ hazardous substances ” for military cleanup under the Superfund law .
This will ensure that these sites receive more comprehensive cleanup .
These eight PFAS pose similar health risks but have slightly different chemical structures that may influence remediation decisions .
For example , a granular activated carbon filter can remove both short-chain and long-chain PFAS chemicals from drinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be changed more frequently to remain effective for short-chain PFAS chemicals – and the PFAS that are removed must undergo proper disposal .
Designing cleanup plans to address different kinds of PFAS will help ensure that remedial actions address health risks from all PFAS at the site .

The toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS belong to a family with hundreds of different members. They are linked to an array of health risks, including cancer, thyroid disruption, reproductive and developmental harms, reduced effectiveness of vaccines and high cholesterol. But in its efforts to address the widespread PFAS contamination on U.S. military bases, the Pentagon has largely focused on the most notorious of these so-called forever chemicals.
The Department of Defense, or DOD, says there are as many as 678 military sites where PFAS contaminate groundwater or drinking water. Through Freedom of Information Act requests, EWG has so far confirmed and mapped PFAS in the tap water or groundwater at 328 of these military installations, each of which often has several kinds of PFAS.
However, the Pentagon is largely focusing on just two kinds of PFAS, saying its “first priority is to address drinking water [contaminated with] PFOS and PFOA from DOD activities.” Both of those chemicals have been largely phased out in the U.S., although they linger in water, soil or dump sites in more than 1,500 places. They are the most studied PFAS compounds.
But data analyzed by Environmental Working Group, obtained from public databases or through FOIA requests, shows that at least eight different PFAS compounds have been detected in groundwater or drinking water or both at military bases, often in high concentrations, as shown in the table below.
PFAS Chemicals Commonly Detected at U.S. Military Bases
PFAS Chemical Military Sites With Confirmed Detections PFOA 274 PFOS 276 PFBS 259 PFHxS 216 PFHpA 214 PFHxA 150 PFDA 130 PFNA 206
Source: EWG, from Department of Defense testing results obtained through public records requests.
These numbers likely represent a significant undercount. The type of PFAS found at a particular site depends on which ones are tested for, what kind of test is used and reporting thresholds. Not all sites have been tested for all of the above PFAS. There are also likely other kinds of PFAS that have not been tested for at all.
Contamination From Various PFAS in Military Firefighting Foams
Most of the PFAS contaminating military sites probably came from firefighting foam, known as aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF, which is formulated with mixtures of PFAS chemicals. DOD worked with 3M to develop PFAS-based AFFF in the 1960s and has long known about the risks posed by the PFAS chemicals in the foam.
By the 1970s, DOD knew that PFAS harmed the health of lab animals and were building up in human blood but for decades did not inform service members, their families or neighboring communities. In 2001, the Environmental Protection Agency warned DOD about risks from AFFF and urged the department to seek alternatives. DOD failed nonetheless to inform service members, their families or neighboring communities.
Early formulations of AFFF were made with PFOS and chemicals that broke down into PFOA. PFOS-based foams were widely used for decades, until 3M ceased production, in 2001. Both PFOA and PFOS are “long-chain” chemicals that contain eight carbon atoms. Of the chemicals listed above, PFHxS, PFDA and PFNA are other long-chain PFAS chemicals that were also likely used in AFFF at one time. PFHpA is a breakdown product of long-chain PFAS. Although long-chain PFAS are no longer used in AFFF, the pollution remains.
In recent years, AFFF manufacturers have largely reformulated to limit or eliminate long-chain PFAS in favor of “short-chain” PFAS with six or fewer carbon atoms. PFBS and PFHxA, listed above, are both short-chain chemicals. Despite chemical companies’ claims that short-chain PFAS chemicals are safer, they share many of the same toxicity concerns as long-chain PFAS.
The exact formulas of both the legacy foams and the newer short-chain foams are protected as confidential business information. However, all foams probably contain complex mixtures of different PFAS compounds, including mixtures of those we list above, chemicals that break down into those PFAS, PFAS impurities, and other PFAS that DOD hasn’t tested for.
Researchers have identified 40 different groups of PFAS chemicals in AFFF formulations and contaminated groundwater. Therefore, it is likely that all military sites where AFFF was used have dozens of different PFAS compounds, if not more.
Health Effects
All eight of the PFAS commonly found on military sites are hazardous to health. In 2018, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, or ATSDR, created a comprehensive Toxicological Profile on 14 PFAS, including all eight compounds typically found at military sites. Multiple PFAS have been associated with health harms, including immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, increases in cholesterol and lipid levels, changes to hormone levels and increased cancer risk.
The toxic effects of PFOA and PFOS are well documented. One of the largest epidemiological studies in history found probable links between PFOA and six diseases: kidney and testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, preeclampsia, thyroid disease and high cholesterol. Other significant health effects associated with PFOA and PFOS exposure include reproductive and developmental harms and reduced effectiveness of vaccines. An EWG analysis published in March found that PFAS act similar to known cancer-causing chemicals and affect biological functions linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Here are details of what is known about the health hazards of the other six PFAS commonly found on military bases.
PFBS is a PFAS chemical developed as a replacement for PFOS. The draft EPA toxicological profile for PFBS found evidence of health effects similar to those of PFOS, including thyroid, kidney and developmental effects, asthma and other pulmonary disorders, elevated serum cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins levels. Other studies also show evidence of immunosuppression.
PFHxS is another long-chain PFAS formerly used in stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foam and food packaging. Epidemiological studies suggest that PFHxS causes liver damage, decreases antibody response to vaccines, increases the risk of osteoporosis, and disrupts hormone function. Animal studies show that PFHxS is associated with changes to thyroid hormone levels and reduced immune response. Studies also associate PFHxS with reproductive harms and potential neurotoxicity.
PFHpA is a seven-carbon PFAS chemical that is a breakdown product of longer compounds. The ATSDR has identified the liver as a sensitive target of PFHpA, as is common with other PFAS.
PFHxA is a short-chain compound that breaks down from other PFAS chemicals. One type of PFAS chemical used in food packaging that breaks down into PFHxA is 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol, or 6:2 FTOH. A recent study by the Food and Drug Administration found that health risks from 6:2 FTOH and breakdown products like PFHxA have been significantly underestimated.
Another FDA study found that many of the toxicological effects of PFHxA are “broadly similar to those noted with PFOA: decreased bodyweights, hepatocellular hypertrophy, and peroxisomal proliferation, and anemia,” albeit at higher doses. Recent toxicity tests from the National Toxicology Program also indicated PFHxA can alter thyroid hormone levels.
PFDA is a long-chain, 10-carbon PFAS chemical associated with increases in serum lipids, including total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, decreased antibody response to vaccines, and decreases in body weight and growth. PFDA has also been associated with increased risk of preterm birth.
PFNA is a long-chain PFAS chemical used historically as a processing aid in the production of other kinds of PFAS chemicals, called fluoropolymers. PFNA is associated with increases in serum lipids, immune effects, and developmental and thyroid effects.
State Limits
In response to those health concerns, several states have taken steps either to propose or set drinking water limits for all eight PFAS commonly found at DOD sites. The chart below summarizes these limits.
State Maximum Contaminant Limits for Selected PFAS (Parts Per Trillion)
State Status Combined PFAS PFOA PFOS PFBS PFHxS PFHpA PFHxA PFDA PFNA Vt. Effective 20 * * * * * N.H.[1] 12 15 18 11 N.J. 13 N.J. Proposed 14 13 N.Y. 10 10 Mich. 8 16 420 51 400,000 6 Mass. 20 * * * * * *
* These compounds are included in the state’s limit for all PFAS combined.
[1] However, the New Hampshire Superior Court enjoined the enforcement of these MCLs in December 2019, so no enforceable PFAS MCLs exist in the state.
Source: American Water Works Association
The EPA has taken the first step in a long process to set national drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS, but it could take a decade or more to complete. It’s also unclear how protective a limit the EPA will eventually set. DOD should not wait for the EPA to act before cleaning up these eight PFAS at military sites.
Other Sources of Monitoring Data
The presence of these eight PFAS chemicals is also well documented in drinking water and in people. More data on where these PFAS chemicals are released into the environment will be available next year.
Six of the eight PFAS – PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpA and PFBS – were included in tests conducted from 2013 to 2015 under the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, or UCMR. Every five years the EPA requires water utilities to test for no more than 30 chemicals that are not currently subject to national drinking water standards. Based on both published and unpublished UCMR data, EWG estimates that 110 million Americans are exposed to PFAS through their drinking water.
Since 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has measured several types of PFAS in the U.S. population as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES. Seven of the eight compounds discussed in this report – PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFDA and PFNA – have been included in NHANES surveys.
Five of the eight – PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFDA and PFNA – discussed in this report will also be included in reporting requirements under the Toxic Release Inventory, as required by the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020.
Conclusion
This analysis shows that in addition to PFOA and PFOS, a toxic cocktail of various PFAS contaminates water at military installations. Like PFOA and PFOS, other PFAS also pose a risk to human health.
DOD should work to remedy contamination from all of these PFAS at its installations. Congress should also designate them as “hazardous substances” for military cleanup under the Superfund law. This will ensure that these sites receive more comprehensive cleanup. These eight PFAS pose similar health risks but have slightly different chemical structures that may influence remediation decisions.
For example, a granular activated carbon filter can remove both short-chain and long-chain PFAS chemicals from drinking water. However, carbon filters must be changed more frequently to remain effective for short-chain PFAS chemicals – and the PFAS that are removed must undergo proper disposal. Designing cleanup plans to address different kinds of PFAS will help ensure that remedial actions address health risks from all PFAS at the site.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-26--Oregon Is a Renewables Leader But Needs Congress’ Help in Wake of Pandemic

Oregon Is a Renewables Leader But Needs Congress ’ Help in Wake of Pandemic Oregon is a national leader in wind and solar development , with strong state policy backing .
Oregon ’ s renewable portfolio standard requires that electric utilities get at least half of their power from renewable energy by 2040 .
Oregon is the 10th-ranked state for installed wind capacity , according to the American Wind Energy Association , or AWEA , and 19th for installed solar capacity , according to the Solar Energy Industries Association , or SEIA .
But as in other states , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pace of wind and solar buildouts and threatening jobs in those sectors .
According to the state ’ s Energy Facility Siting Council , three wind projects – amounting to about 1,000 megawatts of wind development , or 30 percent of the state ’ s current installed capacity – have asked for extensions of their completion dates .
So has a 75-megawatt solar project , about 10 percent of current installed capacity .
SEIA says earlier forecasts for new solar projects could drop by a third through June .
Nationally , AWEA believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SEIA projects that by the end of June there will be nearly 40 percent fewer U.S solar jobs than forecast , essentially wiping out solar job growth since 2014 .
In Oregon , SEIA expects solar jobs to drop by more than 30 percent .
The environmental entrepreneurs coalition E2 says that before the pandemic , Oregon had more than 56,000 jobs related to energy efficiency , renewable energy , energy storage and electric vehicles .
Now BW Research Partnership says those jobs declined by 12 percent as of the beginning of May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we 're going to get back to a world where it 's easy to , for instance , put solar on your rooftop .
And those big wind turbines have on the order of 8,000 parts , with a supply chain network that comes from a lot of different places , ” Gregory Whetstone , CEO of the American Council on Renewable Energy , told the Pew Charitable Trusts .
To eliminate some of that uncertainty , the solar and wind industries are urging Congress to extend the federal tax credits for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to soften the financial blow to the renewable energy sector .
Sen. Ron Wyden ( D-Oregon ) was among members of Congress who requested an extension of “ safe harbor ” provisions for renewable projects , which would ensure that solar and wind projects currently under construction can qualify for federal renewable tax credits .
Earlier this month , the Treasury Department signaled it “ plans to modify the relevant rules in the near future.
” Abigail Ross Hopper , president and CEO of SEIA , told Solar Industry Magazine , “ With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opportunity to save solar jobs , rebuild our economy and advance clean energy even as policy makers address this very real health crisis.
” Another way Congress could help Oregon would be to help fund offshore wind pilot projects .
According to a recent analysis by the National Renewable Energy Lab , Oregon ’ s technical potential for offshore wind is more than four times the power the state generates now .
Congress should step up to stabilize the renewable energy sector by adopting the measures proposed by the wind and solar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued success by jumpstarting the offshore wind industry in Oregon and other West Coast states .
Our economy is suffering now , and it will recover much faster if Congress makes a long-term commitment to renewable energy and the transition to clean energy .

Oregon is a national leader in wind and solar development, with strong state policy backing. Oregon’s renewable portfolio standard requires that electric utilities get at least half of their power from renewable energy by 2040. Oregon is the 10th-ranked state for installed wind capacity, according to the American Wind Energy Association, or AWEA, and 19th for installed solar capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, or SEIA.
But as in other states, in Oregon the coronavirus pandemic is disrupting the pace of wind and solar buildouts and threatening jobs in those sectors.
According to the state’s Energy Facility Siting Council, three wind projects – amounting to about 1,000 megawatts of wind development, or 30 percent of the state’s current installed capacity – have asked for extensions of their completion dates. So has a 75-megawatt solar project, about 10 percent of current installed capacity. SEIA says earlier forecasts for new solar projects could drop by a third through June.
Nationally, AWEA believes the pandemic threatens 35,000 wind jobs. SEIA projects that by the end of June there will be nearly 40 percent fewer U.S solar jobs than forecast, essentially wiping out solar job growth since 2014.
In Oregon, SEIA expects solar jobs to drop by more than 30 percent. The environmental entrepreneurs coalition E2 says that before the pandemic, Oregon had more than 56,000 jobs related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy storage and electric vehicles. Now BW Research Partnership says those jobs declined by 12 percent as of the beginning of May.
“It's not clear yet how we're going to get back to a world where it's easy to, for instance, put solar on your rooftop. And those big wind turbines have on the order of 8,000 parts, with a supply chain network that comes from a lot of different places,” Gregory Whetstone, CEO of the American Council on Renewable Energy, told the Pew Charitable Trusts.
To eliminate some of that uncertainty, the solar and wind industries are urging Congress to extend the federal tax credits for wind and solar and for direct payments to soften the financial blow to the renewable energy sector. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) was among members of Congress who requested an extension of “safe harbor” provisions for renewable projects, which would ensure that solar and wind projects currently under construction can qualify for federal renewable tax credits. Earlier this month, the Treasury Department signaled it “plans to modify the relevant rules in the near future.”
Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA, told Solar Industry Magazine, “With a few simple changes, Congress has an opportunity to save solar jobs, rebuild our economy and advance clean energy even as policy makers address this very real health crisis.”
Another way Congress could help Oregon would be to help fund offshore wind pilot projects. According to a recent analysis by the National Renewable Energy Lab, Oregon’s technical potential for offshore wind is more than four times the power the state generates now.
Congress should step up to stabilize the renewable energy sector by adopting the measures proposed by the wind and solar industries, as well as ensure its continued success by jumpstarting the offshore wind industry in Oregon and other West Coast states. Our economy is suffering now, and it will recover much faster if Congress makes a long-term commitment to renewable energy and the transition to clean energy.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-28--EWG Investigation: Manure Overload Threatens Water in Minnesota’s Farm Country

MINNEAPOLIS – Manure from Minnesota ’ s 23,000 animal feedlots threatens to overload nearby cropland with chemicals that can pollute lakes , streams and aquifers , including drinking water sources , a new Environmental Working Group investigation found .
Using innovative geospatial techniques , EWG mapped where the 49 million tons of manure produced each year by the state ’ s cattle , hogs , turkeys and chickens are likely applied to cropland as fertilizer – which is frequently on the same acreage where commercial fertilizer is also used .
“ For the first time , we can clearly see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land in Minnesota ’ s farm country with animal manure and fertilizer – and where the problem is the worst , ” said Sarah Porter , senior GIS analyst with EWG and co-author of the report .
“ This new tool illuminates why water quality across the state is declining at an alarming rate.
” When nitrogen and phosphorus , found in both manure and fertilizer , are applied in excess of what plants can take in , the chemicals can run off cropland , polluting surface waters and groundwater aquifers .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies .
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency , or MPCA , estimates that 56 percent of all of the state ’ s surface bodies of water do not meet basic water quality standards , and that so-called non-point source pollution , like runoff from cropland and animal operations , is responsible for about 85 percent of water pollution .
But water pollution does not stop above ground : Many of Minnesota ’ s animal operations are located in the central and southeast parts of the state , which also have the worst nitrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large feedlots account for less than one-fourth of the total animal feeding operations in Minnesota , they produce almost three-fourths of the state ’ s manure .
( The number of animals that defines a medium or large operation varies by type of animal . )
Manure can be an effective fertilizer for crops but is expensive to transport , so it is usually applied to fields close to the feedlot where it is generated – leading to a glut in areas with higher concentrations of medium and large feedlots .
“ Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the only fertilizer used , some areas are fully saturated .
This leaves little room to adapt to natural variations in weather , crop needs or the chemical content of different types of manure , ” Porter said .
“ But we are still seeing high levels of commercial fertilizer sales in these same areas , so many acres may be getting as much as a double dose of nitrates and phosphorus , which simply can ’ t be absorbed.
” Minnesota now has three times as many large feedlots as in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities .
About three-quarters of all the state ’ s large feedlots house swine .
EWG ’ s new investigation found that in 69 of Minnesota ’ s 72 agricultural counties , nitrogen from manure combined with nitrogen in fertilizer exceeded the recommendations of the MPCA and the University of Minnesota .
Perhaps unsurprisingly , Minnesota ’ s tap water supplies are showing the effects of these overapplications of nitrogen .
In January , EWG released a study revealing that an estimated 500,000 Minnesotans drink tap water contaminated with elevated levels of nitrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nitrate in drinking water is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer , birth defects and other serious health problems .
In February , another EWG report showed that the problem has worsened in more than 60 percent of the Minnesota tap water systems with the highest levels of nitrate contamination – many of them in the same areas that have high concentrations of feedlots .
EWG ’ s new simulation also found that on 57 percent of the fields likely to receive manure , phosphorus was applied in excess of crop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver of toxic algae outbreaks in lakes , rivers and other waterways , which can sicken both people and animals .
EWG maintains a map illustrating that such outbreaks are increasingly common across the state .
The coronavirus pandemic has raised serious questions about the reliability and safety of the industrial model of meat production .
Working conditions inside meatpacking plants spread the virus among workers and surrounding communities .
Livestock producers are pushed to the brink as prices collapse , and consumers fear meat shortages .
EWG ’ s new analysis reveals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth and concentration of livestock operations is overwhelming the capacity of the land to handle the 49 million tons of manure that goes on surrounding fields every year , threatening drinking water , Minnesota ’ s iconic lakes and streams and the quality of life of residents .
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 .

MINNEAPOLIS – Manure from Minnesota’s 23,000 animal feedlots threatens to overload nearby cropland with chemicals that can pollute lakes, streams and aquifers, including drinking water sources, a new Environmental Working Group investigation found.
Using innovative geospatial techniques, EWG mapped where the 49 million tons of manure produced each year by the state’s cattle, hogs, turkeys and chickens are likely applied to cropland as fertilizer – which is frequently on the same acreage where commercial fertilizer is also used.
“For the first time, we can clearly see the extent to which farmers are overloading land in Minnesota’s farm country with animal manure and fertilizer – and where the problem is the worst,” said Sarah Porter, senior GIS analyst with EWG and co-author of the report. “This new tool illuminates why water quality across the state is declining at an alarming rate.”
When nitrogen and phosphorus, found in both manure and fertilizer, are applied in excess of what plants can take in, the chemicals can run off cropland, polluting surface waters and groundwater aquifers. Most Minnesotans get their tap water from groundwater supplies.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, or MPCA, estimates that 56 percent of all of the state’s surface bodies of water do not meet basic water quality standards, and that so-called non-point source pollution, like runoff from cropland and animal operations, is responsible for about 85 percent of water pollution.
But water pollution does not stop above ground: Many of Minnesota’s animal operations are located in the central and southeast parts of the state, which also have the worst nitrate contamination of groundwater.
Although medium-sized and large feedlots account for less than one-fourth of the total animal feeding operations in Minnesota, they produce almost three-fourths of the state’s manure. (The number of animals that defines a medium or large operation varies by type of animal.) Manure can be an effective fertilizer for crops but is expensive to transport, so it is usually applied to fields close to the feedlot where it is generated – leading to a glut in areas with higher concentrations of medium and large feedlots.
“Our simulation shows that, even if manure is the only fertilizer used, some areas are fully saturated. This leaves little room to adapt to natural variations in weather, crop needs or the chemical content of different types of manure,” Porter said. “But we are still seeing high levels of commercial fertilizer sales in these same areas, so many acres may be getting as much as a double dose of nitrates and phosphorus, which simply can’t be absorbed.”
Minnesota now has three times as many large feedlots as in 1991, primarily due to new swine facilities. About three-quarters of all the state’s large feedlots house swine.
EWG’s new investigation found that in 69 of Minnesota’s 72 agricultural counties, nitrogen from manure combined with nitrogen in fertilizer exceeded the recommendations of the MPCA and the University of Minnesota.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Minnesota’s tap water supplies are showing the effects of these overapplications of nitrogen.
In January, EWG released a study revealing that an estimated 500,000 Minnesotans drink tap water contaminated with elevated levels of nitrate, a breakdown product of nitrogen. Nitrate in drinking water is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, birth defects and other serious health problems.
In February, another EWG report showed that the problem has worsened in more than 60 percent of the Minnesota tap water systems with the highest levels of nitrate contamination – many of them in the same areas that have high concentrations of feedlots.
EWG’s new simulation also found that on 57 percent of the fields likely to receive manure, phosphorus was applied in excess of crop needs. Phosphorus pollution is the primary driver of toxic algae outbreaks in lakes, rivers and other waterways, which can sicken both people and animals. EWG maintains a map illustrating that such outbreaks are increasingly common across the state.
The coronavirus pandemic has raised serious questions about the reliability and safety of the industrial model of meat production. Working conditions inside meatpacking plants spread the virus among workers and surrounding communities. Livestock producers are pushed to the brink as prices collapse, and consumers fear meat shortages.
EWG’s new analysis reveals yet another troubling vulnerability: The relentless growth and concentration of livestock operations is overwhelming the capacity of the land to handle the 49 million tons of manure that goes on surrounding fields every year, threatening drinking water, Minnesota’s iconic lakes and streams and the quality of life of residents.
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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--2020-05-29--EWG News Roundup (5/29): Manure Overload in Minnesota, Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ on Military Bases a

EWG News Roundup (5/29): Manure Overload in Minnesota, Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ on Military Bases and More

This week , EWG released a report that shows how manure from 23,000 Minnesota animal feedlots threatens to overload nearby cropland with chemicals that can pollute lakes , streams and aquifers , including drinking water sources .
EWG also mapped where 49 million tons of manure is applied to the state ’ s cropland as fertilizer .
“ For the first time , we can clearly see the extent to which farmers are overloading land in Minnesota ’ s farm country with animal manure and fertilizer – and where the problem is the worst , ” said Sarah Porter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the report .
“ This new tool illuminates why water quality across the state is declining at an alarming rate.
” For the first time in 135 years , the U.S. consumed more energy from renewable sources than coal , according to new data from the federal Energy Information Agency .
“ It ’ s basic economics , ” said EWG President Ken Cook .
“ Renewable energy is cheaper , cleaner and abundant .
There is simply no way for coal to compete .
And there is no Wall Street analyst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by investing in an industry in freefall.
” EWG also looked at the toxic fluorinated compounds , known as PFAS , which contaminate military bases across the nation .
Right now , the Department of Defense claims there are roughly 678 contaminated military sites – but the military is focusing on the two most ubiquitous PFAS chemicals , PFOA and PFAS .
New Freedom of Information Act data analyzed by EWG shows that at least eight different PFAS compounds have been detected in groundwater or drinking water or both at military bases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ use going into the weekend .
Dr. Greene : Chemicals and Pregnant Women : Taking Care of Your Unborn Baby This study reminds me of the study I helped design and launch with the Environmental Working Group in 2005 , where we found an average of 200 industrial chemicals already in babies at the moment of birth .
Environmental chemicals weren ’ t just polluting air , soil , and water “ out there ” somewhere ; they were polluting the innermost sanctum of the womb .
The Guardian : Animal feedlots are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota , says report In “ almost all of Minnesota ’ s farm counties ” the combined use of manure plus commercial fertiliser , is “ likely to load too much nitrogen or phosphorus or both on to crop fields , threatening drinking water and fouling the state ’ s iconic lakes and rivers ” , found the report by the US NGO , the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) report links nitrogen overload to the proliferation and concentration of large-scale livestock farms in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meat industry is trying to get back to normal .
But workers are still getting sick — and shortages may get worse .
In Iowa , Nebraska and South Dakota , coronavirus cases linked to meat workers represent 18 , 20 and 29 percent of the states ’ total cases , respectively , according to the Environmental Working Group , a nonprofit advocacy organization .
Reprinted by MSN , SF Gate , Houston Chronicle , and 14 others Analysis by the Environmental Working Group released in mid-May found that counties with or near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of known COVID-19 infections , compared to the national average .
Reprinted by USA News Posts The Hill : 11,000 coronavirus cases tied to three meat processors : report Twenty-nine percent of South Dakota ’ s total cases are linked to processing plant workers , as are 20 percent of Nebraska ’ s cases and 18 percent of Iowa ’ s cases , according to the Environmental Working Group .
Reprinted by LipstickAlley New York Magazine - Grub Street : Horrifying Problems Continue to Plague the Meat Industry According to the Environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report coronavirus infection rates twice the national average .
Agri-Pulse : Next meatpacking guidance may address testing of workers Citing the Environmental Working Group , she said in Iowa , Nebraska and South Dakota , `` coronavirus cases linked to meat workers represent 18 , 20 and 29 percent of the states ’ total cases , respectively.
” North Carolina “ leads the nation with the number of meatpacking plants facing an outbreak — with the state Department of Health and Human Services reporting that at least 23 plants have outbreaks with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Daily Mail ( U.K ) : Cases of meat plant workers with coronavirus soars from 3,700 to more than 15,000 in a month - as experts warn meat supply could drop by a THIRD and prices could spike by 20 % In Iowa , Nebraska and South Dakota , coronavirus cases linked to meat plants account for 18 , 20 and 29 percent of the states ' total cases , respectively , according to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , a nonprofit advocacy organization .
Reprinted by What ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a study from the Environmental Working Group has found that Nebraska and Iowa have the highest number of meat-industry related COVID-19 cases in the country .
The Fence Post : House members urge Pelosi , McCarthy to use CCC to help farmworkers Farmworker Justice President Bruce Goldstein and Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook in a joint news release both praised Panetta for his leadership and said they supported the legislation .
This week , the Environmental Working Group criticized the farm bailout , noting `` most of the money wo n't go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest and wealthiest farms , which need the money the least . ''
Township Journal ( N.J. ) : As our lakes reopen , NJ must do more to protect them A report from the Environmental Working Group last year showed levels of cyanotoxins in lakes , rivers , and other water bodies across the country at levels higher than EPA health guidelines .
Global Cosmetics News : Tests Find Asbestos in Make-Up Palettes Sold via Amazon and Ebay The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) in Washington , D.C. , commissioned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the safety of children ’ s products and released the results to the public .
Pharma Intellegence : J & J ’ s Baby Powder Announcement Renews NGO Calls For Industry , FDA To End Use Of Talc In Cosmetics The Environmental Working Group and US PIRG suggest that beauty and personal-care firms should avoid using talc in loose powders , if not all cosmetic products , and that the US FDA should consider banning the ingredient due to the potential for asbestos contamination , among other concerns .
As for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Working Group details how you can make your own removers using such ingredients as lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide .
Lexington Herald-Leader ( Ky. ) : As we use disinfectants to stop coronavirus transmission , we also have to weigh the risks Finally , Environmental Working Group has a very useful database of over 2,500 cleaning products , their ingredients , and health/environmental concerns .
The Healthy : 12 Things You Need to Clean After Returning From the Outside World '' When reaching for an antimicrobial cleaning product , it 's important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — typically a 99.9 percent reduction in particular pathogens—will only be achieved when used according to the label instructions , '' warns Samara Geller , senior research and database analyst for the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
`` Too often , one or more key disinfection factors are overlooked by the user . ''
Mind Body Green : Crystal Deodorant : What 's The Deal With This Antiperspirant Alternative ?
This is not a widely studied ingredient ( even though most groups , including the Environmental Working Group , deem it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know how effective they are outside of anecdotal evidence .
Medium : Everyday products are full of harmful chemicals .
Can green chemistry lead the way to safer alternatives ?
Nneka Leiba , vice president for healthy living science at Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , says she ’ s seen “ monumental changes in the last five years ” in the personal care sector .
“ Companies have avoided some ingredients , some of the worst ones , like paraben , phthalates and formaldehyde , ” she says , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingredients of concern.
” The Zoe Report : The Best Cream Bronzers To Try This Summer If Powder Formulas Just Aren ’ t Your Thing “ Clean , ” non-toxic makeup has made major strides over the past couple of years , but sometimes , it still falls a little short .
That ’ s not the case with this W3LL People bronzing stick , which is free of parabens , phthalates , fragrance , and verified by the Environmental Working Group for non-toxic health and safety .
Pulse : Is DEET Actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Know .
R 3535 : The Environmental Working Group suggests that this provides good protection against ticks .
While it does protect against mosquitos , the EWG suggests it may offer a bit less protection from these than other repellents do .
Reprinted by Men ’ s Health Business Insider : The best canned , jarred , and preserved seafood to eat and cook beyond just tuna Your best bet is to compare and contrast the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch 's full list of recommended species ( the MSC can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looser regulations around fishing methods ) and the EWG 's database of scores for canned fish .
Good Housekeeping : Everything You Need to Know About the Pescatarian Diet Better for the environment : According to the Environmental Working Group , the carbon footprint of tuna and salmon is significantly lower than cheese or meat .
Detroit Free Press ( Mich. ) : Restrictions expanded near former Wurtsmith air base after PFAS found in most wildlife A report last month by the Washington-based nonprofit Environmental Working Group , using Department of Defense data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known or suspected PFAS contamination in the ground or water .
Reprinted by Stars and Stripes Florida Today : Father urges Congress to fund filters to remove Air Force Base cancer-causing fire-foam chemicals from drinking water '' In this case , industry has known at least since the '60s that these substances were toxic , '' said Scott Faber , Environmental Working Group 's senior vice president for government affairs .
Reprinted by MSN “ The science on perchlorate is very clear : It harms infants and the developing fetus , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children ’ s environmental health at the Environmental Working Group , according to The Hill .
“ Instead of taking action to lower the levels of this rocket fuel chemical in drinking water , the administration ’ s plan will endanger the health of future generations of kids.
” Healthy Directions : 5 Causes of Chronic Inflammation and How to Prevent Them Preventing environmental exposures : Buy organic ( especially foods in the EWG ’ s “ Dirty Dozen ” ) Every year the Environmental Working Group analyzes data from the U.S. Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foods that test positive for the most and the least amounts of pesticides—known as the “ Dirty Dozen ” and “ Clean 15.
” KAKE ( Wichita , Kan. ) : What grocery shopping was like the year you were born The Environmental Working Group released its first “ Dirty Dozen ” and “ Clean Fifteen ” lists in 2004 to help concerned consumers avoid pesticides in their foods , according to Rachel Koning Beals of MarketWatch .
Today : Is your sunscreen toxic or a hormone disruptor ?
Ingredients , studies spark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be confused , said Nneka Leiba , vice president of healthy living science at the Environmental Working Group , a watchdog nonprofit based in Washington .
Reprinted by MSN .
Prevention : 15 Best Moisturizers With SPF for Every Skin Type , According to Dermatologists This silky moisturizer earned a high rating from the Environmental Working Group .
Thanks to its top-notch ingredients ( most of which are organic ) , like aloe vera , cocoa seed extract , and niacinamide , your face will feel calm and hydrated without skimping on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Environmental Working Group recommends consumers avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone because of a lack of safety data .
Reprinted by Medscape .
Marin Mommies : Find the Most Effective Sunscreens with EWG 's 2020 Sunscreen Guide Fortunately , the Environmental Working Group 's 14th annual Sunscreen Guide is available to help sort the good sunscreens from those that wo n't help much or are actually harmful to our health .
Reprinted by Blogarama Mindful Momma : Non-Toxic Sunscreen to Protect the Whole Family Fortunately advocacy groups like the Environmental Working Group ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for safety and created a ratings scale that allows us to make safer choices .
Each year the EWG comes out with a Sunscreen Guide , which is definitely worth a read .
WZOZ 103.1 ( Oneonta , N.Y. ) : Your Guide to the Best and Worst Sunscreens of 2020 The Environmental Working Group ’ s Guide to Sunscreens is a fantastic website that breaks down each type of sunscreen and its individual benefits .
Fox 13 : WTVT Tampa Bay ( Fla. ) : Sunscreen report : SPF above 50 likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocacy organization that just released a review of more than 1,300 products containing SPF .
WAFB 9 ( Baton Rouge , La ) : What ’ s really in a bottle of sunblock anyway ?
“ In particular , we are concerned about ingredients like oxybenzone , which is common in ingredients , ” said Dr. David Andrews , the senior scientist for Environmental Working Group .
WKYC ( Cleveland ) : How to pick the best sunscreen on the market A research group called the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best sunscreens on the market .

This week, EWG released a report that shows how manure from 23,000 Minnesota animal feedlots threatens to overload nearby cropland with chemicals that can pollute lakes, streams and aquifers, including drinking water sources. EWG also mapped where 49 million tons of manure is applied to the state’s cropland as fertilizer.
“For the first time, we can clearly see the extent to which farmers are overloading land in Minnesota’s farm country with animal manure and fertilizer – and where the problem is the worst,” said Sarah Porter, senior GIS analyst with EWG and co-author of the report. “This new tool illuminates why water quality across the state is declining at an alarming rate.”
For the first time in 135 years, the U.S. consumed more energy from renewable sources than coal, according to new data from the federal Energy Information Agency.
“It’s basic economics,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “Renewable energy is cheaper, cleaner and abundant. There is simply no way for coal to compete. And there is no Wall Street analyst who would risk their clients’ portfolio by investing in an industry in freefall.”
EWG also looked at the toxic fluorinated compounds, known as PFAS, which contaminate military bases across the nation. Right now, the Department of Defense claims there are roughly 678 contaminated military sites – but the military is focusing on the two most ubiquitous PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFAS. New Freedom of Information Act data analyzed by EWG shows that at least eight different PFAS compounds have been detected in groundwater or drinking water or both at military bases.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
Dr. Greene: Chemicals and Pregnant Women: Taking Care of Your Unborn Baby
This study reminds me of the study I helped design and launch with the Environmental Working Group in 2005, where we found an average of 200 industrial chemicals already in babies at the moment of birth. Environmental chemicals weren’t just polluting air, soil, and water “out there” somewhere; they were polluting the innermost sanctum of the womb.
Minnesota Manure Overload Report
The Guardian: Animal feedlots are a likely threat to drinking water in Minnesota, says report
In “almost all of Minnesota’s farm counties” the combined use of manure plus commercial fertiliser, is “likely to load too much nitrogen or phosphorus or both on to crop fields, threatening drinking water and fouling the state’s iconic lakes and rivers”, found the report by the US NGO, the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Star Tribune (Minneapolis): Manure, fertilizers overload parts of Minnesota with nitrogen, mapping project finds
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) report links nitrogen overload to the proliferation and concentration of large-scale livestock farms in Minnesota.
Meatpacking Plants and COVID-19 Map
The Washington Post: The meat industry is trying to get back to normal. But workers are still getting sick — and shortages may get worse.
In Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, coronavirus cases linked to meat workers represent 18, 20 and 29 percent of the states’ total cases, respectively, according to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit advocacy organization. Reprinted by MSN, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, and 14 others
Business Insider: A North Carolina hair salon banned Tyson workers as meat processing plants become coronavirus hot spots
Analysis by the Environmental Working Group released in mid-May found that counties with or near meat processing plants have almost twice the rate of known COVID-19 infections, compared to the national average. Reprinted by USA News Posts
The Hill: 11,000 coronavirus cases tied to three meat processors: report
Twenty-nine percent of South Dakota’s total cases are linked to processing plant workers, as are 20 percent of Nebraska’s cases and 18 percent of Iowa’s cases, according to the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by LipstickAlley
New York Magazine - Grub Street: Horrifying Problems Continue to Plague the Meat Industry
According to the Environmental Working Group, counties with meatpacking plants report coronavirus infection rates twice the national average.
Agri-Pulse: Next meatpacking guidance may address testing of workers
Citing the Environmental Working Group, she said in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, "coronavirus cases linked to meat workers represent 18, 20 and 29 percent of the states’ total cases, respectively.” North Carolina “leads the nation with the number of meatpacking plants facing an outbreak — with the state Department of Health and Human Services reporting that at least 23 plants have outbreaks with more than 1,300 worker infections," she said.
Daily Mail (U.K): Cases of meat plant workers with coronavirus soars from 3,700 to more than 15,000 in a month - as experts warn meat supply could drop by a THIRD and prices could spike by 20%
In Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, coronavirus cases linked to meat plants account for 18, 20 and 29 percent of the states' total cases, respectively, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit advocacy organization. Reprinted by What’s New 2 Day
Lincoln Journal Star (Neb.): Local View: Meat-processing workers deserve better
In fact, a study from the Environmental Working Group has found that Nebraska and Iowa have the highest number of meat-industry related COVID-19 cases in the country.
Trump Administration Farm Bailout
The Fence Post: House members urge Pelosi, McCarthy to use CCC to help farmworkers
Farmworker Justice President Bruce Goldstein and Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook in a joint news release both praised Panetta for his leadership and said they supported the legislation.
Reason: Is Record USDA Farm Aid Another Permanent 'Temporary Solution'?
This week, the Environmental Working Group criticized the farm bailout, noting "most of the money won't go to small family farmers but to the largest and wealthiest farms, which need the money the least."
Algae Blooms
Township Journal (N.J.): As our lakes reopen, NJ must do more to protect them
A report from the Environmental Working Group last year showed levels of cyanotoxins in lakes, rivers, and other water bodies across the country at levels higher than EPA health guidelines.
Reprinted by Sparta Independent (N.J.)
Asbestos in Talc-Based Cosmetics
Global Cosmetics News: Tests Find Asbestos in Make-Up Palettes Sold via Amazon and Ebay
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) in Washington, D.C., commissioned the testing as part of a wider assessment on the safety of children’s products and released the results to the public.
Pharma Intellegence: J&J’s Baby Powder Announcement Renews NGO Calls For Industry, FDA To End Use Of Talc In Cosmetics
The Environmental Working Group and US PIRG suggest that beauty and personal-care firms should avoid using talc in loose powders, if not all cosmetic products, and that the US FDA should consider banning the ingredient due to the potential for asbestos contamination, among other concerns.
Cleaning Products
Sacramento Magazine: The Dirt on Laundry
As for those notorious “tough-to-remove” stains, the Environmental Working Group details how you can make your own removers using such ingredients as lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide.
Lexington Herald-Leader (Ky.): As we use disinfectants to stop coronavirus transmission, we also have to weigh the risks
Finally, Environmental Working Group has a very useful database of over 2,500 cleaning products, their ingredients, and health/environmental concerns.
The Healthy: 12 Things You Need to Clean After Returning From the Outside World
"When reaching for an antimicrobial cleaning product, it's important to consider that optimal effectiveness of disinfectants — typically a 99.9 percent reduction in particular pathogens—will only be achieved when used according to the label instructions," warns Samara Geller, senior research and database analyst for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). "Too often, one or more key disinfection factors are overlooked by the user."
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Mind Body Green: Crystal Deodorant: What's The Deal With This Antiperspirant Alternative?
This is not a widely studied ingredient (even though most groups, including the Environmental Working Group, deem it safe), and thus we don't know how effective they are outside of anecdotal evidence.
Medium: Everyday products are full of harmful chemicals. Can green chemistry lead the way to safer alternatives?
Nneka Leiba, vice president for healthy living science at Environmental Working Group (EWG), says she’s seen “monumental changes in the last five years” in the personal care sector. “Companies have avoided some ingredients, some of the worst ones, like paraben, phthalates and formaldehyde,” she says, adding that “they may still have other ingredients of concern.”
The Zoe Report: The Best Cream Bronzers To Try This Summer If Powder Formulas Just Aren’t Your Thing
“Clean,” non-toxic makeup has made major strides over the past couple of years, but sometimes, it still falls a little short. That’s not the case with this W3LL People bronzing stick, which is free of parabens, phthalates, fragrance, and verified by the Environmental Working Group for non-toxic health and safety.
Bug Repellents
Pulse: Is DEET Actually Bad for You? Here's What to Know.
R 3535: The Environmental Working Group suggests that this provides good protection against ticks. While it does protect against mosquitos, the EWG suggests it may offer a bit less protection from these than other repellents do. Reprinted by Men’s Health
Food Scores
Business Insider: The best canned, jarred, and preserved seafood to eat and cook beyond just tuna
Your best bet is to compare and contrast the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch's full list of recommended species (the MSC can be helpful, too, but maintains slightly looser regulations around fishing methods) and the EWG's database of scores for canned fish.
Meat Eaters Guide to Climate Change + Health
Good Housekeeping: Everything You Need to Know About the Pescatarian Diet
Better for the environment: According to the Environmental Working Group, the carbon footprint of tuna and salmon is significantly lower than cheese or meat.
Reprinted by MSN
PFAS Military Map
Detroit Free Press (Mich.): Restrictions expanded near former Wurtsmith air base after PFAS found in most wildlife
A report last month by the Washington-based nonprofit Environmental Working Group, using Department of Defense data, found 678 military facilities nationwide with known or suspected PFAS contamination in the ground or water. Reprinted by Stars and Stripes
PFAS Tap Water Contamination
Florida Today: Father urges Congress to fund filters to remove Air Force Base cancer-causing fire-foam chemicals from drinking water
"In this case, industry has known at least since the '60s that these substances were toxic," said Scott Faber, Environmental Working Group's senior vice president for government affairs. Reprinted by MSN
Water Online: EPA Decides Perchlorate Regulation Isn't Necessary
“The science on perchlorate is very clear: It harms infants and the developing fetus,” said Olga Naidenko, senior science adviser for children’s environmental health at the Environmental Working Group, according to The Hill. “Instead of taking action to lower the levels of this rocket fuel chemical in drinking water, the administration’s plan will endanger the health of future generations of kids.”
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Healthy Directions: 5 Causes of Chronic Inflammation and How to Prevent Them
Preventing environmental exposures: Buy organic (especially foods in the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen”)
Kiwi Magazine: The 2020 “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15”
Every year the Environmental Working Group analyzes data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the FDA to highlight foods that test positive for the most and the least amounts of pesticides—known as the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15.”
KAKE (Wichita, Kan.): What grocery shopping was like the year you were born
The Environmental Working Group released its first “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists in 2004 to help concerned consumers avoid pesticides in their foods, according to Rachel Koning Beals of MarketWatch.
EWG Guide to Sunscreens
Today: Is your sunscreen toxic or a hormone disruptor? Ingredients, studies spark debate
It’s understandable why consumers would be confused, said Nneka Leiba, vice president of healthy living science at the Environmental Working Group, a watchdog nonprofit based in Washington. Reprinted by MSN.
Prevention: 15 Best Moisturizers With SPF for Every Skin Type, According to Dermatologists
This silky moisturizer earned a high rating from the Environmental Working Group. Thanks to its top-notch ingredients (most of which are organic), like aloe vera, cocoa seed extract, and niacinamide, your face will feel calm and hydrated without skimping on broad spectrum protection.
WebMD: Consumer Reports Ranks Top Sunscreens for 2020
A new report from the Environmental Working Group recommends consumers avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone because of a lack of safety data. Reprinted by Medscape.
Marin Mommies: Find the Most Effective Sunscreens with EWG's 2020 Sunscreen Guide
Fortunately, the Environmental Working Group's 14th annual Sunscreen Guide is available to help sort the good sunscreens from those that won't help much or are actually harmful to our health. Reprinted by Blogarama
Mindful Momma: Non-Toxic Sunscreen to Protect the Whole Family
Fortunately advocacy groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have evaluated thousands of sunscreens for safety and created a ratings scale that allows us to make safer choices. Each year the EWG comes out with a Sunscreen Guide, which is definitely worth a read.
WZOZ 103.1 (Oneonta, N.Y.): Your Guide to the Best and Worst Sunscreens of 2020
The Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Sunscreens is a fantastic website that breaks down each type of sunscreen and its individual benefits.
Fox 13: WTVT Tampa Bay (Fla.): Sunscreen report: SPF above 50 likely not providing more protection
EWG is an advocacy organization that just released a review of more than 1,300 products containing SPF.
WAFB 9 (Baton Rouge, La): What’s really in a bottle of sunblock anyway?
“In particular, we are concerned about ingredients like oxybenzone, which is common in ingredients,” said Dr. David Andrews, the senior scientist for Environmental Working Group.
WKYC (Cleveland): How to pick the best sunscreen on the market
A research group called the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has just released its guide to finding the best sunscreens on the market.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-29--Renewables Outpace Coal in U.S. Energy Consumption for First Time Since 1885

Renewables Outpace Coal in U.S. Energy Consumption for First Time Since 1885 WASHINGTON – After a 134-year reign as the leading energy source in the U.S. , King Coal has been toppled from the throne , replaced by wind , solar and other renewables .
In 2019 , the nation consumed more energy from renewable sources than coal for the first time since 1885 , according to new data from the federal Energy Information Agency , or EIA .
The agency said the shift “ mainly reflects the continued decline in the amount of coal used for electricity generation over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in renewable energy , mostly from wind and solar.
” For the fourth consecutive year , renewable consumption set a record , with 11.5 quadrillion British thermal units , or Btu , in 2019 .
Coal consumption dropped for the sixth year in a row , to 11.3 quadrillion Btu .
Another milestone was reached with wind-generated electricity becoming the most-used source of renewable energy , surpassing hydropower for the first time .
“ It ’ s basic economics , ” said EWG President Ken Cook .
“ Renewable energy is cheaper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no way for coal to compete .
And there is no Wall Street analyst who would risk their clients ’ portfolio by investing in an industry in freefall.
” EIA said the last year the country generated more electricity from renewables than coal was before 1885 , when wood burning was the prevailing source of renewable energy .
The coronavirus pandemic has rocked the entire energy sector , including the wind and solar industries , where tens of thousands of jobs have been temporarily lost .
But the continued death spiral of coal-generated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past decade shows the energy future , Cook said .
The number of coal-fired power plants that have closed has risen steadily in recent years .
Since Donald Trump became president , at least 50 coal plants have closed , according to the Sierra Club .
During the 2016 campaign , Trump repeatedly told coal miners he would “ stop the war on coal ” and restore it as the country ’ s dominant energy source .
“ The communities in coal country are worse off today than they were four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d bring back coal , and if they continue clinging to that empty promise , things will only get worse , ” said Cook .
“ Hardworking miners and their families should demand the president and Congress pass stimulus legislation to create good-paying jobs in renewables to replace coal jobs that are gone for good.
” 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 @ @ @

WASHINGTON – After a 134-year reign as the leading energy source in the U.S., King Coal has been toppled from the throne, replaced by wind, solar and other renewables.
In 2019, the nation consumed more energy from renewable sources than coal for the first time since 1885, according to new data from the federal Energy Information Agency, or EIA. The agency said the shift “mainly reflects the continued decline in the amount of coal used for electricity generation over the past decade as well as growth in renewable energy, mostly from wind and solar.”
For the fourth consecutive year, renewable consumption set a record, with 11.5 quadrillion British thermal units, or Btu, in 2019. Coal consumption dropped for the sixth year in a row, to 11.3 quadrillion Btu.
Another milestone was reached with wind-generated electricity becoming the most-used source of renewable energy, surpassing hydropower for the first time.
“It’s basic economics,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “Renewable energy is cheaper, cleaner and abundant. There is simply no way for coal to compete. And there is no Wall Street analyst who would risk their clients’ portfolio by investing in an industry in freefall.”
EIA said the last year the country generated more electricity from renewables than coal was before 1885, when wood burning was the prevailing source of renewable energy.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Agency.
The coronavirus pandemic has rocked the entire energy sector, including the wind and solar industries, where tens of thousands of jobs have been temporarily lost. But the continued death spiral of coal-generated electricity and the rise in renewable sources over the past decade shows the energy future, Cook said.
The number of coal-fired power plants that have closed has risen steadily in recent years. Since Donald Trump became president, at least 50 coal plants have closed, according to the Sierra Club. During the 2016 campaign, Trump repeatedly told coal miners he would “stop the war on coal” and restore it as the country’s dominant energy source.
“The communities in coal country are worse off today than they were four years ago, when Trump promised he’d bring back coal, and if they continue clinging to that empty promise, things will only get worse,” said Cook. “Hardworking miners and their families should demand the president and Congress pass stimulus legislation to create good-paying jobs in renewables to replace coal jobs that are gone for good.”
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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--2020-06-01--EWG Statement on the Murder of George Floyd

The Environmental Working Group stands in solidarity and mourning with the family of George Floyd , to honor his memory and grieve his senseless , hateful , brutal murder at the hands of Minneapolis police officers .
To Mr. Floyd ’ s family and loved ones : Your loss has filled , and broken , the hearts of EWG colleagues who live and work in Minneapolis , and indeed everyone in the EWG family .
We demand , alongside you , the full measure of justice for his death .
Until that justice is rendered , we join you in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denouncing mindless acts of violence and destruction in Minneapolis and elsewhere that you have made clear he would have deplored .
Our grief , our anger and our demand for justice extend to the despicable recent killings of Breona Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery – and to all other Black Americans whose lives have been brutally taken by authorities who criminally violated their oath to protect life , or by racist bigots who targeted their victims simply because of the color of their skin .
EWG stands today with individuals , families and communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who for generations have had to endure a social and economic environment chronically poisoned by racism and racial discrimination .
No invention of humankind has proven more insidiously toxic .
Today EWG renews and redoubles our commitment to support and join leaders in the fight against racial injustice and its many harms , in humility and with the full knowledge that until this scourge is eliminated , we can not hope to fully empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment .

The Environmental Working Group stands in solidarity and mourning with the family of George Floyd, to honor his memory and grieve his senseless, hateful, brutal murder at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.
To Mr. Floyd’s family and loved ones: Your loss has filled, and broken, the hearts of EWG colleagues who live and work in Minneapolis, and indeed everyone in the EWG family. We demand, alongside you, the full measure of justice for his death. Until that justice is rendered, we join you in support of peaceful protest, and in denouncing mindless acts of violence and destruction in Minneapolis and elsewhere that you have made clear he would have deplored.
Our grief, our anger and our demand for justice extend to the despicable recent killings of Breona Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery – and to all other Black Americans whose lives have been brutally taken by authorities who criminally violated their oath to protect life, or by racist bigots who targeted their victims simply because of the color of their skin.
EWG stands today with individuals, families and communities of color, Black Americans in particular, who for generations have had to endure a social and economic environment chronically poisoned by racism and racial discrimination. No invention of humankind has proven more insidiously toxic.
Today EWG renews and redoubles our commitment to support and join leaders in the fight against racial injustice and its many harms, in humility and with the full knowledge that until this scourge is eliminated, we cannot hope to fully empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment.
Kenneth A. Cook
President and Co-Founder


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-06-03--Report: Duke Energy Policies Consistently Harm Low-Income Customers

WASHINGTON – Duke Energy , the nation ’ s largest investor-owned electric utility , claims to make affordability , efficiency and access to renewable energy for its low-income customers a priority .
But an investigation by the Environmental Working Group shows that just the opposite is true .
Duke serves 6.1 million residential customers in its monopoly territories in the Carolinas , Florida , Ohio and Indiana .
EWG ’ s investigation – “ Tone Deaf : The Facts Behind Duke Energy ’ s Low-Income Programs ” – documents how the company repeatedly tries to raise fixed charges , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy efficiency programs in general ; underfunds its own low-income efficiency programs ; underfunds programs meant to help low-income customers pay their bills ; and makes it harder for them to go solar .
“ The COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder for low-income families across the nation to make ends meet while they juggle utility and other bills , ” said Grant Smith , EWG ’ s senior energy policy advisor and co-author of the report .
“ But the pandemic only exposes the underlying energy affordability burden that low-income customers live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly true for Duke Energy customers , and that the company ’ s claim that ‘ affordabiity is really important ’ is mostly lip service.
” “ This report clearly shows that a substantial number of Duke 's customers struggle to pay their electric bills , and when this happens , families end up sacrificing other needs , such as food and health care , '' added Rory McIlmoil , senior energy analyst for Appalachian Voices , in Duke ’ s home state of North Carolina .
`` Rather than spending billions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Duke should instead invest that money in low-income solar and energy efficiency programs that alleviate household energy burdens . ''
Fully 20 percent of Duke ’ s customers live in poverty , compared to the national rate of 12 percent , and that does not take into account the millions of newly unemployed Americans who have lost their jobs in the past several months .
Yet Duke is asking Indiana regulators to force its customers to pay for electricity they have not used as the pandemic has shuttered businesses and kept people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate hikes for its customers in all of its service areas .
These hikes are often couched as increases in the fixed monthly charge – the flat fee for hooking up to the company ’ s system , regardless of how much electricity the customer uses .
Last year , when South Carolina utility commissioners slashed a Duke request to raise the flat monthly fee by more than $ 20 , commissioners said Duke ’ s executives “ were ‘ tone deaf ’ as to how a 238 % increase .
.
.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ elderly , the disabled , the low income and low use customers.
” In seeking to raise flat fees , Duke has repeatedly argued that because they use less energy , solar customers and customers who are more energy efficient are unfairly subsidized by other ratepayers .
But in Duke ’ s most recent bid to raise the fixed monthly charge in North Carolina , utility commissioners cited an opinion from the state attorney general ’ s office that said the proposal “ will shift costs to small users such as low-income and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as they are charged the same unavoidable [ flat rate ] as other residential consumers who live in spacious high-consumption residences.
” [ i ] Each year , the research firm Fisher , Sheehan & Colton estimates the home energy “ affordability gap ” for every county in the nation .
The difference between affordable household energy costs and what people actually pay is defined as the affordability gap .
FSC says that households should not spend more than 6 percent of their income on heating , cooling , lighting and appliances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service areas with earnings up to the federal poverty line paid an average of 17 percent of their income on energy .
Duke does little to close the affordability gap , consistently underfunding its own programs designed to help low-income customers pay their bills .
And much of the low-income support comes not from the company but from ratepayers in the form of mandatory bill charges or voluntary donations .
In Indiana , millions of dollars of Duke ’ s support for low-income programs were to settle regulators ’ and public interest groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edwardsport coal gasification plant boondoggle .
EWG ’ s investigation found other examples of Duke ’ s disregard for low-income customers , including : • In the most recent analysis of U.S. utilities ’ low-income programs by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy , or ACEEE , three of Duke ’ s subsidiaries – in Indiana , Ohio and North Carolina – scored zero points for percent of energy efficiency funding dedicated to low-income programs .
Three other Duke subsidiaries scored either 1 point or half a point .
• Duke claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribute to an account that is drawn down monthly , result in a significant reduction in customer energy usage .
But an ACEEE report found that Duke ’ s proposals for prepay plans in North and South Carolina would result in higher costs .
What ’ s more , Duke ’ s claims that prepay plans result in lower usage are inflated by its preposterous position that disconnections for nonpayment are “ energy efficiency ” measures – as if customers who are shut off are choosing not to pay and not to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cynical for Duke to use disingenuous concern for affordability to disguise its efforts to bolster profits and undermine customer opportunities to reduce their utility bills , particularly at the expense of low-income households , ” said Smith .
“ If Duke wants to be seen as a compassionate corporation at the forefront of America ’ s clean-energy revolution , it must put its money where its mouth is .
”

WASHINGTON – Duke Energy, the nation’s largest investor-owned electric utility, claims to make affordability, efficiency and access to renewable energy for its low-income customers a priority. But an investigation by the Environmental Working Group shows that just the opposite is true.
Duke serves 6.1 million residential customers in its monopoly territories in the Carolinas, Florida, Ohio and Indiana. EWG’s investigation – “Tone Deaf: The Facts Behind Duke Energy’s Low-Income Programs” – documents how the company repeatedly tries to raise fixed charges, which hits low-income customers the most; attacks energy efficiency programs in general; underfunds its own low-income efficiency programs; underfunds programs meant to help low-income customers pay their bills; and makes it harder for them to go solar.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder for low-income families across the nation to make ends meet while they juggle utility and other bills,” said Grant Smith, EWG’s senior energy policy advisor and co-author of the report. “But the pandemic only exposes the underlying energy affordability burden that low-income customers live with monthly. We found this is particularly true for Duke Energy customers, and that the company’s claim that ‘affordabiity is really important’ is mostly lip service.”
“This report clearly shows that a substantial number of Duke's customers struggle to pay their electric bills, and when this happens, families end up sacrificing other needs, such as food and health care," added Rory McIlmoil, senior energy analyst for Appalachian Voices, in Duke’s home state of North Carolina. "Rather than spending billions on new gas plants and unnecessary grid upgrades, Duke should instead invest that money in low-income solar and energy efficiency programs that alleviate household energy burdens."
Fully 20 percent of Duke’s customers live in poverty, compared to the national rate of 12 percent, and that does not take into account the millions of newly unemployed Americans who have lost their jobs in the past several months. Yet Duke is asking Indiana regulators to force its customers to pay for electricity they have not used as the pandemic has shuttered businesses and kept people at home.
Duke has pursued big rate hikes for its customers in all of its service areas. These hikes are often couched as increases in the fixed monthly charge – the flat fee for hooking up to the company’s system, regardless of how much electricity the customer uses. Last year, when South Carolina utility commissioners slashed a Duke request to raise the flat monthly fee by more than $20, commissioners said Duke’s executives “were ‘tone deaf’ as to how a 238% increase . . . would have negatively and adversely impacted the elderly, the disabled, the low income and low use customers.”
In seeking to raise flat fees, Duke has repeatedly argued that because they use less energy, solar customers and customers who are more energy efficient are unfairly subsidized by other ratepayers. But in Duke’s most recent bid to raise the fixed monthly charge in North Carolina, utility commissioners cited an opinion from the state attorney general’s office that said the proposal “will shift costs to small users such as low-income and elderly consumers who live in small apartments, as they are charged the same unavoidable [flat rate] as other residential consumers who live in spacious high-consumption residences.”[i]
Each year, the research firm Fisher, Sheehan & Colton estimates the home energy “affordability gap” for every county in the nation. The difference between affordable household energy costs and what people actually pay is defined as the affordability gap.
FSC says that households should not spend more than 6 percent of their income on heating, cooling, lighting and appliances. Yet households in Duke’s service areas with earnings up to the federal poverty line paid an average of 17 percent of their income on energy.
Duke does little to close the affordability gap, consistently underfunding its own programs designed to help low-income customers pay their bills. And much of the low-income support comes not from the company but from ratepayers in the form of mandatory bill charges or voluntary donations. In Indiana, millions of dollars of Duke’s support for low-income programs were to settle regulators’ and public interest groups’ objections to overcharges for the ongoing Edwardsport coal gasification plant boondoggle.
EWG’s investigation found other examples of Duke’s disregard for low-income customers, including:
In the most recent analysis of U.S. utilities’ low-income programs by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, or ACEEE, three of Duke’s subsidiaries – in Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina – scored zero points for percent of energy efficiency funding dedicated to low-income programs. Three other Duke subsidiaries scored either 1 point or half a point.
Duke claims that prepay plans, which let customers contribute to an account that is drawn down monthly, result in a significant reduction in customer energy usage. But an ACEEE report found that Duke’s proposals for prepay plans in North and South Carolina would result in higher costs. What’s more, Duke’s claims that prepay plans result in lower usage are inflated by its preposterous position that disconnections for nonpayment are “energy efficiency” measures – as if customers who are shut off are choosing not to pay and not to use electricity.
“It is callous and cynical for Duke to use disingenuous concern for affordability to disguise its efforts to bolster profits and undermine customer opportunities to reduce their utility bills, particularly at the expense of low-income households,” said Smith. “If Duke wants to be seen as a compassionate corporation at the forefront of America’s clean-energy revolution, it must put its money where its mouth is.”
Photo credit: Appalachian Voices


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-06-09--COVID-19 Spreading to Food Processing Facilities Across the U.S.

Although not yet as pervasive as outbreaks at meatpacking facilities , COVID-19 is on the rise at America ’ s food processing facilities .
EWG ’ s search of news stories published from March 14 to June 8 found that almost 1,200 food processing workers at 60 plants have been infected by the coronavirus .
The infected workers were employed at the plants of industry giants like Kraft Heinz , Birds Eye , Conagra and the Campbell Soup Company ’ s Pepperidge Farm , as well as those of smaller brands , like Fairmont Foods and Ruiz Foods .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most cases .
Click on the plant name for a news article or other source of information .
For the full list , click here .
Food Processing Plants With the Most Reported COVID-19 Cases Source : EWG , from news stories published between March 14 and June 8 .
In a report today on EWG ’ s findings , Bloomberg said : “ These are the first national numbers of their kind .
The advocacy group compiled its figures using local media reports because there are no federal agencies reporting the data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher.
” At least 1.8 million Americans work in food processing plants – disproportionately people of color earning less than $ 40,000 a year .
Working conditions make many of these employees more susceptible to the coronavirus pandemic .
As more and more workers become sick , our food supply chains could quickly unravel , causing food prices to spike and increasing the number of Americans who struggle with hunger .
Despite the critical role food workers play in our economy , many do not receive protections from the virus .
Some food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment , but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , or OSHA , and the Department of Agriculture have yet to issue emergency standards requiring food companies to meet safety guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
If they do become sick , some food processing workers are ineligible for paid sick leave , increasing the likelihood that they will infect their co-workers .
The Families First Act , passed by Congress in March , requires some food industry employers to provide two weeks of paid sick leave , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although they have been deemed essential workers , food workers do not automatically receive hazard pay to reflect the risks they face .
What would happen if thousands of these workers got sick at the same time ?
Food prices are mostly driven by the cost of labor , transportation and marketing , not by the wholesale price of ingredients .
Even though the salaries earned by food processing workers can be near or below the poverty line , the cost of labor is often a major factor in the price of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on prices varies greatly among food categories and regions .
Unlike the costs of meat and dairy , the price of crops typically has little impact on the price of food sold in grocery stores and restaurants .
So as more food and farm workers become sick and food and farm labor costs increase , the retail price of food will likely increase as well .
According to the USDA , food already accounts for 12 percent of household spending , but the poorest Americans spend about one-third of their income on food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our food supply chains from COVID-19 ?
OSHA must be directed to issue emergency standards that require employers to provide personal protective equipment , enough space to work without spreading the virus , and housing and transportation options that will reduce the spread of the virus .
USDA programs that are typically used to provide subsidies to farmers or purchase surplus commodities should be redirected to provide protective equipment to small food processors and farm workers .
Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan , the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee , proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supply Protection Act .
To reduce transmission of the virus among workers , all food workers should receive two weeks of paid sick leave , regardless of the size of their employer , and access to health care .
Policymakers should ensure that federal agencies enforce laws that keep our food supply safe .
Critical safety rules have already been rolled back during the COVID-19 crisis , including food inspections .
Hundreds of food processing workers are getting sick from COVID-19 .
But policymakers have so far done nothing to ensure that these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Actions taken so far to provide access to COVID-19 testing and paid sick leave exclude many of these essential workers .
Nor have policymakers undertaken the steps needed to ensure that they receive hazard pay for the risks they face .
Farm and food workers are working long hours , at enormous personal risk , to feed us .
Congress , the USDA and OSHA must make every effort to protect these essential workers and recognize the critical contribution they make to our nation .

Although not yet as pervasive as outbreaks at meatpacking facilities, COVID-19 is on the rise at America’s food processing facilities. EWG’s search of news stories published from March 14 to June 8 found that almost 1,200 food processing workers at 60 plants have been infected by the coronavirus.
The infected workers were employed at the plants of industry giants like Kraft Heinz, Birds Eye, Conagra and the Campbell Soup Company’s Pepperidge Farm, as well as those of smaller brands, like Fairmont Foods and Ruiz Foods.
The table below lists the plants with the most cases. Click on the plant name for a news article or other source of information. For the full list, click here.
Food Processing Plants With the Most Reported COVID-19 Cases
Source: EWG, from news stories published between March 14 and June 8.
In a report today on EWG’s findings, Bloomberg said: “These are the first national numbers of their kind. The advocacy group compiled its figures using local media reports because there are no federal agencies reporting the data. The true total is almost certainly higher.”
At least 1.8 million Americans work in food processing plants – disproportionately people of color earning less than $40,000 a year. Working conditions make many of these employees more susceptible to the coronavirus pandemic. As more and more workers become sick, our food supply chains could quickly unravel, causing food prices to spike and increasing the number of Americans who struggle with hunger.
Despite the critical role food workers play in our economy, many do not receive protections from the virus. Some food and farm companies have provided personal protective equipment, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, and the Department of Agriculture have yet to issue emergency standards requiring food companies to meet safety guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If they do become sick, some food processing workers are ineligible for paid sick leave, increasing the likelihood that they will infect their co-workers. The Families First Act, passed by Congress in March, requires some food industry employers to provide two weeks of paid sick leave, but many are exempt from the requirement. Although they have been deemed essential workers, food workers do not automatically receive hazard pay to reflect the risks they face.
What would happen if thousands of these workers got sick at the same time?
Food prices are mostly driven by the cost of labor, transportation and marketing, not by the wholesale price of ingredients. Even though the salaries earned by food processing workers can be near or below the poverty line, the cost of labor is often a major factor in the price of food.
The effect of these factors on prices varies greatly among food categories and regions. Unlike the costs of meat and dairy, the price of crops typically has little impact on the price of food sold in grocery stores and restaurants. So as more food and farm workers become sick and food and farm labor costs increase, the retail price of food will likely increase as well. According to the USDA, food already accounts for 12 percent of household spending, but the poorest Americans spend about one-third of their income on food.
What should policymakers do to protect our food supply chains from COVID-19?
OSHA must be directed to issue emergency standards that require employers to provide personal protective equipment, enough space to work without spreading the virus, and housing and transportation options that will reduce the spread of the virus. USDA programs that are typically used to provide subsidies to farmers or purchase surplus commodities should be redirected to provide protective equipment to small food processors and farm workers. Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, proposed this shift in her recently introduced Food Supply Protection Act.
To reduce transmission of the virus among workers, all food workers should receive two weeks of paid sick leave, regardless of the size of their employer, and access to health care. Policymakers should ensure that federal agencies enforce laws that keep our food supply safe. Critical safety rules have already been rolled back during the COVID-19 crisis, including food inspections.
Hundreds of food processing workers are getting sick from COVID-19. But policymakers have so far done nothing to ensure that these essential workers have adequate safety protections. Actions taken so far to provide access to COVID-19 testing and paid sick leave exclude many of these essential workers. Nor have policymakers undertaken the steps needed to ensure that they receive hazard pay for the risks they face.
Farm and food workers are working long hours, at enormous personal risk, to feed us. Congress, the USDA and OSHA must make every effort to protect these essential workers and recognize the critical contribution they make to our nation.
60 Food Processing Plants With 1,193 Reported COVID-19 Cases
Source: EWG, from news stories published between March 14 and June 8.