Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. With research and education, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
- Newsom’s veto of PFAS ban for cookware, other products puts millions of Californians at riskNewsom’s veto of PFAS ban for cookware, other products puts millions of Californians at risk Anthony Lacey October 13, 2025 SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom’s veto of Senate Bill 682, which would have banned the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS from consumer products, is a deeply disappointing setback for health and environmental protection in California, the Environmental Working Group says. By rejecting this commonsense legislation, the governor is siding with chemical industry interests over the safety of California families. And this veto will ultimately shift the costs of cleaning up PFAS contamination of tap water to consumers, rather than ending a source…
- Statement of Scott Faber during signing ceremony for AB 1264, banning ‘particularly harmful’ ultra-processed foodsStatement of Scott Faber during signing ceremony for AB 1264, banning ‘particularly harmful’ ultra-processed foods Ketura Persellin October 9, 2025 SACRAMENTO – On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a first-in-the-nation law to legally define ultra-processed food, or UPF, and phase out the most harmful UPF from public school meals.Assembly Bill 1264, introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), received overwhelming bipartisan support from legislators in the Assembly and Senate. The bill was sponsored by the Environmental Working Group.Ultra-processed food and drinks are designed to be hyperpalatable, engineered to be addictive and marketed to be profitable for their makers – all at the cost of…
- Children at schools throughout the U.S. could lose local health protections from pesticidesChildren at schools throughout the U.S. could lose local health protections from pesticides Anthony Lacey October 7, 2025 Geoff Horsfield Al Rabine October 8, 2025 Thousands of U.S. schools are near farms where harmful pesticides may be sprayed, an EWG analysis finds. But some members of Congress want to block states and local governments’ right to warn parents and protect students from the health risks of pesticide spraying.They’re looking to use the upcoming “skinny” farm bill as a vehicle to end the long-standing ability of state and local officials to safeguard people from the worst risks of pesticide spraying. If they…
- California enacts landmark state law to protect schoolkids from harmful ultra-processed foodCalifornia enacts landmark state law to protect schoolkids from harmful ultra-processed food Iris Myers October 7, 2025 SACRAMENTO – In a historic victory for children’s health, Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed a first-in-the-nation law to legally define ultra-processed food, or UPF and phase out the most harmful UPF from public school meals. Assembly Bill 1264, introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), received overwhelming bipartisan support from legislators in the Assembly and Senate. “With Gov. Newsom’s signature, California has taken a historic step toward protecting our children from harmful ultra-processed foods and chemical additives,” said Gabriel.“While Washington, D.C., is paralyzed by inaction, California is once…
- EWG analysis finds farm emissions from fertilizing ‘continuous corn’ crops fueling climate crisisEWG analysis finds farm emissions from fertilizing ‘continuous corn’ crops fueling climate crisis Anthony Lacey October 3, 2025 MINNEAPOLIS – Fertilizing massive “continuous corn” crops across the Midwest is a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions, a new Environmental Working Group analysis shows. But proven conservative practices could dramatically cut farming’s contribution to climate change.The new report, focused on four Corn Belt states, draws extensively on cropland and climate data from the Agriculture Department. It highlights the outsize climate toll of continuous corn – when farmers grow corn on the same field year after year. Nearly 15 million acres in…
- Gov. Newsom signs nation’s first law to require tests of prenatal vitamins for heavy metalsGov. Newsom signs nation’s first law to require tests of prenatal vitamins for heavy metals JR Culpepper October 2, 2025 SACRAMENTO – Today Gov. Gavin Newsom took a major step toward protecting maternal and fetal health by requiring prenatal multivitamin manufacturers to test for and publicly disclose levels of potentially harmful heavy metals in their products. The new law comes amid growing alarm over the presence of the heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in supplements intended for pregnant women.Sen. Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) introduced SB 646, which the Environmental Working Group co-sponsored. The new requirements take effect on…
- EWG Verified® sets a gold standard with new eczema product categoryEWG Verified® sets a gold standard with new eczema product category JR Culpepper September 30, 2025 WASHINGTON – As millions of Americans struggle to treat their eczema and decode product labels, the Environmental Working Group is offering a game-changing solution: a new EWG Verified® category that sets bold benchmarks for safety and transparency in over-the-counter, or OTC, eczema products.EWG Verified products have to meet EWG’s strictest standards for ingredient safety, health and full transparency. Four eczema products from HealthyBaby, Mustela and Hypothesis™ meet these standards. Their inclusion in this new EWG Verified category signals to consumers that these eczema products…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 41Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 41 JR Culpepper September 23, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Lisa Bronner, part of the family behind Dr. Bronner’s soap. She’s Dr. Bronner’s consumer educator and a longtime advocate for clean personal care products and regenerative, organic farming. She is also the author of “Soap and Soul: A Practical Guide to Minding Your Home, Your Body, and Your Spirit with Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps.” Bronner recounts the history of her family and her grandfather’s founding of the company, in 1948. She talks…
- Why an effective water filter matters for your homeWhy an effective water filter matters for your home JR Culpepper September 23, 2025 Using a home drinking water filter is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to harmful contaminants, from the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS to arsenic, lead and more. Tap water quality can vary quite widely in the U.S. depending on your location, the source of your drinking water and the size of the water system.Drinking water often contains a mixture of pollutants.EWG’s recent research and map shows that over 100 million people’s tap water in the U.S. contains hexavalent chromium, also called chromium-6, nitrate and arsenic. Exposure to these…
- EWG statement: EPA defends Superfund ‘hazardous substance’ designation for PFOA and PFOSEWG statement: EPA defends Superfund ‘hazardous substance’ designation for PFOA and PFOS Anthony Lacey September 18, 2025 Update appendedWASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency is reaffirming its decision to list PFOA and PFOS – two of the most notorious “forever chemicals” known as PFAS – as “hazardous substances” under the Superfund law.The EPA’s announcement, in a September 17 press release and court filing, confirms that the rule will remain in place, despite ongoing legal challenges filed by industry groups and others.The move clears the way for the government to hold PFAS polluters financially responsible for decades of contamination. It will also jumpstart long-overdue…
- New peer-reviewed EWG study finds eating some produce increases pesticide levels in peopleNew peer-reviewed EWG study finds eating some produce increases pesticide levels in people JR Culpepper September 18, 2025 WASHINGTON – Consuming some types of fruits and vegetables can increase the levels of harmful pesticides detected in people’s bodies, according to a new peer-reviewed study by Environmental Working Group scientists.Pesticides have been linked to cancer, reproductive harm, hormone disruption and neurotoxicity in children. Residues of these chemicals are often detected on produce, creating exposure concerns for consumers. The new study may help inform future research into how dietary exposure to pesticides through fruit and vegetables might affect human health.“The findings reinforce that…
- PFAS in drinking water: What you need to knowPFAS in drinking water: What you need to know JR Culpepper September 17, 2025 The Environmental Protection Agency is moving to weaken national drinking water limits on the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. You may be asking: With federal safeguards at risk, how can I protect myself from these harmful substances in tap water?PFAS, a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals, have been found in nearly half of drinking water supplies across the U.S. According to the EPA’s water monitoring data and state tests, PFAS have been detected in tap water serving 172 million people.They are known as forever chemicals because they…
- EWG map supports ‘co-contaminant’ tap water rules for preventing up to 50,000 cancer casesEWG map supports ‘co-contaminant’ tap water rules for preventing up to 50,000 cancer cases rcoleman September 17, 2025 Regulating and treating multiple drinking water contaminants as groups, instead of the standard method of targeting one at a time, would significantly benefit public health. Millions of Americans have drinking water contaminated with hexavalent chromium and arsenic or nitrate, or all three, a new EWG map shows. Treating tap water for these and other pollutants at once could prevent up to 50,000 lifetime cancer cases in the U.S, a recent peer-reviewed EWG study finds. For example, ion exchange is a water treatment that can help…
- Map shows tap water for nearly 100M people has toxic chromium-6 mixed with arsenic and nitrateMap shows tap water for nearly 100M people has toxic chromium-6 mixed with arsenic and nitrate JR Culpepper September 17, 2025 WASHINGTON – Thousands of communities have water utilities serving almost 100 million people drinking water polluted with hexavalent chromium, also called chromium-6, as well as arsenic and nitrate. That’s the finding of a new report and interactive map published today by the Environmental Working Group. These contaminants are known to cause cancer and other health harms, and are toxic at extremely low levels. But most drinking water treatment systems only tackle one contaminant at a time.Filtering several co-occurring contaminants together instead could prevent up to an estimated…
- EWG statement on EPA bid for court to scrap four ‘forever chemicals’ tap water limitsEWG statement on EPA bid for court to scrap four ‘forever chemicals’ tap water limits Monica Amarelo September 12, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency is asking a federal appeals court to let it drop four vital drinking water standards that apply to the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. “It took years of hard, bipartisan work to secure these vital protections to finally start turning the tap off with PFAS water contamination. The EPA is now doing the exact opposite – trying to keep the tap running and endangering millions of Americans,” said Melanie Benesh, the Environmental Working Group’s vice…
- California bill to ban ‘forever chemicals’ in consumer products heads to governorCalifornia bill to ban ‘forever chemicals’ in consumer products heads to governor JR Culpepper September 12, 2025 SACRAMENTO – In a bold step toward better public health protections, California is poised to become the next state to ban the sale of consumer products made with the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. Senate Bill 682, authored by Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), cleared the state Legislature and is now on its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature. If enacted, the bill would ban the sale and distribution of many consumer goods containing intentionally added PFAS, beginning in 2028. Affected products include…
- California lawmakers send to governor’s desk the nation’s first bill to require tests of prenatal vitamins for heavy metalsCalifornia lawmakers send to governor’s desk the nation’s first bill to require tests of prenatal vitamins for heavy metals JR Culpepper September 12, 2025 SACRAMENTO – Today the California Legislature took a major step toward protecting maternal and fetal health with passage of Senate Bill 646. The first-in-the-nation bill would, if signed, require prenatal multivitamin manufacturers to test for and publicly disclose levels of potentially harmful heavy metals in their products. Sen. Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) introduced SB 646, which the Environmental Working Group is co-sponsoring. The legislation next heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, and he has until Oct. 12…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode’ – Episode 40Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode’ – Episode 40 JR Culpepper September 11, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Dr. Bruce Lanphear, professor of health sciences at Simon Fraser University and principal investigator for a study examining fetal and early childhood exposure to chemicals prevalent in the environment that harm the nervous system.Lanphear’s research experience spans multiple areas: lead poisoning prevention, asthma, tobacco smoke exposure, and the measurement of lead and allergens in housing. Cook and Lanphear discuss the science behind neurotoxic chemicals, specifically looking at fluoride in the U.S. water system. They…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 39Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 39 JR Culpepper September 10, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Will Westmoreland, a farmer from Missouri with 25 years of experience working on rural campaigns, elections and the land. Westmoreland is a father, grandfather and political consultant. His passion for the health of rural America focuses on bringing innovative sustainable agriculture solutions to rural communities through the Back Forty group.Cook and Westmoreland discuss the history and politics of agriculture in the U.S., especially in their shared home state of Missouri. They dive into the economics…
- EWG testimony before the California Senate Health Committee on AB 1264, to ban particularly harmful ultra-processed foodsEWG testimony before the California Senate Health Committee on AB 1264, to ban particularly harmful ultra-processed foods Iris Myers September 9, 2025 Thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Scott Faber, testifying for the Environmental Working Group. I also teach Food Law at Georgetown University Law Center. Prior to joining EWG, I was the Vice President for Federal Affairs for the Consumer Brands Association. The overwhelming scientific evidence shows that ultraprocessed foods have been linked to serious health harms. Processed foods are part of a healthy diet, but ultraprocessed foods, or UPF, are different from processed foods because they…
- EWG: MAHA report parrots pesticide industry playbook, abandoning RFK Jr.’s promisesEWG: MAHA report parrots pesticide industry playbook, abandoning RFK Jr.’s promises rcoleman September 9, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Environmental Working Group today criticized the Trump administration’s final “Make America Healthy Again,” or MAHA, report for abandoning MAHA leaders’ promises to ban toxic agricultural chemicals. Instead, the MAHA plan echoes the pesticide industry’s talking points. The recommendations for improving Americans’ health includes blather about “precision” agriculture. The report acknowledges “confidence” in the Environmental Protection Agency’s “robust” pesticide review process, with zero words about banning the use of harmful pesticides.A MAHA report released in May included several mentions of the health risks of pesticides,…
- California lawmakers pass first-in-nation bill to protect kids from harmful ultra-processed foods in schoolsCalifornia lawmakers pass first-in-nation bill to protect kids from harmful ultra-processed foods in schools Iris Myers September 9, 2025 SACRAMENTO – Today the California Legislature took a historic step to protect children’s health by passing a trailblazing bill to legally define ultra-processed food, or UPF, and phase out some UPF from public school meals.Assembly Bill 1264, introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), received overwhelming bipartisan support from legislators in the Assembly and Senate. EWG is sponsoring the bill, which now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.“Our public schools should not be serving students ultra-processed food products filled with chemical additives that can…
- What is 'harmful' ultra-processed food?What is 'harmful' ultra-processed food? Ketura Persellin September 5, 2025 You’ve probably heard lately about the risks of ultra-processed food, or UPF. What you might not know is that UPF may not all be the same when it comes to our health.Some UPF can create health risks, particularly when eaten in excess. American adults get more than half their calories from UPF. Kids get even more – 67% – and exposure to UPF at an early age shapes lifelong eating habits. The health costs are significant, with rising rates of chronic disease associated with UPF consumption. High consumption of UPF has been linked to health harms, including Type…
- EWG’s Skin Deep®: Helping consumers and scientists understand the connection between personal care products and healthEWG’s Skin Deep®: Helping consumers and scientists understand the connection between personal care products and health JR Culpepper September 4, 2025 EWG’s searchable Skin Deep® database of personal care products, or PCPs, and ingredients was developed as a free resource for consumers. Years later, it’s also turned out to be useful for scientific research – and may be able to answer questions about cosmetic product types, ingredient trends and potential health concerns. What is Skin Deep?EWG’s Skin Deep is a free, public database of over 130,000 personal care products and their ingredients. Launched in 2004, it empowers and educates consumers on the safety of…
- EWG hires Samantha Romanick, Ph.D., to lead new plastics and microplastics researchEWG hires Samantha Romanick, Ph.D., to lead new plastics and microplastics research Anthony Lacey September 3, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Environmental Working Group welcomes Samantha “Sami” Romanick, Ph.D., to its team of scientists. As EWG’s analytical chemistry fellow, she will spearhead a new initiative on plastics and microplastics. The initiative will focus on the human health risks associated with plastic pollution in food and consumer products.Romanick is a molecular biologist by training whose research focuses on how microplastic exposure affects human health. She earned her Ph.D. in cellular and molecular pharmacology and physiology from the University of Nevada, Reno, where she…
- Californians fight back: Re‑Volt.org launches to take on monopoly utilities, paid-off politicians, and captured regulatorsCalifornians fight back: Re‑Volt.org launches to take on monopoly utilities, paid-off politicians, and captured regulators Anthony Lacey September 3, 2025 SACRAMENTO – The Environmental Working Group has launched a new independent utility reform project, Re-Volt, to take on California’s monopoly utilities, their stranglehold on California’s political leaders and the energy regulators they appoint.The state’s long-broken system has led to skyrocketing electricity bills, energy insecurity and a failure to protect public health and the environment. It’s the result of policies that put utility profits ahead of working families and communities. To challenge California’s big three power companies and the politicians in their pocket, Re-Volt…
- ‘Poison pill’: How Section 453 could block vital state pesticide protections‘Poison pill’: How Section 453 could block vital state pesticide protections JR Culpepper August 28, 2025 Some members of Congress are trying to sneak language into a must-pass funding bill that would effectively block state and local pesticide protections. These important safeguards protect children and homes from the risks of pesticide spraying. Pesticides have been linked to serious health harms, including cancer, neurotoxicity and harm to development and reproduction. Because of their developing bodies and brains, children are especially susceptible to potential health problems. Citing these risks, many states, cities and counties have adopted practical standards to limit pesticide use, restrict spraying…
- California lawmakers vote to advance EWG-backed food reforms and vital chemical safety billsCalifornia lawmakers vote to advance EWG-backed food reforms and vital chemical safety bills JR Culpepper August 28, 2025 SACRAMENTO – In a victory for public health, today three bills targeting harmful ultra-processed food and hazardous chemicals in consumer products cleared the California Assembly and Senate appropriations committees.The legislation includes a bill that, if enacted, would make California the first state to adopt new standards for ultra-processed food, or UPF. The second bill would require consumer disclosures for prenatal vitamins. The third would limit the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in consumer products, including cleaners and dental floss.The Environmental Working Group is…
- EWG urges Rachael Ray to reconsider opposition to California non-toxic cookware billEWG urges Rachael Ray to reconsider opposition to California non-toxic cookware bill JR Culpepper August 28, 2025 SACRAMENTO – The Environmental Working Group is urging celebrity chef Rachael Ray to drop her opposition to a California bill that would eliminate toxic cookware in the state. EWG is calling on Ray to support the legislation, now being debated in the state Senate.The legislation, Senate Bill 682, would ban the sale of cookware in the state containing the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. One of the PFAS covered by the bill is polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE.In a recent letter to state lawmakers on behalf of…
- Letter to Rachael RayLetter to Rachael Ray JR Culpepper August 28, 2025 Dear Ms. Ray,We are writing in response to your recent letter to California state lawmakers opposing Senate Bill 682, which would ban cookware containing the nonstick PFAS “forever chemical” polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE. We implore you to reconsider your position. As a high-profile figure in cooking, you have the influence to help build support for this critical health measure.In your letter, you urge lawmakers to “look closely at the science before moving forward with legislation” and say that “PTFEs, when manufactured and used responsibly, are proven to be safe and effective.” In…
- EWG study: PFAS water treatment has double benefits, cutting toxic PFAS and carcinogensEWG study: PFAS water treatment has double benefits, cutting toxic PFAS and carcinogens Monica Amarelo August 27, 2025 WASHINGTON – Advanced systems for removing the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS from drinking water can deliver far greater health benefits than previously thought because they slash levels of other harmful contaminants, a new peer-reviewed Environmental Working Group study finds.The research underscores the fact that PFAS water filtration systems can also help reduce levels of cancer-causing disinfection byproducts, or DBPs, agricultural nitrates and heavy metals like arsenic and uranium – all chemicals linked to health harms.The study, published today in ACS…
- The sip of the season: Is your pumpkin spice latte ultra-processed?The sip of the season: Is your pumpkin spice latte ultra-processed? JR Culpepper August 26, 2025 Pumpkin season is here.Taylor Swift isn’t the only person having an orange moment. Starbucks’ iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, or PSL, launches today. The coffee giant sells about 20 million of the drink every year, raking in an estimated $500 million annually. Starbucks has sold about 500 million of this “season in a cup” since its debut in 2003, inspiring a thirst for other pumpkin spice products across multiple consumer product categories. And some of these treats can qualify as ultra-processed food, or UPF. “Craveable” treats The PSL isn’t the only food…
- Congress’ PFAS protection rollbacks betray service members and defense communitiesCongress’ PFAS protection rollbacks betray service members and defense communities Monica Amarelo August 26, 2025 Some members of Congress are pushing a sweeping repeal of hard-won safeguards for service members, veterans and defense communities against the widespread health and environmental harms of the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.The rollback would deliberately gut the very protections intended to shield the people who put their lives on the line for the U.S. The reversals are part of the pending National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, for fiscal year 2026. If enacted, they would undo a ban on purchasing and use of firefighting…
- EWG statement on Rep. Meng’s bill to ban harmful food dyes and chemicalsEWG statement on Rep. Meng’s bill to ban harmful food dyes and chemicals Iris Myers August 26, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Environmental Working Group applauds Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) for introducing legislation that aims to improve the safety of the U.S. food supply by banning harmful synthetic dyes and additives. The Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act is supported by EWG and Consumer Reports. If enacted, it would revoke approval for use of Blue Dye No. 1 and Blue 2, Citrus Red No. 2, Green Dye No. 3, Orange B, Red Dye No. 3 and 40, titanium dioxide and Yellow Dye No. 5.These…
- Beyond the muscle gains: What’s in your protein powder?Beyond the muscle gains: What’s in your protein powder? JR Culpepper August 25, 2025 Protein powder has been a staple of body builders and gymgoers for years, and recently it’s become a cultural phenomenon. But your post-workout snack could come with a side of potentially harmful chemicals. Promoted through a mass of social media influencers, body-building culture has never been so popular. Gyms all across the country are removing treadmills, bikes and other cardio equipment to make room for more bench press, squat and free weight areas. With the focus on muscle gains comes fascination about optimized protein intake, skyrocketing the protein powder business…
- More food companies plan to phase out harmful dyes. Here’s what has happened so farMore food companies plan to phase out harmful dyes. Here’s what has happened so far rcoleman August 19, 2025 Food dyes seem to be everywhere in snacks, drinks and many other grocery store items. But some dyes, particularly synthetic, petroleum-based ones, are linked to preventable health harms, from developmental disruption to increased risk of cancer.Yet the U.S. continues to allow their use in food, even as other countries ban them. And the Food and Drug Administration hasn’t reviewed many dyes in decades.And although some food companies have previously experimented with voluntarily removing dyes from their products, by and large they’ve stuck to using these artificial…
- The link between ultra-processed food and cardiovascular diseaseThe link between ultra-processed food and cardiovascular disease rcoleman August 19, 2025 Research and public attention to heart disease has for decades focused on its known risk factors, such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, excessive drinking and cholesterol levels. But a growing body of research points to another, often overlooked culprit: ultra-processed food, or UPF. Heart disease is one of the most common and deadly medical conditions in the U.S. It’s a type of cardiovascular disease, a group of disorders that together affect nearly half of all American adults. Not all processed foods are harmful. Cooking, canning and freezing can count as processing…
- EWG launches first-ever pet grooming category for EWG Verified® with Lil Luv DogEWG launches first-ever pet grooming category for EWG Verified® with Lil Luv Dog rcoleman August 18, 2025 WASHINGTON – Most pet shampoos contain a mystery mix of chemicals, and brands aren’t even required to disclose the ingredients. Today the Environmental Working Group is changing that with a new gold standard: EWG Verified®: Pet Grooming. It’s the first-ever certification to ensure pet shampoos, conditioners, detanglers and cleansers meet EWG’s highest standards for health, ingredient transparency and environmental safety.Lil Luv Dog, co-founded by Stephanie Suganami and Cara Santana Leto, is the first brand to meet our rigorous criteria. The company is debuting a line of…
- As the EPA looks to weaken PFAS drinking water limits, here’s how you can limit your exposureAs the EPA looks to weaken PFAS drinking water limits, here’s how you can limit your exposure rcoleman August 15, 2025 With the Environmental Protection Agency aiming to weaken national limits on the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in drinking water, Americans are asking: How can I protect myself from these toxic substances?PFAS, a class of chemicals, have been found in about half of the drinking water in the U.S. According to results from the EPA’s UCMR 5 and state tests, PFAS are detected in the tap water of 172 million people.PFAS have been found in 98% of the American population. Centers for Disease Control…
- Backpack essentials: Sustainable back-to-school shopping ideasBackpack essentials: Sustainable back-to-school shopping ideas JR Culpepper August 14, 2025 .has--background.block-content--type-curated-block-list { padding-top: 3rem; padding-bottom: 3rem; } EWG is here to help you make more sustainable shopping choices as kids start returning to school, with tips for buying safer products like gels, wipes and more.With summer’s heat giving way to cooler days and nights, and camps packing away their tents, it’s time for binders, lunch boxes and backpacks. Back-to-school shopping is a yearly experience for most people with kids. This year, Americans are forecast to spend over $39 billion on related supplies. It’s a great time to acquire new clothing for kids…
- EWG statement on Rep. Pallone’s bill to close ‘generally recognized as safe’ food loopholeEWG statement on Rep. Pallone’s bill to close ‘generally recognized as safe’ food loophole Iris Myers August 13, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Environmental Working Group applauds Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) for today introducing legislation that would significantly improve the safety of the U.S. food supply. The Grocery Reform and Safety Act would, if enacted. reform food chemical regulation by amending the “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS, loophole, which allows companies to add new, potentially harmful additives and other substances to food without safety review by the Food and Drug Administration. Instead, companies can declare their chemicals are safe and bypass…
- New EPA data shows 7M more people exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ in U.S. drinking waterNew EPA data shows 7M more people exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ in U.S. drinking water JR Culpepper August 13, 2025 WASHINGTON – New data released by the Environmental Protection Agency shows an additional 7 million Americans have drinking water contaminated by the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. It brings the total number of people at risk of drinking this contaminated tap water to more than 172 million across the U.S.“The EPA’s latest report confirms what scientists have feared: PFAS contamination is a public health disaster,” said David Andrews, Ph.D., acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group. “Drinking water is…
- Make America wait again: Delay for recommendations on healthier food, livesMake America wait again: Delay for recommendations on healthier food, lives JR Culpepper August 12, 2025 Will the Trump administration “Make America Healthy Again”? We’ll have to wait a little bit longer to find out how they plan to achieve that goal. The White House was expected to release recommendations today on improving diets and taking other steps to improve Americans’ health. But a CNN report says the plan is now due “in weeks,” with a goal of releasing it before the end of the month. The pending recommendations will follow a White House report from May concluding that poor diets, environmental toxins, lack…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 36Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 36 JR Culpepper August 12, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., and Micah Nemeyer Walsh, Ph.D. Birnbaum is a leading voice on the health impacts of environmental chemicals, having worked at the National Toxicology Program, led the Chemical Disposition Group, and served as president of the Society of Toxicology. She also worked for the Environmental Protection Agency for almost two decades, leading the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences. Walsh received her doctorate from the University of Cincinnati in environmental and…
- Treading toward trouble: How tires pollute the planet – and our bodiesTreading toward trouble: How tires pollute the planet – and our bodies rcoleman August 12, 2025 As vehicles travel, their tires shed toxic microplastics called tire wear particles, or TWPs. TWPs pollute the air, soil and water and are linked to health harms in animals and humans. We can’t avoid TWPs entirely, but we can reduce our exposure and demand systemic change. Walking along a busy road could expose you to massive amounts of invisible pollutants, called tire wear particles, or TWPs. Each year, an estimated 6.1 million tons of these micro- and nano-plastic particles shed from tires as vehicles travel. They’re a significant…
- EWG comments to California DTSC to reiterate support on proposed inclusion of microplastics to the Candidate Chemicals ListEWG comments to California DTSC to reiterate support on proposed inclusion of microplastics to the Candidate Chemicals List rcoleman August 12, 2025 Attached are EWG's submitted comments to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control to confirm continued support for the listing of microplastics to the state agency's Candidate Chemicals List. File Download Document ewg-comments-to-dtsc-on-microplastics_aug4.pdf Areas of Focus Toxic Chemicals Nanomaterials Regional Issues California Authors Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D. August 4, 2025
- Setting the record straight: EWG wants you to eat more fruits and vegetables, organic or notSetting the record straight: EWG wants you to eat more fruits and vegetables, organic or not Monica Amarelo August 7, 2025 Every year, EWG releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™, relying on federal data to show which fruits and vegetables have the lowest and highest levels of pesticide residues. Our goal is, and always has been, to provide consumers data on the pesticide residues that federal researchers found on produce, so they can make their own informed choices about what produce to buy, organic or not. The guide includes the Clean Fifteen™ of the conventionally grown…
- In ‘huge win,’ California Supreme Court orders re-review of CPUC’s anti-rooftop solar changesIn ‘huge win,’ California Supreme Court orders re-review of CPUC’s anti-rooftop solar changes JR Culpepper August 7, 2025 SAN FRANCISCO – California’s Supreme Court today delivered a major win to environmental groups challenging regulators’ decision gutting the state’s popular rooftop solar incentive program. The high court’s opinion means the Court of Appeal will have to reconsider the merits of the California Public Utilities Commission’s decision under a stronger, less deferential, standard of review.The Environmental Working Group, Center for Biological Diversity and Protect Our Communities Foundation filed the suit over the CPUC’s 2022 decision eviscerating the solar net metering program, also known…
- EWG statement on California Supreme Court decision in rooftop solar lawsuitEWG statement on California Supreme Court decision in rooftop solar lawsuit JR Culpepper August 7, 2025 SAN FRANCISCO – California’s Supreme Court today issued its opinion in a case challenging the California Public Utilities Commission’s decision to gut the state’s rooftop solar incentive program, known as net energy metering, or NEM 3. The case was filed by the Environmental Working Group, Center for Biological Diversity and Protect our Communities Foundation.The court decided in favor of the environmental groups, reversing the judgement of the Court of Appeal and sending it back to the lower court for further proceedings. The appeals court will have…
- The air that we breathe: New study raises concerns about inhaling microplasticsThe air that we breathe: New study raises concerns about inhaling microplastics JR Culpepper August 7, 2025 New research shows that people may be breathing in potentially harmful microplastics at levels hundreds of times higher than previous estimates suggest.Many kinds of plastic products, including water bottles, packaging and supermarket shopping bags, shed these tiny particles. They’ve been found all over the world, from Antarctica to the bottom of the Marianas Trench. But researchers recently decided to measure microplastics in less remote places: their own apartments and cars. In the new study, scientists from the University of Toulouse, in France, studied plastic…
- Has the Trump administration made America healthier?Has the Trump administration made America healthier? rcoleman August 7, 2025 The Trump administration is determined to “Make America Healthy Again.” Next week, it’s expected to release recommendations to improve diets and take other steps to improve our health. It follows a White House report from May concluding that poor diets, environmental toxins, lack of physical activity and other factors have created a health crisis for America’s children. Whether the recommendations will support healthy diets and reduce exposures to harmful toxins in our air and water remains to be seen. What’s clear is that, so far, the administration’s actions have made it…
- What are retinoids?What are retinoids? rcoleman August 6, 2025 Retinoids are popular ingredients in skincare products because they can reduce wrinkles and treat acne. They work by increasing the production of new skin cells, which leads to thicker skin and prevents collagen loss. Retinoid use comes with risks of sun damage, skin cancer and, at higher doses, pregnancy complications. Retinoids and the products that contain them are often praised for their ability to reduce wrinkles and clear acne. And with the rise of skincare influencers and viral beauty trends on TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms touting retinoids as “must haves,” they’ve…
- MAHA’s moment of truth: Will RFK Jr. stand up for people harmed by pesticides?MAHA’s moment of truth: Will RFK Jr. stand up for people harmed by pesticides? rcoleman August 4, 2025 “I told a great guy, RFK Jr., Bobby. I said, Bobby, you work on women’s health. You work on health. You work on what we eat. You work on pesticides. You work on everything,” then-candidate Donald Trump told the crowd during a campaign rally in Georgia. (.52) Throughout the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who endorsed Trump after dropping out of the race himself, repeatedly stressed the importance of limiting Americans’ exposure to toxic chemicals in the food supply,…
- Will MAHA make our food healthier?Will MAHA make our food healthier? rcoleman August 4, 2025 The Trump administration is determined to “Make America Healthy Again” and has made healthier food a central part of its strategy. Has the president in his second term made our food healthier? What would it really take to support healthy diets? So far, the administration has pledged to change how new food chemicals are reviewed and proposed a new way to triage the safety of the food chemicals we’re already eating. The White House has also secured industry commitments to remove food dyes ahead of the statutory deadline set by West Virginia. And it…
- How to cash in on clean energy tax credits before they disappearHow to cash in on clean energy tax credits before they disappear rcoleman July 25, 2025 Several consumer tax credits for renewable energy upgrades are suddenly poised for complete phaseouts over the next year, some in just a few months. The recently enacted “Big Beautiful Bill” eliminates many tax incentives designed to bring down the costs of cleaner ways to power your life, such as rooftop solar and electric vehicles. But there’s still time to take advantage of the federal tax incentives that help make it financially possible for many households to go green. Here’s what you need to know…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 36Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 36 JR Culpepper July 24, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Mike Grunwald, one of the nation’s most prominent investigative reporters and a modern agriculture expert. Grunwald is a New York Times bestseller and has written for publications including the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, Time and Politico. Cook and Grunwald discuss Grunwald’s newest book, "We Are Eating the Earth, the Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate." They tackle how food fits into the climate debate and attempt to answer a…
- EWG statement on FDA seeking to define ultra-processed foodsEWG statement on FDA seeking to define ultra-processed foods rcoleman July 24, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture are seeking public input as they develop a definition for ultra-processed foods, or UPF. The following is a statement from Scott Faber, the Environmental Working Group’s senior vice president for government affairs:EWG welcomes any effort to address the health harms posed by ultra-processed foods. While many processed foods can be part of a healthy diet, ultra-processed foods are different from processed foods, because they combine industrial ingredients and additives in ways that make our food hyperpalatable. These industrially engineered foods…
- Former EPA scientists join EWG to expand, bolster EWG Verified® programFormer EPA scientists join EWG to expand, bolster EWG Verified® program rcoleman July 23, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Environmental Working Group is thrilled to welcome three distinguished experts and former Environmental Protection Agency leaders to the staff. They will help expand and strengthen EWG Verified®, the organization’s flagship initiative for safer, healthier consumer products. The trio’s deep expertise at the EPA in advancing science-based public health protections will strengthen EWG’s leadership as a trusted source for rigorous, transparent standards millions of consumers depend on.Clive DaviesVice president, EWG VerifiedDavies brings with him a wealth of scientific and programmatic leadership developed during his…
- How ultra-processed food may fuel Type 2 diabetesHow ultra-processed food may fuel Type 2 diabetes rcoleman July 23, 2025 Type 2 diabetes affects roughly 34 million Americans. The numbers are rising, especially among children, and ultra-processed food might be playing a role. Americans are increasingly consuming this type of food, which can include packaged snacks, soda, instant noodles, fast food, frozen entrees and refined bread. Americans’ dietary habits for ready-to-eat foods has gone up over the past two decades, according to a 2022 study. On average, ultra-processed food or UPF, accounts for almost 60% of an American adult’s diet. It’s even higher for kids and teens, representing more than two-thirds of their total calories. The…
- EWG analysis: Almost all new food chemicals greenlighted by industry, not the FDAEWG analysis: Almost all new food chemicals greenlighted by industry, not the FDA rcoleman July 22, 2025 Since 2000, the food and chemical industry has greenlighted nearly 99% of food chemicals introduced onto the market without federal safety review, according to a new EWG analysis. The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring food is safe. But the industry instead is deciding what food chemicals are suitable for people to eat.This problematic situation happened through companies exploiting a loophole in food chemicals laws allowing them to decide which chemicals are safe to consume. That’s contrary to what Congress intended when…
- 15 military Superfund sites claim no health risks – but PFAS in tap water tell a different story15 military Superfund sites claim no health risks – but PFAS in tap water tell a different story rcoleman July 21, 2025 Results from new Department of Defense drinking water tests seem to contradict claims by the Environmental Protection Agency saying that 15 military bases designated as EPA Superfund sites due to high levels of hazardous chemical contamination have “human exposure under control.”The EPA maintains that the amount of chemicals on the bases no longer poses a risk to human health, yet DOD test results say otherwise. Tap water testing near 15 military sites finds the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS…
