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.
- EWG warns EPA’s rollback of power plant mercury, greenhouse gas limits risks public health EWG warns EPA’s rollback of power plant mercury, greenhouse gas limits risks public health rcoleman June 13, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency on June 11 announced yet another rollback of critical health protections, proposing to significantly weaken limits on mercury air pollution from power plants and eliminate limits on utility greenhouse gas emissions.The changes, if finalized, increase the risk of power plant’s mercury ending up in the air and depositing in water supplies, contaminating fish and drinking water. The rollbacks also would scrap existing obligations for utilities to curb their greenhouse gases that contribute to the climate crisis. Yet utilities…
- New EPA data shows 165M people exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ in U.S. drinking water New EPA data shows 165M people exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ in U.S. drinking water JR Culpepper June 12, 2025 WASHINGTON – New data released by the Environmental Protection Agency shows an additional 6.5 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 about 165 million across the U.S. That’s a 4% increase in the number of Americans with verified PFAS-polluted water in just the last few months. Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancer, reproductive harm, immune system damage and other serious health problems, even at low…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 34Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 34 JR Culpepper June 11, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook is joined by author and journalist Eric Garcia to refute Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s harmful and scientifically discredited claims linking autism to vaccines. They also discuss shifting the conversation around autism to focus on self-advocacy, inclusion, progress and respect. Garcia is the author of “We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation,” a book that explores how society can improve support for people on the spectrum through policy, education and health care.Cook also…
- EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™: Almost 60% of Clean Fifteen™ produce free from harmful pesticidesEWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™: Almost 60% of Clean Fifteen™ produce free from harmful pesticides rcoleman June 9, 2025 WASHINGTON – Almost 60% of samples of conventionally grown fruit and vegetables on the Clean Fifteen™ list in the Environmental Working Group’s new Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ had no detectable pesticide residues.Conversely, more than nine in 10 samples of conventional, or non-organic, produce on the guide’s Dirty Dozen™ list contained residues of potentially harmful pesticides. Exposure to some pesticides is linked to health problems, including harm to the nervous system and even cancer.“EWG’s Shopper’s Guide is a tool to inform…
- Learn about the methodology behind EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™Learn about the methodology behind EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ rcoleman June 5, 2025 EWG scientists refined the ranking methodology for this year’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ The 2025 rankings of fruit and vegetables consider pesticide toxicity, in addition to abundance, diversity and intensity. The methodological updates this year change the rankings only slightly, compared to previous updates. Background EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ ranks popular fresh fruits and vegetables based on levels of pesticide contamination and toxicity. EWG has released the Shopper’s Guide nearly every year since 2004. To create the guide, EWG analyzes pesticide…
- Study finds drop in nutritional value of new cereals marketed to kids, prompting health concernsStudy finds drop in nutritional value of new cereals marketed to kids, prompting health concerns Anthony Lacey June 5, 2025 Cereal – the top breakfast choice for kids – may be getting less healthy, according to a new study. It found a significant decrease in nutritional quality of cereals marketed to children that were introduced in the U.S. in 2010 and 2023.Some people think cereal is a healthy way to kick off the day. But many cereals available in the U.S. contain large amounts of sugar, unnecessary ingredients and harmful additives like food dye.And cereal manufacturers know what they’re doing with their…
- Triple dipping: Budget bill raises farm subsidies for wealthy farmers by billions of dollarsTriple dipping: Budget bill raises farm subsidies for wealthy farmers by billions of dollars rcoleman June 5, 2025 Anne Schechinger June 10, 2025 In the past five years, some farmers across the country may have dipped into three types of taxpayer-funded federal farm support to collect a staggering $113.9 billion, according to EWG’s newly updated Farm Subsidy Database.And the House-passed budget reconciliation bill could make this “triple dipping” problem even worse. It would do this by increasing funding for commodity program subsidies, and by making it easier for already wealthy farmers to qualify for more payments.Farm subsidies already favor the…
- California Assembly rushes through bill to break millions of rooftop solar contractsCalifornia Assembly rushes through bill to break millions of rooftop solar contracts rcoleman June 4, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In a surprise maneuver late Tuesday, the California State Assembly passed a controversial bill to support utilities’ war on rooftop solar – posing a threat to home values and utility bills for millions of hardworking residents who invested in the clean energy source.Assembly Bill 942 is authored by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier), a former Southern California Edison executive. If enacted, it would break contract terms for solar at homes, apartments and businesses. The bill would make California the first state to…
- New York Food Chemical Safety Act clears state SenateNew York Food Chemical Safety Act clears state Senate rcoleman June 4, 2025 ALBANY, N.Y. – On Thursday, New Yorkers moved a step closer to a safer food supply, after the New York State Senate successfully passed a bill to get toxic chemicals out of food.The New York Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act would ban or regulate use of three harmful chemicals – potassium bromate, propyl paraben and Red Dye No. 3 – from food manufactured, distributed or sold in the Empire State. The bill will next be considered by the Assembly Standing Committee on Codes.The Environmental Working Group is supporting the bill, which was…
- How sunscreen ingredients are regulated in the U.S.How sunscreen ingredients are regulated in the U.S. rcoleman June 4, 2025 Wearing sunscreen is one of the simplest and most important ways to protect your health. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it’s on the rise, with one in five Americans expected to develop it in their lifetime. The good news? This year, EWG found almost 500 sun protection factor, or SPF, products that are safe and effective. The key is to find a sunscreen you’ll actually use consistently, along with practicing sun safety habits – seek shade, wear a hat and…
- California State Assembly advances landmark bill to protect schoolchildren from harmful UPFCalifornia State Assembly advances landmark bill to protect schoolchildren from harmful UPF JR Culpepper June 3, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, in a major win for children’s health, the California State Assembly voted to advance a bipartisan bill phasing out certain ultra-processed food, or UPF, from meals served in public schools. UPF are industrially manufactured and chemically modified products. They’re often made with potentially harmful additives to enhance taste, texture, appearance and durability.Assembly Bill 1264, introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), would create a first-in-the-nation legal definition of UPF. The bill would also task Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment scientists to work with University…
- California lawmakers advance vital chemical safety, food reforms EWG supportsCalifornia lawmakers advance vital chemical safety, food reforms EWG supports rcoleman May 23, 2025 SACRAMENTO – In a major win for public health, five bills targeting harmful ultra-processed food and hazardous chemicals in drinking water and specific products cleared the California Assembly and Senate appropriations committees today.They include a bill that, if enacted, would make California the first state to adopt new standards for ultra-processed foods, as well as a bill that would require consumer disclosures for prenatal vitamins. Another bill would set strong water standards for the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, amid threat of a rollback of Environmental Protection Agency PFAS…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 33Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 33 JR Culpepper May 22, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Dr. Aly Cohen about how lifestyle changes can help with protecting the immune system. Cohen is a triple board-certified physician in rheumatology, internal medicine and integrative medicine. She’s the author of the just-released book “Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them.” She uses her knowledge as a physician to suggest ways that people can live healthier lives by taking steps to defend against exposure to…
- California bill to retroactively break solar contracts clears key Assembly committeeCalifornia bill to retroactively break solar contracts clears key Assembly committee rcoleman May 22, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On Wednesday, the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee approved Assembly Bill 942, a utility-backed bill to undo existing home solar contracts that could ultimately cost more than 300,000 low- and moderate-income residents thousands of dollars in lost property values.The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (Whittier), would inject uncertainty into values for properties where the owners previously invested in contracts to install rooftop solar. The committee’s decision to advance the bill was based on assumptions by some members that it would not…
- The cruelest farm bill everThe cruelest farm bill ever rcoleman May 21, 2025 Don’t call it a budget bill. Call it the cruelest farm bill ever. The House budget bill will make it easier for wealthy farmers to receive farm subsidies and harder for poor people to receive anti-hunger assistance. The bill does this by seeking the biggest cut ever to SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Some of that money will then help finance one of the biggest increases to farm subsidies in decades. If it becomes law, the bill would dramatically reshape policies in ways that make it easier for rich people to collect…
- House budget bill’s top farm subsidy loopholes and giveawaysHouse budget bill’s top farm subsidy loopholes and giveaways rcoleman May 20, 2025 Farm subsidies already favor the largest farms. But the budget reconciliation bill the House will consider this week is packed with farm subsidy loopholes that would make the problem worse. These provisions could add tens of billions to the federal deficit and further tilt the playing field against small family farmers. Here are some of the worst farm subsidy loopholes and giveaways in the bill: Increasing price guarantees. Only 40% of farms grow crops eligible for payments linked to reference prices, and the top 10% of those farms collected almost…
- On food chemicals, Biden and states have done more than TrumpOn food chemicals, Biden and states have done more than Trump rcoleman May 20, 2025 When it comes to food chemicals, it’s time for the Trump team to step up. The Biden administration banned two food chemicals – brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, and Red Dye No. 3. BVO is linked to harm to the nervous system, and Red 3 is linked to cancer. The second Trump administration has not yet banned any food chemicals. So far, the Trump administration has announced the Food and Drug Administration’s intent to narrow the loophole that allows chemical companies to decide whether new food chemicals are safe.…
- ‘City slicker’ farm payments top $2B – and House GOP bill would make problem worse‘City slicker’ farm payments top $2B – and House GOP bill would make problem worse rcoleman May 20, 2025 Almost 80,000 “city slickers” living in some of the biggest metro areas in the U.S. took in more than $2 billion in farm subsidies between 2020 and 2024. Many recipients used loopholes that allow the money to be sent to people who don’t live or work on farms. And House Republicans are proposing a budget bill that would enlarge these loopholes even further. If enacted, their bill would make the problem worse by sending even more taxpayer funds to recipients living…
- Almost 10,000 farmers have received subsidies for 40 straight yearsAlmost 10,000 farmers have received subsidies for 40 straight years rcoleman May 20, 2025 For decades, the Department of Agriculture sent a total of over $10 billion in repeat payments to farmers, according to a new EWG analysis. Every year, for 40 years, the money went to nearly 10,000 farmers in taxpayer-funded farm subsidies or disaster relief.Farmers may receive farm subsidies or disaster payments, even if they have collected a payment for each of those 40 years. Some members of Congress want to use the farm bill debate to increase these payouts for a select few farmers, while putting a…
- Best bang for your buck: Kids' sunscreensBest bang for your buck: Kids' sunscreens JR Culpepper May 20, 2025 .has--background.block-content--type-curated-block-list { padding-top: 3rem; padding-bottom: 3rem; } School’s almost out, and kids will soon be enjoying their favorite part of the year – summer vacation. Whether that means beach trips, summer camp or making memories with other neighborhood kids, they need to wear sun protection.But some sunscreens cost an arm and a leg, or they have ingredients that might pose health risks, or both. EWG is here to help with a list of top-rated sunscreens available at stores such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Amazon and Target. And they’re…
- Just in time for Memorial Day – over 77 percent of reviewed sunscreens rate poorly for skin protection or concerning ingredientsJust in time for Memorial Day – over 77 percent of reviewed sunscreens rate poorly for skin protection or concerning ingredients rcoleman May 19, 2025 WASHINGTON – With Memorial Day weekend kicking off the summer season, the Environmental Working Group is releasing its 19th annual Guide to Sunscreens®. This trusted, science-based guide reveals that almost four in five, or about 80 percent, of sunscreens still offer inadequate skin protection or contain potentially harmful ingredients, or both.This year’s guide reviews 2,204 sun protection factor, or SPF, products – the most EWG has ever evaluated. Of those, 498 products meet EWG’s strictest criteria…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 32Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 32 JR Culpepper May 19, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook and his guests spotlight the growing measles outbreak in the U.S. At the time of recording, there were more than 800 confirmed cases and at least three deaths, including two young, unvaccinated children.Measles is one of the most contagious diseases on earth, and it spreads quickly in communities with low vaccination rates. It was once nearly eliminated in the U.S. But a rise in vaccine hesitancy has opened the door for its return,…
- Harmful heavy metals: Why they’re in tap water and how to reduce your exposureHarmful heavy metals: Why they’re in tap water and how to reduce your exposure Anthony Lacey May 15, 2025 Heavy metals can be harmful even at low levels in tap water. Lead is a heavy metal contaminant in that it comes from pipes, not polluters. Filters like reverse osmosis can remove some heavy metals from drinking water. Among the many contaminants lurking in drinking water throughout the U.S., heavy metals can pose health concerns, because they’re toxic even at low levels. Millions of Americans drink tap water contaminated with these substances every day – many without knowing it. EWG’s Tap…
- EWG statement on bill to ban toxic weedkiller paraquat in PennsylvaniaEWG statement on bill to ban toxic weedkiller paraquat in Pennsylvania rcoleman May 15, 2025 WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, members of the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee in the Pennsylvania state legislature held a hearing on several bills to address the use of toxic food chemicals and pesticides that can cause health harms in people.EWG Senior Vice President Scott Faber testified in support of the suite of bills known as the Healthy PA Package, including HB 1135 that would ban the use of the toxic weedkiller paraquat in the state over its links to Parkinson’s disease among other health risks. Below…
- New York state Sen. Brian Kavanagh celebrates Agriculture Committee’s advancement of Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure ActNew York state Sen. Brian Kavanagh celebrates Agriculture Committee’s advancement of Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act JR Culpepper May 14, 2025 ALBANY, N.Y. – State Sen. Brian Kavanagh, lead Senate sponsor of the Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act, applauds the Senate Agriculture Committee’s vote today to advance the critical food safety legislation. The bill, cosponsored by the Environmental Working Group, would ban harmful food additives and synthetic dyes in the general food supply, impose more stringent bans on chemicals in school meals, and require transparency from food manufacturers about ingredients currently hidden from public view. Kavanagh said:New Yorkers deserve to know…
- Mark Ruffalo condemns Trump EPA rollback of PFAS standards: ‘This will make America sicker, not healthier’Mark Ruffalo condemns Trump EPA rollback of PFAS standards: ‘This will make America sicker, not healthier’ rcoleman May 14, 2025 The following is a statement from activist and actor Mark Ruffalo on proposed efforts to weaken the PFAS drinking water standard by the Trump Environmental Protection Agency: Weakening the PFAS drinking water standard will make America sicker, not healthier, and dishonors people like Amara Strande, Joel Stelt and countless others who were poisoned by PFAS polluters without their knowledge or consent. It also dishonors their families, who have fought tirelessly to bring justice for what can only be described as one…
- Trump administration moves to weaken landmark PFAS protections in drinking water, putting millions at risk and letting polluters off the hookTrump administration moves to weaken landmark PFAS protections in drinking water, putting millions at risk and letting polluters off the hook rcoleman May 14, 2025 WASHINGTON – In a shocking reversal of one of the most significant public health victories in a generation, the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency is moving to roll back vital portions of the nation’s historic limits on the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in drinking waterThese protections – finalized in April 2024 – were hailed as a long-overdue response to decades of industry deception and government inaction. The maximum contaminant levels, or MCLs, set enforceable limits allowed in…
- Not so g-r-r-reat: How food ads shape the diets of children and teensNot so g-r-r-reat: How food ads shape the diets of children and teens rcoleman May 14, 2025 Before most kids can spell “nutrition,” they’ve already seen thousands of advertisements for candy-colored cereal, salty snacks and sugary soda. According to a 2024 study, children between the ages of 2 and 11 watch more than 1,000 food and beverage commercials per year. To promote their products to younger audiences, advertisers typically use bright colors, catchy jingles and singing mascots. Remember Tony the Tiger? These characters stick with kids long after the ad is over. The food industry spends nearly $14 billion on commercial advertising, much of…
- Almost 49M tons of manure pose health risk for Minnesota’s waterAlmost 49M tons of manure pose health risk for Minnesota’s water JR Culpepper May 13, 2025 MINNEAPOLIS – Huge amounts of manure from massive livestock facilities in Minnesota could pollute drinking and recreational water throughout the state, posing a significant health risk.That’s the conclusion of a new Environmental Working Group report that updates a similar analysis from 2020, which found widespread risk for water contamination from livestock operations in the state. In 2024, cattle, hog and poultry production at 23,503 facilities produced almost 49 million tons of manure, the new analysis finds. The waste they generate is equivalent to almost 8.5…
- USDA reverses course, commits to restore purged climate webpages in response to farmers’ lawsuitUSDA reverses course, commits to restore purged climate webpages in response to farmers’ lawsuit JR Culpepper May 13, 2025 WASHINGTON – Late Monday night, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reversed course and committed to restore climate-focused webpages purged from its websites after Earthjustice and the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY), NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), and the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Resources purged from USDA websites include information on climate-smart farming, accessing federal loans, forest conservation, and rural clean energy projects. The USDA erased entire…
- Study finds cancer-causing chemicals in personal care products used by Black women and Latinas in L.A.Study finds cancer-causing chemicals in personal care products used by Black women and Latinas in L.A. rcoleman May 13, 2025 A new peer-reviewed study finds that many personal care products used by Black women and Latinas every day contain harmful chemicals linked to serious health risks, including cancer. The researchers discovered that more than half of the products contained the known carcinogen formaldehyde or preservatives that release formaldehyde. The Taking Stock study assessed products like cleansers, lotions, shampoos and soaps, used by a cohort of 70 women in South Los Angeles. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are added to prevent bacteria and extend shelf…
- Toxic substances in your suds? Study finds PFAS in local water used to brew beerToxic substances in your suds? Study finds PFAS in local water used to brew beer rcoleman May 12, 2025 When you open a cold beer, you’re probably thinking about flavor or hops – not whether you’re also sipping the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. But a new study finds that many beers, especially those from small craft breweries, are brewed with water containing PFAS. Scientists at RTI International tested 23 different beers from around the U.S. and international beers for sale in the U.S. and found over half contained measurable amounts of PFAS. As the world’s third most-consumed beverage, it could…
- Statement on FDA announcement to speed up use of AI for scientific reviewStatement on FDA announcement to speed up use of AI for scientific review Monica Amarelo May 8, 2025 WASHINGTON – Today Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary announced an aggressive timeline to scale up the use of artificial intelligence internally across FDA centers. According to the FDA’s press release, the AI tools will allow FDA scientists to spend less time on “tedious, repetitive tasks” that can slow the scientific review process.Makary directed all FDA centers to begin deployment of the generative AI immediately, with a goal of full integration by June 30.The following is a statement from Scott Faber, the Environmental Working…
- Is chewing gum releasing microplastics in your mouth?Is chewing gum releasing microplastics in your mouth? JR Culpepper May 8, 2025 Chewing gum is a favorite of high school kids and overworked professionals alike – but just one piece can shed thousands of potentially harmful microplastics into your saliva, one study suggests.The research adds to growing concerns about microplastics in food.Chewing a single gram of gum could release an average of 100 microplastics, the study found. A piece of gum typically weighs between 2 and 6 grams, and larger pieces may release up to 3,000 plastic particles. Someone chewing 160 to 180 pieces of gum a year could ingest roughly…
- PFAS tap water protections for almost 19 million Californians at risk if EPA weakens limitsPFAS tap water protections for almost 19 million Californians at risk if EPA weakens limits rcoleman May 7, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nearly 19 million Californians could lose critical protections against the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in their tap water if the Environmental Protection Agency rolls back its science-based PFAS drinking water standards, according to a new Environmental Working Group analysis. The EPA’s landmark national standards for six PFAS in drinking water, finalized in 2024, set limits of just 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS – two of the most well-studied and notorious PFAS. But these safeguards are now…
- This Mother’s Day, give gifts that pamper – without toxic chemicalsThis Mother’s Day, give gifts that pamper – without toxic chemicals rcoleman May 5, 2025 Anyone who wants to celebrate Mother’s Day faces a buffet of gift options – a jazz brunch, breakfast in bed, a family picnic or a solo spa day. Personal care products are another nice idea for pampering, although some can have potentially harmful ingredients. If you choose cosmetics and similar items to honor your mom or one of the other special women in your life, look for products made without questionable chemicals. With that in mind, EWG scoured our free, searchable Skin Deep® database of personal…
- Most counties lose if Congress cuts SNAP to boost farm subsidies, fund tax breaksMost counties lose if Congress cuts SNAP to boost farm subsidies, fund tax breaks rcoleman May 5, 2025 Millions of American families could lose access to food assistance if funds are diverted to pay for tax cuts from the wealthy and increased farm subsidies, leading to a funding loss for more than three-quarters of counties, a new EWG analysis finds.The House Republicans’ proposed budget could result in net loss of funding in nearly 80 percent of U.S. counties, deepening poverty and inequality. It would particularly harm rural areas, especially in the very places whose voters – many of them recipients…
- EWG's comments recommending that the FDA adopt action levels for PFAS in food.EWG's comments recommending that the FDA adopt action levels for PFAS in food. JR Culpepper May 5, 2025 These comments are submitted on behalf of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in support of the citizen petition by the Tucson Environmental Justice Task Force (TEJTF) urging the FDA to set tolerances for PFAS on certain foods. File Download Document ewg-pfas-action-levels-comment-letter.pdf Authors Melanie Benesh May 5, 2025
- Do you need to test for toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in your home’s tap water?Do you need to test for toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in your home’s tap water? Anthony Lacey May 4, 2025 The “forever chemicals” known as PFAS contaminate tap water for millions. EWG’s Tap Water Database and interactive map may show if your tap water has PFAS. Most households don’t need to test their water, but private well owners may want to. Millions of Americans have the harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in their tap water, according to federal and state data in EWG’s updated Tap Water Database. But some smaller water systems might not be included in the database, and the…
- Nearly 19M Californians could lose protection from toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in tap waterNearly 19M Californians could lose protection from toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in tap water JR Culpepper May 2, 2025 Jared Hayes Melanie Benesh May 7, 2025 Eliminating federal limits in drinking water on the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could end a vital safeguard against continued pollution for 18.9 million Californians.The Environmental Protection Agency’s landmark standards for six PFAS in tap water, finalized last year, will protect tap water around the U.S. But they are under threat. Some polluters are pushing to dismantle these hard-won protections as part of a broader effort to gut environmental safeguards. If they succeed, PFAS pollution will continue…
- Arsenic in brown rice: What you should knowArsenic in brown rice: What you should know Anthony Lacey May 2, 2025 Americans who regularly eat brown rice instead of white may be exposing themselves to higher levels of the heavy metal arsenic, a recent study from Michigan State University finds. The research also found that young children who often eat brown rice are particularly vulnerable. Arsenic is a known human carcinogen that is toxic to people of any age, and it can harm the developing brain of a baby or toddler.Some simple changes at home, such as avoiding certain rice-based products, can help you reduce your risk of harm. Get…
- What is propyl gallate?What is propyl gallate? Anthony Lacey May 1, 2025 Propyl gallate is a preservative used in foods like chewing gum, meat products, vegetable oil and more. It helps prevent fat and oil from spoiling and is frequently used together with the food chemicals butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene. Propyl gallate is associated with serious health concerns. Nonetheless, a federal regulatory loophole means the chemical is considered to be “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS, and continues to be allowed for use in food. Health concerns Concerns about propyl gallate and its potential to harm health stem from multiple studies in cells. This research shows…
- California Senate committee advances bill to require tests of heavy metals in prenatal vitaminsCalifornia Senate committee advances bill to require tests of heavy metals in prenatal vitamins Monica Amarelo April 30, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Environmental Working Group is urging California lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 646, a first-in-the-nation measure that would require prenatal vitamin manufacturers to test for and publicly disclose levels of potentially harmful heavy metals in their products.On April 30, the California Senate Environmental Quality Committee passed the bill, following its initial hearing in the Senate Health Committee earlier in the month. Sen. Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) introduced S.B. 646 in February and EWG is sponsoring the…
- EWG testimony to the California Assembly environment panel on A.B. 1264, to ban particularly harmful ultra-processed foodsEWG testimony to the California Assembly environment panel on A.B. 1264, to ban particularly harmful ultra-processed foods Iris Myers April 30, 2025 The following is April 29 testimony from Scott Faber, the Environmental Working Group’s senior vice president for government affairs, before the California Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee, on A.B. 1264, a bill to ban particularly harmful ultra-processed food, or UPF, from schools:Thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Scott Faber, and I am the senior vice president for government affairs for the Environmental Working Group. I also teach food law at Georgetown University Law Center. Prior to joining…
- EWG's quick tips for shopping for intimate care productsEWG's quick tips for shopping for intimate care products Helen Lucey April 30, 2025 April 30, 2025 PDF Download The skin of the vulva, the external area of the female genitalia, is sensitive to irritation, infection, and allergic reactions. Because of this, some ingredients that are safe at certain concentrations in other personal care products should be avoided in products intended for use on the vulva.Read EWG's quick tips for shopping for intimate care products here.
- Fluoride in drinking water: What we know about its safety and risksFluoride in drinking water: What we know about its safety and risks JR Culpepper April 29, 2025 Fluoride – a natural constituent of teeth and bones – is added to public drinking water supplies throughout the U.S. for its purported dental health benefits. But this process, known as fluoridation, has its critics, who warn that the chemical may cause harm to the body.Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is adding fresh fuel to this perennial debate. Kennedy has vowed to end HHS’ longstanding recommendation to add fluoride to drinking water supplies. He’s called fluoride “an industrial waste associated with…
- EWG statement on Trump EPA PFAS announcementEWG statement on Trump EPA PFAS announcement JR Culpepper April 28, 2025 WASHINGTON – Today Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to address contamination from the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.The announcement suggests the EPA will delay compliance with new PFAS drinking water standards and will exempt some polluters from PFAS cleanup requirements. The following is a statement from Melanie Benesh, the Environmental Working Group’s vice president for government affairs:We all have PFAS in our blood, increasing our risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. While the details are scarce, today’s announcement suggests the Trump EPA will delay efforts to reduce PFAS in…
- EWG statement on FDA announcement of intent to phase out synthetic food dyesEWG statement on FDA announcement of intent to phase out synthetic food dyes JR Culpepper April 22, 2025 WASHINGTON – Today, following the lead of state legislators, the Trump administration announced an understanding with industry to phase out harmful petroleum-based synthetic food dyes.The dyes serve no purpose beyond making ultra-processed food brighter and more appealing. And they’re linked to serious health harms, including neurobehavioral problems in children.Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said they plan to phase out dyes by the end of 2026. While the announcement is welcome, the FDA for…
- The fight for food reformThe fight for food reform dmclark April 22, 2025 For decades, potentially harmful chemicals have been allowed for use in our food, often without proper oversight. EWG has long been working to change that.We’ve joined forces with the Center for Science in the Public Interest, or CSPI, and other advocacy groups to take on the food chemical and food contact materials industries directly.EWG, CSPI and others have filed petitions seeking stricter food oversight, challenged outdated safety standards and demanded change.Here is a timeline of actions taken by EWG and CSPI since 1994 to prompt government action and the laws and…
- California Assembly ESTM panel advances bill to protect schoolchildren from harmful UPFCalifornia Assembly ESTM panel advances bill to protect schoolchildren from harmful UPF Ketura Persellin April 22, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On April 29 the California Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials voted to advance a bipartisan bill phasing certain ultra-processed food, or UPF, out of meals served in public schools. Schools would be required to comply by 2032.If enacted, A.B. 1264 would task state scientists to work with University of California experts to research UPF links to disease and health harms and identify those that are “particularly harmful.” “Our public schools should not be serving students ultra-processed food products filled with…
- Safer gifts under $25 for baby showersSafer gifts under $25 for baby showers JR Culpepper April 18, 2025 Expectant parents and caregivers can find the number of products designed for babies overwhelming. Baby registries can help organize their needs but can be a challenge to plan.Adding to the complication is that the vast selection of baby-specific products can include many with harmful ingredients. Since their bodies are still developing, babies are particularly vulnerable to chemical exposure that can lead to health harms. For example, exposure to volatile organic compounds can damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system and cause diarrhea and earache in infants. Another class of chemicals, phthalates,…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 31Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 31 JR Culpepper April 18, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook’s guest is former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Bill Reilly. They discuss how the Trump EPA is reversing the agency’s decades-long work to protect public health and the environment.Reilly served as administrator from 1989 to 1993 under former President Bill Clinton. He also held various roles in the presidential administrations of Richard Nixon, George H. W. Bush and Barack Obama. His achievements include championing the 1990 amendments to the landmark Clean Air Act. He…
- Despite health harm concerns, BHA and BHT remain in food and cosmeticsDespite health harm concerns, BHA and BHT remain in food and cosmetics JR Culpepper April 16, 2025 Not yet banned in the U.S., the chemicals butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA, and butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, can be found in food and cosmetics sold in stores near you. BHA and BHT are synthetic substances used to stabilize flavors, extend shelf life and enhance color in a wide range of products – from Quaker Oats Cap’n Crunch cereals to Estée Lauder moisturizing serums.Since 1958, the Food and Drug Administration has categorized BHA as “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS. It gave BHT the GRAS label in 1959.…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 30Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 30 JR Culpepper April 11, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook’s guest is DJ Gerken, president and executive director of the Southern Environmental Law Center, or SELC.SELC is the largest environmental nonprofit organization in the southeastern United States. It campaigns for all Americans to have access to clean water, clean air and a liveable climate.Cook and Gerken discuss the Trump administration’s deregulatory actions at the Environmental Protection Agency, including staff and budget cuts, office closures and major rollbacks of critical environmental and public health…
- Widespread TCE contamination at military bases shows need to keep EPA banWidespread TCE contamination at military bases shows need to keep EPA ban Anthony Lacey April 10, 2025 More than 1,400 active and former military bases in the U.S. have had documented contamination with the cancer-causing chemical trichloroethylene, or TCE, a new EWG review finds. And much of the pollution is yet to be cleaned up. This could pose health risks for service members, their families and nearby communities in North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Florida and at least two dozen other states. This legacy of contamination includes some sites with TCE levels hundreds or thousands of times the federal drinking water…
- Environmental and consumer coalition urges legislators to reject Assembly Bill 942, protect California’s Clean Energy FutureEnvironmental and consumer coalition urges legislators to reject Assembly Bill 942, protect California’s Clean Energy Future JR Culpepper April 10, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A powerful coalition of environmental, climate, clean energy, consumer and economic justice advocates is calling on California legislators to reject Assembly Bill 942, a proposal that threatens to undermine the state’s clean energy progress by making solar energy less affordable for millions of households. A.B. 942 would break long-standing contracts with solar consumers who installed rooftop solar systems under state-mandated agreements guaranteeing fair terms for 20 years. The agreements were designed to incentivize Californians to invest in clean…
- Cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water put 122M Americans at riskCancer-causing chemicals in drinking water put 122M Americans at risk rcoleman April 9, 2025 MINNEAPOLIS – A new report from the Environmental Working Group shows the shocking extent of a widespread public health crisis: Over 122 million Americans drink water with high levels of cancer-causing disinfection byproduct chemicals. Manure runoff from livestock factory farming operations contributes to the problem, as it reacts with public water systems’ disinfectants to create these byproducts.EWG’s analysis of nationwide water test results from 2019 to 2023 found that nearly 6,000 community water systems across 49 states and Washington, D.C., had at least one instance of unsafe…
- Manure is one source triggering cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water for 122 millionManure is one source triggering cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water for 122 million rcoleman April 9, 2025 Anne Schechinger April 10, 2025 The way U.S. livestock are raised can have negative consequences for human health. Manure contaminates water, which requires disinfection, and the process can trigger the formation of cancer-causing byproducts. These disinfection byproduct chemicals are a problem facing more than 122 million people served by almost 6,000 community water systems throughout the country. At some point between 2019 and 2023, their water had unsafe levels of these disinfection byproducts, according to EWG’s latest Tap Water Database.The database lets anyone enter their ZIP…
- Key California Assembly committee advances bill to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking waterKey California Assembly committee advances bill to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water Monica Amarelo April 8, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California is one step closer to protecting millions of residents from tap water contaminated by the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. The Assembly’s Environmental Safety and Toxics Materials Committee on April 8 advanced a drinking water bill that includes setting enforceable state PFAS water standards.Assembly Bill 794, introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), would require that the standards be at least as protective as existing federal PFAS drinking water limits. And it would leave the door open to the state setting…
- California Assembly committee advances bill to protect schoolchildren from harmful UPFCalifornia Assembly committee advances bill to protect schoolchildren from harmful UPF JR Culpepper April 4, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On April 9 the California Assembly Education Committee voted to advance a bipartisan bill to phase out by 2032 “particularly harmful” ultra-processed food, or UPF, from school meals served in the state.If enacted, A.B. 1264 would task state scientists to work with University of California experts on identifying UPF to ban. This work would be based on scientific research on the food’s links to disease and health harms. “Our public schools should not be serving students ultra-processed food products filled with chemical additives that…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 29Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 29 JR Culpepper April 3, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Peter Galvin about the Trump administration’s deregulatory agenda, and its implications for public health.Galvin is one of the founders, and current director of programs, of the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity. He and Cook discuss environmental and health policy, strategies for the next four years of the administration, and how their organizations will rise to the occasion to ensure all Americans have a cleaner, safer, non-toxic future.Disclaimer: This transcript was compiled using…
- Hilary Swank backs California bill advocating prenatal vitamin heavy metals testing, disclosureHilary Swank backs California bill advocating prenatal vitamin heavy metals testing, disclosure rcoleman April 2, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Activist and social entrepreneur Hilary Swank is urging California lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 646, which would require prenatal vitamin manufacturers to test for and disclose levels of potentially harmful heavy metals in their products. At the California Senate health committee’s first hearing on the bill, on April 2, Swank testified in favor of it. “As a mom and entrepreneur, I am deeply committed to protecting my family and your families,” she said. “We know prenatal vitamins are essential for maternal and fetal health, but…
- More than 1.3M New Yorkers at risk if EPA weakens PFAS standardsMore than 1.3M New Yorkers at risk if EPA weakens PFAS standards rcoleman April 1, 2025 ALBANY, N.Y. – More than 1.3 million New Yorkers could lose critical protections from the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in their tap water if the Environmental Protection Agency rolls back its historic, science-based PFAS drinking water standards.That’s the conclusion of a new analysis released today by the Environmental Working Group with Citizens Campaign for the Environment.The analysis shows that at least 189 New York water systems – primarily serving residents on Long Island – have detected these chemicals above levels set in the landmark drinking water limits…
- What is propyl paraben?What is propyl paraben? rcoleman April 1, 2025 How do some cosmetics, medicine and foods, like cinnamon rolls, tortillas and trail mix, last so long on store shelves? They get their longevity thanks to propyl paraben, a preservative that also provides some unwelcome health concerns. Part of the paraben family, propyl paraben is a chemical compound widely used as a preservative in many industries since the 1950s. It prevents the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in a wide range of products, including baked goods and processed meat. But prolonging a product’s shelf life may be harmful when it’s been ingested as a…
- EWG testimony to the Health Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on sunscreen safetyEWG testimony to the Health Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on sunscreen safety rcoleman April 1, 2025 Attached is testimony of EWG’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber to the Health Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on sunscreen safety. File Download Document scott_faber_witness_testimony_04_01_2025_e4451cd2cb.pdf Areas of Focus Personal Care Products Sunscreen Disqus Comments Authors Scott Faber April 1, 2025
- No dyes, no problem: Your favorite snacks will still taste the same without synthetic colorsNo dyes, no problem: Your favorite snacks will still taste the same without synthetic colors rcoleman March 31, 2025 Processed food and drinks often use artificial dye to boost their appeal, especially if they’re marketed to children and teens. But these colorants have a range of health risks, so some states are taking the lead on legislation to get them out of food and drinks.The good news: Removing these dyes from the wide variety of products they’re used in will reduce those health risks, with no change to the taste or availability of what you eat and drink.Tens of thousands…
- Best bang for your buck: Foundations under $35Best bang for your buck: Foundations under $35 rcoleman March 31, 2025 .has--background.block-content--type-curated-block-list { padding-top: 3rem; padding-bottom: 3rem; } A good makeup look requires a solid base. But some foundations cost a pretty penny while also containing potentially harmful ingredients.When you’re looking for the perfect shade, it can be difficult to see the health dangers inside some products. Ingredients of potential concern, like talc and propyl paraben, are found in a wide variety of foundations. The presence of these substances is often overshadowed by flashy marketing. To help you avoid these ugly additives, EWG has searched through our Skin Deep® database to find the right…
- EWG's comments on the FDA’s Development of an Enhanced Systematic Process for the Food and Drug Administration’s Post-Market Assessment of Chemicals in FoodEWG's comments on the FDA’s Development of an Enhanced Systematic Process for the Food and Drug Administration’s Post-Market Assessment of Chemicals in Food rcoleman March 28, 2025 Please find EWG's comments on the FDA’s Development of an Enhanced Systematic Process for the Food and Drug Administration’s Post-Market Assessment of Chemicals in Food. File Download Document ewg-comment-fda-post-market-review.pdf Areas of Focus Food & Water Food Toxic Chemicals Food Chemicals Disqus Comments March 28, 2025
- 14 food chemical actions RFK Jr. can take to ‘Make America Healthy Again’14 food chemical actions RFK Jr. can take to ‘Make America Healthy Again’ rcoleman March 28, 2025 The food we eat should be nourishing and safe. But thousands of chemicals, some of which may be toxic, are allowed in a wide range of products, such as snacks, bread and more. For too long, the Food and Drug Administration has allowed chemical companies to self-declare their chemicals safe for use in food. Earlier this year, the FDA finally took a step in the right direction by banning Red Dye No. 3 from use in food. But that’s just the start. Many…
- Over 1M New Yorkers could lose protection from toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in tap waterOver 1M New Yorkers could lose protection from toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in tap water rcoleman March 27, 2025 Eliminating federal limits in drinking water on the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could end a vital safeguard against continued pollution for 1.3 million New Yorkers.The Environmental Protection Agency’s landmark standards for six PFAS in tap water, finalized last year, will protect tap water around the U.S. Scrapping the EPA limits could allow PFAS pollution to continue to flow from the taps of nearly 200 water systems across New York and leave the health of residents served by these systems at risk.The…
- Tap water truths: Your questions, our answersTap water truths: Your questions, our answers rcoleman March 27, 2025 We know how important it is to feel confident about the water coming from your tap. That’s why EWG on social media asked you to share your top questions and concerns about drinking water quality. You responded with thoughtful, insightful queries, asking about everything from hidden contaminants and filtration options to water safety regulations and test kits. We’ve compiled clear, practical answers to help you better understand what’s in your tap water, how to protect your health and how to advocate for stronger water safety standards. Let’s dive in. What…
- RFK Jr.’s reckless cuts to HHS put American lives at riskRFK Jr.’s reckless cuts to HHS put American lives at risk rcoleman March 27, 2025 WASHINGTON – The Department of Health and Human Services’ layoff of 10,000 employees took effect today, bringing the total HHS job cuts under the Trump administration to 20,000.HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is slashing employee levels at key agencies including the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Environmental Working Group is questioning how the staff reductions might affect the agencies’ oversight of food safety and other critical programs.As first reported by The Wall Street Journal, the cuts include:• 3,500 FDA employees,…
- New EPA data shows 158M people exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ in U.S. drinking waterNew EPA data shows 158M people exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ in U.S. drinking water JR Culpepper March 27, 2025 WASHINGTON – New data released by the Environmental Protection Agency shows an additional 15 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 158 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., deputy director of investigations and a senior scientist at the Environmental Working…
- Today’s special sandwich ingredient: A chemical foaming agentToday’s special sandwich ingredient: A chemical foaming agent rcoleman March 27, 2025 If you’ve used a yoga mat, taken a phone out of protective padding, or lined an attic with foam insulation, you may have encountered the industrial chemical azodicarbonamide, or ADA. You could also unwittingly be eating ADA in bread and other baked goods.The unwelcome sandwich ingredient ADA is the plastics industry’s “chemical foaming agent” of choice. It is mixed into polymer plastic gel to generate tiny gas bubbles. The result is a strong, light, spongy and malleable material. ADA is also used in baked goods, because it helps make large quantities…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 28Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 28 JR Culpepper March 26, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook and Forbes journalist Chloe Sorvino discuss how the meat industry has consolidated over the years, creating problems for the environment and for farming communities in the U.S. and around the world.Sorvino is the author of the new book “Raw Deal: Hidden Corruption, Corporate Greed, and the Fight for the Future of Meat.” It unravels a tangled web of bribery, deceit, and international corporate intrigue exploring the dark side of the modern industrialized meat…
- Consumer Reports testing finds ‘forever chemicals’ in baby formulaConsumer Reports testing finds ‘forever chemicals’ in baby formula rcoleman March 24, 2025 The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS contaminated “almost all” of the popular baby formula brands tested recently by Consumer Reports, it says in a new report. These results are troubling. The study analyzed 41 popular baby formula brands, including well-known names like Enfamil and Similac, startups like Bobbie, and a range of store and imported brands, for the presence of chemicals like arsenic, lead, BPA, acrylamide and PFAS. Because the study tested just one sample per brand, more research is needed to be certain which ones contain forever chemicals. …
- The health risks of TCE in the airThe health risks of TCE in the air rcoleman March 21, 2025 Trichloroethylene, or TCE, is a toxic volatile organic compound that easily evaporates at room temperature, leading to widespread contamination of the air, both indoors and outdoors, as well as soil and water. Short-term exposure to TCE in high concentrations can cause dizziness, headaches and respiratory issues. Long-term exposure may result in serious health consequences, including cancer, nervous system damage, Parkinson’s disease, and reproductive challenges. In December 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency banned TCE. It was to go into effect on March 21, but now some lawmakers want to reverse that ban. TCE, a clear, colorless liquid,…
- The EPA’s TCE ban saves lives — Congress must protect itThe EPA’s TCE ban saves lives — Congress must protect it rcoleman March 20, 2025 No one should have to worry that their home or workplace exposes them to harmful chemicals, yet millions of Americans are exposed to cancer-causing trichloroethylene, or TCE. A recent federal TCE ban aims to save lives – but now some in Congress want to undo it. If they succeed, the consequences will be devastating: more cancer cases, more babies born with fetal heart defects and more families burdened with lifelong suffering, all from preventable TCE exposure. The chemical, which is found in drinking water and air, is also proven…
- EWG testimony to the Virginia Legislature on bill to ban synthetic food dyes in schoolsEWG testimony to the Virginia Legislature on bill to ban synthetic food dyes in schools JR Culpepper March 20, 2025 The following is January 14 testimony from Scott Faber, the Environmental Working Group’s senior vice president for government affairs, to the Virginia Legislature’s K-12 Education Subcommittee on H.B. 1910, a bill to ban synthetic dyes from food served in schools:Thank you. My name is Scott Faber, and I’m with the Environmental Working Group. I also teach food law at Georgetown University Law Center. Before joining EWG, I worked for the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the food industry’s trade association.I’d like to make five points. One, the overwhelming…
- California lawmakers introduce landmark bill to phase out harmful UPF from school mealsCalifornia lawmakers introduce landmark bill to phase out harmful UPF from school meals rcoleman March 20, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On Wednesday, California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) introduced a first-in-the-nation bill, A.B. 1264, to phase out “particularly harmful” ultra-processed food, or UPF, from school meals served in the state by 2032.If enacted, the bill would – if task state scientists to work with University of California experts on identifying UPF to ban based on scientific research linking them to cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, neurological or behavioral issues, and other health harms. “Our public schools should not be serving students ultra-processed food products…
- How to test your well water for contaminantsHow to test your well water for contaminants rcoleman March 19, 2025 If you rely on a private well for drinking water, testing it regularly is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family’s health. Unlike public water systems that have to meet federal water quality rules, private wells are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, so it’s up to you to ensure your water is safe.The Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend testing well water at least once a year, typically in spring. More frequent testing might be wise if you…
- Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 27Transcript of EWG podcast ‘Ken Cook Is Having Another Episode' – Episode 27 JR Culpepper March 18, 2025 In this podcast episode, EWG President and co-Founder Ken Cook talks with Dr. Peter Lurie about the Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to ban Red Dye No. 3 in food. Lurie is the president and executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, or CSPI. He has a lengthy career in public health, including a stint as the FDA's associate commissioner for public health strategy and analysis during the Obama administration. CSPI in 2022 filed a petition asking the FDA…
- Does TCE contaminate your tap water?Does TCE contaminate your tap water? rcoleman March 17, 2025 More than 17 million people in 41 U.S. states are exposed to the hazardous industrial chemical trichloroethylene, or TCE, in polluted drinking water. TCE is a toxic volatile organic compound, or VOC, that has been used since the 1920s to degrease metal parts and manufacture products. Improper disposal and industrial releases of TCE have contaminated public water systems and private wells. In addition to water, TCE pollutes soil and air, exposing millions of families. Even at very low levels, TCE can pose health risks, including cancer, fetal heart defects and nervous system damage. How TCE contaminates…
