This week, EWG released a report highlighting the emerging field of transgenerational toxicity research. For years, EWG has been at the forefront of research on environmental exposures in newborns. Now, new research out of Washington State University at Pullman shows effects of toxic chemicals can extend to the third generation of offspring – great-grandchildren.
EWG has long been an advocate for better personal care product formulation and regulation. This week, we hosted an inspiring 12-year-old who lost her hair after using a dangerous shampoo. We also detailed the widespread use of 1,4-dioxane in children’s personal care products and the Food and Drug Administration’s release of records showing that a large sum of harmful personal care products are marketed to children.
There is good news though – a bipartisan bill would give the FDA the regulatory teeth to research and recall harmful personal care products. This legislation, introduced by Sens. Diane Feinstein, D-Calif., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, has gained widespread support from both health advocates and personal care product manufacturers.
Also, startling research out of the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs showed that a flame retardant banned in 2004 is still found in U.S. newborns. EWG was instrumental in the removal of such chemicals from the market due to our analyses of breast milk in 2003 and cord blood in 2004, but these findings are a reminder that children born today still face a body burden from these pervasive chemicals.
For additional coverage on those stories and more, here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Transgenerational Toxicity
Parents.com: Could Toxic Chemicals During Pregnancy Harm Your Great-Grandchildren?
"It suggests that some pollutants can cause damages that are passed down from generation to generation," EWG senior research analyst Sonya Lunder, the author of the report, told Parents.com. Reprinted by NewsDog.
Chlorpyrifos
Fusion: In Trump’s America, People Sue the EPA to Block a Toxic Pesticide
Pruitt’s rejection of a chlorpyrifos ban goes against the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation. Last month, the organization said it was “deeply alarmed” by Pruitt’s decision. AAP wrote a joint letter with the Environmental Working Group to Pruitt imploring him to reconsider. They wrote, “The risk to infant and children’s health and development is unambiguous.” Reprinted by Mother Jones.
1,4-Dioxane
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep database found the contaminant in approximately 46% of personal care products tested in 2008. 1,4 dioxane often shows up in items like shampoo, facial cleansers, body wash, bubble bath, baby bath, and liquid soap.
Cosmetics
Refinery 29: The One Mascara That Never Irritates My Sensitive Eyes
In January, the brand's color cosmetics got the seal of approval from the Environmental Working Group as meeting its standards for health and safety. The offerings are eco-friendly and free of parabens, gluten, SLS, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates. Perhaps one of those ingredients was the source of my eye irritation?
Phthalates
New York Times: The Chemicals in Your Mac and Cheese
Environmental and food-safety groups petitioned the FDA last year to remove all phthalates from food, food packaging, and food-processing and manufacturing equipment, though the petition has been delayed temporarily for technical reasons, said Tom Neltner, chemicals-policy director for the Environmental Defense Fund, which is coordinating the petition process for 11 advocacy groups, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Natural Resources Defense Council, the Environmental Working Group and others. Reprinted by the Boston Globe, Seattle Times and eight other outlets.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in ProduceTM
AP: Ask Brianna: How can I eat well and stay fit on a budget?
Use the nonprofit Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce to decide which fruits and vegetables to splurge on. The “Clean Fifteen” lists foods least likely to contain pesticides, which means you can select their cheaper, non-organic versions. Reprinted by the Kansas City Star, the Charlotte Observer and 192 others.
Cheat Sheet: These 15 Things Could Be Screwing up Your Hormones
If you need to pick and choose which foods to buy organic and which ones to skip, address the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list. These are the fruits and veggies that have the most pesticide residue.
Muscle & Fitness: 5 Fruits And Veggies You Should Always Buy Organic
Here are the 5 types of produce with the highest amount of pesticides this summer, according to the Environmental Working Group, along with suggestions on what to get instead.
Sunscreen
WCVB: 5 healthy sunscreens you can find at the drugstore
According to the Environmental Working Group, these products deliver the most bang for your buck. Reprinted by WBAL and 10 other outlets.
Bicycling.com: The Best Sunscreens for Cyclists
“In the United States, only two ingredients offer strong UVA protection,” says Lunder. So, if you find yourself on vacation abroad this summer, it might be time to stock up!
The Chronicle: Sunscreen should be your last resort
Sunscreens are important — but they should be your last resort, says the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by The Pike County Courier.
Star Tribune: Friday: 81st Anniversary of the All-Time Record High of 108°
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) urges people to understand how sunscreen works (read: why some brands are much better than others) and to think of it as “just one tool in your arsenal.”
Teen Vogue: How to Tell if Your Sunscreen Protects You From the Sun
Earlier this summer, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released its 11th annual Sunscreen Guide, containing the results of its investigation into more than 880 sunscreens, 480 moisturizers, and 120 lip products with SPF. The guide itself is quite extensive, but one shocking claim stands out right up front: “Almost three-fourths of the products we examined offer inferior sun protection or contain worrisome ingredients.” Reprinted by True Viral News.
