EWG News Roundup (7/7): How Tanning Products Put You at Risk, Monsanto’s Glyphosate Added to California Carcinogen List and More

Here at EWG, we hope you and your family had a wonderful Fourth of July. Now that summer is kicking into full gear, we cannot stress enough the importance of sun safety.

Earlier this week, we explained how tanning oils and lotions promote unsafe sun behavior and can cause long-term skin damage. Skip those products and check out EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens to find the right sun protection.

Today there was great news out of California – the state’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment announced that it would add a potentially carcinogenic ingredient in Monsanto’s pesticide Roundup, glyphosate, to its Proposition 65 list of harmful chemicals.

“With this action today listing glyphosate as a cancer-causing chemical, California continues to lead the nation in implementing laws to protect human health and the environment,” EWG’s President Ken Cook said of the milestone. “While we applaud today’s action, we do believe the state can take additional steps to further protect its most vulnerable populations from this dangerous chemical.”

Last month, EWG analyzed the California OEHHA’s ongoing effort to monitor and regulate the harmful pesticide, coming to the conclusion that the state could do even more to protect its population, especially children, from glyphosate.

For additional coverage on those stories and more, here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.

Sunscreens

KUTV: 10 Terms You Need to Know When Shopping for Sunscreen

The addition of zinc oxide in sunscreen helps protect against UVA rays and generally doesn’t break down in the sun or cause other health concerns, according to the Environmental Working Group. “Zinc oxide is EWG’s first choice for sun protection,” the organization says. “It is stable in sunlight and can provide greater protection from UVA rays than titanium oxide or any other sunscreen chemical approved in the U.S.”

Newsmax: 3 out of 4 Sunscreens Overstate Protections, Report Says

“A poor quality sunscreen will keep you from getting burned, but won’t shield you from harmful UVA rays which can cause skin damage and cancer,” Lunder says. “EWG’s green-rated products offer strong UV protection, are free of hormone disruptors and other worrisome ingredients.”

MindBodyGreen: The Best Organic Sunscreens, Ranked

Many brands have recently drawn attention to nanoparticles as another concern, but the EWG (Environmental Working Group, a non-profit watchdog organization that ranks products on their toxicity for humans and the environment) has stated that “non-nano” sunscreen is actually a misnomer, as more research is needed to make a definitive set of guidelines for nanoparticles. Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-the two most effective physical blockers according to the EWG-are nanoparticles; it’s the size of the particles that matters, and that’s tough for brands to gauge and therefore market accurately. Reprinted by True Viral News.  

Yahoo! Finance: These Are the Safest 2 Drugstore Sunscreens That Scientists Swear By

Feeling daunted? We reached out to Sonya Lunder, author of the 2017 Environmental Working Group's Guide to Sunscreens, who filled us in on her top low-cost SPFs and what exactly makes them "safe."

Reprinted from Popsugar.

Chlorpyrifos

EHS Daily Advisor: EPA’s Chlorpyrifos Decision Back in the News

We are writing to express concern at the agency’s recent reversal on its proposal to revoke tolerances for chlorpyrifos,” the AAP states in its letter, which was cosigned by the Environmental Working Group. “In particular, we are deeply alarmed that the EPA’s decision to allow the continued use of chlorpyrifos contradicts the agency’s own science and puts developing fetuses, infants, children, and pregnant women at risk.”  

1,4-Dioxane

EcoWatch: 300% Rise in Cosmetics Complaints, Trump EPA Ignores Cancer-Linked Chemical in Personal Care Products

According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep cosmetics database, about 8,000 products may contain 1,4-dioxane but companies are not legally obligated by the FDA to list the contaminant. 1,4-dioxane is not intentionally added to personal care products. Rather, it is an unintentional byproduct during the manufacturing process.

PFCs

Cincinnati.com: UC study: Chemical found in Tristate residents likely due to industrial discharge

Another new study, released in June by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Northeastern University, found PFCs in the tap water of more than 15 million people across 27 states. EWG specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of toxic chemicals, public lands and corporate accountability. Reprinted by Fox 19.

Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™

Salon: The 10 most contaminated foods in your fridge you need to trash right now — and healthier alternatives

The problem: Concerns include cancer, ADHD and gut-health disruption. Environmental Working Group has a thoughtful discussion of 12 harmful additives and how to avoid them.

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