This week, EWG scientists evaluated eight cleaning products recommended by the "Today" show to see how well they stacked up according to EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.
On Wednesday, Melanie Benesh, EWG’s legislative attorney, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on behalf of a House bill that would ban PFAS chemicals from food containers. PFAS contamination is a national public health and environmental emergency and food is a significant source of PFAS exposure.
Also this week, Revlon became the first global brand to put an EWG VERIFIED™ cosmetic product on the market for mass retailers, helping make clean beauty affordable, and paving the way for other large retailers to follow suit. The product, Revlon PhotoReady Prime Plus™, fully meets EWG’s clean beauty standards, and was formulated to meet our robust EWG VERIFIED criteria.
EWG President Ken Cook said, “This is an important milestone for EWG, Revlon and the beauty industry as a whole. EWG and Revlon have a long history working together to advance responsible cosmetics reform in Congress. This partnership was enhanced over one year ago, when we started this conversation about making clean beauty products widely available. We are grateful for Revlon’s commitment to consumer health and transparency.”
The EPA reaffirmed its claims that the active ingredient in Bayer-Monsanto’s carcinogenic weedkiller Roundup is safe, ignoring research showing a strong connection between glyphosate and cancer in humans. Glyphosate is the most widely used pesticide in the world; it is largely used on genetically modified corn and soybeans but is increasingly being used for crop management and applied pre-harvest to a number of non-genetically engineered crops, including oats.
“Today’s announcement underscores that the Trump administration’s willful ignorance of science and abject fealty toward the chemical pesticide industry knows no bounds,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “No American should believe for a second that Trump and EPA chief Andrew Wheeler ever give a thought to whether their policies could harm public health.”
Finally, EWG sent a letter to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry about the apparent removal from its website of information about two out of six health harms relating to PFAS chemicals. The ATSDR says the updates “reflect the most current scientific literature.” EWG disagrees and will continue to fight to have these points included again.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
EWG VERIFIED – Revlon
Fast Company: This makeup primer is Revlon’s certified beauty product
And third-party nonprofit organizations like the Environmental Working Group have developed certifications to which brands can voluntarily subject themselves, so that consumers an easily assess the safety of a product. Reprinted by Global Advisors
Byrdie: Exclusive: Revlon Is the First Global Brand to Launch an EWG-Verified Cosmetic Product
If you're unfamiliar, the EWG stands for the Environmental Working Group, a national nonprofit that evaluates and rates personal care products based on ingredient safety and environmental effect--we like to think of them as the friendly neighborhood beauty truth sayers.
MindBodyGreen: Revlon Launches The First EWG-Verified Product & We're Impressed
In other exciting strides toward affordable, clean beauty, Revlon is the first global brand to launch an EWG-verified product—your quick trip to the corner store just got a lot more clean.
Agence France Press: Revlon launches EWG-approved clean beauty:
The beauty giant claims that the primer is the first global mass beauty launch approved by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization that rigorously evaluates personal care products to empower shoppers to make the best choices for them.
EWG VERIFIED – Herbal Essences
The line's six shampoos are all free from what the non-profit organization the Environmental Working Group refers to as "chemicals of concern," and all product fragrance components are disclosed on the packaging.
Kellogg’s Phase-Out of Glyphosate
E&E News: Enviros hail Kellogg’s plan to phase out possible carcinogen
That puts great pressure on companies such as General Mills Inc. — maker of Cheerios — and Quaker Oats Co. to follow suit, said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group.
A 2018 study by the Environmental Working Group found glyphosate in all but two of 45 samples of products made with conventionally grown oats, most at higher levels than what EWG scientists consider protective of children’s health. Reprinted by San Francisco Chronicle; The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.); SF Gate (San Francisco); United States Supply Chain Management Council; Omaha World-Herald; 1 other media outlet
Daily Express (East Malaysia): Kellogg vows to phase out glyphosate in oats, wheat
Kellogg’s action was applauded by Environmental Working Group, a non-profit which had commissioned lab testing of popular cereals and other foods that were shown to contain high dosages of glyphosate.
Food Business News: Kellogg commits to phasing out glyphosate by 2025
The Environmental Working Group applauded Kellogg’s announcement. Reprinted by Baking Business; Tech Deeps; Agri-Pulse
The US-based Environmental Working Group (EWG), which has been campaigning against glyphosate in cereal products, welcomed Kellogg’s move.
Kellogg's action was applauded by Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit which had commissioned lab testing of popular cereals and other foods that were shown to contain high dosages of glyphosate. Reprinted by Breitbart; RTL Today; The Seattle Times; MENA FN; Malay Mail; MSN; 10 other media outlets
The Philadelphia Tribune: Toxic chemicals found in drinking water in several major U.S. cities
Potentially toxic chemicals are in the drinking water supplies of several major metropolitan areas in the U.S., including Miami, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., according to a new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
New PFAS Testing Report
Bloomberg: Why Action on ‘Forever Chemicals’ Is Taking So Long
Check to see if PFAS are in your area on the EWG map, check if your municipality filters for them or get an in-home filter. Reprinted by The Washington Post
The Hill: Sanders introduces bill to clean up of toxic ‘forever chemicals’
The Environmental Working Group, which tracks the spread of the chemicals, has found contamination in ground or drinking water in at least 1,400 sites across every state but Hawaii. Reprinted by Daily Kos
Ft. Carson, a sprawling Army base also near Fountain, halted its use of toxic firefighting foam in the early 1990s after the Army Corps of Engineers warned that PFAS was hazardous, according to internal Defense Department documents obtained by the Environmental Working Group, a research organization that has pushed for strict PFAS regulations. Reprinted by Archy Worldys
A new report by the Environmental Working Group has found that more Americans are exposed to PFAS than previously thought.
The Barnstable Patriot (Hyannis, Mass.): PFAS-REACH study recruits Hyannis preschoolers
There are around 4,700 chemicals in the PFAS family. The Environmental Working Group, a consumer-education nonprofit, estimates that 1,500 drinking water systems across the country may be contaminated, affecting 110 million Americans.
According to the Environmental Working Group, PFAS chemicals have been found in drinking water in Ohio communities including Cleveland Heights and Struthers, and on military bases including Camp Ravenna and Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
Last week, the Environmental Working Group released test results showing 16.4 parts per trillion of PFAS chemicals in Columbus. The chemicals were used for years by companies in making nonstick cookware, stain-resistant and waterproof fabrics, food packaging and firefighting foams.
NJ Today: Drinking water contamination far worse than previously reported
New laboratory tests commissioned by Environmental Working Group (EWG) have for the first time found the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS in the drinking water of dozens of U.S. cities, including major metropolitan areas.
88.5 WMNF (Tampa, Fla.): Scientist: high levels of chemicals at MacDill AFB are a “huge red flag”
The level of “forever chemicals” contaminating groundwater at Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base is a “huge red flag.” That’s according to a science analyst who co-authored a new report by the Environmental Working Group about a class of chemicals collectively known as PFAS.
The Environmental Working Group reported that PFAS, which are manmade chemicals, are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down once they’re in the environment.
Magic 106.5 (Lubbock, Texas): Good Day Lubbock: Monday, January 27, 2020
According to the report from the Environmental Working Group, tap water samples from 44 places in 31 states and the District of Columbia were tested. Reprinted by My Lubbock TV; The CW Lubbock; 93.7 The Eagle (Lubbock); 96.9 The Bull (Lubbock); Fox 34 (Lubbock)
(Reprinted from Associated Press) ABC Columbia (S.C.): Study shows SC city’s water among the most toxic in country
A new report from the “Environmental Working Group” found that the drinking water in dozens of cities nationwide is contaminated with elevated levels of “Forever Chemicals” or PFA’s.
"Since the beginning of our testing, we have found nothing but safe levels of the PFA'S family of compounds," said Mike Saia with Charleston Water Keeper. The study was performed by a nonprofit called Environmental Working Group.
Potentially toxic chemicals are in the drinking water supplies of several major metropolitan areas in the US, including Philadelphia, Miami, New Orleans and Washington, DC, according to a new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
KIMT 3 (Rochester, Minn.): Rochester public utilities isn’t seeing toxic chemicals in water
The Environmental Working Group, or EWG, reports drinking water in dozens of cities across the country, including Minnesota and Iowa, is contaminated with high levels of PFAS.
Local SYR (Syracuse, N.Y.): House Democrats pressure Congress to act against PFAS
A new study by the Environmental Working Group shows PFAS: A dangerous and potentially cancerous chemical. Reprinted by WTRF (Wheeling, W.Va.); WIVB 4 (Buffalo, N.Y.); WEMT 18 (Elmira, N.Y.); My Wabash Valley (Terre Haute, Ind.); 30+ other media outlets
The study released by the Environmental Working Group found high levels of so-called "forever chemicals" exceeding EPA guidelines in a Davenport water sample taken in August.
A new survey done by the Environmental Working Group tested groundwater in 44 cities across the United States. Only one didn’t have PFAS contamination.
A recent study released by an organization called Environmental Working Group revealed Brunswick County has the highest level of PFAS contamination in its tap water among the 44 sites tested in 31 states across the country.
WECT 6 (Wilmington, N.C.): H2GO proposes end to 2-year lawsuit
“With Brunswick County and Belville Elementary School topping the list of PFAS contamination levels according to the January 21, Environmental Working Group study, H2GO felt it was imperative to find a solution to the current two-year litigation so we can get clean water to the most vulnerable population of our community, our children,” said Ron Jenkins, H2GO Chairman in a press release.
During their meeting, Emily Donovan with Clean Cape Fear proposed that the board do something to help get clean water in schools. Environmental Working Group published a study recently after testing for PFAS in water systems around the country.
WLNS 6 (Lansing, Mich.): National study shows water contamination may be more far-reaching
A new study released last week by the Environmental Working Group shows PFA’s contamination in the the country may be more far-reaching than previously reported.
WMC 5 (Memphis): Watchdog organization finds toxic chemicals in US drinking water, including Memphis
A watchdog organization called the Environmental Working Group tested water samples for PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.”
WXYZ Detroit (ABC): Ask Dr. Nandi: Elevated PFAS levels found in tap water in major U.S. cities
Now this new study was organized by the Environmental Working Group or the EWG. And tap water was tested in 44 locations across 31 states for PFAS. And get this, only one had no detectable levels of PFAS. Reprinted by Fox 47 (Lansing & Jackson, Mich.)
Trump Administration
The New York Times: Will Someone Break Out of Iowa Who Can Trounce Trump? Anyone?
“It’s just not getting much time,” said Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group. Maybe, Faber theorized, farmers are too busy worrying about a trade war to obsess over anything else. Reprinted by The World News
The Hill: Top EPA political staffer leaves agency for coal lobby
"Considering that he already works for a top coal lobbyist — EPA chief Andrew Wheeler, who’s gone from lobbying in the private sector to helping President Trump roll back clean-air regulations — the on-boarding process at his new employer should be a breeze,” Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook said in a statement.
Trump Administration Farm Bailouts
Agriculture data obtained by two organizations: Environmental Working Group (EWG), a Washington, D.C., nonprofit and advocacy group, and American Transparency, an Illinois public charity.
Residents with addresses ranging from Center City to Chestnut Hill receive annual checks, often based on nothing more than their family connections to farms in states far afield from Pennsylvania, according to an Inquirer analysis of U.S. Department of Agriculture data obtained by two organizations: Environmental Working Group (EWG), a Washington, D.C., nonprofit and advocacy group, and American Transparency, an Illinois public charity.
Asbestos in Children’s Makeup
Mesothelioma Guide: Asbestos Found in Children’s Makeup Product
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) published the information last week, citing laboratory tests that detected asbestos’ presence in talc-based eye shadow.
Brazilian Blowouts
The hairdresser said the treatments contained the chemical formaldehyde, which is common for Brazilian blowdry formulas, according the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by MSN
Cleaners
The Healthy: 23 Subtle Ways Your House Might Be Making You Sick
“Make sure to wash kid’s toys and stuffed animals frequently to minimize dust that collects on these surfaces,” says Samara Geller, a senior research and database analyst at Environmental Working Group (EWG). But, don’t feel you have to use harsh cleansers on your children’s toys.
Cosmetics – EWG VERIFIED
CNN underscored: What is clean beauty? The nontoxic beauty trend, explained
There are some third-party certification bodies like ECOCERT and EWG, which brands can pay to have their products put through rigorous testing to make sure they are free of chemicals and toxins. Reprinted by The World News
The Cut: A Serum for People Who Like Smooth Skin, and Also Sharks
The brand says it’s currently the only EWG-certified (Environmental Working Group) one sold at Sephora, they aim to make zero waste by 2025, and they’ve created a Clean Academy on their website to answer, address, and explain the often confusing world of clean beauty. Reprinted by Head Topics
The Manual: Your Guide to Natural Fragrances for Men
Developed by actress Michelle Pfeiffer and a team of both perfumers and environmental scientists, these fragrances are unique for being created in collaboration with Environmental Working Group and Cradle to Cradle, two watchdog agencies that brought strict standards to bear on the creation of these fragrances.
Cosmetics – Skin Deep
Vogue: The New Toxic Beauty Documentary Asks: Are Skin-Care Products the New Cigarettes?
Research from the Environmental Working Group shows that one in 12 beauty products marketed to black women contains toxic substances, with less than 25% of products in the space considered safe. Reprinted by Caribbean American Weekly
The American nonprofit Environmental Working Group also recommends avoiding the word "fragrance" on a label, because 3,163 ingredients can "hide" behind the word. Reprinted by MSN
Modern Mom: The latest breakthroughs in skincare – and it’s all natural
Did you know that women can put an average of 168 chemicals on their body through their skin care regimen every day, according to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group.
Glyphosate
The Guardian: Almonds are out. Dairy is a disaster. So what milk should we drink?
A study by the Environmental Working Group found glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and a possible carcinogen, in all the foods it tested containing conventionally grown oats and even in one-third of products made with organic oats. Reprinted by Yahoo!; The World News; News Goove; Agri News Farming Portal
A recent study by the Environmental Working Group tested for glyphosate, a possible carcinogen, and found that it was in all the foods it tested containing conventionally grown oats -- and even in one-third of products made with organic oats.
Rutland Herald (Vt.): Sancic: Disease prevention
Check out the Environmental Working Group online. They have an updated list every year of the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen. Reprinted by Times Argus (Barre, Vt.)
Sunscreen
The Environmental Working Group, which periodically publishes a “Guide to Sunscreens,” concurs that the FDA should evaluate the safety of all sunscreen ingredients, including the two associated with coral-reef damage.
Prevention: Multiple Sunscreen Chemicals Enter Your Blood After One Use, Study Finds
For years, the Environmental Working Group has asked the FDA to investigate the safety of oxybenzone in particular, because it is absorbed through the skin in large amounts and has been linked to possible hormone disruption, Alan says. Reprinted by Woman’s Day; Yahoo!
Tap Water Database Update
The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa): Editorial: Up the conversation on vital Iowa issues
An Environmental Working Group study found high levels of nitrates in Iowa’s drinking water could be contributing to 300 cases of cancer annually in the state.
If you'd like to know more about your city's tap water, you can visit the non-profit Environmental Working Group's website.
The Environmental Working Group's Tap Water Database allows users to type in their zip code to see the potential toxins in their tap water.
Teflon in Cookware
Domino: What’s the Deal With Nonstick Cookware?
If you have a Teflon pan and don’t want to toss it, don’t stress too much: PTFE has been deemed safe (for humans, at least) by several groups, including the Environmental Working Group—just be sure you don’t overheat it.
United-States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA)
The Daily Iowan: Yes, major green groups opposed new USMCA trade deal
In an email to The Daily Iowan, representatives from the Environmental Working Group, a nonpartisan conservation nonprofit, said the group has no official stance on the USMCA. Likewise, the Union of Concerned Scientists said the USMCA is not an issue the organization is working on or following.
