This week EWG reviewed and analyzed new state data showing that drinking water sources for 74 community water systems serving 7.5 million Californians are contaminated with the highly toxic fluorinated chemicals called PFAS. EWG has now documented PFAS contamination in more than 800 communities, military bases, airports and industrial sites nationwide.
“The PFAS crisis has raised alarms nationwide, but it’s been under the radar in California,” said EWG President Ken Cook, a Bay Area resident. “This new data shows that PFAS pollution in California is much more widespread than we knew, with almost one in five Californians served by a utility with at least some of its drinking water supply contaminated with PFAS.” Our analysis comes as the state is working toward setting its own PFAS regulations to supersede the inadequate health advisory level of the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
EWG also broke down how the oil industry has been cooking up schemes to undercut the electric car market. As a recent Politico exposé found, “Groups backed by [oil] industry giants like Exxon Mobil and the Koch empire are waging a state-by-state, multimillion-dollar battle to squelch utilities’ plans to build charging stations across the country.” Our take: “Big Oil’s fight against electric vehicles is doomed to failure, and the industry knows it.”
Summer has officially ended. But that doesn’t mean folks enjoying fall nature are out of the woods when it comes to insect-borne illness. We laid out some simple steps folks can take to stay safe outdoors.
And finally, over on our Children’s Health site, we provided tips for new parents to protect newborns from toxic pesticides, flame retardants and chemical ingredients in personal care products.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
PFAS in California Water Report
Associated Press: Report details extent of water contamination in California
A report released Wednesday by the Environmental Working Group found variants of the chemicals known as PFAS in 74 community water systems between 2013 and 2019, according to data from state and federal regulators. Reprinted by CBS SF Bay Area (San Francisco); KUSI News (San Diego );The Modesto Bee (CA); Santa Maria Times (CA); Hanford Sentinel (CA); Lompoc Record (Santa Maria CA); Napa Valley Register (CA); 38 other media outlets
A report released Wednesday by the Environmental Working Group found variants of the chemicals known as PFAS in 74 community water systems between 2013 and 2019, according to data from state and federal regulators. Reprinted by ABC 7 (Los Angeles); ABC 30 (Fresno CA); 850 WFTL (West Palm Beach FL); WFIN (Findlay OH); MSN; Macomb News Now (Macomb IL); 31 other media outlets
Chemical contaminants were detected in water sources serving more than 7 million Californians, according to a new report by the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by KTLA 5 (Los Angeles CA)
Fox KTVU (San Francisco): Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ detected in CA drinking water
A review by the Environmental Working Group shows drinking water sources for 74 community water systems are contaminated with the highly toxic fluorinated chemicals called PFAS.
A new Environmental Working Group (EWG) study of water systems in 74 California communities found that at least one sample taken from 40 percent of those systems was over the EPA's suggested limit - and even that, EWG says, is too high. Reprinted by News Groove; Health Medicine Network
The review by the Environmental Working Group detected PFAS, a “forever chemical” that does not break down, in 74 different communities’ water.
Newsweek: California Water Sources Contaminated With Potentially Deadly ‘Forever Chemicals’
A review of state data by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows that over 40 percent of the water systems included in the data contained an amount of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that was over 70 parts per trillion.
The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research organization, reviewed data from the EPA outlining drinking water sources contaminated with “highly toxic” chemicals called Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, according to the study.
Chemicals in Water Result in 100,000 Cancer Cases
Cancer Health: Is Your Tap Water Raising Your Cancer Risk?
Break out your water filters. A new study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Heliyon, warns that a potentially “toxic cocktail” of chemicals in U.S. drinking water contributes to increased lifetime risk that adds up to more than 100,000 cases of cancer.
Over the course of a lifetime, warns the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the study’s author, simple exposure to carcinogenic tap water could be cumulatively linked to some 100,000 cancer cases over the course of a lifetime.
Medical Daily: Does Your Tap Water Contain Cancer-Causing Contaminants?
A new scientific paper published by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) found people with substandard water systems are exposed to a toxic cocktail of chemicals -- including atrazine, arsenic, flouride and lead -- found in their drinking water. Reprinted by MSN
Medical News Today: Scientists evaluate cancer risk of US drinking water
Researchers from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in Washington, DC, used a new approach to analyze cumulative cancer risk due to cancer-causing chemicals in tap water across the U.S. Reprinted by VIPortal
Over the course of a lifetime, warns the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the study’s author, simple exposure to carcinogenic tap water could be cumulatively linked to some 100,000 cancer cases over the course of a lifetime. Reprinted by Montreal Le Canadian
ABC 11 (Raleigh NC): Chemicals in tap water may cause cancer, study suggests
According to a new report from the Environmental Working Group, there may be cancer-causing products in tap water.
Algae Blooms
KUNC (Greely CO): Warming Drives Spike In Algae Blooms Across Wyoming
So far this year, the Wyoming Department of Health has issued algae bloom advisories for 16 lakes and reservoirs across the state, a spike that mirrors the record number potentially toxic blooms across the country in 2019, as counted by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by Wyoming Public Media; Boise State Public Radion (ID)
Algae Blooms and Dog Deaths
Osprey Observer (Valrico FL): Toxic Algae Blooms Linked To Dog Deaths
According to the Environmental Working Group, 2019 is seeing a record-breaking number of algae blooms when compared to the years prior.
BPA in Consumer Products
Taipei Times: EDITORIAL: New thinking on receipts required
In tests conducted by US-based non-profit organization the Environmental Working Group, it was found that cashiers have 30 percent more BPS in their bodies than the average person, making them a particularly high-risk group for reproductive issues.
Cleaning Products
Reader’s Digest: What Are Dryer Balls and How Do They Compare to Dryer Sheets
“When it comes to skin safety, people should be aware of all the ingredients in any type of product they are using—regardless of any ‘natural’ claims made—as everyone’s skin reacts differently,” says Johnson, noting that P&G’s products are tested for those with skin sensitivities in mind. Since dryer balls are chemical-free, however, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) endorses them as safe for babies and those with sensitive skin.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Goop: What a Scientist Drinks, Does, and Wears for Beauty and Wellness
Start with the episode “Why Are There Still Toxic Ingredients in Beauty Products?”—goop beauty editors Jean Godfrey-June and Megan O’Neill talk with Nneka Leiba, the VP of healthy living science at the Environmental Working Group, about the toxic chemicals we are exposed to in cosmetics, what you need to know about spray sunscreen, and how to choose the products you use.
Poosh: Pick of the Week: $10 Non-Toxic Baby Oil
On top of being EWG (Environmental Working Group) verified and formulated with squalane, Pipette’s Baby Oil is safe, non-toxic, and mineral-free.
Woman’s Day: How to Grow Stronger, Healthier Nails, According to Dematologists
Popular non-toxic nail polish brands include Zoya, Butter London, and Deborah Lippmann. (If you’re not sure whether your go-to nail polish brands are non-toxic, you can always search for them in the EWG’s cosmetics database.) Reprinted by Prevention; Yahoo!
Dr. Axe: What Is Stearic Acid? Top Uses for Skin & Beyond
For example, the Environmental Working Group and PETA list it as a “substance of animal origin” since it’s derived from rendered fat of farm animals.
Itsy Bitsy Indulgences: Wellness Wednesday || A New Shaving Experience
They use grapefruit, coconut, rosa canina, and aloe vera in both products + they have a top rating in the EWG Skin Deep Database.
Little Southern Life: A Crunchy Mom’s Guide To Kid’s Bath Time
Type them into google, go to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep page and type them in there or download the Healthy Living app and scan them. Let me know if I can help you in any way to #switchtosafer.
Duke Energy
Inside EPA: Duke Engergy draws scrutiny over carbon neutrality goal
For instance, a release from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) quotes Kerwin Olson, executive director of Citizen Action Coalition in Indiana, as saying, “Duke has displayed no commitment to transitioning their Indiana generation away from fossil fuels. . . . When you review what Duke has actually filed before state regulators and compare that with this announcement’s intended media splash, it feels like a whole lot of greenwashing.”
Eating Well on a Budget
ABC News: Are American adults getting smarter about what they eat?
One way to combat this may be through adding resources through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Plan (SNAP) for healthier eating. Weinandy shares that the Environmental Working Group also has resources for eating well on a budget. Reprinted by Mogaz News; 1540 WADK (Newport RI); Regional Daily News (Kewanee IL); WOND (Linwood NJ); KRVN Rural Radio (Lexington NE); 11 other media outlets
Farm Bailouts
Compton Herald (CA): Rep. Maxine Waters response to Trump tariffs
According to a recent analysis of USDA data by the Environmental Working Group, more than half of the farmer aid payments have been doled out to the top one-tenth of recipients.
Creators Syndicate (Hermosa Beach CA): Cronyism Yields a Bumper Crop with Farm Bailouts
According to the Environmental Working Group, an outfit that has long opposed farm subsidies, one-tenth of the bailout recipients last year have received over half of the bailout payments, and 82 farmers have each received more than $500,000. Reprinted by Reason; The American Spectator; TownHall; Before It’s News; Conservative Angle; Patriot Post; Tyler Morning Telegraph (TX)
Farm Subsidies
Medium: Corn: The Welfare Crop
Map representing which states receive the most corn subsidies, courtesy of the Environmental Working Group Farm Subsidy Database, with darker colors indicating more monies received.
Glyphosate in Food
The Good Men Project: Glyphosate In Food – Is it Bad for You?
This was proven in a 2016 study commissioned by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which found that 43 of 45 oat-based products contained glyphosate, while almost three-fourths of those samples had glyphosate levels higher than what the EWG considers safe for children.
At the same time the Environmental Working Group released test results in 2018 showing glyphosate residues in Cheerios and other popular cereals and snacks. Reprinted by Montana Public Radio
Meat Eater’s Guide to Climate Change + Health
Live Kindly: Copenhagen Schools Urged to Ban Red Meat From Lunches
Lamb also has a significant environmental impact. One report by the Environmental Working Group states it’s even higher than beef, this is because much of the meat produced by a lamb is not edible and goes to waste.
PFAS in Consumer Products
"This is huge because carpets have been contaminated with these chemicals for decades, starting back in the eighties," Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group explained.
2019 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Bella Online: Can Fruits and Vegetables Help Endometriosis?
If you are planning to increase your fruit and vegetable intake to minimize your endometriosis risks you may want to become aware of the 'dirty dozen' list. This is an annually updated list of the most pesticide-laden produce compiled by the Environmental Working Group.
Coeur d’Alene Press (ID): Advertising: Advertorial – Dr. Wendy Cunningham: Dirty Dozen and Clean 15
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) mentioned that kale is newer to the list and has pushed bell peppers out of the number 12 spot, even though they are still high in pesticide residue.
Mercola: Why Is The Celery Juice Trend Exploding?
Each year the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit organization aimed at protecting health and the environment, publishes a guide to pesticides in produce.
Reprinted by Healthglu; Health Nut News
It is worth noting that apples belong to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Dirty Dozen list, which includes the produce with the most pesticides. Reprinted by Bru Direct
Weil: Eating To Prevent Prostate Cancer
A key way to optimize your produce from chemicals is to pay regular attention to the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and prioritize purchasing those items in their organic forms.
KCEN-TV (Temple TX): Your Best Life | National Organic Month
Linzy said there are certain foods that should always be eaten organic such as strawberries, spinach, and tomatoes. This is according to the 2019 Environmental Working Group's 2019 Dirty Dozen List.
EWG's Guide to Sunscreens
Johnny Jet: These Are the Best Sunscreens for Kids
And so I was happy to look over a new list of best sunscreens for kids, compiled by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Future Derm: Paula’s Choice Smooting Primer Serum SPF 30 Review
However, in 2010, the Environmental Working Group reviewed results from the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and proposed retinyl palmitate in sunscreens may accelerate the risk of skin cancer.
Market Watch: How a big FDA review of sunscreen ingredients is prompting industry lobbying
Several advocacy groups said in a joint comment that the big review is “long overdue,” adding that the FDA shouldn’t weaken standards “at the bequest of industry.” Public Citizen, Environmental Defense Fund and the Environmental Working Group were among the outfits submitting that joint comment. Reprinted by Morning Star
Tap Water Database
The Guardian: ‘What they put on the fields contaminates our water’: Iowa’s pollution problem
A report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed that, across the US, 1,700 municipal water utilities – most of them rural – regularly have nitrates above the 5mg/l safe limit.
Before It’s News: Why There is No Such Thing as ‘Safe’ Tap Water
The Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water database allows you to search by state for relevant information about the safety of tap water in your area.
Contamination levels near military bases can reach up to 680,000 parts per trillion, according to a 2018 EWG and Northeastern University study.
Santa Ynez Valley News (Solvang CA): Ron Colone: What’s foolish is not having clean water
Data compiled by the Environmental Working Group from 2010 - 2015 showed this: 19,000 public water systems contained lead, and there is no safe level of exposure to lead; more than 170 million Americans are exposed to radioactive radium in their water… Reprinted by Santa Maria Times (CA); Lompoc Record (Santa Maria CA)
High Plains Public Radio (Garden City KS): High Plains Tap Water: Is It Safe to Drink?
According to the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database, when most Americans drink a glass of tap water, they're also getting a dose of industrial or agricultural contaminants linked to cancer, brain damage, hormone disruption and other concerns.
WGVU (Grand Rapids MI): $1 million grant will fund PFAS research in West Michigan
According to the Environmental Working Group, or the EWG, recent data shows that Michigan leads the nation in the number of confirmed PFAS contaminated water supplies in the nation.
PFAS in Tap Water
NM Political Report: Army: No PFAS contamination at White Sands Missile Range
Our article was based on a report released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit research and advocacy organization that specializes in chemical contamination and drinking water issues.
More than 100 Army installations were discovered to have drinking water contaminated with PFAS, according to a recent report from the Army conducted by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization.
Urban Milwaukee (MN): Evers, Governors Push Congress on PFAS
Wisconsin Examiner’s sibling news outlet, the Michigan Advance, has detailed a new report that shows more Michigan military sites that tested positive for PFAS contamination, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Water Filter Buying Guide
Ladies Want More: Lead In Tap Water: What Parents Should Know
Visit EWG’s Water Filter Buying Guide to find a filter that meets your ne and budget.Choose a model certified for lead removal by NSF International, the California Environmental Protection Agency or the Water Quality Association.
