On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it intends to suspend all future uses of dacthal, a toxic weedkiller that scientific research has shown to cause harm to the developing fetus and problems associated with thyroid function in adults. The EPA’s decision comes after years attempting to get the manufacturer, agrochemical giant AMVAC, to provide sufficient studies showing the herbicide does not pose a risk to human health.
“For nearly a decade, AMVAC has ignored requirements under federal pesticide laws to provide vital health and safety information to the EPA and, by doing so, has exposed farmworkers and the general public, including babies in the womb, to this toxic weedkiller,” said Alexis Temkin, Ph.D., an EWG toxicologist.
EPA also announced several new actions this week that would address discharges of the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS into lakes, rivers, streams and other sources of drinking water, but more are needed to curb PFAS pollution.
A new study, led by researchers at Indiana University, Bloomington, links early-life exposure to lead in private water wells with juvenile delinquency. The study shows that even at very low levels, lead exposure can have serious real-world consequences for those affected.
Earlier this week, North Carolina utility giant Duke Energy revealed it only generated 5.4 percent of its electricity in 2021 from solar and wind energy, despite misleading claims by the company that it expanded its total renewable energy capacity by more than 20 percent last year. All this comes while the utility is pushing a plan that could stifle the growth of renewable solar power in the Tar Heel State while hiking ratepayers’ bills.
“The relentless greenwashing and deception at Duke Energy continue as usual,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “The more than 7 million customers who are beholden to the monopoly utility to power their homes and businesses should be furious about Duke’s intolerable resistance to shedding its reliance on dirty and dangerous energy sources.”
And finally, EWG broke down a new lawsuit contending that one brand of period underwear contains high levels of the toxic forever chemicals known as PFAS.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
EPA action on PFAS
Bloomberg: EPA Updates Water Pollution Discharge Permitting to Cut PFAS (1)
“Today’s actions are a step in the right direction, but stronger federal regulations are still urgently needed to curb industrial PFAS pollution,” said Melanie Benesh, an attorney at the Environmental Working Group, which advocates for strong pollution controls. “The EPA should also speed up its efforts to limits discharges from polluting industries.”
CAFOs
The Wisconsin Examiner: DNR taking public comment for Portage County CAFO permit
A report in February by the Environmental Working Group and Midwest Environmental Advocates found that in four Wisconsin counties, manure was applied more than 50% above the rate recommended by University of Wisconsin researchers to minimize pollution. Kinnard Farms, and Kewaunee County where it’s located, was cited in the report.
Skin Deep ® cosmetics database
Vogue: How to Make Your Beauty Routine More Sustainable
Additionally, formulations are important but can often be difficult to decode on your own. Thankfully, there are plenty of online resources. “If you're concerned about purity and safety, the EWG database is a good tool, and you should get familiar with ingredient names (of which there are sometimes hundreds for just one item) and determine what your values are around those,” she says.
EWG VERIFIED®: Cleaners
Greenmatters: The Best Zero-Waste, Sustainable, and Non-Toxic Dish Soaps for Sensitive Skin
Though no consumer should live and die by the Environmental Working Group’s ratings, checking out which products are EWG Verified can be a good place to start when looking for a new product. Interestingly, only two dish soaps made the cut and are EWG Verified.
EWG VERIFIED®: Cosmetics
USA Today: 20 ways to shop greener this Earth Day and beyond at REI, Bombas and ThredUp
Shop from brands that have any certifications from a third party that says they do what they claim. Common certifications are Cruelty Free, Climate Neutral, GOTS-Certified, EWG-Verified, OEKO-TEX and Fair Trade Certified.
Good Housekeeping: 12 Best Clean Beauty Brands You Can Trust, According to Experts
But these "selfie emblems" may only look legitimate, since they're brand-created without a third-party vetting process to verify their claims. As such, she recommends familiarizing yourself with emblems from Leaping Bunny, Environmental Working Group, MadeSafe and USDA Biobased.
Farm subsidies
Happ said that IATP launched the study because of anecdotal evidence from the Environmental Working Group and other sources raising questions about large conservation payments being made to operations with a history of manure pollution in rural communities.
Investigate TV: InvestigateTV - Season 1; Episode 15
[features Anne Weir]
The New Lede
The New Lede: ‘We want it back to what it was’: The US village blighted by toxic waste
A family miles away from the plant said they now only drink water from plastic bottles because tests show chemical contamination of their drinking well. “We want it back to what it was,” resident Stan Keiser told the Guardian. “That shouldn’t be too much to ask.”
PFAS
CBS News: New technology seeks to destroy toxic "forever chemicals" in drinking water
At least 2,854 locations in 50 states and two territories are now known to be contaminated with the chemicals, according to the Environmental Working Group.
Vice: How Military Jet Fuel Leaked Into Hawaii's Drinking Water
After a leak at a Navy fuel facility poisoned the water in November, thousands got sick. Now families are dealing with unexplainable health problems. VICE News investigates how the Navy let this happen, and the Department of Defense’s toxic legacy in Hawaii and other communities near military installations.
The National Desk: Spotlight on America Investigates: Toxic Wrap? PFAS in fast-food packaging
Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, known better as PFAS, “the forever chemicals,” are part of many of these packages that we hold in our hands and, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), they’re ingested when we eat those fast-food meals.
EWG Guide to Sunscreens
Conde Nast Traveler: The Best Body Sunscreens for All Skin Types
Thinksport kids mineral sunscreen…This sunscreen was ranked with the highest score possible by the Environmental Working Group. According to the nonprofit’s website, that means it provides excellent UVA protection and has low health concerns.