Catch up on the latest news and analysis from EWG’s team of experts.
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EPA’s plan to regulate industry ‘forever chemicals’ discharges falls short
The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to regulate some industrial discharges of the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS into our drinking water falls short of what’s needed to turn off...
Toxic algae exposure leads to more than 300 emergency room visits in three years
Harmful algae blooms caused 321 emergency room visits between 2017 and 2019 for respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurologic and skin problems, a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study says...
Local fire departments need Congress’ help for switch to PFAS-free foam and gear
Firefighters are among those most highly exposed to harms from the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS through their protective gear and firefighting foam, but many local fire departments lack the...
Avoid potentially toxic algae during Labor Day weekend: Almost 400 outbreaks already in 2021
At least 39 states are suffering potentially toxic algae bloom outbreaks this year, with almost 400 news reports of incidents already in 2021 – a 25 percent leap from reports by the same time last...
‘Forever chemicals’ contamination at Defense Department sites threatens Great Lakes fish and residents
Groundwater from at least six Defense Department sites in the Great Lakes region is contaminated with high levels of the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, according to DOD records obtained by...
‘Forever chemicals’ contamination at Defense Department sites threatens Chesapeake Bay fish
The groundwater of at least nine military installations close to the Chesapeake Bay is contaminated with high levels of the toxic fluorinated “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, according to Department...
PFAS news roundup
August 6: Senate infrastructure bill includes $10 billion for PFAS cleanup, FDA fails to ban toxic ‘forever chemicals’ from food containers and more
Lake Erie’s annual algae outbreak mostly threatens health of people in disadvantaged communities
A new Environmental Working Group analysis reveals that Lake Erie’s annual algae bloom problem, which releases the toxin microcystin into the water, may pose elevated health risks for the communities...
PFAS news roundup
July 30: Historic infrastructure bill includes ‘forever chemicals’ provisions, PFAS dischargers shirk EPA reporting and more
PFAS news roundup
July 23: California proposes bold public health goals for PFAS in water, House passes PFAS Action Act with bipartisan support and more
Fact check: Hazardous substance designation for ‘forever chemicals’ is not a ban
Some lawmakers are spinning wild tales about the dire consequences that could result if legislation passes that would jumpstart the cleanup of the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS. The facts...
PFAS news roundup
On Wednesday, the Environmental Working Group hosted its Inaugural PFAS Conference , featuring EPA Administrator Michael Regan , notable federal policymakers , several members of Congress and state...
Stay safe from toxic algae in water during Independence Day weekend
Extreme heat expected in many parts of the U.S. this Fourth of July weekend will likely bring millions of people to the beach, but an EWG analysis shows that recreation is not safe in or near all...
PFAS news roundup
June 25: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ widespread across many cosmetics categories, Maine passes strict PFAS limits in water and more
In Midwest farm states, nitrate pollution of tap water is more likely in lower-income communities
In three leading Midwestern agricultural states, communities whose drinking water is contaminated with nitrate are more likely to be lower income.
PFAS news roundup
June 11: It’s raining PFAS, EPA acts to protect public from ‘forever chemicals,’ Congress introduces bills to mandate DOD cleanup of PFAS and more
It’s already a big year for algae outbreaks
It is not even June, yet algae blooms are already erupting in lakes, rivers and streams across the United States.
PFAS News Roundup
May 28: ‘Forever chemicals’ detected in more Massachusetts drinking water, Sierra Club tests find PFAS in fertilizer and more
At the most contaminated military sites, little to no progress in cleaning up ‘forever chemicals’
The Pentagon has made almost no progress in cleaning up the military installations that are some of the most contaminated with the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, according to an EWG review...
PFAS news roundup
On Wednesday, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed into a law a ban on the sale of certain products containing the toxic “forever chemicals" called PFAS, including firefighting foam and equipment, food...