Toxic threats
The chemicals used in everything from perfumes to cleaners to fertilizers should make our lives better — not harm our health or our environment.
There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market in the United States, used in everything from perfumes and household cleaners to fertilizers and industrial solvents. Surprisingly, most chemicals go into use without testing their long-term impact on our health or the environment. We should make sure that any chemical in use is safe, eliminate any we know are dangerous, and when industries make a toxic mess, we should know right away, and they should pay to clean it up.
The Latest on Toxic threats
STATEMENT: EPA acts to protect drinking water from PFAS
Preparing for a hurricane: Here are tips to protect yourself, your home and your finances
Updates
Advocacy groups to EPA: Take action to reduce near-term “forever chemical” releases
PIRG launches campaign to ban the destructive herbicide dicamba
Featured Resources
Who are the top toxic water polluters in your state?
“Chemical recycling”: What you need to know.
Get the Lead Out
Recording of Farewell to Fluorescents policy briefing
The Latest
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New report: Toxic waste cleanup efforts lag, putting Americans at risk
One in six Americans lives within three miles of a toxic waste site so dangerous that it has been approved or proposed for cleanup under the federal government’s “Superfund” program. However, there’s not enough money to pay for that vital work, according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data detailed in a new report from U.S. PIRG Education Fund and Environment America Research & Policy Center.
Statement: Toxic metals found in baby food
A report released Thursday by a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee said four of the seven largest baby food manufacturers have sold baby food with “significant levels of toxic heavy metals” dating back to at least late 2019.
Toxic chemicals in single-use plastics are harming human health
Plastic is a problem not just for our environment, but also for our health. Chemicals used to make plastics anti-microbial, flame retardant, and more, can be toxic.
PFAS Free & I’m Lovin’ It
McDonald’s just committed to phasing out PFAS-treated food packaging from its restaurants globally by 2025. Other restaurants, like Burger King and Wendy’s, should follow its lead.
McDonald’s commits to eliminating toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in food packaging globally
McDonald’s announced a commitment to eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging used in its restaurants by 2025. PFAS are linked to kidney and liver problems, high cholesterol, reduced immune system function, and cancer.