Press Releases
Unlabeled PFAS Chemicals Detected in Makeup
June 15, 2021
Makeup wearers may be absorbing and ingesting potentially toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to a new study published today in Environmental Science & Technology Letters. The researchers found high fluorine levels—indicating the probable presence of PFAS—in most waterproof mascara, liquid lipsticks, and foundations tested. Some of the products with the highest fluorine levels underwent further analysis and were all confirmed to contain at least four PFAS of concern. The majority of products with high fluorine, including those confirmed to have PFAS, had no PFAS listed on the label.
Report: Harmful PFAS Chemicals are Pervasive in Building Materials
April 21, 2021
From the floor to the roof, the average building may be rife with persistent and potentially toxic “forever chemicals” called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A report released today by the Green Science Policy Institute is the first to document that PFAS, including large fluoropolymers, are used in a wide variety of building materials.
COVID-19 Fueling Use of Potentially Harmful Antimicrobials in Building Materials
March 31, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for antimicrobial chemicals in building products like doorknobs, countertops, and paint. However, a joint statement released today by leading green building organizations, architects, and scientists warns that building materials with added antimicrobials have no proven health benefit—and may be harmful.
Climate-friendly Foam Building Insulation May do More Harm than Good
February 23, 2021
The use of the polymeric flame retardant PolyFR in “eco-friendly” foam plastic building insulation may be harmful to human health and the environment, according to a new commentary in Environmental Science & Technology. The authors’ analysis identifies several points during the lifecycle of foam insulation that may expose workers, communities, and ecosystems to PolyFR and its potentially toxic breakdown products.
Scientists Urge Congress to Protect Military from Toxic Chemicals
October 22, 2020
A group of 42 scientists submitted a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services committees today calling for a ban on military purchasing of certain consumer products with per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS).
Scientists Urge Business & Government to Treat PFAS Chemicals as a Class
June 30, 2020
All per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) should be treated as one class and avoided for nonessential uses, according to a peer-reviewed article published today in Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
Study: Toxicity Comes Standard
June 16, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has drawn attention to stark health disparities in our communities. Though many factors contribute to high disease burdens for poor people and people of color, older furniture—which is often passed to lower income households—is likely to contain flame retardants that can cause suppressed immune responses, reproductive problems, or cancer.
Study Finds Another Reason to Wash Hands: Flame Retardants
June 9, 2020
Harmful flame retardants may be lurking on your hands and cell phone, according to a peer-reviewed study published today in Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
Study: PFAS in Carpets a Major Exposure Source for Children
April 29, 2020
Children can be exposed to a toxic medley of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) from carpets, according to a peer-reviewed study published today in Chemosphere.
Communities Petition EPA to Regulate Hazardous PFAS Chemicals
January 15, 2020
How are an indigenous tribal leader from an Arctic community, a North Carolina Sunday School teacher, a Michigan attorney, a Colorado community leader, and two suburban mothers from outside of Philadelphia united in an effort that could impact the drinking water and health of everyone in the U.S.?
Scientists Celebrate PFAS Victories in NDAA
December 17, 2019
The U.S. Senate today approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contains groundbreaking provisions to reduce harm from the “forever chemicals” PFAS that are contaminating the drinking water of millions of Americans.
Sustainable Sand Gives Pollution a One-Two Punch into Possibly Harmful Products
December 11, 2019
Baseball fans may be excited to have combination pitcher/slugger Shohei Ohtani on the Los Angeles Angels, but new research suggests that he isn’t the only dual threat that could help out Southern California.