The latest from EWG’s staff of experts

EWG joins environmentalists nationwide in mourning the untimely passing of fellow activist Mary Beth Doyle in Ann Arbor, MI. Mary Beth brought warmth, passion and energy to her work on toxics and environmental justice issues at the Ecology Center.

According to news reports, Teflon maker DuPont reported earning $331 million in the third quarter this year. That amount will just cover the possible $313 million fine it faces for illegally hiding from the EPA studies finding that their Teflon chemical moves from mother's blood to baby and that it had polluted drinking water supplies used by thousands of Ohioans and West Virginians.

Key Issues: 

Toxics

Chemical Policy (TSCA)

Nonstick Chemicals

Cookware

Tap Water

Yesterday House and Senate committee members agreed on a bill that would have the tobacco industry, rather than taxpayers, spend $9.6 billion to buy out tobacco quotas. While the bill rightly ends an outdated, lopsided subsidy system, Congress let slip a key provision that would have given the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the power to regulate the manufacture and sale of cigarettes.

Key Issues: 

Chemical Policy (TSCA)

Subsidies

A new study finds chemical flame retardants known as PBDEs contaminate common foods available on supermarket shelves. The study appears in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Science & Technology and provides possible evidence that food may be a primary source of the flame retardant contamination found in humans.

Key Issues: 

Toxics

Chemical Policy (TSCA)

Flame Retardants

Chemicals in Food

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) will permit EWG access to detailed, well-by-well, lease-by-lease information regarding oil and gas wells on Federal lands in western states. In a remarkable letter to EWG dated July 27, 2004, the Department reversed its previous denial of EWG's request for the information, which EWG will use to inform taxpayers what they get in return for DOI oil and gas lease programs.

Key Issues: 

Oil & Gas Drilling

The American Medical Association (AMA), the national professional organization for all physicians in the United States, has adopted a resolution that includes the following recommendation: "Given the limitations of national consumer fish consumption advisories, the Food and Drug Administration should consider the advisability of requiring that fish consumption advisories and results related to mercury testing be posted where fish, including canned tuna, are sold."

Key Issues: 

Mercury

Chemicals in Food

There's increasing concern about the risks of chemicals in personal care products. The Independent reports that the growing use of cosmetics and toiletries, which contain many known toxic or untested chemicals, may be harming children who will develop cancer and fertility problems as adults.

Key Issues: 

Toxics

Chemical Policy (TSCA)

Cosmetics

As the Detroit News reports, Ford Motor Co. has again withheld evidence of safety problems with its SUVs and other vehicles. For Ford, it’s hardly an isolated incident.

Key Issues: 

Consumer Products

Grist magazine reports that the Bush Administration, at the behest of agribusiness lobbyists, has quietly taken several actions to weaken national standards for organic food. The Department of Agriculture made the changes without allowing public comment or feedback from the National Organic Standards Board, an advisory panel that is supposed to review changes to the standards.

Key Issues: 

Chemicals in Food