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
Event highlights role of states in stopping industries from dumping toxic PFAS
Got PFAS?
Updates
We’re making your voice heard on mercury pollution
REI commits to eliminating PFAS from its products
Toxic waste cleanups are lagging. We need polluters to pay to clean up their messes.
Featured Resources
Superfund Back on Track
The Threat of “Forever Chemicals”
Who are the top toxic water polluters in your state?
“Chemical recycling”: What you need to know.
The Latest
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Year in review: PIRG’s 2023 highlights
PIRG, its state groups celebrate national, state, local victories for the public interest
Updated 2023 mid-hurricane season resource guide: data, resources & interview opportunities
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30. This resource guide can help members of the media cover it more thoroughly and accurately.
What’s the problem with fast fashion?
In the United States, we generate enough textile waste to fill the Mall of America-- the largest shopping mall in the country-- every six days.
Has PFAS contaminated your beach?
As summer kicks into high gear and more families are hitting lakes and beaches around the country, the last thing on their minds is potential dangers lurking in the water.
Major PFAS manufacturer will pay more than $10 billion for clean-up
A major chemical company and producer of PFAS “forever chemicals”, 3M agreed to a $10.3 billion settlement with public water utilities last Thursday.