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: New rule will aid PFAS clean-ups
STATEMENT: EPA restricts toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
Updates
Energy Conservation & Efficiency
California clean lighting law takes effect
A bright red freeze pop isn’t worth exposing our kids to a harmful chemical
We’re making your voice heard on mercury pollution
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
Type
Why is Red Dye #3 still being used in our food?
Thirty years after Red Dye #3 was banned from use in cosmetics, this toxic additive is still being used to, for example, make freeze pops a brighter red. That's nuts.
STATEMENT: EPA acts to protect drinking water from PFAS
New proposal would create first national limits on dangerous ‘forever chemicals’
Victory: REI is phasing out toxic PFAS from its products
Other outdoor retailers should follow REI’s lead and take action to eliminate these harmful chemicals.
REI commits to eliminating PFAS from its products
The major outdoor retailer will phase out the use of "forever chemicals" in all cookware and textiles by 2024, and all remaining products by 2026.
California gets a ‘C’ for efforts to get the lead out
CALPIRG Education Fund calls for stronger action to prevent lead contamination of schools’ water.