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
We’re making your voice heard on mercury pollution
REI commits to eliminating PFAS from its products
Newest climate deal would hold polluters accountable for toxic waste clean up
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
EPA could protect communities from disasters like Ohio train wreck
Why are there so many toxic chemicals on trains? How can we reduce the risk of toxic spills?
The military is ending the use of PFAS. Why that’s a win for kids’ health.
Using safer alternatives in firefighting foam will mean eliminating a significant pathway for toxic contamination of drinking water sources.
Saying farewell to fluorescents
Fluorescent light bulbs are a common sight in offices, garages, and basements—but they contain toxic mercury and are incredibly inefficient compared to newer alternatives. It's time to phase them out.
How we beat back plastic waste, took on toxic pollution and more in 2022
PIRG and our supporters were able to make major progress this year on some of our country’s most pressing challenges to the public interest.
Statement: 3M to stop making, using PFAS
Major manufacturer to discontinue use of hazardous ‘forever chemicals’ by end of 2025