Explainer: What are PFAS?
What are ‘forever chemicals’? How did they end up virtually everywhere in our environment? And what does it all mean for our health?
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
Federal inaction on PFAS puts our food supply at risk
Reducing your child’s exposure to microplastic starts at breakfast
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
PFAS found in America’s lakes and streams
Accidents Waiting to Happen
Accidents Waiting to Happen: Hazardous Materials by Rail
Accidents Waiting to Happen: Oil Pipelines
The Latest
Type
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.
We can prevent future chemical train derailments by using less plastic
Seven out of the eight types of toxic materials that escaped from the derailed train in East Palestine, Ohio, are used to make plastic.
EPA, DOT to increase accountability, safety in wake of Ohio chemical train derailment
Federal government requiring Norfolk Southern to pay for cleanup; new rail safety rules coming
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?