Environmental Working Group

BVO. Perfectly safe — right up until it’s banned 🤦 Today, the FDA announced a long overdue ban of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food, marking a major, if not belated, win for public health. Studies have shown BVO can harm the nervous system, and it’s banned from drinks sold in Europe and Japan. In the US, California led the charge with its Food Safety Act banning BVO in 2023. It used to be found in a wide range of citrus-flavored drinks, until a 2012 change.org petition brought attention to the health problems relating to BVO. Under market pressure, many brands removed it from their products. But BVO is still often found in so-called off-brand products, including store-brand products and lesser-known, smaller brands that are sometimes sold regionally. As author of the California Food Safety Act, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel said: “While the FDA’s announcement is a step forward, allowing BVO to remain in foods for so long despite clear evidence of harm highlights a glaring failure in our food safety system. The FDA must act quickly to expedite its reviews and do more to remove harmful and toxic chemicals from our food supply”. What can you do? ✅ Check labels to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. ✅ Visit EWG’s Guide to Food Additives and Food Scores to learn more about what’s in the food you are consuming! More on BVO here: https://ewg.life/4cmrWHk #FDA #FoodSafety #BVOBan #EWG #HealthyChoices

Planning a summer BBQ soon? Here are a few tips for a expanding your BBQ menu: 🌽 Grill a variety of veggies for a colorful and nutritious feast. 🍅 Watch out for condiments with artificial dyes and excess sugar. 🍔 Choose natural or organic meats to avoid harmful additives. Other tips to stay safe while enjoying your BBQ: ☀️ Plan your cookout for late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun. 🧴 Use EWG’s Guides to Sunscreens and Bug Repellents for the best protection. 🫧 Head to EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning find a low hazard grill cleaner. Enjoy delicious and healthy BBQs while being kind to your body and the planet! 🌭🍔🍉 Read More: https://ewg.life/4ePlc6l #MemorialDay #GrillSmart #EWG #HealthyLiving #PlantBased #SummerBBQ

In today’s episode, Ken chats with agricultural and antitrust policy expert Austin Frerick. Austin’s debut book, “Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry,” dives into the power players reshaping our food system. Discover how policy language is used to keep us out, and how Austin’s book brings us in. During the 2020 campaign, Austin advised Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Pete Buttigieg, later serving as Co-Chair of Biden’s Agriculture Antitrust Policy Committee. Now at Yale University, he continues to champion fair competition and antitrust enforcement. Tune in here: https://ewg.life/3xv4856

Paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide, has caused significant health and environmental issues due to numerous application violations between 2017 and 2022. Exposure to paraquat has been linked to severe respiratory problems, organ damage, and extensive environmental harm. Families have faced persistent breathing troubles, and in some cases, thousands of trees were killed due to improper paraquat use. Violations often include inadequate protective gear for applicators, failure to notify about applications, and improper storage of the chemical. The misuse of paraquat poses serious, long-lasting risks. It's crucial to enforce strict regulations to protect our health and environment from this hazardous chemical. Read more: https://ewg.life/3L1YnPp

New study alert! 🚨 Researchers have found that girls starting their periods earlier than ever before. This trend, which disproportionately affects non-Hispanic Black, Asian, and multiracial girls, could be tied to harmful chemicals like PFAS and phthalates found in everyday products. Learn how to reduce exposure and read more: https://ewg.life/4eiloed #endocrinedisrupters #ewg

For decades, companies have hidden the dangers of PFAS chemicals. In a recent New Yorker article, investigative reporter Sharon Lerner tells the story of former 3M scientist Kris Hansen. In the 90s, Kris discovered PFAS in the public's blood, but 3M executives assured her they were harmless. Decades later, she learned the truth about the serious risks and decided to speak out. In today's episode, Ken talks with Sharon about Kris's journey and betrayal. In the second half, Ken talks to toxicologist Professor Philippe Grandjean's about the vested interest in keeping facts about chemical exposure a secret from the public. Tune in to hear the full story and learn about the hidden dangers in our environment.

What does bread have in common with explosives, industrial cleaners, and photo-developing solution? Shockingly, they all contain the same chemical ingredients! Many chemicals found in processed foods are also used in industrial products, posing serious health risks. 🔍 Propylparaben is linked to developmental and reproductive harm. 🔍 Potassium bromate is known to cause cancer. 🔍 BHA has been linked to cancer. 🔍 ADA is linked to cancer and organ damage. 🔍 Synthetic food dyes can cause behavioral issues in children. The FDA has failed to regulate these substances adequately, with 99% of food chemicals introduced since 2000 approved by the industry itself. However, some states are stepping up with legislation to ban these harmful chemicals. Take control of your health by: ❗ Using EWG’s Food Scores database and Healthy Living app to find safer products. ❗ Opting for organic foods ❗ Limiting ultra-processed foods Read more: https://ewg.life/3xbJ3MP #FoodSafety #ChemicalExposure #EWG

Lavender is everywhere, from lattes to personal care products, but what’s really in them? Many trendy lavender items may not contain real lavender at all, but rather artificial flavors and dyes. 🌿💜 🔍 Check the label for “lavandula” to ensure it’s the real deal. 🔍 Steer clear of artificial flavors and food dyes like Red Dye No. 3. Fun Fact: Starbucks’ lavender drinks use natural flavors and food dyes, not real lavender. Stay informed and choose products that are both safe and authentic. 🌿✨ Read more: https://ewg.life/3Xi3a6t #Lavender #EWG #HealthyChoices #IngredientCheck #FoodSafety #CleanIngredients #LavenderLattes

Interested in getting your products EWG Verified®? Join us on June 26th to learn about the benefits of third-party certifications. We’ll cover: ✅ What consumers prioritize when shopping ✅ The science and rigorous standards behind EWG Verified  ✅ EWG’s influential digital audience and our role in improving public health standards #EWGVerified #CleanBeauty #HealthyLiving

Curious about the future of our planet and energy? This next podcast episode is a must-listen! Join Ken as he sits down with two incredible guests: Mark Jacobson - Author and Environmental Engineering Professor Greg Jaczko - Former Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Author They break down: 🔸 The hidden truths behind the nuclear energy industry 🔸 Why we're spending so much money on nuclear power 🔸 Exciting new clean energy alternatives 🔸 Why we're still using both nuclear and renewable energy sources Whether you're an energy novice or a climate enthusiast, this episode offers eye-opening insights on climate change, air pollution, and the quest for sustainable power. #ClimateChange #AirPollution #NuclearEnergy #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Podcast #SustainableFuture #GreenEnergy #EcoFriendly