The latest from EWG’s staff of experts

The toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS have been detected in almost 200 New Jersey drinking water systems and groundwater sources, according to the latest state and federal data compiled and mapped by EWG.

Key Issues: 

Toxics

PFAS Chemicals

Water

Tap Water

Top officials at the Environmental Protection Agency had a bold idea: Require water companies to run the nation’s most polluted tap water through the treatment plant equivalent of a Brita water pitcher.

Key Issues: 

Water

Tap Water

EWG News Roundup (10/25): Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.

Key Issues: 

Children's Health

Toxics

Consumer Products

Water

A sample of residential tap water in Louisville, Ky, contained 10 different compounds in the family of toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS, according to laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group

Key Issues: 

Toxics

PFAS Chemicals

Water

Tap Water

Designating the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS as “hazardous substances” is critical to cleaning up legacy contamination of a chemical linked to cancer.

Key Issues: 

Toxics

PFAS Chemicals

Water

Tap Water

The Philadelphia School District has closed two schools indefinitely after renovations uncovered deadly asbestos. The closure of the schools, housed in the same building, comes just weeks after a longtime teacher in the city’s schools was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an incurable cancer most often caused by asbestos exposure.

Key Issues: 

Children's Health

Toxics

Asbestos

Many of the nation’s highest levels of groundwater contamination with PFAS – highly toxic fluorinated chemicals linked to increased risk of cancer and other diseases – have been found at military sites, according to federal data obtained and analyzed by EWG.

Key Issues: 

Toxics

PFAS Chemicals

Water

Tap Water

Eight people have died this year from Eastern equine encephalitis, a disease caused by a mosquito-borne virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, five to 10 cases of the virus are reported nationwide each year.

Key Issues: 

Children's Health

Toxics

Consumer Products

The toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS are a class of environmentally persistent manmade chemicals that are used as water, grease and stain repellents in clothing and furniture, in industrial firefighting foam, and in the production of nonstick cookware.

Key Issues: 

Children's Health

Toxics

PFAS Chemicals

Water

Tap Water