Articles by Monica Amarelo, Melanie Benesh

How sunscreen ingredients are regulated in the U.S.

Wearing sunscreen is one of the simplest and most important ways to protect your health. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it’s on the rise, with one in five...

Study finds cancer-causing chemicals in personal care products used by Black women and Latinas in L.A.

A new peer-reviewed study finds that many personal care products used by Black women and Latinas every day contain harmful chemicals linked to serious health risks, including cancer. The researchers...

Toxic substances in your suds? Study finds PFAS in local water used to brew beer

When you open a cold beer, you’re probably thinking about flavor or hops – not whether you’re also sipping the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. But a new study finds that many beers...

Tap water truths: Your questions, our answers

We know how important it is to feel confident about the water coming from your tap. That’s why EWG on social media asked you to share your top questions and concerns about drinking water quality.

Consumer Reports testing finds ‘forever chemicals’ in baby formula

The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS contaminated “almost all” of the popular baby formula brands tested recently by Consumer Reports, it says in a new report.

The EPA’s TCE ban saves lives — Congress must protect it

No one should have to worry that their home or workplace exposes them to harmful chemicals, yet millions of Americans are exposed to cancer-causing trichloroethylene , or TCE. A recent federal TCE ban...

How to test your well water for contaminants

If you rely on a private well for drinking water, testing it regularly is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family’s health. Unlike public water systems that have to meet...

How contaminants in drinking water are regulated by the EPA and states

Everyone should have clean drinking water. But millions of Americans are exposed to harmful contaminants in their tap water.

7 steps for healthier cleaning of your dorm room after winter break

As winter break winds down, college students are gearing up to return to campus for the spring semester. Dust, dirt and odors might have collected while you were away, but before you start cleaning up...

How the Trump administration could decide the fate of MoCRA

MoCRA is the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act – a much-needed step forward in reforming federal laws to ensure cosmetics are safer for consumers. This new law aims to strengthen regulation in...

Hidden ‘forever chemicals’ in popular high-end smartwatch and fitness tracker bands

Looking to give a fitness tracker or smartwatch this holiday season? New University of Notre Dame research reveals a hidden concern: The wristbands on these popular products might expose wearers to...

EPA must limit discharges of ‘forever chemicals’ to protect public health

Environmentalists are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to protect public health and water resources by quickly proposing a rule that would limit manufacturing discharges of the toxic “...

The power of plain soap: Why you don’t need antibacterial soap to stay healthy

Do you buy soap labeled “antibacterial” thinking it will protect your family from getting sick or spreading germs? You might be surprised to learn that regular soap works just as well.

‘Forever chemicals’ found in water at 10 Maryland schools, sparking health concerns

When Harford County Public Schools in Maryland reopen on September 3, a health threat will overshadow the usual excitement of the first day back.

Massive Brunswick PFAS spill is Maine’s largest ever firefighting foam contamination

A malfunction unleashed a staggering 51,450 gallons of firefighting foam made with the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in Brunswick, Maine. It’s the largest accidental spill of such foam in...

Reforming federal cosmetics law: What is the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act?

Almost a year ago, President Joe Biden signed the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022, or MoCRA, into law, marking the first significant update to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic...

Safer storage: Avoiding microplastic concerns while managing holiday leftovers

As the holidays approach, our kitchens are warming with festive feasts for friends and loved ones. The joy of preparing and indulging in holiday delicacies is often followed by the challenge of...

7 holiday cleaning tips for a healthy home

’Tis the season of joy and celebration – but with all the cooking and entertaining, our homes can quickly become a mess. Many of us may feel inspired to engage in a bit of seasonal cleaning –...

Study: Exposure to toxic ‘forever chemicals’ during pregnancy increases odds of health harms

California researchers have found alarming evidence of the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in the blood of pregnant people.

Cosmetics companies face major concern over asbestos contamination of talc

Johnson & Johnson recently agreed to a $8.9 billion settlement of more than 60,000 lawsuits alleging that its baby powder and other talc-based personal care products caused cancer.