3 Things New Parents Do Differently Today to Protect Babies’ Health
06 October 2019
Health + Wellness
d3sign / Moment / Getty Images
By Karen Spangler
If you're a new parent, it can be confusing to keep up with the latest recommendations about how to give your baby a healthy start. As scientists learn more about the dangers of toxic chemical exposure to babies' developing bodies and brains, some products haven't stood the test of time. Here are three of the biggest differences about what parents do now compared to just a generation ago.
1. Choosing Organic
<p>Parents have been making their own baby food at home for generations, and it's a great way to know what's on your baby's plate. Who doesn't love some home-mashed sweet potatoes smeared across that cute face? But today we know more about the damaging health effects of pesticide exposure, and how long pesticide residue can linger in the fruits and vegetables we buy. Doctors <a href="https://www.ewg.org/release/just-released-ewg-s-2019-shopper-s-guide-pesticides-produce" target="_blank">recommend</a> limiting babies' pesticide exposure as much as possible due to increased risks of tumors, leukemia and effects on brain development from these chemicals.</p><p>When you're making your baby's first foods, consider organic fruits and vegetables, or those with lower levels of pesticide residues. EWG's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/full-list.php" target="_blank">2019 ranking</a> of pesticide contamination in produce found that avocados were No. 1 on the Clean Fifteen™ list of produce least contaminated with pesticide residue. Of all the produce tested, strawberries, spinach and kale top the Dirty Dozen™ list of fruits and vegetables most likely to be contaminated with pesticide residue. To reduce your baby's exposure, buy versions of these items produced with organic farming methods.</p><p>If you're short of time, don't forget you have more options than ever for organic premade baby food, both at specialty retailers and major grocery stores.</p>2. Tossing the Baby Powder
<p><br>Baby powder is another classic you'd think would be great for, well, babies. But <a href="https://static.ewg.org/ewg-tip-sheets/EWG-5TipsSaferCosmeticsKids.pdf?_gl=1*85c97l*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE1NjcwMDk0MDkuRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JMEtIcDlfeWw1QUlWbUlqSUNoM3YyUXhGRUFBWUFTQUFFZ0x0VV9EX0J3RQ..&_ga=2.117949578.2042356046.1567109717-2011668135.1528827282" target="_blank">airborne particles</a> can make their way into a baby's lungs, which is especially concerning since talcum powder can contain <a href="https://static.ewg.org/ewg-tip-sheets/EWG-5TipsSaferCosmeticsKids.pdf?_gl=1*85c97l*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE1NjcwMDk0MDkuRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JMEtIcDlfeWw1QUlWbUlqSUNoM3YyUXhGRUFBWUFTQUFFZ0x0VV9EX0J3RQ..&_ga=2.117949578.2042356046.1567109717-2011668135.1528827282" target="_blank">unknown amounts</a> of asbestos. Asbestos is a deadly carcinogen, and inhaling even a tiny amount can cause cancer later in life. Make sure to check <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG's Skin Deep®</a> so you avoid using other products on your baby that could contain talc.</p><p>There's another reason to ditch the baby powder: It often contains fragrance, a common <a href="https://static.ewg.org/ewg-tip-sheets/EWG-5TipsSaferCosmeticsKids.pdf?_gl=1*85c97l*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE1NjcwMDk0MDkuRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JMEtIcDlfeWw1QUlWbUlqSUNoM3YyUXhGRUFBWUFTQUFFZ0x0VV9EX0J3RQ..&_ga=2.117949578.2042356046.1567109717-2011668135.1528827282" target="_blank">cause</a> of skin irritation. Manufacturers are allowed to keep the exact <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wAToqkcAow" target="_blank">fragrance ingredients</a> under wraps, but they can include chemicals such as phthalates, which have been linked to harmful health effects.</p><p>Good alternatives: Zinc-based diaper creams create a strong protective barrier, and there are a number of <a href="https://www.ewg.org/ewgverified/" target="_blank">EWG VERIFIED™</a> options. You can also find safer alternatives for your baby's personal care products in <a href="https://static.ewg.org/ewg-tip-sheets/EWG-5TipsSaferCosmeticsKids.pdf?_gl=1*1em6xc9*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE1NjcwMDk0MDkuRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JMEtIcDlfeWw1QUlWbUlqSUNoM3YyUXhGRUFBWUFTQUFFZ0x0VV9EX0J3RQ..&_ga=2.44390755.613739430.1568812661-2011668135.1528827282&" target="_blank">EWG's guide</a> to choosing safer personal care products for kids.</p>3. Avoiding Flame Retardants
<p>Decades ago, concerns about the fire danger of foam furniture, like sofas and mattresses, led manufacturers to add flame-retardant chemicals to many kids' products. Today scientists know these toxic <a href="https://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2017/02/flame-retardant-roulette-swapping-one-toxic-compound-another" target="_blank">chemicals</a> carry their own serious health effects, including cancer and disruption of the endocrine system.</p><p>Penta-BDE, for years the main flame retardant added to foam products, is now banned, due to reproductive toxicity. But its replacement, triphenyl phosphate, has also been<a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/nailed/nail-polish-chemical-doubles-furniture-fire-retardant" target="_blank"> shown</a> to accumulate in the bloodstream and cause reproductive and developmental abnormalities in animals. Considering that the average infant sleeps 12 to 16 hours a day, it's worth scrutinizing that mattress label.</p><p>To keep your baby safe, choose a <a href="https://www.ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/mattresses/" target="_blank">crib mattress</a> made with wool or polylactic acid for flame resistance, rather than chemical flame retardants. You should also make sure to check with the manufacturer on any hand-me-downs for flame retardants.</p><p>Additionally, avoid PVC or vinyl waterproof mattress covers; choose natural cotton with a PUL layer, or polyethylene instead.</p><p>To steer clear of flame retardants in your baby's clothing, choose snug-fitting cotton or wool pajamas, as "loose-fitting" kids' sleepwear is <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Testing-Certification/Testing/Childrens-Sleepwear-Lab-Bulletin/%3Futm_source%3Drss%26utm_medium%3Drss%26utm_campaign%3DLab%2BBulletins" target="_blank">required by law</a> to be flame resistant, often using toxic chemicals.</p><p>To learn more about protecting your child's health as they grow, see EWG's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/" target="_blank">Children's Health Initiative</a> for the latest research and tip sheets.</p>
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EcoWatch Daily Newsletter
Kerkez / iStock / Getty Images
By Nicole Ferox
It's that time of year: Mosquitoes and ticks are out in full force, and so are all the latest bug repellent products claiming to keep them at bay. So what bug repellent ingredients do Environmental Working Group (EWG) scientists recommend for kids? Our top picks are DEET, Picaridin and IR3535. These ingredients have low safety concerns and offer a high level of protection from a variety of biting insects and ticks.
<p>But check the bottle's active ingredients for concentration percentages. The product should contain a maximum of 10 percent DEET, 20 percent Picaridin or 20 percent IR3535 for children.</p><p>One exception: If you're using DEET to protect kids in an area known for ticks' carrying Lyme disease bacteria or for Zika outbreaks, a concentration of 20 percent to 30 percent may be appropriate. (See our <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents/kids" target="_blank">Guide to Bug Repellents</a> for details and links to the Centers for Disease Control's list of insect-borne outbreaks, below.)</p><p>Contrary to popular belief, bug repellents with higher concentrations — such as old-school 100 percent DEET — are not necessarily more effective and may even be harmful. To avoid that risk, we recommend steering clear of DEET products with concentrations more than 30 percent. The concentration determines the protection time. If there's no risk of bug-borne disease in your area, choose a spray with a lower concentration and reapply if necessary.</p>
Can I really use DEET? I thought it was dangerous.
<p>Yes, DEET is a reasonable choice when used as directed, even for children. Still, after reviewing the evidence, EWG researchers concluded that it is best to use the lowest effective concentration of DEET, even though it's effective and generally safer than is commonly assumed.</p><p>Picaridin is a great alternative to DEET. It effectively repels both mosquitoes and ticks and, compared to other repellents, is less likely to irritate eyes and skin.</p><p>EWG research indicates that, in general, "natural" bug repellent ingredients like castor, cedar, citronella, clove, geraniol, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary and/or soybean oils are often not the best choice.</p>How do I know if there’s a risk of insect-borne disease in my area?
<p>Ask your pediatrician or check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maps listed below. If you're traveling internationally, check the CDC website for information about the <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/world-map-areas-with-zika" target="_blank">Zika virus</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/statsmaps/index.html" target="_blank">U.S. Map of Reported Cases of West Nile Virus</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/maps.html" target="_blank">U.S. Map of Reported Cases of Lyme Disease</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html" target="_blank">U.S. Maps of Ticks Carrying Lyme Disease</a></li></ul>More Information
<p><a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents" target="_blank">EWG's Guide to Bug Repellents</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22197/ask-ewg-what-s-best-bug-spray-buy-my-kids" target="_blank">Ask EWG: What's the Best Bug Spray to Buy for my Kids?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html" target="_blank">CDC: Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites</a></p>From Your Site Articles
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Like many other plant-based foods and products, CBD oil is one dietary supplement where "organic" labels are very important to consumers. However, there are little to no regulations within the hemp industry when it comes to deeming a product as organic, which makes it increasingly difficult for shoppers to find the best CBD oil products available on the market.
<p>Here you can learn about the importance of organic hemp oil, why it's better for the environment, and which CBD companies actually make trustworthy products with sustainable farming processes. origins which weigh heavily on many consumers who want to buy a product that's produced in the best way possible for not only themselves to ingest, but for the environment as well through sustainable farming methods. </p><h2>What Is CBD Oil?</h2><p>First things first, CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it's a cannabinoid found within cannabis sativa plants. This plant compound is believed to have many potential benefits, and it is primarily derived from hemp plants via a CO2 extraction process. </p><p>Since CBD is extracted from industrial hemp, which contains only trace amounts of THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis plants), this means that CBD won't make you feel high like marijuana, which has much higher levels of THC that causes psychoactive effects. Instead, the effects of CBD are much more subtle and promote a general sense of calm and relaxation in most users.</p><h2>What Makes a CBD Oil Organic?</h2><p>In terms of organic labels, perhaps the most important (and prominent) certification comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This government organization has been labeling foods as "organic" for many years, but what exactly does this certification entail? Essentially, a label indicating that a product is "USDA Organic" or "Certified Organic" means that at least 95% of the ingredients are obtained from organic sources.</p><p>For a crop to be considered organic by the USDA, it must be grown without the use of industrial solvents, irradiation, genetic engineering (GMOs), synthetic pesticides, or chemical fertilizer. Instead, farmers rely on natural substances and <a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mechanical, physical, or biologically based farming</a> techniques to cultivate healthy and organic crops.</p><p>Before the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, no hemp-derived products could be dubbed as "certified organic" since the hemp plant and its extracts were still categorized as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. However, it's still difficult for CBD companies to obtain a USDA certified organic label for their products due to the legal grey area that still surrounds CBD extracts. </p><p>Because of these challenges, and due to the fact that industrial hemp has only recently become an agricultural crop, very few CBD oils are USDA certified organic. Rather, many CBD products contain hemp extracts from plants that were grown in organic conditions but may not be federally certified.</p><h2>What are the Best Organic CBD Oil Brands?</h2><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p><em><br></em>
<h2>Why Organic Hemp Oil Matters</h2><p>Hemp is a unique plant, not only for its rich cannabinoid content, but also for its ability to absorb a wide variety of components in soil. But this trait poses great risks when it comes to the creation of CBD products derived from hemp.</p><p>Because hemp has a high capacity for compound uptake, this means that the plants can retain <a href="https://www.remedyreview.com/industry/lab-test-results/" target="_blank">harmful chemicals like pesticides</a>, heavy metals, and other residual solvents. This is especially true when it comes to synthetic chemicals that are more toxic to humans, and difficult to remove once they have been absorbed by the hemp plant.</p><p>Organic farming practices help reduce the risk of hemp crops absorbing harsh chemicals that may later end up in CBD oil after extraction. When you're taking CBD as a wellness supplement to help alleviate your symptoms or improve your overall well-being, the last thing you want is to ingest compounds that might negatively outweigh the benefits of CBD. This is an important reason to look for third party lab test results when shopping for CBD products since these certificates of analysis can show the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of a hemp extract, as well as test results that search for the presence of any residual solvents.</p><p>In addition to creating a better end product, organic farming practices are also better for the environment. Sustainable and organic farming methods may <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy</a>. The use of natural pest deterrents as opposed to chemical pesticides is also better for nearby animal populations and ecosystems.</p><h3>Organic vs. Natural</h3><p>While there are only a select few companies offering certified organic ingredients in their products, almost every brand in the CBD market creates "natural" products. The term "all-natural" or "plant-based" does not mean that a product is organic, and since hemp oil is a natural derivative of hemp plants, these products are often referred to as all-natural. However, there are some synthetic CBD oils that should be avoided because they are chemically constructed and may produce unwanted side effects that are not caused by naturally derived CBD extracts.</p><h2>What are the Benefits of Organic CBD Oil?</h2><p>There's a long list of potential CBD oil health benefits, and some of the most common wellness advantages include:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/" target="_blank">Chronic pain relief</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/" target="_blank">Anti-anxiety effects</a></li><li>Better sleep</li><li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201901/cbd-oil-mental-health-should-you-take-it-too" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Improvements in mood</a></li><li>Internal balance and regulation</li></ul><p>When dealing with pain, inflammation, sleep issues, and mental health struggles, it can be hard to find sufficient treatment options. The use of certain prescriptions can cause unwanted side effects, yet they are often the only solution for patients with these medical conditions. In search of other therapies, people have started to flock towards CBD oil as an alternative remedy for a variety of conditions. However, it should be noted that CBD products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and you should seek your doctor's advice before using CBD if you have a serious medical condition.</p><h2>Look at the Labels Before You Buy CBD Oil</h2><p>When you go online to buy CBD oil, you'll quickly realize there is an overwhelming number of brands that are saturating the market. It can be difficult to determine which products are truly as good as they make themselves out to be. Always look for up-to-date third-party lab tests so you know you are getting a great product, and don't hesitate to contact the brand if you have any additional questions. And if you're intent on purchasing 100% organic CBD oil, it's best to look for certified products or brands that are held to strict regulatory standards.</p><p><strong>Melena Gurganus </strong>is the Reviews Editor at EcoWatch. She is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.<br></p>
Spruce
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjI3OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTM2NzgzOX0.axY0HjeqRctJsR_KmDLctzDpUBLBN-oNIdqaXDb4caQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="774be" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8379f35b1ca8a86d0e61b7d4bfc8b46e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="spruce organic cbd oil" data-width="710" data-height="959" /><p>As one of the best brands in the business, Spruce CBD is well-known for its potent CBD oils that feature many additional beneficial phytocannabinoids. This brand works with two family-owned, sustainably focused farms in the USA (one located in Kentucky and one in North Carolina) to create its organic, small product batches. The max potency Spruce CBD oil contains 2400mg of full-spectrum CBD extract, but the brand also offers a lower strength tincture with 750mg of CBD in total.</p>
$89
CBDistillery
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjkzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTU4OTM4Nn0.ypRdeDSBcE87slYrFfVrRwtJ2qGIK6FD5jBB4pndTMo/img.jpg?width=980" id="b473b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9930b53c9d58cb49774640a61c3e3e75" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="cbdistillery cbd oil" data-width="1244" data-height="1244" /><p>All of the products from CBDistillery are <a href="https://ushempauthority.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">U.S. Hemp Authority Certified</a>, and for good reason. The company only uses non-GMO and pesticide-free industrial hemp that's grown organically on Colorado farms. Its hemp oils are some of the most affordable CBD products on the market, yet they still maintain a high standard of quality. CBDistillery has a wide variety of CBD potencies across its product line (ranging from 500mg to 5000mg per bottle) and offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils to give customers a completely thc-free option.</p>
$35
FAB CBD
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIyNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NDIwOTEyMn0.MlTjz096FJ0ev_-soK7_Z-FeQeJczWoeh9Qi9SSkHsY/img.jpg?width=980" id="04b26" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="76aa4862f44603242e318982acea6646" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="fab cbd oil" data-width="800" data-height="800" /><p>For an organic CBD oil that has it all, FAB CBD offers plenty of variety for any type of consumer. All of its products are made with zero pesticides and extracted from organically grown Colorado industrial hemp. FAB CBD oil comes in five all-natural flavors (mint, vanilla, berry, citrus, and natural) and is also available in four strengths (300, 600, 1200, and 2400mg per bottle).</p>
$39
NuLeaf Naturals
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIxOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzExNTgyMX0.D6qMGYllKTsVhEkQ-L_GzpDHVu60a-tJKcio7M1Ssmc/img.jpg?width=980" id="94e4a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3609a52479675730893a45a82a03c71d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="nuleaf naturals organic cbd oil" data-width="600" data-height="600" /><p>As an industry-leading brand, it comes as no surprise that NuLeaf Naturals sources its CBD extract from organic hemp plants grown on licensed farms in Colorado. The comany's CBD oils only contain two ingredients: USDA certified organic hemp seed oil and full spectrum hemp extract.</p><p>NuLeaf Naturals uses one proprietary CBD oil formula for all of its products, so you will get the same CBD potency in each tincture (60mg per mL), but can purchase different bottle sizes depending on how much you intend to use.</p>
$38.50
Charlotte's Web
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjk3NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzQ0NjM4N30.SaQ85SK10-MWjN3PwHo2RqpiUBdjhD0IRnHKTqKaU7Q/img.jpg?width=980" id="84700" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a2174067dcc0c4094be25b3472ce08c8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="charlottes web cbd oil" data-width="1244" data-height="1244" /><p>Perhaps one of the most well-known brands in the CBD landscape, Charlotte's Web has been growing sustainable hemp plants for several years. The company is currently in the process of achieving official USDA Organic Certification, but it already practices organic and sustainable cultivation techniques to enhance the overall health of the soil and the hemp plants themselves, which creates some of the highest quality CBD extracts. Charlotte's Web offers CBD oils in a range of different concentration options, and some even come in a few flavor options such as chocolate mint, orange blossom, and lemon twist.</p>
$60
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Michael Himbeault / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Many best sellers in the cereal aisle continue to have trace amounts of the weed killer glyphosate, according to a new report published Wednesday by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
<p>The herbicide was detected in all 21 oat-based products. All but four of them contained levels of glyphosate higher than what EWG scientists deem safe for children. </p><p>This is the third round of glyphosate tests by EWG, which receives funding from organic food companies, according to its <a href="https://www.ewg.org/about-us/funding" target="_blank">own disclosures</a>. </p>
<p>The new round confirms the findings from the first two tests in <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/glyphosateincereal/" target="_blank">August</a> and <a href="https://www.ewg.org/release/roundup-breakfast-part-2-new-tests-weed-killer-found-all-kids-cereals-sampled" target="_blank">October</a> last year. Tests of 94 samples of oat-based foods found glyphosate in all but two samples, with 74 samples at levels of glyphosate above EWG's health benchmark.</p><p>In this latest analysis, the highest levels of the weedkiller were detected in General Mills' Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch at 833 parts per billion, or ppb, and Cheerios, with 729 ppb. EWG's health benchmark for children is 160 ppb. EWG says a child would only need to eat a single 60-gram serving of food with a glyphosate level of 160 ppb to reach the maximum dose it considers safe, according to a <a href="https://www.ewg.org/release/new-round-ewg-tests-finds-more-children-s-cereals-tainted-monsanto-s-cancer-causing" target="_blank">press release</a>. </p><p>"As these latest tests show, a box of Cheerios or other oat-based foods on store shelves today almost certainly comes with a dose of a cancer-causing weedkiller," said Olga Naidenko, Ph.D., vice president for science investigations at EWG, said in an EWG <a href="https://www.ewg.org/release/new-round-ewg-tests-finds-more-children-s-cereals-tainted-monsanto-s-cancer-causing" target="_blank">press release</a>.</p><p>The manufacturers insist their products are safe and that EWG's findings are unprecedented, according to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/12/health/glyphosate-cereals-ewg-study/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a>. And, before cutting your kid's carbs, it's worth noting that no case of cancer has ever been linked to eating breakfast cereal. EWG's study was never submitted to peer review nor were they published in a scientific journal. And, EWG created its own standard of toxicity, as it <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2018/08/how-does-ewg-set-health-benchmark-glyphosate-exposure" target="_blank">explains</a> on its website. Its standard of toxicity for glyphosate exposure is about 1/100<sup>th</sup> of the California threshold, which is about 1/100<sup>th</sup> of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) standard. In other words, EWG's limit for consuming glyphosate hovers around 1/10,000<sup>th</sup> of what the EPA deems as safe, according to <a href="https://slate.com/technology/2018/08/glyphosate-from-monsantos-weed-killer-roundup-in-breakfast-cereal-isnt-something-to-worry-about.html" target="_blank">Slate</a>.</p><p>"It is not surprising that very low levels of pesticides, including glyphosate, are found in foodstuff," said Dr. Paolo Boffetta, associate director for population sciences at Mount Sinai's Tisch Cancer Institute, as reported by <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/12/health/glyphosate-cereals-ewg-study/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a>. "In general, these levels are unlikely to cause health effects in consumers."</p><p>The latest findings come on the heels of three civil cases in California that have ordered Bayer AG, Monsanto's parent company, to pay more than $2.2 billion in damages for cancer caused by exposure to Roundup. Thousands more lawsuits have been filed, according to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/12/health/glyphosate-cereals-ewg-study/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a>, which has caused investors to flee Bayer. Its share price is half of its 52-week high.</p><p>Glyphosate's toxicity has been at the center of controversy since 2015 when the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a part of the World Health Organization, classified it as "<a href="https://www.iarc.fr/featured-news/media-centre-iarc-news-glyphosate/" target="_blank">probably carcinogenic to humans.</a>" Then, in 2017, glyphosate was classified as a known carcinogen by California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. </p><p>"Does General Mills really want to keep using a chemical that independent scientists say causes cancer, made by a company that three juries have found guilty of covering up its health hazards?" Naidenko said in EWG's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/release/new-round-ewg-tests-finds-more-children-s-cereals-tainted-monsanto-s-cancer-causing" target="_blank">press release</a>. "Or will they listen to the growing chorus of concerned consumers calling on General Mills and other companies to remove glyphosate from the cereals kids love to eat?" </p><p>Sentiments similar to Naidenko's that tarnish Roundup in the court of public opinion combined with the recent spate of legal action and legislation targeted at glyphosate prompted the EPA to reaffirm its stance that the herbicide poses no risk to public health, according to the <a href="https://www.apnews.com/58916f99f5564ad0b9ae1fc36cb83818" target="_blank">Associated Press</a>.</p>
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Seasonal spikes of atrazine–a weed killer that can disrupt hormones and harm developing fetuses–contaminate drinking water in corn-growing areas of the Midwest and beyond, according to an analysis of federal records by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
<p>U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data show that in some Corn Belt communities, atrazine levels can spike three to seven times above the legal limit in late spring and early summer. But by avoiding water testing during peak periods, some water utilities stay in compliance with drinking water regulations—and don't have to tell customers they were exposed to a hazardous chemical in their tap water.</p><p>"Our investigation found that nearly 30 million Americans have atrazine in their tap water," said Olga Naidenko, Ph.D., EWG senior science advisor for children's environmental health. "But many may never know, because outdated federal policies allow utilities to test for atrazine before or after the spike."</p><p>EWG's investigation is the most comprehensive analysis to date of national data on the pervasive contamination of drinking water by this chemical. EWG found that last year, utilities in Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky and Ohio had atrazine spikes much higher than the federal legal limit of three parts per billion, or ppb. The two highest spikes were reported in Evansville, Ill., at 22 ppb, and Piqua, Ohio, at 16 ppb.</p><p>But the Safe Drinking Water Act, last updated in 1996, only requires the reporting of annual averages of testing for the chemical. That means the utilities don't have to tell the EPA or their customers they exceeded the legal limit for multiple days or weeks during the growing season.</p><p>Atrazine is the second-most heavily used herbicide in the U.S., with more than 70 million pounds sprayed in 2016. It is used mostly to control weeds in cornfields, but it is also applied to sorghum, sugarcane and other crops.</p><p>Studies show that atrazine and similar chemicals harm the reproductive system and disrupt the nerve and hormone systems, affecting the brain, behavior and hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and dopamine. Even short-term exposure to elevated levels of atrazine can pose health risks to expectant mothers and their babies, including an increase in the risk of preterm delivery and lower birth weight.</p><p>The European Union banned atrazine in 2003 because of its potential to contaminate drinking water sources. In 2016, California state scientists listed <a href="https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/crnr/atrazine-propazine-simazine-and-their-chlorometabolites-dact-dea-and-dia-0" target="_blank">atrazine, simazine and related chemicals</a> as substances "known to cause reproductive toxicity." According to EWG's Tap Water Database, which aggregates testing data from utilities nationwide, in 2015, atrazine was found in water systems serving <a href="https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/contaminant.php?contamcode=2050" target="_blank">nearly 30 million Americans</a> in 27 states.</p><p>The EPA is currently reviewing its atrazine standard of 3 ppb. For adequate protection of developing fetuses, EWG advocates that the atrazine limit in drinking water be set at 0.1 ppb, 30 times lower than the current standard. EWG's recommendation is based on the most current epidemiological data.</p><p>EWG's analysis of atrazine in drinking water comes at a time when water utilities across the U.S. are facing increasing scrutiny due to the discovery of widespread contamination from highly toxic chemicals, such as <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/update-mapping-expanding-pfas-crisis" target="_blank">per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)</a>, and pollutants from agricultural runoff, such as <a href="https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/trouble-in-farm-country.php" target="_blank">nitrate</a>.</p><p>"The EPA must do more to protect Americans with policies that should reflect the latest independent science," said EWG's Naidenko. "Federal and state agencies and water utilities must ensure that tap water served across America does not have toxic chemicals such as atrazine."</p><p>Atrazine and similar herbicides can be removed from tap water by <a href="https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/water-filter-guide.php?filtertype=All+filter+types&technology=All+filter+technologies&claim=Atrazine" target="_blank">carbon filters</a>, including inexpensive countertop pitchers and faucet-mount filters. EPA's data <a href="https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/draft-ecological-risk-assessments-triazines" target="_blank">also show</a> that these chemicals are devastating for wildlife and plants, which can't filter their water.</p><p>EWG submitted comments to the EPA today urging the agency to consider epidemiological studies when assessing the risk to human health posed by atrazine and related pesticides and to establish policies and regulations to reduce atrazine spikes in drinking water.</p>
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By Sydney Swanson
As we head into the holiday season, the marathon task of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner or even just one dish to contribute as a guest—may be stressful.
To help you combat the inevitable stress surrounding this meal, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has put together this guide suggesting what to make yourself and what to buy, and when to go organic.
<h1>Main Dishes</h1><h3>Turkey</h3><p>Most conventional turkeys are tainted with <a href="https://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/superbugs/" target="_blank">antibiotic-resistant bacteria</a>, potentially exposing consumers to foodborne illnesses and hard-to-treat infections. To avoid these risks, look for a turkey bearing one or more of these labels:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>USDA Certified Organic.</li><li>Certified Humane®.</li><li>Global Animal Partnership Steps 3 to 5+.</li><li>Certified Animal Welfare Approved.</li></ul><p>Confused by head-spinning labels? EWG's <a href="https://cdn3.ewg.org/sites/default/files/u352/EWG_ThanksgivingTurkeyTips_2018_C01.pdf?_ga=2.257205645.788128345.1541426334-408927168.1532972327&_gac=1.192993887.1540930661.Cj0KCQjwguDeBRDCARIsAGxuU8bQ95V0-luZfVa5QPoryaBdqFFKTJ_B64Tj7dstZ0A-0dXx8mYohYIaAlTsEALw_wcB" target="_blank">turkey label decoder</a> can help.</p><p><strong>Make your own: </strong>Purchase a turkey from a local farm by searching for your city or zip code at <a href="https://www.localharvest.org/organic-turkey.jsp" target="_blank">LocalHarvest</a>.</p><p><strong>Make it easy:</strong> Look for brands at the supermarket that are USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, like <a href="http://www.marysturkeys.com/" target="_blank">Mary's</a> or <a href="https://diestelturkey.com/" target="_blank">Diestel</a>.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODcxNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTIzMTk2NX0.cpNuXm6VWfYgoKxcjKgDYwHxdkjsS_WcMbtSaHoeFIQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="1e842" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1bc530f033bfe31093fcebda74917f41" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p><strong>Pro tip:</strong><strong> </strong>Consider purchasing a smaller turkey, like a <a href="https://foodprint.org/blog/your-guide-to-buying-and-cooking-a-heritage-turkey-for-thanksgiving/" target="_blank">heritage bird.</a> The <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/experts/dana-gunders/thanksgiving-be-more-grateful-wasteful" target="_blank">USDA estimates 35</a> percent of turkey meat ends up in the trash each year.<br></p><h3>Vegetarian or Vegan Options</h3><p>Meat has a significantly higher <a href="https://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/eat-smart/" target="_blank">carbon footprint</a> than other protein choices. So eat your vegetables: Choose a more <a href="https://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/a-meat-eaters-guide-to-climate-change-health-what-you-eat-matters/reducing-your-footprint/" target="_blank">sustainable</a> (and cheaper!) alternative, like stuffed winter squash.</p><p><strong>Make your own: </strong>Check out this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/vegan-wild-rice-stuffed-butternut-squash-3362734" target="_blank">Vegan Wild-Rice-Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe</a>. Use organic cherries and consider replacing the rice with quinoa. We advise limiting rice consumption, as both organic and conventional rice may be contaminated with <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/content/arsenic-contamination-in-rice" target="_blank">arsenic</a>.</p><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>Use <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/full-list.php" target="_blank">EWG's 2018 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce</a>® to determine which products have the highest amount of pesticide residue. Choose organic versions of these fruits and vegetables whenever possible. </p><h1>Sides</h1><h3>Green Beans</h3><p>As tempting as the occasional shortcut may be, try to avoid canned vegetables. Most cans are lined with <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/bpa-canned-food" target="_blank">bisphenol A</a>, or BPA, a potent endocrine-disrupting chemical. Instead, grab a reusable bag and head to the vegetable aisle for fresh, organic green beans.</p><p><strong>Make your own:</strong> We recommend this <a href="https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/simple-skillet-green-beans/" target="_blank">Simple Skillet Green Bean recipe</a>.</p><p><strong>Make it easy: </strong>Frozen organic green beans will also do in a pinch, but opt for whole organic green beans rather than cut, since they retain their nutrients better. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/032601025113-EarthboundFarmWholeOrganicGreenBeans" target="_blank">Earthbound Farm Whole Organic Green Beans</a> score well in <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores#.W3bTP5NKi-o" target="_blank">EWG's Food Scores</a>, a free database that rates nearly 80,000 foods on nutritional concerns, ingredient toxicity and degree of processing.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODcxMy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2ODk4NTUyNH0.wrExpI8cplBSY6bUPD8lpeMDvmTaDP36aAmWMrgnVmc/img.png?width=980" id="38463" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ab2b8edbe27d440c16957d12e62681e9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p><strong>Pro tip:</strong> Other kinds of frozen vegetables may be a good alternative. Visit <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products?category_group=Frozen+Fruits+%26+Vegetables" target="_blank">EWG's Food Scores' frozen vegetable category</a> for options.<br></p><h3>Stuffing</h3><p>You can avoid feeling groggy after eating this high-carbohydrate dish if you stuff your stuffing with protein, fiber and healthy fats. Consider adding nutritious ingredients like nuts, apples, celery, cherries or cranberries, and carrots.</p><p><strong>Make your own:</strong> Check out this <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/1050370/healthy-harvest-stuffing" target="_blank">Healthy Harvest Stuffing recipe</a>. If possible, choose to make it with organic celery, cranberries and apples.</p><p><strong>Make it easy</strong><strong>:</strong> <a href="http://www.arrowheadmills.com/cpt_products/organic-savory-herb-stuffing/" target="_blank">Arrowhead Mills Organic Savory Herb Stuffing</a> is USDA Certified Organic.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODcxMS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMjYxMzgwM30.Uw9J90lzC80Od0JP_2hZKKjHKVosE1hcaIqoD1QCtG0/img.png?width=980" id="098e1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8e246c109d38a201d0dca7e524bf31cd" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p><strong>Pro tip:</strong> Replace the low-sodium chicken broth in this recipe with unsalted vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly dish.<br></p><h3>Mashed Potatoes</h3><p>Potatoes are on <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php" target="_blank">EWG's Dirty Dozen list</a>, so it's best to use organic. Most frozen or instant mashed potatoes aren't, so we recommend making this dish from scratch, which will also allow you control how much butter and salt go into it.</p><p><strong>Make your own:</strong><strong> </strong>We recommend this <a href="https://thelivefitgirls.com/healthy-mashed-potatoes/" target="_blank">Healthy Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe</a>.</p><p><strong>Make it easy:</strong><strong> </strong>If you prefer to use an instant version, <a href="https://store.edwardandsons.com/collections/organic-gravy-and-mashed-potatoes/products/organic-home-style-mashed-potatoes" target="_blank">Edward & Sons Organic Home Style Mashed Potatoes</a> and <a href="https://store.edwardandsons.com/collections/organic-gravy-and-mashed-potatoes/products/organic-roasted-garlic-mashed-potatoes" target="_blank">Edward & Sons Organic Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes</a> are USDA Certified Organic.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODcwNi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MDE1NDI3M30.sxgSJa9j2-KnCIDYBnTahZjycWf9sU39XIlbJrGVk70/img.png?width=980" id="f9a08" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ae42975009c2d9d001d0de526e13b5f8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p><span style="background-color: initial;"><strong>Pro tip:</strong> </span>Replace a few potatoes with the equivalent volume of cooked kale (or try this <a href="https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/kale-colcannon" target="_blank">kale colcannon recipe</a>) to add extra vitamins, minerals and cancer-fighting phytochemicals to the dish and reduce the carbohydrates.<br></p><h3>Cranberry Sauce</h3><p>Cranberry sauce provides an extra punch of flavor, but it can come at a cost: unnecessary sugar. Try making it from scratch, since most <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products?category=Gravy+-+Prepared+Gravy" target="_blank">store-bought versions</a> are more than 30 percent sugar.</p><p><strong>Make your own: </strong>EWG recommends this <a href="https://www.asweetpeachef.com/best-homemade-cranberry-sauce/" target="_blank">Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe</a>, preferably made with organic cranberries.</p><p><strong>Make it easy: </strong> <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/052603064354-PacificOrganicWholeBerryCranberrySauce" target="_blank">Pacific Organic Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce</a> doesn't contain any artificial ingredient – although it's 41 percent sugar by weight.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODY5Ni9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTM4NTQwN30.ESwqiKAxxmzKdFje2dqH1DCpqXBJFVYAOo1wfb-XiNE/img.png?width=980" id="ad5f7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="feb1de7e8432ff1c7b4aeb3d7998825b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><h3>Gravy</h3><p>When gravy enthusiasts drench their mashed potatoes in this kind of thick sauce, they're adding loads of sodium to their plate. Most <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products?category=Gravy+-+Prepared+Gravy&page=1&per_page=12&type=products" target="_blank">store-bought products</a> contain more than 20 percent of the National Academy of Medicine's recommended daily sodium intake. You might want to make the gravy yourself and even consider a vegetarian option.</p><p><strong>Make your own:</strong><strong> </strong>To cut the salt content, try using a <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/052603056311-PacificOrganicChickenStockUnsalted" target="_blank">low-sodium broth</a> to make your favorite recipe.</p><p><strong>Make it easy:</strong> <a href="https://shop.pacificfoods.com/organic-turkey-gravy" target="_blank">Pacific Foods Organic Turkey Gravy</a> and <a href="https://shop.pacificfoods.com/organic-vegan-mushroom-gravy" target="_blank">Pacific Foods Organic Vegan Mushroom Gravy</a> are USDA Certified Organic.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODY4My9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MDM2NjI1MH0.-yekwroFnLuBQthI4OHB5css09tWuzOKMu0HO2lhhwo/img.png?width=980" id="588bf" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cd703d858bb036ebd73599f003332682" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><h3>Sweet Potato Casserole</h3><p>Who doesn't love eating dessert as a side dish? Replace the typically high <a href="https://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2015/11/who-wants-marshmallows" target="_blank">sugar ingredients</a> while preserving much of this dish's sweetness by using seasoned nuts, toasted <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/glyphosateincereal/" target="_blank">organic oats</a>, coconut flakes or pineapple for a healthier yet equally decadent dish.</p><p><strong>Make your own: </strong>We recommend this <a href="https://joyfoodsunshine.com/healthy-sweet-potato-casserole/" target="_blank">Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole recipe</a>. If possible, use organic apple sauce.</p><p><strong>Make it easy: </strong><a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/085239002728-SimplyBalancedOrganicMashedSweetPotatoes" target="_blank">Simple Balanced Organic Mashed Sweet Potatoes</a> score moderately in EWG's Food Scores. However, if you have guests who are watching their salt intake, they may want to skip them.</p><h3>Pumpkin</h3><p>Whether making your special pumpkin pie or pumpkin soup recipe, choose a puree packaged in a carton or BPA-free can.</p><p><strong>Make it easy:</strong> <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/052603064347-PacificOrganicPumpkinPuree" target="_blank">Pacific Organic Pumpkin Puree</a> comes packaged in a BPA-free carton.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODY3MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MjUyODE1MH0.BAJtuHZYr6QY6XvwNuYl2nARcxRScbQh_EzOk0k5JcA/img.jpg?width=980" id="9578c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="05960da4a4f01837eed11c66be9449cb" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>Not only can you control the amount of salt, sugar and other ingredients added when you do the cooking yourself, you can also reduce the amount of waste produced during Thanksgiving, maybe even save some money. And that's a lot to be thankful for!<br></p>
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California Baby®, a global skincare leader, is advancing the marketplace with a plant-based solution for preservatives in personal care products.
<p>"We applaud California Baby's innovative approach to developing a bio-based formula that will still adequately preserve <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/company/California_Baby/products/" target="_blank">children's skincare products</a>," said the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/" target="_blank">Environmental Working Group</a> (EWG) President Ken Cook.</p><p>The company is in the process of reformulating its products with the new preservative made from plants grown on a 100-acre organic farm in Santa Barbara, California. The formula relies on extracts of basil and anise.</p><p>The new preservative formula has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture's <a href="https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/" target="_blank">Certified Biobased Product</a> label, certifying that it is made of 100 percent renewable source content from plants.</p><p>California Baby will roll out the new formula with its Everyday Lotion line in November. These products are sold in Target, Walmart and other retailers across the country.</p><p>To find healthier products, consumers can search EWG's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/#.WlZrziPMwWo" target="_blank">Skin Deep®</a> database, with ratings for more than 70,000 products. EWG's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/apps/" target="_blank">Healthy Living app</a> also puts ratings for more than 120,000 food and personal care products at the fingertips of consumers on the go.</p>
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10 Healthy-ish Halloween Treats That Won’t Make Your Kids Roll Their Eyes ... Much
27 October 2018
Food
svetikd / E+ / Getty Images
By Dawn Undurraga, Nutritionist and Nicole Ferox, Manager Foundations Relations and Sydney Swanson, Associate Database Analyst
Parents are trapped in the Halloween guilt vortex: going full-scale green mom, handing out whole walnuts or pennies or dental floss to avoid loading kids with sugar and additives but thereby making their kids cringe and giving them stories to stockpile about their ridiculous hippie childhood.
<p>Or, alternatively, buying the convenient and cost-effective jumbo-size bags of candy and bars packaged and placed at aisle-end every October, adding to the overall crap-ton levels of sugar, GMO ingredients, pesticides, artificial colors and flavors consumed by the children in their neighborhood on Nov. 1.</p><p>And then there's the plastic and waste.</p><p>Guilt. Everywhere.</p><p>Most kids want to participate in the full Halloween experience of bright colors and sugar and gluttony and Butterfingers for breakfast. And most of us are going to let them do that—to a degree.</p><p>But, given our unique resources at the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/" target="_blank">Environmental Working Group</a> (EWG)—the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores" target="_blank">Food Scores</a> database, which rates thousands of food items based on nutrition, ingredient hazards and degree of processing; scientific expertise in GMOs, pesticides, food colors and flavors; and EWG nutritionist and mom Dawn Undurraga—we wanted to give you some ideas (beyond whole walnuts, pennies and dental floss) to help you shop a little smarter and a little healthier this year. And maybe stay out of the guilt vortex.</p><p>To help us solve this problem, EWG's database analyst, Sydney Swanson, scoured our Food Scores database for candy and snacks that are USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified; use natural flavors and colors; are allergen safe; and/or are relatively low in sugar.</p><h2>EWG's Top 10 Healthy-ish Halloween Treats</h2><p><strong>Dawn's Pick in Order:</strong></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">1. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22288/10-healthy-ish-halloween-treats-won-t-make-your-kids-roll-their-eyes-much#1" target="_blank">Skinny Dipped Almonds Mini Pack</a> – or other chocolate-covered almonds</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">2. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22288/10-healthy-ish-halloween-treats-won-t-make-your-kids-roll-their-eyes-much#2" target="_blank">Skinny Pop Halloween Multipack</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">3. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22288/10-healthy-ish-halloween-treats-won-t-make-your-kids-roll-their-eyes-much#3" target="_blank">Organic OCHO Coconut Minis</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">4. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22288/10-healthy-ish-halloween-treats-won-t-make-your-kids-roll-their-eyes-much#4" target="_blank">Organic appleapple Gogo squeeZ Applesauce Pouches</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">5. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22288/10-healthy-ish-halloween-treats-won-t-make-your-kids-roll-their-eyes-much#5" target="_blank">Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">6. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22288/10-healthy-ish-halloween-treats-won-t-make-your-kids-roll-their-eyes-much#6" target="_blank">Wholesome Organic Skull & Ghost Lollipops</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">7. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22288/10-healthy-ish-halloween-treats-won-t-make-your-kids-roll-their-eyes-much#7" target="_blank">Annie's Organic Bunnies & Bats Fruit Snacks</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">8. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22288/10-healthy-ish-halloween-treats-won-t-make-your-kids-roll-their-eyes-much#8" target="_blank">Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Chips Ghosts & Bats</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">9. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22288/10-healthy-ish-halloween-treats-won-t-make-your-kids-roll-their-eyes-much#9" target="_blank">Snyder's Halloween Mini Pretzels</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">10. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22288/10-healthy-ish-halloween-treats-won-t-make-your-kids-roll-their-eyes-much#10" target="_blank">Surf Sweets: Organic Spooky Shapes</a></p><h3>1. Skinny Dipped Almonds Mini Pack – or other chocolate-covered almonds</h3>
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<p>Chocolate-covered almonds have the greatest nutritional value on this list, with fiber and healthy fat to help kids feel full (and maybe eat less candy). However, they are by far the most expensive, and since it's a tree nut, almonds are obviously not allergy friendly.<br></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>No artificial flavors</li><li>No artificial colors</li><li>No ingredients listed in EWG's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives</li><li>Gluten free</li><li>Non-GMO Project Verified</li></ul><p>Allergy info: According to ingredients on product page, contains dairy, soy and tree nuts</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>1 gram fiber</li><li>15 percent sugar</li></ul><h3>2. Skinny Pop Halloween Multipack</h3>
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<p>Popcorn helps kids feel full and eat less.<br></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>No artificial flavors</li><li>No artificial colors</li><li>No ingredients listed in EWG's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives</li><li>Gluten free</li><li>Non-GMO Project Verified</li></ul><p>Allergy info: According to Google Express, "Certified gluten-free … Dairy free. Peanut free. Tree nut free. Preservative free. No artificial flavors."</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Whole grain!</li><li>0 percent sugar</li></ul><h3>3. Organic OCHO Coconut Minis</h3>
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<p>If only candy will do, Dawn recommends these dark chocolate bars filled with coconut because of their relatively low sugar content – 34 percent. Note that these are not allergy friendly.<br></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>No artificial flavors</li><li>No artificial colors</li><li>No ingredients listed in EWG's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives</li><li>Gluten free</li><li>Certified organic by USDA and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)</li><li>Certified non-GMO by CCOF</li></ul><p>Allergy info: contains soy</p><p>Contains: According to Ocho coconut minis product page "Contains: Tree nuts. Made on shared equipment that processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk and eggs" </p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>34 percent sugar</li></ul><h3>4. Organic appleapple Gogo squeeZ applesauce pouches</h3>
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<p>Why do kids love these so much? I don't know, but they do. My kids would suck down all 48 pouches in the bulk pack if I let them. So this non-candy, all-fruit option might be a huge win at your house. The non-recyclable plastic containers and high price are a con, however.<br></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>No artificial flavors</li><li>No artificial colors</li><li>No ingredients listed in EWG's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives</li><li>USDA Organic Certified</li><li>Non-GMO Project Verified</li><li>Gluten free</li></ul><p>Allergy info, according to GoGo squeeZ FAQs: "All GoGo squeeZ applesauce products are free of the top 8 allergens: egg, dairy, wheat, tree nuts, seafood, shellfish, peanut, or soy. GoGo squeeZ applesauce products are made in a facility that is also free of these noted allergens."</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>100 percent fruit</li><li>14 percent sugar</li></ul><h3>5. Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears</h3>
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<p>These gummy bears might pass your kid's sniff test as "real" candy, but they're made with better ingredients than conventional brands. And as far as organic candy goes, they aren't crazy expensive.<br></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>No artificial flavors</li><li>No artificial colors</li><li>No ingredients listed in EWG's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives</li><li>USDA Organic Certified</li><li>Gluten free</li></ul><p>Allergy info according to Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears product page: "Some [products] are free from some or all of the "Big 8" allergens but others are not. So please refer to your product packaging, as it contains the most current ingredient and allergen statements."</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>47 percent sugar</li></ul><h3>6. Wholesome Organic Skull & Ghost Lollipops</h3>
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<p>These spooky lollipops are another Halloween candy option, as the trick-or-treaters will not gobble them down as quickly as other alternatives.<br></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>No artificial flavors</li><li>No artificial colors</li><li>USDA Organic Certified</li><li>Non-GMO Project Verified</li><li>Gluten free</li></ul><p>Allergy info according to Wholesome Candy FAQs: "Produced on dedicated nut-free, gluten-free, egg-free and dairy-free equipment in a segregated area of a facility that also processes dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat."</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>57 percent sugar</li></ul><h3>7. Annie's Organic Bunnies & Bats Fruit Snacks</h3>
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<p>These aren't the most exciting thing to be found in a plastic pumpkin, but who doesn't love Annie's?<br></p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>No artificial flavors</li><li>No artificial colors</li><li>USDA Organic Certified</li><li>Non-GMO Project Verified</li><li>48 percent sugar</li></ul><h3>8. Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Chips Ghosts & Bats</h3>
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<p>Ok, these might make your kids roll their eyes. But maybe they like to think outside the box! Maybe they love chips! These chips are shaped like ghosts and bats, for goodness' sake! Run this past your kids and see what they think. (However, note that, with zero fiber, these are still empty calories, just like any other chip.)<br></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>No artificial flavors</li><li>No artificial colors</li><li>No ingredients listed in EWG's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives</li><li>Gluten free</li><li>Non-GMO (according to their website, though not verified)</li></ul><p>Allergy info according to Sensible Portions FAQs: "While our products do not contain nut ingredients, we cannot guarantee that our facility is nut-free. Our manufacturing facilities follow rigid allergen control programs and good manufacturing practices to prevent products coming into contact with allergens."</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Less than 1 percent sugar</li></ul><h3>9. Snyder's Halloween Mini Pretzels</h3>
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<p>Another non-candy option, these pretzels have zero sugar and no artificial flavors or colors. But they don't have whole-grain fiber, either.<br></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>No artificial flavors</li><li>No artificial colors</li><li>No ingredients listed in EWG's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives</li><li>Non-GMO Project Verified</li></ul><p>Allergy info: According to product page on Target: "Contains: Wheat. Does not contain any of the 8 major allergens"</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>0 percent sugar</li></ul><h3>10. Surf Sweets: Organic Spooky Shapes</h3>
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<p>Surf Sweets (part of the Wholesome brand of foods) makes a gummy option perfectly packaged for Halloween<br></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>No artificial flavors</li><li>No artificial colors</li><li>USDA Organic Certified</li><li>Non-GMO Project Verified</li></ul><p>Allergy info according to Surf Sweets FAQs: "Made and packaged in a facility free of the 10 most common food allergens, including dairy/casein, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame and sulfites"</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>57 percent sugar</li></ul>
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Eating organic foods free from pesticides is strongly correlated with a dramatic reduction in the risk of cancer, according to a groundbreaking study published today in an American Medical Association journal.
<p>The <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2707948" target="_blank">observational study</a> led by a team of French government scientists tracked the diets of nearly 69,000 people. Four years later, those who consumed the most organic foods were 25 percent less likely to develop cancer.</p><p>For people consuming the highest amount of organic food, the study found a significantly lower risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, all lymphomas and postmenopausal breast cancer. The authors conclude, "Although our findings need to be confirmed, promoting organic food consumption in the general population could be a promising preventive strategy against cancer."</p><p>Pesticides linked to cancer include the weed killer glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup, and the organophosphate pesticides malathion and diazinon. </p><p>"This study provides more evidence suggesting pesticides in food may be harmful," said EWG Toxicologist Alexis Temkin, Ph.D. "Low levels of synthetic pesticides, including those linked to cancer and other serious health problems, are found in some conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. Especially for those items, choosing organics is better for health as well as for the environment."</p><p>The scientists focused on 16 different organic food and beverage products, including fruits and vegetables, soy-based foods, eggs, dairy, grains, meat and fish, among others.</p><p>Each year, Environmental Working Group releases the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/" target="_blank">Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce</a><a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/" target="_blank">™</a>, which includes the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php" target="_blank">Dirty Dozen</a> list of conventional fruits and vegetables that consistently have the highest levels of pesticide residues, as well as the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php" target="_blank">Clean Fifteen</a> list showing which conventional foods have the fewest pesticides.</p><p>"Nobody wants to eat pesticides, and tracking the explosive growth of the organic industry in the U.S. against the flat sales of its conventional counterparts is all the evidence you need to confirm it," said EWG President Ken Cook. "Scientists are sounding the alarm on the risks they pose to human health, and consumers are responding."</p>
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19 October 2018
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The White House's just-released list of planned environmental and public health rollbacks includes letting high-school-age kids spray brain-damaging pesticides on commercial farms.
<p>The plan would drop the age of workers permitted to spray <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-10/documents/rup-report-oct2017.pdf" target="_blank">restricted-use pesticides</a> on crops from 18 to 16. Minors would be allowed to apply dangerous chemicals such as <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/chlorpyrifos">chlorpyrifos</a>, which U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists say can cause brain damage in children even in small doses.</p><p>The move, which would take effect <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=201810&RIN=2070-AK37" target="_blank">next September</a>, was first announced last year by Scott Pruitt, the former head of the EPA, who was forced in July to resign after a string of ethical scandals. In one of the first acts of the Trump administration, Pruitt aborted a scheduled ban of chlorpyrifos just weeks after meeting with the CEO of Dow, chlorpyrifos's manufacturer.</p><p>Pruitt's reversal of the ban was recently overturned by a federal appeals court. Under acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, the EPA is fighting the court's order to ban the pesticide. </p><p>The minimum age rules were enacted by the Obama administration to protect minors who work on farms. Many of these teenagers are migrant workers who speak little English, making it harder to understand directions on how to apply pesticides safely. The rules were championed by physicians and farmworker-rights advocates, who led a multi-year effort to improve protections for farmworkers.</p><p>"Letting younger teenagers handle dangerous pesticides fits perfectly with the Trump administration's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2018/10/trump-s-war-children-s-health-escalates-wheeler-s-epa" target="_blank">war on children's health protection</a>," said EWG President Ken Cook. "There are other farm jobs they could do that don't involve strapping containers of dangerous chemicals on their backs that they will inhale and ingest. But this administration will let unscrupulous farm bosses risk these kids' health." </p><p>"Maybe the president should pick up a spray nozzle for a day and see what it's like walking through a plume of pesticide fumes," said Cook. "But the closest he gets to a farm is flying over them on the way to his golf resorts and MAGA rallies."</p>
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Under pressure from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other environmental and public health groups, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned seven substances used in artificial flavors that have been linked to cancer in animals.
<p>
"Chemicals that could cause cancer should never have been allowed in our food in the first place, especially not hiding behind the confusing label of 'artificial flavors,'" said Melanie Benesh, EWG's legislative attorney. "The FDA finally did the right thing by taking this important step to better protect consumers."
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These food additives are most commonly used to enhance the flavor of baked goods, ice cream, candy, chewing gum and beverages. The newly banned flavors are benzophenone, ethyl acrylate, eugenyl methyl ether, myrcene, pulegone, pyridine and styrene.
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"Consumers will never know which foods were made with these chemicals, since manufacturers have been allowed to hide these ingredients behind the vague term 'flavor,'" said Dawn Undurraga, EWG's nutritionist. "This is a positive step forward, but the FDA should empower consumers to make their own fully informed decisions by requiring full ingredient disclosure."
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The ban on styrene was also supported by a petition from the food industry. But the FDA acted on the other six after public interest groups filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit petitioning the FDA to make a final decision whether to prohibit the seven cancer-causing artificial chemicals from use in food.
</p><p>
Earthjustice represented the petitioners, including Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, the Center for Environmental Health, Center for Food Safety, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Environmental Defense Fund, the Environmental Working Group, Natural Resources Defense Council, and WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
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</p><div id="75714" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8A0ZCQ1576662851"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1050008173053177857" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">"We think this is a win for consumers. Our petition laid out the science linking these flavoring chemicals to cance… https://t.co/ijya5LiJPi</div> — NRDC 🌎 (@NRDC 🌎)<a href="https://twitter.com/NRDC/statuses/1050008173053177857">1539176431.0</a></blockquote></div>
Manufacturers that use these food additives will have two years to comply with the new rules.<br>
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To learn more about the chemicals used in processed foods, please visit EWG's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-s-dirty-dozen-guide-food-additives" target="_blank">Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives</a>. Consumers looking for healthier options can also visit EWG's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores#.W7zC-i2ZNTY" target="_blank">Food Scores</a> database or download EWG's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/apps/" target="_blank">Healthy Living App,</a> which provides ratings for more than 120,000 food and personal care products.
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Congress Poised to Act to Reduce Major Source of PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water
25 September 2018
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House and Senate leaders included a provision in legislation to fund the Federal Aviation Administration and strengthen disaster programs that will give commercial airports the option to switch to firefighting foams that do not include the highly toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS.
<p>Under current law, airports are required to use firefighting foams that contain these chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, kidney disease and other health issues.</p><p>Firefighting foams made with PFAS chemicals are a significant and widespread source of drinking water contamination.</p><p>In March, Washington became the first state to ban the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams. Congress could vote later this week on the bill that includes the option for airports to switch to PFAS-free foam.</p><p>The bipartisan group of lawmakers from both chambers who lead negotiations of the final package were House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.); Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.); House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.); and Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-Fla.).</p><p>"EWG appreciates the bipartisan group of leaders who came together to tackle this serious and growing threat to the nation's drinking water," said EWG Legislative Attorney Melanie Benesh. "On behalf of communities grappling with PFAS-contaminated tap water, EWG applauds their leadership on this important issue. Safeguarding the public from the dangers posed by toxic chemicals in our tap water should be a top priority for all our elected leaders."</p><p>EWG's ongoing research on the growing crisis estimates <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/report-110-million-americans-could-have-pfas-contaminated-drinking-water#.W6kboBNKhEI" target="_blank">roughly 110 million Americans could have PFAS-contaminated drinking water</a>.</p>
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Duke University Study: N.C. Residents Living Near Large Hog Farms Have Elevated Disease, Death Risks
19 September 2018
Health + Wellness
Scott Olson / Getty Images News / Getty Images
By Olga Naidenko and Sydney Evans
Residents of communities near industrial-scale hog farms in North Carolina face an increased risk of potentially deadly diseases, Duke University scientists reported in a study released this week.
<p>Researchers found that compared to communities without big hog farms, in the communities with the highest hog farm density, there were 30 percent more deaths among patients with kidney disease, 50 percent more deaths among patients with anemia, and 130 percent more deaths among patients with a blood bacterial infection, called sepsis. The communities near the heaviest concentration of large hog farms also had a greater risk of infant mortality and lower birth weight.</p><p>Duke scientists analyzed 2007-2013 data for disease-specific hospital admissions, emergency room visits and deaths across North Carolina. They compared the incidence of those health indicators among North Carolinians who live one to three miles from a hog farm to residents who live six to 12 miles away. An estimated 650,000 North Carolinians live within three miles of a large hog farm, according to an EWG geospatial analysis of state data, which was not part of the Duke study. </p>
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<p><em>*Elevated risk of deaths, hospital admissions and emergency room visits from health problems such as anemia, kidney disease, and sepsis, increase for residents living at approximately 1, 3, and 6-mile distances from a hog farm</em>.</p><p><em>Source: EWG, from 'Mortality and Health Outcomes in North Carolina Communities Located in Close Proximity to Hog Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations,' NCMedicalJournal.com, September 2018.The study adds a striking level of detail to prior reports of higher frequency of asthma, bacterial infections, high blood pressure and various respiratory and neurological disorders for workers and residents in the vicinity of large concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs.</em></p><p>Studies like this do not prove that contaminants from hog farms are responsible for these illnesses. Other factors, such as availability of local health care facilities and residents' lifestyles, also play a role. However, the overall evidence shows a strong correlation between the proximity and density of hog CAFOs and nearby residents' health—a strong argument for added public health protections, such as limits on the number, size and locations of factory swine farms.</p><p>As the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Waterkeeper Alliance <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/exposing-fields-filth" target="_blank">reported in 2016</a>, every year North Carolina's CAFOs produce almost 10 billion gallons of fecal waste, enough to fill more than 15,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. Much of this waste is stored in open-air pits, then sprayed on farm fields as fertilizer. Manure pits foul the air and water with bacteria, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds.</p><p>EWG analyzed the <a href="https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-resources-permits/wastewater-branch/animal-feeding-operation-permits/animal-facility-map" target="_blank">latest data</a> from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality on animal facilities permitted as of January 2018 and residential parcel information available on the <a href="http://data.nconemap.com/geoportal/catalog/main/home.page" target="_blank">NC OneMap GeoSpatial Portal</a>.</p><p>We determined that 252,070 homes fall within a three-mile zone from an animal farm or a wet manure storage pit. Based on U.S. Census data showing a statewide average of 2.6 residents per household, an estimated 650,000 or more North Carolinians live within three miles of a hog CAFO.</p><p><em>Click on the map below to see EWG's interactive map of hog CAFOs within three miles of homes in North Carolina.</em></p>
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<p>The most impacted counties are in southeastern North Carolina, where the concentration of pig farms is heaviest. In <a href="http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/UNC-Report.pdf" target="_blank">2014</a>, researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reported that African-American, Hispanic and American Indian residents in those counties are disproportionately affected by the air and water pollution from animal farming.<br></p><p>An <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517575/" target="_blank">earlier study</a>, based on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service's health surveillance data, found that children attending schools within three miles of a hog farm had more asthma-related symptoms, doctor-diagnosed asthma and asthma-related medical visits than students who attended schools farther away.</p><p>The senior author of the new study was Dr. H. Kim Lyerly, the George Barth Geller Professor of Cancer Research; professor of surgery, immunology and pathology; and director of the Environmental Health Scholars Program at Duke University. He emphasized that communities living near hog farms had significantly worse health outcomes, including higher rates of infants with low birth weight. </p><p>"Interventions, such as screening and/or early detection, could be employed in these communities to reduce the burden of these diseases," Lyerly said. "The overall benefit to the communities and to the state would be significant."</p><p>"The average number of hogs per farm in North Carolina is much higher than in two other states with extensive pig farming, Iowa and Minnesota. Yet, North Carolina's population is greater, which means the number of people affected is substantial," said Dr. Julia Kravchenko, assistant professor in the Duke University Department of Surgery and the primary researcher for the study.</p><p>Air and water quality affects communities near CAFOs nationwide. Last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Inspector General issued a <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-09/documents/_epaoig_20170919-17-p-0396.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> faulting the agency for dragging its feet for 11 years and failing to assure that CAFOs comply with the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act. </p>
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